Freemasonry In Mexico.

question , and , at last , all the ^ adherents of the Conservative ( otherwise traitorous ) part styled themselves Escoseces , and their opponents , the national republican party , Yorhinos . In 1828 , the two parties resorted to open warfare , Avith a vieAv to decide the question at issue by the sword , and the ciAal war , then commenced , has lasted

ever since . At the period we refer to the President of Mexico , Dr . Vincente Guerrero , Avas Grand Master under the York Rite . During his presidency a law was enacted by which all Masonic lodges were

closed , and every Mason found Avithin the precincts of a lodge was punished Avith eight years' banishment . The Yorhinos obeyed their Grand Master , they complied Avith the act of Congress , and discontinued their gatherings , while the Escoseces

kept on Avorking and rejoicing at the apparent simple-mindedness of their antagonists ; but they had counted Avithout the host . Some of the most important lodges of the Scottish Rite Avere suppressed , and their members banished .

Subsequently to these events , all native Spaniards were expelled from the territory of the Mexican republic . Thus , the activity of the Freemasons seemed to be brought to a standstill for many

years . A feAV brethren of both rites , however , had remained faithful to the true spirit of Masonry . Nine of them held a nocturnal gathering- at the Great Fountain of the Almcda , and resolved upon

resuming- genuine Freemasonry . This Avas in 1830 . After the distressing experience of past years , they did not deem practicable or expedient to adhere to either the Scottish or York Rite , as they apprehended the intrusion of unworthy

members and the revival of political antagonism . Besides , they assumed for independent Mexico the right of having a Grand Lodge of her OAVU , without depending on any foreign Grand Lodge for its Constitution . They , therefore , resolved to

establish a system based upon these principles and to remove by means of peculiarities , those dangers that might be brought about by the reception of either Yorhinos or Escoseces . The nine brethren having belonged to the hi ghest grades of both these

systems , they were thoroughl y acquainted with their organisation , and this facilitated greatly the preliminary labours for the new system . The Constitution of the latter Avas soon draAvn up , discussed , and adopted . The neAv school of Masonry Avas established

under the name of "Rito Nacional Mejicano , " and Avas to consist of the foIIoAving nine grades : — 1 st . Apprentice ( Aprendiz ) . 2 nd . Companion ( Compannero ) . 3 rd . Master ( Maestro ) .

4 th . Approved Master ( Maestro aprobado ) , " equal to the 15 th Scottish . 5 th . Knight of the Secret ( Cabellero del Secreto ) , equal to the 18 th Scottish . 6 th . Knight of the Mexican Eagle ( Cabellero

dell' Aguila Mejicana ) . 7 th . Perfect Artist ( Perfecto Artifice , Templario ) . 8 th . Grand Judge ( Gran Juez ) . 9 th . Grand Inspector General ( Gran Inspector

General ) . All these degrees are equivalent to various grades of the Scottish Rite ; for the St . John ' s degrees there are special signs for Mexicans , Avhich , however , are not required for

non-Mexicans Avho are foreign to the party contests . The labours of the lodges are superintended by the Supreme Grand Orient ( Supremo Gran Oriente ) , consisting of adepts of the ninth grade .

The administration of the Order is in charge of the National Grand Lodge , Avhose members are elected by the various Provincial Grand Lodges , aud meet in the metropolis . The Provincial Grand Lodges have their seats in the State capitals , and

are formed by the three " lights " of at least five St . John's Lodges . So long as this number is not complete in any one state , the lodges are subject to the Grand Lodge of some other state .

Besides the general Masonic laws , the Mexican Masons have a constitution called , " Constitucion General del Rito Nacional Mejicano , " also a " Reglamento General , " and each lodge has rules and regulations of its own .

In 1863 , the following lodges were in active operation within the boundaries of the republic : — In the metropolis , one National Grand Lodge and six Avorking lodges ; of these , one belonging to the Scottish Rite Avas constituted by the New Granada

Grand Lodge , and formed chiefly by foreigners . In Toluca , five Sfc . John's Lodges and one Provincial Grand Lodge , having also under its SAvay ono lodge in Tenango dell Valle , one in Cucruavaca , one in Tetecala , one in Zitacuaro , and

one in Morelia ( the two latter in the State of Michoacan ) . In Guadalujara , there Avere IAVO lodges under the National Grand Lodge , and two