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Phone South 476 1051 Market St. 3-5 ficstlc Board CONTENTS FOR DECEMBER, 1905 Greeting (verse) 201 Christmas Sentiment 202 Response to Grand Master’s Sentiment 205 A Templar’s Song (verse) 206 A Unique Presentation 207 Only a Mason, That’s All (A Christmas Tale) 208 Source of Masonic Rites 211 Death of P. G. M. William Johnston 212-213 Washington’s Masonic Nestor 213-214 The Creed of Masonry 215-216 The Knight’s Sympathy (verse) 217 Editor’s Corner 218 The Question of Documents Soliciting Candidates Recommendatory Certificate ’Not So Fast, Brethren Waiver of Jurisdiction The Wherewithal The Collection of Dues 223 Perfect Ashlars of Masonic Thought 224-225 The Hawaiian Tangle 226 Eastern Star Points 232-233 Opportunity (verse) 234 Chips From the Stone Quarries 235-236 PUBLISHED MONTHLY BY ^Trestle Board (Company 1 02-104 Second St.y San Francisco , Cal. Edited by James Wright Anderson Walter N. Brunt, and Edmund Mansfield Atkinson* ^Business Manager. Subscription Prick, |i.oo a Year; Single Copies, io Cents. Entered at the Post Office at San Prancisco, California, as scaond-clasa matter. Liberal commission to active agents. Correspondence solicited from every locality, jurisdiction and country on subjects pertaining to every Rite and Branch of Masonry. THE TRESTLE BOARD Masonic Calendar. IN EVENING CLOTHES FOR IMMEDIATE USE WE STAND PRE-EMINENT “(pF iJvetlus Se ^fja. ({perl UStOf 15 'sb( 5 ra ^p (§l°lb itts. 132 3k?amp Street, j^an Jj!rnnrisra. mas S M FRftNGISGO MD ftLflMBDft COUNTIES. Stated Meetings. MONDAY ist *Occidental Dodge, No. 22. 1st *Hermann Dodge, No. 127. ist Solomon’s Dodge, No. 260. ist & 3d *San Francisco R. A. Chapter, No. 1. ist & 3d {Golden Gate Commandery, No. 16. 2d &4th gBeulah Chapter, No. 99, O. F. S. 2d & 4th •f+f’Olive Branch Chapter, No. 169 O. F. S. every ***Oakland Scottish Rite Bodies, ist & 3d fffSan Francisco Chapter, No. 196, O. F. S. last ****Fruitvale Dodge, No. 336. TUFSDAY ist *Golden Gate Dodge, No. 30. ist *Oriental Dodge, No. 144. ist **San Francisco Dodge, No. 360. ist {{Brooklyn Dodge, No. 225. every ^Mission Commandery, U. D. ist & 3d *California Chapter, No. 5. R. A. M. ist & 3d **Starr King Chapter, O. F. S., No. 204. ist {{Oakland Commandery, No 11. 2d & 4th ilvy Chapter, No 27, O. F. S. 2d &4th ||f Unity Chapter, No. 65, O. F. S. ist & 3d Berkeley Chapter, O. E. S., Berkeley. WEDNESDAY ist *Mount Moriah Dodge, No. 44. ist *Crockett Dodge, No. 139. ist *Fxcelsior Dodge, No. 166. ist ^Mission Dodge, No. 169. ist& 3d ttOakland Chapter, No. 36, R. A. M. ist * California Council, No. 2, R. & S.-M. 2d {Islam Temple, A. A. O. N. M.S. 2d& 4th ggCarita Chapter, No. 115, O. F. S. ist& 3d {King Solomon’s Chapter, No. 170, O. F. S. THURSDAY ist **Starr King Dodge, 344 ist *California Dodge, No. 1. ist *Fidelity Dodge, No. 120. ist gSouth San Francisco Dodge, No. 212. ist *Doric Dodge, No. 216. ist ^Mission R. A. Chapter, No. 79. ist | |j Alcatraz Dodge, No. 244. 2d ggOak Grove Dodge, No. 215. ist *San Francisco Dodge of Perfection, No.i,S.R At Call *San Francisco Chapter, Rose Croix, No. 1. At Call ^Godfrey de St. Omar Council, No. 1. At Call *San Francisco Consistory, No. 1. 5th ttOakland Council, No. 12, R. & ■$. M. At Call *Pacific Coast Masonic Veteran Association. 2d & 4th {Harmony Chapter, No. 124, O. F S. 2d & 4th tfOak Deaf Chapter, No. 8, O. F. S. ist & 3d {{-Oakland Chapter, No. 140, O. E. S. ist & 3d {California Chapter, No. 183, O. F. S. ist {{{Presidio Dodge, No. 354. FRIDAY 1 st *Pacific Dodge, No. 136. ist *Doge Da Parfaite Union, No. 17. ist tt Dive Oak Dodge, No. 61. ist WDurant Dodge, No. 268. every ^California Commandery, No. 1. ist & 3d {Golden Gate Chapter, No. 1, O. F. S. ist *Doggi Fsperanza Italiana, No. 219. 2d & 4th {Crescent Court, No. 3, R. & A. D. SATURDAY TOfA lamed a Dodge, No. 167. ist ttOakland Dodge, No. 188. ist ^Berkeley Dodge, No. 363. 2d ggAlameda Chapter, No. 70, R. A. M. every Masonic Board of Relief, Emma Spreckels Bldg., 927 Market St., Room 604. last *Past Masters’ Association. 2d & 4th ^Mission Chapter, No. 155, O. F. S. TSt & 3d { Aloha Chapter, O. F. S., No. 206. * Masonic Temple, Corner Post and Montgomery Sts' t Franklin Hall, Fillmore, bet. Sutter and Bush Sts. t Golden Gate Commandery Hall, 629 Sutter St. \ Masonic Hall, Railroad Ave., South San Francisco, f Masonic Hall, 2668 Mission St., bet. 22d and 23d Sts. {+ Masonic Temple, 12th & Washington Sts., Oakland, tl F. 14th St., Faat Oakland. J| Peralta 9 t. near 7th St., West Oakland. $1 Masonic Temple, Park St., Alameda, fjf Masonic Hall, Berkeley Station. "♦Scottish Rite Cathedral, 14th & Webster Sts., OefcJand f ft 223 Sutter 9 t. ♦♦Devisadero Hall, 317 Devisadero St. ♦♦"Hast 14th St. and Fruitvale ave., Fruitvale. {ttOctavia and Union Streets. «vffl[Masonic Hall, Centerville, Cal . (Trestle Uo ar& Vol. XIX DECEMBER, 1905 No. 6 (greeting ob rest £ou, nterrte oentll men, Mberever \>ou nta\> be ,— (Bob rest $on all In flelbs or ball, ©r on \>e storm? sea; jfot* on tbls morn our Cbr?st was borne ftbat savetb ?ou anb me. Xast nlobt ?e sbepberbs In ?c Cast Saw man? a wonbrous tblno; IDe Sb? last nlobt flameb passlno brlobt Mbllst tbat ?e Stars bib sing, Hnb Hnoels came to bless ?e name ©f Jesus Cbr?st our 1k?no. 202 THE TRESTLE BOARD SIR GEORGE M. MOULTON, MOST EMINENT GRAND MASTER, GRAND ENCAMPMENT OF THE UNITED STATES, KNIGHTS TEMPLAR T11E TRESTLE BOARD 20 :'. Cfjrisfmas ^entimenf GRAND ENCAMPMENT KNIGHTS TEMPLAR, U. S. A. OFFICE OF THE QtommiffEB on (CI;i'isfmas Bbssruaiur, Portland, Maine, November 1, 1905. Dear Frater: The following sentiment has been prepared for the coming Christmas: To our Most Eminent Grand Master, GEO. M. MOULTON: A Merry Christmas, with health and prosperity to all the goodly fellowship of the Cross. The GRAND MASTER sends the following response: To all the loyal and loving soldiers of Christ enlisted under the banner of our Order* wheresoever dispersed throughout the World: Peace be unto thee and that contentment which cometh from a firm and unfaltering reliance upon our Father who art in Heaven. Will you join in these sentiments on Monday, December 25th, at noon Eastern Standard time (equivalent to 5 P. M. Greenwich), and will you extend the invitation to your command, as well as to all true Templars and their friends wheresoever dispersed, on land or sea. Courteously and fraternally yours, STEPHEN BERRY, Committee, Portland, .Maine. Hawaiian Standard Time, 165° \Y. 6 A. M. Alaska u 135° w. S “ “ Pacific “ 120° w. 9 “ “ Mountain (< 105° W. 10 ii << Central <« 90° w. n u “ Eastern (( ~ - O 4 D w. 12 M. Greenwich 0° 5 p. M. Philippine Standard Time, 120° E. 1 A . M . Dec. 26. 204 THE TRESTLE BOARD Grand Commandery Knights Templar of California. Headquarters of the Grand Commander, ROOM 204 STARR KING BUILDING, 121 GEARY STREET Wednesday, November 15, 1905. “The time draws near the birth of Christ; The moon is hid, the night is still'; The Christmas bells from hill to hill Answer each other in the mist.” TO ALL KNIGHTS TEMPLAR WITHIN THE JURISDICTION: GREETING: In response to the foregoing, you are requested to assemble in your respective Asylums, on Monday, December 25th, at 9 o’clock, Pacific Standard time, and join with our Fraters throughout the world in the proposed sentiment and response; inviting all sojourning Knights Templar to meet with you and participate in the Christmas libation. Your Grand Commander takes this occasion to extend to each and all his Knightly Greeting; may a happy New Year be your portion, with peace and pros- perity in your respective Commanderies. “Angels in the skies are singing ‘Peace and good will unto men;’ Hark! the glorious message ringing Sweeter now than it was then; Anguish flies and sorrows cease, Peace comes with the Prince of Peace.” Attest: WM. A. DAVIES, Grand Recorder. J. B. De JARNATT, Grand Commander. TEE TRESTLE BOARD •jn., RESPONSE TO GRAND MASTER'S SENTIMENT BY SIR KNIGHT R. L. McCORMICK, P. G. MINNESOTA, 1881. HE manger at Bethlehem points unerringly to Calvary, to the tomb and to the as- cension. Thought follows the page through youth to manhood. It sees him on the Mount of Beatitudes ut- tering the grandest sermon ever preach- ed. It follows him in his journeys, rais- ing the dead and giving sight to the blind. It sees him before Pilate and re- calls the scourging, the crown of thorns, the driven nails and the thrust of the spear. It recognizes a new religion, a new and a higher civilization, a brighter, a better and a happier world. It hears the angel at the tomb say “He is not here ! He is risen !" And the query of ages, “If a man die shall he live again ?” is answered and the hope of immortality becomes a sublime faith. The herald song of the angels of Ju- dea has come down through the centuries, repeated by the happy voices of childhood and age, bringing joy and gladness with its every vibration. I would not for one moment minimize the full significance of the song of “Peace on Earth, Good Will to Men." I would reverently recognize the charm of the simple story of the manger- cradled Christ and the magii of the East bearing their gifts to Bethlehem. I would humbly accept the pure life, the sublime teachings and the vicarious suffering on Calvary as the guerdon to our assurance of everlasting bliss ; but in the short time at my disposal I wish to add another thought for the consideration of my fellow Tem- plars here assembled; not as children, not as beneficiaries, but as men, as leaders of men. that what has been opened to you by the sacrifice on Calvary should be an inspiration to you to rise above the thought that grovels, to consider the duties you owe to humanity, to contemplate the op- portunities that life offers to do for others. “Think not to win a heaven of rest and glory. If thou shalt reach its or a tes without thy palm.” Awake to your responsibilities and be a factor in overthrowing tyranny and ig- norance and want, and aid in the substi- tuting for them truth and justice and liberty. Learn that it is more blessed to give than to receive, and discover the cheering fact that in the mystery of human effort as well as Divine Providence. “What the fountain sends forth Returns aghin to the fountain.” Have you grasped my idea that it is not alone the sweet story of Bethlehem's babe that we celebrate by this Christinas observance? Is it not more the after-life in its expressions of sympathy and help for the poor, the afflicted, the despised? Is it not the example of mature forbear- ance and charity, the words of wisdom and strength and promise? Is it not the heroic consummation of the sterner phase of sacrifice in giving life that others may find rest? Calvary's hill redeemed the world ; the crown of thorns is glorified ; and the ignominious cross is the symbol of the world's faith and hope. In the beauty of the lilies Christ was born across the sea. With a glory in his bosom That transfigures you and me ; As He died to make men holy, Let us die to make men free. 20G THE TRESTLE BOARD A Templar's *Song BY SIR KNIGHT P. H. TAYLOR. Long years ago I took a vow, A solemn vow that I would stand Under the banner of the cross, Until my days, my years should end. I vowed my sword it should defend The maiden innocent and fair, The widow desolate and lone, The orphan child in need of care. My knightly vow bids me hold fast, Unto my faith in Him who died Upon that rough hewn Roman cross, To Jesus Christ, the crucified. With Templar age I look, I see, That new made grave whence Christ arose, Triumphant over all the hosts Of death and hell and all His foes. My Temnlar faith knows Bethany, The place where His last blessing given Unto His loving followers Ere leaving them ascends to heaven. A wondrous story, beautiful, The grandest one that man has known, The Bethlehem babe, the Nazarene, Our mediator at God’s throne. THE TRESTLE BOARD 20 7 SET OF GAVELS AND STRIKING PLATES PRESENTED TO THE GRAND LODGE OF NEW ZEALAND. MAY, 19 f>, BY BRO. F. J. BROWNE, DAWSON CITY, YUKON TERRITORY. A UNIQUE PRESENTATION BOUT eight years ago, Fred- erick James Browne was ini- tiated into the mysteries of Freemasonry in Otaki Lodge, Xo. 72, A/F. & A. M., of Otaki, Xew Zealand. After a year and a half, during which time Bro. Browne developed great enthusiasm for the Masonic Institution, he departed for the Arctic to engage in gold mining. During the year 1903, when in Dawson. Yukon Territory, he conceived the idea of preparing a set of Masonic gavels from the tusk of a mastodon ex- cavated in the land of the midnight sun, for presentation to the Grand Lodge of Xew Zealand, to be used by the three prin- cipal Grand Officers at their respective stations. Three striking plates for use in connection with the gavels were fashioned of the same materials, and they, together with the gavels themselves, were presented to the Xew Zealand Grand Lodge at its Annual Communication, held at Palmer- ston, Xorth. on May 10, 1905. Both the gavel and striking plate of the Grand Master are mounted with bands of gold, and have three rows of nuggets encircling each. As the mastodon is said to have be- come extinct more than 80,000 years ago, the great age of these pieces of i\ory may be roughly estimated by the reader. The Grand Master of Xew Zealand, in accept- ing the gift laid great stress upon the an- tiquity of the tusks. The value of the gold used for the ornamentation has been estimated at nearly five hundred dollars. The illustration shown above is taken from the Proceedings of the Grand Lodge of Xew Zealand for 1905. Clay Ground Morris, in his “Freemasonry in the Holy Land.*’ gives the following anec- dote in reference to this locality : “A singular fact came to light under the investigation of my assistant at Je- rusalem. He discovered that the jewelers of that city, at the present day. use a par- ticular species of brown arenaceous clay in making molds for casting small pieces in brass, etc. “Inquiring whence this clay comes, they reply. ‘From Seikoot. about two days' journey northeast of Jerusalem.' Here, then, is a satisfactory illustration of our Masonic teaching that Hiram Abifi cast the sacred vessels of the Temple and the Pillars of the Porch in the clay grounds between Succ-oth and Zeredatha." 