“on the square” = Freemasonry reference.
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Thanks for the clarification. I’ve never been interested in Freemasonry, but my great great grandfather was a Scotsman and Grand Master of a Lodge in D.C. in the 1850s.
Hm. Recommend investigation into the subject, as it is not a benign organisation. Here is one depository of information. There are many others.
http://hbcdelivers.org/?s=freemasonry