Compagnonage Of The French Handicrafts.

was not satisfactory , and it appeared that they belonged to different associations , a war of words , and even of blows , was the result . Such was formerly the custom ; but through the evangelic

labors of Agricol Perdiquier , a journeyman joiner of Avignon , who travelled through France inculcating lessons of brotherly love , a better spirit now exists .

In each locality the ' association has a chief , who is annually elected by ballot at the General Assembly of the Craft . He is called the First Compagnon of Dignity . He presides over the

meetings , which ordinarily take place on the first Sunday of every month , and represents the Society in its interconrse with other bodies , with the Masters , or with the municipal authorities .

Compagnonage has been exposed at various periods to the persecutions of the Church and the State , as well as to the opposition of the corporations of Masters , to which , of course , its

designs were antagonistic , because it opposed their monopoly . Unlike them , and particularly the corporation of Freemasons , it was not under the protection of the Church . The practice of

its mystical receptions were condemned by the Faculty of Theology at Paris in 165 j as impious . But a hundred years before , in 1541 , a decree of Francis I had interdicted the Compagnons de la

Tour from binding themselves by an oath , from wearing swords or canes , from assembling in a greater number than , five outside of their Master ' s houses , or from having banquets on any

occasion . During the 16 th , 17 th , and 18 th centuries the Parliaments were continually interposing their power against the associations of Compagnonage , 3 s well as against other

Fraternities . The effects of these persecutions , although embarrassing , were not absolutely disastrous In spite of them , Compagnonage was never entirely dissolved , although a few of the trades

abandoned their devoirs , some of which , howover , such as that of the shoemakers , were subsequently renewed . At this day the gilds of the workmen still exist in France , having lost , it is

true , much of their original code of religious dogmas and symbols ; and although not recognised by the law , always tolerated by the municipal authorities and undisturbed by the police ,

To the Masonic scholar the history of these devoirs or guilds is peculiarly interesting . In nearly all of them the Temple of Solomon prevails as a predominant symbol , while the square

and compasses , their favourite and constant device , would seem in some way to identify them with Freemasonry , so far at least a 5 respects the probability of a common origin . —National Freemason .

The formal opening of the Devon and Somerset Railway , from Wiveliscombe to Dulvcrton , took place at the latter place . A large stock market was opened , for which the land had been given by the Karl of Carnarvon . A great number of

the nobility and gentry of the county sat down to a dinner , at which his lordship presided . The line extends from Taunton to Barnstaple , a distance of 43 miles , and passes through a rich district of iron and copper ores .

A BOON TO Evrcrtv Ilousiaioi . t ) . —13 oots , with t ' . " e celebrated wire-ijuilted soles , wearing twice as long asordinary leather , for all ages ; and children ' s hocts with metallic lips , which never wear out at the toes , may be had at most shoe dealers . Insist on giving these a trial , and judtreon their merits .

The Provincial Grand Lodge Of West Yorkshire.

THE PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE OF WEST YORKSHIRE .

The Provincial Grand Lodge was holden in the Mechanic ' s Institution , Uppermill , Saddleworth , on Wednesday , 30 th of July , at one o ' clock , p . m ., under the banner of the Candour Lodge No . 3 , 37 , John Hirst , Junior , W . M ., about i < o brethren being present . After the

usual opening ceremony , the brethren saluted the W . Deputy Provincial Grand Master ( Bro . Bentley Shaw , J . P . and D . L ) according to antient custom , who , after warmly thanking the brethren for their kind and cordial welcome , proceeded to

say that he was desired by the R . W . Provincial Grand Master ( the Most Hon . the Marquess of Ripon , K . G . ) to express his sincere regret that his official duties would not permit him to leave London at this busy time of the session of Parliament .

It is a matter of regret to you , brethren , and I may be permitted to say to none more than to myself ; I indulged the hope , some how or other that we might get his lorship amongst these Saddleworth Hills , and I did not relinquish that hope until Monday last , when hs announced his

inability to leave London . Since we last met at Huddersfield , we have had to deplore the removal by death of the Earl of Zetland , who presided for more than a quarter of a century over our great Masonic Fraternity . His lordship , as you know , died

somewhat suddenly at Aske Hall , near Richmond , in this county , on Monday the 6 th of May , in the seventy-ninth year of his age , he having been born 5 th of February , 1 79 , 5 , having retired , by reason of failing health , from his high office of Most Worshipful Grand Master of

England some time previously . His memory will be long cherished by the Freemasons of England as being redolent of every Masonic virtue , and of every mental quality which could adorn and dignify the man . Peace be to his ashes !

