The Congress Of Lausanne.

THE CONGRESS OF LAUSANNE .

REPORT HY THE GRAND COLLEGE OF RITES TO THE COUNCIL OF THE ORDER UPON THE LAUSANNE CONGRESS . Translated from the last Bulletin of the Grand Orient of France by Dr . J . T . LOTH , Representative of the Grand Orient of France at the Grand Lodge of Scotland .

Very dear Brethren , At yourmeeting of nth December , 1875 , you sent the memorandum , published by thc Supreme Council of the Scottish Rite , under No . 45 ( 3 rd quarter of 1875 ) , for examination by thc Grand College of Rites . That collection contains the treaty of union , alliance and confederation of the Supreme Councils of thc Scottish Rile ,

assembled to the number of eleven in a Congress at Lausanne , on the 6 th September , 1875 . The 18 th article of this document , to which the Council i ' -f the Order specially calls the attention of the Grand College , regulates the relations existing between the Supreme Councils on the one hand , and the various Masonic bodies and brethren subject to other authorities on the other .

It runs thus : — Art iS . — 1 . The confederate Supreme Councils are empowered , after due declaration made , to continue friendly relations with certain Masonic bodies , even though these be not regularly recognised , provided they have been established prior to the present convention . 2 . This understanding between a Confederate Supreme

Council and other Masonic bodies established within its jurisdiction , is in no wise binding on thc other members of the Confederation . 3 . All Masonic bodies foreign to the Scottish Institution , not recognising the Supreme Council of . ' their country , arc not admitted to relations of any kin ;! with thc Confederate Supreme Councils .

4 . Degrees similar to those of the Scottish Institution , above thc Master ' s grade , conferred by a local Masonic body , arc not recognised by thc Confederate Supreme Councils . Consequently brethren dependent upon another Masonic power arc only admitted into Scotch lodges up to and inclusive of the grade of Master , and only within the limit of jurisdiction of each of the Confederate Supreme

Councils . 5 . Masons belonging to bodies not regularly recognised can only enjoy the privileges reserved for members forming part of thc confederation by placing themselves under the authority of thc Scotch Supreme Council , constituted for the territory wherein they arc settled , and by obtaining due recognition of their Masonic title from the

Third Degree upwards . Thus you see , very dear brethren , not only is the Grand Orient of France denied the right to confer the high degrees of Scottish Masonry , and its Masons the legitimacy of their possession of these degrees , but besides this limits arc traced beyond which even their Master ' s degree may be disputed , and that , forsooth , if it is agreed to maintain

friendly relations with the Grand Orient , always , however , after declaration previously made , care is taken to stipulate that other members of the confederation are in no wise committed thereto . V / c are shocked by such aggression , and may well ask , or . reading the resolutions of thc Lausanne Congresswhich is the greater—thc ignorance ; from a historic point

of view , displayed by thc movers or the uubrotherly spirit that inspired those resolutions ? Perhaps , brethren , it would be becoming in thc Grand Orient of France , strong in its right , to reply to this manifesto of the Lausanne Congress simply by a disdainful silence . But we cannot hide from ourselves that the resolutions brought forward , and which have been

published and made known to Freemasonry at large , have excited our lodges and our Masons , who sec in them an infringement of their rights , and look to you for measures of protection . On the other hand it must'indced be acknowledged that present Masonic generations , too indifferent to our history , have not perhaps a sufficiently exact notion of the origin and afilliation of the Scottish Rite , and

might allow themselves to be assailed by doubt in presence of the bold affirmations of thc Lausanne Congress . It is , therefore , of importance to reduce to their just value the pretensions of the Confederate Supreme Councils , and with this object the Grand College of Rites asks your authority to publish the historical abstract annexed ' 0 this report , and for which wc arc indebted to

