Freemasonry In France.

were opinions held by the majority of the Council with which he could not agree , but he would continue to labour for the good of Masonry outside , although he persisted in his resignation . At the meeting of Monday , June Sth , Bro .

Alfred Blanche announced that Bro . General Mellinet , although touched by the kindly feelings of the brethren , nevertheless persisted in his refusal of the Grand Mastership . After some formal business , Bro . Duhamel

considered that the position the Council Avas placed in by the refusal of Bro . Mellinet should occupy the attention of the Bureaux . He should like to have their opinion upon the novel position in which the Council was placed . The 6 th , of which

he was president , were in favour of adjourning the election till next year , on the proposition of Bro . Caubet , who was a staunch advocate for the abolition of the office of Grand Master , and AVIIO hoped to prove that , from the past experience , it

would be the most expedient course . The Presidents of the Bureaux were consulted with the folloAving result : —

Four Bureauxs had not considered the question , three Avere in favour of a new election , and two desired to defer the election till next year . It Avas decided after a most tumultous discussion that the matter should be referred to the

Bureaux for further consideration . On the fourth day of the session the President received the reports from the Bureaux , Avhich resulted as follows : —

The First , Third , and Fifth Bureaux were in favour of the election taking place on the folioAVing Friday . The Second desired that the election should stand over till the next year , ancl Avere in favour

ol suppressing the Grand Mastership . The Sixth were likewise in favour of deferring the election till next year . The Fourth , Seventh , Ei ghth , and Ninth Bureaux voted for an election during - the present

session . It was afterwards decided by the assembly that a Grand Master should be elected for one year by 130 affirmative against 110 negative votes . On Friday , the 10 th June , sit the meeting of

the Assembly , Bro . Babaud Lanbiere stated that he had that morning visited Bro . Carnot , who in presence of several members of the Council , maintained his candidature , on principle , being

Freemasonry In France.

opposed to the suppression of the Grand Mastership . The election then took place with the folloAving result : — Bro . Babaud-Laribiere ... 167

„ Gamot : 109 „ Massol . 10 „ Saint Jean 1 Blank Tickets 5

The number present being 292 , the absolute majority required Avas 147 , consequently Bro . Babaud-Laribiere Avas proclaimed Grand Master . The Council then proceeded Avith the election of members in place of those retiring .

The Journal du Havre , gives a brief biographical sketch of the newly elected Grand Master of the Masonic Order in France . " Bro . Babaud-Laribiere ( of Charente ) , was born at Confolens , 5 th April , 1819 . He studied for the laAV at the "Faculte de

Poitiers , " ancl was admitted to the bar at Limoges in 1840 . He made his debut in journalism as editor of "l'Echo da Peuple , " of Poitiers , and the " Progressif , " . of Haut Vienne . Returning to

Confolens , he continued his association Avith the press , and contributed articles to "l'Echo de la Charente" and " l'lndependant . " He Avas elected a member of the " Gonseil General de la Charente , " and allied himself Avith the reform party .

In 1841 , the Provisional Government entrusted him with the administration of his department . He afterwards , with 34 , 914 votes , ¦ was elected representative in the Assembly , where he took an active part in the debates . He published in 1850 ,

an excellent " Historic de 1 'Assembles Nationals Constituante . " He shortly aftenvards retired upon his property at Charente , and deA r oted his leisure to the study of political economy and history .

Old Lodge Records.

OLD LODGE RECORDS .

By Bro . R . S . [ The records of Haughfoot having been completed , noAV give place to those of the Masons of Galashiels . The minutes , from the repetition of names in the officers and brethren of the lodge ,

point to its removal to Galashiels , although it is stated that "the Masons of Galashiels separat from the brethren at Stow . " ] Galashiels Janr . 20 th , 1742 . The Masons of Galashiels seperat from the bre-