Grand Lodge of England. According to the latest reports the Eclectic Union controls twenty lodges, with a total membership of 2,815 brethren, exclusive of eight Masonic Circles which stand under the protection of various lodges belonging to the jurisdiction. Fifty-one benevolent institutions are endowed and managed for the benefit of this Grand Body, whose activity and tenacity in upholding Masonic principles we find unchanged.

While we announce with deep regret that some of the familiar faces have passed away to a higher sphere of labor, and whose names as true Masons will ever be remembered until the end of time, nevertheless the Eclectic Union of to-day is not wavering, but is faithfully progressing on the path laid out by its experienced aud lamented leaders.

We beg to acknowledge with sincere thanks the various " Mittheilungen from the protocols from the different conventions, especially Nos. 229, 230, 231, and 232, which furnish a live picture of the zeal and diligence of the Eclectic Craft. But before entering upon a detailed review of their labors, we extend to our sister Grand Lodge our sincere sympathy in their great bereavement and irreparable losses they have suffered during the last Masonic year. Some of their best have been called away, and they will be missed sadly from the customary gatherings where their advice and counsel was often sought and always heeded.

On the 2d day of June, 1899, BRO. JOHN KARL PAUL, Past Grand Master of this jurisdiction, entered into rest in his seventy-eighth year. Since 1849 he had been a teacher of mathematics and natural history of the so-called model school of his native town. After holding that position for forty years, he retired, and ever after devoted his entire time to his favorite study of Freemasonry. He became a member of the Fraternity on the 10th day of June, 1847, when he was made a Mason in the Lodge "Carl, Zum aufgehenden Licht" in Frankfort, A. M. He passed the various offices in regular order and was elected Master of his lodge in 1859, a position which he filled until 1880, with one short interruption. He became a member of his Grand Lodge in 1860, and was at once elected Grand Secretary, an office which he ably filled, like all other positions which he ever held, for thirty-two years. The highest honors of the Craft were bestowed upon him in 1892, when he was elected to the Grand East, from which he retired only two years ago, a retirement necessitated by his failing health. No Masonic convention of any importance has been held in Germany during the last forty years without the presence of BRO. KARL PAUL; no Masonic question or topic of any weight was ever discussed during that time by Masonic writers upon which he failed to express an opinion or take part in the solution of the problem presented. His thorough knowledge of the Masonic symbols, history, laws, and customs, his clear mind, his deep study, his kind, brotherly heart, cannot be forgotten by those who had the privilege to know and esteem him. Among his literary works referring to the Masonic field we mention, amongst others, his "History of the Eclectic Union," published on the occasion of the fiftieth anniversary of his Grand Lodge; also BRO. C. VAN DALEN'S "Calendar for Freemasons," issued yearly by BRO. J. G. FINDEL, in Leipzig, under the editorship of BRO. PAUL. Many Grand and St. John's Lodges conferred honorary membership upon him, while his own lodge made him an honorary Master and perpetuated his memory by a life-size oil painting in their lodge-room. May he rest in peace!

On June 19th, a few days after BROTHER PAUL'S departure, his lifelong friend, BRO. CHARLES ALBERT JOSEPU SACKREUTER, followed him to that undis

covered country from whose bourn no traveler ever returneth. BRO. SACKREUTER was for many years the representative of the Eclectic Union near the Grand Lodge of New York, and one of the most prominent German Freemasons in the Western metropolis. He was closely identified with every progressive movement in the German lodges. He was beloved and esteemed by all, and pre-eminently capable, to carry on and uphold the friendly relations which united the two Grand Bodies. Born in Frankfort in 1821, he received from his well-to-do parents an excellent education. Having left school he devoted his energies to the study of law, and graduated a few years later, taking up the actual practice of law. His love for liberty did not permit him to remain quiet when the Revolution of 1848 broke out, and he was one of the most prominent champions in the cause of political freedom. When the reactionary tendencies, however, prevailed, he was compelled to leave the land of his birth, and soon thereafter landed on the American shores, where he succeeded after some hard struggles in obtaining a comfortable position both in social and business life. His integrity and mental capacities were in due course recognized by our government, which appointed him as an appraiser in the New York Custom House. When he gave up his occupation on account of political changes, he became a Custom House broker, a vocation which he followed until old age compelled him to retire into private life. Since then he, who had been a thorough Mason all his lifetime, devoted his whole energies to the work and interests of the Masonic Fraternity. He was the second Master of Copernicus Lodge, No. 545, and successfully advanced the interests of this truly German lodge-where German science and knowledge have found a permanent home. From 1869 to 1872 he filled the honorable position of District Deputy Grand Master of the German lodges, and for many years thereafter was a member of the Committee on Foreign Correspondence of this Grand Lodge, reporting in an able and impartial manner the work of those jurisdictions not using the English language.

