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Provincial Grand Lodge Of Middlesex.
so substantial a mark of their esteem , but in the future be hoped to do more . In concluding his speech he said that to his last davs he should treasure the recollection that he had been the first Grand Master of thc large and influential Province of Middlesex . He particularly wished to impress upon his hearers that so long as the Masons of Middlesex continued to act as they had hitherto done the province would never cense to b ; one of the best in the country , and
he wished that both he and they would he spared many happy years to meet at the Provincial Grand Lodge together . The health of "'The D . P . G . M . " followed , and it baying been warmly received , Bro . Sir CHARLES BRIGHT briefly responded . 'The toast of "The P . G . Officers , Present and Past , " was acknowledged by Biv . RoEUUCK , P . G . S . W . In proposing the health of "The Visitors , " the P . G . M .
particularly alluded to the presence among them that day of Bro . Col . Shadwell Clerke . The GRAND SEC , in reply , said that to be the mouthpiece of so many distinguished Masons as were present that day at the Provincial Grand Lodge was very flattering . On behalf of his colleagues and himself he desired to say that it had been a source of great pleasure to be present upon so interesting an occasion , more especially as it was signalized by
the presentation of a service of plate to their worthy and distinguished chief . He , Colonel Clerke , bad had the gratification of attending many of their annual meetings , and had always most thoroughly enjoyed the proceedings . He had to congratulate the brethren upon the great progress the Province had made , but this to a great extent was due to the influence and ability of the excellent Master at its head . ( Applause . ) In conclusion , he begged to thank the
members of the P . G . L . for the very hearty , very hospitable , and very kind greeting they had given the visitors that day . Previously to the proceedings terminating , Bro . E . Hopwood , P . P . G . S . D ., having obtained the P . G . M . ' s permission , proposed the health of the members of "'The Sir Charles Bright Lodge . " In the course of his remarks he said that the Provincial Grand Lodge was to a certain extent indebted to that lodge for the trouble they had taken in preparing
and decorating thc hall forthe meeting . In conclusion he begged to couple the name of Bro . Forge , W . M ., and Bro . Hurst , I . P . M ., with the Mast , who had particularly exerted themselves in the matter . The toast having been warmly received , Bro . Hurst modestly acknowledged the compliment . The Tyler ' s toast brought the proceedings to a close ,
which were greatly enhanced by the musical efforts ol Bro . Fred . Honeywell and his talented staff of artistes , Bro . F . Cozens , Ashton , and Hubbard . It was a matter of regret to many that time prevented their very excellent musical programme from being carried out in its entirety .
Freemasonry In Spain.
FREEMASONRY IN SPAIN .
( Co _ . /; : _ :.. ' . ,. •.. ; : >/ ., v 270 . ) We have already alluded to some excellences in Masonic working as practise . il amongst our brethren in Spain . On the other hand there are pecularities ( if we may term them iuc ' n ) incident to Craft Masonry in the Peninsula -alike in Portugal as in Spain—which are open to adverse criticism ,
and which find no place either in the usages of the United Kingdom , or in France , or Germany , or other rcc / gnisccl centres of Masonic light , save and except Italy , and the Republics of Central and Southern America . VVe allude to the general wearing of swords in Craft lodges , and to the use of symbolic names . 'The peculiarities in question have often been the subject
of adverse criticism on the part of shrewd observers belonging to the non-Masonic world , and there are many amongst our Spanish brethren who will be the lirst to admit lh . it the time cannot be now far distant when customs so out of harmony with Craft Freemasonry will be honoured rather in the breach than in the observance . The thoughtful reviewer who at page 212 , of the Freemason , commented upon these peculiarities in connection with the new Spanish
Masonic review " EI Taller , " very truly says that " by both of these practices those who adopt them are playing into the hands of Ultramontane enemies and arbitrary authorities . " Let us first deal with the wearing- of swords by Entered Apprentices , Craftsmen , and Master Masons , and we use this term advisedly , instead of speaking of the use of
swords , for it would be idle to pretend that weapons which form part of the paraphernalia of Craft lodges can be intended for actual use , or , in other words , be worn either for defence or offence . Probably the profane world of the present clay has already disabused itself of the vulgar , although at one time popular , belief that a mysterious death , at the hands of his brethren in lodge
assembled , inevitably awaits a perjured or a faithless brother . Freemasonry does not strike with carnal weapons , and a far more dreaded fate than mere death by the sword or b y the cable tow awaits him who deliberately proves false to his Masonic obligations . That the sword , as the emblem of honour and of knighthood , should form part of the clothing of our brethren in the High Degrees of Freemasonry is quite the proper thing ; but swords in the hands of the rank and file of Craft
Freemasonry seem entirely out of place . Certain it is that neither history nor tradition will be found to justify thc assumption that Entered Apprentices , Fellow Craftsmen , and Master Masons of ancient days were accustomed to receive their wages with the sword in the one hand , and thc square , the level , or the plumb rule in the other ! lint even in Craft Freemasonry we do not desire to condemn the
proper use of the sword ; the one sword , which is apportioned to a certain officer of lodge , working under the respective jurisdictions of the United Kingdom , is a very necessary adjunct of his office ; and the tiro swords which form part in the paraphernalia of thc French Rite have an equally intelligent signification , the one being apportioned to the officer of the lodge , to whom we have just referredwhilst
, the other , with its llame-like naked blade , is placed in the East in trout of the Worshi p ful Master , being laid across the open volume of the Sacred Law . 'This sword has also its proper use , for "in the presence of T . G . A . O . T . U ., and with hand laid upon this sword , the emblem of honour , "
a candidate for initiation into Freemasonry , according to the French Rite , is accustomed to go through one of the most solemn of our introductory ceremonies . His not , therefore , our desire to exclude swords entirely from our Craft ceremonies ; what we counsel is that they shall not continue to be placed indiscriminately in thc hands of brethren work-
Freemasonry In Spain.
