-
Articles/Ads
Article FREEMASONRY IN SPAIN. ← Page 2 of 2 Article FREEMASONRY IN SPAIN. Page 2 of 2 Article FREEMASONRY IN SPAIN. Page 2 of 2 Article PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE OF BERKS AND BUCKS. Page 1 of 2 →
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Freemasonry In Spain.
assumed thc Sovereign Grand Commandcrship of a rival Grand Orient—the "Grand Orient of Perez . " Of course lie soon had followers , but it required more than his own individual prestige to make his " Orient " a success ; so he took it into his head to supplement the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite with that of Misraim . He had previously ( as we have said ) conferred upon himself the rank of Grand Commander of the " , i' \ Sublime Prince of the 32 , and
Grand Inspector-General of the ss " . What then would be easier than for him to continue the process of this seltanointment until be bad got to tbe top of the ladder ? Il proved easy , indeed , for he took the remaining fifty-seven Degrees at a bound , and proclaimed himself as a solemnly and satisfactorily self-dubbed Soberano Gran Maestro Absoluto of the Ninetieth Degree . As a matter of fact there appears to be no evidence that lie has got so fairly
initiated into this maze of Misraimisrn as to have hazarded the actual appointment of officers for his Council-General of "Sovereign Grand Master Absolute ; " nor has the writer ever heard that Bro . Perez has attempted to establish his own pretensions to absolute sovereignty over , and precedence of , Grand Councils of merely thirty-three Degrees , whether of the Peninsula or of any other part ; but certain it is that Misraimism claims precedence over every
other . Masonic authority in the world . This Rite of Misraim dates from 1 S 05 , in which year certain brethren belonging to the Grand Orient of Milan aspired to Grand Council honours without being able to obtain them . Being thus refused the 33 they concocted this Rite , with its ninety Degrees . The members of one Rose Croix Chapter ( the Concordia ) forthwith gave this Rite their countenance , and during the years 1 S 14-1 S 21 it
was introduced into Holland , Switzerland , Belgium , and France . Bro . Juan Autonio Perez is the first to introduce it into Spain . It is divided into four series , viz ., the Symbolic , the Philosophic , the Mystic , and the Cabalistic . The first series include the opening thirty-three Degrees , the second series include thirty-four to sixty-six , the third series sixty-seven to seventy-seven , and the last and final series , the remaining thirteen Degrees , viz ., seventy-eight to ninety
inclusive . Many brethren have joined lodges warranted by this redoubtable Master Absolute , who are very probably entirely ignorantof Misraimism , even byname . Wehave ourselves made the acquaintance of many good and zealous Masonswho think they are in true Masonic form whilst giving obedience to the Grand Lodgeof Perez , but such will be very much guided by the action which the Grand Lodges of tbe United Kingdom finally take in regard to Ihe official
recognition of a Grand National Orient in Spain . Without desiring to assume that Bro . Perez' Gram ! Orient is informal , or otherwise , the writer may , perhaps , be allowed to express a hope that lodges under Perez , in which countrymen of our own form anot inconsiderable working element , will soon see their way to transfer their allegiance to the Grand Orient of Spain , which numbers under its jurisdiction so many active and zealous English , Scotch , and
German brethren . We would more especially name the " Industria , " a l _ ndgc of Linares—which now works under liro . Perez , and is at the present moment officered by some peculiarly zealous workers , two at least of whom are Englishmen . We should very much like to see the Lodge of Industry under the same Masonic banner as the veteran
Lodge La Moralietael , which does so much honour to ( lit Grand Orient of Spain . The interests of Freemasonry in general , as well as the interests the best and trues ! Masonic interests —of ( he Lodge of Industry itself , would be greatly promoted by these ( wo lodges in Ihe important Masonic "Valle" of Linares mutually supporting each other .
Bui there are always two sides to every question , and wc arc bound , as impartial narrators of" things Masonic " belonging lo Spain , to give prominent expression to the undoubted lact that there are mail } ' accomplished and zealous brethren in Spain who are decidedl y in favour of the continuance of a slate of "divided Masonic authority . " They urge that thc country is not sufficiently consolidated under the restored Dyna ty to allow all Spain ( we mean Masonic
Spam ) to work harmoniously under one head , however competent that head may be . They point toa similar state of things as what now exist in Spain , as also cxistingin other countries , and they ask why Spain may not be allowed to follow Ihe example of France and Germany , Italy and the United States ol America , and even of the United Kingdom itself . They are fully aware that seven independent Craft Masonic jurisdictions work , entirely independently one of
another , within ihe German Empire ; Berlin being the I leadquarters of Ihe Grand Lodge of the Three Globes , thc Grand Lodgeof Germany , and the Grand and Royal Lodge of Friendship ; whilst the Grand Eclectic Lodge holds independent jurisdiction at Frankfort on the Main ; the Grand Lodge of the . Sun at llayrcuth ; the Grand Lodge of Union at Darmstadt ; and , lastly , the Grand Loilge of Hamburg , in Hamburgit-clf . They know that France lias two entirely
independent Masonic jurisdictions , viz ., the Grand Orient of France , and the " Supreme Council of France , " whilst three Grand Craft lodges exist in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland ; three Supreme lioyal Arch Chapter .-, ; and three independent Supreme Councils of ihe Thirty-Third Degree ; besides Grand Priories , conclaves , c-C , each one with an absolutely independent jurisdiction of its own .
