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Article ROYAL VISIT TO TRURO. ← Page 2 of 2 Article CRYPTIC MASONRY. Page 1 of 1 Article CRYPTIC MASONRY. Page 1 of 1 Article MASONIC BALL AT NATAL. Page 1 of 1 Article MASONIC BALL AT NATAL. Page 1 of 1 Article CHINESE MASONRY. Page 1 of 1 Article AN IMPOSTOR. Page 1 of 1
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Royal Visit To Truro.
winding of the river and the hig h and wooded lulls being of a magnificent character . The Prince having inspected the model farm of the estate , then-Royal Highnesses embarked on board Her Majesty s steam yacht " Vivid , " which conveyed them down the river to the Carrick Roads , where they visited the boys training ship , which lies at anchor off Falmouth . At 4 o'clock in the afternoon the special train , which leftLonclnn at half-past 6 o ' clock in the morning , arrived , bringing a
force of the Metropolitan Police , consisting of five inspectors , 25 sergeants , and 2 SO constables , under the command of Superintendent Dunfop . "The force , on leaving the carriages , was marched in four companies , through ( he town to the green , where thev fell out and went out to the different private lodgings which had been provided for them by the corporation . ' Colonel GToevt , the chief constable of the county , took command of the united force on Thursday .
Cryptic Masonry.
CRYPTIC MASONRY .
Comp . Josiah H . Drummond , President of the National Convention of Royal and Select Masters , which will meet at Detroit on August 23 rd , 1 SS 0 , has just issued a circular letter to Grand Masters of Grand Councils of Royal and Select Masters , from which we take the following interesting extracts :
The Convention of Royal and Select Masons , held in Buffalo in 1 S 77 , adj ' ourncd to meet upon the call of ( he President . I have been requested by Most III . Geo . VV . Coolcy , Grand Master of the Grand Council of Minnesota , in accordance with instructions of this Grand Council , to call a meeting of the convention in 1 SS 0 .
Concurring in his views , I hereby give notice that a meeting of that convention will be held in Detroit , Michigan , on the 23 rd day of August , A . P . 1 SS 0 , at S o'clock in the evening . It is earnestly desired that all the Grand Councils be rc-Eresented . If no session of any Grand Council is to be held efore that date , it is desired that the Grand Masters will
take measures to be reprcsentc ; this can properly be done , as the purpose of the convention is consultation ; and its action only advisorw That we have arrived at a most important era in the history of Cryptic Masonry is evident from the situation . 'The Degrees are now conferred in four different ways . 1 . In chapters , as a part of the regular scries of Degrees . In this class are Virginia and West Virginia , where the
Degrees are conferred before the Royal Arch , the order being Mark Master , Past Master , Most Excellent Master , Royal Master , Select Master , and Royal Arch . A Grand Council was formed in Virginia in 1 S 20 , which , yielding to a claim based upon a gross error , in 1 S 41 surrendered the Degrees to the Grand Chapter and dissolved . 2 . In councils appurtenant to chapters , but otherwise
independent of them . In this class is Texas , whose Grand Council was dissolved in 1 S 64 ; since that time the Degrees have been conferred in councils of quasi voluntary character , claiming to be held under the authority of a chapter warrant , but entirely separate from the chapter itself , without control by any Grand Body . 3 . In councils appurtenant tochnptcrs , and under the control and authority of Grand Chapters .
In this class are Arkansas , lown , Kentucky , Mississippi , Nebraska , South Carolina , and Wisconsin . These Grand Councils have formally dissolved , but , previous to their dissolution , they surrended the Degrees ( so far as they had the power ) to their several Grand Chapters , which accepted the trust , and are now undertaking to confer and control the Degrees .
