MANNERS AND MASONS.

King Country Chronicle, Volume VIII, Issue 634, 14 January 1914, Page 7

MANNERS AND MASONS.

THE FREEMASON'S CODE OF ETIQUETTE. The Freemason, of course, is bound by solemn oaths —the terms of whist must not be set down here—not tc reveal the secrets of the craft, thes« secrets consisting chiefly of certain signs and passwords. Apart, however, from the obligations of his oath, u Freemason is bound by a more or less unwritten code of etiqustte which regulates his behavour as a Mascn and his relations witl the general public. The first point is that a Freemason must not go about seeking tc make converts. Pressure must not be put on anyone to become a Mason, and, in theory at least, every candidate must have conceited the wish tc become a Freemason without invitation of any kind from a member ol the craft. It is a serious breach of Masonic etiquette to use Freemasonry for business purposes. For example, if a Freemason contractor submitting a tender were to appeal, on Masonic grounds, to Freemasons on the board or committee, he would probably be reported to his lodge and severely reprimanded. Still, Freemasonry does count for something. In the case of two men, one a Mason, the other not, applying for a post under a Masonic employer, and their claims being equal, the Mason would undoubtedly got the preference ; but no good Mason would unduly favour one of the craft against a non-Mason. Freemasons- are forbidden to "advertise" themselves as such. Occasionally a Mason may be seen wearing some Masonic emblem, as a scarfpin or watch-chain ornament, but he is looked askance at by strict brothers. Masons who have filled certain offices are usually presented with commemorative jewels, but they must not wear them in public ; and the same rule applies to Masonic clothing. The only exception is in the case of the laying of the foundation stone of a new temple, when Masons may be permitted by special dispensation to attend wearing their jewels and other insignia. On such occasions, however, the public are not permitted to see much. It is clear that a strict Mason gives the general public no clue as to his identity. How, then does one Freemason know another, supposing that they meet casually in some public place ? That, of course, is a secret -which must not be revealed ; but two Masons meeting as strangers u»ier the eyes of observant onlookers conld make themselves known to each other without the sharpest eye detecting anything unusual.

It is true that one; Masonic sign—namely the drawing of the hand acrose the throat, is practically an open secret. The impostor, however, who attempted to pose as a Mason on the strength of this sign would be very quickly exposed.