presiding officer for the Grand Lodge, and he a member of the imperial family. The whole thing is inexplicable, unless the solution is to be found in the following article from the London Freemasons' Magazine of Oct. 26:

The Grand Orient was to have met on the 14th Oct. for the election of a Grand Master-under the adjournment from May last-and as the Prince Napoleon had refused to stand for the office, it was hoped that the election would be allowed quietly to take place; but no! it was at the last moment announced by the Prefect of Police that the meeting must be further adjourned until May next, when the Brethren will be allowed to proceed with the election of a Grand Master, should that illustrious Brother, the Emperor, have determined the principles on which the Grand Lodge may be allowed to exist, it being clear that his Imperial Majesty's Government intend to lay down some regulations on the subject, though to what extent we are as yet kept in ignorance.

At present, however, the Grand Lodge is virtually suppressed under a circular which the Minister of the Interior, M. de Persigny, has addressed to the Prefects of Police in the various departments of the Empire.

It is not our province in the Freemasons' Magazine to discuss the policy of the Emperor of France, or of any other Government, but cheerfully admit that whilst any form of government exists in a country, it is its duty, if it would retain its position, to see that its measures are not thwarted by any class of its subjects, either through the instrumentality of secret societies or otherwise. It is well known that for a considerable period the Jesuits and other bodies of ecclesiastics have endeavored to raise a spirit of hostility in the people to the Government of the Emperor, in consequence of the assistance which he has given to the re-establishment of the kingdom of Italy, in which all true-hearted Englishmen, be their political opinions or creeds what they may, will rejoice, and to its being pretty generally understood that the Government of the Emperor is not averse to, if he is not prepared in time to enforce, the separation of the spiritual from the temporal power of the Pope-by which the head of the Catholic Church will be deprived of earthly honors, though still maintained in the rank of a spiritual prince. Throughout France there exists many charitable institutions of a religious character, such as the St. Vincent de St. Paul, St. Français-Regis, and St. François de Sales-the objects of which are most excellent, being not only to relieve the poor, but to educate, improve, and elevate the working classes. But the institutions, it is reported, have become the hotbeds of clerical agitators for the purpose of thwarting the Government in its efforts to assist in the pacification of Italy, and lessen the power of the Popes of Rome. It is admitted that these are not political societies, being formed of "religious men belonging, without distinction, to all opinions," and combining, "among their ranks, a great number of public functionaries, and devoted friends of the Government;" but it is objected that the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, for that appears to be the chief offender, not only has local committees, but that it has a superior council sitting at Paris, of which the Government cannot approve, as it is not nominated by local societies, but of its own sole authority, elects its members, arrogates the right of governing the others, in order to make them a sort of occult association, the ramifications of which it extends beyond the frontiers of France, and which possesses a budget levied from the conferences, of which the employment is unknown," although we have no doubt it is shrewdly guessed at. The result is that, by this circular of M. de Persigny, the Prefects of Police are

requested to remind these societies of their legal position, that they must confine themselves to their own districts, and all central authority be suppressed. And this circular includes the Freemasons, which are admitted to be bound together for "purely philanthropic objects"-and now consists of 470 Lodges-the Craft having ever "shown itself animated with a patriotism which has never been in default under important circumstances ;" and whilst, at the present moment, these Lodges are warned, with other societies, of their legal position, it is expressly admitted that "such is the order and spirit which reign in this association that, with the exception of its central organization, the mode of election of which being of a nature to excite rivalry between the different Lodges, and to disturb their good harmony, calls for some modification; it cannot but be advantageous to authorize and recognize its existence," and further, we are informed that societies wishing for a central representation, are to give their reasons for such wish, when the Minister will "have the honor to take the Emperor's orders to decide on what basis, and according to what principles that central representation may be organized."

We are glad to see the testimony borne by the French Minister to the readiness with which the Brethren of France bow to the laws of their country—no matter what their individual opinions—and trust that, though a cloud is for the present hanging over the institution, that it may be quickly dispersed, and that the regula tions of the Government for its recognition may be such as can be accepted with dignity, and add to the usefulness of the Craft. Being so, there can be then no mistake as to the real governing body of Freemasons in France, which should at once be acknowledged by the Grand Lodge of England-whilst if each province is to be left to itself, it will be impossible to discriminate the genuine from the false Mason, and we shall have no other alternative than that, which all would regret, of closing the portals of our Lodges against all French Masons. It has always been a matter of regret to us that England has had no relations with the Grand Orient of France, and we therefore look forward with pleasure to the day when, being officially acknowledged by the Government of France, we can make no error in extending towards it the right hand of fellowship, so that out of apparent evil may come good, and Freemasonry be yet another bond for binding the peoples of the two nations together in amity and good will.

