An Essay

AN ESSAY

•Concerning the most productive and most useful-method of Masonic activity most in . accordance with the ideas of Freemasonry . Jig Bro . B . A . CRAMER , at Eiclienbarleben , Member of the Lodge at Ascliersleben . [ Specially translated for THE FREEMASON , by Bro . AV . LITTAUR . ] CROWNED PRIZE ESSAY—Concluded from page 199 .

II . —ACTIVITY AMONGST NON-MASONS . Tho nucleus of a society having been found amongst the united brethren , endeavours must bo made to enlist from among non-Masons mon of knowledge and heart , for the purpose of forming together with them an association which should in the first place promote

popular scientific lectures for the general public on generally interesting topics . In many cases the task to be accomplished will bo to endeavour to change the hitherto frivolous pursuits of many existing societies into profitable ones . The subject for these lectures must bo attractive , both in their matter and

form , and carefully chosen on a stated plan . It must be understood that these lectures should not be for the mere parade of learning , but for the formation of sound judgment . "The individual character , which is the highest possesion of man and the basis or foundation of the enjoyment of all other possessions , must

be formed and raised by acquiring more enlarged views of thc world and its affairs . '' These lectures must embrace the history of civilisation and mental culture , and we must ultimately pass on to a consideration of the social question . As the latter can only be solved by the co-operation of all classes , and

demands an energetic action , we must call for aid on behalf of the lower classes , so that their existence may be rendered more useful and civilized , and made to be a struggling for the hi ghest purposes of civilisation ; but in doing this , we do not propose mistaken philanthropy , in fact no philanthropy at all as is

generally understood by tho abstract ideas of doctrinarians who from the height of their principles would shape the world of realities according to their mould . On tho contrary , we must by no means underrate the difficulties of real life , but look at the questions which lie before us with a calm and unbiassed eye , and disprove

the totally erroneous and unfounded opinion that wo intend to incite class against class , and render the working classes dissatisfied with their position , as this is the very opposite purpose pursued by the friends of the people . But the indolence and thoughtlessness of the great

mass of the educated classes hinders ( heir being moved to any charitable action by any oratorical influence wc may possess ; they have unlearned their habits of self-denial ; few now-a-days seem willing to deny themselves any enjoyment or givo themselves any trouble on behalf of the poorer classes . For this

reason wo must always secure towards the attainment of this object , the co-operation of the periodical press , and endeavour to bring about that it become a point of honour with the higher classes , and a fashionable question at least with weak minds , to concern

themselves with remedying the social evils . Here , again , wc must not be too sure of obtaining a rapid success , yet many an individual co-operator will be recruited and drafted into our community . We also think that this is exactly the field where Freemasonry will without any labour of its own make proselytes to

our cause . Wo must seek to avail ourselves of all powers and means ' , and endeavour to strengthen and increase them as much as possible , not forgetting the material means , which may be gained either by bazaars—got up by noble-minded women—or by subscriptions and

donations . On behalf of our work , we should gladly welcome all active means conducive to tho public good , not excluding any , either from antipathy o ' r self-will ; for aspirations having for their object the welfare of all , must necessarily possess a moral basis , and moral powers are the very things which arc

indispensable for tho solution of the social question . In order to bring about a systematic discussion of these matters , the association must become an active centre among the educated classes , where the various elements will have to be organised , in order to bring about a harmonious co-operation ; for now the

principal task must be taken in hand , viz ., to perfectly realise the social question , after having studied it in all its bearings . As to those who stand alone , let them take up thc work where and how they can , hut let them always endeavour to obtain the advice of a central body , which would thus be enabled to develop

the movement in all directions . Even a single energetic character can do much , and shame the pusillanimous , selfish inertness of those who excuse themselves from the work by saying " no help of theirs will bo of tiny use , " when it is their very assistance that alone is wanting . Tho material wants of thc lower classes are thc

main cause of their misery and depravity , and the process of curing these must be based " on the comparatively still healthy and self-healing powers of nature , viz : —On individual self-help , which is to be brought about by the means of thc Free Associations ;

