Brother dare attempt to propagate his views upon politics by the means of the Order, this being in direct opposition to the ancient statutes. The political opinions of mankind never agree, and they are thus directly opposed to Brotherly union. If a peculiar set of political opinions gain the upper hand in a state, or if a revolution take place, or if a country be invaded by a foreign army, the Lodges close themselves. Charity to a suffering warrior, let him be a friend or a foe, must not be considered as a political act, for it is the general duty of mankind, and more especially it is a Masonic duty. Portugal.-In the year 1742 or 1743, there was formed at Lisbon, in this kingdom. a Lodge, working by the English system, by two Frenchmen, Coustos and Mouton, but in March, 1743, these two Brethren were imprisoned by the tribunal of the Inquisition, who were very glad to have discovered at its commencement, a society so diametrically opposed to its doctrines. Bro. Coustos was allowed three days for reflection, that he might voluntarily confess his so-called crime, and he then expressed himself thus, "That he did not know how he could have offended against the laws, unless it was accounted a crime to belong to a society which had enabled him to associate with the most honorable, most worthy, and most just of mankind, but which could not be dangerous to religion, or to an enlightened fear and love of God, because it never interfered with the peculiarities of any sect, but impressed upon its members the duty of living in peace and harmony with men of all religions; extended its benevolence to all who were in distress, let them belong to what church they would; and that this Society was Freemasonry." He was nine times racked, and then condemned four years to the galleys, but the English ambassadors at Lisbon, procured his discharge from the galleys. Bro. Mouton, being a Catholic, was found not guilty; the remainder of the Brethren dispersed themselves. Preuissche Staaten. Prussian States. In these States, the Freemasons' Lodges enjoy the full protection of the government; are much respected and very numerous. Frederick the Great was the founder of this flourishing state of Freemasonry, for, at the commencement of his reign, he put himself at the head of a Lodge, held in Berlin, worked himself as W. M., and formed it into a Grand Lodge, under the name of the Three Globes. He gave it a public protectorium, as he also did the other two Grand Lodges, which were afterwards formed in Berlin, the Royal York and the National. The protectorium of the last is dated 16th of July, 1774, and contains the following: "We do not doubt but that you will make this token of our favor, good will and grace, serve as a new motive to double your endeavors to labor incessantly in promoting the welfare and happiness of the whole human race. Your praiseworthy endeavors to promote those objects, have gained our most gracious approbation; we, therefore, grant you, by this protectorium, our most gracious permission to enjoy all the rights and privileges of a National Grand Lodge of Germany, and of all the States which are under our sceptre, and to work according to laws and regulations of the ancient and honorable fraternity of Free and Accepted Masons, freely, openly, and undisturbed, as well in our capital, as in all other States and cities, so as to promote the welfare and prosperity of the Order; and, in all just, lawful and moderate things, we will grant our royal protection and defence, and will not permit that either this Grand National Lodge of Germany, or the Lodges which are connected with, and dependent upon her, or the members of them, generally or especially, shall be disturbed, or prejudiced, in the exercise of their ancient rights and privileges. We command, therefore, and hereby, all our military as well as civil officers, commanders, and colleges, but especially our officers of the government, and of the upper and lower courts of law and justice, in our residence at Berlin, to regulate their conduct to the before-named Grand Lodge of Germany, in Berlin, by this our royal ordinance, and, at its request, to render it prompt assistance, and on no account to allow it to be oppressed." Through the royal Prussian edict, for preventing and punishing secret societies, which might become injurious to the general safety, published 20th October, 1798, the Masonic Brotherhood in the Prussian States received an acknowledged legal existence, and in this law it was considered as a separate and distinct body from those so-called secret societies and fraternities. The successor of the great Frederick, Frederick William II., was also a zealous member of the Order, which received from him many strong proofs of his grace and protection. It was from him that every Lodge in Prussia received the right of being legally recognized as a moral being, by the tribunals of the country, and of appearing before those tribunals by deputy. Frederick William III. had, in 1816, when the edict concerning secret societies and fraternities was renewed, in consequence of the literary controversies upon the virtuousbond, an opportunity of honorably distinguishing the Freemasons from those socalled secret societies. According to the royal decree, a Freemason's Lodge may establish itself in any part of the Prussian dominions, but it must unite itself with one of the Grand Lodges established in Berlin, and as a daughter Lodge, obey all its Masonic regulations, and work according to its ritual, inasmuch as those Grand Lodges are answerable for the conduct of all the Lodges in Prussia; neither are they allowed to initiate a Prussian subject before he has completed the twentyfifth year of his age. LINES, Suggested on reading