208 THE TRESTLE BOARD ONLY A MASON, THAT'S ALL f Ijlljl A Christmas Tale fjf ILli M. SWIFT, IN MASONIC HOME JOURNAL T was ten a. m., the day before Christmas; the snow had been falling the past half- hour, when a plainly-clad woman and an eight-year-old little girl boarded an electric car at First street and seated themselves in front of an apparently old man, with long, white whiskers, snow- white hair, fur cap on his head, body wrapped in a heavy overcoat. Just back of him were seated two plumbers going to repair a broken water pipe. The car gave a whirr and started out First street. The little girl touched the woman on the arm, and in such a pleading tone said: “Mamma, are you really sure Santa Claus will not come to our house to- night ?” “Almost sure, my baby,” came the gen- tle answer from the mother. “Mamma, Brother Eddie and I have tried to be so good, and I thought Santa Claus remembered good children, and, mamma, we will be so disappointed!” “You have been good children,” said the mother, “but times are hard and some- times Santa Claus can’t come.” “Dear mamma,” said the child, “I did not know Santa Claus had hard times; I thought he had plenty of everything.” The mother made no reply. The white- haired man and the two plumbers became interested in the mother and the child. After a short silence the child said : “Mamma,” it would have been nicer if Santa Claus had not brought so much on last Christmas, and just only a sled for brother, and me a dolly this time.” The mother made no reply, only drew a sigh. Another silence. “Mamma, won’t you please tell me why Santa Claus will not come this Christ- mas.” “Your papa has been sick, and his hand trembles so he can’t write to Santa Claus this time.” “Mamma, won’t you please write ? Brother has a piece of paper and an en- velope and I’ve got two pennies in my lit- tle savings bank. Take them and buy a stamp, won’t you please, mamma?” “Mamma does not know his address, my little baby girl.” “But papa does, and you can under- stand him though he does not speak plain. He knows Santa’s address.” “Hush, my baby. You promised to be quiet and good if I would let you come with me to look at the pretty things in the show windows while I tried to sell some fancy work. Mamma could not sell the work. She feels so badly and has the headache.” “I know I promised to be good, mamma. I only asked Santa for a dolly with long curly hair, just like the one in a show win- dow, price fifty cents. Mamma, I want- ed to ask the saleslady to just let me hug it and kiss it. And I’m so afraid I won’t get one, that something comes up in my throat that I can’t swallow.” The mother gave a shudder, leaned her head on her hand and said, “Oh, my little baby, please hush; you will break poor mamma’s heart.” A tear ran down the cheek of the white- haired man and lost itself in his white beard. One of the plumbers said to the other in a low voice: 1 HE TRESTLE BOARD 200 “That is Dan Egerly's wife and child. Poor Dan ! I feel sorry for him. He is paralyzed on one side. Dan had a nice home, out of debt. Tom Duncan over- persuaded him with a mining deal, loaned Dan the money and took a mortgage on his home. Tom swindled him, and just as soon as the note fell due Tom fore- closed the mortgage, and Dan's home will be sold this evening at one o'clock, and if I did not have so many little ones at home, I would see that that child got her doll/* “Does Dan belong to any Order that would assist him ?" asked the other. “Only a Mason, that's all/'' came the answer. The two men got off the car. The white-haired man ran his right hand be- tween the buttons on his overcoat and felt a circlet of gold, the center of which was a square and compass, securely pinned on the collar of his vest, and muttered, “Only a Mason, that's all." The child again touched the mother on the arm and said : “Mamma. I am so sorry that your head aches. I tell you what 'll do, I will hang up my stocking, and when I say my pray- ers, asit the Good Lord to just let Santa Claus bring me a curly-headed doll just for tomorrow, and let me play with it all day, and when I go to sleep at night come and take it. But I want to be sound asleep. I know I will cry when I find it gone, but it will seem like Christmas has comef “Oh, my dear baby, please hush; you will make mamma feel so bad." The poor mother gave a shiver and wiped a tear from her eye. The child was silent for a while. Tears left their trace on her baby cheeks. The white-haired man's hand was feel- ing for his pocket, when the child again said: “Dear mamma. Til tell you what IT1 do. I will just hang up my stocking and when I say my prayers tonight, ask the Good Lord to make poor pa well, and make his hand quit trembling. he can write next Christmas, and L'il play to- morrow just like I had a dolly, and try ever so hard to be happy." The mother shook like she had a chill; it seemed she was going to faint. The child looked behind her, and said in a low voice: '“Mamma, mamma, Santa Claus is right behind me. He looked at me so kindly. May I speak to him ?*' The mother instantly recovered herself and said : "Oh, no, no, my child ; you must not bother strangers. We are at home now : let’s hurry off the car." The child gave a pleading look at the old man. Mother and child were soon out in the falling snow and entered Xo. 1310,. and the car moved on. The white-haired man noted the number ; his face grew stern and hard. We know he was think- ing of “'man's inhumanity to man." Pres- ently his face began to change, and a smile chased away that stern and frigid look. We know he was thinking of the “long ago,*' when he was a boy. writing on scraps of paper, and sending them up the chim- ney as letters to Santa Claus. His effort- were watched by a dear father, whose hand could write a letter that was sure to be answered by Santa Claus. Again hi- face changed, his eyes had a far-away look in them, far beyond the falling snow. Soon tear after tear ran down his rugged cheeks, and mingled with his white beard. We know he was a child again, offering up his “Xow I Lay Me Down to Sleep" at his mothers knee, a mother whose gen- tle touch and loving kiss would heal all his childish sorrows and heartache-. The car came to the end of its run. The jar aroused him. He looked as one awak- ened from a dream. The car started back on its run. He put his fare in the box and said to the motorman. ‘’Stop at 1310.** He eagerly watched through the falling snow each house he passed. At 1310 he left the car with the step of a young man and rang the door bell. The 210 TEE TRESTLE BOARD door was opened by the little girl, who in- stantly cried: “Oh, mamma, mamma, come quick ! Santa Claus is here right now.*’ A sad-faced woman appeared. The stranger touched his cap and asked to see Mr. Egerly. He was at once ushered into the pres- ence of the sick man. He unbuttoned his overcoat, disclosing a square and com- pass, and grasped the trembling hand of the sick man, and gave it a grip. It was feebly returned. Their eyes met; each knew the other had traveled the toe road. The stranger then asked the wife how long he had been paralyzed and the cause. “Three months,” she said. “It was caused by a shock, brought on by the loss of our home.” “Can the doctors do him any good?” he asked. “Xo, the}^ say it was caused by a shock, and another shock may cure him.” “When is your home to be sold?” he asked. “Today at one p. m.,” she said. “The stranger turned to the paralyzed man and said, “my Brother, once upon a time, an effort was made; it was a fail- ure. A second effort was made; that was a failure. Then a timely suggestion was advised; that advice was accepted; then a third effort was made, and it was a suc- cess. The Great Architect can restore and rebuild.” The stranger bade him good-by, took the little girl's hand in his and left a two- cent stamp in it. and said: “Little girl, you and your brother write to Santa, and I am sure he will answer it.” The wife went with him to the door. There he took her hand in his and said : “My dear madam, within is a stranger, yet a Brother. I remember my solemn obligation, and I know my duty. Keep everything a secret. It is not charity, but my duty,” and was gone. She looked in her hand and found a twenty-dollar gold piece. The poor woman almost screamed for joy, but she checked herself when she remembered it was to be kept a secret. She quietly walked back in the sick-room, and began, woman-like, to plan for all the family except herself, of the comfort of the sick man, the sur- prises for her good little girl and noble boy, and was painfully aroused by the clock striking one, the time their dear home was to be sold. The desire became so great that she gave her little son ten cents' car fare and sent him to the sale to see who bought the place and the price paid. With that intuition every woman pos- sesses, she felt that some burden of her sorrow was about to roll away, and was soon again planning for the many sur- prises for tomorrow, and arranging some plausible excuse to again go to the busi- ness part of the city, when the door was almost broken open by her little son, who rushed in almost out of breath and sftid : “Mamma, when our home was put up for sale, that white-haired stranger asked how much was all the debt and expenses. The auctioneer said seventeen hundred and fifty dollars. The white-haired stranger handed him two one thousand dollar bills, and, ‘Pay off the entire debt, and send Brother Egerly the balance at once, and I want all Masons present to bear wit- ness.' “Who from?' asked the auctioneer. The answer, ‘Only a Mason, that's all.' ” “Mamma, mamma,” cried the little girl, papa has got a fit !” The paralyzed man jumped and jerked for a while, then fainted. When he regained consciousness the canceled note and money were handed him. The shock of good news had fully restored him. The little girl said: “Mamma, I knew that was dear Santa Claus, and I will surely get my black curly-haired doll.” And she did. T11E TRESTLE HOARD Ml Courtesy < unset Magazine GIANT FIG TREE AT MAYWOOD, CALIFORNIA SOURCE OF MASONIC RITES BY BRO. JOSEPH E. MORCOMBE HE sticklers for the blue- blooded Masonic genealogy are finding it hard to con- trovert the facts brought against them. Masonry of all rites, it appears to us. has descended from one common source. Certain branches of the family may have debased the blood by mesal- liances, but it is absurd to deny them kinship. The peculiar forms and cere- monies which appeal to ^nglo-Saxon peo- ples are not necessarily attractive, nor even appropriate, to other races. Institu- tiorn must, and do differ, as language. art and literature differ. Even the church which claims to be universal ha- learned to be adaptable to ethnic condition-. Its ceremonials may be -eve rely plain or florid, as will best serve the general can-*-. Masonry will certainly not advance the cause of universal brotherhood if each section, like a suspicious sect, wall- itself about with a barrier of solemn oxcIuhw - ne^ and declares that all without the pale are heretics and illegitimate-. If our- i- the best and the fittest, it will survive: but the comparison cannot be mad • unles- Masons of all rite- can freely commingle. 212 THE TRESTLE BOARD DEATH OF P. G. M. WILLIAM JOHNSTON EO. WILLIAM JOHNSTON, Past Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of California, died at his home at Richland, near Courtland, Sacramento County, Xov ember 14th. Bro. Johnston was one of the foremost members of the Fraternity in this State, and was a notable factor in the history of California, particularly of that district traversed by the Sacra- mento Liver. Bro. Johnston was a Cali- fornia pioneer, having crossed the plains with a party of three hundred in 1849, shortly after which he located on the banks of the Sacramento River, twenty miles below Sacramento, near the town of Courtland, where he engaged in the pur- suit of agriculture and horticulture at his place, named “Rosebud Rancho,” which was his home for more than half a cen- tury. As an agriculturist lie acquired a broad experience, and his advice was con- stantly sought in matters pertaining to the tilling of the soil. He was prominent in the State Grange, having been its Grand Master in 1886. He took an ac- tive interest in public matters, having filled the office of State Senator to the eminent satisfaction of his constituents, having served as a member of the State Board of Equalization, and at the time of his death being a member of the State Board of Agriculture. During his serv- ice as a legislator he introduced and caused to be passed many important meas- ures affecting the Swamp and Reclama- tion interests, being at the time chairman of the Committee on Agriculture and Swamp and Overflowed Lands. Bro. Johnston was born at Wilkinsburg, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, about eight miles from Pittsburg, June 2, 1829. In his young manhood he married Eliza- beth S. Hite, who passed away about two years ago. Three children, Mrs. F. A. Edinger, of Sacramento, Miss Bella THE TRESTLE BOARD 213 Johnston and \V. A. Johnston, of Court- land. survive him. Bro. Johnston was a Past Master of Franklin Lodge, Xo. 143, of Courtland, and a Past Grand Master of this State. He was also identified with the Royal Arch, the Knights Templar and the Mys- tic Shrine. He was a zealous and con- sistent Mason, a patriotic and public- spirited citizen. Generous, open-handed, true, democratic, loyal, he prided himself upon being a man of the people, a just and upright country gentleman, and a faith- ful public servant. During hi.- lifetime Bro. Johnston'.- breezy and cheerful manner made for him many warm friends among hi- brethren, his neighbor- and hi- fcllow-eitiztns, these friendships being retained to the day of his death, and his .funeral was one of tne most largely attended which has oc- curred in the Sacramento Valley. Past Grand Master Johnston was buried in Sacramento by the Grand Lodge. Xovember 19th. his life-long friend. Pa.