one of its members , Bro . Bre ' mond . That publication will , we hope , suffice to show how little foundation there is for the claim advanced by the Supreme Council of France to the exclusive possession of the Scottish Rite in France . The mission entrusted to us by thc Council of the Order would be imperfectly fulfilled were wc to limit ourselves to the publication of that document , and we deem

u not out of place here to recall to mind the state , of affairs in France , from a Masonic point of view , prior to the appearance of the Lausanne Congress manifesto . To this end it is advisable to sum up thc organisation of the Grand Orient of France . Art . 2 of its General Statutes Prescribes : — " Masonry comprehends lodge ! mcetings of different

degrees , under the denominations of lodges , chapters , and councils . The Central Power has , moreover , a superior lod ge meeting , which under the title of Grand College of Rites , Supreme Council for France and the French possessions , has alone the right of initiating to the highest degrees of Masonry . " In accordance with the terms of this article and the

universality of our legislation , the lodges of the Grand Orient confer the three First Degrees ( App ., Comp ., and faster ); the chapters confer thc grades of Capitulary U-hapter ) Masonry , from the 4 th to thc 18 th Degrees ( Rose ^ roix ) ; the councils confer the philosophic grades , from lne 19 th to the 30 th Degrees ( Kn ., Kad . ) j finally , the

The Congress Of Lausanne.

Grand College of Rites initiates to the 31 st , 32 nd , and 33 rd and last degree of Scottish Masonry . On its side , the Supreme Council of France practises the same rite , possesses lodges of identical degrees ; and Masons dependent on both powers have between themselves cordial and fraternal relations conformable , in all respects , to the principles of Freemasonry . Thrown in

this midst , Art . 18 of the Lausanne treaty tends to disturb it and to upset everything by attacking at one . and the same time the rights of the Grand Otient of France , which would thus be pointed out as an usurper of the Scottish Rite ; the propriety of its philosophical and chapter lodges ; and finally the legitimacy . of the titles of Masons dependent on it . We know not whether the

Supreme Council of France , while participating in this treaty , and perhaps calling it into existence , has well understood all its gravity ; but we regret that it has not hesitated to revive a quarrel which might have been considered as extinct , and which can in no way serve thc interests of Freemasonry . However , this we do know , that some among its most authoritative members deplore , in

common with us , this unseasonable attack , and heartily wish for conciliation and peace . Perhaps , after all , we need not too much complain , but should even congratulate ourselves upon the possible solution , once and for all , of this vexed question of Scottish Masonry , which ever and anon recurs to bring disunion among men who ought only to ' ar . i . r . atcd by the

same Masonic sentiments . It was l . icumbcnt on the Grard College of Rites to inquire into the motives and object which determined the Confederate Supreme Councils to vote resolutions so little in harmony with historical facts , and so contrary to the spirit of fraternity . Th : sc motives arc plainly set forth in the text of the above-mentioned article ; they consist of thc Supreme

Council ' s claim to priority in possession of thc high degrees in France ; claims which the Grand Orient , history in hand , has several times made good . As for the object , it is not less clearly defined in the official circular accompanying thc treaty in question . We read in this document ( page 13 of the Memorandum ) : " Wc are convinced that the Supreme Councils

now represented at Lausanne will adhere to the treaty of confederation , under these conditions Scottish Masonry , freely obeying one only law , and so to speak one only will , becomes an immense power . " " It alone , perhaps , is at this day in a position , by its universal organisation , to struggle advantageously against the anti-liberal spirit which menaces the

legitimate conquests of modern society . An approaching convention will hold its sittings at Rome in 1 S 78 . It will certainly bring together the delegates of all thc regular Supreme Councils ; and should there , at that time , still exist differences of opinion , details to be settled between thc Scottish powers , that convention will generalise the intimate union . "