an account of the Masonic meeting of Generals QUITMAN and SHIELDS, U. S. A., at a Festival of the Fraternity in Charleston, S. C. BY MARY M. GLOVER. AMERICA'S Sons, from the bright field of glory, At Masonry's banquet, repair to the board; The youth, and the vet'ran with silvered locks hoary, There Wisdom and Beauty, with Strength held dominion, Not the dove to the Ark on his swift-winged pinion, Oh! bright was the altar a cherubim guardeth, A heart with the hand to a Brother bestowing, Though banners were floating, no war-cry alarmed them, The white pennons fluttered, a beautiful omen, Invincible valor their Masonry teacheth, Whose bosoms were bared for our country's defence; 'T will humanize war where its influence reacheth, And Discord to Harmony yield its offence. In the lamp-lighted hall, o'er the chivalrous banquet, Pledge her blest country in every goblet, DEAR SIR:-* CORRESPONDENCE. Selma, Ala., Jan. 12, 1848. With regard to the condition of Masonry in this county, it has never been in a more flourishing condition than at present. Our own Lodge is never idle: we always have some four or five petitions to act on, besides many which we are obliged to reject. Our Institution here is giving a tone and standing to the Order, which no carping or slander can affect. Our tree has been planted deep in generous soil, and will continue to flourish until the destitute can find shelter beneath its branches. Yours, fraternally, E. M. G. Waltham, Jan. 20, A. L. 5848. BRO. MOORE :-The officers of Monitor Lodge of Masons, were installed in presence of the public this evening, at Rumford Hall. The installation ceremonies were performed by R. W. Bro. Greenwood, of Framingham, the Dist. Dep. Grand Master for this district. After the installation, Br. Horace G. Barrus, of Chelsea, delivered an appropriate address, which was listened to for more than an hour by a crowded and attentive assemblage of ladies and gentlemen. The singing and music by the orchestra and members of the "Mozart Society," were performed in a manner that reflected great credit upon their musical abilities. The officers for the ensuing year, are-Isaac Parker, W. Master; Joseph O. Derby, S. W.; Abraham Whitney, J. W.; Theodore Kittredge, Treas.; Willard Adams, Sec'ry; Harvey Chapin, S. D.; Samuel B. Whitney, J. D.; Henry M. Ryan, Tyler. T. KITTREDGE. MASONIC INTELLIGENCE. MARYLAND. MASONIC FESTIVAL IN BALTIMORE.-We were one among those who were present on Monday evening, to participate in a Festival given under the auspices of Union Lodge, No. 60, of the ancient Order of Freemasons. It was an occasion of no ordinary character. Union Lodge, as we learn, was instituted some thirtytwo years ago. After a period of seventeen years, the operations of the Lodge were suspended, and its charter and jewels were surrendered to the Grand Lodge of Maryland. In August last, the Lodge was resuscitated; in the mean time, however, the jewels had been stolen from the Grand Lodge, and the Union Lodge petitioned for an amount of funds to restore the jewels. The Grand Lodge allowed the petition and had the jewels prepared. Monday evening was appointed for their formal presentation, and hence the festival, which we neglected to mention above, was held in the Masonic Hall, in St. Paul's street. When we entered the room, we found it well filled with ladies, who were invited to participate. When all arrived, we suppose there were not less than two hundred and fifty persons present. Captain Rountree's band was engaged, who, during the evening, gave some of their finest music. At the appointed hour, the members of the Lodge, with visiting Brethren, en tered the hall in procession, in the following order-the procession having been formed in the Lodge-room, a spot where the eyes of the uninitiated do not reach: Tyler, with drawn sword; two Stewards, with white rods; members and visiters; Deacons, with blue rods; Secretary and Treasurer; Senior and Junior Wardens; Chaplain and Master of Union Lodge; Grand Master and Deputy; Senior and Junior Grand Wardens; Grand Secretary and Treasurer. The procession then counter-marched right and left, until the officers reached the East, when the Brethren were all seated. The ceremonies were then continued by the Rev. Mr. Shrigley, in a most beautiful and appropriate prayer. He was followed by Edward Hinkley, Esq., who delivered a very interesting address. Mr. Hinckley, in commencing his address, alluded to the particulars connected with the Lodge, and then paid a compliment to the ladies present, and indeed to the whole sex. It was always with them to add grace and beauty to any assemblage. He told the ladies that one reason, perhaps, why they were not admitted as members was, that all history, sacred and profane, showed that they need no promptings to engage in works of charity and love,-it was innate with them, while men required instruction. Women, in some cases, were better than men, even with all their promptings, and he quoted from different authors to show the universal feeling which pervaded the female mind to works of kindness, &c. He spoke of the jewels and symbols; they were not designed for ornament, nor were they to be looked upon and valued for their beautiful appearance. The symbols were material things, designed to keep before the mind the particular duty which they represented. He said that the very foundation of Masonry was love love produced charity, which in turn produced good works. We do not pretend to follow the speaker, only to give an outline of his object. He enforced all his positions with arguments drawn from various writers, and he drew largely indeed upon the Holy Scriptures in support of his positions. The address was listened to with marked attention. After the