-t Grand Master Edmund C. Atkinson, act- ing as Grand Master. C 1 WASHINGTON’S MASONIC NESTOR EO. THOMAS MILBURXE REED, late Grand Secretary of Washington, whose death was briefly chronicled in the Xovember Trestle Board, was the ranking Grand Sec- retary in point of service in the United States. Had he lived until December 8th, he would have been eighty years of age. Bro. Reed was installed as Gran! Secretary upon the organization of the Grand Lodge of Washington in 1858. and. except- ing three years during which he was Grand Master, and a term of one year when he .was absent in Idaho, he held this position from that time until his death, which oc- curred at low twelve. Saturday, October T. 1905. Bro. Reed was born December, 1825. at Sha'rpsburg. Kentucky, of Scotch-Irish 214 THE TRESTLE BOARD parentage. His early education was ob- tained for the most part by self-study nights, while at work on a farm, by which he fitted himself to • teach school at the age of 18 years. He engaged in business in his native state, and when the gold fever was at its height in 1849, emigrated to California, and engaged in mercantile and mining operations. In 185? he moved to Olym- pia, Washington, where he resided up to the time of his demise, except during brief periods in Lewiston, Idaho. Bro. Reed was a member of the con- stitutional convention which framed the constitution of the State of Washington, and had held many other important of- fices in Washington and Idaho. He re- tired from public life in 1893 and devoted his time almost exclusively to his duties as Grand Secretary. He was made a Ma- son in 1847 in Holloway Lodge, No. 153, in Bath count}', Ivy. He served many times as Master of Lodges in California and Washington. He was a Past Grand Master of the Grand Lodge, Past Grand Secretary of the Grajnd Chapter Past Grand Recorder and Past Grand Treasurer of the Grand Commandery, a 33d Degree member of the Scottish Rite, and a mem- ber of the Shrine and the Eastern Star. Bro. Reed’s California record includes service as Master of Georgetown Lodge, No. 25, Georgetown, 1853; Master of Aca- cia Lodge, No. 92, Coloma, El Dorado county, 1855-7 ; Grand Marshal of the Grand Lodge, 1857. He was dubbed a Knight Templar in Sacramento Commandery, No. 2, Iv. T. Probably no other Grand Secretary in the world can point to such long and hon- orable labor in the Masonic vineyard. By courtesy of Bro. M. W. Tyler, Acting Grand Secretary, we are privileged to present a likeness of Bro. Reed. Man’s Mission Bro. Frank H. Myrick writes: Every man lias a mission in life. Cre- ation would be purposeless if its highest and crowning consummation — man — were left to wander aimless and objectless. What matters it, if he is endowed with God-like qualities of intellect, a superb brain, a creative, active mind, an intelli- gence that can grapple and overcome the potential and hidden forces of nature, if all these magnificent inheritances are only wasted and unutilized? The grave is not the goal of the human race. Existence is not the effervescent dream that flits athwart the mind in the silent watches of the night. It is a most wretched delusion that leads a man to be- lieve that after a misspent life, where no promise has met with fulfillment, and every flower of beauty and fragrance, ere it blossomed in the sunlight, was choked with the noxious weeds of passion and of vice, he could lay the garments of his soul into an earthly casket and say: “Here at last is oblivion. In this grave are rest and peace.” Impotent delusion ! Vain hope ! Boundless space, boundless time, never ceasing and eternal energy are some of nature’s conditions, and through its ever-changing forms it is still and for aye never changing. Don’t Brethren, whatever you do, never forget the sublime lessons taught in Masonry and never allow anything to occur during the conferring of degrees that will de- tract from the principles of the institu- tion. Anything tending to produce levity is entirely out of place. Far better tell a candidate that he can prepare himself for a series of important lessons, that will stay with him as long as life lasts, if he has the proper conception of it. L T nder no circumstances should light remarks be made to a candidate, such as “wait until you get the third, then we’ll fix you.” It has a tendency to disgust the intelligent candidate and degrade an institution that has gained the respect and admiration of all civilized countries. Keep politics, re- ligion and “funny business” out of Ma- sonry. If you want and must have fun, join a side issue ! — -Missouri Freemason. THE TRESTLE BOARD 21 o Courtesy Sunset Magazine bridal VEIL FALL, YOSEMITE THE. CREED OF MASONRY BRO. WM. J. DUNCAN, IN HARLEM ARGUS ASOXEY is not religion, al- though it has been called the "handmaid of religion.'' It is not a religion in the sense that it has dogmatic creeds, or enjoins certain articles of faith, has a system of theo- logical doctrines. It lays down as a funda- mental principle a belief in one true and living God, an overruling power whose su- preme will creates and sustains the uni- verse, and the immortality of the soul. “The universality of the fatherhood of God and the universality of the brother- hood of man.'' Upon these two doctrines hang all the doctrines and teachings of Masonry. There is no occultism in the creed of Masonrv. no mvsticism that onlv the learned and highly intellectual can under- stand, but it is a plain, natural and non- scientific belief that "lie who runs may read.” and “the wayfaring man though a fool may understand.*' It appeals to all men no matter how untutored they may be, for in every man is an innate sense of in- dependence upon some power greater than his own. and a confident expectation of a life hereafter. Men may scoff at God and immortality, but down deep in the heart there is a feeling that this world cannot be the end. All peoples, all religions, all classes, in some way or other, in some form or other, present the truths of an overrul- ing, omnipotent power, and an unending futurity to man's soul, as the underlying principles of all teachings. 216 THE TRESTLE BOARD If we leave these two simple truths, upon which all confessions of faith, or articles of belief, or creeds are based, and ask the learned theologian, who goes into the field of metaphysical researches, to de- fine his dogmas, he will lead us into a labyrinth so intricate that with all his learning he will be unable to extricate us. We will be lost in a maze of disturbing doubts, until, disgusted with the unlearned interpretations of the learned doctors, we turn from them and lift our hands implor- ingly, simply to our Father. In Him all discordant elements of mystifying creeds, which have not the mind of God in them, but the finite mind of man, are swallowed up in one- great attribute of His nature — love. Everything that surrounds us, the heav- ens above, the earth beneath, the sweetness of nature’s blushing flowers, the air we breathe, the fruit we eat, all testify of God’s loving kindness and tender care. It does not require a theological education to understand this. The revival of spring, the springing grass, the bursting buds, the growing beauties of nature all proclaim the Goodness of God, and the resurrection of nature. If the grass springs into new- ness of life at the breath of spring, shall we say that man alone shall remain un- resurrected? The world of nature fur- nishes abundant proof of life after death. The creed of Masonry is one that every man can accept, for it has no controversy with Calvinism, Armenianism, with Jew or Gentile, Protestant or Roman; but over, above, around and beneath them all, it throws an atmosphere that quiets our fears, quells every discordant passion and brings peace and contentment to our trou- bled souls. Love, and we are taught in the Great Light of Masonry that God is love, sweet- ens every creed, as it does every life. Harder than adamant, and more sterile than Sahara, is the heart that has no love in it. Every man and woman, and indeed every creature made by the hand of God, needs this element of happiness. The beasts of the field possess it, and every creature manifests a love for its own that speaks of God in the animal creation. Suppose this world was filled with brotherly love, what a different world it would be. How much we would enjoy of what we fail to appreciate now. Would the man who yields to an overwhelming temp- tation be spurned and ostracised from so- ciety? Would we not rather, by tender so- licitude and admonition, endeavor to re- claim him ? There are more men in prison bearing the burden of a sudden wrongdo- ing than there should be . There are those out of prison upon whose consciences the woe of those within the walls should hang heavily. In many instances the places should be exchanged. There is many a really good man wearing the prison garb, because the love and consideration he was entitled to was not exercised toward him. If brotherly love prevailed as it should there would be less crime. It is the ab- sence of love that makes many a man and woman seek relief in any sea of intoxica- tion that will bring forgetfulness, and in that condition they become desperate and do things their better nature revolts at. The creed of Masonry, then, is love, which includes within its wide range everything that is honest, that is true. It is a canopy beneath which all may seek and find shelter from the killing blasts of ha- tred and malice. Acknowledge the Father and He will acknowledge }^ou, and you will learn that in him is happiness here, life hereafter and peace that knows no ending. The creed of Masonry includes everything that contributes to man’s happiness. Definitions The Simple Life — Doing your own work. The Strenuous Life — Doing some other fellow’s work. The Modern Life — Getting some other fellow to do your work . — Smart Set. Charity is the most benifieent when bestowed in secret. THE TRESTLE BOARD h; Courtesy Sunset Magazine the HOME OF THE SEAL — SEAL ROCKS, SAN FRANCISCO THE. KNIGHT’S SYMPATHY I’m for the little dog in the fight, And I’m for the little man Who goes to battle with all his might, Doing the best he can Against the giant whose arms are strong — Or, rather, let me explain, I’m for the little man, right or wrong. If I have nothing to gain. ’Tis the feeling of knighthood in my heart That makes me a partisan, That prompts me to take the weak one’s part, To cheer for the little man. Hurrah for the grit that assails dull might ; Fate prosper its brave design; I’m for the little dog in the fight — If the big dog isn’t mine. — .S’. E. Kiser. 218 TEE TRESTLE BOARD EDITORS’ CORNER JAMES WRIGHT ANDERSON, 1 EDMUND MANSFIELD ATKINSON, / ‘ * Editors. all B)asmts, roiiljErao- BDEL’ btgpBBSBb, B MlErrg (Efjrisfntas attb M Jfappg Be id $Bar The Question of Documents We give place to the following letter re- © ceived from Brother Edward M. L. Ehlers, Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge of New York: Editors Trestle Board : The Keystone of Philadelphia, in its issue of September 23 , 1905 , copies a letter written to the Trestle Board wherein the writer complains of his treatment in attempting to visit a Lodge in the City of New York in June last Your correspondent is in error when he at- tributes the refusal of the Lodge Committee to examine him for the purpose of visitation to an edict or order from a Past Grand Mas- ter. The Constitution of the Grand Lodge of New York provides that any visitor from an- other jurisdiction, not personally known, must produce a certificate from a just and duly constituted Lodge, and such certificate must be countersigned by the Grand Secretary of the jurisdiction in which the -Lodge is lo- cated, before his examination can take place. This requirement was made a part of the law of New York for good and sufficient rea- sons, and is not the edict of any Grand Master. It may not be known to your correspondent that in a neighboring State there is a fraudu- lent so-called Grand Lodge with a constit- uency of more than thirty Lodges in that State and which has established other fraudu* lent Lodges in neighboring States. It was for the purpose of preventing these from visiting the Lodges in New York that its Con- stitution was amended so that a Brother from another jurisdiction could not be ex- amined until he produced “documentary evi- dence” of his regular standing in a just and duly constituted Lodge of Free Masons. The Grand Lodge of New York in adopting this amendment neither transcended its power nor violated any Land Mark in Masonry. If the Brother who claims to be a Past Master will recall the Ancient Charges and Regulations to which he was obliged to sub- scribe at his installation as Master and which Charges and Regulations have come to us with the establishment of Free Masonry by the Mother Country in America, he will find ample authority for any Grand Lodge to es- tablish the prerequisite of documentary evi- dence in the examination of a visiting Brother. “You promise,” say these Charges and regu- lations, “that no visitor shall be received into your Lodge without due examination and producing proper vouchers of his having been initiated in a regular Lodge.” Fraternally, Edward M. Ehlers, Grand Secretary. Whilst we do not claim ‘any right to adversely criticise the action of any Grand Lodge, we may and do claim the right, in respectful manner, to express our views relative to any subject presented for the consideration of governing bodies in the Fraternity of Freemasons. Most writers on Masonic law hold to the doctrine that the right of visitation is a Landmark of the Order. Mackey says that this right has always been recog- nized as an inherent right, which inures to every Mason. Like other rights in Ma- sonry, however, this one may be impaired, forfeited or regulated. We do not under- stand that the Grand Lodge of New York gainsays the right; the Constitution of that Lodge practically nullifies the right, or, at least renders it fruitless. The law of New York, as stated in the fore- going letter from Grand Secretary Ehlers, “provides that any visitor from another Jurisdiction, not personally known, must produce a certificate from a just and duly constituted lodge, and such certificate must he countersigned by the Grand Sec- retary of the Jurisdiction in which the lodge is located, before his examination can take place.” Admitting that the Grand Lodge of New York had the right to regulate the matter of visitation, we are of opinion that the enforcement of THE TRESTLE BOARD 210 such a law. if visitation is a right or even is a favor, as the Grand Lodge of California holds, will prevent Masons from other Jurisdictions visiting lodges in Xew York. The writer on the occa- sion of a visit to Xew York City last- year went to visit* a lodge. A committee of two brethren of the lodge was sent out to examine him ; the first requirement was the production of a certificate show- ing that his lodge was a regular one. He was unable to produce such a certifi- cate, for the simple reason that the Juris- diction of California has made no pro- vision for the issuing of such documents. Met with the assertion that the committee could not examine him. he pleaded the test oath. and. being somewhat cheeky, he stated that he was a Past Master and