The Grand Council of Illinois , in like manner , voted lo surrender the Degrees to the Grand Chapter , but still claims to be in existence . Measures , looking ultimately to the same end , but not fully consummated , have been taken by the Grand Councils of California , Missouri , and North Carolina . 1 understand that the Grand Chapter of Nevada ( where
there never has been a Grand Council ) contemplates authorising its chapters to confer these Degrees in " appurtenant councils , " and the same tiling is favoured in Oregon ; by whose " surrender" they propose to obtain this authority I am not advised . Several of these Grand Chapters are awaiting the action of the General Grand Chapter , and I have no doubt that an
effort will be made at its next convocation to adopt the amendments to tli 2 Constitut ' oi oTere 1 by our Mississippi companions , and now pending , and thus , by endorsing what is known as the " Mississippi Plan , " assume control of the Cryptic Degrees . 4 . In councils under the jurisdiction of Grand Councils . In this class are Alabama , Connecticut , Florida , Georgia ,
Indiana , Kansas , Louisiana , Maine , Maryland , Massachusetts , Michigan , Minnesota , New Hampshire , New Jersey , New York , Ohio , Pennsylvania , Rhode Island , Tennessee , and Vermont , in the United States , and England , Ontario , and New Brunswick abroad . This unparalleled confusion in the entire polity of ihe Rite , and necessary conflict even in the rituals of the different
jurisdictions , peremptorily call for action to secure uniformity , or for the entire abandonment of the Degrees by the existing Graml Councils . Experience shows that united action can be secured only by general consultation , and a convention is the only method of having that . The more important questions growing out of the situation
are the following : 1 . Shall the Grand Council system of orgnnisaf . ' on he continued ? _ If not , shall the Degrees be abandoned , or the "Mississippi plan" adopted ? 2 . If the Grand Council system is to be continued , what measures ( if any ) shall be taken to prevent a conflict between the Grand Councils and the General Grand
Chapter . 3 . What rule shall be adopted as to the status of those who receive the Degrees in chapters , as well as of those who have received the Degrees in regular councils , but have assisted in conferring the Degrees in other bodies , or been present when they were thus conferred ? 4 . What rule ought to be adopted in relation to the jurisdiction in States , Sic , in which no regular Grand Council exists ?
Cryptic Masonry.
The enumeration of these questions , of course , in no manner precludes the consideration of others . Experience shows that the comparatively brief time during which a convention can remain in session does not give opportunity for work by committees upon subjects under consideration ; and the necessity of committee work , to secure proper action by any deliberate body , is universally acknowledged ; indeed , it may be safely said that the action
of the last two conventions tailed to exert its due influence in consequence of the failure to prepare in advance measures lor consideration . 'To obviate the danger of ill-considered action , I take the liberty of designating companions to prepare , and have read } ' for presentation at the opening of the convention ,
reports upon the four questions above stated , for the consideration of the convention , with resolutions embodying such action as they shall recommend should be taken in relation thereto . 1 . George M . Osgoodby , Buffalo , N . Y . ; George W . Coolcv , Minneapolis , Minn . ; Wm . W . Austin , Richmond ,
lnd . 2 . Edward S . Dana , New Haven , Yt . ; Geo . L . McCahan , Baltimore , Md . ; Wm . Wallace Lee , West Meriden , Conn . 3 . Chas . E . Meyer , Philadelphia , Pa . ; Geo . J . Pinckard , New Orleans , La . ; Hugh McCurdy , Corunna , Mich . 4 . Wm . M . Cunningham , Newark , O . ; John S . Derby , Saco , Me . ; John Haigh , Sonierville , Mass . Inasmuch as no provision has been made for the
expenses of the meetings of committees I trust the companions will at once proceed , by correspondence , to interchange views , and prepare reports upon the subject committed to them . There is ample time for that purpose . I hope also no one of the companions will ask to be excused , because he may not be a member of the convention , or not able to attend it , inasmuch as the committees above announced arc not committees of the
convention , but of my own , to assist me 111 presenting ( o the convention matters for its action . And if any of the companions prefer they may submit their report to nie , and I will have it presented to the convention by the presiding officer . Companions , the time has come for decisive and final action in one direction or another , let us , therefore , come
together and consult freely , deliberate fully , and act wisely , to the end that when we separate , the united approval of our several Grand Councils shall crown onr efforts , and the future of the Cryptic Rite be irrevocably settled . J OSIAH II . DRUMMOND , President of the National Convention of R . and S . Masters . Portland , Me ., March 10 th , 1 SR 0 .
Masonic Ball At Natal.
MASONIC BALL AT NATAL .
