The Grand Orient Of France.

risk the unsettling of our association , by wishing to change its basis hastily . " " In view of these considerations , my B . B ., the matter of thc question remaining reserved , your committee , by a majority of 3 votes against 4 , proposes to you to pass to the order of the day on the proposition No . 9 indicated above , and on [ i \\ n votes which express analogous

propositions . The assembly decides that the vote will be first taken on the conclusions of the report . The Bro . Orator , being consulted , moves the adoption of these conclusions , that is to say , the unqualified order of thc day on the propositions under discussion . The vote is proceeded to be taken b y call of the names ,

and the demand of B . B . Hubert , Broudcau , Callot , Drevet , Lambert ( de Corbeil ) , Leborgne , Leconte , Martinet , Marx , Meyniel , Minot , de Montlenard , Paillot , Prunet , Proust , Leon Richer , Thorin , Turgis , Vincent et Voisard ( to the number of 21 ) . Before proceeding to take thc vote the President

explains that each brother on his name being called must answer yes or no . Yes yvill mean that hc adopts thc conclusions of the report , that is to say , the unqualified order of the day on hc proposition ; and no will mean that he rejects these conclusions .

the call made by Bio . Furl , Assistant Secretary , attests hc presence of 175 voters . Out of this number , no answer no , and ( 13 answer yes . Consequently the conclusions of the Bro . Orator are rejected , yvhich amounts to saying that the order of thc

day proposed by the Bro . Reporter is not adopted . The President proclaims this result , and announces , as a consequence , the early reference to the lodges of thc study of the question , conformably to the complementary article of Title V of the Constitution .

The Chain of Union of Paris , October , 1877 . Report of the General Assembly of thc Grand Orient of France , annual session of 1877 . Session of Thursday , 13 th September . Bro . Cousin was Chairman during the discussion on

the vote . There is a larger gathering of deputies than usual , and the visitors' gallery better filled than on the two first days . The eiuestion is as to balloting on proposition No . IX .

The Committee seats itself ; Chairman , Bro . Bruand ; Secretary , Bro . Barthelet ; Reporter , Bro . Desmons ; members , Bros . Danel , Maury , Corbicrre , Lemarignier , Hubert , Andre , Roussclle . Bro , Desmons has the floor lo read his report . Report of the committee appointed to examine proposition No . IX .

The question on yvhich the members of the committee have done me the honour to select me lo report , is , I do not conceal from myself , a question of very serious importance . I only need to adduce as evidence of this the great extent cf time yvhich the assembly of last year , and each one of out lodges individually , in ( lie course of the year , have

thought it necessary to devote to it . 1 only mean to adduce as another proof of this , the lively and powerful interest which we all bring to bear to-day on its definitive solution , and whereof your presence , in so large numbers in this hall , gives incontestable evidence . So , my brethren , yvhat preoccupies me seriously at this moment is the profound consciousness of my inadequacy

and the very sincere apprehension ot being very unequal to so delicate and elevated a task . But what reassures me at the same time , my brethren , is the thought that I am here but the interpreter of a committee of yvhich each member is disposed , I know it ,

to sustain mc by his fraternal support . It is also and above all the thought that I am addressing brothers on yvhose indulgence I certainly count . Let them be assured that on my part I will make every effort to render myself yvorthy , by the respectful moderation of my language , of the great trust with which they have honoured

me . My brothers , your committee , before studying the proposition yvhich has been submitted to its appreciation , has prc-cccupicd itself yvith a preliminary question . It has risked itself if thc study of this proposition in the Convention of this year was very opportune . It has in succession heard the elclcgales of the bureaus , who , by six

votes against three , have pronounced in the affirmative . Each of its members has reiterated the different objections yvhich has been presented in his respective bureau . Permit me , my brothers , to make them pass rapidly before your eyes , and to follow them up yvith the observations to which they give rise in thc committee . " Take care , they said to us ; if you at the present time

suppress this artie'e from your Constitution , you yvill separate thc Grand Orient of France from all the Masonic Poyvers of the- yvorld . You yvill isolate il in the midst of universal Masonry if you suppress this article , they have added ; you yvill give rise to a painful agitation in our lodges , and provoke a deplorable schism in the midst of the (' rami Orient uf France .