Such being the slate of things 111 other Masonic lands , it is evident that a very considerable latitude must be given to our Masi nic brethren in Spain . The necessity for an official and cor lial recognition of one Grand National Lodge ( the " I Iran Oriente of Spain" ) is vei > y apparent , but we trust that the remaining jurisdictions , without necessarily being formally acknov . lc . igcd , may still receive a goodly share of international sympathy and fraternal
support . We would not w ' thhold the right hand of Masonic friendship and regard from any . The brethren of the Peninsula demand the moral support of English Grand Lodge , and the desire for immediate recognition is most painfully felt even now , in view of the reactionary tendencies which disquiet every well wisher to Spain , and upholder of her good and worthy young King , Don Alphonso XII . The fell shadow of Jesuitism is again
lowering over the mifi rM 1 n . 1 l eland . The disciples of Ignatius Loyola , now being driven from republican France , are gailiering , like birds ol ill-omen , on the northern frontiers of the Penin-uia . Madrid has already heen selected as the head-quarters of these relentless enemies of ligbl . The famous monastery of Loyola , near the picturesque Azpeita , in the Basque provinces , where Loyola was born , has been restored tothe Order of Jesus bv the reactionary party now in power . The splendid palace of thc Duke of Ossuna , in the suburbs
Freemasonry In Spain.
of Madrid , has been purchased , and is to be turned into a seminary for novitiates . Colleges arc to be founded at once in Valladolid , Salamanca , and Callahorra ; whilst palatial resiliences have been secured at Barce-iona , Gerona , Manresa , Pampcluna , Puerto de Santa Maria , and Vigo , for some eight to ten thousand of these Inquisitors , who are forthwith to be let loose upon "Heretics , " and on " Unbelievers" in the Divine Right of Rome to the souls
and the consciences of men . Their aim will be to strangle "liberty" in their hateful grasp ; and can any one doubt what action they will take against our beloved Order ? Tims ( he great moral force of English Freemasonry should be let loose with no sparing hand to encourage and support our Spanish brethren , should this terrible incursion be permitted to take place . And our brethren in high places need not hesitate to give
their oilicial countenance lo such of our Spanish workers as belong to the Grand Orient of Spain , presided over by Bro . Sagasta . Thanks to the Masonic zeal and untiring efforts of his indefatigable Grand Secretary , Bro . Juan Utor y Fernandez , every one of the seventy-eight Craft lodges arc in good working order . The fidelity of their Worshipful Masters and Wardens to thc ancient landmarks is unquestionable , and much true brotherly zeal and harmony
prevails . In the capital—Madrid—there are now nine Craft lodges working under obedience to the Gran Oriente dc Espana , of these the oldest , the Mantuana , has for its Worshipful . Master this year that zealous brother , and Evangelical Pastor of the Protestant Church , the Rev . Juan Bnntista Cabrera . Next ranks the Porvcnir , presided over at the present time by the Grand Secretary , Bro . Juan Utor y
Fernandez . 'Then there is the Acacia , presided over b y Bro . Cucvasy Sanchcs . Better and more correct working than the writer has often been privileged to witness in the Spanish capital cannot be found even in a large majority of our own lodges , and we have every reason to believe that the working and form of the other lodges of Madrid , viz ., the Naphtali , the Armonia , the Sigiio , the llnmanidad , the Razon , and the Coiistancin , are equally worthy of praise ;
we have frequently heard the tongue of good report speaking in their favour , hut never the tongue of elis-praise . The writer has often had the opportunity of joining in the lain mrs of the Moralielad , at Linares , the Patricia , of Cordova , the llijos de Hiram , of Carthngcnn , the Primera I . uz de Arnnjuez , at Atviujiiez , near Madrid , and of ( lie Libcrtad and Puritana of Valencia ; and \ ,-c can say that polities and everything but thc strictest Masonic work is as carefully
excluded as in the most jealously guarded lodge in England . And in the matter of work our brethren in Spain will put even our best blood well upon its Masonic metal , for Craft lodges in the Peninsula ( as well in Portugal as in Spain ) meet regularly one evening every week . There are also frequent emergencies . Moreover , our Spanish brethren do not supplement their sober Masonic work bv passing lo refreshment in substantial form after labour , as we in
England are accustomed , and very properly accustomed , to do . Suppers after Masonic reunions are quite unknown to our frugal and abstemious Spanish brethren , and even one annual banquet ( usually on St . John the Evangelist ' s Day ) is rather the exception than the vu le . But let it not be supposed that weekly meetings mean , on ihe one hand , a wholesale admission of candidates , or , on the other , a rapid passing and subsequent raising of
ne' . vly-lledged brethren . Far from laxity in either particular being the rule , we have often been amazed to see how ninny are tbe precautions taken to prevent the admission of unsuitable men ; and the system adopted for securing correct and unprejudiced information concerning the private habits and the jierson . il antecedents of those who present themselves for acceptance might be most advantageously adopted in England also . Furlhermore ,
the probationary stages between proposition and initiation , and between one Degree and another , are very much longer than with us . Even after the name of a candidate , apparently of unexceptionable antecedents , has been formally brought before the lodge , a delay of months often occurs before Ihe inquiries have elicited what is considered lo be the requisite knowledge of the man ; and then , when inquiries are concluded and prove fully satisfactory .
three separate ballots have to be taken before the candidate is in proper form for actual initiation . After receiving his First Degree an F .. A . is usually required lo pass three months before he is considered properly prepared to be advanced another . step , whilst a l- ' . C is rarely raised lo the Sublime Degree unlil a further probation of six months has been gone through — making nine months of travel in all before an E . A . can receive the wages of a M . M .