Indeed, a good, true, and faithful Brother passed away when BRO. SACKREUTER closed his eyes. When the representatives of the Grand Lodge of the State of New York and of all the German lodges gathered around his bier to pay him the last tribute of respect, the various brethren, in taking leave of their old comrade, spoke of his many virtues, of his deep knowledge, and true friendship. There was but one feeling in the hearts of the mourning assembly-one of the best has gone from our midst. The mortal remains of the deceased were cremated in accordance with his wishes. Peace to his ashes, honor to his memory!

Another prominent Brother of this jurisdiction, whose demise we have to record, was DR. J. G. A. KNOBLAUCH, who died on April 3, 1899, of pneumonia. He was made a Mason in 1846, having been proposed in Concord Lodge by his father and PROF. DR. GEORGE KLOSS, with whom he entertained close relations, and whom he succeeded as leading director of the new General Hospital in his native town. Having attended to the work as corresponding secretary and Deputy Master of his lodge from 1864-80, he was in the latter year chosen its Master. Since then, and again in 1894, he was unanimously elected Grand Master of the Eclectic Union, a position which he ably filled for eight years. The high esteem in which he was held by the Craft is proven by his honorary membership in fifteen St. John's lodges, and the Prussian (Three Globes), and Bavarian (Zur Sonne) Grand Lodges. BRO. DR. KNOBLAUCH was a man of very clear conception, quick action, close attention to business, and strict adherence to Masonic law

and usages. He was a true disciple of the Kloss Masonic teachings, trying to keep Freemasonry in its original purity, as the true exponent of the humanitarian principle in its broadest sense. His memory will be cherished by all who understand the important work which his life represented.

A congratulatory letter was transmitted as usual to His Majesty the German Emperor on the occasion of his birthday. The private secretary acknowledged the courtesy, thanking the Eclectic brethren for their attention.

Upon the inquiry of some subordinate lodges as to what attitude should be taken regarding the Peace Conference, and whether it would not be appropriate to express their sympathy with so laudable a movement, it was decided that lodges as corporations should not participate in an agitation which touched the political field, but every Brother should, in the interests of humanity, make all possible efforts to aid, within the limits of his power, the cessation of wars and the adjustment of international difficulties by arbitration-a task well worth the exertion of every true Mason.

The Grand Lodge of Washington, in Walla Walla, which had appointed a committee regarding 66 negro Masonry," and in consequence of its report had permitted colored lodges, met, as is well known, with serious controversies on the part of other American Grand Bodies. It therefore desired to learn the views of the various European Grand Lodges, and for this purpose had asked the Eclectic Union for their opinion on the subject. The Grand Master was instructed to say in reply that the constitution and by-laws of the Eclectic Union are in conformity with the old landmarks, according to which, rank, nationality, or color, religion and political affiliations are no bars to reception into the Order; hence it follows that the Eclectic Union was obliged to recognize negro lodges, taking for granted, that they were duly chartered according to Masonic law, in the same way as they recognized Mohammedan and Indian lodges. On the other hand, however, they were in no way justified to interfere with the affairs of American Grand and subordinate Lodges-not even in the form of advice.

The request for recognition of a new Grand Lodge in Milan was declined until sufficient details could be obtained regarding its tendencies and the cause of its separation from the Grand Orient of Italy.

The St. John's Festival was held on June 24th in the Masonic Temple of the subordinate Lodge "Carl, Zum Lindenberg." Deputy Grand Master BRO. AUERBACH presided, and addressed the brethren upon the condition of German Freemasonry; he regretted especially that no progress has been made towards an internal union of the German Craft; and to him it seemed, that a true union is farther away than ever before. What was needed specially was justice-justice in its true sense; that is, a justice which would produce mutual respect for the privileges of others. The development of our individuality, which we consider to be our privilege, we must also concede to others, and ouly this principle will form a basis of a peaceful progress and advancement.

After the Grand Master had concluded, the Grand Chaplain, BRO. DR. LAQUER, delivered the official oration, in which he proved, that the Masonic aim of making humanity more perfect, was not only theoretically adhered to, but practically noticeable in many ways of the past and present. Of course, there could never be ideal perfection, but only a progress to it; nevertheless, the fundamental ideals of the Masonic Fraternity are identical with a belief in the attainment of future perfection. Even if Freemasonry should lose its ancient forms and customs and a new brotherhood take its place, with different symbols and tenets,

its spirit will remain, and nothing can replace the fight for beauty and love. The dying Master will uphold the standard of ideality, without which there can be no work and no progress, and hand the same over to his youthful successor.

Many St. John's greetings from different lodges and prominent brethren were received and read. The solemnity of the work of the evening was increased by various musical selections which were duly applauded by the assembly. A collection for the poor and needy was finally taken up, and after the brethren had formed the chain, the Festive Communication was duly closed.

