Morning journal and courier., 1886-08-30
THE CAR BONARI.
History of the Famous Neapolftan Se-
 cret Society.

From the St. Louis Globe be-Dsmocrat.l The origin of the system of secret politi- cal societies, known in Italy as Carbonari, or the actual date of it's inception, is as little known as that of the Vehm Gerichte. h. deed the Neapolitan Carbonari have 8 tradi- tion that it existed during the middle ages, and afterward spread over the Netherlands and France. The Abbe Barruel states that it was established and in full force in France during the reign of Francis l., while M. Charles Nodier affirms that the secret associ- ation of Charbonniers Charcoal burners) had existed in the Jura for ages
 The grand lodge of Carbonari was com posed of delegates from provincial lodges and of members at large or honorary mem- bers. It's seat was in the city of Naples and it was constantly in session. Its business was to grant charters and dispensations for new lodges, revising and confirming, or re- jecting, rules and regulations submitted by subordinate lodges, and in short exercising a general governing supervision over the order similar to that of the Masonic grand lodges, after which it was closely patterned.
 INFLUENCE OF MASONRY.
 Indeed Masonry seems to have given, not only the Carbonari, but almost every one of the secret societies of medissval and modern times, their forms of internal government and organization. One can trace it's infiu-
 
 Germany, the Philadelphians of France and the Carbonari of Italy with equal certainty and clearness. If proof of the influence of Masonry on the Carbonari, other than the internal economy of the lodges were wanted it is found in the fact that all Masons were admitted to the order simply by ballot, and were not required to undergo the usual forms of initiation and probation to which ordina- ry candidates were subjected. The order was profsssedly founded on principles of virtue. All profane language was strictly prohibited and punishments were provided for infractions of morality. The uninitiated were called pagans; the initiated 'sgood cousins" The latter were divided into ap- prentices and masters, an apprenticeship of six months being required before a member could be elevated to the masters degree. All were required to observe the most inviolable secrecy as to what transpired in the lodge, the members of one body not being allowed to communicate these things even to affili- ates or other lodges.
 The lodge room was plain and devoid of ornaments. The master of the lodge sat at the head of the room opposite the main en- trance. Before him was block of wood which served as desk, and upon which lay cruclhx and the paraRhernalia used in ini- tiations. h his hand he bore small axe shaped like that of an executioner, which he used as gavel. To his right and left, be- hind similar blocks. sat the secretary and or ator. The masters occupied benches ranged along the right side of the master of the lodge and the apprentices similar benches on the left From the ceiling hung triangular transpareneies bearing Carbonari symbols In the lodge room perfect equality prevailed. Social distinctions were set aside and prince and peasant, rich and poor, sat side by side on the benches.
 CEREMONIES OF INITIATIaN
 The initiation of an entered apprentice was very simple, the candidate being oues- tioned as to motives of joining, mode of life. etc, and taking the oath of secrecy. He was blindfolded before taking the cath, the hoodwinks being removed at the last words of the VOW. He found the master of the lodge and masters standing over him with