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Article Masonic-Notes-and-Queries. ← Page 2 of 2 Article GRAND MASONIC BALL IN LIVERPOOL. Page 1 of 1 Article JOTTINGS FROM THE ANTIPODES. Page 1 of 1 Article JOTTINGS FROM THE ANTIPODES. Page 1 of 1 Article BRO. COL. MARK RICHARDS MUCKLE. Page 1 of 1
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Masonic-Notes-And-Queries.
other confirmations of thc privileges of the Steinmetzen , given by Heideloff on page 21 of the " Bauhiitte des Mittelalters , " Nuremberg , 1 S 44 ; 4 to . This list , as far as regards the Imperial confirmations , is reprinted in many works , the latest being Bro . Gould's " History , " page 172 ; and so far is apparently not open to doubt of any sort . Amongst these confirmations in Heideloff appear two Bulls —Alexander VI ., Rome , iGth September 1502 , and Leo X .,
pridie Calendarium Januarii , 1517 . Kloss , on page 5 of his " Freimaurerei in ihrer wahren Bedeutung " bewails the unfortunate fact that Heideloff omits to justify his assertions by quoting his authorities or sources of information . Nevertheless , the following passage on p . 235 , second edition , would seem to show , that as iar as Germany is concerned , Kloss was ready to admit the above two bulls . He is speaking of thc well-known statement in thc "Parentalia , "
and says : "The statement concerning the travelling Masons , attributed to the celebrated architect Wren , should arouse all the more suspicion thc closer we investigate the surrounding circumstances , the incredibility of which is at once evident , and the more we consider thc possibility of the facts narrated . We may , therefore ascribe the whole tradition thus put into-the mouths of Ashmole and Wren to an attempt at adorning the Guild
legends , which may be based on the Papal confirmations really granted to thc German stonemasons in 1502 and 1517 . " He then confesses the inability of Pownhall , of Krause , of Kloss , and others , to discover a single bull , and concludes , from many circumstances , that such could not have existed for England ; but , as we have seem , he evidently believes in the two quoted by Heideloff , as above , for Germany . This credulity on the part of such a critic
as Kloss would appear remarkable , but I will presently show that he has good reasons for the belief that is in him . I will , however , first revert to Heideloff . On p . 23 he states that thc German stonemasons received an indulgence from Pope Nicholas III . ( 1227 ) , which was renewed by all his successors up to Benedict XII . ( 1334 ) . Bro . " Bookworm " will thus see at a glance whence Rebold and Gyr take tlieir statements . It is difficult to prove a
negative , and I am not in a position to deny this statement ; but , if true , where did Heideloff obtain his knowledge ? Heideloff surely could not have invented it ; such a proceeding would be too barefaced and hardly possible outside thc pages of Fallou : there must , therefore , exist some sort of precedent for the assertion , and I regret my inability to discover it , despite two years of patient research . But why docs Kloss believe in the bulls of 1502 and 1517 ? In 151 S ,
Monday after Corpus Christi , the lodge at Magdeburg petitioned their prince for a confirmation of their ordinances , they having just accepted the Strasburg Brothcrbook ( i 45 g ) , and declared that if any part of these ordinances displeased him , they were willing to alter them , " always excepting the chief articles , wliich had been confirmed by papal and imperial authority . " The Strasburg Lodge , in their quarrel with the Annaberg Lodge ( this latter had up to that
moment not joined the general bond , because they upheld the term of four years' apprenticeship , and the Strasburg Brotherhood required five years' ) , wrote on the Wednesday after St . Valentine's Day , 1519 , that the former abuse of four years' service had becn put an end toby his Holiness the Pope and his Majesty the Emperor . We also find that the quarrel came to an end after thc Strasburg Master had forwarded to the Duke of Saxony attested
copies of the papal and imperial privileges which they possessed , and that the original documents had bcen produced for the inspection of Saxon deputed Masons at Strasburg . Now all this is very remarkable . The dates of the supposed bulls are given as 1502 and 1517 . The quarrel took place 151 S--1521 , and the strife is healed by the production of papal bulls and imperial charters : and all these transactions are recorded in writing and legal
documents . The only rational element of doubt which remains is that the bulls themselves are not forthcoming . The probable place to find them is in the archives of the Strasburg Lodge , or perhaps in the muniment room of the Cathedral , access to whicli is , however , denied . Under the circumstances , if asked whether the Pope ever granted bulls I should resort to the Scotch verdict of" not proven . " But what is established beyond doubt is the fact that the
German stonemasons in 1519 believed in these bulls , and there we must rest for the moment . Another question is , did the writers of the " Parentalia " know of this train of circumstances—or is the allusion to the papal bulls attributed to Wren derived from some other and independent source ? I must apologise to the editor for so far exceeding the limits of a "note , " but in the absence of a magazine we must occasionably encroach on his valuable space . G . WM . SPETH .