address, Mr. Gilman, the Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Maryland, proceeded to the ceremony of investing the officers of the Lodge with the new jewels in the following order: Worshipful Master, Senior Warden, Junior Warden, Secretary, Treasurer, Deacons, Stewards, Tyler. The Grand Master gave to each officer a most impressive charge, indicating his duties. This being over, the ceremonies were concluded with a prayer by the Rev. Mr. Shrigley. And now came a scene of enjoyment such as we have rarely witnessed. Harmony and good feeling pervaded the entire company. The band struck up a lively strain, during which refreshments of a dainty character were handed round the room in the greatest profusion. All seemed well pleased, and the ladies particularly so. About ten o'clock, the Ethiopian Serenaders, who had been invited, made their appearance, and with a piano ready prepared, gave the company some of their sweetest melodies. The company separated about twelve o'clock, highly gratified with the evening's entertainment. The members of the Lodge may pride themselves on the success of their enterprise, and to no one is the company more indebted than to Messrs. S. Alden, G. J. Kennard, and J. S. George, the Committee of Arrangements.-Balt. Sun. MISSOURI. The Grand Chapter of Missouri, was organized at St. Louis, on the 16th of October, 1846. Delegates were present from Missouri, Palmyra, Boonville and Fayette Chapters. The Convention was organized by the appointment of Comp. E. H. Shepard as President, and Comp. S. Buckner as Secretary. Comp. Daggett submitted the following, which was unanimously adopted, to wit: Whereas, There being now within the State of Missouri, four regular Royal Arch Chapters, duly constituted, with a large and rapidly increasing number of Royal Arch Masons, desirous of constituting other Chapters, therefore, be it Resolved, That we, the officers and proxies of the Chapters aforesaid, deeming it expedient and necessary for the better government of the Craft, do now establish and constitute a Grand Royal Arch Chapter for the State of Missouri, agreeably to the provisions of the Constitution of the General Grand Royal Arch Chapter of the United States. Resolved, That we now proceed to the election of Grand Officers, necessary to such organization, to serve for the ensuing year. Whereupon, the following Companions were severally elected :-M. E. James W. S. Mitchell, G. H. P.; E. Wm. Hurley, D. G. H. P.; Parker Dudley, G. K.; Joseph Megguier, G. Scribe; John S. Watson, G. Treas.; Fred. L. Billon, G. Sec'y; Rev. E. C. Hutchinson, G. Chaplain; John D. Daggett, G. Marshal. A committee was then appointed to draft a code of By-Laws. They subsequently submitted a report, which was adopted. At a meeting of the Grand Chapter, on the 13th of October last, the G. H. P. reported that he had, in recess, upon proper application, and duly recommended, granted dispensations for two new Chapters, to wit: to Brunswick Chapter, Chariton county, and Lexington Chapter, Lafayette county, and that he had received the fees for the same. The following officers were elected for the ensuing year:-M. E. James W. S. Mitchell, G. H. P.; E. Wm. Hurley, D. G. H. P.; Parker Dudley, G. K.; Joseph Megguier, G. Scribe; Joseph Foster, G. Treas.; Fred. L. Billon, G. Sec.; Rev. T. H. Capers, G. Chaplain; John D. Daggett, G. Marshal. A Charter was ordered to be issued to Brunswick Chapter, No. 9. The Grand Secretary presented a communication, just received from Liberty Chapter, No. 3, enclosing their returns, expressing their regret that circumstances had prevented their participating in the formation of this Grand Chapter, acknowledging its jurisdiction, and desiring a new Charter in lieu of their old one from the General Grand Chapter. A petition from a sufficient number of Comp. R. A. Masons, residing at or near Jefferson City, for a dispensation to open a new Chapter at said city, recommended by Boonville Chapter, No. 5, and accompanied by the regular fee, was presented by the G. Secretary, and read; and, on motion, the prayer of the petitioners was granted, and a dispensation directed to be issued accordingly. IOWA. The Grand Lodge of lowa held its annual communication at Iowa City, in June. The Grand Master opened the session with a brief address, from which we make the following extracts: "Through the permission of the Grand Architect of the Universe, we have again been permitted to assemble in grand convocation, to lay out our plans on our Masonic trestle-board, and execute the work of our glorious Institution. To Him, we are under renewed obligations, for the continuance of the signal blessings of His Providence, health, happiness, and the enjoyment in profusion of the bounties which, in the vicissitudes of the seasons, have been scattered over our land. I congratulate you, Brethren, on the prosperous condition of Masonry throughout this jurisdiction. Less than six years ago, the first Lodge in Iowa received her Charter; now we have ten chartered Lodges, besides several working under Dispensations. Where, but a short time since, the silence of our vast prairies was unbroken, save by the yell of the savage, or howl of the wolf, Masonry is now flourishing; numerous Lodges are springing up, and the sound of the gavel hails us on every hand. We have peace and harmony within and without, and can meet under our own vine and fig tree, and none disposed to make us afraid. It is our duty, then, so to administer our affairs, as to receive, by deserving, the respect and good opinion of all, whether Masons or not." At your last grand annual communication, a central committee was appointed to prepare and submit to the Grand Lodge at our present communication, a report |