We have great reason to congratulate ourselves brethren , that we have a noble and able successor to Lord Zetland in the Marquess of Ripon . You in this province more especially can appreciate his work who , since his installation on 22 nd of May , 1861 , has most admirably governed this province

as Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master . 1 am sure you will all join me in the fervent prayer that he may long live to employ his talents and devote his energies in promotion of the best interests of our time-honoured Craft . I would earnestly recommend you , brethren , to bear in mind the excellent advice his lordship

g ives us whenever he is able to come amongst us , sitting as he now does on the Throne of Freemasonry ; his opportunites for observation are not confined to West Yorkshire alone , he has oversight of every province of which his Masonic realm is composed , no wonder that he should acrain and asrain reiterate the advice to be careful

as to whom we admit into our several lodges Brethren , as loyal F ' reemasons never forget to carry out this injunction , and in order to this end it is needful that every Worshipful Master should make himself acquainted with the Book of Constitutions , the Bve-Laws of Provincial

Grand Lodge and of his own Lodge . In admitting new members from other towns , joining members also , the true meaning and scope of Provincial Grand Lodge Bye-Laws 47 and 48 , should be fully complied with . Our

indefatigable and devoted Secretary , Bro . Henry Smith , will shortly issue , 1 believe , an amended , form of inquiry for the use of lodges in regard to this matter . Too much care cannot bi taken where candidates are introduced from other

towns and places where lodges already exist , and remembering as I do that we are now assembled on the borders of two important Provinces , East Lancashire and Cheshire , the former of which has adopted pretty nearly our Bye-Laws , may

we hope that both the provinces will assist and do all in their power to prevent undesirable candidates crossing the bonier , and then recrossing it as full pledged Masons , in spite of their neighbours , who may have considered them unworthy . There is an important subject for congratulation to which I must briefly allude , namely , the

The Provincial Grand Lodge Of West Yorkshire.

extinction of the debt of the Royal Masonic Institution for boys . Not only is the debt discharged , but a sum of s (? 2 , ooo is being expended in providing sleeping room for about thirty additional boys , who will by next May make the number one hundred and fifty , or more than

double , I believe , since i 8 jo . Brethren , it is to the untiring energy and undauntable perseverance of Bro . Frederick Binckes that we owe this long wished for consummation . An effort is being made in London to raise funds to present Bro . Binckes with a suitable recognition of his services . I feel sure West Yorkshire will gladly assist .

We have to-day as our guest Bro . James Terry , recently appointed Secretary to the Royal Masonic Benevolent Annuity Fund , his first official visit to Yorkshire . I am sure we heartily bid him welcome , and trust that he will take

back with him a long list of names of Stewards for the annual festival in January , 1874 . From the Annuity Fund we derive large benefits , and we should endeavour to show our gratitude and sympathy by regular and systematic

subscription . 1 may just revert , as a matter of history , to our previous vists to the locality , viz ., on the 4 th June , 18 49 , wnen the foundation stone of Christ Church , Friezland , was laid ; the lodge then met at the Bell Hotel , Delph , and again on 12 th

June , 1858 , when the foundation stone of the fine building in which we are now assembled was laid with Masonic honours ; on that occasion the lodge was held at Dobcross . The Deputy Provincial Grand Master concluded by thanking the brethren for their very

patient attention , and craved their support until the business of the day was completed . The business being gone through , several petitions were presented for assistance , and on the motion of Bro . Thomas Hill , P . M . . 502 , P . Prov . G . W ., and Charman of the Charity Committee , a sum of /" io was voted in each case ,

It was also resolved that a like sum should be devoted to the Binckes Testimonial . Bro . Scratcherd , Prov . G . D ., on behalf of the W . M . and brethren of Probity Lodge , No . 6 t , Halifax , applied for the honour of entertaining Provincial Grand Lodge in October . The lodge was then closed in form and with solemn prayer shortly before three o ' clock .

The banquet was served in the large hall which had been recently re-decorated . The W . M ., Bro . W . Blackburn , P . Prov . G . D . and other active members of Candour Lodge had undertaken the entire providing and management of the banquet , which was served cold ,

with the exception of fish , soup , and vegetables , giving great satisfaction to the brethren who had the pleasure of being present . The tickets being limited to 103 , every seat was filled . During dinner Bro . Hemingway , P . Prov . G . O ., assisted by a string band , played a selection of lively music . After the cloth was removed , the usual

loyal and Masonic toasts were given and duly honoured . The musical talent was chiefly sustained by members of the lodge . Bro . Bentley Shaw , D . Prov . G . M ., was compelled to leave at six o ' clock to catch his train . Bro . Hirst took his place and was heartily supported by a number of his brethren and visitors from Lancashire and Cheshire .

Tin : NATIONAL REVENUE from April ist to July 26 th , was £ 21 , 867 , 6 4 8 , against £ 22 , 570 , 01 '/ in the corresponding period of last year . The expenditure in the same period of the current year was ^ . ' 29 , 095 , 634 , against 6 ^ 26 , 402 , 818 in 1 S 72 . The balances on the 26 th inst . were £ 2 , 813 , 768 , against , § £ 4 , 921 , 134 at the same time last year .

CAUSK , COL ' ; AND CONSEUUENCIS 01 NECLEC-TEI ) MAI . ADIKS . —Between stomach and kidneys there exists a close and intimate relation , which is demonstrated h y the wa : ting , which occurs in all diseases alilxting the kidneys . Disordered stomach is often the first symptom of renal irrcguUiity ; Ilollowav ' s remedies used at that juncture , cut short many a serious and fat ii attack . They act witli

wonderful efficiency on every organ of secretion , but especially do they regulate the stomach , liver , anil kidneys , by restoring their healthy functions and casting out any obstructions or impurity . It is necessary for the Ointment to be well rubbed over the affected parts twice daily j when absorbed it must augment the put ifying and salutary influence of the Pills . —AoVT .