Freemasonry In France.

plained that the preparation of the reports , and the printing , binding , and circulation necessarily occupied considerable time , and that really the information given Avould be retarded if the publication was fixed for a certain , day of each

month . The representative of Lodge l'Etoile de 1 ' Avenir brought forward a proposition that a more frequent inspectionof theworkiuthe lodges should take place , a id that this duty should be delegated to brethren

charged at the same time Avith the duty of smoothing over the difficulties which so often arise and disseminating the correct form of ritual , securing uniformity of working , ancl by this means awaken the zeal of indifferent Masons , unhappily too

numerous . The Committee explained that the duties imposed upon the inspectors of lodges appointed under article 94 of the several statutes AY ere sufficient to accomplish the end desired by the mover

of the proposition . They include as follows : — " To assist in the Avorking of the lodges . " To see that tho constitutions and the general laws are observed in every particular . "To verify the minutes and accounts .

" To receive all propositions from the lodges , and inspect and transmit them to the Grand Master . "

The statement Avas deemed satisfactory , therefore , no proposition > vas made upon the subject . Bros . Dunieril , Noell , Michet and D . Henry , proposed that the Grand Orient of France should establish a prize to authors of the best works on

science , art , and literature , in honour of Masonry , of 500 francs j and also a Prize Medal for the best abridgement of the History of Freemasonry , which latter should consist of not less than 200 pages . The committee believed that the first part of

this proposition had been already accomplished , and that Avorks in honour of Freemasonry are eligible for the prizes instituted , and annually granted , by the Grand Orient . As to the creation of a special prize for the best abridgement of the

History of Freemasonry , the committee were of opinion that such a Avork Avould be eminently useful , and of general Masonic interest , and these considerations should induce the Grand Orient to create such a special prize .

It was proposed that the calendar should have only the title of " Calendrier du Grand Orient de France , " that a greater number of copies be printed , and that the price be 50 centimes .

The committee reported that they saw no reason for any change in the title , and that they had impressed upon the finance committee to make the most advantageous arrangement possible .

The report of Bro . Caubet upon the propositions , submitted to his consideration Avas then presented . The proposition brought forward by a member of "la Francaise Elue Ecossaise , " and 'TAmitie Reunie , " as to the means Avhich should be

adopted to effect the extinction of the debts of the Grand Orient , Avhich amount to 150 , 000 francs . He says , it is a simple matter , the revenue of the

Grand Orient Avas 90 , 000 francs , AA'hilethe expenditure AA'as but 60 , 000 francs , leaving 30 , 000 francs a year at disposition . The brother proposed that a portion of this amount should be expended in assuring the life of some brother between

the age 80 and 40 , say 35 years , and thus , at the death of the brother selected , to secure the total extinction of the debt of the Grand Orient . The proposition , however ingenious , as might be supposed , met with a cool reception , and

finally negatived , it having been decided to extinguish the debt in five years by means of a special contribution from the lodges under the jurisdiction of the Grand Orient .

Bro . Dubois brought forward a proposition , as follows : —¦ " That as the efforts of individual Masons , of private lodges , ancl ofthe Grand Orient should tend to increase the number of lodges in localities not

already so provided , but where there already exists a lodge , it is not desirable to establish a second , unless the existing lodge numbers more than fifty active subscribing members ; ancl that if two lodges already exist , a third shall not be

established unless each of the existing lodges have a similar membership of not less than sixty ; and if three or more are in existence , until each possess one hundred members . " The proposition was supported by Lodge

Francaise elue Ecossaise ancl l'Amitie reunie . Bro . Caubet agreed with the proposition , that every effort should be made in all localities where none at present exist , but he did not believe it was desirable to restrict iu the manner proposed the

establishment of additional lodges , Avhere such already exist . Many considerations , he said , rendered such a regulation undesirable . The most upright and worthy men may disagree on essential questions of social economy , religious or political