Masonic Notes.

Those who may desire to have further enlightenment as to the character of French Freemasonry and its essential difference from Freemasonry as it is understood and practised in this country should read the brief account given in the Daily Telegraph of Tuesday

of the proceedings at a recent meeting of the Grand Orient , at which a certain Bro . Imbriani , who is described as a member of the Italian Parliament , delivered a lecture " On the union of the peoples and the Triple Alliance . "

* * * In our English lodges anything in the nature of a political or religious discussion is absolutely forbidden . Indeed , we go further than this , and when we meet those whom we know are of a different way of thinking

in reli gion and politics , we scrupulously avoid all reference to questions which are likely to provoke controversy , and so weaken the bond which unites us as Masons . In doing this , we are not weakly sacrificing our own convictions . We are merely according to others

the ri ght we claim for ourselves , of forming and holding our own opinions . But in France the idea seems to be gaining ground that Freemasonry is nothing

if not political , and that the only way to make its influence felt is for the brethren to ally themselves with the political party , whose watchword is " Liberty , Equality , Fraternity . "

This may be all very well in its way , and as an exposition of political opinion we say nothing in favour of or against it ; but , with all due respect to M . Lockroy , who presided at this meeting of the Grand

Orient , and the visitor whom he introduced to it , it has nothing whatever to do with Freemasonry , which knows nothing about Triple Alliances , Panslavism , the policies pursued by rival States , or the loss or acquisition of territory .

* * * As a member of the Italian Parliament , M . Imbriani , who delivered this lecture , may , or he may not be , a person of influence whose opinion is worthy of attention . He may be right or he may be wrong in

recommending that the Latin Races should unite for political purposes , and hold out the right hand of fellowship to Panslavism ; in suggesting that Germany is " striving to poison the relations between the peoples ; " and that Italy will never be safe " so long as

she does not possess " a certain portion of her Austrian neighbour ' s territory . As a politician , M . Imbriani is entitled to these or any other opinions he may see proper to hold . From his seat in the Italian legislature , or at political meetings , he is within his right in

advocating them with all the fervour and eloquence he possesses . But as a Mason , he appears to forget that those who differ with him on these questions are as much entitled as he is to have their opinions respected .

* * * It was only a short time since that the Boulangists and Anti-Bouglangists had a regular field-day within the precincts of a Masonic lodge , and the meeting terminated in a disgraceful uproar . But can we be

surprised at such a disturbance of Masonic harmony when we find the Grand Orient itself setting the evil example and encouraging and applauding the political lecturer whose opinions happen to coincide with those of a majority of its members ? We fear not .

* * * No less than 458 out of 465 lodges on the roll were represented at the Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of Indiana , held at Indianapolis , on the 28 th and 29 th May last , under the presidency of Bro .

Isaac P . Leyoon , M . W . G . M . The Grand Master ' s report for the past year , was , on the whole , favourable , but we fail to see how the arrest of a lodge charter can be justified , when the offence committed by the lodge was merely that of having failed " to inflict any penalty upon

two of its members who had entered a plea of gulity upon charges preferred against them for selling intoxicating liquors as a beverage . " Even if we assume that the s . ile of wine , beer , or spirits , is a Masonic offence , it cannot for one moment be pretended that a private

lodge does not possess the right to pardon the offender , if , in the exercise of its discretion , it thinks it proper and expedient to do so . However , it is evident that our Indiana brethren have strange notions about the extent to which freedom may be permitted under the banner

of Freemasonry . And yet this Grand Lodge flourishes . It has over 23 , 000 subscribing members on the rolls of its lodges , and its funds are reported to be in a health y condition . The Grand Master for the current year is Bro . Thomas B . Long , and the Grand Secretary , Bro . William H . Smythe .

Correspondence.

Correspondence .

THE LATE BRO . E . L . BLANCHARD . To the Editor of the "Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , It may be of interest to many of your readers to know that our much esteemed and greatly lamented Bro . Blanchard was initiated in the Urban Lodge , No .