ing in the Three Symbolic Degrees . Every portion of the impressive ceremonies of the Scotch Rite , as practised in Spain , can be as satisfactorily gone through without the swords as with them . 'The purpose to which these "emblems of honour" arc sometimes put during the first journey , made by a candidate beforehe is properly prepared to be entrusted , & c , is certainly not edifying ; and even the
circle of steel within which a newly-initiated one is subsequently permitted to receive light , may be , and ( as a matter of preference on the part of a Worshipful Master ) very frequently is , replaced by a much more suggestive ceremony , viz ., the formation of the chain of union around the candidate , which chain , at the proper moment , opens out in the East , and receives a fresh link in the person of the newly enlightened brother .
If it can be satisfactorily shown that swords are not necessary for the purposes of the Craft Rite as practised in Spain , can it require further argument to prove that it is prudent and convenient for our brethren to discontinue their general use ? more especially in a country like Spain , where Freemasonry is only tolerated , and where our brethren are not only liable at any moment to have their lodges broken open , and their paraphernalia confiscated , but to be
themselves arrested and condemned to fine and imprisonment for belonging to a secret society . Their liability to legal arrest , and to an equally legal term of imprisonment , being unfortunately a fact , what can be more imprudent than for our brethren to deliberately court danger by placing themselves in a position in which they may be arrested swords in hand ? Even in less autocratic lands than Spain the well grounded suspicion that a 1 '" reemasonic gathering is neither more nor
less than an armed body of men in secret conclave assembled , might justif y , in critical times , something more than mere passive espionage on the part of the police authorities . We venture , therefore , to express a hope that the enlightened brethren at the head of the Grand Orient of Spain may see their way to discountenance the future carrying oi swords by the rank and file of their brethren . We ask them to remember that Freemasonry—as the authoritative
reviewer , whom we have already quoted , so truly says" Freemasonry is a peaceful society , and knows nothing of the paraphernalia of a secret sect or of angry conspirators . " Let us now deal with the use of symbolic names . In the first place we would ask what a " Free and Accepted " Mason has to be ashamed of , that he should commence his career in the Craft by a formal reuounet incut eif his profane appellation ? and we would seriously ask whether it can be
considered in clue Masonic form for the Worshipful Master and his Wardens of a Craft lodge to call upon a newlyinitiated brother to select a pseudonym , and to renounce his baptismal name and surname , on the mere assumption that every candidate will , as a matter of course , object to work in the Craft except under a feigned name ? The only pretext which can be put forward in favour of the adoption of a Horn de blitme , or nom de guerre , or uomhre . simbolieo , as
the Spaniard calls a pseudonym , is that either of modesty , shame , or fear . We need 110 t . sayth . it modesty undoubtedly forms a frequent incentive to the assumption of a nom de flume on the part of the poet , the novelist , or the critic , but we hardly think that any one who is " of mature age , free by birth , and of sound judgment" will be so modest as to blush to lie known as a Free and Accepted Mason Shame is a word which should never be used in Masonic
circles , or be allowed to form the motive for Masonic action in any shape or form —and where is the brother to be found amongst us who would , like to admit that he is ashamed of being known to belong to our ancient and honourable Order ? Fear should be equally repudiated by our brethren as a pretext for the use of false names ; yet we believe that we must ascribe to fear tlie true and only motive for the adoption of assumed or symbolical names on the part of our
brethren abroad . We trust , however , that it is more from the force ol" habit than from anything else that brethren so enlightened , so brave , and so self-sacrificing , ns our Spanish brethren have so often proved themselves to be , are content to continue tbe use oi pseudonyms . The adoption of symbolic names offers no protection whatever against occu ! t Jesuitical piTsecution , police supervision , or other suppressive action on the part of
political officials . Where Freemasonry is not even tolerated , as in Russia and Austria ., and where it is onl y tolerated , as in Portugal and Spain , we unhesitatingly assert that the police authorities , and the generals ill command of the Order of Jesus , are as well posted up ill regard to those who have entered our Freemasonic Order as are the Grand
Masters and Grand Secretaries ol" the Grand Masonic Orients to which these countries belong-. And as to the symbolic names by which brethren are known amongst each other , the police are probably better posted up as to "who is who" than the individual members of the Ciaft Grand Lodge .
