Notes On American Freemasonry.

der our review of the proceedings of the Grand Lodge of Louisiana , Ave have given a translation of the debates on the . subject in France , and copies of all the respective particulars , a perusal of which will give a full understanding of the merits of the

dispute . We think they clearly show that the " Supreme Council of the Ancient aud Accepted Scottish Rite " has no valid claim to any countenance from the Grand Lodge , and that if the Grand Orient of France continues to recognise

that body , that the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania ought to cease to have Masonic relations with it , or those Avho hail from it , because the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite is an illegal and

usurping organization . The Committee on correspondence of the Grand Lodgo of Pennsylvania recommends the passage of the following resolution : — "Resolved That all Masonic correspondence

and fraternal relations between the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania and the Grand Orient of France , and all Masons owing or claiming to owe allegiance to it , be discontinued until the said Grand Orient of France recognizes the M . W . Grand Lodge of

Louisiana as the only and sole Masonic Grand Lodge of that Commonwealth . " The passage of the abo \ e resolutions is considered to be an established principle of Masonic LaAV that there cannot be more than one lawful

Grand Lodge having power to authorize the conferring of the three ancient and original degrees of Masonry Avithin the territory of any State or Government , and that each Grand Lodge is the only Masonic power within its appropriate limits ; it

holds that the Grand Orient of France , or any other foreign jurisdiction cannot determine Avhich are not lawful Grand Lodges in the "United States , and that when that question is decided by the American Lodges , the foreign Masonic jurisdictions

must recognise them , and none others , as vested Avith the sovereign Masonic power , and that any recognition of any other bodies , calling themselves Grand Lodges , is an unjustifiable interference with questions , the decision of Avh ich exclusively belongs to American Masons .

" The debates in the Grand Orient of France , show much warmth of feeling ou a subject of which they appear to have no proper conception , and not fully to understand . We hope that when the Grand Orient receive the report ofthe action of

the Grand Lodges of North America , it will lead it to a better understanding on the subject , and that these proper views and proper feelings Avill predominate . If not , the duty incumbent on the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania is to sever its

connection Avith the Grand Orient , and all other organisations which tread in their footsteps or follow their lead . Thus , and thus only , can American Masonry vindicate her rights , and show to the world that in this , as well as in National affairs ,

she will not be dictated to by foreign powers . " On the subject of uniformity of Avork , and uniformity of ritual , much has been lately Avritten and spoken , and it has been proposed by the Grand Master of North Carolina to hold a

convention , composed of delegates from all the Grand Lodges , to meet in New York , in order to to obtain a uniform system of Avork and of jurisprudence . Whether this is practicable , admits of great doubt . We do not think that if such a

convention Avas held and a uniform system adopted , it Avould be permanent , as each Grand Lodge , being independent , could adopt the ritual and work settled to be the true work of the Order by the Convention , or reject it at its pleasure . To

make any recommendation on the subject is not within the province of this Committee , but is that of the Committee of Landmarks , to Avhom the Constitution of the Grand Lodge of Pennylvania declares " shall be referred- all questions touching

the ancient landmarks , customs and usuages of the Order . " We refer to it as one of the subjects of Masonic concern noAV mooted in many of the

jurisdictions of the United States , and in some of them angry disputes have arisen as to what is the true work and ritual , as is evidenced in the proceedings of the Grand Lodge of Vermont , of which Ave have spoken under the proper head , ( see

review of the proceedings of that Grand Lodge . ) We knoAV it is something neAV for brethren of other jurisdictions to find fault with the simplicity of Pennsylvania Masonry . The Chairman of the Committee of Correspondence of Ohio , in his

report of October the 20 th , 1868 , takes occasion to remark "That our brethren in Pennsylvania are awakening to the necessity of requiring of a candidate a proof of at least some degree of proficiency before advancement . * * * When

this is done , aud then only , may we look for the time Avhen the Ritual of Pennsylvania Avill be made to correspond Avith that of the other Grand Lodges