A NOTED CELEBRATION . Wc hear that the 150 th anniversary of thc Royal Cumberland Lodge , No . 41 , Bath , will be celebrated sometime in April ; and as the circumstances attending the commemoration are so special , we hope that the members of that lodge will be equal to the occasion , as they have proved to be at previous celebrations , particularly that of the centenary of the Freemasons' Hall Medal , 1 SS 0 ,
under the genial but vigorous rule of Dr . H . Hopkins , F . C . P ., when W . M ., and ( during the last year ) of the centenary of the Royal Cumberland Chapter , Comp . Lawson Howes , the able M . E . Z ., the first of its kind observed in this country . But the celebration in April , as to antiquity and importance , is really beyond the others in many respects , and though it is true one lodge ( the lodge of Anchor and Hope , No . 37 , Bolton ) precedes No . 41 , vet it
must be remembered that virtually Freemasonry in Bath dates from 1724 , being the first provincial city so honoured in England . Bro . Mercer , the W . M ., is sure to be well supported by a goodl y body of past-masters , who will be most useful alsoinhelpingon the arrangements , and doubtless the event will be celebrated in such a manner as to prove historically , officially , and generally all that this unique occasion deserves .
Hota . ow . 'Y ' s Pll . i . s . —The sudden changes , frequent fogs , ami prevadiug dampness sorely impede tlie vital functions , and conduce to ill-health . The remedy for these disasters lies iu some purifying medicine , like these' I'ills , which i . s competent to grapple with tlie mischief at its source , and stamp it out , without frcttin ' , ' the nerves or weakening the system . lioiloway's Pills extract from the Wood all noxious matter , regulate the action of every disordered organ , stimulate the liver and kidneys , and rel » x the bowels . In curing chest complaints these Fids are remarkably cllcc live , especially when aided bv friction of the Ointment on its walls . Tin ' s double treatment iWH ensure a certain , steady , and beneficent progress , and sound health will soon be re-established . —LAuvr . ]
Grand Masonic Ball In Liverpool.
GRAND MASONIC BALL IN LIVERPOOL .
The thirty-fourth annual Masonic ball in aid of the funds of the West Lancashire Educational Institution—a festive assemblage and a charity which have for many years occupied a prominent place in thc province—took place at the Town Hall , Liverpool , on Thursday evening , the nth inst . Notwithstanding the ball had to be postponed from the day at first decided upon , in addition
to other unpropitious and unforseen circumstances , the Masonic gathering was financially a comparative success , and the deserved reputation which it has secured as one o ! the most pleasant gatherings of the season was amply maintained . There were nearly 400 brethren and ladies present , being about sixty more than last year ' s attendance . As on previous occasions , it enjoyed the most distinguished patronage and support , as well as that of the general body
of the Fraternity in the province , and proved one of the most brilliant balls of the season . The members of the various lodges and chapters wore their insignia and jewels of office , and thus lent additional colour and lustre to the gay throng . The effect was pleasing and picturesque , and perhaps thc gilded chambers of the Town Hall were seldom seen to better advantage , if we except the occasions of the Mayor ' s fancy-dress balls .
As we have said , the gathering had a charitable object , being in aid of the West Lancashire Masonic Educational Institution , a noble charity in which the brethren of the province take a laudable interest , as the practical embodiment of a virtue which is a distinguishing characteristic of the mystic Craft . The institution was founded in 1 S . 50 for . he education and advancement in life of the children of distressed and deceased Freemasons . In their last published
report thc committee congratulated the governors of the charity upon the abundant success which had attended its good work-, and also pointed out the increasing claims upon the institution . Whilst in 1 SS 0 some ninety-three children received the benefits of the charity at an outlay of £ 671 17 s . iod ., in 1 SS 1 the number of children who participated was 144 , and the cost to the institution amounted to £ 937 3 s . Sd . The large expenditure was attributable to
the adoption of new bye-laws entitling children to be claimants at thc age of six instead of eight years , permitingthem to remain at school until fifteen , and allowing onefourth of thc amount granted to be expended in clothing . The increase , as compared with 1 SS 0 , was alone equal tothe total expenditure ten years ago . In the year just closed there was a further increase , the number of children provided for being 1 G 0 ,, at a cost of _ t " i 2 i 2 ios . Sd . The
invested funds at the end of last year amounted to £ 10 , 839 , as against £ 16 , 518 in 1 SS 1 . Bro . 11 . H . Smith , W . M . 1005 , was captain of the Stewards . The music was under the direction of Bro . Martin , Lodge iOoy . The catering of Bro . Capper gave universal satisfaction . Amongst those who merit special mention was Bro . H . M . Molyneux , P . M . S 23 , who once more contributed so largely to the enjoyment and comfort of the company in his capacity of voluntary Master of
Ceremonies . Bro . Counsellor Edward Grindley , the Chairman of Committee , also deserves the highest praise for the interest and hard work hc gave in connection with the fulfilment of the duties of his office , thereby contributing very largely to the measure of success which attended the gathering . Bro . T . Whitehead , W . M . 241 , the Hon . Sec , also performed his duties with great courtesy and much success , well meriting the approbation of thc brethren . Thc Stewards' badges—models of artistic design—were supplied bv Bro . G . Kenning , of London and Liverpool .