A brilliant and most successful Masonic Ball was given on the 6 th "It ., under the auspices ofthe Natalia Rose Croix Chapter ( Sovereign or Presiding Officer lllus . Bro . R . I . Finnemore , 30 , P . M ., P . Z ., & c . ) and Natalia Lodge ( W . Master lllus . Bro . Major Astley Fellowes'Terry , 30 , P . M ., P . P . G . S . B ., Cheshire , Past Preceptor of ' the
Temple , & c . ) 'The Committee was as follows : —lllus . Bros . R . I . Finnemore , Major Terry , W . Francis , ' , 0 ° P . M ., P . Z ., Src , W . Bro . G . O . M ' atterson , iS ^ , P . M ., P . M ., & c , Bro . . Major St .-ibb , iS ° , K . T ., Bro . J . F . Allen , ( M . D . i . S \ Bro . Revd . G . M . St . M . Richie , ' iS " , VV . Bro . Capt . Bacon ( A . P . I ) ., ) P . M ., W . Bro . J . Smith , iS" , P . M ., W . Bro .
T . Joyce , lS ' , P . M ., P . Z ., & c , Bro . C . Ward ( M . I ) ., ) VV . ' Bro . E . S . T . Stantial , i . S \ Bro . S . Ford , iS , Bro . T . J . E . Scoones , iS . 'Tlie room was very tastefully decorated with evergreens , among which a large number of mysterious Masonic emblems shone out as a conspicuous feature . At the eastend was the seat of honour , to which His Excellency the
Lieutenant-Governor was conducted under the swords of the Rose Croix who stood to order to receive him , a large number of the Craft standing on either side of the room made way for him ( o his place . The Masonic costumes were of the most varied kind and , combined with the dresses of the ladies , gave a most pleasing appearance to the ball room . A change of a noticeable character was
observable , as compared with the last Masonic Ball , namely , the great number of brethren decorated in the handsome sashes of the Royal Arch—an Order which has of late been largely 011 the increase in this city . His Excellency the Lieutenant Governor opened the ball with Mrs . Finnemore , and the dance once started was kept up with an amount of vigour which has not characterised
an entertainment of the kind for a long time . The hand of doth Rifles played admirably throughout , and the lovers of dancing set to work with thorough enjoyment to get through thelong programme before them . Waltzes of all kinds , from the old 7 V »/ . % - Temps down to that remarkably slow and leisurely movement which is the most fashionable style now-a-days , formed the staple of the list , and most
excellent was the time of the band , which kept up with the greatest energy through the whole evening . _ Among the most striking—nay , we may as well , at the risk of being personal and incurring ihe envy of his brethren , say at once the most striking costume was " that of 111 . Bro . 'Terry , who had a coat and knee-breeches in dark blue , in the style of the costumes of George 111 . It belongs to one of the high
Orders , of which he is a member . His jewels also were of the most striking and dazzling description . He was , however , pretty well equalled by 111 . Bros . Finnemore and Francis , who had both very attractive insignia . The plain apron of an Entered Apprentice , so symbolical of ihnocence , was also conspicuous on account of its simplicity . Some of the ladies , to whom Masonic secrets had been most
unwarrantably revealed , declared it indicated ( he highest rank in the room , and that the fact was that the Masons when they were initiated had the heavy and burdensome costumes put on them , and as they attained the higher Degrees these impediments were removed until they came down to the simple garb of the Entered Apprentice , and finally to the costume of ordinary civilized man .
It would of course be invidious for us to venture to cirticise the costumes of the fair sex , and as we have no one on our staff possessed of the pen of a "Myra , " we must do so with care . We may , however , be permitted to say that some of the prettiest and most tasteful dresses were to be seen last night that have ever graced a ballroom , and that it was a pleasure lo see the pleasing contrasts occasionally made between the costumes of the ladies and the
Masonic Ball At Natal.