Candidates lor advancement in Spam are required lo perfect themselves , under the * superintendence of an experienced Master , in the signs , tokens , and perfect points of entrance-, and in the other peculiar work which appertains tithe First Deg . ee . Candidates for ( lie . Supreme Degree are usually cxpiv ' . ee ! to prepare and deliver an address to the elders of their lodge , by which shall be duly demonstrated the thoroughness , or otherwise , o ! the search they
have so far made into ihe hidden mysteries of nature and scii'nce . This examination is no mere form , anel if a very patent knowle-elge is not eleinonstratcd the candidate is tinned back te > continue hi ; search , anel another probation must be undergone before he is pevmilte-el lo aelvance beyond the Middle Chamber , where he has been accustomed tei receive his wages as a F . C . Thus , our Spanish brethren , before being considered
worthy te , be entrusted with the solemn secrets of the Sublime Degree , have been ( aught very fully to appreciate the true importance of each separate step whie-h they have taken in Free-masonry , anel really lo prize : the peculiiir secrets and privilegi-s to which it leads . To newly initiated ones in Spain there is liltle fear that ( he concluding words of our own beautiful charge would prove mere hollow anil sounding words , as the writer , when giving them from his
chair , has often felt that they have a tendency to become , where all the Three Degrees are given , ns a matter of course ( having he-en paid for in advance in a lump ) ; for not only " very commendable-attention appears to have been given , " but must be given , anil thus the W . M . of a lodgeworking under the Gran Oriente- ele Espana may very truly declare to his ni-wly-iuiliatcd brother that he is "le-d lo
hope that the saiel dulv initiated one '' will ilul y appreciate the full value of Freemasonry , and imprint indelibly on his heart the sacred dictates of truth , of honour , anil of VM'tue . " It is well lo remark that the fex-s for each Degree are asked for separately , and are not , as with us , paid for in advance in a lump . Thus a candidate before actual initiation is not led to consider ( as with us ) that he becomes
Freemasonry In Spain.
entitled , as a matter of course , to his three Degrees ( for has he not paid for them in aelvance ?) We woulel ask the serious attention of English Worshipful Masters to these incielental remarks . Then , again , great care is taken in Spain that those who have been fashioned intei true Masonic form , and polished into comely corner stones , shall continue in form , and not be allowed too easily to elrop out of thc ranks when their
first ardour cools . Thc admirable system of passwords adopteel by all the Masonic juriseliclions of the Peninsula , as well as In Ualy and other Continental lands , potently contributes tei keep the brethren eif a lodge u'ell in hand . No one wemlel think eif going to his loelge if not in due possession of the weird , unless he went for the express purpose of being again entrusted with it . This password is freepicntly changed . It is issued by the Grand Master , or
Grand Principal , or other bead , as thc case may be , and is transmitted to every Master of a lodge . The Worshipful Master himself , of course , receives it in a written form , but he only communicates it by word of mouth to his brethren , and e-nly within the precincts of a lodge , and when all are joineel in the mystic circle . Thus , if a brother be oven unavoidably absent at a time when a new word is communicated he cannot again pick it up without going to
his Ieidge expressly to receive it . Anel without the word he is , to all intents and purposes , rustiscated , anel unable to claim Masonic privileges . Men-cover , no brother is , uneler any circumstance , cotrustee , with the worel if he is in arrears with his subscription , or uneler process feir any kinel of Masonic or moral tlelinepiency . Thus this atlmirablo system proves a potent check to Masonic mendicants , anil te > llieise who , altheuigh legitimately in possessiein of a
Masonic certificate , have reaseel to do their eluty , either as working Masons or as good citizens , anil who may be justly stigmatised as Masonic loafers . Thc system of passwords also proves deterrent with that class of worth } - but too easy-going brethren , who are prone to get into arrears with their subscriptions , and to neglect the other duties which they owe to their loelge , through sheer slotbfubiess or forgetfulncss , anel who , when once they have dropped out
of the ranks of the regular attenelers , continue to absent ( heinselves be'eause they have- thus got into arrear . The writer has often wished for a fitting opportunity to urge' he adoption of this password system on thc governing jurisdictions of the Unilcd Kingelom , and the opportunity nmv presonfs itself . But «•<¦ would suggest that the system shoulel be nuulc still more all-embracing , unelbeceime international and unive-rsal . What [ a . ne-cd there is now for a
really e'fticient chi-ck being put upon spurious Masonry , and unworthy brethren who abuse their Masonic privileges , all the world over , certificate in hand . A feeleration of all thc orthodox Grand Symbolic Lodges anel of the Supreme Grand Councils of the Five Divisions of thc Globe under a Supreme Masonic Triumvirate , or , perhaps , better still , under a Supreme International Council of Five , so that one member mav be allotted to each division e > f the
globe , would allow of a thoroughly efficient passworel system being adopted for the ' use of thc universal Brotherhood , and thus we should in future hear less of the idle phrase , " once a Freemason always a Freemason , " for an international passworel woulel of" course only be communicated to those who to-day ( now , at the present time ) are entitled to
( he .- privileges of our Orele'r , and the mere possession of a certi'icate , without the- word , would thence anel he-nce :-warels ne ) t avail to enable spurieius impostors anel " Masonic loafers" to prev iipem euir brethren anel on the worlel at large , on thc . strength of the reputation which the mere fact of being a "brother "' undoubtedly gives . { To be eon tinned . )
Provincial Grand Lodge Of Berks And Bucks.
PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE OF BERKS AND BUCKS .
The Provincial Grand Loelge for Berks and Bucks was held at Maide-nhe-ad , on Monday , under the presidency of the Provincial Granel Master , Bro . Sir Daniel Gooch , Bart ., M . P .
In consequence of Ihe rebuilding of ( he : Town Hall the lodge was held ill the Wesleyan Schoolroom , which had been appropriately fitted up for the occasion . The vaiious lodges in the province were we'll represented , anil there were also a number of visiting brethren from other parts of ( he country present , Ihe assembly including : Bros . Sir D . Gooch , Bart ., M . P ., P . G . M . ; Rev . I .
Sliulholine Brownrigg , D . P . G . M . ; II . Poynler , P . J . G . Warden ; Rev . E . DcEwer , P . G . Chap . ; C . Stephens , P . G . Treas . ; R . Bradley , P . G . Sec ; | . Adams , P . S . G . D . ; R . Roberts , P . J . G . D . ; J . Rutland , P . G . Org . ; C . W . Cox , E . | . Shrewsbury , G . Davey , and W . I . e-gge , P . S . Stewards ; ' Colonel | . Shadwell Gierke , Grand Sec . ; R . W . I losl .-ins Giildv , District Grand Master Griqualand
, South Africa ; F . W . Binekes , P . G . Steward ; ll . D'Almaine , P . P . S . G . W . ; ( . Williams , P . P . S . G . W . ; G . \ V . Dixon , P . P . G . D . C ; II . II . Hodge , P . P . G . S . W . ; A . Miiskett Veil .- ;; A . Welch , P . P . G . Regis !™ - ; j . linnet . ' , P . P . G . S . D .: II . F . Turner . P . P . G . A . D . C . ; Jas . McCubbin , P . P . G . ' . V . ; R . C . Hurley ; Oliver | . imcs Grace ; \ V . Biggs , P . P . G . S-c ; J . Adams , P . G . D . C ; R .
Havener , 574 ; Jos . Elmes , P . M . 10 , 0 ; J . Reeve , P . P . G . S . D . ; Edward I .. Shepherd . P . M . ,,. { s ; Dick Railcly ; Te , W . M . ; II . I ) . Gooch , W . S . Can ' trell , jun ., P . P . G . D . ; W . II . Cutler , P . P . G . J . W . ; John Carter , P . P . G . D . C : William King , P . P . S . ' ; John ' M . Steelwell , P . P , G . S . ; E . R .-vell , P . P . G . P . ; Richard Bottom , A . Haple-el , Samuel Bradley , W . M . 414 ; Charles Oaeles , I . P . M . 414
Lewis Poulton , | . W . 591 ; Arthur Riddle , W . M . Grenville , Mm Tomk ' ins . W . M . < i . j 5 ; T . Taylor , W . M . 1410 ; John K . Wilmer , I . P .. M . V . fo ; W . F . 1 large , W . M . S 40 ; Andrew Pears , S . W . 209 ; Gustew A . Charnlin , 591 ; W . | . Goddard , 771 ; Geo . Fountain , 771 ; II . | . Mount , W . Morris , 1566 ; W . 11 . Belcher , 574 ; Freil . C Fidl .-r , 57 . 1 : John W . Marlin , 414 ; J . S . Silver , D . Webb , 414 ;
R . Silver , A . McDowall , S . W . 04 S ; | . W . Walker , 15 M , ; T . \ V . Robinson , W . M . 591 ; II . Jowelt , | . D . 501 ; A . I .. Cooper , ! .= ; oo ; Charle-s i . uker , W . M . 1770 ; W . C . Sell , 1770 ; W . II . Wilson , J . W . 574 ; W . Hinckley , 209 ; I .. O . Pells , D . C j ,,., ; R . Clifton Davev . 1500 ; R . W . Trenison , ie ( V . ; W . G . Zetland , ei 1 ; ' W . W . Morgan ,
211 ; L . L . I . ichtwitz , 1042 ; W . II . Fair , P . G . S . W . Bengal ; B . 11 . Fountain , P . P . G . S . 94 S ; R . ] . Barton , J . E . Hanks , W . M . 1101 ; G . M . Knight , P . M . 574 ; C . A . Vanly , S . D . i r , f . ; E . | . Blackwell . J . W . 1101 ; S . G . Hunt , P . M . 574 ; R . Nicholson , J . W . 15011 ; 11 . Perks , 209 ; E . Jonas , J . S . 574 ; T . Westlield , S . W . 1501 j W .