An old and highly e .-teemed member of one of the oldest lodges in Spain- owning allegiance to the Grand Orient of Spain—and who has himself never adopted any symbolic name , wrote to us very recently in the following - terms : "lam decidedly averse to the use of symbolic names . I have never adopted one for myself , and I never will use one . In the first place such names are anything you please but symbolical . I can perfectly understand ' why North
American Indian chiefs should have made use of emblematic names , such as Hawk Eye , White Eye , Cunning Fox , Snake in the Grass , etc ., ecc , in allusion to their own virtues or vices ; but when in lodge I am expected to address a big-bellied brother , by trade a brewer , as 'Julius Cesar , ' or an honest ship chandler as 'Socrates , ' or a keen-sighted master mariner as ' John Milton , ' I cannot butsmile . it such an exhibition of childish foolishness on the part of
very worthy men . . . . Such inappropriate selections of so-called ' symbolic ' names are simply ridiculous , but what shall 1 say are my feelings when during the progress of lodge business a communication is read from Bro . 'Jesus Nazareno , ' requesting that the Worshipful Master will kindly excuse his absence , giving as a good ancl sufficient reason that his wife had been prematurely confined . . . . . The use of so-called 'symbolic' names could scarcely be justified bad the custom been banded down to us by tradition : could , for instance , the pages or history
show us that symbolic names were in vogue with the initiates of Isis , or of Ceres ; or even amongst the fellow-Craftsmen of the middle ages ; or even if such a custom could be proved to have been sanctioned by Ashinole and his companions in the year 1640 . But no ; I have never been able to discover any historical proof ol" the use of symbolical names having been in use amongst our ancestors : and they are not in use in France , or Germany , or Belgium ; in fact I am inclined to believe that they have
Freemasonry In Spain.
only become general in Spain and in our old colonies , which have now become independent republics , but who continue to draw their inspirations from us . " So much for the opinions of a veteran Past Master belonging to one of the oldest lodges in Spain . We believe that there are a large number of our Spanish brethren who hold similar views .- Let us hope that the heads of the Order in the Peninsula will come to see this question in the
serious light in which it appears to us . To take the names of statesmen , emperors , kings , patriots , despots , poets , philosophers , at random is simply childish and absurd ; but to adopt , as a pseudonym , the name of a sacred character so shocks the feelings of every reverent mind that a continuance of this repugnant practice cannot fail to prove
most prejudicial to Freemasonic interests in general , and to act as a serious stumbling-block in the way of that thorough and unreserved recognition of our Spanish brethren by the Grand Lodges and Grand Councils of the United Kingdom which we so heartily desire to see take place .
In the Freemason for June lcjth we gave a list of the lodges and Worshipful Masters who work under various . Masonic jurisdictions not yet merged in the Grand Orient of Spain , which has been so admirably presided over during the last four years by Grand Master Bro . His Excellency Praxedcs M . de Sagasta . 'The number of Craft lodges owning allegiance to the Grand Orient of Spain is
increasing day by clay ; thus whilst there were only seventyeight regularly warranted lodges in active working on the 1 st of June in the present year , we find ninety-one lodges figuring upon the muster roll on thc 1 st of August . We now give a complete list of thc lodges at the present moment in due form and in good working order , with the names of their Worshipful Masters and Secretaries : —
MUSTER ROLL OK THE GRAND ORIENT OK SPAIN . No . 1 , La Mantuana , Madrid , Bros . Juan Bautista Cabrera , W . M . ; Julio Munoz , Sec . 5 , El Ncphlali , Madrid , Bros . Manuel Rosso , VV . M . ; Jose Figuera , Sec . S , F . l Porvenir , Madrid , Bros . Juan Utor y Fernandez , VV . M .: Lopez Rodriguez . Sec .
11 , La - \ ueva Sparta , Carthagcnn , Bros . Car . nelo Mann , VV . M . ; Gimcnez Sanchez , Sec . M , Lal . u .
2 . , Lux in Excarlsis , Granada , Bros . Rafael G . Alvarez , W . M . ; Domingo Pari ; , Sec . 30 , La Armii-. iin , Madrid , Bros . Julian e ' e la Reguera , W . M . ; Ramon M . 'Torres , Sec . 44 , La t . instnnte Alonn , Alioomte , Bros . Juan Such , W . M .: Tomas Navarro , Sec .
