Freemasonry In France.

FREEMASONRY IN FRANCE .

IT must have been somewhat of a rude surprise to - those who regard the Masonic Order as universal , and as existing in all parts of the world as it is known in England , to read the comments which have appeared during the last few days , in many of the

leading papers , under the above heading . From them it has been possible to learn that French Freemasonry is very different to the system practised in this country , and very different to anything we should like to see introduced into our midst ; but at the same

time the comments in question teach little that was not already known to those who have watched the progress of Masonic events abroad during the last few years . To most of those who give a thought to the subject it will seem surprising that so much change could have taken place in so short a time as has

occurred during the last lew years in connection with French Freemasonry , and the present position of the Craft in that country may well be held up as a warning to those Craftsmen , in England and other parts

of the world , who seek to ** improve " or ** amend " the existing state of affairs , but who do not take into consideration the ultimate effect of their proposals . When , a few years back , alterations were suggested

m the fundamental principles of French Freemasonry—and which , on being adopted caused the Grand Lodge of England to break off its friendly relations with the Grand Orient of France—there were few who regarded the change as of so serious

a character as it has since proved itself , or who considered the discontinuance of an expressed belief in a Supreme Being on the part of every candidate for the secrets of French Freemasonry as likely to lead to a radical change in the whole constitution of the

Craft in that country . Perhaps this is not the only cause which has led to the present state of affairs , but most unquestionably it has much to do with it . When the Grand Orient decided it was no longer

necessary to enforce an expression of belief in a Deity from every candidate previous to his initiation , many of the better class of French Freemasons withdrew from active membership of the Order , and in

not a few cases the whole condition of Lodges was changed ; men were admitted who would previously have been rejected , and minor alterations were made which , but for the example set by ruling authorities ,

would never have been even suggested—they would have been regarded as utterly impossible , in view of the previously professed changeless character of Freemasonry .

We think there is little fear of the same fate attendingEnglish Freemasonry as has befallen that of France , but it is quite as well to look around and profit by experience to be gained elsewhere . In England we

are not so excitable over political matters as our neighbours , and we are able to keep party feeling distinct , both from our daily avocations and our

Freemasonry In France.

private affairs . The French people , on the contrary , have the credit of making everything subservient to

party and politics , ancl this characteristic has unfortunately extended to Freemasonry , with the result that the present condition of the Order in France is about as much unlike what we regard as true

Freemasonry as anything bearing the name could possibly be . The Order in France has resolved itself into a party organisation pure and simple , and does not

even enjoy the benefits of the checks which are imposed by public action on associations which are free and open to all . In short , it has become the most

dangerous and the most lawless of all associationsa combination for political purposes , meeting in secret , and binding its members with the utmost severity to

keep from the outside world all knowledge of what is going on in its midst . Recent events have shown what it is possible for such an organisation to attempt in times of peace and quietness ; we dread to think

what might be attained , under its cloak , if one of the scenes of excitement or even revolution to which our neighbours are no strangers should occur . Doubtless the combination which now exists under the

guise of Freemasonry would then be made use of to the uttermost , ancl as a result the name of the Masonic Order might be so associated with crime and disaster

as to rest for ever after under a most undesirable stigma . As we have said , the present position of French Freemasonry may be held up as an example to the English Craft , who thereby may be warned of the evil consequences of allowing innovation in the

principles of the Order , ancl taught to guard against anything likely to lead them on a similar fatal course to what has been pursued by their French brethren . It strikes us one of the main points to guard against is the admission of unworthy candidates ; men who join

the Order m the hope oi serving their own ends , rather than of advancing the welfare of the masses , and who make no scruple of using the reputation of the Masonic Order to advance personal interests . We

must bear m mind that the initiates of to-day will be the rulers of the future , and the rise or downfall of Masonry after the next few years may , in consequence , be said to depend on the class of men admitted now .

If worthy men , ancl worthy men alone are received , we need have little fear as to the future , but if , in the scramble after new members , which unfortunately exists to an alarming extent , little or no care is

exercised m ascertaining the views or the motives of candidates , there is much to cause alarm in the outlook . But how are we to ascertain whether or not the men we receive to-day are likely to prove thorns in the

side of Freemasonry in years to come ? This is a very delicate question , and one almost impossible of solution . It cannot , indeed , be solved at all ; but a

moment ' s consideration of the results of a single false step may impress us with the determination to use additional care , and this may lead to the prevention of a mistake which , once committed , may be incapable