Another important celebration took place on October 15th, in the building of the subordinate Lodge "Zur Einigkeit" in commemoration of the one hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the birthday of BRO. WOLFGANG VON GOETHE, which consisted of a Solemn Communication, after which the assembled brethren and their guests participated in a banquet lasting until high midnight. A special invitation for this occasion had been tendered to the Lodge "Amalia" in Weimar, of which BRO GOETHE was a member during his lifetime.

Request having been made of the Grand Lodge of Ireland for the establishment of closer relations between the Eclectic Union and the Irish Grand Body by mutual representation, a communication of the Grand Lodge of Ireland promised, that the matter would be taken up at its next regular session.

The Eclectic Union has finished another year of its time-honored usefulness, continuing to uphold the principles, upon which it was founded, without flinching or wavering; and even if some of their principal columns appear broken, the true disciples of their former leaders have stepped to the front, ready to continue the battle for Masonic light until its splendor has reached the remotest corners of the earth. We pray, that their labors will be crowned in the future with the same success as in the past, for the benefit of the Craft.

(OF CONCORD), AT DARMSTADT, IN THE GRAND DUCHY OF HESSE.

Protector: His Royal Highness ERNST LUDWIG, Grand Duke of Hesse and bei Rhein.

Grand Master: BRO. PHILIP BRAND, at Mainz, Rheinstrasse 3.

Deputy Grand Master: BRO. HERMAN WEBER, Dr. Jur.

Grand Secretary and Grand Archivist: BRO. GEORGE KOLB, at Mainz.

[All communications should be directed to the Grand Master and addressed, Director Brand, Mainz, Rheinstrasse 3]

Grand Treasurer: BRO. WILHELM BOEMPER, at Mainz.

Mutual Representatives: Near the Grand Lodge of New York, BRO. HERMAN CANTOR; near the Grand Lodge "Zur Eintracht," BRO. HERMAN Geyger, of Bingerbrueck.

The Grand Lodge was organized March 22, 1946. Its report indicates that it controls eight Subordinate Lodges with a roster of 739 active brethren; while the number of benevolent institutions under its management and supervision amount to twenty-two. We have no protocol from this jurisdiction, but have before us a communication from its representative, BRO. GEYGER, to their New York representative, BRO. CANTOR, which reads as follows:

"BINGERBRUECK, December 26, 1899.

"Dear Bro. Cantor: A year has passed since I sent you my congratulations upon the beginning of the new year and expressed the hope that the fraternal relations and brotherly feelings, which we desire, should not only remain unchanged, but become closer by a candid and generous association. I am convinced, that this desire has been fully realized and is the prevailing sentiment between the two Grand Lodges, which we represent. We again unite our congratulations upon the beginning of the new century, wishing for all that is true, beautiful, and good, and upholding the lofty standard of a love purely fraternal.

"I trust, my dear Brother, that you may be blessed in the new year with good health and genuine contentment; and I beg that you will consider these wishes as expressing the sentiments of the brethren of the Grand Lodge Zur Eintracht,' and that you will transmit the same to the brethren of your Grand Body.

"With best regards,

We learn with deep regret that M... W.. BRO. BRAND'S health has been impaired, and that he was compelled to refrain for the time being from attending to his usual vocation. We trust, however, that he will be soon restored, and be able to resume his former activity for the benefit of the Craft whose destinies he has guided for so many years with rare skill and excellent results.

THE GRAND LODGE OF SAXONY, AT DRESDEN (Ostra Allee 15).

Grand Master: BRO. BERNH. ARTHUR ERDMANN, M.D., Royal Medical Councillor, Ammonstrasse 15, II.

Deputy Grand Master: BRO. THEOD. HULTZSCH, President of the Chamber of Commerce.

Grand Secretary (Recording): BRO. KNOLL.

Proxy: BRO. JOH. MEYER.

Grand Secretary (Corresponding) and Grand Archivist: BRO. HATTENIUS, Kurfürstenstrasse 26, III.

Proxy: BRO. F. H. FRITZSCHE.

Mutual Representatives: Near the Grand Lodge of New York, BRO. CARL MOEBIUS; near the Grand Lodge of Saxony, BRO. OTTO HARLAN.

The Grand Lodge was organized on September 11, 1811, and consists (at present) of 23 Lodges, with a membership of 4,256 brethren, who control 81 benevolent institutions.

We gratefully acknowledge the receipt of Protocol No. 189, containing the transactions of the Grand Lodge at a meeting held on January 18, 1900. We are specially pleased with it, as it is the first report, which has reached us since 1895. Regarding the work done during the past Masonic year, we are informed that the Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge took place on the 18th day of April, 1899, BRO. ERDMANN presiding. A special report was read at that time respecting the labors performed by the twenty-three Masonic Clubs in Saxony. These show a membership of about 500. The questions discussed by these associations and the charities practiced by the members give excellent proof of the