The Greek Lodge Arete At Constantinople.

THE GREEK LODGE ARETE AT CONSTANTINOPLE .

As some statements have been made about the motives which induced the members of the recently-formed Greek Lodge Arete , at Constantinople , to rjlace themselves under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of England , we think the

following translation of , an address delivered by the J . W ., Bro . Scouloudi—a very influential and talented brother—will serve to throw some light on the subject , and remove any misapprehension which may have arisen in consequence of the

un-Masonic proceedings of the brethren of some of the foreig-u lodges of Constantinople , who unhappily do not always act in the fairest way towards their English brethren . We are happy in being able to state that the Arete has made

such progress in the few weeks that it has been at work , that it is intended to make application to the Grand Loclge for a second Greek loclge . The Armenians , also , intend shortly to forward an application for another : —

Brethren , —Wo feel bound to give a reason for having called you at the present mooting , convinced that on hearing our object you will give your full approval . Since the foundation of the existing Masonic lodges in this capital , and the number of Greek brethren began to increase , one idea sprang up simultaneously iu the minds of alland this was the establishment of a Greek locl

, ge . _ This idea was not the result of pride or national ambition , but rather an idea of general Masonic interest , as will appear from the sequel . Of the Greek brethren here , some belong to Italian , some to French , and some to English and German lodges .

And here we may ask , what is the practical utility of these Masons to the aforesaid lodges , or to the Craft in general ? Prom what we have heard and judged from our own experience , the utility in question is very trifling—if , indeed , any at all . Everywhere the Greek brethren are only a few , and consequently reduce themselves to a

minority , in which they do not perhaps even participate . We have been obliged to hear everywhere Masonic doctrines and their humane principles in a language not our own , and hence we naturally feel to be living in a strange atmosphere , ever seeking our native one-We feel particularly the hard position of strangers as often as we see Masonic privileges and assistance

partially directed and under the guidance of undue national selfishness , instead of being bestowed without distinction or partiality to suffering humanity at large . Our object is not to give rise to questions of nationality in Masonry by making such inappropriate claims ; but when others do so , and , what is still more , carry them into effect , our further silence on the subject would be blameable

; and as we cannot lift our voice , being that of the weak , we are bound to adopt such measures as will enable us in future to spread the blessings of Masonry independently on our own people , by alleviating suffering among them , giving our brotherly hand to the most virtuous , and diffusing the light we possess more amply among our nation ,

We repeat that the energy of the Greeks belonging to the Masonic lodges in this place is perfectly useless . The compass and the square remain idle in our hands . "Who among us , brethi-en , would propose other Masons

to the building when everyone of us is in the habit of considering himself a stranger in the work ? So far as I am concerned , I do not hesitate to state the simple truth , that ever since I put on the workman ' s apron I never thought of drawing any of our brethren into a strange lodge , but my constant aim has been how to succeed in establishing a Greek one .

Dispersed as we have been until now among the several lodges , anything of Masonic usefulness done among us was either not observed or passed perhaps without any effect , hushed by the noise and hammerings of so many foreign Masons . No advantage has thus accrued to Masonry or to any community . But as soon as the Greek brethren succeed in concentrating their means of

action in one , they will then be sure that their usefulness would be comparatively great , and the effect everywhere felt , not only among the Graft , but among mankind in general . By establishing a Greek loclge the number of Greek Masons will , in a short time , be such as will happily go beyond the nucleus of it , and thus extend the basis of the two pillars of the Temple iri silent and quiet harmony , so as to have the laws of the Groat Architect

accomplished according to our ancestral Masonic traditions . By division our usefulness comes to nothing ; by concentration much can bo effected . Myriads of solar rays can hardly warm a wintry atmosphere , but a few of them only concentrated can generate fire , nay , even a conflagration . Let our focus be the Greek lodge . By our concentration we shall kindle a fire , the warmth of

which shall reach all our tempest-tossed brethren . ' * Hence the idea of establishing a Greek lodge cannot be considered as emanating from selfishness , but rather out of general Masonic interest . Such an idea , from being daily fostered and strengthened , will by degrees become a necessity , and once so , our hope is that it shall not he long before it is carried into effect .

Actuated by such a feeling , several of the members of the Graft , nine in number , have met together for mature consideration , but finding the number was small it was resolved that all the Greek Masons now in Constantinople should be called at another meeting , so that their cooperation might havo a still greater effect . The charge for said convocation has been given to Bros . Schinas , Bodocanachi , and Scouloudi , through the annexed document .

[ Here follows the document and signatures . ] Thus ifc is , brethren , that by virtue of this invitation we have the pleasure of seeing you herein assembled . Fellow Masons , our mission might be considered so far fulfilled ; but , however , with your permission , we shall enlarge a little more on the subject , so as to consider beforehand the principal questions which must

inevitably arise soon after our first steps are taken . We deem it advisable , lest these questions might startle some , to endeavour to divest them from all fear , and before we are prevailed upon to neutralise their import . Thus modelling beforehand the plan before us , like truly intelligent and provident Masons , we shall be more easilenabled to convert the otherwise shapeless

y mass into a corner-stone . Be ifc , therefore , known to all that a Greek lodge is to be established ; and this we no longer hesitate to consider as a certainty . Tour presence within these precincts is a sufficient proof . Hence we dare not suppose that there is any among the brethren here present opposed to the loclge , whether through unwillingness to stand

its trifling expense , or wishing to serve foreign interests . Else , should there unfortunately be any , we believe that a logical and mild debate , without exasperation or illjudged Masonic zeal , would soon enlighten the so-disposed brother , and bring him to the light of the majority . A Greek Masonic lodge will , therefore , be established ; and the brethren aro aware that seven regular Masons are sufficient for its foundation . But before the day comes for obtaining a warrant , it is necessary that