Constitution Of Italian Freemasonry.

ART . 11 . Thc meetings of a lodge are of three grades : — Iu that of " tho first degree , all the brethren meet together . In that of the second degree , only the Master and Craftsmen of the lodge meet . The meetings of the third grade are confined to Mas ters

alone . No profane—i . e ., non-Mason—can enter a lodge . Visitors , being Masters , may be admitted to the meetings of either of the three grades , according to the rank they hold .

ART . 12 . In the meetings of the third grade shall bo discussed : — The economy of a lodge , and the formalities in accordance with this statute , and with the general rules and rituals . All measures referring to the security , order , and proof the lod .

gress ge The relations of the lodge with the Grand Orient and its dependent lodges . The advancement of craftsmen to tho grade of Master . The meetings of tho second grade are for the purpose of the promotion of Apprentices to the degree of Craftsmen , and giving the necessary instruction . The meetings of the first grade

undertake—The admission of new members . To instruct iu the duties of the Freemason—that , is , to his native land , and to the human race—and the various Masonic rites . The election of a delegate to attend the general meeting of the Order . And , finally , all questions of discipline , affecting

the interests of Masonry in general , of Italian Masonry in particular , of tho lodge , or of the individuals of which it is composed . AH thc decisions in any meeting must be by an absolute majority , unless otherwise laid down in these statutes , and thc voting must be public , except in the case of a personal question .

ART . 13 . In every meeting of either of the grades a bag will be circulated in which suggestions may bo deposited , and a box for benevolent contributions . ART . 14 Among the lodges which depend upon the Grand

Orient of Italy there is a perfect equality . ART . 15 . No person can become a member of an Italian lodge while in his minority , or , being of age , without tho consent of his father or guardian . If his calling ( jirofessione ) or office is such that is not

compatible with all the duties of a b ' reemason . If his moral character be not irreproachable . If either his education or his reflective powers are insufficient to enable him to comprehend and appreciate the Masonic virtues .

ART . 1 G . Any person wishing to be initiated in Italian Freemasonry must submit a written proposal , signed by himself and a member of the lodge of which he wishes to become a member . Should any such person wish to become a member of a lodge other than the one in whoso district he dwellsit

, is necessary that he should bring also tho consent of the lodge in his immediate neighbourhood . The mode of admission is defined by the rules and the rituals . In this way are defined also the conditions and modes of promotion to the grades of Craftsmen aud Masters .

ART . 17 . The General Meeting of Italian Freemasons consists of delegates from all the lodges and the actual members of the Grand Orient ; the last named have , however , no vote iu questions concerning the administration . Each lodge is entitled to send a delegate , who has been elected by an absolute majority in a lodge of the Grand

Orient . The delegate of each lodge does not " represent his own lodge in the meeting , but Italian Freemasonry in general . Except in the case of an Extraordinary General Meeting , written notice will be given to the brethren fourteen days previous to proceeding to the election of delegates , of the meeting and its object .

ART . 18 . Tho meeting will bo called together regularly on the 24 th of June in each year , and the first of them in the year 1863 . Extraordinary meetings may also be held at all times when the Grand Orient may consider it necessary to do so .

The Grand Orient cannot , however , evade the calling of tho annual meeting , if even such evasion is demanded by a majority of the lodges . The meeting selects , at every one of its ordinary meetings , by an absolute majority of voices , the Italian town in which its next meeting shall take place . Extraordinary meetings will be held wherever the Grand Orient may think best adapted for such meetings .

ART . 19 . The meeting will be held under the presidency of the Grand Master of the Order , or his representative in the Grand Orient . ART . 20 . The meeting has to decide with a majority of

voices—The Constitutions , the Euies , and the general llitaals of the Order . To define tho general normal Forms ( Norman ) which are to be observed for tho attainment of the purposes of tho Order . To audit the accounts of the Grand Orient , and decide the amount that each of the lodges shall

contribute to the Grand Orient ; to examine and revise the j-early accounts , and to grant its extraordinary expenses . To name the Grand Master of the Order . Those persons who aro to form the Council of the Grand Master are elected by a simple majority from among the Masters of Italian Freemasonry .

ART . 21 . The Grand Orient of Italian Masonry , called the " Grand Orient of Italy , " is formed of—A Grand Master of the Order , who , if not resident at the town iu which the Grand Orient is seated , ma } ' transfer his powers to the hands of a Grand-Regent , elected from among the members of the Grand Orient .

Tho Council of the Grand Master , whose members shall elect from their body the officers , by a majority of voices , to fill the following positions : — First and Second Assistant G . Master . First and Second Inspector in Chief . Orator in Chief . Chief Secretary .

Chief Treasurer . Almoner in Chief . Architect Controller in Chief . Keeper of the Great Seal . Expert ( sic ) in Chief . Grand Master of the Ceremonies . Keeper of Eecords . Deputy Orator . Deputy Secretary in Chief . Banner Bearer .