Omaha daily bee., 1899-05-28

Masons Of the west are preparing to obli-
gate $50 candidates in the Cryptic rite on the
top OF Pixies Peak in August This is the
shibboleth OF every Masonic chapter and
Royal Arch Masons Of Illinois, Iowa, Mis-
souri,, Nebraska, oklahoma, Wyoming and
Colorado are anticipating with pleasure the
event in which thousands OF them will par
ticipate.
The followers OF the wise Kink have con-
cuded that, next to the ancient temple OF
King Solomon, built without the sound Of
hammer or chisel, Pixies Peak is the most
fitting place to confer the degrees which per-
petuate the teachings OF the ancient ruler
and philosopher. And so TO this colossal
Colorado will 60 from many states Masons
by the hundreds, and upon the summit OF
Pixies Peak they will recite their impressive
admonitions, administer their solemn oaths
and chant their ancient and inspiring songs.
Then they will hold high carnival in Denver,
Colorado Springs Cripple Creek and Victor
and If their money holds out, penetrate as
far as the restful Durango and look upon
the Needles" through whose eyes train
OF 1 900 camels might easily pass II they
| could be kept from freezing on the journey
Ten days at least they purpose TO spend
among the richly colored rocks and yawnlng
canyons of the Centennial state.
| With the delegations from the different
! states will go 500 of the candidates LOT
Cryptic rites. These will be Joined by 2oo
| moro from Colorado, and all Will De oOil-
gated in the beautiful council degrees on
| the little tableland on tie top OF Pike
| Peak There will be other mystic cere-
monies In the Cave of the Winds, ana the
whole body of Masons in full regalia will
PASS in solemn possession through the Gar
| den of the Gods, bearing their affairs, their
| ho;r Ell and symbols, ana IN
the shadow of some giant rock, upon whose
face Manitou has etched the symbols OF
his order they will break bread and eat
| tho salt of the brothers in blood
| Edward D. Wellington of Ellsworth, Kan,
| thrice ilustrious master and grand princi-
pal conductor OF the grand council OF Kan
sas, will be general in chief of the party
and lead 1t through the labyrinths ana
mysteries of the. cities Of the silver state
| and plan the mountain excursions.
The candidates will remain on Pixies
| Peak only long enough to take the obliga-
ton. The degrees which follow will be
conferred in the magnificent Masonic tenn
pie in Denver sometime during the week.
The masons of Denver will give granu
banouet to the visiting members the night
before they start on their return trip. All
Royal Arch Masons receiving the council
Masonic home in the council nearest their
place of residence.
The main object of this pilgrimage is to
build up an interest in Cryptic Rite Ma
sonry In the various states participating.
Information has been received by mem
bers of the Royal Arcanum from General
Henderson leaving no doubt that Admiral
Schley will be in the city next wednesday
to take part in the reception that Will be
given in his honor by the order on the
evening of that day. telegram from Gen
eral Manderson has given assurance of this
The members of the Royal Arcanum are
making the necessary arrangements for the
reception. The place where it will be held
has been changed from the commercial clut
to the Metropolitan club because the lat
ter will be more accessible to the big crowc
that is expected to be on hand. While the
handshaking is going on the big ball room
in the club house will be given over to the
| dancers.