Jottings From The Antipodes.
JOTTINGS FROM THE ANTIPODES .
FROM OUR CORRESPONDENT . The propriety of allowing the freethinkers ( otherwise atheists ) the use of the Alelbourne Masonic Hall has at last entered upon a controversial phase . Far too long has thesacrilcge been suffered by the numerous English , Irish , and Scotch Masonic bodies that assemble therein , and some
decided action will doubtless be taken to stop so flagrant a breach of the landmarks of thc Craft , seeing that . 1 notice of motion has been already tabled , calling the attention of the directors to the matter . Some shareholders of the Hall Company plead it to be a simple case of pounds , shillings , and pence , and that it is no business or concern of theirs who rents thc building so long as they ( the shareholders ) get
their dividends . Suppose wc accept this plea . We now ask , " arc the numerous lodges and chapters , who supply five-sixths of the receipts from rent , to have no consideration shown them ? and arc their conscientious scruples as good . Masons to . be set at nought , merely for the acquisition of a few pounds per annum from an infidel association ?" Again , suppose the Grand Lodge authorities in London ,
Edinburgh , and Dublin were to order every lodge meeting in the Masonic Hall to remove to more suitable premises , where would the £ s . d . plea come in then ? I trust I shall be able in my next communication to announce that the freethinkers—and I am sorry to say they are a numerous body in this part of Victoria—will have received notice to quit the premises of the Melbourne Masonic Hall Company .
It is hardly consistent with the fundamental principles of Masonry to find that at one and the same time a lodge is working on one floor , and that the volume of the Sacred Law is being ridiculed in another part of the building . Let us now turn to some more congenial topics of colonial Masonry . The announcement by cable , that her Majesty the Queen , had bcen pleased to confer the honour of a baronetcy
ot the United Kingdom on the Hon . William John Clarke , M . L . C ., was received by Victorians in general , and members of the Craft especially , with feelings of the deepest gratification . The intelligence arrived iii Melbourne , a few days after Bro . Clarke ' s return from the old country , and at a time , too , when hc was receiving cordial congratulations from all sorts and conditionsof men . The honourconferred
on our brother is accepted as a distinct compliment to Victoria , he being the first native of that colony to receive an hereditary distinction . Connected with all the great institutions of this part of Australia , Sir William Clarke's most prominent position was that of chairman of the Melbourne International Exhibition . He is one of the largest
estate proprietors in Victoria , a most generous landlord , and no man south of the line has done more for agriculture than he . Then lie is a liberal benefactor of every public institution , as witness £ " 20 , 000 to Melbourne University , and latterly , Ins foundation of a Victorian Scholarship in connection with the Royal College of Music in London .
Jottings From The Antipodes.