a Past Grand Lecturer of this Jurisdiction. The committee seemed at a loss as to what they should do, when, finally, one of the brothers was sent to the Grand Secretary to ascertain if it were possible to grant the favor of examination. The favor was granted, and the committee was readily satisfied that he ought to have been the examiner, not the examined. He was ad- mitted. and was received in a manner befitting his rank and the character of the lodge. It occurred to him to ask him- self what that committee would know about the regularity of his lodge or even of the regularity of the Grand Lodge of California, had a certificate been present- ed. Is it not possible for a clandestine lodge and a clandestine Grand Lodge to grant to their clandestine members the required certificate ? And how can any committee determine the regularitv of either lodge or Grand Lodge unless they have the means by which the fact can be determined. There is but one means whereby the character of the lodge may be known, that is, by the Grand Lodge of the particular Jurisdiction listing the clan- destine lodges, placing such list in the possession of the several lodges, and re- quiring the examination of the list on the GIVE US NOTICE Subscribers are urgently requested to report promptly to this office every failure to receive the Trestle Board. It is our purpose to afford prompt and unfailing service, if such Is possible. If your magazine is not delivered promptly we want to know it. It is especially requested that all changes in address be specifically re- ported, and it is necessary in such cases that both the old and the new addresses be given, that we may find your name upon our books. Brethren, if you change your addresses you can- not expect us to know it unless you yourselves notify us of the fact. In a great majority of the cases of failure to receive the publication, which we have investigated, it has been found either that the subscriber has changed his residence without notifying us, or the non-receipt of the magazine is traceable to some other oversight not the fault of this office. Give us due and timely notice. I application of a brother for examination or visit. In this connection w- suggest the pro- priety of members oi utir lodges in Cali- fornia. especially when traveling, to have in their possession a receipt or card show- ing that they are in good standing in their respective lodges. We further desire to say that California is not afflicted with clandestine Lodges, or with irregular lodges, except a.' to the Xegro lodge.", which have not been recognized bv the Grand Lodge. We would also, respect- fully call the attention of our lodge:- to the list of clandestine bodies, published in the issue of this Magazine of October, 1905. A copy of this li>t should be kept in every lodge of the State, accessible to examining committees. 220 THE TRESTLE BOARD Soliciting Candidates It is one of the pecu- liar features of Free- masonry that the person who desires to obtain the benefits and privileges of the institution must seek them of his own free will and ac- cord. He presents himself as a can- didate*— that is, as one in all re- spects worthy. He must declare in his petition for admission to the Lodge that he conies unbiased by the solicitation of friends, and uninfluenced by mercenary motives, and that he freely and voluntar- ily offers himself for the mysteries of Ma- sonry. It is entirely inconsistent with the usages of our Order to persuade, or even to solicit anyone to become a Mason. In this respect the institution of Freemason- ry differs from all others; and this very usage is one of the chief guaranties of its strength. We fear that in these latter days the usage is frequently violated. Too often do we hear Masters of lodges, those who have solemnly obligated themselves to preserve intact all the laws, rules, reg- ulations and usages of the Order, boast- ing of the number of accessions to the membership of their lodges during their terms; seldom, if ever, priding themselves and their lodges upon the quality of the accessions. Quality and ntot quantity , character and not numbers, constitute excellence. Nor is the evil of such boast- ing confined to Masters and subordinate lodges ; our Grand Bodies too often give countenance to such boast. It is alto- gether in contravention of the laws and principles of Freemasonry to exercise any kind of influence to induce others to join the Fraternity, except that influence which arises from a true Masonic life. A prac- tical exemplification of the tenets of our Order in our own walk and conversation amongst our fellow men will be the most legitimate and forceful means of inducing candidates to ask for admission to our lodges, as well as the surest means of securing the best material for member- ship. Let the strife begin in a closer ad- CAUTION TO SUBSCRIBERS It having recently come to the knowledge of the publishers of this magazine that unauthorized persons have solicited subscriptions and made collections on account of same, it be- comes necessary to warn brethren and subscribers not to pay any money to any canvasser not personally known to them, unless such person can show a letter of authority, signed by the Trestle Board Co., Walter N. Brunt, Manager, dated subsequent to April 1, 1905. Notice is hereby given that the pub- lishers of the Trestle Board will not be responsible for any payments made in contravention of the above caution. Pay no money to any stranger un- less he can show written authority to make collections. herence to the excellent principles and teachings of Masonry in our own lives; let our Masonic light so illumine our lives that others seeing the noble character of our membership may be drawn by a strong voluntary desire to unite with us. Ma- sonry is popular; and, if popular because of its noble and generous influences, it will go on increasing in strength and use- fulness. If it is popular through selfish or mercenary motives, it will fail to ac- complish the great mission intended. Ours is a noble institution ; its votaries should strive to conserve its lofty character by that nobility of soul which at all times should appear conspicuous in their own lives. If we had the say no Recommendatory dimit unaceompaI1 ied by a recommendatory certificate should ever be given to any one. Nor would we give a dimit to any one simply because he was clear on the THE TRESTLE BOARD 221 books. The brother deserving a dimit should be clean and clear in his charac- ter as well. Such a one asking for a dimit is entitled to highest recommendation. We rather like the custom prevailing in some Grand Lodges forbidding the grant- ing of dimits to any Masons until after they have been elected to membership in some other Lodge. The object in grant- ing a dimit to a member is not the dis- severance of his relation to the Fraternity. Under the ruling of the Grand Lodge of California no brother will be permitted to resign from Masonry or to renounce the Order; such action would be an offense against the Order, and would subject the brother to discipline. It appears to us that the only object of the dimit is the disseverance of his membership in the lodge. The rule is “Once a Mason, al- ways a Mason." The dimit is granted for the purpose of enabling the brother to connect himself with some other lodge. If the brother receiving the dimit neglects to make application for membership in another lodge, by operation of law, he is punished by losing his standing in the Order, and can only regain it by comply - ing with the law provided for such a case. We take it that a brother unworthy to re- ceive a dimit with recommendation, is an unworthy brother, and as such, instead of being granted a dimit, should be disci-, plined for his unwort-hiness. If he is not worthy in his own lodge, he should be granted no privilege to make application to any other lodge. A dimit without rec- ommendatory certificate gives him this privilege. Our Constitution makes it the duty of the lodge to discipline its un- worthy members. The dimit either with or without the recommendatory certificate enables the brother, no matter how un- worthy, to keep himself in standing by paying an affiliation fee accompanied with six months'’ dues. Such a brother may be subsequently the occupant of a cell in the State prison, and on his release, with his dimit can apply to any lodge and put himself in standing. Several instances have occurred in our lodges of members being granted this character of dimit, when, had the lodge done its duty the un- worthy members would have been ruth- lessly cast out of the fold. “Xo lodge has a right to impose on the body of Masonry an unworthy man." Our Grand Lodge says, “Good men only are wanted in the Masonic family, and when bad men get in, we should take the earliest opportunity to get them out." Common sense and common decency say the same thing. A dimit to an unworthy Mason is a con- donation of offense, whether intended or not. The interests of the Order demand that Masons and lodges of Masons do their duty. If lodges hold their members to strict responsibility all will be benefited. Not so Fast, Brethren The Masonic Herald, of Rome, Georgia, states that “contracts have been let for an addition to the San Francisco Masonic Temple, which will cost $67,000,*' which will be news to the Brethren of San Francisco. The fact of the matter is that the Grand Lodge of California purposes the erection of an elegant Temple on the site occupied by the present Masonic struc- ture in San Francisco, which will be one of the most commodious and elegant Ma- sonic edifices in the world, but contracts have not been let for its construction, nor have the plans ever been prepared. The Temple is merely in embryo. Waiver of Jurisdiction When lodges have con- current Jurisdiction, is it necessary to obtain consent of all the lodges to the waiver, or is the consent of any one of the lodges sufficient? The question is variously an- swered in various Grand Jurisdictions. In 1899 the Grand Lodge approved a de- cision rendered by Grand Master Patton, reading thus : “As any one of the Lodges having concurrent Jurisdiction over a per- son may receive his petition, elect and con- 222 THE TRESTLE BOARD fer the Degrees of Masonry upon him, so any one of such lodges may waive Juris- diction in the manner prescribed by the Constitution, and authorize another Lodge to receive and act upon the application.'* We consider this decision a proper one. If we mistake not, the Grand Lodge of Illinois holds that all the concurrent lodges should consent to the waiver. This, in our opinion, would render the obtain- ing of a waiver practically impossible, or, at least, so burdensome that it would sel- dom, if ever, be sought. San Francisco has some nineteen lodges ; Chicago has aboi^t seventy. 'To secure the consent of nineteen or seventy lodges would be a task that no applicant would be likely to undertake. Expediency, therefore, shows the justice of the ruling of the Grand Lodge of California. But beyond ex- pediency, the fact that the lodge receiving the petition of an applicant gains Juris- diction over him and retains the Jurisdic- tion as against the other concurrent lodges, seem to prove the correctness of the' view held by the Grand Lodge of Cal- ifornia. Statements of account _ e , . _ are mailed this month wherewithal . „ , to many of our sub- scribers who are in arrears for one or more years, and it is respectfully re- quested that a prompt response be forth- coming in each and every case. To pub- lish one of the best Masonic journals in America, be assured, is no trivial task, particularly in so far as the financial de- partment of this magazine is concerned, and, as our business manager, whose office, like that of the Senior Hiram, is to pay the craft their wages, if any be due them, and whose broad shoulders droop with the weight of responsibility attaching to his position, is squaring accounts for the year, it is hoped, nay, presumed , that the wherewithal will begin to pour into his strong box Mike the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron’s beard, that went down to the skirts of his garments.” Many of our subscribers have forgotten to drop us a line for one, two or three years, and we pine to receive a remittance from them, or if such be not forthcoming, even a protest will be welcomed. It is the law of the land that so long as a subscriber continues to receive his newspaper or magazine from the postoffice he is held liable for payment for the same, and that all arrearages must be paid. The courts have so decided in a number of cases. Now, brethren, our cashier is expect- antly waiting. A Trifle It was only a pleasant smile, And little it cost in giving, Yet it scattered the night like the morning, And made the day worth living. Thro’ life’s dull warp a woof it wove In shining colors of hope and love, And the angels smiled as they watched above Tho’ little it cost in the giving. It was only a kind word, A word but lightly spoken, Yet not in vain, for it stilled the pain Of a heart that was almost broken. It strengthened a faith beset with fears And groping blindly through mist of tears For light to brighten the coming years. Tho’ it was but lightly spoken. It was only a friendly hand, And it seemed of little availing, But its grasp was warm, and it saved from harm A brother whose strength was failing. Its touch was tender as angels’ wings And it rolled the stones from hidden springs, And pointed the way to higher things, Tho’ it seemed of little availing. A smile, a word, a touch — How easily each is given ! Yet either may win a soul from sin, Or smooth the way to Heaven. A smile may lighten the failing heart, A word may soften pain’s keenest dart, A touch may keep us from sin apart — How easily either is given ! Anonymous. THE TRESTLE BOARD Courtesy Sunset Magazine VIEW OF THE LUCIN CUT-OFF OF THE SOUTHERN PACIFIC RAILWAY ACROSS THE GREAT SALT LAKE, UTAH THE- COLLECTION OF DUES HE Grand Lodge confers upon each lodge the right to designate in its by-laws the amount of dues to be assessed upon each member annually, and the time for the payment thereof, and it requires that all dues so assessed must be collected when due. and payable, except in case a member is unable to pay, when his dues may be remitted. There is no regulation of the Grand Lodge more clearly ex- pressed than this, and there is none more frequently violated by the lodges. This dereliction of a plain duty by so many lodges has always proved a great injury to them. They thus not only soon become weak financially, hut they become still weaker generally by the loss of the active, earnest support of prompt paying mem- bers. Xine times out of ten. where lodges have lost their usefulness and have been compelled to surrender their charters, or have been closed up by order of the Grand Lodge, it has been from this cause. The great army of non-affiliated and indefi- nitely suspended Masons throughout the country, numbering probably one-Lalf the number of contributing Masons would not exist had they never been permitted to become delinquent for dues. The long list of vacant numbers on the roll of lodges in this and other Grand Jurisdic- tions are there mostly from the same cause. In a matter of so great importance to Masonry is it not time for lodges to heed this admonition and resolve to do their whole duty hereafter to themselves and to their members? * * * Every Secre- tary should have his books posted and a list of those who have not paid, with the amount due from each, at the annual meeting for the election of officers. The lodge should then take such action a:~ will compel a settlement of these accounts as speedily as possible. Deal kindly, but firmly and justly, with each one accord- ing to circumstances, and when all the members once stand equally on the books ot the lodge, there will be but little trou- ble in keeping them so. and your lodge will surely prosper . — Masonic Advocate. 