30 , La Acacia , Madriil , Bros . Grcgorio Cueva- Sanchez , VV . M . : ]„ .. ;• Maria Martinez , Sec . - , - ) , La Aurid , Orense , Bros . Vicente Mizanda , VV . M . ; Manuel Ouintas , Sec . (" 13 , La Hele ' nica , Pontevedra , Bros Jose ; Neira Lopez , W . M . ; Manuel Ouintana , Sec . 04 , La Liiz del Avai , Rivadavia , Bro . Primo Gonzalez ,
W . M . __ , Aureola Gnipiizcoann , San Sebastian , Bros . Emiliodc Silva , W . M . ; C . Cnrrnsco , Sec . 71 , La Patricia , Cordova , Bros . . Manuel . Merino , VV . M . ; NorhcrtoGonzalez , Sec .
7-, Amor yCiciicia , A ! m _ -ri : i , Bins . JoseL . Lop-z , W . M . ; 'Tomas Ouiradei , Sec . 7 ., La ]_ . 'al _ id , ' i _ irccl .. na , Bros .. CVnrado Ferrer , VV . M . ; Bias Barrcra , Sec . S 2 , La M . iralidad , l . imares , Bros . Franci-co Villanueya , W . M . ; | . lienistcgtii , Sec . . : •, La Severidad , Valencia , Bros . Antonio G . Millet , W . M . ; Antonio II . Dc-.-calzo , Sec . ij 3 , Los llijos cle Hiram , Carthngcna , Bros . Antonio Vich , VV . M . ; Jose Mcrcadcr , ' Sec . 102 , La Estrclla Gabon , Lugo , Bro . Lorenzo Bnrreiras ,
W . M . 112 , La Afric . ina , Ceuta . Bros . Ccle _( ino Garcia , M . D ., W . M . ; Adolfo Doiuinguez , Sec . of ., 'Trafalgar , Algeciras , Bros . Antonio Duarte , W . M . ; Valentin S . Lnguna , Sec . u . , La Puritana , 'Toledo , Bros . Emilio Grondona , W . M . ; Benito G . Gutierrez , Sec . 120 , El Aspis , Aspe ( Alicante ) , Bros . Luis Giimicl , W . M .
rraiicisco S . Grandas , Sec . 121 , La Briganlina , Comma , Bros . Luis Vicen , VV . M . ; Ramos Cervino , Sec . 122 , La Acacia , Valencia . Bros . Jose R . Burguero , VV . M . ; Jose Clcmcnte , Sec . 123 , Espirita , Crevillente , Bros . Jose Oties . ida Mas , VV . M . ; Jose C . I . ledo , Sec .
124 , La lhcitana , Elche , Bros . Marquis de Lendinc- ? , W . M . T-cmo . ; 'Tomas Roman , Sec . 125 , La Eazon , Dolores ( Alicante ) , Bros . Rafael M . Dutriis , W . M . ; Juan Navarro , Sec . 126 , Amor , Villena , Bros . Alicio Caravaca , W . M . ; Jose M . Soler , Sec . 12 S , La Ciencia y Vertud , Jijon , Bros . Sabino Santurio , W . M , ; Piiidencio Santurio , Sec .
i _ n , Olavide , La Carolina , Bros . Jose M . Turrcgrosa , VV . M . ; Jose . M . Braojos , Sec . 132 , La Tutegridad , Scvilla , Bros . F . J . Barnes , W . M . ; Jose M . cle Campo , Sec . 133 , Ilijos de la Verclad , San Fernando , II . ? . Antonio Gamez , W . M . ; A . Montano , Sec . 134 , La Puritana , Valencia , Bros . Felix Co ;' . atc > , W . M . ; B . Llopis , Sec .
135 , La Amistael , Monovar , Bros . Luis Mar i Redenas , W . M . ; Jose Serrano , Sec . 13 O , La Union , Tibi ( . Alicante ) , Bros . C . Can ' cnal , VV . M . ; Pedro Soier , Sec . 137 , La l . ibertad , Valencia , Bros . Rafael Minne , W . M . ; Lorenzo Roude , Sec . 13 S , La Razon , Madrid , Bros . Alberto Ramos , VV . M . ;
Climente Grau , Sec . 13 CJ , La Cruz de Hierro , Valencia , Bros . Jaime San ::, W . M , ; M . P . Gimeiio , Sec . 140 , La Vigilancia , Minna , Bros . Antonio Hernandez , W . M . ; Adolfo Ferrer , Sec . 141 , Aquiles , Lerid . i , Bro . Manuel Armengol , W . M . 142 , La Evora , Talaverade la Reina , Bros . E . Lopez Parrii , W . M . ; M . R . Ortiz , Sec .
