E. H. ADDINGTON

30 OUTLINE OF THE RISE AND PROGRESS
• which the Grand Officers and life members had received, whereas in the
Tableaux of the city lodges, of which they were members, their rank in
the French and Scotch Rite also appears.
On the 7th of November, 1824, the Grand Lodge granted a charter for a
new lodge in New Orleans under the name of Lafayette No. 25. The
charter was issued on the 24th of the same month; the first officers
were Auguste Douce, W. M.; Vincent Ramos, S. W., and Jean Colson,
J. W.
Some dissatisfaction had arisen on account of the influence exercised
by the life members in the Grand Lodge, and it is probable that this new
lodge was created for the purpose of strengthening either tne life members
or tbose who desired to share their privileges. Although jealous of the
power they had obtained, the life members were too politic to provoke
discussion. Accordingly, on the 19th of February, 1825, resolutions were
adopted by which all brethren who had served as Wardens for one year
in any of the constituent lodges, prior to the annual election of 1823,
became life members of the Grand Lodge on making their intention known
and having their names recorded in the register; and the representativs or
delegates of all the lodges were permitted, in case of their inability to be
present at the sessions of the Grand Lodge, to appoint a proxy; provided
the proxy was a member of the same lodge, and equal in rank to the brother
appointing him.
An interesting episode now took place, which afterward resulted in a
treaty of alliance and mutual representation with the Grand Orient of
France. Gilbert Motier, Marquis de Lafayette, had accepted the invitation
of the Government to visit the United Stales, and, declining a passage on
a national vessel, landed at New York, August 14, 1824. As the nation's
guest he was received with the utmost demonstrations of popular favor,
and his progress through the United States was one continuous triumphal
procession. When it was known that he was to visit New Orleans, the
enthusiasm of the citizens, who were chiefly of French descent, knew
no bounds, and preparations were made on the most extensive scale for
his recep'tion. The Grand Lodge appointed a committee of arrangements,
i who secured the largest hall in the city, and fitted it up in a magnificentstyle
for the occasion.
On the arrival of General Lafayette in New Orleans, in accordance with
previous arrangements, the Grand Lodge held a special communication on
the 14th of April, 1825. After the transaction of some preliminary business,
the Grand Lodge was declared open on the degree of Entered Apprentice,
and the brethren of the jurisdiction and adjacent States admitted, who
filled the hall to its utmost capacity. The deputation appointed to escort
General Lafayette from the City Hall, announced the distinguished Brother
in waiting, when he was admitted with much ceremony, and welcomed
by the Grand Master, John H. Holland, in an appropriate address to
which he responded in a feeling manner. A procession was then formed,
and the Grand Lodge, accompanied by General Lafayette and a large
number of invited guests, proceeded to the banquet ,hall, where a
sumptuous repast had been provided, which was duly enjoyed after the
manner of Masons.*
*A full report of this reception of the Marquis de Lafayette is given in the records
of the Grand Lodge, including the decorations of the hall, the ceremonial used, the
address of the Grand Master, the response of General Lafayette, and the toasts at the
banquet. The executive, legislative and judicial departments of the State government
were fully represented; and for the first time since its organization memhers of Harmony
Lodge No. 122 were present in the Grand Lodge.
On this occasion the Grand Lodge met in what was afterward known as the Orleans
Bail-Room, adjoining the oi