Asa Freemason , it will be known to but few of your readers , that Sir William Clarke is R . W . Prov . Grand Master of Victoria , under the Irish Constitution . The members of the Provincial Grand Masters' Lodge , which is composed of brethren who have " passed the chair , " held a meeting , last week , at which Bro . Clarke was present , and very properly , part of the business was to fraternally
welcome the P . G . M . back to Victoria . I had thc honour of an invitation , and must say 1 was very much impressed with our R . W . brother ' s reply , both in the lodge , and at the banqueting board . The celebrations terminate with a complimentary ball , on the 20 th inst ., in the Melbourne Town Hall , particulars of which will reach you in good time . The District Grand Lodge of Victoria under the Scottish
Constitution held their annual communication last week , Bro . Joseph Cahill , P . M ., No . 595 , R . W . Substitute Grand Master , presided . This district is without a governing head at the present time , the R . W . District Grand Master and Depute Grand Master both being deceased . The question of a new chief was fully discussed ; and overtures to two leading brethren in thc colony havinir failed , a
further report was left in the hands of a committee . All the lodges in the district arc generally in a flourishing condition . The work of the Melbourne lodges is a reflex of the English system . I have read the lengthened controversy on the status of Past Masters of and in lodges with great interest—feelingly I ought to say , as 1 am a joining member of two English lodges in Melbourne . It occurred to me , thereforethat
, though I am still a member of the Grand Lodge in London , the Past Master ' s rank is lost here , both in " lodge and District Grand Lod ge until I again serve the office of Master . However , I mentioned the subject to our I istrict Grand Secretary , Bro . F . H . Lempriere , a day or two ago , and he puts another reading on the question at issue . Bro . Lempriere is also Secretary of
a different lodge to that in which he served the office of Master , and he holds that , so long as a Past Master's name be returned to thc Grand Lodge , in accordance with Clause 2 . 5 . page 66 , of " Private Lodges —( I quote the "Constitutions , " octavo edition , of 1 S 63)—he has all the privileges of a Past Master in his new lodge and district or province without being elected to thc chair , and fulfilling the duties
of Master over again . This , Bro . Lempriere tells me , has becn the practice , so far as he understands , during the many years he has held the office of District Grand Secretary . Clause 1 , page iS , of the same edition , 1 might add , is quite as convincing as that just referred to . I trust , however , that the ambiguousness of this portion of the " Book of Constitutions , " as well as others that I
could mention , will be removed in the revised copy . If a joining Past Master be not put on the same footing as those Past Masters of his new lodge , what is the earthly good of an English Installed Master affiliating with a lodge in the colonies ? Far better for him to remain a subscribing member of his motherlodge , whicli I intend doing . It strikes
me , though , that procedure would conduce to an increase of unaffiliates , for brethren in a foreign land would under the circumstances gradually lose all interest in Masonry , and finally not deem it worth their while subscribing any longer to their mother lodge at home . I have joined a chapter , and Comp . Lcmpricrc ' s ideas on this head are precisely identical with thc other .
Bro. Col. Mark Richards Muckle.
BRO . COL . MARK RICHARDS MUCKLE .
forty years ago , Bro . Colonel Mark Richards Muckle entered the service of the Public Ledger . During his long career hc has bcen errand boy , clerk , cashier , and business manager . Bro . Muckle was born in Philadelphia , but early in life sought the whirlpool of New York to make his fortune . At tlie solicitation of his
mother , who was one of the best of the good old German mothers , he returned to Philadelphia to take a place in the Ledger office . For twenty-three years he helped Messrs . Swain , Abell , and Simmons to make their fortunes . Mr . G . XV . Childs made him his cashier and business manager , and Bro . Muckle has seen the Public Ledger in its dullest and best times . Thc amount of cash he has handled
weekly rolls into the tens of thousands , and the millions which he has computed would make one ' s head swim . Having a peculiar faculty for keeping accounts , he has been for twenty-six years the Grand Treasurer of the Grand Lodge of Odd Fellows , and for thirteen years he has been the Grand Treasurer of the Grand Encampment of Knights Templar in this jurisdiction . As soon as he joins an
organisation he is made Treasurer , and the number of them would present a dazzling array . Bro . Muckle derived his title of colonel from being attached to Governor Bigler ' s staff , and is therefore entitled to military honours at all times . He is very popular with the Germans , a member of most of the leading societies , and a participant in all
events which tend to the advancement of Philadelphia's interests . He is ever the genial gentleman , and a model of accuracy in his accounts and of method in his business dealings . May his friends present their congratulations at his semi-centennial in the Ledger office , unless he should prefer to quit sooner with a superfluity of cash . —American Paper .
SWORD OF HONOUR VOTED BY THE CITY OF LONDON TO ADMIRAL SIR FREDERICK BEAUCHAMP PAGET SEYMOUR , G . C . B . The hilt is surmounted by a lion ' s head , the emblem of the British navy . The grip is ornamented with an ivory figure of "History" recording the eventful engagement . On the centre of thc guard is the monogram of Sir
Frederick Bcauchamp Paget Seymour , whilst its sides arc composed of winged figures with trumpet ' s and torches , emblematic of " Fame . " The scabbard is enriched with the Imperial crown , above two dolphins entwined , illustrating the service of the sea . After these is a figure of "Victory" pointing to "Alexandria "; then follow a naval crown and a trophy of flags , together with the arms .
crest , and motto of the Admiral , richly enamelled . Under these arc the Cross of the Bath , and the arms , with crest , motto , and supporters of the City of London , following which is a " Union Jack , " the emblem of British naval supremacy . Immediately below , upon an Egyptian obelisk , stands
" Peace , " holding an olive branch . A sphinx and g lobe complete the enrichments . The presentation inscription is chastely embossed upon the blade . The scabbard , guard , and hilt are of 18-carat hall-marked gold . Theabove sword was desi gned and manufactured by Geonre Kennin _ r . uf Little Britain , London . . '
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Masonic-Notes-And-Queries.