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Provincial Grand Lodge Of Middlesex.
so substantial a mark of their esteem , but in the future be hoped to do more . In concluding his speech he said that to his last davs he should treasure the recollection that he had been the first Grand Master of thc large and influential Province of Middlesex . He particularly wished to impress upon his hearers that so long as the Masons of Middlesex continued to act as they had hitherto done the province would never cense to b ; one of the best in the country , and
he wished that both he and they would he spared many happy years to meet at the Provincial Grand Lodge together . The health of "'The D . P . G . M . " followed , and it baying been warmly received , Bro . Sir CHARLES BRIGHT briefly responded . 'The toast of "The P . G . Officers , Present and Past , " was acknowledged by Biv . RoEUUCK , P . G . S . W . In proposing the health of "The Visitors , " the P . G . M .
particularly alluded to the presence among them that day of Bro . Col . Shadwell Clerke . The GRAND SEC , in reply , said that to be the mouthpiece of so many distinguished Masons as were present that day at the Provincial Grand Lodge was very flattering . On behalf of his colleagues and himself he desired to say that it had been a source of great pleasure to be present upon so interesting an occasion , more especially as it was signalized by
the presentation of a service of plate to their worthy and distinguished chief . He , Colonel Clerke , bad had the gratification of attending many of their annual meetings , and had always most thoroughly enjoyed the proceedings . He had to congratulate the brethren upon the great progress the Province had made , but this to a great extent was due to the influence and ability of the excellent Master at its head . ( Applause . ) In conclusion , he begged to thank the
members of the P . G . L . for the very hearty , very hospitable , and very kind greeting they had given the visitors that day . Previously to the proceedings terminating , Bro . E . Hopwood , P . P . G . S . D ., having obtained the P . G . M . ' s permission , proposed the health of the members of "'The Sir Charles Bright Lodge . " In the course of his remarks he said that the Provincial Grand Lodge was to a certain extent indebted to that lodge for the trouble they had taken in preparing
and decorating thc hall forthe meeting . In conclusion he begged to couple the name of Bro . Forge , W . M ., and Bro . Hurst , I . P . M ., with the Mast , who had particularly exerted themselves in the matter . The toast having been warmly received , Bro . Hurst modestly acknowledged the compliment . The Tyler ' s toast brought the proceedings to a close ,
which were greatly enhanced by the musical efforts ol Bro . Fred . Honeywell and his talented staff of artistes , Bro . F . Cozens , Ashton , and Hubbard . It was a matter of regret to many that time prevented their very excellent musical programme from being carried out in its entirety .
Freemasonry In Spain.
FREEMASONRY IN SPAIN .
( Co _ . /; : _ :.. ' . ,. •.. ; : >/ ., v 270 . ) We have already alluded to some excellences in Masonic working as practise . il amongst our brethren in Spain . On the other hand there are pecularities ( if we may term them iuc ' n ) incident to Craft Masonry in the Peninsula -alike in Portugal as in Spain—which are open to adverse criticism ,
and which find no place either in the usages of the United Kingdom , or in France , or Germany , or other rcc / gnisccl centres of Masonic light , save and except Italy , and the Republics of Central and Southern America . VVe allude to the general wearing of swords in Craft lodges , and to the use of symbolic names . 'The peculiarities in question have often been the subject
of adverse criticism on the part of shrewd observers belonging to the non-Masonic world , and there are many amongst our Spanish brethren who will be the lirst to admit lh . it the time cannot be now far distant when customs so out of harmony with Craft Freemasonry will be honoured rather in the breach than in the observance . The thoughtful reviewer who at page 212 , of the Freemason , commented upon these peculiarities in connection with the new Spanish
Masonic review " EI Taller , " very truly says that " by both of these practices those who adopt them are playing into the hands of Ultramontane enemies and arbitrary authorities . " Let us first deal with the wearing- of swords by Entered Apprentices , Craftsmen , and Master Masons , and we use this term advisedly , instead of speaking of the use of
swords , for it would be idle to pretend that weapons which form part of the paraphernalia of Craft lodges can be intended for actual use , or , in other words , be worn either for defence or offence . Probably the profane world of the present clay has already disabused itself of the vulgar , although at one time popular , belief that a mysterious death , at the hands of his brethren in lodge
assembled , inevitably awaits a perjured or a faithless brother . Freemasonry does not strike with carnal weapons , and a far more dreaded fate than mere death by the sword or b y the cable tow awaits him who deliberately proves false to his Masonic obligations . That the sword , as the emblem of honour and of knighthood , should form part of the clothing of our brethren in the High Degrees of Freemasonry is quite the proper thing ; but swords in the hands of the rank and file of Craft
Freemasonry seem entirely out of place . Certain it is that neither history nor tradition will be found to justify thc assumption that Entered Apprentices , Fellow Craftsmen , and Master Masons of ancient days were accustomed to receive their wages with the sword in the one hand , and thc square , the level , or the plumb rule in the other ! lint even in Craft Freemasonry we do not desire to condemn the
proper use of the sword ; the one sword , which is apportioned to a certain officer of lodge , working under the respective jurisdictions of the United Kingdom , is a very necessary adjunct of his office ; and the tiro swords which form part in the paraphernalia of thc French Rite have an equally intelligent signification , the one being apportioned to the officer of the lodge , to whom we have just referredwhilst
, the other , with its llame-like naked blade , is placed in the East in trout of the Worshi p ful Master , being laid across the open volume of the Sacred Law . 'This sword has also its proper use , for "in the presence of T . G . A . O . T . U ., and with hand laid upon this sword , the emblem of honour , "
a candidate for initiation into Freemasonry , according to the French Rite , is accustomed to go through one of the most solemn of our introductory ceremonies . His not , therefore , our desire to exclude swords entirely from our Craft ceremonies ; what we counsel is that they shall not continue to be placed indiscriminately in thc hands of brethren work-
Freemasonry In Spain.