"If you suppress this article , 111 fine , do you nut fear that the declared enemies of our Order yvill prolitby our decision to spread abroad slander on rill Masons , by denouncing them in the profane world as materialists and atheists ? "And under present circumstances , may not this denunciation be prejudicial to Masonry , itself , and especially to the noble and generous ideas yvliich ' it is its mission to

defend and propagate ?" Such arc , my b . others , if 1 do not deceive myself , the principal objections which the partisans of the postponement of the discussion have addressed to us . It is not necessary to say , my brothers , how unanimous the . members ot the committee have been in recognising nut only lhe unquestionable sincerity e > f those who have

The Grand Orient Of France.

submitted them to us , but also the great weight of each of them . Above all , it is not necessary to say with what due deference thc committee has received the perfectly fraternal observations of those yvho , for so many years , have

represented the Grand Orient of France , and to yvhose indefatigable devotion the assembly this year again has rendered so striking and just a testimonial . Nevertheless , my brothers , by virtue of that maxim which is the device of all of us :

" Amicus Plato , sed magis arnica Veritas , " your Committee , yvith a feeling of respectful independence , has studied each of these objections in succession , and this is thc answer yvhich it has thought appropriate to make to it conscientiously . You fear , do you say , if this article is suppressed at the present time , the isolation of the Grand Orient in the

midst of universal Masonry . But is not this argument thc same as that which was invoked , scarcely seven years ago , against the suppression of thc Grand Mastership , which yvas urged lately against the admission into our Lodges of coloured men , and against the representation of the High Degrees in the bosom of our annual Assembly ? Well , yvhat has happened hoyvever ? Our Masonic Assemblies

have not alloyved themselves to be held back by this obstacle which they yvere made to forsee , and now , our relations yvith the other Masonic Powers are not , that I am aware either less cordial or less extended . Besides , my Brothers , I will say to those yvho by a perhaps excessive prudence , and through the fear of seeing the Grand Orient of France too much isolated , oppose this

innovation as dangerous : " We are neither the only ones , nor the first to enter upon this course which yve propose to you . Already , in the Grand Lodge of Buenos Ayres , the reform has been effected . Already , the Grand Lodge yvhich has just been founded in Hungary , has given itself a Constitution yvhich is copied from ours , but from yvhich it has taken care to banish the article yvhich is

occupying us at this moment . Yet longer ago , the Grand Orient of Italy , itself adopted a similar resolution . Be then reassured , my brothers ; do not fear for our Order isolation in the bosom of the Masonic yvorld . There are in this route intrepid pioneers yvho have already preceded us . Be assured that we shall soon have numerous imitators . Besides , my Brothers ,

you who believe perhaps that this formula has been from all thc forefront of our Constitution , you will probably not be moderately surprised to learn that it is of quite recent date . I had occasion , only yesterday , to look through the different Constitutions which have governed our Order . Very well I do you know at what period its introduction took place ? ¦ It is not at all necessary for that to consult

the prehistoric period , nor even to go back to the deluge . It is only in 1849 that it is for the first time seen to make its appearance in our Constitution . You see , therefore , my Brothers , yvhat we ask of you is not a dangerous innovation , but simply a return to a previous condition . But , it has been added , do we not risk , by voting for the suppression of this article , casting trouble and division in

thc midst of our Lodges ? It has appeared to your Committee that this fear was chimerical . Ah ! if thc convention of this year concerned itself for the first time yvith this question , if , without having previously consulted them , this Assembly , by an act of authority and by a species of " coup d' etat , " proceeded suddenly to decree this suppression , I understand that they might be held

back by the fear of seeing trouble and agitation introduced into our Lodges ; but you knoyv that this is not thecasc . Above all , you are not ignorant that this year , particularly , each of our Lodges has been invited to study this question , and that , out ofthe 210 Lodges yvhich have transmitted the results of their deliberations to the Grand Orient , twothirds have been favourable to the adoption of the

