Freemasonry In Russia.

disposed towards the Fraternity to have her son , Paul I ., initiated . immediately upon his coming of age . The high degrees , and , above all , those of the system of Strict Observance , invaded the territory of Russia abont the year 1775 , and it lacked nothing of creating the same disorders

it had everywhere caused . Many of the Lodges , professing only the English Rite , had no desire to accept this Templar parady , which was principally the cause of fche interdiction of Freemasonry in 1790 . The system of Strict Observance , under the patronage

and Grand Mastership of the Duke of Brunswick , had organised at St . ii Petersburg a power , under the title of Grand Lodge of the Order of Vladimir , which assumed to direct all the Lodges of Russia , and thus came in conflict with a great many operative Lodges which practised only

the English Rite . In few countries did Masonry rise to the splendour ifc attained under Catherine II ., for the Masonic temples at St . Petersburg were indeed palaces . Many beneficial establishments were also founded by her directions and under her patronage . During tbe sojourn

of the King of Sweden , Gustavns III ., in St . Petersburg , who in his own country was Grand Master of the Templar Lodges ( which is virtually the same as Strict Observance ) , the Lodges of this system gave him the most superb feasts , at which he assisted with his whole suite , composed entirely of Freemasons .

Notwithstanding these brilliant appearances , the true Freemasonry , so far from making corresponding progress in Russia , had , on the contrary , degenerated to such a point that the Empress Catherine not only openly expressed her discontent thereat to the gentlemen of her

court , in respect to the abuses which were being introduced , but published a pamphlet very severe in its strictures against Freemasons . It has been translated into French and German , a copy of which we have seen in London . Such was the situation of Masonry in Russia upon the

accession of Paul I . to the throne in 1796 . Although he had been initiated , this prince had allowed himself to be prevailed upon by intriguants , who obtained of him an interdiction of Masonic assemblies , as well as those of all other secret societies , nnder the most severe penalties .

Subsequently , regarding the Order of the Knights Templar as the true possessors of Masonic science , he desired to re-establish that Order , and , in fact , to bring about this pretended regeneration of Masonry , he had , on 16 th December 1798 , taken the title of Grand Master of the Order of

Malta , as a means of more effectually accomplishing his purpose . Afterwards , however , he renounced the project , which was , in fact , impracticable . To Paul I ., assassinated 23 rd March 1801 , succeeded Alexander I . At once he confirmed the interdiction

pronounced by his predeceesor against Freemasonry , but in 1803 , consequent upon a circumstantial report which he ordered to be made upon the subject and principles of Freemasonry , he revoked it , and was himself initiated . We have been unable to ascertain the exact date of the

ceremony , the place or the Lodge in which it occurred , nor can we assert that he ever took part in the labours of the Fraternity ; no record can be found . It is pretty well known , however , that he always exhibited a certain degree of mistrust in the Institntion . Russian-like .

The Grand Lodge Yladimir , which , with the Operative Lodges nnder its jurisdiction , was suspended by the interdiction pronounced by Paul I ., after 1803 awoke to renewed activity . From that time the struggle recommenced . The Lodges of the English

system established a new Masonic code for all the Lodges of Russia ; but not wishing to recognise certain privileges that the Grand Lodge Yladimir revindicated , and to withdraw for ever from the systematic domination of it , he founded , in 1815 , another Grand Lodge , uniler the title of

1 Astrea , " of which the rules and regulations were approved by the government , and which from that time directed all the Lodges in Russia . Though Freemasonry has not greatly extended , it appears thafc ifc afforded some unquiet to the Emperor Alexander ; for , by an ukase , dated 21 st

August 1821 , he interdicted anew all Masonic assemblies , and in the autograph rescript that he addressed to his minister charged with the execution of this ukase , he based his promulgation upon the assertion that the Lodges

occupied themselves with the discussion of political subjects . None of the successors of Alexander have revoked this prohibition . Further comment upon Masonry in Russia would be superfluous . Masonry remains under a ban of this interdiction , and in the present condition of its

Freemasonry In Russia.

political affairs , we are very much inclined to think that it will continue so to remain , until , by some stupendous power , the light of humanity will be permitted to shine in their hearts , or as we shonld say , of their government . — ' ebrew Leader .

Royal Masonic Institution For Girls.

ROYAL MASONIC INSTITUTION FOR GIRLS .

A MEETING of the General Committee was held on Thursday , when Col . Creaton was elected chairman . There were several hundred brethren present on the

occasion , this being the day for the election of the House Committee , as to which a keen contest was expected . The arrangements for the proper distribution of the voting

papers were utterly inadequate for the occasion , although the Committee sat in the Zetland , and the papers were distributed in the ante room .

Before proceeding with the business on the agenda paper the chairman announced that Bros . Moon , Glutton and Thmpp had withdrawn their names from the list of candidates for election on the House Committee . He added that

the poll would remain open till 5 p . m ., and that all Governors in the room at that hour ( when the door wonld be shut ) would be entitled to receive their voting papers . The minutes of the General Committee , of the Quarterly

Court April , were read and verified , and those of the House Committee were read for information . The following votes , recommended by the House Committee , were then agreed to : — £ 11 for a new skylight , £ 150 for additional fire

mains and hydrants , and £ 20 for providing extra instruction to qualify Selina Sharp for a superior position . The chairman was authorised to sign cheques for the quarter ' s salaries and wages . Nine petitions were submitted , one of

which was deferred consideration till next meeting . The following is the result of the polling for the successful ' candidates for election on the House and Audit Committees : —

HOUSE COMMITTEE . Joshua Nnnn 254 F . Richardson 253 J . H . Matthews 251 E . C . Mather ... : 250 H . A . Dubois 249 Lt .-Col . J . Peters 249 Peter de Lande Long ... ... 248 E . Letch worth 246 J . A . Rucker 246 Robert Grey 245 Charles Hammerton , 244 Edgar Bowyer ... ... ... 236

AUDIT COMMITTEE . H . Dicketts 255 H . C . Levander 255 W . Roebuck 247

H . Venn 244 J . C . Chancellor 234 Jas . Cutbush 229

W . Bailey 224 T . Kingston 221 E . C . Davies 125

Bro . Tattershall thanked the brethren who had given him their support , and regretted that they had nofc been strong enough to secure his election . Votes of thanks to the scrutineers and the chairman closed the proceedings .

A meeting of the North London Chapter of Improvement was held on the 31 st May , at the Canonbnry Tavern , St . Marv ' s Road , Islington . Comps . Gregory Z ., Higgina H ., Sheffield ( Scribe E . ) J ., Brasted S . N ., George P . S . At the next convocation the sum of £ 5 5 s will be ballotted for

as a Life Subscription to one of the Masonic Institutions . Companion T . C . Edmonds ably fulfils the duties of Preceptor .

We have been requested to announce that in future the members of the William Preston Lodge of Instruction will hold their weekly meetings at the St . Andrew's Tavern , George Street , Baker Street , W . Brother G . Coop acts as Preceptor , and the meetings are held every Friday evening , at eight o ' clock .