An Essay

for the power of a single individual does not extend far , it is only by association and co-operation that all human development is brought about . Those who are resolved , therefore , to think and to act on behalf of the helpless majority , so as to awaken the slumbering powers they possess , have first of all to found an

association among the working classes , under which we not only comprise workers in factories , journeymen , day labourers , and domestics , but also the peasant and artizan . It is in this association , and particularly among the educated portion of it , that the workers will find their first point of support , and upon which

their endeavours towards self-help may obtain a firm foundation . On the other hand , the leading minds find in the association only the means of really penetrating into the depths of social misery , and then only are they able to direct their attention to that which is primarily necessary .

For the meetings of these workers a humble building would suffice , where , besides the ordinary transactions for the various useful institutions to be called into life for the good of the people , the friends of tho cause are to provide by appropriate lectures amusing and instructive means for social intercourse .

The membership of this association should not be obtained without payment of a small fee , which would aid in supporting thc Institution , and at the same time preserve the self-respect of the workers . The lectures , above all , should show how and by what means , education and morals , trade and commerce , agriculture

and the social status may bo raised . Biographical accounts of great men should be given , which would produce moral influences , and show what is to be followed and what avoided . It should particularly be shown that it is only by labour wealth is obtained , aud that it is only through domestic economy

and moral power that a larger share in the enjoyment of the highest objects of life is obtained . The lectures must of course be adapted to the wants and capacities of the workers , always observing the greatest variety in the selection of those subjects which will at onco excite , amuse , and instruct . In case of

need , groups may be formed amongst the members for the purpose of instruction in various subjects , which may be given in the evenings or on Sundays . A box for the reception of questions should bo kept , to give workers the opportunity to get advice on all subjects of a social and domestic kind in which they

feel au interest and which have not been brought before thc association . In order to keep the interest in the association alive , it will also bo necessary to afford rational amusements suited to the tastes of the people , and at the same timo to cultivate the love of that which is beautiful , viz ., by productions of art

and dramatic entertainments , games , excursions , public fetes , etc ., the choice and management of which to be left to the educated leaders of the cause . It is from the association of thc workers that co-operative movements must emanate , which create the well-known useful institutions , viz ., sick and

pension funds , burial clubs , savings' banks for the smallest investments and others for larger ones , cooperative store-houses , loan funds , & c . As such associations , and hints for their establishment arc already in existence , it is absolutely necessary that those who desire to take a leading part in these

associations , should obtain a complete knowledge of tho literature appertaining to such associations generally , and a practical insi ght into the working of societies which are already successfully carried out . Other institutions prosper most when conducted b y ladies , more particularly those which are established

for the benefit of mothers aud children ; we must therefore call the attention of our sisters to this field of labour . We must take care that these associations shall not be formed upon a wrong basis , nor Uv . it they _ degenerate by importing into their discussions political and religious subjects , which would

undermine their existence ; for tin ground upon which an association is ruined , remains for a long time incapable of producing a new one . Now if the friends of the people in spite of the indifference of the world would onl y persist in their humane efforts , a result however small in its

commencement , will nevertheless become the most efficacious and powerful means towards the propagation of our cause , for it is proved that the workers redouble their ellbrts when they perceive the smallest success resulting therefrom . It is certainly true that

the material improvement of the lower classes does not keep equal pace with their mental and moral improvement , but these are nevertheless advanced , although onl y by degrees , aud the very feeling that we can only improve by united action has a moralising effect .

Wc have hitherto only spoken of workers , who possess a capital in their bodil y strength , which separates them from the totall y destitute . For these the parish and government have to provide . However , as thc provisions in this respect , particularly in small

places , are very inadequate , it becomes the duty of every philanthropist to endeavour even here to bring about improvements by interceding on behalf of those poor with the proper authorities , or calling upon his fellow-men , by means of the public press or otherwise , for charitable contributions . The greatest merit .