proposition . Besides , my Brothers , yvhat might give rise to trouble and agitation in the bosom of our Lodges , was the fear , not so much of seeing this formula suppressed , as of seeing it replaced by a materialistic or atheistic formula . Now , who does not know ,- nt the present moment , that no one among

us , in proposing this suppression , means to make a declaration of atheism or materialism ? In this respect , is not all misunderstanding dissipated in our minds ? And if , in the bosom of a feyv lodges there might remain any doubt , let it be knoyvn to them that your Committee declares openly that , in adhering to Proposition No . 9 , it proposes to itself no other object than to proclaim absolute liberty of

conscience . Hoyv , my brothers , I ask you , could the proclamation of such a principle , yvhich is indeed that of all Masonry , excite , and trouble our Lodges ? No , we have more confidence in them , and wc consider that , better informed ofthe true goal to yvhich yve tend , those who might still feel any scruples and any hesitation yvill end by marshalling themselves

around this magnificent standard , yvhose tutelary shadow is capable of protecting equally all opinions and all beliefs . As to the calumnies which clericalism will hurl against us , we must expect them . But , would you think to escape them , in case even you should not accept this Proposition , or even if you should refer the study of it to the next Assembly ? Ah ! I feat

much , my brothers , that you delude yourselves on this point . No , no , our adversaries are implacable , and the new delay yvhich we yvould take to settle the question which is submitted to us , yvould have , be convinced of it , no other result than to cause us to be accused by them , of adding fear and hypocrisy to impiety . Such is , my BB ., the conclusion at your Committee

have arrived , and if , when it concerned the question of opportuneness , we have 8 against 1 , 1 am delighted to tell you that , for all the reasons which I have just called to your mind , we have been unanimous in adopting the folloyving resolution which yve have tha favour to propose to you * . — CTo le continual ) .

Royal Masonic Benevolent In Stitution.

ROYAL MASONIC BENEVOLENT INSTITUTION .

_ The monthly meeting of thc Committee of this Institu tion yvas held on Wednesday , at Freemasons' Hall r { Creaton in thc chair . There yvere also present Bro ' Joseph Smith , C . A . Cottebrune , H . Browse , F AdlnJ ' Thos . W . White , John Newton , J . M . Case , S . Rayvson Wm . Kilton , Charles Lacey , C . F . Hogard , Benj . Head

W . F . Ncttleship , Wm . Stephens and Jas . Terry , ( Secre ' tary ) . The Secretary read a letter from His Grace the Duke of Manchester , Prov . G . M . for Norths and Hants , consenting to preside at the annual festival on Wednesday , the 1 « h Feb ., 1878 .

The death of three male annuitants yvas reported Cheques yvere signed for payment of the annuities due ist . prox . The application of one widow for half her late hUs . band ' s annuity yvas presented .

The transfer of the funds into the names of new trustees was directed to be made ; and the petitions of ei ght men and twelve widows for elections in May were presented and accepced . The Committee then adjourned .

Metropolitan Masonic Meeting

METROPOLITAN MASONIC MEETING

For the Week ending Friday , November 23 , 1 877 . The Editor will be glad to receive notice from Secretaries of Craft Lodges , Royal Arch Chapters , Mark Lodges , Encampments , Conclaves , & c , of any change in place or day of meeting .

SATURDAY , NOVEMBER 17 . Lodge 715 , Panmure , Cannon-st . Hot . „ -329 , Sphinx , Surrey M . H . „ 13 6 4 , Earl of Zetland , Old Town Hall , Hackney . „ 1679 , HenryMuggeridge , Prince George . Park-rd ., E .

LODGES OF INSTRUCTION . Lily , Greyhound , Richmond . Manchester , 77 , London-st ., Fitzroy-sq . Star , Marquis of Granby , New Cross-rd . Eccleston , Grosvenor Club , Ebury-square , S . W . Percy , 113 , Southgate-road , N .