other confirmations of thc privileges of the Steinmetzen , given by Heideloff on page 21 of the " Bauhiitte des Mittelalters , " Nuremberg , 1 S 44 ; 4 to . This list , as far as regards the Imperial confirmations , is reprinted in many works , the latest being Bro . Gould's " History , " page 172 ; and so far is apparently not open to doubt of any sort . Amongst these confirmations in Heideloff appear two Bulls —Alexander VI ., Rome , iGth September 1502 , and Leo X .,
pridie Calendarium Januarii , 1517 . Kloss , on page 5 of his " Freimaurerei in ihrer wahren Bedeutung " bewails the unfortunate fact that Heideloff omits to justify his assertions by quoting his authorities or sources of information . Nevertheless , the following passage on p . 235 , second edition , would seem to show , that as iar as Germany is concerned , Kloss was ready to admit the above two bulls . He is speaking of thc well-known statement in thc "Parentalia , "
and says : "The statement concerning the travelling Masons , attributed to the celebrated architect Wren , should arouse all the more suspicion thc closer we investigate the surrounding circumstances , the incredibility of which is at once evident , and the more we consider thc possibility of the facts narrated . We may , therefore ascribe the whole tradition thus put into-the mouths of Ashmole and Wren to an attempt at adorning the Guild
legends , which may be based on the Papal confirmations really granted to thc German stonemasons in 1502 and 1517 . " He then confesses the inability of Pownhall , of Krause , of Kloss , and others , to discover a single bull , and concludes , from many circumstances , that such could not have existed for England ; but , as we have seem , he evidently believes in the two quoted by Heideloff , as above , for Germany . This credulity on the part of such a critic
as Kloss would appear remarkable , but I will presently show that he has good reasons for the belief that is in him . I will , however , first revert to Heideloff . On p . 23 he states that thc German stonemasons received an indulgence from Pope Nicholas III . ( 1227 ) , which was renewed by all his successors up to Benedict XII . ( 1334 ) . Bro . " Bookworm " will thus see at a glance whence Rebold and Gyr take tlieir statements . It is difficult to prove a
negative , and I am not in a position to deny this statement ; but , if true , where did Heideloff obtain his knowledge ? Heideloff surely could not have invented it ; such a proceeding would be too barefaced and hardly possible outside thc pages of Fallou : there must , therefore , exist some sort of precedent for the assertion , and I regret my inability to discover it , despite two years of patient research . But why docs Kloss believe in the bulls of 1502 and 1517 ? In 151 S ,
Monday after Corpus Christi , the lodge at Magdeburg petitioned their prince for a confirmation of their ordinances , they having just accepted the Strasburg Brothcrbook ( i 45 g ) , and declared that if any part of these ordinances displeased him , they were willing to alter them , " always excepting the chief articles , wliich had been confirmed by papal and imperial authority . " The Strasburg Lodge , in their quarrel with the Annaberg Lodge ( this latter had up to that
moment not joined the general bond , because they upheld the term of four years' apprenticeship , and the Strasburg Brotherhood required five years' ) , wrote on the Wednesday after St . Valentine's Day , 1519 , that the former abuse of four years' service had becn put an end toby his Holiness the Pope and his Majesty the Emperor . We also find that the quarrel came to an end after thc Strasburg Master had forwarded to the Duke of Saxony attested
copies of the papal and imperial privileges which they possessed , and that the original documents had bcen produced for the inspection of Saxon deputed Masons at Strasburg . Now all this is very remarkable . The dates of the supposed bulls are given as 1502 and 1517 . The quarrel took place 151 S--1521 , and the strife is healed by the production of papal bulls and imperial charters : and all these transactions are recorded in writing and legal
documents . The only rational element of doubt which remains is that the bulls themselves are not forthcoming . The probable place to find them is in the archives of the Strasburg Lodge , or perhaps in the muniment room of the Cathedral , access to whicli is , however , denied . Under the circumstances , if asked whether the Pope ever granted bulls I should resort to the Scotch verdict of" not proven . " But what is established beyond doubt is the fact that the
German stonemasons in 1519 believed in these bulls , and there we must rest for the moment . Another question is , did the writers of the " Parentalia " know of this train of circumstances—or is the allusion to the papal bulls attributed to Wren derived from some other and independent source ? I must apologise to the editor for so far exceeding the limits of a "note , " but in the absence of a magazine we must occasionably encroach on his valuable space . G . WM . SPETH .