224 THE TRESTLE BOARD Perfect Ashlars of Ma.sonic Thought E have always been impressed with the solemnity of the Ma- sonic Ritual. We have never found a place in it that could be divested of its solemnity and leave anything but sounding brass and a tinkling cymbal. From our very first entrance into a Masonic Lodge our heart seemed to get closer to its Maker, and then and there we recorded a promise that we would never take God’s holy name in vain. In every degree our trust in God is peculiarly emphasized, and no man can take His name in vain without at some time being reminded of the lessons taught him to reverence God. Our heart has often been grieved to hear men professing their great love for Masonry profane God’s holy name. Profanity is a most useless and unbecoming habit, and it can not possi- bly bring any comfort, but often brings sorrow to him who indulges in it. Brother Mason, you should not swear. “Remember thy Creator in the days of thy youth.” Remember Him in thy strong manhood. Remember Him when thy years are de- clining. Remember God with such rev- erence as will ever keep you from profan- ing His holy name. — William H. Bumpas, P. G. M., Tennessee. We are of a conservative nature. We believe in Masonry as it existed in the days of our fathers; we mean before all the hurry and bustle of the present day, when there was a time for everything, and everything at a proper time; in the days when the attentive ear caught the true meaning of Masonry, and it was not thought necessary by means of robes and paraphernalia to teach Masonry to a can- didate through his eyes. As a matter of fact, it is light in Masonry that the can- didate is seeking for, and it is only by a study of the teachings of Masonry through the brain that his heart becomes filled with pure Masonic love of God. — Alb ro E . Chase , Maine . I have always loved Masonry, and have learned to set the highest value upon the social and harmonizing influences which find a natural growth within the Institu- tion. I think we may all say that we are happier and better men than we should have been had we never been Masons, and that some of the most satisfactory hours of our lives have been spent under the roof tree of the brotherhood. We have found in Masonic intercourse that comfort, sym- pathy and mutual support which is the constant craving of the human heart, and of which the hard conditions of mortal life give us only a scanty enjoyment. — • Bro. Samuel C . Lawrence , P. G. M., Mas- sachusetts. It is a great privilege to be able to assist in the work of bringing intellectual light into the dark comers of the world, of holding our fellow men to throw aside their prejudices and sweep away their mental cobwebs, of placing them upon the mountain tops, with their desire for knowledge quickened, their capacity for learning enlarged, their mental horizon broadened, their love for their fellows in- tensified, their power to discern the true relations of life expanded, and conse- quently their usefulness as citizens and members of society increased. This is a privilege every Mason enjoys. May every one of us to the extent of our power live up to the full measure of our opportuni- ties, and do our full share in promoting THE TRESTLE BOARD peace ancl harmony, liberty and equality, righteousness and justice among all the jDeojDles of the earth . — William B . Wright , Grand Master , Illinois. Freemasonry ! What a breadth of meaning the word conveys. To the mis- taken and misguided it is the embodiment of the prince of darkness; to the initiated it is the incarnation of all that is high and holy. It exceeds my ability to pro- nounce a fitting eulogy upon the greatness and goodness of this venerable institu- tion; but to maintain its pristine beauty and promulgate its principles is at once our duty and our pleasure. Ho associa- tion surpasses Freemasonry in its benefits to mankind. Like the searching rays of sunlight it penetrates the readjusting con- course of human events with obligations to the betterment of our fellow men. To make us better is to contribute to our happiness — the most coveted of all God’s blessings. * — Brother Herbert Preston, Grand Orator , Illinois. When the haughty Roman dames were boasting of and exhibiting with ignoble rivalry, their costly adornments, the no- ble Cornelia said, pointing with a loftier pride to her children : “These are my jew- els.” Her words have come to us “down the ringing grooves” of Time, and may not we repeat them as proudly, pointing to “the three jewels of Masonry,” as our manual calls them, inculcating the prac- tice of these truly commendable virtues, Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth — these priceless gems of soul, which far outshine “the wealth of Ormus and of Ind,” and which glorify the wearer, though clad in poorest garb, as no jewels of the mine could ever do. Love — which includes and embraces all in its heavenly minis- trations; Relief — which is Love’s proof and materialization; Truth — rarest of virtues on this earth, and the one most essential in the formation of a manly character — George Gillson ■, Grand Mas- ter J Nevada. Masonry has taken a stand in the ra- cial conditions of life such as its teach- ings require and its principles justify. To me Masonry represents the true idea and the true spirit of fraternalLm. Placed above a contract for monetary benefits it» charity is prompted by an earnest spirit of benevolence and is thereby raised above the plane of commercialism into the do- main of brotherly love and affection. — 0. P. Sperra J Ohio . To me Freemasonry has a peculiar charm, and my love for it is immeasura- ble as is the Fraternity’s influence for good. To be a true Mason is to be a true man, and a true man is God’s ideal of perfection. I revere the names of the noble founders of the institution ; I honor the names of the noble exemplars of its teachings in all ages ; and I love the breth- ren wherever they may be found. (With Masonry titles and rank are of no avail; we look alone to the man . — John R . Smith , Tennessee. Masonry had its origin in response to a demand of human nature for a com- munity or fraternity wherein the welfare of a brother was to be the first moving cause. Every one who has come into this community has done so of his own free will and accord, professing a trust in God and a love for his brother, and his avowed purpose only was the advancement of the welfare of his fellow-man. In coming thus freely into the Fraternity he has yielded his individual will, in certain respects, to the government of the major- ity. or to the government of the Craft, in such manner as its laws and usages pre- scribe. In doing this he has trusted to the good faith and the combined wisdom of his brethren. He has placed in their hands, in certain instances, his honor and repu- tation — a trust more sacred could be re- posed in no one . — Leroy B. Yalliant , Grand Master , Missouri. THE TRESTLE BOARD 22b THE HAWAIIAN TANGLE Serious Question of Jurisdiction HE "American Doctrine/’ that principle of the Com- mon Law of Masonry in America which has been promulgated and thereby made a statute by nearly every Grand Lodge in the United States, declares that but one Grand Lodge can be recognized as legiti- mate in each of the States of the Ameri- can Union, and that where a Grand Lodge has been established in any State for the government of the Craft within the con- lines of such State, no other Grand Lodge has the right to assume jurisdiction. It is claimed by some good authorities on Masonic Jurisprudence that the ■‘American Doctrine” goes even fur- ther in this particular, by ‘assert- ing that no foreign Grand Lodge has the right to assume jurisdiction, nor issue charter nor dispensation for the for - mat ion of a subordinate Lodge upon any portion of the territory of the United States. The Grand Lodge of Scotland in con- travention of this principle, in the year 1904, subsequent to the acquisition of the Hawaiian Islands by the United States, which occurred August 12, 1898, estab- lished a Lodge at Wailuku, on the Island of Maui, Territory of Hawaii, named “Maui Lodge.” This violation of the principle laid down by the American Grand Lodges was officially brought to the notice of Past Grand Master George W. Hunter during his term of office, through the medium of an application by the Mas- ter of Hawaiian Lodge, Xo. 21, of Hono- lulu, working under charter from the Cal- ifornia Grand Lodge, to permit the con- ferring of two of the three Degrees of Masonry upon a candidate who had re- ceived the first degree in that body, by Maui Lodge of the Scottish jurisdiction. I he incident involves some fine points of jurisprudence, and raises the question whether the “American Doctrine” as laid down b} r the American Grand Lodges should obtain, or whether the Grand Lodge of Scotland should be upheld in its contention of universal jurisdiction,, that Grand Body claiming authority throughout the civilized world, The story is interesting and is best told in the words of Past Grand Master Hunt- er, as found in. his annual address, from which the following is taken: From Graxd Master HuxterA Address. Xear the beginning of the year a com- munication was received from Bro. John. G. Both well, Master of “Hawaiian” Lodge, Xo. 21. asking me as a personal favor to Bro. J. J. Smiddy who had obtained the First Degree in “Hawaiian” Lodge, that the other two should be conferred upon him by “Maui” Lodge at Wailuku. This brought up the subject of the standing of “Maui” Lodge, the right of the Grand Lodge of Scotland to establish it upon the Islands at the time it did, and its rela- tion to the Masonic Grand Bodies within the United States, and more particularly ‘to the Grand Lodge of California. Believing that my reply to Bro. Both- well’s communication fully and fairly pre- sents the matter, it ‘s set forth herein as follows : Eureka, Cal., Jan. 20, 1905. Mr. J. G. Botiiwell, Master of Hawaiian Lodge, Xo. 21, F. & A. M., Honolulu, T. H. Dear Sir axd Brother: Your communication of January 7tlu together with the note from Bro. J. J. Smiddy who has been elected to receive? the Degrees of Masonry in ‘Hawaiian* Lodge, Xo. 21, and who has received the first therein, but for convenience, is de- sirous of receiving the other two in ‘Maui* Lodge at Wailuku, and still retain his THE TRESTLE BOARD O •> ' membership in ‘Hawaiian/ No. 21, is at hand and has been carefully considered. If both Lodges were under this Jurisdic- tion there would be no* question but upon the request of 'Hawaiian 7 Lodge, No. 21, 'Maui 7 Lodge, if it saw fit, could confer the other two Degrees as requested, and possibly this would be so even if the two Lodges were in separate Jurisdictions and the relations and circumstances were such as usually prevail between Lodges of dif- ferent Jurisdictions. These communications bring up the question as to the right of the Grand Lodge of Scotland to grant a charter or dispen- sation to Masons in Hawaii to form a Lodge within that Territory at the time it issued a charter to 'Maui 7 Lodge. In this connection, I desire to quote from your letter, as in a measure express- ing your views on the situation and the local sentiment of the Craft in regard to the matter, the following: "Past Master Lewis has turned this mat- ter over to me as part of the unfinished business of 'Hawaiian’ Lodge from last year, and informs me that he has replied to the letter of Biro. S middy to the effect that a decision on his application for the Degrees to be conferred by 'Maui 7 Lodge would be deferred until instructions had been received from the Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of California "Hence I beg to submit the matter for your ruling, and refrain from offering any opinion of my own, other than to say that I should appreciate an early response to the following question : 'Do you rule that 'Maui 7 Lodge is regular and legiti- mate? 7 and 'is there any reason why 'Ha- waiian 7 Lodge or any other lodge under the Jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of California may not hold full Masonic in- tercourse with 'Maui 7 Lodge, or, other- wise ? 7 "Feeling that in the interests of har- mony among the Fraternity throughout this Territory, it would be a greater mis- take to offer affront to 'Maui 7 Lodge and thereby to *i*aei(ie' Lodge, which i> un- questioned as to its standing, by refusing to recognize ‘Maui' Lodge, than t < * treat the latter cordially and a> regular and legitimate as ourselves, so far as onlinan courtesies are concerned, pending your in- structions, 1 have therefore determined t<> adopt the latter course until advised otlu r- wise by you; 7 “ ‘Maui’ Lodge is in all respects doing California work, and 1 cannot see that any damage can be done in the meantime by following the course above outlined., as I am convinced that by refusing inter- course 4 with them pending your decision, even in the event that it is decided that they are in every way 'regular/ I shall have succeeded in dividing the Masonic Fraternity in this Territory into two von hostile camps, which, in view of the pres- ent cordial relations that exist, I should regard as deplorable. “This seems to me to be a matter in which judgment is called for. rather than the rule, and I trust you will so view it. “The matter of requesting ‘Maui* Lodge to confer Degrees on behalf of ‘Hawaiian’ Lodge will of course be held in abeyance pending your reply. 