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Freemasonry In Spain.
assumed thc Sovereign Grand Commandcrship of a rival Grand Orient—the "Grand Orient of Perez . " Of course lie soon had followers , but it required more than his own individual prestige to make his " Orient " a success ; so he took it into his head to supplement the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite with that of Misraim . He had previously ( as we have said ) conferred upon himself the rank of Grand Commander of the " , i' \ Sublime Prince of the 32 , and
Grand Inspector-General of the ss " . What then would be easier than for him to continue the process of this seltanointment until be bad got to tbe top of the ladder ? Il proved easy , indeed , for he took the remaining fifty-seven Degrees at a bound , and proclaimed himself as a solemnly and satisfactorily self-dubbed Soberano Gran Maestro Absoluto of the Ninetieth Degree . As a matter of fact there appears to be no evidence that lie has got so fairly
initiated into this maze of Misraimisrn as to have hazarded the actual appointment of officers for his Council-General of "Sovereign Grand Master Absolute ; " nor has the writer ever heard that Bro . Perez has attempted to establish his own pretensions to absolute sovereignty over , and precedence of , Grand Councils of merely thirty-three Degrees , whether of the Peninsula or of any other part ; but certain it is that Misraimism claims precedence over every
other . Masonic authority in the world . This Rite of Misraim dates from 1 S 05 , in which year certain brethren belonging to the Grand Orient of Milan aspired to Grand Council honours without being able to obtain them . Being thus refused the 33 they concocted this Rite , with its ninety Degrees . The members of one Rose Croix Chapter ( the Concordia ) forthwith gave this Rite their countenance , and during the years 1 S 14-1 S 21 it
was introduced into Holland , Switzerland , Belgium , and France . Bro . Juan Autonio Perez is the first to introduce it into Spain . It is divided into four series , viz ., the Symbolic , the Philosophic , the Mystic , and the Cabalistic . The first series include the opening thirty-three Degrees , the second series include thirty-four to sixty-six , the third series sixty-seven to seventy-seven , and the last and final series , the remaining thirteen Degrees , viz ., seventy-eight to ninety
inclusive . Many brethren have joined lodges warranted by this redoubtable Master Absolute , who are very probably entirely ignorantof Misraimism , even byname . Wehave ourselves made the acquaintance of many good and zealous Masonswho think they are in true Masonic form whilst giving obedience to the Grand Lodgeof Perez , but such will be very much guided by the action which the Grand Lodges of tbe United Kingdom finally take in regard to Ihe official
recognition of a Grand National Orient in Spain . Without desiring to assume that Bro . Perez' Gram ! Orient is informal , or otherwise , the writer may , perhaps , be allowed to express a hope that lodges under Perez , in which countrymen of our own form anot inconsiderable working element , will soon see their way to transfer their allegiance to the Grand Orient of Spain , which numbers under its jurisdiction so many active and zealous English , Scotch , and
German brethren . We would more especially name the " Industria , " a l _ ndgc of Linares—which now works under liro . Perez , and is at the present moment officered by some peculiarly zealous workers , two at least of whom are Englishmen . We should very much like to see the Lodge of Industry under the same Masonic banner as the veteran
Lodge La Moralietael , which does so much honour to ( lit Grand Orient of Spain . The interests of Freemasonry in general , as well as the interests the best and trues ! Masonic interests —of ( he Lodge of Industry itself , would be greatly promoted by these ( wo lodges in Ihe important Masonic "Valle" of Linares mutually supporting each other .
Bui there are always two sides to every question , and wc arc bound , as impartial narrators of" things Masonic " belonging lo Spain , to give prominent expression to the undoubted lact that there are mail } ' accomplished and zealous brethren in Spain who are decidedl y in favour of the continuance of a slate of "divided Masonic authority . " They urge that thc country is not sufficiently consolidated under the restored Dyna ty to allow all Spain ( we mean Masonic
Spam ) to work harmoniously under one head , however competent that head may be . They point toa similar state of things as what now exist in Spain , as also cxistingin other countries , and they ask why Spain may not be allowed to follow Ihe example of France and Germany , Italy and the United States ol America , and even of the United Kingdom itself . They are fully aware that seven independent Craft Masonic jurisdictions work , entirely independently one of
another , within ihe German Empire ; Berlin being the I leadquarters of Ihe Grand Lodge of the Three Globes , thc Grand Lodgeof Germany , and the Grand and Royal Lodge of Friendship ; whilst the Grand Eclectic Lodge holds independent jurisdiction at Frankfort on the Main ; the Grand Lodge of the . Sun at llayrcuth ; the Grand Lodge of Union at Darmstadt ; and , lastly , the Grand Loilge of Hamburg , in Hamburgit-clf . They know that France lias two entirely
independent Masonic jurisdictions , viz ., the Grand Orient of France , and the " Supreme Council of France , " whilst three Grand Craft lodges exist in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland ; three Supreme lioyal Arch Chapter .-, ; and three independent Supreme Councils of ihe Thirty-Third Degree ; besides Grand Priories , conclaves , c-C , each one with an absolutely independent jurisdiction of its own .
