ITALY. Freemasonry was first established in this country, at Flor ence, in 1733, by Lord Charles Sackville, but by what authority is at present unknown. At first the Fraternity was known under the name of the "Company of the Trowel," and, afterward, by the appellation of "Franchi Muratori." In 1735 the Grand Duke Francis was initiated. This circumstance gave a fresh and wholesome impetus to the Order; lodges were imme diately established in Milan, Verona, Padua, Vicenza, Venice, and Naples. The Fraternity was not long per mitted to enjoy entire freedom for the exercise of their privileges. In 1738 Pope Clement XII. issued his famous bull against the Fraternity, which, notwithstanding the in fluence and power of the Duke compelled the brethren, very gene. rally, to close their lodges. For many years only those members who had the courage availed themselves of their right to meet. and in the most secret manner. Persecutions of the most inhuman character were exercised against the members of the Order by the inquisition until 1770, when, through the influence of Queen Caroline, daughter of Francis I., the persecutions ceased, and all the prisoners in charge of the inquisition were released. In 1805 a Supreme Council of the Ancient and Accepted rite was established iu Milan by letters patent from Count de Grasse-Tilly Prince Eugene, viceroy of Italy accepted the office of Sovereign Grand Commander and Grand Mae.
ter of the Grand Orient of Italy. When Italy was under French rule, then did Masonry begin to rise and thrive. Murat, King of Naples, assisted in the establishment of a Grand Lodge, which was opened with marked splendor and ceremony June 24, 1809. With the fall of Napoleon the persecutions against the Fraternity were renewed, both by civil and ecclesiastical authori ties. At this period the secret society known as the CAutionkni (Colliers) arose. This was purely a political organization, which had for its purpose the consolidation of Italy under one scepter, and free it from foreign rule—in the language of the colliers themselves: " Clear the forest of wolves." From 1814 to 1860 Freemasonry was almost extinguished in Italy. The society of the Carbonari absorbed every thought and consideration in the hope that they might free the coun try from the despotic tyranny of the Bourbons. In 1861 Freemasonry began again to rekindle the fires upon her altars. In Palermo a Grand Orient was founded by Garibaldi, which adopted the Ancient and Accepted Scottish rite. A Supreme Council of the same rite has also been formed in Naples. Within a few years past Masonry in Italy has undergone so many changes that it seems impossible to keep pace with its vast and extensive improvements.