striking , not to say gaudy , regalia of the brethren of the mystic tie . H . E . the Lieutenant-Governor entered thoroughly into the spirit of the entertainment , and took part in several of the square dances , while the Commandant , Col . Steward , who appeared in a handsome blue collar , indicative of the high office he holds in the Craft , was indefatigable in dancing , hardly missing anything on the card . " The Colonial
Secretary , Captain Himc , and many of the popular patrons of the terpsicliorean art , were also most energetic , and as to the ladies , they were evidently , one and all , bent upon verifying what a philosophical doctor once declared of them , namely , that it was a peculiar thing that ladies got tired by walking , but never became wearied by any amount of dancing . At about twelve o ' clock the call was made for supper ,
when His Excellency the Lieut .-Governor led off Mrs . Finnemore , Illustrious Bro . Finnemore taking Mrs . Mitchell . A very excellent repast was placed on the table , and wc need scarcely say was done ample justice to . The wine and . indeed , everything was of the first-rate order , and the . stewards of the ball were indefatigable in making- it enjoyable to the guests , as they had been in the preparations . After supper ( which was served
in the new room just built for billiards at the Theatre Royal ) dancing was renewed , and was kept up to a late , or rather early , hour . H . E . the Lieutenant Governor left at about 1 . 30 a . m ., but did so quietly , so as not to break up the hall , but the remainder of the dance programme was taken in hand with an amount of determination which showed that there was no idea of allowing any of it to pass without full justice . At the time we left—about 2 . 30—dancing" was
going on with continued energy , which was kept up to the last . ' Altogether , the Craft deserve to be congratulated on the thorough success of their ball , and we are sure all will join with us in thanking the Stewards for their indefatigable exertions . We wide-stand that they bad no little difficulty to contend against from the fact that Mr . VV . Risley , who had undertaken the decorations , fell ill just at the time when his services were required .
Chinese Masonry.
CHINESE MASONRY .
One would naturally suppose there is enough of Egyptian Freemasonry to glut the market , but the "Heathen Chinee , " with quite a savour of Yankee cnteness , comes to the front as follows : — Among the visitors at Supreme Court Chambers , New York , February 24 th , were live Chinamen—Wang A .
Leeng , James C Baptiste , Domingo de Luce , Wang Yee and Tom Yee—who appeared before Judge Lawrence as the incorporators of the "Long We long Eng VVi , " which being interpreted , means " 'The Order and Brotherhood of Masons , " the object of which is to ' ¦ promote friendship , brotherly love , and service to the Supreme Being by mutual succour in distress and aid in sickness , poverty , adversity .
and affliction . " 'The certilicaleof incorporation was granted by Judge Lawrence . As the Celestial Masons were leavinnthe building a reporter of the World stopped and asked one of them what the work of the association was to be and whether it was to be affiliated with the Masonic Order or not . In reply Mr . Baptiste who speaks English fluently and reads it with perfect ease , said : " This association is
what Americans would call a Lodge of Freemasons and our object is to benefit and assist all mankind , Freemasons generally and Freemasons from China in particular . " " When did you first become a Mason ?" " I was first made a Mason'in China long before 1 came to America . " ? - ; ,-:. _ " I lave you ever been tried by an'American Mason ?"
"Oh , yes ; more than once . In China we have had both English and American Freemasons in our lodges . " " Is there any very great difference observable in the examination by Americans of Chinese and vice versa r " " No , none in the signs and grips . The great trouble is in the language , although both rituals mean the same thing , and our passwords , although different in sound , have the
same significance . "Have you any idea of the origin and antiquity of Masonry in China ?" "Oil , yes . I have studied the subject , but it is too much to discuss at this time , and under these circumstances ; but one thing I will tell vim , and ( hat is , that the ritual used in China has been handed down unaltered for over a thousand years . "
" Can you produce any evidence to substantiate that assertion ?" " 1 can , and will be happy lo do so if you will call at my house at any time , " and handing his card to the reporter Mr . Baptiste passed on . I lis lodge is the first established among Chinamen on the Atlantic coast . Should anything more antient and honourable be put upon the market we will give our readers the benefit of it . — Looms' Musical Journal .
An Impostor.
AN IMPOSTOR .
Hall of Inyo Lodge , No . 221 , F . aml'A . M ., Independence , Inyo County , California , April 19 U 1 , 1 SS 0 . 'To the G . L . of Indiana , F . and A . M . Brethren , —About one year ago a man ' giving his name as Hall was relieved by our lodge . Since then he has been roving over the Pacific Coast , and is now in the Eastern
Stab-s passing himself off as Bro . R . W . Ford , of our lodge , and is receiving aid . When last heard from he was at Rockwood , Tenn ., April 7 th , 1 NK 0 . 'This man is a bilk and a scoundrel , and should be arrested for obtaining money umhr false pretenses . He is about
sixty years of age , has gray hair , and limps . 1 little . Please notify your subordinate lodges that they may not lie imposed upon by this rascal . A . R . CONKI . IN . W . M ( sea ! , ) HE . VRV . VI . ISAACS , Secretary . —Masonic Advocate .