STROLLS AMONG THE WORKMEN.

NO. 6.

Dear Brother Moore,-I am inclined to skip over a page or two in my journal for the purpose of diversifying the subject, otherwise I fear you will put me down as an old grumbler or fault-finder. I assure you, however, I am neither; I only have my share of fondness for old customs, in common with the brotherhood generally. Although I may not like being placed among the old fogies of the Order, neither am I inclined to be classed with reckless young America. There is sufficient spirit in my composition to seize upon anything that will prove advantageous to the Institution; but, like others of my Brethren, I am not disposed to favor changes under fancied improvements.

It is remarkable how exceedingly tenacious Masons are generally of preserving the old customs and usages of the Order. This feeling, I believe, is shared to a greater or less degree by all. The exceptions, when found, are among those

who have not properly investigated the science and principles of Freemasonry, and consequently know but little about its general regulations and old customs. The young Mason is as sensitive in this particular as the old Brother, all feeling a wilful variation from the old Landmarks of the Order to be an unpardonable offence.

I like to see Masons pertinacious in maintaining this point, but at the same time they should be sure that their own instructions in the Ritual were correct and their positions invulnerable. I have thought that the fondness manifested for our forms and ceremonies was owing, in a great degree, to their peculiar quaintness and in differing so widely as they do from the practices of modern societies. They bear the stamp of antiquity are unique and solemn, and possess an inexpressible grandeur, which, united, are not only attractive, but make an indelible impression upon the heart. Forms and ceremonies of some character have been used for the induction of initiates into Freemasonry from time immemorial; but to what date in antiquity its present Ritual can be fixed, I presume will be difficult satisfactorily to establish. Its mysteries, however, as we have them, are enshrined as "jewels rare" in the recess of human hearts, and the casket guarded by the sleepless vigil of sensitive consciences. No other sentinel is needed to ensure their safety, and, until the beginning of the last century, no other was thought of; there were no restraints or government controlling the Craft but those communicated traditionally.

It was not until that period that the framework of the Institution assumed a tangible and systematic form, and yet we find that the mysteries of Freemasonry were safely lodged in the repository of faithful breasts, proving clearly that their safe-keeping did not depend upon the permanent organization of a Lodge, for up to this period Masons required no warrant to give legality to their Lodges. Their meetings were casual, the Brethren, in their respective neighborhoods, coming together as was their wont, to meet the exigencies or the moment. They met as circumstances required, and opened Lodges for work and instruction; and although they did so without specific authority, their Lodges, when opened, possessed the same vitality, power and virtue us do Lodges of the present day, which exist under the panoply of a Grand Lodge by a "warrant of authority."

It was under an indefinite organization such as this, and preserved through ages enveloped in darkness, that we have had transmitted to us, unin paired, the most beautiful tenets of our Institution. Notwithstanding the native and peculiar organization of the Masons of that day, and which to us seem to lack the power and cohesive strength found only in concert of action, we find our ancient Brethren not only as capable of appreciating the ritual and principles of the Order, but as faithful in maintaining them inviolate as the Masons of the present day, surrounded as they are by the restraints of innumerable laws and regulations and the pomp and pageantry of august Grand Bodies. They appear too to have fully understood what were the requisite qualifications of candidates for our mysteries without the aid of written instructions. The Ritual and the unalterable Landmarks of the Order seemed to have equal prominence in their teachings, for we find a general knowledge of the art, both in its principles and its work, reflected from them in their full force.

Although the safe keeping of our secrets may not depend in any degree upon a representative system of government, it is necessary, under existing circumstances, that there should be either this or some other controlling form of govern. ment by which the principles and usages of the Institution may be preserved and perpetuated, and the Craft restrained from indulging in new notions and practices. This necessity, doubtless, developed itself at the beginning of the last century, for at that time a Grand Lodge sprang into existence, as it were, spontaneously, and the Craft imparted to it instrumentalities and powers of sufficient magnitude to strengthen and enforce authority.

Abstractly considered, Masons possess the inherent right of opening Lodges and doing Masonic work when and wherever a certain number are congregated for that purpose. It is only said that the right has been resigned into the hands of Grand Lodges, and that the Lodges can now only exist under the power of a written or printed instrument of authority; that we have been instructed "that a Lodge is a certain number of Masons duly assembled, with a Warrant or Charter empowering them to work." It seems to me that this must vary the original teaching under this head by the interpolation of the words " Warrant or Charter," as such an instrument was not known in former times; nor do I think it is strictly applicable in the sense in which it is received by those instructed. It does not convey the proper signification of what we are to understand a Lodge to be.