A NOTED CELEBRATION . Wc hear that the 150 th anniversary of thc Royal Cumberland Lodge , No . 41 , Bath , will be celebrated sometime in April ; and as the circumstances attending the commemoration are so special , we hope that the members of that lodge will be equal to the occasion , as they have proved to be at previous celebrations , particularly that of the centenary of the Freemasons' Hall Medal , 1 SS 0 ,
under the genial but vigorous rule of Dr . H . Hopkins , F . C . P ., when W . M ., and ( during the last year ) of the centenary of the Royal Cumberland Chapter , Comp . Lawson Howes , the able M . E . Z ., the first of its kind observed in this country . But the celebration in April , as to antiquity and importance , is really beyond the others in many respects , and though it is true one lodge ( the lodge of Anchor and Hope , No . 37 , Bolton ) precedes No . 41 , vet it
must be remembered that virtually Freemasonry in Bath dates from 1724 , being the first provincial city so honoured in England . Bro . Mercer , the W . M ., is sure to be well supported by a goodl y body of past-masters , who will be most useful alsoinhelpingon the arrangements , and doubtless the event will be celebrated in such a manner as to prove historically , officially , and generally all that this unique occasion deserves .
Hota . ow . 'Y ' s Pll . i . s . —The sudden changes , frequent fogs , ami prevadiug dampness sorely impede tlie vital functions , and conduce to ill-health . The remedy for these disasters lies iu some purifying medicine , like these' I'ills , which i . s competent to grapple with tlie mischief at its source , and stamp it out , without frcttin ' , ' the nerves or weakening the system . lioiloway's Pills extract from the Wood all noxious matter , regulate the action of every disordered organ , stimulate the liver and kidneys , and rel » x the bowels . In curing chest complaints these Fids are remarkably cllcc live , especially when aided bv friction of the Ointment on its walls . Tin ' s double treatment iWH ensure a certain , steady , and beneficent progress , and sound health will soon be re-established . —LAuvr . ]
Grand Masonic Ball In Liverpool.
GRAND MASONIC BALL IN LIVERPOOL .
The thirty-fourth annual Masonic ball in aid of the funds of the West Lancashire Educational Institution—a festive assemblage and a charity which have for many years occupied a prominent place in thc province—took place at the Town Hall , Liverpool , on Thursday evening , the nth inst . Notwithstanding the ball had to be postponed from the day at first decided upon , in addition
to other unpropitious and unforseen circumstances , the Masonic gathering was financially a comparative success , and the deserved reputation which it has secured as one o ! the most pleasant gatherings of the season was amply maintained . There were nearly 400 brethren and ladies present , being about sixty more than last year ' s attendance . As on previous occasions , it enjoyed the most distinguished patronage and support , as well as that of the general body
of the Fraternity in the province , and proved one of the most brilliant balls of the season . The members of the various lodges and chapters wore their insignia and jewels of office , and thus lent additional colour and lustre to the gay throng . The effect was pleasing and picturesque , and perhaps thc gilded chambers of the Town Hall were seldom seen to better advantage , if we except the occasions of the Mayor ' s fancy-dress balls .
As we have said , the gathering had a charitable object , being in aid of the West Lancashire Masonic Educational Institution , a noble charity in which the brethren of the province take a laudable interest , as the practical embodiment of a virtue which is a distinguishing characteristic of the mystic Craft . The institution was founded in 1 S . 50 for . he education and advancement in life of the children of distressed and deceased Freemasons . In their last published
report thc committee congratulated the governors of the charity upon the abundant success which had attended its good work-, and also pointed out the increasing claims upon the institution . Whilst in 1 SS 0 some ninety-three children received the benefits of the charity at an outlay of £ 671 17 s . iod ., in 1 SS 1 the number of children who participated was 144 , and the cost to the institution amounted to £ 937 3 s . Sd . The large expenditure was attributable to
the adoption of new bye-laws entitling children to be claimants at thc age of six instead of eight years , permitingthem to remain at school until fifteen , and allowing onefourth of thc amount granted to be expended in clothing . The increase , as compared with 1 SS 0 , was alone equal tothe total expenditure ten years ago . In the year just closed there was a further increase , the number of children provided for being 1 G 0 ,, at a cost of _ t " i 2 i 2 ios . Sd . The
invested funds at the end of last year amounted to £ 10 , 839 , as against £ 16 , 518 in 1 SS 1 . Bro . 11 . H . Smith , W . M . 1005 , was captain of the Stewards . The music was under the direction of Bro . Martin , Lodge iOoy . The catering of Bro . Capper gave universal satisfaction . Amongst those who merit special mention was Bro . H . M . Molyneux , P . M . S 23 , who once more contributed so largely to the enjoyment and comfort of the company in his capacity of voluntary Master of
Ceremonies . Bro . Counsellor Edward Grindley , the Chairman of Committee , also deserves the highest praise for the interest and hard work hc gave in connection with the fulfilment of the duties of his office , thereby contributing very largely to the measure of success which attended the gathering . Bro . T . Whitehead , W . M . 241 , the Hon . Sec , also performed his duties with great courtesy and much success , well meriting the approbation of thc brethren . Thc Stewards' badges—models of artistic design—were supplied bv Bro . G . Kenning , of London and Liverpool .