At SJinnklin , Isle of Wight , ; i monument is about to be placed in the cemetery , in memory of those who lost their lives through the foundering of the " Eurydice " in Sandown Bay . It will be provided by public subscription , and will form a nautical design indicative ot the fatal calamity of March 24 , 1 S 7 S . —Echo .
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Royal Visit To Truro.
winding of the river and the hig h and wooded lulls being of a magnificent character . The Prince having inspected the model farm of the estate , then-Royal Highnesses embarked on board Her Majesty s steam yacht " Vivid , " which conveyed them down the river to the Carrick Roads , where they visited the boys training ship , which lies at anchor off Falmouth . At 4 o'clock in the afternoon the special train , which leftLonclnn at half-past 6 o ' clock in the morning , arrived , bringing a
force of the Metropolitan Police , consisting of five inspectors , 25 sergeants , and 2 SO constables , under the command of Superintendent Dunfop . "The force , on leaving the carriages , was marched in four companies , through ( he town to the green , where thev fell out and went out to the different private lodgings which had been provided for them by the corporation . ' Colonel GToevt , the chief constable of the county , took command of the united force on Thursday .
Cryptic Masonry.
CRYPTIC MASONRY .
Comp . Josiah H . Drummond , President of the National Convention of Royal and Select Masters , which will meet at Detroit on August 23 rd , 1 SS 0 , has just issued a circular letter to Grand Masters of Grand Councils of Royal and Select Masters , from which we take the following interesting extracts :
The Convention of Royal and Select Masons , held in Buffalo in 1 S 77 , adj ' ourncd to meet upon the call of ( he President . I have been requested by Most III . Geo . VV . Coolcy , Grand Master of the Grand Council of Minnesota , in accordance with instructions of this Grand Council , to call a meeting of the convention in 1 SS 0 .
Concurring in his views , I hereby give notice that a meeting of that convention will be held in Detroit , Michigan , on the 23 rd day of August , A . P . 1 SS 0 , at S o'clock in the evening . It is earnestly desired that all the Grand Councils be rc-Eresented . If no session of any Grand Council is to be held efore that date , it is desired that the Grand Masters will
take measures to be reprcsentc ; this can properly be done , as the purpose of the convention is consultation ; and its action only advisorw That we have arrived at a most important era in the history of Cryptic Masonry is evident from the situation . 'The Degrees are now conferred in four different ways . 1 . In chapters , as a part of the regular scries of Degrees . In this class are Virginia and West Virginia , where the
Degrees are conferred before the Royal Arch , the order being Mark Master , Past Master , Most Excellent Master , Royal Master , Select Master , and Royal Arch . A Grand Council was formed in Virginia in 1 S 20 , which , yielding to a claim based upon a gross error , in 1 S 41 surrendered the Degrees to the Grand Chapter and dissolved . 2 . In councils appurtenant to chapters , but otherwise
independent of them . In this class is Texas , whose Grand Council was dissolved in 1 S 64 ; since that time the Degrees have been conferred in councils of quasi voluntary character , claiming to be held under the authority of a chapter warrant , but entirely separate from the chapter itself , without control by any Grand Body . 3 . In councils appurtenant tochnptcrs , and under the control and authority of Grand Chapters .
In this class are Arkansas , lown , Kentucky , Mississippi , Nebraska , South Carolina , and Wisconsin . These Grand Councils have formally dissolved , but , previous to their dissolution , they surrended the Degrees ( so far as they had the power ) to their several Grand Chapters , which accepted the trust , and are now undertaking to confer and control the Degrees .
