The weekly clarion. [volume] (Jackson, Miss.) 1863-1882, 1870-06-30

1t has had a nominal existence for
some twelve years. Ten years since 1t
applied to the Grand Orient Of France
for recognition, which was then promptly
refused, and its chief officer, who was at
that time a member of the Supreme
Council of France, was expelled by his
Council for the unmasonic conduct of
engaging in this very transaction Not
withstanding this, and after a lapse OF
nine years, the Grand Orient of France
recognizes the body once declared spur
Gus by itself, and enters into friendly
alliance with it.
This radical change of policy, involv-
ing virtual Reputation of its former act,
by the French Grand Orient, Is quite
remarkable, and naturally leads to an
inquiry into the character of its motives.
That there had been no change in the
Masonic status of the spurious body, no
new facts developed in its history to war
rant change of opinion upon its Masonic
merits, no REIMBURSEMENT of opposition,
| by the Grand Lodge of Louisiana, to all
| recognition of the invader of its Masonic
| jurisdiction. are all admitted in the report
made to the Grand Orient of France,
and approved by Its Grand Master, Mel
linet. Perhaps this policy has been
urged against the Grand Lodge of Lou
| isiana by our French brethren, IN justin
cation of their fragrant violation OF the
| courtesies and fraternal relations that
should be observed between Grand Ma
sonic bodies. But nothing of this kind
is even alleged, for the very good reason
that the Grand Lodge of Louisiana has
not, in the smallest respect, departed
from our landmarks, principles and poll
cies. in the observance of which 1T has
| Hourished from the beginning OF its exist
ence, and has been recognized, by the
Masonic world, as a faithful exponent OF
Masonic ideas.
| A scrupuIous Observance of the land
marks we have been wont to regard as
| Masonic virtue. Is it not surprising thai
what we prize as the virtue of our Louis
lana brethren, is urged by French Ma
| sonry" as its only reason for NEEDLE
some interference in the domestic affairs
Of one of our Masonic families?
The sin of Louisiana is this: 1t adj
heres to the ancient landmarks, which
declare the qualifications of the candidate,
and the right of the secret ballot. The
/ Ttucn OI1GnL 0CllAAlAOo SAAN
change of the first, and the virtual DIES.
| truction of the latter, under the penalty
| Of we refuse) of suffering her displeasure.
The result Of this demand upon American
| Masons cannot be doubtful. Whether
foreign interference in American affairs
of any description, has been hitherto sc
profitable that the success of this Masonic
adventure may be safely assumed, is g
question we leave to the judgment OF oui
French brethren.
Your Committee are therefore forced
to the conclusion that, in the recognition
of this so-called Masonic body, the Grand
Orient of France has not been prompted
by motives in harmony with the true
spirit of Masonry, or by a fraternal re-
gard for the rights and interests OF the
Grand Lodge of Louisiana.
In conclusion, your Committee would
respectfully urge that the Grand Lodges
of the United States should present al
unbroken front in condemnation of, anC
in opposition to, such invasions by {
foreign Masonic power, of the jurisdiction
of any Grand Lodge of the United States
Common safety and other common inter
ests require that while the Masonic pow
ers of this nation carefully avoid all un
courteous and unfraternal interference
with foreign Jurisdictions, and studiously
seek to extend that sentiment of univer
sal brotherhood which is characteristic o
thee Order, and serupulously preserve
those landmarks within which they hav,
grown and prospered for so many years
they should, at the same time, be uniteC
and firm in opposition to every act of en-
E croachment upon any lawful and recog
Rized Masonic jurisdiction within thes
United States.
We hope our next Grand Lodge vii
not adjourn until it gives an expression
on this subject. Our neighbor has
right to expect an official declaration o
approval from the Grand Lodge of Mis-
sissippi.
|