Such being the slate of things 111 other Masonic lands , it is evident that a very considerable latitude must be given to our Masi nic brethren in Spain . The necessity for an official and cor lial recognition of one Grand National Lodge ( the " I Iran Oriente of Spain" ) is vei > y apparent , but we trust that the remaining jurisdictions , without necessarily being formally acknov . lc . igcd , may still receive a goodly share of international sympathy and fraternal
support . We would not w ' thhold the right hand of Masonic friendship and regard from any . The brethren of the Peninsula demand the moral support of English Grand Lodge , and the desire for immediate recognition is most painfully felt even now , in view of the reactionary tendencies which disquiet every well wisher to Spain , and upholder of her good and worthy young King , Don Alphonso XII . The fell shadow of Jesuitism is again
lowering over the mifi rM 1 n . 1 l eland . The disciples of Ignatius Loyola , now being driven from republican France , are gailiering , like birds ol ill-omen , on the northern frontiers of the Penin-uia . Madrid has already heen selected as the head-quarters of these relentless enemies of ligbl . The famous monastery of Loyola , near the picturesque Azpeita , in the Basque provinces , where Loyola was born , has been restored tothe Order of Jesus bv the reactionary party now in power . The splendid palace of thc Duke of Ossuna , in the suburbs
Freemasonry In Spain.
of Madrid , has been purchased , and is to be turned into a seminary for novitiates . Colleges arc to be founded at once in Valladolid , Salamanca , and Callahorra ; whilst palatial resiliences have been secured at Barce-iona , Gerona , Manresa , Pampcluna , Puerto de Santa Maria , and Vigo , for some eight to ten thousand of these Inquisitors , who are forthwith to be let loose upon "Heretics , " and on " Unbelievers" in the Divine Right of Rome to the souls
and the consciences of men . Their aim will be to strangle "liberty" in their hateful grasp ; and can any one doubt what action they will take against our beloved Order ? Tims ( he great moral force of English Freemasonry should be let loose with no sparing hand to encourage and support our Spanish brethren , should this terrible incursion be permitted to take place . And our brethren in high places need not hesitate to give
their oilicial countenance lo such of our Spanish workers as belong to the Grand Orient of Spain , presided over by Bro . Sagasta . Thanks to the Masonic zeal and untiring efforts of his indefatigable Grand Secretary , Bro . Juan Utor y Fernandez , every one of the seventy-eight Craft lodges arc in good working order . The fidelity of their Worshipful Masters and Wardens to thc ancient landmarks is unquestionable , and much true brotherly zeal and harmony
prevails . In the capital—Madrid—there are now nine Craft lodges working under obedience to the Gran Oriente dc Espana , of these the oldest , the Mantuana , has for its Worshipful . Master this year that zealous brother , and Evangelical Pastor of the Protestant Church , the Rev . Juan Bnntista Cabrera . Next ranks the Porvcnir , presided over at the present time by the Grand Secretary , Bro . Juan Utor y
Fernandez . 'Then there is the Acacia , presided over b y Bro . Cucvasy Sanchcs . Better and more correct working than the writer has often been privileged to witness in the Spanish capital cannot be found even in a large majority of our own lodges , and we have every reason to believe that the working and form of the other lodges of Madrid , viz ., the Naphtali , the Armonia , the Sigiio , the llnmanidad , the Razon , and the Coiistancin , are equally worthy of praise ;
we have frequently heard the tongue of good report speaking in their favour , hut never the tongue of elis-praise . The writer has often had the opportunity of joining in the lain mrs of the Moralielad , at Linares , the Patricia , of Cordova , the llijos de Hiram , of Carthngcnn , the Primera I . uz de Arnnjuez , at Atviujiiez , near Madrid , and of ( lie Libcrtad and Puritana of Valencia ; and \ ,-c can say that polities and everything but thc strictest Masonic work is as carefully
excluded as in the most jealously guarded lodge in England . And in the matter of work our brethren in Spain will put even our best blood well upon its Masonic metal , for Craft lodges in the Peninsula ( as well in Portugal as in Spain ) meet regularly one evening every week . There are also frequent emergencies . Moreover , our Spanish brethren do not supplement their sober Masonic work bv passing lo refreshment in substantial form after labour , as we in
England are accustomed , and very properly accustomed , to do . Suppers after Masonic reunions are quite unknown to our frugal and abstemious Spanish brethren , and even one annual banquet ( usually on St . John the Evangelist ' s Day ) is rather the exception than the vu le . But let it not be supposed that weekly meetings mean , on ihe one hand , a wholesale admission of candidates , or , on the other , a rapid passing and subsequent raising of
ne' . vly-lledged brethren . Far from laxity in either particular being the rule , we have often been amazed to see how ninny are tbe precautions taken to prevent the admission of unsuitable men ; and the system adopted for securing correct and unprejudiced information concerning the private habits and the jierson . il antecedents of those who present themselves for acceptance might be most advantageously adopted in England also . Furlhermore ,
the probationary stages between proposition and initiation , and between one Degree and another , are very much longer than with us . Even after the name of a candidate , apparently of unexceptionable antecedents , has been formally brought before the lodge , a delay of months often occurs before Ihe inquiries have elicited what is considered lo be the requisite knowledge of the man ; and then , when inquiries are concluded and prove fully satisfactory .
three separate ballots have to be taken before the candidate is in proper form for actual initiation . After receiving his First Degree an F .. A . is usually required lo pass three months before he is considered properly prepared to be advanced another . step , whilst a l- ' . C is rarely raised lo the Sublime Degree unlil a further probation of six months has been gone through — making nine months of travel in all before an E . A . can receive the wages of a M . M .