Jottings From The Antipodes.
JOTTINGS FROM THE ANTIPODES .
FROM OUR CORRESPONDENT . The propriety of allowing the freethinkers ( otherwise atheists ) the use of the Alelbourne Masonic Hall has at last entered upon a controversial phase . Far too long has thesacrilcge been suffered by the numerous English , Irish , and Scotch Masonic bodies that assemble therein , and some
decided action will doubtless be taken to stop so flagrant a breach of the landmarks of thc Craft , seeing that . 1 notice of motion has been already tabled , calling the attention of the directors to the matter . Some shareholders of the Hall Company plead it to be a simple case of pounds , shillings , and pence , and that it is no business or concern of theirs who rents thc building so long as they ( the shareholders ) get
their dividends . Suppose wc accept this plea . We now ask , " arc the numerous lodges and chapters , who supply five-sixths of the receipts from rent , to have no consideration shown them ? and arc their conscientious scruples as good . Masons to . be set at nought , merely for the acquisition of a few pounds per annum from an infidel association ?" Again , suppose the Grand Lodge authorities in London ,
Edinburgh , and Dublin were to order every lodge meeting in the Masonic Hall to remove to more suitable premises , where would the £ s . d . plea come in then ? I trust I shall be able in my next communication to announce that the freethinkers—and I am sorry to say they are a numerous body in this part of Victoria—will have received notice to quit the premises of the Melbourne Masonic Hall Company .
It is hardly consistent with the fundamental principles of Masonry to find that at one and the same time a lodge is working on one floor , and that the volume of the Sacred Law is being ridiculed in another part of the building . Let us now turn to some more congenial topics of colonial Masonry . The announcement by cable , that her Majesty the Queen , had bcen pleased to confer the honour of a baronetcy
ot the United Kingdom on the Hon . William John Clarke , M . L . C ., was received by Victorians in general , and members of the Craft especially , with feelings of the deepest gratification . The intelligence arrived iii Melbourne , a few days after Bro . Clarke ' s return from the old country , and at a time , too , when hc was receiving cordial congratulations from all sorts and conditionsof men . The honourconferred
on our brother is accepted as a distinct compliment to Victoria , he being the first native of that colony to receive an hereditary distinction . Connected with all the great institutions of this part of Australia , Sir William Clarke's most prominent position was that of chairman of the Melbourne International Exhibition . He is one of the largest
estate proprietors in Victoria , a most generous landlord , and no man south of the line has done more for agriculture than he . Then lie is a liberal benefactor of every public institution , as witness £ " 20 , 000 to Melbourne University , and latterly , Ins foundation of a Victorian Scholarship in connection with the Royal College of Music in London .
Jottings From The Antipodes.
