New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1904-04-17
SOME INDIANS ARE FREE MAsoNs
Member of the Society Was About To Be
Burned When Chief Saw Distress Signal.

Major E H Cooper attached to military head
quarters at Chicago recently related an experiences
through which he passed while on the Western
frontier that possesses more than a passing IN
terest During nearly forty years Of travel and
exploration in all parts OF the continent from
the southern part Of South America 10 Alaska
1 have had many thrilling experiences and many
narrow escapes from DEATH said Major Cooper
THE memories Of one instance are particularly
vivid 1t was IN the early 7Vs. and I was carrying
on my Investigations among the ruins left by the
cliff builders. 1t was just across the Colorado
border. in Utah. and was alone and miles from
any white man. when suddenly surrounded
by tribe Of Ptute Indians and taken captive
II well acquainted with the savage charac-
teristics OF this renegade tribe and knew what
was IN store for me. 1t was their custom to bind
their captive. stand him a pile Of fagots against
a resinOus scrub pine tree and then them
selves by shooting arrows at him. coming close
to the victim possible without hitting him
When the Indians had tired OF innicting torture
the flames were lighted. and that the begin
ming Of horrible death
II have never been afraid OF death, but did
not fancy the methods. I began think faster
than had ever done before. I could see no pos
sible way OF escape, but I was not intending to
give up without effort The old quotation about
the power OF music to soothe the savass Srsas.
came 70 my mind. and I started 70 sing as loudly
as could NaraguaynuOp, the chief. stood by
trick was no good Meanwhile the boos,hirss22
savages were using their tomahawks industriously
were bound. but when they approached me to pin
Ion my arms TO my side used the last resort
vain though supposed IL TO be- gave the grand
hailing sign and the sign Of distress OF the Master
MasOnS. appeal to which any Mason Is bound
to respond when there is even chance that his
life will not be sacrificed.
Hardly had given the sign when the old chief
and took me into his tent. That night he
stole with from the camp and told me 10
escape. l walked some distance up canyon
and then retraced my steps. walking backward
l repeated this trick in second canyon and then
/ walked backward up third canyon. where
the Masonic sign has been OF great service to me-
and wherever I have travelled 7 have always
found some one who recognized and responded to
It"
On the day after the publication OF the abovs
incident In a Milwaukee paper a reporter called
upon ". w Perry, Grand Secretary OF the Grand
Masonic Lodge OF Wisconsin. and asked him what
the savage tribes Of the country.
They have no lodges that know Of" said he.
'and don't know where they got their Masonry,
but some OF the Indians good MasOns. / re-
member having heard similar stories OF narrow
escapes from death and disaster by white men
making themselves known as MasOns- Major
COOper's was a good story, and he had a narrow
escape"
"The story goes to show that Masonry IS a world
wide institution said Dr. W. " Wilson MANY
years ago they brought Z shiplOad OF slaves 10
Newt Orleans and when Of them was
put up the block to be- aUctiOned of he made
the Masonic haiIng sign. He taken down
from che block examined and found 20 be
Mason He was not sold into slavery. but q purse
raised BY New-Orleans MasOns 20 purchase
his freedom and he was sent back to Africa -
(ChiCagO Chronicle