77 Your disposition to preserve harmony and good feeling among the Craft on the Islands, 1 fully appreciate. In looking up the law applicable to the case, I discovered that away back in the seventies the Masons at Wailuku applied to the Grand Lodge of California for - pensation to institute a lodge there, which was granted, and the lodge was organ- ized and named 'Maui' Lodge. It wa< in existence for several years, having rather a hard struggle, as had vour own lodge during that time, because of tin* many demands made upon it. and finally it deemed it best to surrender it^ charter, which was done, and the same accepted by our Grand Lodge on the 17th of Novem- ber. 187 7. Before doing this, it met all its liabilities, paid it> Grand Lodge dues and turned over to it the sum of 427.JT THE TRESTLE BOARD 228 which in turn was given to “Hawaiian” Lodge, Xo. 21. In view of this discovery on my part, I could hardly understand why the Masons at the same place, desirous of forming an- other lodge, twenty-seven years later, should not come to the Grand Lodge of California for a charter, with which their predecessors and the locality had once been identified, which was more accessible and under whose Jurisdiction were men who had always entertained the most kindly feelings toward the Brethren of Hawaii in a business, social and fraternal way. You have enclosed a communication from Bro. Lewis of your Lodge, dated August 16, 1904, written while Master, to Grand Master Xutting, in relation to this matter, and the latter’s reply thereto. Bro. Lewis gave it as his opinion that it was the sentiment of the members of “Hawaiian” Lodge that, since the annex- ation of the Territory to the United States if any new Masonic Lodge was to be formed, it should be done under some one or the Grand Lodges within the United States and not under authority emanating from any foreign country ; and also he be- lieved that to be the sentiment of many prominent members of “Pacific” Lodge, Xo. 822, under charter from the Grand -Lodge of Scotland, and also of Lodge “Le Progres de L’Oceanie,” Xo. 124, under charter from the Supreme Council of France. It will be remembered that at our last Annual Communication, “Le Pro- gres” Lodge petitioned our Grand Lodge to come under its Jurisdiction, and the matter was referred back for the present, because, mainly as I remember, of the allegiance it owed to the Supreme Council of France, which had not been relinquish- ed, but, with a hope I am quite sure, that the matter could be so adjusted to the sat- isfaction of all parties, that the prayer of its petition could at some future time be granted. The main object of Bro. Lewis’ letter seemed to be to urge that the Ha- waiian Territory be annexed to the Juris- diction of the Grand Lodge of California and be made a part of it, but as the reply of the Grand Master touched both points and is very brief, J take the liberty of in- serting it herein in full. It is as follows : “‘A. Lewis, Jr., Master ‘Hawaiian’ Lodge, Xo. 21. “ ‘Dear Sir and Bro. : u ‘Yours of the 16th ult. at hand. In my opinion California cannot annex the Territory of Hawaii as a part of its Jur- isdiction, all Grand Lodges in the United States having concurrent Jurisdiction there. I agree with you that neither Scot- land nor any other foreign Grand Lodge has any Jurisdiction whatever. “ ‘If a Grand Lodge were formed in Hawaii, you at once assume and have ex- clusive Jurisdiction, but in no other way. “ ‘Yours truly and fraternally, “ ‘C. W. HUTTING, “ 'Grand Master / ” This letter was dated September 2, 1904, and the Masons who were then con- templating the formation of Maui Lodge and obtaining a charter therefor from the Grand Lodge of Scotland, must, in the na- ture of things, have known of its contents very soon thereafter. So if any unpleas- antness should grow out of this matter, it may be said that these Brothers went in with their eyes open, and if trouble en- sues it is their own fault. The sovereignty of the Hawaiian Islands was transferred to the United States on the 12th day of August, 1898. On September 22, 1904, there was es- tablished the organization named Maui Lodge, and which obtained its charter or dispensation from the Grand Lodge of Scotland long after Hawaii became Amer- ican territory. Our Grand Lodge has never claimed exclusive jurisdiction any- where, except within the boundaries of the State of California, and it has always recognized the fact that prior to the an- nexation of Hawaii its jurisdieton over the lodges it established there was . but temporary, and as to territory exercised THE TRESTLE BOARD in common with other Grand Lodges of the world, and liable to be lost whenever three or more Lodges were established there and they saw fit to organize a Grand . Lodge of their own which they could now do and if done their Lodge would become immediately released from all obligations to any other Grand Body. So long as Hawaii remained a Republic, or while it was a Kingdom, it was recognized as com- mon ground, and all Masonic Grand Bodies had concurrent Jurisdiction there- in. When it became a part of the United States, then, under Masonic law of this country, the subordinate Lodges that were there, still belonged to the Jurisdictions where they obtained their charters, re- spectively, but when it came to the for- mation of new Lodges, no Grand Lodge, except those within the United States had the right to grant a dispensation for such a purpose. Prior to the Revolution the Grand Lodges of England, Ireland, Scot- land, France and Hamburg, issued char- ters for Lodges within the Colonies. Since that time they have undertaken to do so but seldom, and whenever any of them has attempted it, it has been resented by the Grand Bodies of America. So far as I know no Grand Lodge within the United States has ever sought to estab- lish a subordinate within the dominion of the Kingdom of Great Britain or any of her dependencies, and we believe that whenever any country comes under the American fl^g and becomes American soil, that thereafter no foreign Grand Body should grant dispensations or seek to es- tablish Lodges therein. If the Grand Lodge of Scotland can charter a Lodge on the Island of Maui, which belongs to the United States, it can charter other Lodges in Honolulu and elsewhere in the Hawaiian Islands, and with equal prop- riety, it could be done in the Territory of Alaska. This has never been allowed or attempt- ed without protest. While the facts were not exactly the same and probably no case can be found exactly similar to this, a- the Territory of Hawaii, owing to its >it- uation in mid-ocean, is, in many respect- unique, still it is American territory, and the Masonic law which would apply to any other American territory will apply to it ; and in reference to a case which arose in Xew York in the early fifties, where the Grand Lodge of Hamburg was seeking to invade the rights of the Grand Lodge of Xew York, by establishing Lodges there, our own Grand Lodge in 1851. at its >ec- ond Communication in sympathy with the Grand Lodge of Xew York, expressed it- self by resolution on this subject as fol- lows : '‘Resolved, That this Grand Lodge can give no countenance or support to the pre- tention of the Grand Lodge of Hamburg or any other foreign Grand Lodge, to a right to grant charters for Lodges in any of the territory of the United States of America.” So far as I can find this resolution ha4 never been changed or modified, and its language is just as applicable to territory subsequently acquired, as that which then existed. With the law thus declared, or at least the sentiment of our Grand Lodge thus- expressed in its early history and lievt r altered. I feel it to be my duty to hold that Hawaiian Lodge, Xo. *21. should not request Maui Lodge to confer the De- grees, or either of them on Bro. Smiddy. nor should it render a similar service for Maui Lodge at its request. It is not necessary for me to go full length in deciding your questions. I have no desire to interrupt the pleasant per- sonal relations now existing among the Brethren of Hawaii, as disclosed by your letter, nor to prevent them from making Fraternal visits back and forth between the Lodges under this Jurisdiction and those under any other. I confine myself at present to prohibiting the interchange of courtesies as to conferring degrees be- tween the two Lodges under our Juris- THE TRESTLE BOARD 230 diction on the one hand and Maui Lodge on the other,, and leave it to our Grand Lodge at its next Annual Communication to say whether I have done right in this respect and also to say what the relations shall he between the members of this Jurisdiction and the members of Maui Lodge, and to pass upon the regularity and legitimacy of Maui Lodge if it sees fit to do so. Yours truly and fraternally, George AY. Hunter, Grand Master of Masons in the State of California. A few months later there came to me a letter from Bro. Tucker, Inspector of the district, in which he said: “A communication has been addressed to the Masters of the three Blue Lodges of this city by one Jose G. Faria, by name, acting for the Grand Orient of Portugal, claiming the right to erect a Blue Lodge in the Jurisdiction of this Territory, cit- ing' as a precedent the erection of Maui Lodge by the Grand Lodge of Scotland, which he says gives all Grand Bodies equal rights in this Territory.” Not meeting with any encouragement, but on the contrary encountering much opposition, Mr. Faria abandoned his in- tention of organizing a Lodge, and in a communication to Bro. Rothwell upon the subject expressed himself as follows : “In reply I have to say that it is not and never was my intention to establish any Portuguese Lodge in this Territory with- out the knowledge and frank and cordial assistance of the Lodges already in exist- ence in the Islands. As I have told you it is not my aim to play any mischief or dis- loyalty, and since your support and rec- ognition cannot be gained, I will not make any attempt to start a clandestine Lodge. 1 did not know of the resolution of the Grand Lodge of California. In view of it I will abstain from going any further than the mere exchange of views we have had. Will you kindly let me know when the resolution was passed, so as to enable me to report to the Grand United Luzi- tanian Orient?” It will be seen by the foregoing corres- pondence that this is a question of con- siderable importance, and the matter in relation to “Maui” Lodge is respectfully submitted to this Grand Lodge, trusting that some action may be taken to define our position, either approving or disap- proving what I have done, but hoping that nothing may be done to provoke contro- versy or cause trouble between the Breth- ren in the Islands belonging to Lodges under charter from California and those under charter from Foreign Grand Bodies. * * * George W. Hunter, Grand Master. The above view held by Grand Master Hunter was not, however, sustained by the Grand Lodge, which body took the ground that in the absence of any Grand Lodge of Hawaii, and until such times as a Grand Lodge shall be established in the Hawaiian Islands, that district is open territory — open, not only to the Grand Lodges of the United States, but to all Grand Lodges of the world, — thereby ac- quitting the Grand Lodge of Scotland of the charge of violation of jurisdiction, so far as the California Grand Lodge may be interested. The report of the Committee on Juris- prudence which was unanimously adopted by the Grand Lodge, sums up the case as follows: REPORT OP COMMITTEE ON JURISPRUDENCE, WHICH WAS ADOPTED BY THE GRAND LODGE. It is only when a Grand Lodge attempts to establish a lodge within the territorial jurisdiction of another Grand Lodge, that the establishment of such lodge consti- tutes an invasion of the jurisdiction of any Grand Lodge. * * * We have no Grand Lodge of the United States of America — no body exercising Masonic control over all territory of the United States. Each State and each Ter- ritoiy, with the exception of one or two, lias its own Grand Lodge, exercising su- preme control and having exclusive terri- THE TRESTLE BOARD 1 torial jurisdiction within the limits of said State or Territory. The Hawaiian Islands are not within the territorial ju- risdiction of any Grand Lodge of any of our States or Territories, and no such Grand Lodge claims exclusive territorial jurisdiction over them. How, then, can it be contended that the establishment of a lodge therein by any foreign Grand Lodge is an invasion of the jurisdiction of any American Grand Lodge? It is suggested that such an act would be an invasion of the jurisdiction of each of the American Grand Lodges, which alone should have power to charter lodges on American soil. We have not been able to ascertain that such a doctrine has ever been asserted by any American Grand Lodge, and so long as we maintain our sys- tem of separate and independent State and Territorial Grand Lodges, such a doctrine would not appear to be in con- sonance with well established M a sonic principles. Our American Grand Lodges have no collective territorial jurisdiction. The American Doctrine goes no further than this, viz.: Only one Grand Lodge shall be established in any State or Terri- tory. Whenever one is established it has the absolute control and government of all Masons and of all lodges of the first three degrees, and no other Grand Lodge or Grand Body can in any way interfere with its jurisdiction by establishing new lodge- therein, or even by maintaining those al- ready established. The territory is abso- lutely. exclusively and perpetually the territory of the Grand Lodge established over it. From the moment of the organ- ization of the new Grand Lodge, its ju- risdiction becomes absolute over the en- tire territory, and all lodges and all Ma- son s there must acknowledge it and yield obedience to it. and their allegiance else- where ceases. (Yol. X. Proc. pp. 5 IT, 553. 