Freemasonry And The New Year.

FREEMASONRY AND THE NEW YEAR .

LONDON , SATURDAY , JANUARY 9 , 1861 .

The year 1864 has opened with , clouded prospects . The world seems to be inclined to war , and nowhere are love aud harmony , peace and good-Avill looked upon as desirable allies . In this temper it Avould be foolish to expect that the great bond of Ereemasonry should not , to some extent , participate in the signs

of the times , and display symptoms of restlessness and change . Modifications and opposing interests are to be found in most of the European Grand Lodges , and some few instances are worth notice . In England we are just entering on a large

outlay , to improve the Grand Lodge property ; and whilst every aid is needed to carry out this object , it has to some extent , at least so far as regards the Tavarn portion , been , virtually , thwarted by the successful attempt of estranging from the Craft some

of its most distinguished members and -warm supporters , forcing them to inaugurate for themselves a rival establishment , Avhich bids fair to be a serious

and dangerous opponent—all of Avhich might liaA'e been prevented if one individual had been but commonly courteous in his demeanour , instead of studiously insulting to the heads of the Knights Templar . Many important changes are in course of

contemplation . Schism is rearing its head , and setting up another new Masonic jurisdiction in the centre of the manufacturing districts of England , ancl in Jersey we have already a lodge under Ereneh jurisdiction . In Scotland the same uneasy spirit is manifest .

There ' have two Grand Chapters , clashing , squabbling , anathematising , ancl opposing each other on every ground . Ireland , under a courteous administration and a warmly-beloved Grand Master , alone remains , as it

were—a pattern for Masonic emulation and improvement ; but then all degrees of Ereemasonry , though kept separate and distinct , are brought under one jurisdiction , hy Avhich all clashing of interests is avoided .

If Ave cast our eyes abroad , more particularly to that other great section of the Anglo-Saxon family across the Atlantic , the Americans , both North and South , we find Ereemasonry pressed into the service as a belligerent , each party quoting the ancient landmarks as proving their views and , under them ,

denouncing the others as traitors and apostates . Iu South America , the Chilians' are again in arms in opposition to Masonic fealty . The Grand Orient of France , which of them we decline to say , has fitfully , from time to time , claimed obedience from the brethren in Chili . As often as it has

been claimed , so often a native Graud Lodge has sprung up to assert its independence , and , as if Ereemasonry is to be everywhere active , at one . and the same time , there are now two Grand Lodges in South America , fining , suspending , excluding , reinstating , healing , and rewarding their own secessionists and

proselytes . France , the incomprehensible France , whose Masonic foundation it appears impossible to understand , is in a state of internecine Masonic struggle . The , Lodges of the Ancient and Accepted Bite are proscribed hut not

closed . The Emperor's Grand Orient is convulsed by the discussion of new General Regulations—some of them as foreign to the spirit of Ereemasonry as an imposed state authority can make them—and many of the lodges are but a very thin covering for political assemblies .

Italy boasts , at least , three Grand Masters , three Supreme Councils , and no Grand Lodge ; one having been formed aud died ; a second intended to be formed , but never born ; and a third projected , for Yvliicb there is a new plan of construction . Germany always is in a state of chronic war .

Masonic metaphysics and German habits of literary inquiry , have so confused and involved tlie simple principles of Freemasonry , that , what with ecleetio unions and corresponding societies , verbose essa _ ys and minute discussions , no o'ao knows , and certainly very feiv care , to what German Ereemasonry is drifting .

In Switzerland the fraternity have had to make an inglorious appearance in the police courts . It appears that the Grand Lodge , Alpina , has somehow or other been involved in a building scheme ancl , to raise more funds , in concert with some other society , adopted the true continental method of having recourse to a

lottery , which , iu the end , proved illegal , and the Grand Lodge has had to bear its share of the disgrace . Such are the general characteristics of Ereemasonry at the beginning of the UBAV year . Let us hope that

as nations see the folly of Avars , and learn to estimate the blessings of peace , so our united bond of brotherhood , which combines men of every nation , clime , and creed , A \ r ill remember those sublime lessons they wero taught , Avhen entering the Craft , and endeavour

to jjropagate its essential principles—peace and goodwill—both as individuals and Freemasons of every degree . To those in office and bearing authority , we would strongly point out the duty of discretion and courtesy ,

reminding them that at their doors will be laid much of the blame that will most assuredly arise if unfairness , injustice , and curtness is to prevail , and driyo forth brethren into opposition and rivalry .