ing in the Three Symbolic Degrees . Every portion of the impressive ceremonies of the Scotch Rite , as practised in Spain , can be as satisfactorily gone through without the swords as with them . 'The purpose to which these "emblems of honour" arc sometimes put during the first journey , made by a candidate beforehe is properly prepared to be entrusted , & c , is certainly not edifying ; and even the
circle of steel within which a newly-initiated one is subsequently permitted to receive light , may be , and ( as a matter of preference on the part of a Worshipful Master ) very frequently is , replaced by a much more suggestive ceremony , viz ., the formation of the chain of union around the candidate , which chain , at the proper moment , opens out in the East , and receives a fresh link in the person of the newly enlightened brother .
If it can be satisfactorily shown that swords are not necessary for the purposes of the Craft Rite as practised in Spain , can it require further argument to prove that it is prudent and convenient for our brethren to discontinue their general use ? more especially in a country like Spain , where Freemasonry is only tolerated , and where our brethren are not only liable at any moment to have their lodges broken open , and their paraphernalia confiscated , but to be
themselves arrested and condemned to fine and imprisonment for belonging to a secret society . Their liability to legal arrest , and to an equally legal term of imprisonment , being unfortunately a fact , what can be more imprudent than for our brethren to deliberately court danger by placing themselves in a position in which they may be arrested swords in hand ? Even in less autocratic lands than Spain the well grounded suspicion that a 1 '" reemasonic gathering is neither more nor
less than an armed body of men in secret conclave assembled , might justif y , in critical times , something more than mere passive espionage on the part of the police authorities . We venture , therefore , to express a hope that the enlightened brethren at the head of the Grand Orient of Spain may see their way to discountenance the future carrying oi swords by the rank and file of their brethren . We ask them to remember that Freemasonry—as the authoritative
reviewer , whom we have already quoted , so truly says" Freemasonry is a peaceful society , and knows nothing of the paraphernalia of a secret sect or of angry conspirators . " Let us now deal with the use of symbolic names . In the first place we would ask what a " Free and Accepted " Mason has to be ashamed of , that he should commence his career in the Craft by a formal reuounet incut eif his profane appellation ? and we would seriously ask whether it can be
considered in clue Masonic form for the Worshipful Master and his Wardens of a Craft lodge to call upon a newlyinitiated brother to select a pseudonym , and to renounce his baptismal name and surname , on the mere assumption that every candidate will , as a matter of course , object to work in the Craft except under a feigned name ? The only pretext which can be put forward in favour of the adoption of a Horn de blitme , or nom de guerre , or uomhre . simbolieo , as
the Spaniard calls a pseudonym , is that either of modesty , shame , or fear . We need 110 t . sayth . it modesty undoubtedly forms a frequent incentive to the assumption of a nom de flume on the part of the poet , the novelist , or the critic , but we hardly think that any one who is " of mature age , free by birth , and of sound judgment" will be so modest as to blush to lie known as a Free and Accepted Mason Shame is a word which should never be used in Masonic
circles , or be allowed to form the motive for Masonic action in any shape or form —and where is the brother to be found amongst us who would , like to admit that he is ashamed of being known to belong to our ancient and honourable Order ? Fear should be equally repudiated by our brethren as a pretext for the use of false names ; yet we believe that we must ascribe to fear tlie true and only motive for the adoption of assumed or symbolical names on the part of our
brethren abroad . We trust , however , that it is more from the force ol" habit than from anything else that brethren so enlightened , so brave , and so self-sacrificing , ns our Spanish brethren have so often proved themselves to be , are content to continue tbe use oi pseudonyms . The adoption of symbolic names offers no protection whatever against occu ! t Jesuitical piTsecution , police supervision , or other suppressive action on the part of
political officials . Where Freemasonry is not even tolerated , as in Russia and Austria ., and where it is onl y tolerated , as in Portugal and Spain , we unhesitatingly assert that the police authorities , and the generals ill command of the Order of Jesus , are as well posted up ill regard to those who have entered our Freemasonic Order as are the Grand
Masters and Grand Secretaries ol" the Grand Masonic Orients to which these countries belong-. And as to the symbolic names by which brethren are known amongst each other , the police are probably better posted up as to "who is who" than the individual members of the Ciaft Grand Lodge .
