Freemasonry In Germany.

eludes thus : " We should abstain from all endeavours to centralise our institutions , and be careful not to operate any unity without liberty . Liberty should be our first object , unity is but contingent . A direct representation of the individual lodges

at their respective Grand Lodges should be aimed at , and this to be folloAved by a meeting of deputies from the various Grand Lodges . What we want is , first to secure free and healthy life within the precincts of the

individual lodges , and after this a union of all German Grand Lodges to an association ( Grosslogenverein ) If we expect the realisation of those improvements which are most urgent , from the totality of German Grand Lodges , this will be identical with

putting them off ad Oalendas Grcecas . Let every Grand Lodge commence the work of development on its OAVU ground , and then Ave shall be able , in the long run , to determine all , even the most backward and reluctant of the Grand Lodges , to

adhere to further progress ; it is not by preaching , but by practising that Ave must attain this result , and then the foundation of an Association of German Grand Lodges may take place under more favourable auspices than at present . "

We think the opinions set forth by Bro . Zille are sound and practical . Our Institution is greatly flourishing in Germany at the present moment , and its welfare could certainly be but enhanced and advanced by a closer union amongst

its various branches ; AA e do not see what good can arise from carrying the principle of local self-government to such an extent as is clone in Germany . Why should principalities of such microscopic size as Reuss-Schleitz ,

Saxe-Altenburg , & c , have Grand Lodges of their own ? The foundation of a Masonic central authority , whatever its name and privileges may be , will be hailed with delight far beyond the boundaries of " Fatherland , " and nowhere more than in this mother country of modern Freemasonry .

The Maruqis And The Mason's Widow.

THE MARUQIS AND THE MASON'S WIDOW .

All was bustle at Donnington . The quiet of the little inn was disturbed b y arrivals , and its narroAV courtyard invaded by carriages of various builds and pretensions . Some were aristocratic , some plebeian . But their owners seemed actuated by one common impulse , and pressed one common inquiry .

" Had the Earl arrived at the park ? When would he leave it ? Could he be spoken with ?" There was anxiety on many countenances . Hurried and eager exclamations issued from many a lip . Many hopes and many fears were expressed .

Will anyone explain the spectacle ? The single word—Patronage . The object of many inquiries and many surmises was busily engaged sorting papers , destroying letters , and signing certain lengthy

parchments , prior to a long absence from England . Lord Moira was on the eve of starting for the seat of government in India . Thousands of miles were soon to interpose between him and the seat of his ancestors . Was he ever to return to its

shades a free , unembarrassed , independent man ? He sat in that noble library stored Avith no common-place or heterogeneous array of authors . The glorious products of intellect and industry were piled around . Nor were the triumphs of

art wanting . Gazing down upon him in all her beauty was the lovely but too celebrated Nell Gwynne—a priceless portrait . Its OAvner might Avell have refused to part Avith it to Russia for a sum almost fabulous in amount . Near him was a

Jewish rabbi , by Rembrandt ; Avhile over the fireplace hung the full-length portrait of a King * whom Donnington had sheltered when an exile , and soothed Avith the most acceptable hospitality , the credulous and misled Charles the Tenth .

Those Avho were Avith him on that well-remembered day did not scruple , in after years , to relate that the Earl once and again intermitted his employment , planted himself at the window , and gazed long" and wistfully on the home landscape

before him , remarking , Avith deep feeling , as he resumed his task : " After all , it is exile : the chains may be gilded ; but it is undoubtedly and unmistakably exile . " While so employed , there was a clamour , a

hubbub , the mingling of many voices ; and above them all rose a woman ' s shrill accents . The tone seemed that of a frantic entreaty . A bell was rung . The servant in waiting appeared , and , in reply to Lord Moira ' s inquiries , remarked : —

" A woman , my Lord , has , unperceived , got admittance into the inner hall , and we cannot prevail upon her to quit it . She is determined to see your Lordship . " " Her business ?"