Asa Freemason , it will be known to but few of your readers , that Sir William Clarke is R . W . Prov . Grand Master of Victoria , under the Irish Constitution . The members of the Provincial Grand Masters' Lodge , which is composed of brethren who have " passed the chair , " held a meeting , last week , at which Bro . Clarke was present , and very properly , part of the business was to fraternally
welcome the P . G . M . back to Victoria . I had thc honour of an invitation , and must say 1 was very much impressed with our R . W . brother ' s reply , both in the lodge , and at the banqueting board . The celebrations terminate with a complimentary ball , on the 20 th inst ., in the Melbourne Town Hall , particulars of which will reach you in good time . The District Grand Lodge of Victoria under the Scottish
Constitution held their annual communication last week , Bro . Joseph Cahill , P . M ., No . 595 , R . W . Substitute Grand Master , presided . This district is without a governing head at the present time , the R . W . District Grand Master and Depute Grand Master both being deceased . The question of a new chief was fully discussed ; and overtures to two leading brethren in thc colony havinir failed , a
further report was left in the hands of a committee . All the lodges in the district arc generally in a flourishing condition . The work of the Melbourne lodges is a reflex of the English system . I have read the lengthened controversy on the status of Past Masters of and in lodges with great interest—feelingly I ought to say , as 1 am a joining member of two English lodges in Melbourne . It occurred to me , thereforethat
, though I am still a member of the Grand Lodge in London , the Past Master ' s rank is lost here , both in " lodge and District Grand Lod ge until I again serve the office of Master . However , I mentioned the subject to our I istrict Grand Secretary , Bro . F . H . Lempriere , a day or two ago , and he puts another reading on the question at issue . Bro . Lempriere is also Secretary of
a different lodge to that in which he served the office of Master , and he holds that , so long as a Past Master's name be returned to thc Grand Lodge , in accordance with Clause 2 . 5 . page 66 , of " Private Lodges —( I quote the "Constitutions , " octavo edition , of 1 S 63)—he has all the privileges of a Past Master in his new lodge and district or province without being elected to thc chair , and fulfilling the duties
of Master over again . This , Bro . Lempriere tells me , has becn the practice , so far as he understands , during the many years he has held the office of District Grand Secretary . Clause 1 , page iS , of the same edition , 1 might add , is quite as convincing as that just referred to . I trust , however , that the ambiguousness of this portion of the " Book of Constitutions , " as well as others that I
could mention , will be removed in the revised copy . If a joining Past Master be not put on the same footing as those Past Masters of his new lodge , what is the earthly good of an English Installed Master affiliating with a lodge in the colonies ? Far better for him to remain a subscribing member of his motherlodge , whicli I intend doing . It strikes
me , though , that procedure would conduce to an increase of unaffiliates , for brethren in a foreign land would under the circumstances gradually lose all interest in Masonry , and finally not deem it worth their while subscribing any longer to their mother lodge at home . I have joined a chapter , and Comp . Lcmpricrc ' s ideas on this head are precisely identical with thc other .
Bro. Col. Mark Richards Muckle.
BRO . COL . MARK RICHARDS MUCKLE .
forty years ago , Bro . Colonel Mark Richards Muckle entered the service of the Public Ledger . During his long career hc has bcen errand boy , clerk , cashier , and business manager . Bro . Muckle was born in Philadelphia , but early in life sought the whirlpool of New York to make his fortune . At tlie solicitation of his
mother , who was one of the best of the good old German mothers , he returned to Philadelphia to take a place in the Ledger office . For twenty-three years he helped Messrs . Swain , Abell , and Simmons to make their fortunes . Mr . G . XV . Childs made him his cashier and business manager , and Bro . Muckle has seen the Public Ledger in its dullest and best times . Thc amount of cash he has handled
weekly rolls into the tens of thousands , and the millions which he has computed would make one ' s head swim . Having a peculiar faculty for keeping accounts , he has been for twenty-six years the Grand Treasurer of the Grand Lodge of Odd Fellows , and for thirteen years he has been the Grand Treasurer of the Grand Encampment of Knights Templar in this jurisdiction . As soon as he joins an
organisation he is made Treasurer , and the number of them would present a dazzling array . Bro . Muckle derived his title of colonel from being attached to Governor Bigler ' s staff , and is therefore entitled to military honours at all times . He is very popular with the Germans , a member of most of the leading societies , and a participant in all
events which tend to the advancement of Philadelphia's interests . He is ever the genial gentleman , and a model of accuracy in his accounts and of method in his business dealings . May his friends present their congratulations at his semi-centennial in the Ledger office , unless he should prefer to quit sooner with a superfluity of cash . —American Paper .
SWORD OF HONOUR VOTED BY THE CITY OF LONDON TO ADMIRAL SIR FREDERICK BEAUCHAMP PAGET SEYMOUR , G . C . B . The hilt is surmounted by a lion ' s head , the emblem of the British navy . The grip is ornamented with an ivory figure of "History" recording the eventful engagement . On the centre of thc guard is the monogram of Sir
Frederick Bcauchamp Paget Seymour , whilst its sides arc composed of winged figures with trumpet ' s and torches , emblematic of " Fame . " The scabbard is enriched with the Imperial crown , above two dolphins entwined , illustrating the service of the sea . After these is a figure of "Victory" pointing to "Alexandria "; then follow a naval crown and a trophy of flags , together with the arms .
crest , and motto of the Admiral , richly enamelled . Under these arc the Cross of the Bath , and the arms , with crest , motto , and supporters of the City of London , following which is a " Union Jack , " the emblem of British naval supremacy . Immediately below , upon an Egyptian obelisk , stands
" Peace , " holding an olive branch . A sphinx and g lobe complete the enrichments . The presentation inscription is chastely embossed upon the blade . The scabbard , guard , and hilt are of 18-carat hall-marked gold . Theabove sword was desi gned and manufactured by Geonre Kennin _ r . uf Little Britain , London . . '