1106 , at the Old St . John ' s Gate , Clerkenwell , on February 25 th , 186 S , passed March 24 th , 1868 , and raised April 28 th , 1868 , the W . M . being Bro . Dr . J . E . Carpenter , Bro . Henry Marston , S . W ., and Bro . Wm . Sawyer , J . W . ( all of whom , alas ! have gone over to the great majority ) .

The Secretary being Bro . James Terry , who , we are all g lad to know , is still amongst us , in the full activity of Masonic life , and may he long continue to be so . Bro . Blanchard remained a subscribing member for many years , but could never be induced to accept any office . Eventually he was made an honorary member ,

and I need hardly assure those brethren who are so well acquainted with his genial good nature , his vast store of learning , and the fraternal manner with which he endeared himself to everyone that he came in contact with , that to the end he was one of the most esteemed

and highly appreciated brothers of his mother lodge , and that his lamented death is deeply deplored by every member of the Urban Lodge . Sincerely do we wish and hope that " our loss has been his gain . "—Believe me , fraternally yours , G . E . FAIRCHILD , P . M . and Sec . 1196 .

Masonic Notes And Queries.

Masonic Notes and Queries .

856 ] COSMOPOLITAN FREEMASONRY . In a letter received lately from Bro . H . J . Whymper , CLE . ( P . D . D . G . M . of the Punjab ) , he tells me of his being a visitor at the Lodge Carnatic , No . 2031 , Madras . The W . M . is a Christian , the I . P . M , is ' a Hindu ( a local magistrate , & c ) , and both are much

and deservedly respected . The membership consists of Mahomedan , Parsi , Hindu , and Christian brethren , all of whom , I believe , are Natives ; there not being a European on the roll ; though , of course , all are made most welcome as visitors . The Bible was kept open in the lodge , even during the "Raising" of a Hindu

brother , who was obligated on the " Shasters , and also a Mahomedan , on the Koran . The " working " was excellent , and the accessories in the best of taste . Bro . Whymper , who was received most courteously , had a living representation of Cosmopolitan Freemasonry before him at this meeting , and , as the author

of that remarkable work on " The Religion of Freemasonry , " must have had brought home to him many of his suggestions in that very interesting volume . How far the plan he suggests would work in India I am unable to decide , but his views on the subject should be carefully considered as the matured convictions of an observant and intelligent Craftsman . W . J . HUGHAN .

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

REPORTS OF MASONIC MEETINGS .

Craft flDascmn ? . / ifoetvopolitan Meetings . High CrOSS Lodge ( No . 754 ) . —The installation meeting of this lodge took place at the Seven Sisters Hotel , Page Green , Tottenham , on the 2 Sth ult ., and there was a large attendance , including numerous P . M . ' s and visitors . The business of the lodge was commenced by Bro . J . Lin / . ell , P . M ., taking the chair , and passing Bro . C . Brewster . The installation of Bro . Lovell and investiture

of officers for the ensuing year was then proceeded with . Bro . Major H . Stephen , P . M ., presented Bro . Lovell , and the ceremony of installation was well and clearly rendered by Bro . J . Linzell , the Installing Master . The newly-appointed VV . M . then appointed his officers as follows : Bros . L . E . Wilson , S . W . j T . P . Clark , J . W . j W . Dance , Treas . ; J . Linzell , Sec ; M . I . Barnes , ' S . D . j

F . Vollcr , J . D . j A . Reeves , I . G . j W . Wort D . C . j W . J . Bastick , Stwd . j and James Very , Tyler . Later on the brethren sat down to an excellent banquet , served by the new proprietor of the hotel in a manner to be highly praised . The usual toasts were given , and received with enthusiasm . Bro . Oddy , I . P . M ., was presented with a Past Master ' s jewel for his services during the past year , and he responded

in feeling and suitable terms . "The Health of the Installing Master was next submitted , and received with general favour . Bro . Linzell , in responding , said he was very glad to receive such a display of feeling on his behalf . He was at all times ready and willing to assist in every way that would enhance the pleasure and happiness of the brethren . It was some years since he had ' performed the ceremony of

installing a new Master , and had on the present occasion been called upon at very short notice . However , he thought it his duty to comply . He sincerely trusted the Worshipful Master would have a happy and prosperous year of office . Bro . Knightley responded in eloquent language for " The Masonic Charities . " Other toasts followed , the intervals between them being devoted to harmony .