The Grand Council of Illinois , in like manner , voted lo surrender the Degrees to the Grand Chapter , but still claims to be in existence . Measures , looking ultimately to the same end , but not fully consummated , have been taken by the Grand Councils of California , Missouri , and North Carolina . 1 understand that the Grand Chapter of Nevada ( where
there never has been a Grand Council ) contemplates authorising its chapters to confer these Degrees in " appurtenant councils , " and the same tiling is favoured in Oregon ; by whose " surrender" they propose to obtain this authority I am not advised . Several of these Grand Chapters are awaiting the action of the General Grand Chapter , and I have no doubt that an
effort will be made at its next convocation to adopt the amendments to tli 2 Constitut ' oi oTere 1 by our Mississippi companions , and now pending , and thus , by endorsing what is known as the " Mississippi Plan , " assume control of the Cryptic Degrees . 4 . In councils under the jurisdiction of Grand Councils . In this class are Alabama , Connecticut , Florida , Georgia ,
Indiana , Kansas , Louisiana , Maine , Maryland , Massachusetts , Michigan , Minnesota , New Hampshire , New Jersey , New York , Ohio , Pennsylvania , Rhode Island , Tennessee , and Vermont , in the United States , and England , Ontario , and New Brunswick abroad . This unparalleled confusion in the entire polity of ihe Rite , and necessary conflict even in the rituals of the different
jurisdictions , peremptorily call for action to secure uniformity , or for the entire abandonment of the Degrees by the existing Graml Councils . Experience shows that united action can be secured only by general consultation , and a convention is the only method of having that . The more important questions growing out of the situation
are the following : 1 . Shall the Grand Council system of orgnnisaf . ' on he continued ? _ If not , shall the Degrees be abandoned , or the "Mississippi plan" adopted ? 2 . If the Grand Council system is to be continued , what measures ( if any ) shall be taken to prevent a conflict between the Grand Councils and the General Grand
Chapter . 3 . What rule shall be adopted as to the status of those who receive the Degrees in chapters , as well as of those who have received the Degrees in regular councils , but have assisted in conferring the Degrees in other bodies , or been present when they were thus conferred ? 4 . What rule ought to be adopted in relation to the jurisdiction in States , Sic , in which no regular Grand Council exists ?
Cryptic Masonry.
The enumeration of these questions , of course , in no manner precludes the consideration of others . Experience shows that the comparatively brief time during which a convention can remain in session does not give opportunity for work by committees upon subjects under consideration ; and the necessity of committee work , to secure proper action by any deliberate body , is universally acknowledged ; indeed , it may be safely said that the action
of the last two conventions tailed to exert its due influence in consequence of the failure to prepare in advance measures lor consideration . 'To obviate the danger of ill-considered action , I take the liberty of designating companions to prepare , and have read } ' for presentation at the opening of the convention ,
reports upon the four questions above stated , for the consideration of the convention , with resolutions embodying such action as they shall recommend should be taken in relation thereto . 1 . George M . Osgoodby , Buffalo , N . Y . ; George W . Coolcv , Minneapolis , Minn . ; Wm . W . Austin , Richmond ,
lnd . 2 . Edward S . Dana , New Haven , Yt . ; Geo . L . McCahan , Baltimore , Md . ; Wm . Wallace Lee , West Meriden , Conn . 3 . Chas . E . Meyer , Philadelphia , Pa . ; Geo . J . Pinckard , New Orleans , La . ; Hugh McCurdy , Corunna , Mich . 4 . Wm . M . Cunningham , Newark , O . ; John S . Derby , Saco , Me . ; John Haigh , Sonierville , Mass . Inasmuch as no provision has been made for the
expenses of the meetings of committees I trust the companions will at once proceed , by correspondence , to interchange views , and prepare reports upon the subject committed to them . There is ample time for that purpose . I hope also no one of the companions will ask to be excused , because he may not be a member of the convention , or not able to attend it , inasmuch as the committees above announced arc not committees of the
convention , but of my own , to assist me 111 presenting ( o the convention matters for its action . And if any of the companions prefer they may submit their report to nie , and I will have it presented to the convention by the presiding officer . Companions , the time has come for decisive and final action in one direction or another , let us , therefore , come
together and consult freely , deliberate fully , and act wisely , to the end that when we separate , the united approval of our several Grand Councils shall crown onr efforts , and the future of the Cryptic Rite be irrevocably settled . J OSIAH II . DRUMMOND , President of the National Convention of R . and S . Masters . Portland , Me ., March 10 th , 1 SR 0 .
Masonic Ball At Natal.
MASONIC BALL AT NATAL .
A brilliant and most successful Masonic Ball was given on the 6 th "It ., under the auspices ofthe Natalia Rose Croix Chapter ( Sovereign or Presiding Officer lllus . Bro . R . I . Finnemore , 30 , P . M ., P . Z ., & c . ) and Natalia Lodge ( W . Master lllus . Bro . Major Astley Fellowes'Terry , 30 , P . M ., P . P . G . S . B ., Cheshire , Past Preceptor of ' the
Temple , & c . ) 'The Committee was as follows : —lllus . Bros . R . I . Finnemore , Major Terry , W . Francis , ' , 0 ° P . M ., P . Z ., Src , W . Bro . G . O . M ' atterson , iS ^ , P . M ., P . M ., & c , Bro . . Major St .-ibb , iS ° , K . T ., Bro . J . F . Allen , ( M . D . i . S \ Bro . Revd . G . M . St . M . Richie , ' iS " , VV . Bro . Capt . Bacon ( A . P . I ) ., ) P . M ., W . Bro . J . Smith , iS" , P . M ., W . Bro .
