Not so, as a Mason myself, I can give my wife the distress sign to be utilized as needed in emergency situations. This sign is not in any way related to any violation of a Mason's obligation, so this was a very common practice. And any Mason who witnesses a person giving these signs normally will go to their assistance, or at least he is supposed to. So this was and is a very common practice among Mason's, to provide their families with these signs of distress. I have heard of women broke down on interstates giving these signs and a Mason stopping to help. Hope this is enough documentation. Even Yankee Mason's would not violate their obligation to assist anoher Mason's wife, even a Confederate.