An old and highly e .-teemed member of one of the oldest lodges in Spain- owning allegiance to the Grand Orient of Spain—and who has himself never adopted any symbolic name , wrote to us very recently in the following - terms : "lam decidedly averse to the use of symbolic names . I have never adopted one for myself , and I never will use one . In the first place such names are anything you please but symbolical . I can perfectly understand ' why North
American Indian chiefs should have made use of emblematic names , such as Hawk Eye , White Eye , Cunning Fox , Snake in the Grass , etc ., ecc , in allusion to their own virtues or vices ; but when in lodge I am expected to address a big-bellied brother , by trade a brewer , as 'Julius Cesar , ' or an honest ship chandler as 'Socrates , ' or a keen-sighted master mariner as ' John Milton , ' I cannot butsmile . it such an exhibition of childish foolishness on the part of
very worthy men . . . . Such inappropriate selections of so-called ' symbolic ' names are simply ridiculous , but what shall 1 say are my feelings when during the progress of lodge business a communication is read from Bro . 'Jesus Nazareno , ' requesting that the Worshipful Master will kindly excuse his absence , giving as a good ancl sufficient reason that his wife had been prematurely confined . . . . . The use of so-called 'symbolic' names could scarcely be justified bad the custom been banded down to us by tradition : could , for instance , the pages or history
show us that symbolic names were in vogue with the initiates of Isis , or of Ceres ; or even amongst the fellow-Craftsmen of the middle ages ; or even if such a custom could be proved to have been sanctioned by Ashinole and his companions in the year 1640 . But no ; I have never been able to discover any historical proof ol" the use of symbolical names having been in use amongst our ancestors : and they are not in use in France , or Germany , or Belgium ; in fact I am inclined to believe that they have
Freemasonry In Spain.
only become general in Spain and in our old colonies , which have now become independent republics , but who continue to draw their inspirations from us . " So much for the opinions of a veteran Past Master belonging to one of the oldest lodges in Spain . We believe that there are a large number of our Spanish brethren who hold similar views .- Let us hope that the heads of the Order in the Peninsula will come to see this question in the
serious light in which it appears to us . To take the names of statesmen , emperors , kings , patriots , despots , poets , philosophers , at random is simply childish and absurd ; but to adopt , as a pseudonym , the name of a sacred character so shocks the feelings of every reverent mind that a continuance of this repugnant practice cannot fail to prove
most prejudicial to Freemasonic interests in general , and to act as a serious stumbling-block in the way of that thorough and unreserved recognition of our Spanish brethren by the Grand Lodges and Grand Councils of the United Kingdom which we so heartily desire to see take place .
In the Freemason for June lcjth we gave a list of the lodges and Worshipful Masters who work under various . Masonic jurisdictions not yet merged in the Grand Orient of Spain , which has been so admirably presided over during the last four years by Grand Master Bro . His Excellency Praxedcs M . de Sagasta . 'The number of Craft lodges owning allegiance to the Grand Orient of Spain is
increasing day by clay ; thus whilst there were only seventyeight regularly warranted lodges in active working on the 1 st of June in the present year , we find ninety-one lodges figuring upon the muster roll on thc 1 st of August . We now give a complete list of thc lodges at the present moment in due form and in good working order , with the names of their Worshipful Masters and Secretaries : —
MUSTER ROLL OK THE GRAND ORIENT OK SPAIN . No . 1 , La Mantuana , Madrid , Bros . Juan Bautista Cabrera , W . M . ; Julio Munoz , Sec . 5 , El Ncphlali , Madrid , Bros . Manuel Rosso , VV . M . ; Jose Figuera , Sec . S , F . l Porvenir , Madrid , Bros . Juan Utor y Fernandez , VV . M .: Lopez Rodriguez . Sec .
11 , La - \ ueva Sparta , Carthagcnn , Bros . Car . nelo Mann , VV . M . ; Gimcnez Sanchez , Sec . M , Lal . u .
2 . , Lux in Excarlsis , Granada , Bros . Rafael G . Alvarez , W . M . ; Domingo Pari ; , Sec . 30 , La Armii-. iin , Madrid , Bros . Julian e ' e la Reguera , W . M . ; Ramon M . 'Torres , Sec . 44 , La t . instnnte Alonn , Alioomte , Bros . Juan Such , W . M .: Tomas Navarro , Sec .