T . Joyce , lS ' , P . M ., P . Z ., & c , Bro . C . Ward ( M . I ) ., ) VV . ' Bro . E . S . T . Stantial , i . S \ Bro . S . Ford , iS , Bro . T . J . E . Scoones , iS . 'Tlie room was very tastefully decorated with evergreens , among which a large number of mysterious Masonic emblems shone out as a conspicuous feature . At the eastend was the seat of honour , to which His Excellency the
Lieutenant-Governor was conducted under the swords of the Rose Croix who stood to order to receive him , a large number of the Craft standing on either side of the room made way for him ( o his place . The Masonic costumes were of the most varied kind and , combined with the dresses of the ladies , gave a most pleasing appearance to the ball room . A change of a noticeable character was
observable , as compared with the last Masonic Ball , namely , the great number of brethren decorated in the handsome sashes of the Royal Arch—an Order which has of late been largely 011 the increase in this city . His Excellency the Lieutenant Governor opened the ball with Mrs . Finnemore , and the dance once started was kept up with an amount of vigour which has not characterised
an entertainment of the kind for a long time . The hand of doth Rifles played admirably throughout , and the lovers of dancing set to work with thorough enjoyment to get through thelong programme before them . Waltzes of all kinds , from the old 7 V »/ . % - Temps down to that remarkably slow and leisurely movement which is the most fashionable style now-a-days , formed the staple of the list , and most
excellent was the time of the band , which kept up with the greatest energy through the whole evening . _ Among the most striking—nay , we may as well , at the risk of being personal and incurring ihe envy of his brethren , say at once the most striking costume was " that of 111 . Bro . 'Terry , who had a coat and knee-breeches in dark blue , in the style of the costumes of George 111 . It belongs to one of the high
Orders , of which he is a member . His jewels also were of the most striking and dazzling description . He was , however , pretty well equalled by 111 . Bros . Finnemore and Francis , who had both very attractive insignia . The plain apron of an Entered Apprentice , so symbolical of ihnocence , was also conspicuous on account of its simplicity . Some of the ladies , to whom Masonic secrets had been most
unwarrantably revealed , declared it indicated ( he highest rank in the room , and that the fact was that the Masons when they were initiated had the heavy and burdensome costumes put on them , and as they attained the higher Degrees these impediments were removed until they came down to the simple garb of the Entered Apprentice , and finally to the costume of ordinary civilized man .
It would of course be invidious for us to venture to cirticise the costumes of the fair sex , and as we have no one on our staff possessed of the pen of a "Myra , " we must do so with care . We may , however , be permitted to say that some of the prettiest and most tasteful dresses were to be seen last night that have ever graced a ballroom , and that it was a pleasure lo see the pleasing contrasts occasionally made between the costumes of the ladies and the
Masonic Ball At Natal.
striking , not to say gaudy , regalia of the brethren of the mystic tie . H . E . the Lieutenant-Governor entered thoroughly into the spirit of the entertainment , and took part in several of the square dances , while the Commandant , Col . Steward , who appeared in a handsome blue collar , indicative of the high office he holds in the Craft , was indefatigable in dancing , hardly missing anything on the card . " The Colonial
Secretary , Captain Himc , and many of the popular patrons of the terpsicliorean art , were also most energetic , and as to the ladies , they were evidently , one and all , bent upon verifying what a philosophical doctor once declared of them , namely , that it was a peculiar thing that ladies got tired by walking , but never became wearied by any amount of dancing . At about twelve o ' clock the call was made for supper ,
when His Excellency the Lieut .-Governor led off Mrs . Finnemore , Illustrious Bro . Finnemore taking Mrs . Mitchell . A very excellent repast was placed on the table , and wc need scarcely say was done ample justice to . The wine and . indeed , everything was of the first-rate order , and the . stewards of the ball were indefatigable in making- it enjoyable to the guests , as they had been in the preparations . After supper ( which was served
in the new room just built for billiards at the Theatre Royal ) dancing was renewed , and was kept up to a late , or rather early , hour . H . E . the Lieutenant Governor left at about 1 . 30 a . m ., but did so quietly , so as not to break up the hall , but the remainder of the dance programme was taken in hand with an amount of determination which showed that there was no idea of allowing any of it to pass without full justice . At the time we left—about 2 . 30—dancing" was
going on with continued energy , which was kept up to the last . ' Altogether , the Craft deserve to be congratulated on the thorough success of their ball , and we are sure all will join with us in thanking the Stewards for their indefatigable exertions . We wide-stand that they bad no little difficulty to contend against from the fact that Mr . VV . Risley , who had undertaken the decorations , fell ill just at the time when his services were required .
