Freemasonry In France.

In repelling for the last two years the project of an organisation for educational purposes , which was presented in the form of a kind of Masonic University , ¦ our Assembly has very clearly manifested that entire liberty should be left to the lodges to endeavour , in their own manner , to afford facilities for instruction .

I cannot , my dear brethren , too impressively exhort you to combine upon this question , and , as we say . symbolically , spread incessantly our light on every

occasion . Por the same reason it seems to me a duty to entreat you to apply yourselves to the study of the great social questions of the present age . One lodge may be so placed as to take a part in arranging the relation between capital and labour , and to establish friendly

relations between employer and employed . Another may usefully employ itself with the results of the the establishment of co-operative societies ; another may inquire into the principles of assurance ; others on financial questions . Indeed , nothing should he

foreign to the investigations of Masonry ; and out of this vast contest will result a solution of the social problem , in the same manner as the practical solution of the civil problem resulted from the labours of our ancestors in the latter part of the last century .

You will have to pronounce the verdict up the question of the executive power , and with confidence I call your attention to the study of these social questions

which interest more particularly the people in the midst of whom you dwell . These questions are assuredly within the province of Masonry to consider , for they bear upon the liberty of thought , the breaking down the prejudice , and the conflicting interests which govern the world . The precious qualities of Masonry

will ever defend it against its traducers , ; and as Masonry has survived in spite of the persecutions of other ages , passed unscathed through difficulties and dangers , and has spread its influence amongst all nations , whatever their form of worship or

government , it is because it is superior to all dogmas and politics , and that its pervading sentiment is an unextinguishable love for the human race . Dear Brethren , armed with the weapons of liberty of thought , who better than you can solve the terrible

problems offered to the present age . Accept , dear brethren , the assurance of my fraternal sentiments .

L . BABAUD-LAEIBIEHE , July 4 th 1870 . Grand Master . General Mellinet , Past Grand Master of the Grand Orient of France , has addressed the

following letter to the Minister of the Interior . — " It is my duty to inform your Excellency that I have resigned the office of Grand Master of the

Grand Orient of France , and that I am succeeded iu that office by M . Babaud Laribiore , Advocate of Confolens ( Charente ) . " My term expired this year at Whitsuntide ; I had given notice that my health would no longer

permit me to remain at the head of French Masonry ; and I wrote the brethren to choose a new Grand Master . Nevertheless they did me the honour to elect me in general assembly on the 7 th of June .

' ¦ ' Profoundly touched by this mark of esteem ancl affection , I persisted nevertheless in my resolution . I had given in my resignation , and under these circumstances the Grand Orient proceeded to a new election , and elected M . Babaud . Laribiere to succeed me .

" 'I felicitate myself on this choice for many reasons . I have known M . Babaud-Laribiere for many years , and he has long been my friend , and if I respect in him a political faith contrary to my own , I know also how to render homage to his

strictly honourable and upright character . Under his direction I have a firm conviction that Masons will not wander beyond the circle traced in its constitutions , and that every effort will be made to avoid any difficulty between the civil and the

Masonic powers . " I feel it a duty to pray your Excellency to accord to M . Babaud-Laribiere the same good will with which yourself and your predecessors have always honoured me .

" Accept the expression of the most respectful sentiments from your devoted servant , "LE GENERAL MELLINET . "

Bro . Mellinet has also addressed to all lodges and brethren , in obedience to the Grand Orient of France , the following circular : — " My dear Brethren , —There are , in the course of my Masonic life , which already extends to

fiftysix years , two great epochs which will never be effaced from my memory , two precious dates written in my heart—the 9 th of June , 1 S 65 , when your representatives appointed me Grand Master , and the 7 th June , 1870 , when , notwithstanding

my announced withdrawal , and in the face of a list of eminent candidates , I again received the honour of re-election . " 1 have considered it necessary , for reasons which I have made known to the Assembly , to decline the honour , and persisted in my resignation ; but profoundly touched by this great proof