Now let us examine thc consequences of these data . Up to this day Masonic dependencies have had , together with aspirations in common , an essential character of national institutions ; each was justly jealous and proud of them . None had dreamt of separating the Masonic idea from the patriotic ; not one of them had wished to accept laws and regulations promulgated on foreign soil ;

their mutual relations , though based on a communion of brotherly sentiments , were limited to a reciprocal acknowledgment of regular Masonic powers , affirmed by the interchange of accredited representatives in the name of bonds of amity by the interchange of friendly and fraternal correspondence . Such national doctrine is affirmed by the Grand Orient

of France , which , declaring itself to be French before all , has inscribed in its Constitution , Art . 2 -. —Freemasonry reminds all its adepts that one of their first duties , as Masons and as citizens , is to respect the laws of the country in which they dwell . The Grand Orient draws up or modifies its regulations , free from all care and untrammelled by outside pressure , and without any other

pre-occupation than that of respecting the civil and political laws of its own country . On the soil of France it only recognizes as Masonic laws laws thus freely voted by the representatives of its lodges j it could not accept as such those elaborated and decreed in other lands by delegates of foreign dependencies , and which , if not to-day , perchance to-morrow , will be in contradiction with its tradition and

its fundamental law . Well now ! for this eminently national doctrine the representatives of the Supreme Councils at the Congress ol Lausanne appear desirous of substituting a cosmopolitan Masonic parliament , composed of delegates from different nations , voting , by a majority , laws which French Masons would be held to obey .

It is sought , in other words , to subject all dependencies to one uniform law , to a will which would thus have at its service an immense power . We are not inventing , we quote . Is that not simply , very dear brethren , the doctrine of the Jesuits which it is sought to impose upon French Freemasonry ? Dots not that mean the creation of a kind of Masonic pontificate , the head whereof is not

yet named , but who would belong , perhaps , to a foreign nation , having its ideas , its sentiments , and who would defend its character , opinions , and interests , political or otherwise , and to whom all the Masonic groups of the globe should owe obedience , under pain of excommunication . The Grand Orient of France is too proud of its independence , too careful of its dignity , too full of respect

for true Masonic principles , too faithful , in short , to the sentiments of fraternity , to follow the Confederate Supreme Councils in that path . Already , you have seen , they fulminate interdicts from which the Masons of the Grand Orient of France especially will only be released by making the amende honorable to the Masonic Papacy dreamed of by the delegates of the Lausanne Congress ; for , indeed , it is nothing but a dream , that strange combination of a

The Congress Of Lausanne.

few Masons , misguided by we know not what pre-occupations , which , moreover , we shall not be the first to disavow . In fact , several Supreme Councils , among those even who formed , or who were called to form , part of the Lausanne Congress , have made serious reservations with regard to the resolutions passed by that Congress . We only mention these facts to show the value and

importance of this pompousl y-styled Congress of Lausanne , and we think that this attempt at confiscating the hi gh degrees , and this experiment of diverting Masonry from its proper channel b y turning it aside from its objects for the purpose of leading it towards perilous destinies , ought to be pointed out by the Grand Orient of France to all the Masonic powers of the world , as sources of

trouble and discredit to our great family . Silence , moreover , in such a case would be tantamount to the acceptance of an accomplished fact—namely forfeiture . Such are the general considerations suggested to the Grand College of Rites by the question you have

submitted to its examination . If , then , it were allowed , the Grand College , after having demonstrated the grievous effects of the Lausanne treaty , and established truth in this question of Scottish Masonry , to clothe its opinion in the garb of a proposition , we would propose for the decision of the Council of the Order : —

1 . That all official relations shall cease between the Grand Orient of France and the Supreme Councils persisting in the resolutions passed at Lausanne . 2 . That , in particular , all relations bclween the Grand Oiicnt of France and the Supreme Council of France , as well as between their respective lodges , do cease from this day , and shall continue so to cease until the said Supreme