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

Regent ' s Park Lodge ( No . 2202 ) . —A meet . ing of this lodge was held at the York and Albany Hotel Park-street , Regent ' s Park , on Saturday , the ist instant ' when there were present Bros . N . J . Goodchild , W M ' J . K . R . Cama , I . P . M . j J . Powdrcll , S . W . j W . li [ Hoscgood , J . VV . j N . Goodchild , Treas . j Chas . Sheppard ' Sec . j E . C . Mulvey , acting S . D . j J . Passingham , J . VV '

(_ ,. Lane , l . U ; | as . Kew , P . M ., D . C . j D . P . Cama P . M ., P . G . T ., P . P . S . G . W . Surrey j J . P . Poynter , H . F , Bangs , Chas . W . Rex , G . Clampitt , Jos . Bangs , F l ' Holden , VV . N . Ellen , A . J . Ward , and ' Dr . G . H . Rutter Visitors : Bros . E . Rogers , P . M ., G . Stwd . ; E . VV , ' Wheeler , Org . 2206 j and Whiting , Tyler .

I he lodge was opened , and the minutes of the last meeting read and confirmed . Bros . Ward and Ellen were passed to the Second Degree . Mr . George Herbert Rutter was initiated . Bro . Thos . Bore resigned his membership , which was accepted with regret . Nothing further offering , the lodge was closed .

Provincial Meetings.

Provincial Meetings .

FRIZINGTON . Aliecdon Lodge ( No . 1660 ) . —The regnh . r meeting of this lodge was held on Wednesday , the 4 th inst . Bro . Geo . Dalrymple , P . M . and Treas ., occupied the chair , in the absence of Bro . Hartley , W . M . j there bein ° - also present Bros . J . Wilkinson , S . W . j J . Wakefield ^ J . W . j B . Craig , P . M ., Sec . j A . Cross , S . D . j Maleham , as J . D . j W . Simon , l . G . j J . Singers and W . Barwise , Stewards j J . Gordon , Tyler j W . Jones , W . Shaw , J . Haistings , J . Webb , M . Barnes , H . Frearson , W . Lowrcy , R . Close , T . Pickering , and others . ; The lodge was opened , and the minutes read and confirmed , when four candidates were passed and two raised .

Bros . Barwise and Singers were presented with their Grand Lodge certificates . The Treasurer next read a statement of accounts up to the annual meeting in June , also to the present time , which showed the lodge to be prosperous . With other business of minor importance , the lodge was closed .

LIVERPOOL . Fermor-Hesketh Lodge ( No . 1350 ) . —On the 9 th inst ., at the Masonic Temple , Hope-street , Bro . R . Norris Jones was duly installed W . M . of this lodge . The officers of the lodge present were Bros . F . A . Staedeli , W . M . j C . P . Titherley , P . M . j R . Norris Jones , S . VV . ; C . C . Robin , J . W . j H . B . Browne , P . M ., Treas . j D .

Connor , S . D . j W . Taylor , J . D . ; T . Graham Cox , I . G . ; J . Stowell , P . M ., Chap . j and W . Hudson , Org . The visiting brethren present included Bros . Robt . Foote , P . P . G . Treas ., and J . Brotherton , P . M . 241 . After his installation , the W , M . proceeded to invest his officers as follows : Bros . F . A . Staedeli , I . P . M . j C . C .

