Freemasonry In France.

authorized by its constitution and required by its interests . In this emergency , the Emperor " considering * the Avishes denoted by the Masonic Order of France to preserve a central representation" appointed by decree , dated January 11 ,

1862 , Marshal Magnan , as Grand Master of the Grand Orient de France for three years ,. The position of the new Chief as Senator , Marshal of France and Grand Cross of the Legion of Honor , as well as the terms in which the Imperial decree

Avas couched , shoAved an intention on the part of the Government to respect our dignity . Count Persigny had said in his circular of the 16 fch October . 1861 : —

" Masonry , established in France since 1725 , has not ceased to maintain its reputation for benevolence , and while discharging zealously its mission of charity , it shows a spirit of patriotism which has never been wanting at great occasions . The various groups of Avhich it consists , though not recognised and not regularly constituted , work quietly in the land and have for a long time past given no serious cause of complaint to the authorities . "

The TJltramontanes and other enemies of Masonry were greatly dissatisfied Avith the proceeding of the Government ; and a great number of Freemasons , on the other hand , thought that the Order was degraded and its character

compromised they resisted for a long time all the efforts of the Grand Master tending to appease their alarm and prejudices . But this did not prevent the latter from using * the poAver thafc had been conferred on him for the good of those under his

rule . He purified the administration and selected the most able , honest , and independent of the Order for his assistants . The arbitrary acts that had taken place previous to his accession Avere rescinded . The lodges that had been closed by

the civil 02 Masonic authority were permitted to resume their labors . Even the Libourne Lodge , which had been designated by the Prefect of the Gironde as " dangerous to public order" was also re-opened ] the prefect Avho opposed this step was

compelled by the Home Minister to yield . Marshal Magnan , in the letter he addressed to the Minister at this occasion , said :

With a vieAY to shelter these lodges by my personal responsibility and uphold the movement I have made in their favour , I beg to tell you , Monsieur le Minisfcre , that if I have correctly understood the intention of the Emperor in appointing me as the head of Freemasonry in France ho meant to show by this action that he Avished to protect efficaciouslan institution that is

y revered everyAvhere . I should misinterpret his Majesty ' s idea were I not to foster the development of Masonic aggregations . It is certain that amongst the numerous personnel ofthe authorities , there are some men hardly favourable to Masonry , but rather inclined to oppose it .

As a body , Masonry pities these persons , scorns their aggressions , and quietly continues its secular vrork ; but individual aggregations may have to suffer by their attacks . The success of his personal exertions fully Avarranted Bro . Marshal Magnan ' s saying in the

Masonic assembly of 1863 : "When I assumed the honour of the Grand Mastership , I resolutely said to myself : Freemasonry shall be more free than it has ever been before . " He endeavoured to the best of his ability , to advance the prosperity ,

liberty and influence of the Order . The Grand Master devoted his energies chiefly to the maintenance of the religious , philosophical , and social character of onr Institution . This chief merit is enhanced by the exceptional difficulties

which he encountered from the very commencement of his office . As yet full justice has not been done to the beneficial action he exercised on

the progress of onr Institution , and the impulse he gave fco its development . He gave a greater regularity and promptitude to the dispatch of business ] he re-established good order in our finances ] he very regularly attended at and

presided over the meetings of the Council and of the General Assembly . Though his occupations outside the pale of the Order were very numerous and of a most earnest character , he managed to find time for the pursuit of three great projects

he had conceived , viz ., the amalgamation of all the different Masonic rites , the recognition of Masonry as a society of public utility , and last not least , the revision of the Constitution and general statutes of the Order , Avith a vieAv to a

solemn declaration of principles , by the co-operation of all the lodges which were to be called upon , for the first time , to freely and fully set forth their wishes and ideas .

To bring aboufc an amalgamation of the various Masonic systems , Marshal Magnan addressed , on the 1 st of February , 1862 , a letter to Bro . Yiennet , the Sov . Grand Commander of the Supreme Council , setting forth his views as to

the desirability of a perfect unity in principle of all Masonic lodges , and desiring those of the Scottish rite to join the lodges of the province of the Grand Orient in their labours ; a similar invitation Avas ad dressed to the chief dignitaries of the other rites .

These endeavours , hoAvever , having proved fruitless , he decreed , on the 22 nd May 1862 , the dissolution of the Supreme Council and of the Rite de Misraim . A portion of the latter joined the Grand Orient , but its remaining lodges and