Channel Islands.

examination of which he had been recently led , in preparation of a Masonic work just published by him . No attempt is made to report the speeches , for several good reasons , one among them being that French and English modes of thought differ so materially in some respects , that many of the sentiments expressed would not be found to accord with the general opinions entertained on our side of the Channel , and it may be added that they even caused

considerable discussion among the French members of the Craft themselves . This being tin jour defile , no Masonic ceremonials in regard to candidates for either of the degrees were entered upon , some which were due being deferred till the next day . Towards six o'clock the formal proceedings were brought to a close . The brethren dispersed about the groundsforming

, little coteries for conversation till about eight o ' clock , when , all preparations having been completed , about 130 again assembled to partake of a sumptuous banquet , which did not terminate till a late hour . The toasts were so arranged as to pay equal and joint honours to the civil and Masonic authorities in France and England , and everything possible was done to evince the cordiality existing between the two nations .

Indeed , such meetings on grounds of Masonic fraternity cannot but do much to prevent the revival of ancient animosities , Avhich have yielded to higher and more ennobling ; sentiments , and , in conjunction with the mutual commercial interests which have lately been fostered , conduce to the realisation of the hope that a better spirit will continue to prevail , and tend to the maintenance of the wiser and more humane policy that has been so happily entered upon . On the next morning , at an early hour , several of the French brethren called at the hotel of their foreign visitors , and

accompanied them to visit the public gardens , the Palais de Justice , and other local objects of interest , at the same time displaying much private hospitality . Not least among the pleasures of the reunion , was that of meeting Bro . Advocate Rutier , of L'Orient , whose stirring addresses in the Cesaree Lodge during his temporary residence in Jersey several years ago , joined to his talents and high personal qualities , had left strong impressions , and endeared him to his former Masonic associates iu the

Channel Isles . Thus several hours were pleasantly passed until the time fixed upon for another meeting of the Loge de la Parfaite Union , in order that the English Masons might witness the French mode and ritual adopted in raising a candidate to the sublime degree of Master Mason , which in all essentials is , of course , the same as with us , though differing somewhat in minor details . The hospitality of the French hrethren seemed to know no hounds , for again at the close of

the business were the visitors invited to partake of a banquet , more enfamille than that of the previous day , to which nearly fifty sat down . This was most enjoyable , as being conducted with less formality , the number present being moro manageable , places of honour being dispensed with , and , as far as possible , a visitor being seated alternately with a member of the lodge . The greatest cordiality prevailedand many excellent addresses

, were delivered expressive of the most kindly and fraternal sentiments , interspersed with songs given in good style . In fact , it may be safely asserted , that nowhere , except iu a Masonic lodge , could such a scene be presented , in which all distinctions of race and language appeared to be annihilated —in which the predominant thought that prevailed was , that all present were united "by common ties of Masonic brotherhood .

Before separating at the close of the evening , it was proposed that a large number of members of the lodge should be present on the next morning at the railway station , as an appropriate conclusion to a series of acts of kindness and courtesy . This arrangement was , however , wisely abandoned , as inflicting too great a tax on the hosts , whose liberality had been so fully tested , and as adding to the regrets at separation . The next morning , however , notwithstanding the early hour

of departure from Rennes , several brethren were at the station to offer the final adieu , and to entreat that all would repeat the visit next year at Nantes , where the meetings will then he held , the deputation from that cit y having given a cordial invitation on the first day of the reunion . At 8 a . m . the Jersey brethren reached St . Malo , whore they were again met and greeted by some of the Freemasons resident there , who had participated in the first day's festival at Rennes . It may be added , that not a single incident of any kind had occurred

Channel Islands.

to disturb the harmony which had prevailed during the visit , and that on the return home , all were anxious to give a most favourable and enthusiastic report of the Freemasons of Brittany .

Turkey.

TURKEY .

ADDEESS TO SIB H . L . BVLWER . His Excellency the R . AV . Sir Henry L . Bulwer , D . G . M . for Turkey , received on his return to Constantinople from Egypt a committee , under the presidency of Dr . A . Scliinas , AV . M ., delegated by the Greek Lodge Arete , to present to his excellency their congratulations on his return . AA e are informed

that Bro . Steph . Sconlondi delivered on that occasion the following address : — "Right AVorshipful Sir , —AVe have been instructed by the Greek Lodge Arete , which is under your jurisdiction , to present respectfully to your worship their compliments ou your happy return after your long absence , and their very best wishes for your health and happiness amidst your province .

"The accomplishment of our mission allow us , worshipful sir , is to assure you that our sentiments are not a mere exhibition and a repetition of trite forms , but are the expression of the profound respect and sincere sympathy with which the Greek Masons in Constantinople surround their Provincial Grand Master , in his double character of Mason and true supporter of the eastern populations .

" It may be perhaps superfluous to state that the Greek Masons do not in the least mean to meddle or interfere , in the slightest degree , with political matters—politics are a theme profane and wholly strange to the professions of our lodge ; but , judging by the happy results of your enlightened and persevering endeavours , as the representative of a great nation , they

place full reliance in your love of justice and your kiud sympathy for those who suffer . " And , verily , what would Masonry be but a sterile and fruitless dogma if its precepts were to remain for ever under their allegorical veil , aud receive no application in our intercourse with the uninitiated . On the contrary , Masonry inspires a solemn respect to those who see the civilian , the military , and above all the statesman , taking as a guide in their course the

Masonic virtues . " Such are the convictions the Greek Masons of this town have derived from your worship , and from the English lodges under your worship ' s jurisdiction , and aieh . also are the reasons why the newly constituted Lodge Arete has had recourse to the English protection . Having adopted your constitution they have engraved on the key stone of their lodge its principles—namely , submission to the local government , non-interference with political and

religious questions , and support of the ancient customs and laws of the Order . Now , in adopting these principles our lodge hope and trust they will effectually contribute towards the spreading of the sacred light on the Oriental populations , if , as they earnestly hope , you will grant them your gracious protection . "Accept , Right AA orshipful Sir , again the expression of the heartfelt satisfaction of the members of our lodge in seeing you in good health , a satisfaction which the members present fullv share with their brethren . "

Sir Henrg Puhver ' s reply . " I am excessively grateful for the address which you have read to me , for it assures me of your sympathy as Masonic brethren and as Greeks , and you already know my sentiments for the illustrious race to which you belong . " It is true that I have interested myself in the state of the Eastand in that of the inhabitants of these countriesand the

, , first object to attain for their general well-being is a sentiment of friendship and fraternity among them . This is the reason why Freemasonry is an institution of tho highest utility in these places , for it contains more than any other within itself the principle of universal benevolence in accepting as brethren men of all religions and all races . You are , then , right in believing that policy towards the Eastand my veneration for

my , our grand Order binds me and serves me mutually . "I can -addno more to assure you that the personal interest which you havo expressed to me is very sincerely reciprocated by me for you , brethren , who have had the kindness to charge yourselves with a mission of which I can never forget the weight ;