Robin , S . VV . j Capt . D . Connor , J . W . j H . B . Browne , P . M ., P . G . D . Cheshire , Treas . j W . Taylor , Sec . j Rev . T . Graham Cox , S . D . j G . M . Richardson , J . D . j W . Hudson , Org . j W . Swift , l . G . j D . E . M'Cracken , Stwd . j and Rev . John Stowell , Chap . Subsequently a P . M . ' s jewel was presented to Bro . F . A . Staedeli , the retiring VV . M .

MARPLE . Lodge Benevolence ( No . 336 ) . —The regular meetingof this antique lodge was held at the Jolly Sailor Inn , on Saturday , the 7 th inst . The lodge was opened by Bro . J . Phythian , VV . M . The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed , and , after all business had been satisfactorily conducted , the lodge was closed . There were present Bros . F . E . Mason , P . M . ; J . Ii .

Stewart , P . M . ; VV . Harvey , P . M . j Jesse Tymm , P . M . ; VV . Cardwell , P . M . j John Sherwin , P . M . j J . Boardman , P . M . ; Ralph Andrews , P . M . ; J . E . Radford , J . VV . j H . Jackson , P . P . G . P ., Treas . j W . H . Lazenby , Sec . j j . C . Wilson , A . F . Keyworth , D . G . Org . j T . Mather , John Osbal Aston , W . Fielding , A . Taylor , Org . ; and J . Elton Bott . Visitors : Bros . T . Whalley , P . M . 323 , and G . S . Smith , P . M . 1134 .

NOTTINGHAM . Southwell Lodge ( No . 1405 ) . —On Friday , the 6 th inst ., the members of this lodge assembled in considerable numbers at the Masonic Hall to assist at the installation of Bro . G . S . Green , late S . VV . Among the many visitors present were Bros . Johnson , P . J . G . W . j A . Lawson , P . P . G . T .: and several W . M . 's and P . M . ' s of the

province . The ceremony of installation was performed by Bro . A . T . Mitchell , P . P . G . D . C , P . P . S . G . D . The W . M . invested his officers as follows : Bros . G . W . Doniiny , LP . M . j Councillor Farrands , S . VV . j John Severn , J . W . J Alderman Blackburn , Treas . j Edwin Clarke , Sec . ; N . VV . Need , S . D . j J . C . James , J . D . j A . T . Mitchell , D . C . j W . Macfarland , Org . j I . T . Farr , I . G . J A . W .

Aldis and V . H . Heath , Stwds . j and C . H . Benham , Tyler . The [ . P . M ., Bro . Dominy , was presented by the lodge with a very handsome P . M . 's jewel . Immediately after closing the lodge , the brethren sat down to a banquet prepared by Mrs . Simpson , the stewardess of the hall , and a most enjoyable evening was spent .

TORQUAY . St . John ' s Lodge ( No . 238 ) . —The first regular meeting after the summer recess of this lodge iw held in the Masonic Hall on Monday , the 2 nd inst ., when ) amongst others , there were present Bros . W . A . I" ' "' W . M . j R . L . MugEord , I . P . M . j W . Wakeham , P . M ;> P . P . G . S . B ., as S . VV . j John TaylorJ . D . as J . W . j H-

, , Beer , I . G ., as S . D . j C . Clarke , as J . D . j J . Blacklcr , as l . G . j W . Taylor , P . M ., Sec . j E . Richards , P-M- j J . Gorwyn , A . Dolbear , C . Couch , W . Thomas , 1 S 9 ; an » G . Burt , Tyler . , The lodge being opened by the W . M ., the minutes ; ot the last regular lodge were read and confirmed . * ' } Treasurer ' s balance-sheet was presented , and unanim ° M

passed , and , considering the expense incurred ' renovating the lodge , it was considered satisfactory Bro . John Taylor , J . D ., presented to the lodge a cop } ' " Bro . Metham ' s Masonic Orations , " delivered in Dei "" and Cornwall , with an illustration by Bro . W . j . Hugh *"' P . G . D . England , and edited by Bro . John Chapman , 1 •*}; 1 4 02 , P . P . G . D . Devon ( author of "The Great Pyramid