Council make authentic declaration that , so far as it is concerned , the resolutions passed at the Lausanne Congress do not apply to the Grand Orient of France , acknowledging the latter to be in legitimate possession of thc Scottish Rite , and the consequent ri ght of conferring its degrees from the 1 st up to and inclusive of the 33 rd . 3 . That , this notwithstanding , Masons of our

dependency remain free to frequent the lodges of thc Supreme Council . That our lodges of all degrees be authorised , and , where needful , invited fraternally to receive Masons of the Supreme Council , official relations alone being prohibited between the lodges of both dependencies . That those of our brethren who may find thc degrees they hold disputed by a lodge of the Supreme Council of France , or

who may be only admitted thereinto upon sufferance , shall give information of same to the Grand Oiient of France , when the matter sbaM be taken into due consideration . The Grand Orient of France , whilst maintaining its priority in possession of the Scottish Rite , docs not dispute the Supreme Council ' s right to confer the degrees thereof ; it accepts this Masonic power as a de facto government , and

we shall not be contradicted when we say , that a fraternal hand has always been stretched to it . For many years these two Masonic powers lived at peace , devoting themselves , in their respeclivc spheres , to the propagation of the principles of our institution . Why should this accord , which made the force of Masonry in France , be thus disturbed by vain questions of rites and degrees ? But

perhaps this conflict , afflicting , yet unsought by us , will result in a solution of a nature to satisfy all minds , and which will revive harmony between men whose all absorbing care in these days , and in face of the attacks directed against Freemasonry , should be to unite their efforts with the view of increasing its prosperity . Such is , we feel convinced , the sincere desire of all French Masons , and

particularly of the Grand College of Rites , which body is full of confidence in the measures to be taken by the Council of thc Order for the attainment of that object . [ A summary of this appeared in the " Masonic Magazine" for November . A translation of the " History o £ Freemasonry in France " also appears in the November , December , and January numbers . —ED . ]

Consecration Of The Kennard Chapter At Pontypool.

CONSECRATION OF THE KENNARD CHAPTER AT PONTYPOOL .

On Monday , 13 th November , the Kennard Chapter was consecrated at Pontypool . The ceremony was most ably performed by Captain S . G . JHomfray , P . G . Standard Bearer of England and P . G . H . of Monmouthshire ,

assisted by Bros . L . A . Horn fray , P . Z . and P . Prov . J . of Monmouthshire , as H ., and Captain A . T . Perkins , H . ot Avalori Chapter , Wells , and P . G . S . B . of Monmouthshire , as J . The attendance was very good . Comp . Captain Homfray afterwards installed Comp . H . Griffiths as M . E . Z .,

and Comp . Waite as J ., but in consequence of the illness of Comp . Lloyd , his installation as H . was deferred to the next meeting . Over a dozen members were proposed for exaltation , and the chapter was closed in harmony . The companions afterwards adjourned to a banquet at the Crown Hotel , and spent a very pleasant evening .

The " Graphic " of last week might well be termed a Masonic number , containing , as it did , a full page illustration of the Installation of Lord Suffield by H . R . H ., the M . W . G . M ., a portrait of the former and an engraving of the third figure of the Knights Templar Lancers at the Masonic ball at Cambridge . It also gave a biography of Lord Suffield , which we copy in another column .

HOLLOWAY ' S OINTMENT AND PILLS . —Much watchfulness must be exercised as winter advances and the earliest evidences of illhealth must be immediately checked and removed , or a slight illness may result in a serious malady . Relaxed and sore throat , Diphtheria , Qulnsey , Throat Cough , Chronic Cough , Bronchitis , and most nthpr militlnnarv afTtfrtlnnR urlll l , i > r ^ llpvi .. ! hir ruhhtniy

this cooling Ointment into the skin as near as practicable to the seat of the mischief . This treatment so simple anil effective Is admirably adapted for the removal of these diseases during infancy and youth . Old Asthmatic Invalids will derive marvellous relief from the use of Holloway ' s remedies , which have brought round many sufferers and re-established health after every other meant had signally failed , —ADVT .