The Convention Of French Masons.

THE CONVENTION OF FRENCH MASONS .

LONDON , SATURDAY , JULY 22 , 1863 .

( Concluded from page 44 . ) FOURTH SITTING , JUNE 7 . —( Bro . de Saint-Jean in the chair . ) Proposed to introduce in Clause 9 the Avords , " The initiation to include several degrees besides the three symbolical

degrees . " Supported by Bros . Ducarre and de . St . Jean ; opposed by Bros . Duclos and Battaille ; can-ied by 71 Ayes to 34 Noes . Clause 10 . Moved , " The Master to be a perfect Mason ; " amendment proposed by Bro . Caubet ,

" The three symbolical degrees to be the foundation of Masonry . " Supported by Bro . Battaille ; opposed by Bro . Ducarre ; negatived by the assembly . . Clause 11 , relating to the preliminary conditions

for becoming - a Mason . Resolved that Masons ' sons may be initiated at the age of eighteen years ( opposed by Bros . Poulle , de St . Jean , and Buisson ); that the proof of the possession of sufficient means of subsistence be made compulsory (

supjjorted by Bros . Ducarre , Jouaust , K-azy , and Bouisson ; opposed by Bros . Rattier , Fauvety , and Pernet-Vallier ) . A proposition to compel neophytes to declare on oath that they have not been refused admission in any other lodge Avas referred to the General Committee .

The remainder of the sitting Avas occupied by discussions on clauses 12 to 18 , relating to the colours and distinctions to be conferred on members of higher degrees , and various matters of equal importance . By clause 17 the Masonic press Avas endowed with , perfect freedom from censure and

repressive measures . FIFTH SITTING , JUNE 8 . —( Bro . Lengld in the chair . )—Bro . Andre Eousselle stated that ten delegates AA'ho had been shut out during the vote on the high degrees , Avould have \ -oted for the suppression of the same if they had been present .

Resolved , that the Council of the Order be dissolved in its totality , and a new Council elected . Clause 21 . A very animated discussion , rich in drasty incidents , took place on the occasion Avhether the Grand Master should have the precedence

over the assembly , or vice versa . Of the nine divisions , four voted in favour of the precedence of the Grand Master , and five for the precedence of the assembly . After very lengthy and very un-Masonic proceedings , the majority of the assembly decided the question in favour of the Grand Master .

Clause 22 . Moved , that the travelling expenses of the delegates be defrayed by a uniform tax laid on all lodges of the province of the Grand Orient . This proposition Avas referred to the General Purposes Committee . _ Clause 23 . Discussion on the term of office of

the Grand Master . Two divisions Avere in favour of a seven years ' , five for a five years ' , and two for a three years' term . Bro . Peigne's three years motion Avas negatived by 113 Noes to 72 Ayes . The five years' term Avas finally determined upon . Bro . Duclos' motion " That the Grand Master be

elected by universal suffrage of all Masons Avas negatived , having been impugned by Bros . Pernet-Vallier and Battaille . The remainder of the day was occupied by discussions on the constitution and rights of the

Grand Master , " cabinet , " and various other qAies--tions devoid of interest for our readers . SIXTH ( NIGHT ) SITTING , JUNE 8 . —( Bro . Lengle in the chair . ) Au animated and clamourous discussion took place on the powers of the Council

of the Order . P » esolved , that the judicial powers of the council should cease from next year , and a Masonic magistracy be organised then . Moved by Bro . Peigne that the sittings of the council be public for all members of the

Convention . Negatived by 52 Noes to 89 Ayes . The clauses relating to delegates by major and minor lodges were adopted , according to the draught by the committee .

The assembly being greatly fatigued and exhausted by its six days' labours , the final vote on the Constitution Avas insisted upon , to prevent a further adjournment , and the following was the result of a nominal appeal . Members present , 97 ;

Ayes , 75 ; Noes , 22 ; majority in favour of the Constitution , 53 . SEVENTH SITTING , JUNE 9 . —( Bro . Lengle in the chair . ) This Avas the day appointed for the election of the Grand Master , in lieu of the

everto-be-regretted Bro . Marshal Magnan . The chairman declined to stand as a candidate , and requested his friends to cast their votes in favour of Bro . Mellinet . Various " personal facts" having been gone through , the assembly proceeded to the

election . The poll yielded the folloAving results : ~ Vofces for Bro . General Mellinet , 142 ; Bro . Massol ( W . M . of tho Renaissance Lodge ) , 34 ; Bro . Lengle , 7 ; Bro . Duke de Persigny , 4 ; Bro . Prince Napoleon , 3 ; Bro . Alfred Blanche , 3 ; Bros . Baron de Rothschild , Napoleon III ., de Saulcy , and -Gran-