MONDAY , NOVEMBER ig . Lodge 8 , British , F . M . H . „ 21 , Emulation , Albion Tav ., Aldersgate-st . " „ 5 8 , Felicity , 101 , Queen Victoria-st . „ 185 , Tranquillity , Anderton's Hot ., Fleet-st .

„ 720 , Panmure , Balham Hot ., Balham . „ 862 , Whittington , F . M . H . „ 901 , City of London , Guildhall Tav ., Gresham-sl . „ 907 , Royal Alfred , F . M . H . Chap . 12 , Prudence , Ship and Turtle , Leadenhall-st . K . T . 131 , Holy Sanctuary , 33 , Golden-sq .

LODGES OF INSTRUCTION . Prince Leopold , Lord Stanley Tav ., Kingsland . Strong Man , Jerusalem Tav ., St . John ' s Gate . Sincerity , Railway Tav ., Fenchurch-st . Station . Camden , Stanhope Arms , Up . James-st ., Camden Town . Tredegar , Royal Hot ., Mile-end-road . St . James ' s Union , Union Tav ., Air-st . Wellington , White Swan , Deptford .

Perfect Ashlar , Victoria Tav ., Lowcr-rd ., Rotherhithe . Upper Norwood , White Hart Hot ., Church-rd . Marquis of Ripon , Pembury Tav ., Amherst-rd ., Hackney . Loughborough , Warrior Hot ., Brixton . West Smithfield , New Market Hot ., West Smithfield . Leopold , Woolpack Tavern , Bermondsey-st . London Masonic Club , at 101 , Queen Victoria-st . E . G ., 2 nd and 4 th Monday every month , at 6 o'clock .

TUESDAY , NOVEMBER 20 . Board of General Purposes . Lodge 30 , United Mariners ' , Guildhall Tav . „ 73 , Mount Lebanon , Bridge House Hot . „ 95 , Eastern Star , Ship and Turtle , Leadenhall-st , „ 162 , Cadogau , F . M . H .

„ 165 , Honour and Generosity , Inns of Court Hot . ' , 194 , St . Paul's , Cannon-st . Hot . „ 435 , Salisbury , Regent M . H . „ 704 , Camden , Bull and Gate , Kentish Toyvn . Chap . 4 6 , Old Union , Albion Tav ., Aldcrsgate-st . „ 1348 ) Ebury , 12 , Ponsonby-st ., S . W . Rose Croix , Oxford and Cambridge , 33 , Golden-sq .

LODGES OF INSTRUCTION . Metropolitan , 269 , Pentonville-rd . Yarborough , Green Dragon , Stepney . Domatic , Surrey M . H ., Camberwell New-road . Faith , 2 , Westminster Chambers , Victoria-st . Prince Fredk . Wm ., Lord ' s Hot ., St . John ' s Wood . Dalhousie , King Edward , Triangle , Hackney .

Prosperity , Hercules Tav ., Leadenhall-st . Florence Nightingale , F . M . H ., William-st ., Woolwich . Constitutional , Bedford Hot ., Shampton Bdgs . Israel , Rising Sun Tav ., Globe Road . Royal Arthur , Prince's Head , York-road , Battersea .

Bcacontree , Red Lion , Leytonstone . Excelsior , Commercial Dock Tav ., Rotherhithe . St . John of Wapping , Gun Hot ., High-st ., Wapping . Islington , 23 , Gresham-st . Metropolitan Chapter , Jamaica Coffee Ho ., Cornhill . Mount Edgcumbe , 19 , Jermyn-st ., St . James's .

WEDNESDAY , NOVEMBER 21 . Lodge of Benevolence , F . M . H . Grand Steyvards , F . M . H . „ 140 , St . George ' s , Trafalgar Hot ., Greenwich .

„ 190 , Oak , F . M . H . „ 700 , Nelson , M . H ., William-st ., Woolwich . „ 9 69 , Maybury , Inns of Court Hot . „ 1044 , Wanelsworth , Spread Eagle Hot ., WandsWtn . „ jiso , Buckingham and Chandos , F . M . H ,