Freemasonry In France

the criminal seditions , which , to the regret of the whole world , has laid Paris in ruins , and caused blood to HoAV in its streets—that there was never any possible connection between its doctrines and those of the Commune . If some men , unworthy

the name of Masons , have attempted to transform our pacific emblems into a banner of civil war , the Grand Orient has repudiated them as having failed in their most sacred duties .

Need I state that the Masonic sovereignty consists essentially in the universality of correspondence amongst Freemasons ; that it belongs not to any individual , or to any section , and that its authority is solely the prerogative of the Grand Orient , composed of the Grand Master , the Council of the Order , and the Master of all lodges .

Those who would usurp the authority of the Grand Orient have not even the semblance of right , and their revolt Avas as much a crime against Masonry as against France , we shall therefore , let it rest , as the act of an individual , which is unexagerated by our enemies . Let us prove that we are the first to condemn them .

Let us UOAV consider those questions which demand our attention . - In the first place stands our further relations with the Masons of Germany . This question has already been raised in the Council of the Order ,

which has considered it not within its province , and has left its consideration to the General Assembly . To assist its deliberations , it will have the documents collected by the Council . We shall learn Avhether our Temple has been defended

by the German Masons , and if the Masonic Law has been respected on the other hand by the French Masons ; if the Freemasons imprisoned in Germany have been treated as brethren , and whether the Grand Orient of

Prussia has taken measures to command a respect of the true principles of Masonry with regard to French brethren .

The importance of these questions will not escape you , my dear brethren , and it will be a deplorable circumstance if the enquiry should demonstrate that German Masonry has joined in the political crime of Prussia , and that the Grand

Orient oi France should therefore be compelled to break its friendly relations with our brethren beyond the Rhine .

It either case it will be necessary to maintain our union with the Masons of Alsace and Lorraine ,, in the hope that these Provinces will be restored to France . It is the duty of French Masonry to commence at once the holy work of regeneration ,,

and if fortune has proved unfaithful to our arms , let us prove that it is impotant to reach our hearts .

The following appear to me to be the leadingsubjects for deliberation : — The question of the Grand Mastership . The attitude of Masonry during the Franco-Prussian war .

Measures to be taken with respect to the manifestations in favour of Commune . Future relations with German Masonry . The re-union of the ties which bind us to the-Masons of Alsace and Lorraine .

Added to these important questions are those of which the initiative will be taken by individual brethren during the session ; the ordinary administrative affairs will have to be examined ; a budget will have to be voted , the claims upon

which have been greatly increased by the unfortunate course of events ; and with me you will be convinced that the delegates from the lodges will find need for the employment of even more than their usual assiduity .

In the midst of the important events of the country at the present time , and the heavy responsibility which rests upon the head of the government , shall it be said that Masonry remained indifferent ?

I knoAV in advance your reply . My dear brethren , you are Masons , your mission Avill be peacefully exerted in the domain of ideas . Within your lodges for many ages have been cherished and nourished great [ principles which have in after

ages expanded over the world . As the true protectors of justice and liberty , you have successively proclaimed religious tolerations , equality of rights , liberty of speech , and the pen , and adopting universal suffrage , you have submitted yourself to

a republican constitution . The principles of 1789 were long before acknowledged in your temples , and with its history in hand , it may with truth be proclaimed that Masonry first promulgated the principles which led to the revolution . You see'then that your duties are increased in accordance Avith the development of the institutions