The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1896-11-22
OLD MASONIC HISTORY.


Magician Kellar. who is to be here this
week, is a Scottish Rite Mason and has
taken his degrees in various parts of the
world. In conversation with the writer
a short time ago he recalled some of his
Masonic experiences. Said he:
II was initiated. passed and raised to the
third degree in Fraternidad-y -Honora
Friendship Lodge No. 2lS, Calcutta, India;
took mark master and royal arch degrees
in Scotch Lodge Friendship Port Louis;
received my past master 5 degree in Key
stone Chapter Omitted States constitution,
Shanghai, China;took all other degrees up
to and including 1.-The thirty-second in La
Triple Esperance Port Louis; Mauritius. /
am not a member of the shrine.
AS to notable perso1ases have met in
lodge rooms and elsewhere throughout the
world: In Brazil, Emperor Dom Pedro III,
Don Saldanha Marina and the Count
d Eau, the Emperor's sonrin-law. In India
1 had the pleasure of meeting the Viceroy,
Lord Lytton and LordfWilliam Beresford,
the Maharaja of Jeyporef General Roberts.
the hero of the AfghapiStan war and his
of Wales upon the occasion of his visit to
Calcutta. At Hong Kongr1 formed the ac
quaintance of Sir Thomas Wade, then
British minister at Picking, Sir John Pope
Hennessey and Earl Grostenor. At Singa-
pore was the recipient of a cordial invita-
ton from the Maharaja of Johore to dine
at his palace. and that's che story l prom
when reached Singapore. on my jour-
ney around the world, was invited to give
an entertainment before the Governor, Sir
Andrew Clarke, and his staff. at the gov
eminent house 1t was after this entertain
ment that l met the Mai1araja of Johore
potentate was a fine, intelligent-looking
man of perhaps fifty years. whose princi-
pality, adjoins SINGAPORE He is devoted
great extent Anglicized I'm his tastes. He
wears the native dress of his country and
so far as public drinking is concerned, alb
CT al m
which advanced Mohamnedans look upon
as only species of sherhet. The Maharaja
has the ea oi never
Singapore without an invitation to Johore
He was graciously pleased to extend this
courtesy to me and we were driven to Jo-
hore in his carriages one evening, a few
days later.
1t was a delightful drive. through ave-
nues of magnificent trees. The palace of
the Maharaja is magnificent structure,
finer than the British Government House
at Singapore. and could doubtless accom-
o'clock in the evening and glorious moon
light night it was. AS we neared the pal-
ace We were received and welcomed by a
and escorted TO our apartments, which
were magnificent.
After we had changed our clothing and
prepared for dinner, we were conducted to
the great dining hall. 1t was of purest
white marble, and laViShly decorated with
arms and trophies of the chase. The grin
the adjacent forest abounds. alligators'
jaws, elephants tusks, etc, found place
on the walls here and there In profusion.
The dinner was royalty cooked and fault
lessly served I'll not attempt to tell you
what we had, for IL would be easier TO tell
what we didn't have. The repast lasted
until after IL clock, after which we We're
taken TO sort of balcony overlooking an
amphitheater or interior court of the pal
While we smoked our chercOtS we
were treated to a sight that believe never
will again be seen just AS we saw 1t that
night. 1t was a fight to death between
fresh from the jungles. The elephant trum-
feline in his trunk. But like streak of
yellow light the tiger pounced upon the
pachyderm's shoulder and chung there with
the ferocity and persistence OF a bulldog.
Round and round the court they Fought,
both covered with blood. but neither in
the least afraid of the other 1t looked at
one time IL the great cat would come
off victor, but. by lucky turn the ele-
plant caught him in his trunk and pulled
him Off High in the air Went the tiger
and with a thud that shook the house he
struck the ground. The instant his body
struck the great knees of the elephant
were upon him, and Mr.. Tiger was fairly
ground into the earth. a mangled and bat
tered corpse. 1t the most thrilling
sight i ever witnessed.
1T was nearly dawn before We sought
our couches. TO be lulled TO sleep by the
noises of the forest without and the gentle.
rhythmic drone of the Malay coolies, who,
throughout our sleep patiently pulled the
cooling puukeh TO and fro over our heads.
Next morning. bath In the crystal waters