Freemasonry In France.

of your esteem , I feel a desire , in resuming my place in the lodge , to thank you , and publicly acknowledge my sentiments of gratitude . "I cannot pass over in silence the names of those who , by their kind assistance , lightened my

labours ; and how much do I not owe to my friend Bro . Alfred Blanche , who as ' Grand Maitre Adjoint' has seconded my efforts with the most enlightened and devoted concurrence , and who since the loss of the greatly-regretted

Bro . Lengle , has been my only assistant in the duties , always heavy ancl often laborious , of the Grand Mastership . " The Council of the Order , the work of which

embraces all Masonic questions , I am happy to here proclaim has never failed me on any occa sion ; and its president , Bro . de St . Jean , is entitled to my acknowledgment of his incessant labours , and , above all , for his devotion to the

interests of our Institution . Although I have voluntarily tore myself from the post to which your confidence renewed the call , rest assured , my dear brethren , that my heart remains with you still , and if I direct no more your noble labours , I

shall follow them with the most lively interest ; ancl if I can no longer contribute directly to your progress , I can applaud ancl follow with my earnest wishes .

" And now , brethren , let me tell you how happy I am in tho choice which you have made in complete and unbiassed liberty . No Mason would offer a greater guarantee of independence ; and the well-known loyalty of Bro . Babaud-Laribiere ,

his noble sentiments , his unlimited devotion to our institution , servo to render his elevation to the Grand Mastership a most important event for Freemasonry in France . Under such direction it will never be in jeopardy , but , on the contrary ,

will continue its progressive march , which has ever been the object of your late Grand Master . "Accept once more , my dear brethren , the expression of my fraternal and affectionate sentiment . ' LE GENERAL MELLINET . "

Tee Masons In Cuba.

TEE MASONS IN CUBA .

For some time past the government of the Island of Cuba , either from an inspiration of its own , or by orders from the parent government in Spain , has made itself execrable by a persistent persecution of the Freemasons . Lodges have been

broken up by the soldiers ; their members imprisoned ; foreigners who were members of the Order , and visiting their brethren at lodge meetings , have shared the same fate . It is true , that after a shorter or longer period of incarceration

they have been set at liberty , but we believe security in the shape of bail has been exacted for their appearance for trial or conditioned for the fulfilment of a promise not to attend Freemason lodge meetings .

With the rules or laws of States , the Order of Freemasons has nothing to do , ? s Freemasons . Owing allegiance to the government under which they live all Masons are required to be obedient , faithful citizens or subjects . They are not to

engage " in plots or conspiracies against govern ., ment , " and , therefore , in their character as an Order or institution , they are bound to " submit to the civil magistrate . " These are cardinal , essential , fundamental teachings of the Craft everywhere . We know that much consideration has been

givn to the case of the Masons iu Cuba by their brethren in the United States . Several plans for their relief have been suggested . One of the Grand Masters of a sister Grand Lodge has invited a conference of the several Grand Masters of the

Grand Lodges to consider the condition of the Craft in Cuba and take such action as to them , on consultation shall be deemed best . This course

has not received the approval of our R . W . Grand Lodge , as we are informed . What other Grand Masters have thought on the subject we are unable to say . There are difficulties in the way of any concur .

rent official action of the Grand Lodges of the United States on this subject . As the highest Masonic authority acting in their official capacities ^ Grand Masters have , we think , no right , under the strict construction of the fundamental rules of the

Order , to take any public action on questions which are in the nature of political questions so far as they relate to the policy of any political government . If such a meeting of Grand Masters was held , and it was thought proper to present to

the Federal Government of the United States the sufferings of our brethren in Cuba , what action could be suggested ? To ask interference would be making a political question , ancl however proper it may be in this case , yet it would violate a rule of the Order of Masons , and sot a most mischievous precedent .