It will be admitted, of course, that a Lodge cannot now be lawfully opened without a warrant of authority from a party authorized to issue one, and yet, although a warrant empowers a body of Masons to open a Lodge, it is entirely unconnected with any of the ceremonies proper to the occasion; nor is it at all necessary in perfecting it. Nor do I agree with some of my very estimable Brethren-whose Masonic attainments have reached a high pinnacle on the temple of fame, and at whose feet I would willingly sit and learn-that the warrant must be present in the room at the opening of the Lodge. I have already intimated that it is indispensably necessary that a Lodge should be in possession of a Charter or Warrant, and that a Lodge cannot be opened without such authority, except only when done by the Grand Master in person, or by a Dispensation from him.

Although it is essential that the Warrant should be in the custody of the Lodge, I do not look upon it as at all important whether it is in the safe of the officer at his dwelling or hung up in the Lodge room. Its virtue does not con. sist in the parchment which conveys its force or the ink it is written with. It is only valuable in this respect as cominunicating or expressing the act of the Grand Body creating the Lodge, and because it furnishes the evidence of its lawful existence. To be sure, it is far more convenient that the Warrant should be in the room or near by, in case a visitor wishes to see it, or for other purposes, and it is advisable that it should be there; but I am unable to understand why its immediate presence is indispensable in the Lodge room at the opening. I take it for granted it could not have been so considered in olden times.

I make a distinction between a Lodge of Master Masons and a Master Mason's Lodge. The one is created and maintains a perpetual existence by virtue of a warrant of authority, while the other cannot be brought into existence by any

such means, nor without the performance of certain ceremonies, and yet, under the present system of government, they are both dependent upon each other. A Lodge of Masons might exist under a warrant, after its institution, to the extent of the constitutional limit, and be inoperative and powerless and unable to perform any Masonic work, unless a Lodge was opened in ancient form.

A Master Mason's Lodge does not remain in existence longer than during the time it is thus regularly opened. Its functions as a Lodge ceases with the closing ceremonies, and the same Lodge cannot be opened again, consequently the work of each Lodge is perfect in itself. This idea cannot be better illustrated than by citing the case of the initiation, passing and raising of a candidate. Although the candidate receives the degrees from persons composing the same body of Masons, they are conferred upon him by three distinct and separate Lodges, and even should the third degree be divided, and the first section given at one meeting and the second at the next, he would receive the respective sections from two distinct Lodges.

I cannot close these reflections more appropriately or profitably than by transcribing a portion of the very able report of the Committee on Foreign Correspondence of the Grand Lodge of Virginia, which not only strengthens but confirms the position here taken, and to no source can we look with more confidence than this for orthodoxy in Masonic law.

"We ask the question, where is the power or the propriety, and under what authority does a subsequent Lodge assume to judge the correctness of the proceedings of a previous Lodge, existing and working under the same Charter or Warrant? We should like to be informed upon these points; for, to the minds of your committee, it is all wrong, and the practice cannot be too severely reprobated and too soon abolished, if our views are correct. We have been taught to believe an entirely different practice to be correct, and followed by most of our Lodges from the earliest introduction of Masonry in our State, and which long experience has stamped as the best now brought under our notice. The Secretary is required to observe the proceedings of the Lodge; keep a fair record of all things proper to be written,' &c., &c.; hence everything which transpires is regularly written in a book, and, before the Lodge is closed, these proceedings are read and corrected by order of the Master, and if anything have escaped his attention, some member suggests the omission, the amendment is made and the question submitted—'Are the minutes correct? The record is then signed by the Master and attested by the Secretary; the Lodge is then closed, and the proceedings stand as the work of the Lodge, for good or for evil, without power at any subsequent meeting to alter or amend, condemn or approve. These proceedings are then neatly transcribed in the Record Book,' and read at the next stated communication-and for what? Not for its approval-for its chartered rights are no greater than those of the preceding Lodge; not to test the accuracy of the Secretary in transcribing them—for the Lodge being composed of different members, cannot possibly know what transpired at the meeting; but simply for information to the members, and also to enable the Master to draw his designs upon the Trestle-Board, and shape the business of the Lodge accordingly. This, in the opinion of your committee, is the correct course."

Yours, truly and fraternally,

D.