Candidates lor advancement in Spam are required lo perfect themselves , under the * superintendence of an experienced Master , in the signs , tokens , and perfect points of entrance-, and in the other peculiar work which appertains tithe First Deg . ee . Candidates for ( lie . Supreme Degree are usually cxpiv ' . ee ! to prepare and deliver an address to the elders of their lodge , by which shall be duly demonstrated the thoroughness , or otherwise , o ! the search they
have so far made into ihe hidden mysteries of nature and scii'nce . This examination is no mere form , anel if a very patent knowle-elge is not eleinonstratcd the candidate is tinned back te > continue hi ; search , anel another probation must be undergone before he is pevmilte-el lo aelvance beyond the Middle Chamber , where he has been accustomed tei receive his wages as a F . C . Thus , our Spanish brethren , before being considered
worthy te , be entrusted with the solemn secrets of the Sublime Degree , have been ( aught very fully to appreciate the true importance of each separate step whie-h they have taken in Free-masonry , anel really lo prize : the peculiiir secrets and privilegi-s to which it leads . To newly initiated ones in Spain there is liltle fear that ( he concluding words of our own beautiful charge would prove mere hollow anil sounding words , as the writer , when giving them from his
chair , has often felt that they have a tendency to become , where all the Three Degrees are given , ns a matter of course ( having he-en paid for in advance in a lump ) ; for not only " very commendable-attention appears to have been given , " but must be given , anil thus the W . M . of a lodgeworking under the Gran Oriente- ele Espana may very truly declare to his ni-wly-iuiliatcd brother that he is "le-d lo
hope that the saiel dulv initiated one '' will ilul y appreciate the full value of Freemasonry , and imprint indelibly on his heart the sacred dictates of truth , of honour , anil of VM'tue . " It is well lo remark that the fex-s for each Degree are asked for separately , and are not , as with us , paid for in advance in a lump . Thus a candidate before actual initiation is not led to consider ( as with us ) that he becomes
Freemasonry In Spain.
entitled , as a matter of course , to his three Degrees ( for has he not paid for them in aelvance ?) We woulel ask the serious attention of English Worshipful Masters to these incielental remarks . Then , again , great care is taken in Spain that those who have been fashioned intei true Masonic form , and polished into comely corner stones , shall continue in form , and not be allowed too easily to elrop out of thc ranks when their
first ardour cools . Thc admirable system of passwords adopteel by all the Masonic juriseliclions of the Peninsula , as well as In Ualy and other Continental lands , potently contributes tei keep the brethren eif a lodge u'ell in hand . No one wemlel think eif going to his loelge if not in due possession of the weird , unless he went for the express purpose of being again entrusted with it . This password is freepicntly changed . It is issued by the Grand Master , or
Grand Principal , or other bead , as thc case may be , and is transmitted to every Master of a lodge . The Worshipful Master himself , of course , receives it in a written form , but he only communicates it by word of mouth to his brethren , and e-nly within the precincts of a lodge , and when all are joineel in the mystic circle . Thus , if a brother be oven unavoidably absent at a time when a new word is communicated he cannot again pick it up without going to
his Ieidge expressly to receive it . Anel without the word he is , to all intents and purposes , rustiscated , anel unable to claim Masonic privileges . Men-cover , no brother is , uneler any circumstance , cotrustee , with the worel if he is in arrears with his subscription , or uneler process feir any kinel of Masonic or moral tlelinepiency . Thus this atlmirablo system proves a potent check to Masonic mendicants , anil te > llieise who , altheuigh legitimately in possessiein of a
Masonic certificate , have reaseel to do their eluty , either as working Masons or as good citizens , anil who may be justly stigmatised as Masonic loafers . Thc system of passwords also proves deterrent with that class of worth } - but too easy-going brethren , who are prone to get into arrears with their subscriptions , and to neglect the other duties which they owe to their loelge , through sheer slotbfubiess or forgetfulncss , anel who , when once they have dropped out
of the ranks of the regular attenelers , continue to absent ( heinselves be'eause they have- thus got into arrear . The writer has often wished for a fitting opportunity to urge' he adoption of this password system on thc governing jurisdictions of the Unilcd Kingelom , and the opportunity nmv presonfs itself . But «•<¦ would suggest that the system shoulel be nuulc still more all-embracing , unelbeceime international and unive-rsal . What [ a . ne-cd there is now for a
really e'fticient chi-ck being put upon spurious Masonry , and unworthy brethren who abuse their Masonic privileges , all the world over , certificate in hand . A feeleration of all thc orthodox Grand Symbolic Lodges anel of the Supreme Grand Councils of the Five Divisions of thc Globe under a Supreme Masonic Triumvirate , or , perhaps , better still , under a Supreme International Council of Five , so that one member mav be allotted to each division e > f the
globe , would allow of a thoroughly efficient passworel system being adopted for the ' use of thc universal Brotherhood , and thus we should in future hear less of the idle phrase , " once a Freemason always a Freemason , " for an international passworel woulel of" course only be communicated to those who to-day ( now , at the present time ) are entitled to
( he .- privileges of our Orele'r , and the mere possession of a certi'icate , without the- word , would thence anel he-nce :-warels ne ) t avail to enable spurieius impostors anel " Masonic loafers" to prev iipem euir brethren anel on the worlel at large , on thc . strength of the reputation which the mere fact of being a "brother "' undoubtedly gives . { To be eon tinned . )
Provincial Grand Lodge Of Berks And Bucks.
PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE OF BERKS AND BUCKS .
The Provincial Grand Loelge for Berks and Bucks was held at Maide-nhe-ad , on Monday , under the presidency of the Provincial Granel Master , Bro . Sir Daniel Gooch , Bart ., M . P .
In consequence of Ihe rebuilding of ( he : Town Hall the lodge was held ill the Wesleyan Schoolroom , which had been appropriately fitted up for the occasion . The vaiious lodges in the province were we'll represented , anil there were also a number of visiting brethren from other parts of ( he country present , Ihe assembly including : Bros . Sir D . Gooch , Bart ., M . P ., P . G . M . ; Rev . I .
Sliulholine Brownrigg , D . P . G . M . ; II . Poynler , P . J . G . Warden ; Rev . E . DcEwer , P . G . Chap . ; C . Stephens , P . G . Treas . ; R . Bradley , P . G . Sec ; | . Adams , P . S . G . D . ; R . Roberts , P . J . G . D . ; J . Rutland , P . G . Org . ; C . W . Cox , E . | . Shrewsbury , G . Davey , and W . I . e-gge , P . S . Stewards ; ' Colonel | . Shadwell Gierke , Grand Sec . ; R . W . I losl .-ins Giildv , District Grand Master Griqualand
, South Africa ; F . W . Binekes , P . G . Steward ; ll . D'Almaine , P . P . S . G . W . ; ( . Williams , P . P . S . G . W . ; G . \ V . Dixon , P . P . G . D . C ; II . II . Hodge , P . P . G . S . W . ; A . Miiskett Veil .- ;; A . Welch , P . P . G . Regis !™ - ; j . linnet . ' , P . P . G . S . D .: II . F . Turner . P . P . G . A . D . C . ; Jas . McCubbin , P . P . G . ' . V . ; R . C . Hurley ; Oliver | . imcs Grace ; \ V . Biggs , P . P . G . S-c ; J . Adams , P . G . D . C ; R .
Havener , 574 ; Jos . Elmes , P . M . 10 , 0 ; J . Reeve , P . P . G . S . D . ; Edward I .. Shepherd . P . M . ,,. { s ; Dick Railcly ; Te , W . M . ; II . I ) . Gooch , W . S . Can ' trell , jun ., P . P . G . D . ; W . II . Cutler , P . P . G . J . W . ; John Carter , P . P . G . D . C : William King , P . P . S . ' ; John ' M . Steelwell , P . P , G . S . ; E . R .-vell , P . P . G . P . ; Richard Bottom , A . Haple-el , Samuel Bradley , W . M . 414 ; Charles Oaeles , I . P . M . 414
Lewis Poulton , | . W . 591 ; Arthur Riddle , W . M . Grenville , Mm Tomk ' ins . W . M . < i . j 5 ; T . Taylor , W . M . 1410 ; John K . Wilmer , I . P .. M . V . fo ; W . F . 1 large , W . M . S 40 ; Andrew Pears , S . W . 209 ; Gustew A . Charnlin , 591 ; W . | . Goddard , 771 ; Geo . Fountain , 771 ; II . | . Mount , W . Morris , 1566 ; W . 11 . Belcher , 574 ; Freil . C Fidl .-r , 57 . 1 : John W . Marlin , 414 ; J . S . Silver , D . Webb , 414 ;
R . Silver , A . McDowall , S . W . 04 S ; | . W . Walker , 15 M , ; T . \ V . Robinson , W . M . 591 ; II . Jowelt , | . D . 501 ; A . I .. Cooper , ! .= ; oo ; Charle-s i . uker , W . M . 1770 ; W . C . Sell , 1770 ; W . II . Wilson , J . W . 574 ; W . Hinckley , 209 ; I .. O . Pells , D . C j ,,., ; R . Clifton Davev . 1500 ; R . W . Trenison , ie ( V . ; W . G . Zetland , ei 1 ; ' W . W . Morgan ,
211 ; L . L . I . ichtwitz , 1042 ; W . II . Fair , P . G . S . W . Bengal ; B . 11 . Fountain , P . P . G . S . 94 S ; R . ] . Barton , J . E . Hanks , W . M . 1101 ; G . M . Knight , P . M . 574 ; C . A . Vanly , S . D . i r , f . ; E . | . Blackwell . J . W . 1101 ; S . G . Hunt , P . M . 574 ; R . Nicholson , J . W . 15011 ; 11 . Perks , 209 ; E . Jonas , J . S . 574 ; T . Westlield , S . W . 1501 j W .