5 T9. Yol. XII. Proc. p. 11*2.) This is the American doctrine, declared by Maekay. and many, if not all. of our Grand Lodges, and is the only American doctrine, as we understand, and it has no application to tin- ca- at hand, or t reason that no Grand Lodge ha- ew r »< < organized in Hawaiian Territory. We are. therefore, of the opinion t rut the action of the Grand Lodge of S al; n 1 in chartering Maui Lodge in th • Ha- waiian Island- cannot be regarded i - a> such an invasion of the jurisdiction o any American Grand Lodge a- would warrant ib in holding the lodge to e an illegal body. The Secretary The following, which is taken from tfi** Chronicler , will be appreciated by even faithful Masonic scribe: The Secretary is one of the harde-t- worked officers of a Masonic organization, and yet. his labors are very often unappre- ciated. He seldom is remunerated -utli- cientlv to pav him for the actual time In* gives his duties. Many regard him a- a paid servant, and a- such entitled to small consideration, and therefore one subject to any and all the small annoyance- that the ignorant and supercilious know -o well how to impose. His work could be made lighter if the average member could Ik made to understand that sitting at hi> desk in the lodge room and reading t'e* minutes is the smallest of hi- dnti<-. Many regard his efforts to collect due- i- an affront to be resented, yet they make by-laws which he is expected to liw up to or be charged with careles-ne— . or -om* - thing worse. The Limit "You may talk about your mean men. said one rustic to another on tin* ferry- boat the other day. “but we’v got a woman over there in Alameda wl • a ■•>- the pie." "Kinder close — i- she?" “Close? Why. la-t month lur Lu-uand died — fourth husband, mind — and Lift blamed if she didn't take the door pl-it< off the front door, had his age added, and then nailed on hi> coffin. Said die go -- 1 likely she'd be wanting a nmv name on t r door soon, anyway." 232 THE TRESTLE BOARD jggBpg : ~T R sis HI EASTERN STAR POINTS IMPORTANCE OF IMPRESSIVE HAT a mighty agency for good the Order of the East- ern Star would be- if every member were a living ex- ponent of the principles in- culcated in the ceremony of initiation ! And why is not every member such an exponent? Who will say to what extent the candidate is to blame for failing to grasp and heed the importance of those beautiful lessons, and how much is due to a hurried and parrot- like rendition of the ritual which makes it like “sounding, brass and a tinkling -cymbal ?” It seems to us that a candidate is impressed equally as much by the man- ner of delivery as by the words them- selves, if the former is what it should be. The officer falls sadly short of duty if the words of the ritual are repeated as if they were something to be rehearsed as glibly and rapidly as possible, and only comes up to the full measure of importance when the candidate is made to feel that they nre expressing the officer’s convictions, rule and guide in life. — Geo. D. Lawson , Colorado. INFLUENCE FOR GOOD The Order of the Eastern Star is one of the grandest institutions of our land. Its influence for good cannot be overesti- mated. Let us then bow before the Mas- ter’s feet and as the stars shine to guide us on our way in the darkest night, so may we, as men and women, let our light so shine before men, to lead them onward and upward, and as the eagle soars to the farther sky, his eye so trained that he can see the great orb of day, and almost look beyond and see the grandeur of the Great White Throne, so may we look long and lovingly at the Sun of Righteousness, that becoming a ccustomed to the glory and brightness we may be able to feast and be satisfied. — Lucy B. Halstead , Arkansas . THE SISTER OF MASONRY As the sister of Masonry, the Order of the Eastern Star drew her life-giving nourishment at the same breast — that of Humanity wedded to Brotherly Love, the offspring of Charity. The true test of the value of an organization is the ideal or aim it has in view. — Past Grand Patron , Montana. THE FAMILY CIRCLE Worldliness should not enter into chap- ter affairs. It should be the family- — the home. Here may we find woven into the warp of the Masonic mantle the woof of woman’s tenderness, the changeless love of the mother, the devotion of the wife, the affection of the daughter, the grief of the widow, the trustful faith of the sis- ter. — Past Grand Matron , California. FOR A NOBLE PURPOSE The Order Eastern Star has been estab- lished for a noble purpose; to carry out the great thought of the Grand Patron on high; its principles idealize and beau- tify life; it increases the desire for excel- lence in womanhood, in manhood ; ana the powers of goodness which it sets afloat go on with the irresistible gravita- tion of the universe, for the Infinite is behind them. — Rebecca Niner, New York. THE TRESTLE BOARD EASTERN STAR ELECTIONS Advices have reached this magazine of the election of officers of Eastern Star Chapters in California as follows: Bethlehem Chapter, Paso Robles: Mrs. Mary Janney, W. M. ; Alex Webster, W. P. ; Mrs. Anna McIntyre, A. M. ; Mrs. Maggie Lewis, Secretary; Mrs. Christie Wright, Treasurer; Mrs. Clara Palmer, C. ; Mrs. Beatrice Watarburv, A. C. Beulah Chapter, San Francisco : Emma C. Wedemeyer, W. AL ; William McDonald, W. P. ; 0. Danielson, A. M. ; Mary Todd, Secre- tary ; Emma Rahlmann, Treasurer; Catherine Lusinshi, C. ; Anna Weilan, A. C. Corona Chapter, San Luis Obispo : Mrs. Mattie Fry, W. M. ; S. D. Ballou, W. P. ; Miss Mabel King, A. AL ; Miss Minnie Steinhart, Secretary; Mrs. Almira Fiedler, Treasurer; Mrs. Lulu E. Page, C. ; Mrs. Zelma W. Kir- by, A. C. Electa Chapter, Modesto: Mrs. T. J. Keating, W. M.; Dr. F. B. S’urrhyne, W. P.; -Mrs. May McAllen, A. M.; Mrs. Marie Stone, C.; Mrs. M. .L- Cooper, A. C.; Mrs. Wakefield, Secretary; Mrs. C. D. Swan, Treasurer. Euclid Chapter, Ontario: Mrs. S. F. Glass, W. M.; W. W. Smith, W. P. ; Mrs. K. Mon- roe, A. M. ; Airs. W. Parkin, Secretary; Mrs. John Clarke, Treasurer; Mrs. Lone Lee, C. ; Mrs. J. C. Wright, A. C. Fidelia Chapter, Yuba City: Miss Mary Moncur, W. M. ; Mrs. C. B. Harter, A. M. ; F. Starr Walton, W. P. ; Miss Mabel Kim- ball, Secretary; Mrs. J. P. Orstatt. Treas- urer ; Miss Rose Grav, C. ; Airs. C. G. Kline, A. C. Gate City Chapter, San Bernardino: Airs. Agnes E. Jackson, W. AL ; H. A. Wierwille, W. P.; Airs. Ada Johnson, A. AI.; Mrs. Ad- die Burgess, Secretary; Mrs. Addie Weg- nori, Treasurer; Airs. Cora Reed, C.; Airs. Ella Houghton, A. C. Golden Gate Chapter, San Francisco, Dais}" Pabst, W. AI.; R. V. AIcAllister, W. P.; C. R. Ogilvie, A. AI.: Kathrine Johnson, Secretary; Colonel A. S. Hubbard, Treas- urer; Ida A. Feundling, C.; Alinnie AI. Roberts, A. C. Harmony Chapter, San Francisco: Car- rie Louise Lucas, W. AI.; AI. Hansen, W. P.; Emilie H. Crackborn, A. AI. ; Eva AI. Garrison, Secretary ; Estelle Alay Leland, C.; Emma Charlotte Krone, A. C. Ivy Chapter, San Francisco: Carrie Hook Gordon, W. AI. ; Georgians C. V ersalovich, A. AI. ; Eva D. Saulsburv, Secretary; L. Eliza Lucas, Treasurer; Cerita Adelle Briggs, C. ; Emilie Strausse, A. C. King Solomon Chapter, San Francisco: Tes- sie Cavanaugh, W. AI. ; Franklin F. Ralston, •2;)3 W. P.; Alary J. Cleve, A. AI. ; Martha E. Blade, Secretary; Lydia A. Sanders, Treas- urer; Aleta Wolffman, C. ; Jessie S. Cark, A. C. Lucerne Chapter, Hanford: Sarah Cas- per, W. AI.; L. AI. Alendelsohn, W. I\; Mi*s Esther W. Dunham, A. AI.; R. R. Butler, Treasurer; L. C. Dunham, Secretary; Louisa Butler, C.; Daisy Ensign, A. C. Aliramar Chapter, Point Richmond: Lil- lian AI. Blake, W. AI.; William A. Lucas. W. P.; Alargaret A. Lucas, A. AL: J. F. Whittle, Secretary; Alary C. Fitzpatrick. Treasurer; Eva T. Barney, C. ; Emily O. Walker, A. C. Alission Chapter, San Francisco: Lottie J. Reiss, W. AL; Frank S. Snell. W. P. ; Alargaret Bell Snell, A. AL; Josephine C. Backus, Secretary; Emma J. Steven-, Treasurer; Sarah E. Coiner, C.; Jessie Stevens, A. C. Ocean Spray Chapter, Alonterey: Airs. Lot- tie Alartin, W. AI. ; Edwin S. Johnson. W. P. ; Aliss Lois Estrada, A. AI. ; Airs. Sylvia Hamil- ton, Secretary; Airs, Ruth Leary, Treasurer; Aliss Amv Ingram, C. ; Aliss Estelle Tuck, A. C. Olive Branch Chapter, San Francisco : Aleta Wolters, W. AL; Joseph Rosenberg, W. P. ; Ray Goldsmith, A. AI. ; Sadie J. Hath- away, Secretary; Alartha Rosenberg, Treas- urer; Jennie Brandt, C. ; Jessie A. Hopkins, A. C. Palm Leaf Chapter. Porterville: Airs. A. J. Newberry. W. AL; R. G. Williams. W. P. : Airs. Fred Belle, A. AT.; Airs. Gus Lang. C. ; Airs. Lillian Claubes, A. C. ; Airs. Anna Nor- ris, Secretary: Airs. H. C. Carr, Treasurer. Pomona Chapter, Pomona: Airs. W. T. Fleming, W. AI. ; Airs. George Phillips. A. AI. : T. A. Gallup, W. P. ; Airs. Alarv Ludden. C. ; Airs. B. A. Rice, A. C. : Airs. E. T. Wester- man, Secretary; Airs. John A. Gallup, Treas- urer. Sacramento Chapter: Alillie E. Miller. W. AL: Chas. W. Frazier. W. P. : Minnie Herr, A. AI. : Jessie Harbinson. Secretary; Cecilia Watkins, Treasurer: Elizabeth Mar- shall, C; ALabel Geeslin. A. C. San Francisco Chapter: Lottie Rothman. W. AI.; Otto R. Fischer, W. P.: Anna Cat- termole, A. AL; Ellen Reimer. C.: Ida AL Heilfron, A. C. . Yerba Buena Chapter, San Francisco: Mat- tie Jewell Perry. W. AL : Thomas I Janes, W. P. ; Fannie Julia Daniels, A. AL . Ro^n W. de Winton. Secretary. Golden Gate Chapter. O. E. S., tendered a reception early in November to the Grand Patron at Golden Gate Asylum. A pleas- ing programme of entertainment arranged by the Past Alatrons. was presented and greatly enjoyed by the many present to greet the new officer. 234 THE TRESTLE BOARD ('onritsy Sunacl Magazine STORM TOSSED WAVES AT VIEU DE L’EAU— SCENE OX THE CALIFORNIA COAST OPPORTUNITY Master of human destinies am I ; Fame, love and fortune on my footsteps wait, Cities and fields I walk ; I penetrate Deserts and seas remote, and passing by Hovel and mart and palace ; soon or late I knock unbidden once at every gate. If sleeping, wake; if feasting rise before I turn away. It is the hour of fate. And they who follow me reach every state Mortals desire and conquer every foe Save death; but those who doubt or hesitate Condemned to failure, penury and woe, Seek me in vain and uselessly implore, I answer not, and return no more. — John J. Ingalls. THE TRESTLE EGA Ilf) CHIPS FROM THE & STONE QUARRIES News of the Craft Gleaned From All Sources 3 * A DAYLIGHT LODGE The first daylight Lodge to be instituted west of the Rocky Mountains was instituted November 29th at Masonic Temple, San Fran- cisco. It is designated as Jewell Lodge, U. D., and the meetings being held in the day- time, will be of great convenience to Masons whose occupations require their attendance at night, thus prohibiting their attending other Lodges whose meetings are held in the even- ing. Officers have been selected as follows : Worshipful Master, Mark E. Levy; Senior Warden, Burnside Cromwell; Junior Warden, Arthur B. Sanborn; Treasurer, William De- lany; Secretary, Leo Bruck; Marshal, E. Nolting ; Senior Deacon, S. O. Blodgett ; Junior Deacon, Edward B. Lada; Stewards, Gerald Kenny and William Mahood. Past Master Robert C. Johnson of Harmony Lodge, Portland, Or., and Mark Wayman of Metro- politan Lodge, Dubuque, Iowa, are the other charter members. W. H. Edmonson of Doric Lodge* will act as Tyler. THE CHRISTMAS SUNSET The December Sunset is replete with the Christmas spirit. The cover design, “A Na- vajo Madonna,” was designed by Xavier Mar- tinez. Edwin Emerson, Jr., tells the thrilling- story of the last Christmars celebrated by the Russians in Port Arthur at the historic mo- ment when the great Muscovite stronghold was surrendered by General Stoessel. Since Christmas is not reckoned among the public holidays of the Land of the Rising Sun, it is safe to presume that Christmas bells will not ring again for Port Arthur as long as Japan’s ninety-nine years’ lease of Quantung, wrested from Russia, holds good. Other features of this number are poems by Charles Warren Stoddard, Charles K. Field, A. J. Waterhouse and Ednah Aiken ; Christmas stories by Ar- thur W. North, Mabel Craft Deering and Ade- laide Soule ; the story of an Indian fight by Cyrus Townsend Brady; the second of "a series of articles on camping with Le Conte by George Wharton James ; and an illus- trated descriptive article on the Bancroft Li- brary. VACAVILLE MASONIC HALL The Masonic Fraternity of Vacaville, Cal., will soon be housed in a new hall which is being erected for them. Bro. Henry F. Star- buck of San Francisco, who is making a spe- cialty of Masonic buildings, is the architect. The building is now in course of construction and its early completion is expected. GOLDEN GATE ASYLUM The directors of the Golden Gate Com manderv Company have signed a contract with Ira W. Coburn for the construction of the new asylum of Golden Gate Commandery. in San Francisco, a description of which has been given in these columns. The Golden Gate Commandery Company, composed of members of the Commandery, will issue bonds for $100,000, in order to pay for the building and the furnishing. These bonds will he secured by first mortgages on the land, building and furniture. Payments on the subscriptions will be made in five equal installments of 20 per cent each, and the first installment is due on or before January 1, 1906. ANOTHER RICHMOND There is another Richmond in the field. A new Masonic Lodge will soon be organized in what is known as the "Richmond District' of San Francisco, being the extreme western portion of the city north of Market Street. The consent of all the local Lodges to its or- ganization has been obtained. The lodge will be called Richmond, and it will meet in the hall at Clement and Fourth avenues, it being at this time altered to meet the re- quirements of a Masonic body. AT SLOAN MONUMENT Past Grand Master Thomas Flint, as- sisted by the members of Texas Lodge. No. 46, F. and A. M., of San Juan, San Benito County. Cal., and other members of the craft, laid the stone of the Texas Association of Veterans of the Mexican War at the Sloat Monument, Monterey, December 9th. that stone being sent by that association from Dal- las, Tex., to crown the southwest corner. The Texas stone is presented by Comrade William H. Hilton, a Texas ranger of Capt. Ben Mc- Cullough’s company. Diamonds Are increasing in value every week. The longer you defer making your selection the smaller will be the assortment to choose from and the greater the price of diamond- Largest assortment, at lowest prices. Fifty-six years a jeweler in California. A. Andrews. Dia- mond Palace. 