Chinese Masonry.
CHINESE MASONRY .
One would naturally suppose there is enough of Egyptian Freemasonry to glut the market , but the "Heathen Chinee , " with quite a savour of Yankee cnteness , comes to the front as follows : — Among the visitors at Supreme Court Chambers , New York , February 24 th , were live Chinamen—Wang A .
Leeng , James C Baptiste , Domingo de Luce , Wang Yee and Tom Yee—who appeared before Judge Lawrence as the incorporators of the "Long We long Eng VVi , " which being interpreted , means " 'The Order and Brotherhood of Masons , " the object of which is to ' ¦ promote friendship , brotherly love , and service to the Supreme Being by mutual succour in distress and aid in sickness , poverty , adversity .
and affliction . " 'The certilicaleof incorporation was granted by Judge Lawrence . As the Celestial Masons were leavinnthe building a reporter of the World stopped and asked one of them what the work of the association was to be and whether it was to be affiliated with the Masonic Order or not . In reply Mr . Baptiste who speaks English fluently and reads it with perfect ease , said : " This association is
what Americans would call a Lodge of Freemasons and our object is to benefit and assist all mankind , Freemasons generally and Freemasons from China in particular . " " When did you first become a Mason ?" " I was first made a Mason'in China long before 1 came to America . " ? - ; ,-:. _ " I lave you ever been tried by an'American Mason ?"
"Oh , yes ; more than once . In China we have had both English and American Freemasons in our lodges . " " Is there any very great difference observable in the examination by Americans of Chinese and vice versa r " " No , none in the signs and grips . The great trouble is in the language , although both rituals mean the same thing , and our passwords , although different in sound , have the
same significance . "Have you any idea of the origin and antiquity of Masonry in China ?" "Oil , yes . I have studied the subject , but it is too much to discuss at this time , and under these circumstances ; but one thing I will tell vim , and ( hat is , that the ritual used in China has been handed down unaltered for over a thousand years . "
" Can you produce any evidence to substantiate that assertion ?" " 1 can , and will be happy lo do so if you will call at my house at any time , " and handing his card to the reporter Mr . Baptiste passed on . I lis lodge is the first established among Chinamen on the Atlantic coast . Should anything more antient and honourable be put upon the market we will give our readers the benefit of it . — Looms' Musical Journal .
An Impostor.
AN IMPOSTOR .
Hall of Inyo Lodge , No . 221 , F . aml'A . M ., Independence , Inyo County , California , April 19 U 1 , 1 SS 0 . 'To the G . L . of Indiana , F . and A . M . Brethren , —About one year ago a man ' giving his name as Hall was relieved by our lodge . Since then he has been roving over the Pacific Coast , and is now in the Eastern
Stab-s passing himself off as Bro . R . W . Ford , of our lodge , and is receiving aid . When last heard from he was at Rockwood , Tenn ., April 7 th , 1 NK 0 . 'This man is a bilk and a scoundrel , and should be arrested for obtaining money umhr false pretenses . He is about
sixty years of age , has gray hair , and limps . 1 little . Please notify your subordinate lodges that they may not lie imposed upon by this rascal . A . R . CONKI . IN . W . M ( sea ! , ) HE . VRV . VI . ISAACS , Secretary . —Masonic Advocate .
At SJinnklin , Isle of Wight , ; i monument is about to be placed in the cemetery , in memory of those who lost their lives through the foundering of the " Eurydice " in Sandown Bay . It will be provided by public subscription , and will form a nautical design indicative ot the fatal calamity of March 24 , 1 S 7 S . —Echo .