30 , La Acacia , Madriil , Bros . Grcgorio Cueva- Sanchez , VV . M . : ]„ .. ;• Maria Martinez , Sec . - , - ) , La Aurid , Orense , Bros . Vicente Mizanda , VV . M . ; Manuel Ouintas , Sec . (" 13 , La Hele ' nica , Pontevedra , Bros Jose ; Neira Lopez , W . M . ; Manuel Ouintana , Sec . 04 , La Liiz del Avai , Rivadavia , Bro . Primo Gonzalez ,
W . M . __ , Aureola Gnipiizcoann , San Sebastian , Bros . Emiliodc Silva , W . M . ; C . Cnrrnsco , Sec . 71 , La Patricia , Cordova , Bros . . Manuel . Merino , VV . M . ; NorhcrtoGonzalez , Sec .
7-, Amor yCiciicia , A ! m _ -ri : i , Bins . JoseL . Lop-z , W . M . ; 'Tomas Ouiradei , Sec . 7 ., La ]_ . 'al _ id , ' i _ irccl .. na , Bros .. CVnrado Ferrer , VV . M . ; Bias Barrcra , Sec . S 2 , La M . iralidad , l . imares , Bros . Franci-co Villanueya , W . M . ; | . lienistcgtii , Sec . . : •, La Severidad , Valencia , Bros . Antonio G . Millet , W . M . ; Antonio II . Dc-.-calzo , Sec . ij 3 , Los llijos cle Hiram , Carthngcna , Bros . Antonio Vich , VV . M . ; Jose Mcrcadcr , ' Sec . 102 , La Estrclla Gabon , Lugo , Bro . Lorenzo Bnrreiras ,
W . M . 112 , La Afric . ina , Ceuta . Bros . Ccle _( ino Garcia , M . D ., W . M . ; Adolfo Doiuinguez , Sec . of ., 'Trafalgar , Algeciras , Bros . Antonio Duarte , W . M . ; Valentin S . Lnguna , Sec . u . , La Puritana , 'Toledo , Bros . Emilio Grondona , W . M . ; Benito G . Gutierrez , Sec . 120 , El Aspis , Aspe ( Alicante ) , Bros . Luis Giimicl , W . M .
rraiicisco S . Grandas , Sec . 121 , La Briganlina , Comma , Bros . Luis Vicen , VV . M . ; Ramos Cervino , Sec . 122 , La Acacia , Valencia . Bros . Jose R . Burguero , VV . M . ; Jose Clcmcnte , Sec . 123 , Espirita , Crevillente , Bros . Jose Oties . ida Mas , VV . M . ; Jose C . I . ledo , Sec .
124 , La lhcitana , Elche , Bros . Marquis de Lendinc- ? , W . M . T-cmo . ; 'Tomas Roman , Sec . 125 , La Eazon , Dolores ( Alicante ) , Bros . Rafael M . Dutriis , W . M . ; Juan Navarro , Sec . 126 , Amor , Villena , Bros . Alicio Caravaca , W . M . ; Jose M . Soler , Sec . 12 S , La Ciencia y Vertud , Jijon , Bros . Sabino Santurio , W . M , ; Piiidencio Santurio , Sec .
i _ n , Olavide , La Carolina , Bros . Jose M . Turrcgrosa , VV . M . ; Jose . M . Braojos , Sec . 132 , La Tutegridad , Scvilla , Bros . F . J . Barnes , W . M . ; Jose M . cle Campo , Sec . 133 , Ilijos de la Verclad , San Fernando , II . ? . Antonio Gamez , W . M . ; A . Montano , Sec . 134 , La Puritana , Valencia , Bros . Felix Co ;' . atc > , W . M . ; B . Llopis , Sec .
135 , La Amistael , Monovar , Bros . Luis Mar i Redenas , W . M . ; Jose Serrano , Sec . 13 O , La Union , Tibi ( . Alicante ) , Bros . C . Can ' cnal , VV . M . ; Pedro Soier , Sec . 137 , La l . ibertad , Valencia , Bros . Rafael Minne , W . M . ; Lorenzo Roude , Sec . 13 S , La Razon , Madrid , Bros . Alberto Ramos , VV . M . ;
Climente Grau , Sec . 13 CJ , La Cruz de Hierro , Valencia , Bros . Jaime San ::, W . M , ; M . P . Gimeiio , Sec . 140 , La Vigilancia , Minna , Bros . Antonio Hernandez , W . M . ; Adolfo Ferrer , Sec . 141 , Aquiles , Lerid . i , Bro . Manuel Armengol , W . M . 142 , La Evora , Talaverade la Reina , Bros . E . Lopez Parrii , W . M . ; M . R . Ortiz , Sec .