221 Montgomery St. Benicia Lodge. No. 5. F. and A M.. cele- brated the acquisition of its one-hundredth member November Dth. with a banquet. A number of visitors from all portions of the State were in attendance, among them. P>ro. W. H. Edwards. Grand Lecturer. 236 THE TRESTLE BOARD BERKELEY CORNER STONE With the usual impressive ceremonies of the Craft, the corner stone of the new Masonic Temple at the corner of Shattuck avenue and Bancroft Way, Berkeley, California, was laid, December 2nd. Bro. Motley H. Flint, Grand Master, presided at the ceremonies. Addresses were made by Bro. W. H. Dakin and by Bro. Edward H. Hart, Deputy Grand Master. The dedication exercises began at Odd Fel- lows’ Hall shortly after noon, when the breth- ren formed into line preparatory to marching to the site of their new home under escort of Oakland Commandery, K. T., and Berkeley Chapter, R. A. M. The ceremonies began with a prayer by Grand Chaplain T. H. O’Donnell. In behalf of the local Masons, W. H. Dakin welcomed Bro. Motley H. Flint, Grand Master, present- ing him with an engraved gold trowel. The corner stone was then laid with the ceremonies prescribed by the Grand Lodge. The officers presiding at the dedication were : Motley H. Flint, Grand Master ; E. H. Hart, Deputy Grand Master; C. L. Bredenbach as Senior Grand Warden; W. A. Gompertz as Junior Grand Warden; J. T. Morrison as Grand Treasurer; George Johnson, Grand Secretary ; J. H. Wymen as Grand Orator, and Charles D. Barnett as Grand Marshal ; T. H. E. O’Donnell as Grand Chaplain ; Tames L. Robinson as Grand Lecturer ; O. K. Cloudman as Assistant Grand Secretary; Charles D. Barness as Grand Marshal ; C. R. Lord as Grand Bible Bearer; M. P. W. Albee as Grand Sword Bearer; Albert Fouch as Grand Stand- ard Bearer; B. P. Bull as Senior Grand Dea- con; A. W. Davidson as Junior Grand Dea- con ; W. H. H. Gentry as Senior Grand Stew- ard* C. H. Blohm as Junior Grand Steward; F. W. Durgan as Grand Pursuivant ; J. R. Davis as Grand Organist; George P. Adams as Grand Tyler. Durant Lodge and Berkeley Lodge, F. and A. M., and Berkeley Chapter, O. E. S., turned out in full force to witness the ceremonies. SHRINER JAILED A big caravan of Shriners from Islam Tem- ple, left San Francisco November 25th, bound for the Oasis of Placerville, where fifty-eight unregenerates were gathered into the fold. Eli route the caravan halted for refreshments at the State Prison at Folsom, being there enter- tained by the warden. It is said that during a tour of inspection of the prison by the Shriners one of the nobles whose reputation as a practical joker is ever maintained on Shrine occasions, became so unmanageable as to necessitate his being placed in a padded cell. He is now known to Islam nobles as “Number fifty-five.” THE CRAFT IN GENERAL A new lodge has been established at Lind, Washington. The next annual conclave of the Grand Commandery, Knights Templar of Michigan, will be held at Detroit, January 12th. The Masons of Boise, Idaho, held a Masonic fair November 29th to December 9th, in aid of the new Masonic Temple now in process of construction in that city. The Masonic bodies of Omaha have pur- chased a site at the corner of Twentieth and Douglas streets, in that city, for a new Masonic Temple. The property has a frontage of 118 feet on Douglas street, and a depth of 132 feet, and cost $18,000. A handsome pressed brick structure occupying the whole of the ground will be erected in the near future, and the total cost will be $ 200 , 000 . STAR NOTES Bakersfield Chapter entertained the children of its members November 27th. Mrs. Paulina Dohrmann, Past Grand Mat- ron, was the guest of honor at a recent meet- ing of the Martha Washington Chapter, in Visalia. # At Visalia, Cal., recently, while the cere- monies of an Eastern Star Chapter were in progress, sneak thieves stole into the ante room and appropriated the ice cream freezer. THE OLD STORY AGAIN Maude is in the garden Culling pretty flowers; Grace is in the hammock Dreaming by the hours; Kate is by the brookside Where it’s nice and cool; (Kate is rather jaded From the grind at school.) Nell is in the parlor Just to snatch a nap; Eva’s on the front porch Flirting with a chap; Fannie’s in the orchard May is in the grove; And Mother’s in the kitchen, With a red- hot stove. — Houston Chronicle . The cornerstone of the Carnegie Free Li- brary at Colusa was laid by the Grand Lodge of California December 1st. S. W. Collins & Co., Inc., City and County Real Es'ate, 708 Market St., Rooms 804-5-6., San Francisco 3-lyr THE TRESTLE BOARD CALIFORNIA IN PARTICULAR The Masonic Lodge at Vacaville, Cal., is about to lease a new meeting hall. Live Oak Lodge No. 61, F. and A. M., en- tertained Grand Master Motley H. Flint, who paid them an official visit, November 25th. The Grand Lodge of California will lay the cornerstone of the new library building at Colusa, California. Ninety-two thousand dollars is the contract price of the new Golden Gate Temple to be built on Sutter street, near Steiner, San Fran- cisco. — A1 Malaikah Temple, Mystic Shrine, of Los Angeles, has organized a second Arab Patrol in anticipation of the Shrine Fiesta next year. Grand Master Flint visited Mission Lodge No. 169, F. and A. M., November 29th. Over three hundred Masons were in attendance. The third degree was conferred. Fred A. Pollard, Master of -San Joaquin Lodge No. 19, entertained a number of offi- cers of Masonic bodies at his home in Stock- ton, Cal., November 24th, in honor of the outgoing officers of the various Masonic bodies of that city. South Pasadena Lodge, No. 347, F. & A. M., was .instituted early in November. Following are the officers of the new lodge ; Leo Long- ley, W. M. ; B. V. Garwood, Senior Warden ; J. B. Soper, Treasurer; George Binder, Secre- tary; Noble Harter, Chaplain: W. C. Brain- erd, Marshal ; H. R. Postle, Senior Deacon ; M. B. Reid, Junior Warden. Rev. Chas. Thomas Walkley gave .a very interesting lecture on “Masonry and the Tem- ple” before Sequoia Lodge No. 349, in Oak- land, November 27, 1905. The lecture was primarily for the instruction of the candidates who have been raised during the year, but was highly enjoyed by all who were fortunate enough to hear it. Sequoia Lodge, although hut three years old, is a very active body of ■enthusiastic Masons. Sir Knight W. Frank Pierce, R. E. Grand Junior Warden of the Grand Encampment of the United States; Sir Knight John B. de Jar- natt, Grand Commander of California ; Sir Knight Chas. L. Field, E. Grand Generalis- simo, and Sir Knight W. D. Stephens, E. Grand Senior Warden, conducted a Templar, school of instruction at the Masonic Temple, Los Angeles, November 16th and 17th. A large number of Sir Knights from all por- tions of Southern California were in attend- ance. BOOK SHELF The Trestle Board acknowledges the re- ceipt, since the last issue of this magazine of the following Masonic publications: From Brother Frank D. Woodbury, Grand Secretary, proceedings of the Grand Chapter, R. A. M., of New Hampshire, for 1905. From Brother Stephen Berry, Grand Secre- tary, proceedings of the Grand Council, R. and S. M., of Maine, for 1905. From Brother J. H. C. Dill, Grand Secre- tary, proceedings of the Grand Lodge, F. and A. M., of Illinois, for 1905. From the Acting Grand Secretary proceed- ings of the Grand Lodge, F. and A. M., of Washington, for 1905. From Bro. John R. Parson, Grand Secre- tary, proceedings of the Grand Lodge. F. and A. M., of Missouri, for 1905. From Bro. Hugh Murray, Grand Secretary, proceedings of the Grand Lodge, F. and A. M., of Ontario, for 1905. From Mrs. Helen F. Laflin, Grand Secre- tary. proceedings of the Grand Chapter, O. E. S., for 1905. From Comp. Calvin W. Prather, Grand Secretary, proceedings of the Grand Chapter, R. A. M., of Indiana, for 1905. From Comp. Calvin W. Prather. Grand Secretary, proceedings of the Grand Council, R. and S. M., of Indiana, for 1905. From Sir Knight Alpheus A. Keen, Grand Recorder, proceedings of the Grand Com- mandery, K. T., of New Mexico, for 1905. From Sir Knight W. W. Perry. Grand Re- corder, proceedings of the Grand Conmiand- ery, K. T., of Wisconsin, for 1905. From Bro. Wm. L. Kuykendall. Grand Sec- retary, proceedings of the Grand Lodge. F. and A. M., of Wyoming, for 1905. From Sir Knieht Fay Hampstead. Grand Recorder, proceedings of the Grand Com- mandery, K. T., of Arkansas, for 1905. From Bro. Comp, and Sir Knight Charles H. Jacobson, Grand Secretary and Grand Re- corder. proceedings of the Grand Lodge. F. and A. M., Grand Chapter. R. A. M., and Grand Commandery, K. T.. of Colorado, for 1905. $. W. Collins & Co., Inc., City and County Real Estate, 708 Market St., Rooms 804-5-6., San Francisco 3-lyr THE TRESTLE BOARD 238 THE OLD PAST MASTER By John \Y. Fitzmaurice, P. M. Who hates to lay the gavel by, And views the “annual” with a sigh; Because his “passing” draweth nigh? The old Past Master. Who when retired from the East, On memor’d power will fondly feast; Xor realize his reign has ceased? The old Past Master. Who with a jealous eye doth watch; If hap’ly he some “break” may catch, And for the “new chap” trouble hatch? The old Past Master. Who has the “blue book” well at heart; And to the floor will briskly start, And in debate take leading part? The old Past Master. Who pompous shouts: “I move you, sir!” Followed by speech that flies the fur, And up the animals will stir? The old Past Master. Who at the “banquet” in discourse Will flourish like a green bay horse; And time consume without remorse? The old Past Master. Ah! well, perchance amid his sins, Are found some tiresome, peevish whims; Such ne’er his valued record dims: — That old Past Master. He gave his Lodge long, zealous years; Its prosperous record still him cheers; Reward for which his bosom bears: — As old Past Master. He may be fussy, cranky, prosy, But well law, work and order, knows he ; To “cable length” right willing goes he — That old Past Master. All honor for these “silver grays” then — Of Masons the props and stays when — We temple build of living men: — By old Past Masters. UNTIMELY DEATH Just as we are closing the forms of this issue of the Trestle Board comes the news of the untimely death of Past Grand Master Hiram N. Rucker, Superintendent of the Cali- fornia Masonic Home, at Decoto, which oc- curred at the Decoto railway station Decem- ber 13th, while he was alighting from the train. Dr. Rucker had been in San Fran- cisco attending a meeting of the Board of Directors of the Home. On nearing the sta- tion at Decoto Dr. Rucker was seen to leave his seat in the car preparatory to leaving the train. It is thought that on reaching the plat- form of the car he lost his balance through some unexpected lurch of the train, and was thrown beneath the trucks. No cry was heard and from the mutilated condition of his body it is believed that his death was instantaneous. Dr. Rucker was fifty-five years old and a native of Missouri. For many years he made his home in Merced, going thence to Oakland some time ago, where he established a large practice. At one time Dr. Rucker was super- intendent of the State Hospital for the Insane at Stockton. Several years ago he was ap- pointed resident physician of the Masonic Home. After serving in that capacity for some time he was made superintendent. Be- sides a widow he leaves a daughter, Miss Robin Rucker, a student at Mills College. Dr. Rucker was a Past Grand Master of the Cali- fornia Jurisdiction and high in the councils of the Grand Lodge. The San Marco Hotel at 538 Taylor street is doing a splendid business, which only goes to show that travel during the summer months has been far ahead of past seasons, and also that a family hotel conducted on ex- clusive lines can be made to receive recogni- tion. In many respects this hotel cannot be surpassed by any in the city, and with the excellence of its cafe service and table, should hold its rapidly increasing patronage. Mr. Geo. J. Casanova, manager since the hotel opened, is well pleased with existing circumstances and does much to make his guests feel at home. Swiss American Bank 524 Montgomery St. San Francisco Telephone Main 5604 COMPARATIVE STATEMENT Showing condition on 31st day of December each year since organization: Year Capital Reserve Deposits individual Loans & Bonds Total Resources 3897 S300.000 $ 217,073.65 $ 274,309.78 $ 562,036.47 1898 300,000 $ 2,400.00 350,488.22 400,180.13 703,433.90 1899 300,000 4,000.00 630,580 67 563,200.49 1,032,924.71 1900 300,000 10,000.00 973,862.60 828,900.97 1,408,869.34 1901 300,000 14,000.00 1,433,969.57 1,204,203,54 1,949,511.52 1902 300,000 52,000.00 2,090,501.28 1,862,166.71 2,936,638.80 1903 300,000 62,000.00 2,544,523.55 2,515,811.56 3,729,994.65 1904 600,000 90,000.00 3,295,779.10 3,003,960.38 4,600.349.77 CHAS. MAGGINI, President A. A. MICHELETTI, Cashier B. G. TOGNAZZI, Manager Accounts of banks , firms , and individuals respectfully solicited THE TRESTLE BOARD PEOPLE WHO ASK FOR THE ORIGINAL Clicquot CHAMPAGNE which bears VIGNIER'S Label KNOW WHAT THEY WANT 44 It is not tied with a string ” THE “CLICQUOT QUALITY” is in this Label: AVIGNIER0 * SAN FRANCISCO SOLE AGENTS FOR THE PACIFIC GQAST 1-4 COMMON ERRORS IN SPEECH Who does not make errors in every day speech? As a matter of fact it is very un- usual to find any person whose use of the English language is absolutely correct. The following are examples of some very fre- quent errors or faulty expressions often heard: “Let you and I go” — should be “you and me. “You are younger than me” — should be “than I.” “Between you and I” — should be “you and me.” “Who do you see?” — should be “whom.” “If I was her” — should be “If I were she.” “Was it him?” — should be “Was it he?” These examples of “Faulty Diction” are so common that many people look upon the improper form as being the correct one, and Thomas H. Russell, L.L.B., editor-in- chief of Webster’s Imperial Dictionary, has done the public a great service in having written the new book, entitled “Faulty Dic- tion, or Errors in the Use of the English Language and How to Correct Them,” which the publishers have, by printing it on thin Bible paper, succeeded in getting into Vest Pocket size. It is rarely one’s good fortune to become possessed of so valuable a book, one so compact and of as much general interest. It is handsomely bound in embossed Russia leather and will be sent postpaid on re- ceipt of 50c to any address by Geo.. W. Ogilvie & Co., Publishers, 169 E. Randolph St., Chicago, 111. The same book in cloth binding, 25c. City Agent The Liverpool & London