An Essay

however , would be due to those , who assist the impoverished to once more regain an independent position . With this we conclude our treatise ; we do not desire to make any innovation , but only to suggest improved methods of using the means to further the

end we have in view , which is a more powerful development of individual character and action by means of the free association ; and outside the lodge , the uniting of the individual endeavours towards the formation of a grand centre , to bring about the

realisation of our worthy and lofty task , which would render our fraternity an important and dignified element of civilisation . Would that the belief in the moral and sacred mission of our order could g ive us the requisite strength and power to attain our great object '

THE HOUSE OP LA GRANDE MARQUE , AT COGNAC—A Correspondent of the Yorkshire J ost writes " Some friends and myself having received au invitation from Mr . Victor Jouannet , the manager of that extensive brand y house , at Cognac , which is known in England under tho title of La Grande Marque , we

availed ourselves of it , in order to inspect their enormous stock , and also that we might obtain some general information respecting the production of Brandy in tho Charentc district . The Charente district , or as we should call it in England , the county of Charente , is one of the most interesting parts of France . This

is owing to its production of brandy , the finest and most delicate spirit that can bo distilled , and represents ono of the most important sources of the general wealth of France . The largest town in the district is Angoulcmc . Cognac , however , is the most important , although having a population of only about 9 , 000 .

I his town is situated in the neighbourhood of the finest brandy producing vineyards , known as the the champagne district of Cognac . Tho district which surrounds this , und produces brandy next in quality and value , is called Borderies ; and the last , or , as I may say , the third growth , is produced in the outside

district , which extends round Angoulcmc , Saintes , and Mirambeau , and is called the Bois district . The pure Cognac brandy is distilled from wir . e grown in the three districts , Champagne , Borderies , and Bois , and these the leading houses of Cognac arc most anxious to preserve in that native purity which has

made Cognac so famous . Any merchant is regarded by them as acting fraudulently who dares to mix with the brandy ot the Charente district , spurious spirit or even spirit made from wine grown in any other district . Thc average crop of the Cognac district is not less than six hundred gallons per acre , and the

surface cultivated being 250 , 000 acres , yields about 150 , 000 , 000 gallons , which when distilled represent 15 , 000 , 000 gallons as the average annual yield . It is the general impression iu England that the distillation of brandy is performed by tho Cognac houses , and that large firms are necessaril y holders of large farms ;

but the brandy merchants are no more producers than our English brewers are cultivators of hops and barley . No large farms , indeed , exist in the Charente district . It is stated on good authority that there are not five proprietors who hold 75 acres of vineyard , not 10 landowners possessing -10 acres , while holders of 12

acres do not exceed . ' 30 in number . As in Emdand the farmer goes to market with his sample of corn , so in the . Charente district the French farmer once a week attends the Cognac market with samples of thc brand y he intends to sell , and thus the trade have to make up their stock by tlie purchase of a number of small

parcels . I he stores of La Grande Marque , which are situated at the south end of the park of Cognac , cover two acres of ground , ar . d hold 25 , 000 hogsheads , which contain about one and a half million gallons of brandy , and to accumulate this enormous stock they had to purchase from thousands of different farmers . Tho

quality of the different samples of brandy varies very considerably , so that the superiority of the stock of a Cognac house depends entirely upon great judgment in their selections , and the holding sufficient capftal to be always ablo to buy at the right time , and then direct from the farmer . "

__ MASONRY . —It is useless to profess a knowledge of Freemasonry , if we do not frame our lives according to it It is not enough to be acquainted with its doctrines and precepts , if we fail to reduce fhem to practice . In such a case , our knowledge will rather tend to our dishonour in this world and will certainly bean

additional article of accusation against usin the next . It would bo very unreasonable todoubtthebeneficialell ' ects of our Masonic precepts , but to admit them to bo true and yet act as if thoy wero false , would he unwise in the highest degree . I will not , however , do my brethren the injustice to believe that many of them are canablo

of such a perversion of reason . And it is my firm persuasion , that they who practice thc duties which Freemasonry teaches , in conjunction with the faith propounded in their reli gion , will inherit that eternal city of God , where thoy will be associated with a hol y and happy fraternity of saints and angels , and enjoy the sweet communings of brotherl y love for ever and ever .