The Quarterly Communication Of Grand Lodge.

THE QUARTERLY COMMUNICATION OF GRAND LODGE .

IT is fortunate that Grand Lodge meetings are rarely so well attended as was tho one held on Wednesdaynight , at Freemasons' Hall , or a grave scandal would arise . To cram 1200 brethren into a space calculated to hold about half the number , was beyond the skill of the

executive , the result being a crowded room , discomfort , and a somewhat maimed ceremonial . Not only was the great banquetting hall crammed , but the gallery over the entrance was filled , as well as rooms adjoining the improvised Temple . This large room really belongs to the hotel ,

and there were many signs that it either had been , or was about to be , used for a Scottish gathering . Over the main entrance door was a banner , on which was inscribed , " Welcome to the Marquis of Lome , " and on the walls were bannerets , containing shields , bearing the devices of

Scottish noblemen . There was little to suggest the purpose to which the hall was to be devoted on . Wednesday night until the brethren began to assemble , which they did very early , and then the character of the meeting was put beyond doubt , and the scene soon became animated and

interesting . The doors of Grand Lodge were closed long before the time appointed for the commencement of business , and those who had no special right to admission had to be content with a seat up aloft or in an adjoining room . It was with difficulty that a passage was made for

the procession of Grand Officers to the platform . On the appearance of the Pro Grand Master Bro . the Earl of Carnarvon , a cheer went up , which was renewed when he took the Grand Master ' s chair . He was supported by Bro . the Earl of Limerick as Deputy Grand Master , by Bro . W .

W . B . Beach , Prov . G . M . Hants ., Bro . General J . S . Brownrigg , C . B ., Prov . G . M . Surrey , and a host of eminent brethren , who filled the dais . Bro . the Earl of Milltown , Senior Grand Warden , occupied his appointed chair , and Bro . the Bight Hon . Col . Stanley , Grand Junior Warden ,

presided in the south . The Pro Grand Master took in the situation at a glance , and his experience and thoughtfulness enabled him to meet the difficulty that presented itself at the outset . Order followed the sound of tbe gavel , and the Pro Grand Master , in a clear voice , welcomed the

brethren , especially those who had come from a distance to take part in the proceedings . This reference to the country brethren had an excellent effect upon them , and his after remarks put the whole assembly in good humour , and

satisfied their sense of justice . He reminded them that it was impossible to accommodate all who had assembled on that occasion within the four walls of the Temple , and that exceptional circumstances needed exceptional treatment . The brethren who had come to record their votes were not

to be deprived of their privileges nor denied the opportunity of satisfying their consciences ; he had , therefore , arranged that overflow gatherings should be held in other rooms , to whom would be submitted the resolutions discussed and agreed upon in Grand Lodge , and the collective vote would determine what resolutions shonld be carried . There would be no discussion allowed out of Grand Lodge , but effect would be given to all motions as if the brethren had met

in one room . That was the best arrangement that could be made on the spur of the moment for a difficulty for which he was in no way responsible . The remarks of the Pro Grand Master were received with great satisfaction , and business proceeded with less friction than might fairly have been anticipated .

The minutes of the Quarterly Communication , held on the 5 th September , having been read and confirmed , the first conflict of the evening began in real earnest . On the motion of Bro . the Earl of Limerick , the minutes of the two Special Grand Lodges held on the 29 th June and 8 th

August respectively , were taken as read . The motion for the confirmation of the minutes in their entirety was rejected by an overwhelming majority , and the points of objection were taken in detail . We do not intend to go fully into all the matters discussed ; it is not necessary if

our readers will refer to the agenda paper that appeared m last week ' s issue , and follow the results as now recorded . Bro . Bndden succeeded in getting Article 80 of the Revised Rules nonconfirmed , and in carrying the one he had substituted . Bros . Le Feuvre and Tombs were equally successful with their motions . The same was the case with

the resolutions that stood in the names of Bros , the Hon . Mr . Justice Prinseps , Sir John B . Monckton ( No . 11 ) , and Rev . Herbert G . Morse . Bro . Prinseps had no difficulty in convincing Grand Lodge that if English Freemasonry is to hold its own in India , the fees must not be in excess of

those charged under other jurisdictions . Bro , Sudden ' s resolution ( No . 12 ) was lost , as was also Bro . Tew ' s ( No . 13 . ) The tug of war came after Article 18 of the Revised Rules , referring to the status of Past Masters , had been nonconfirmed . Bro . the Rev . C . W . Arnold moved

the resolution standing in his name , to tho effect that a joining Past Master may , by a vote of tho Lodge , have a position assigned to him among the Past Masters of the Lodge , provided he has complied with the usual conditions as to subscriptions . He set forth the arguments with which

the brethren are now familiar in a clear , forcible , and very temperate speech . The motion was vigorously assailed by Bro . Sir John B . Monckton , and , after a sharp but short debate , it was put and lost by a very large majority , whereat there was a great shout . The Pro Grand Master stated

that in consequence of the vote just taken , the resolution , notice of which had boon given by Bro . Rev . J . S . Brownrigg , could not be put . Thus ended , the long fight over the question of the status of Past Masters , which at one time threatened to become a serious cause of disturbance .

We are not sure now that mischief will not arise out of the course that has been adopted . We presume the question stands just where it did in the old Book of Constitutions , and that some Lodges will continue the doubtful practice of giving honour to joining Past Masters , taking it for

granted that what is not expressly forbidden is tacitly permitted . It seems almost impossible that those provincial brethren , who fought so ardently , and at one time so successfully , for their view of the question , will be content

with the present aspect of matters , but we trust that , as loyal Masons , they will accept the decision that has been arrived at , and bide their time when a more favourable opportunity may arise for them . Although defeated on this question , they had their success later on . Bro . Penn

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J & ijL X ^ ta ( COMTORWNG ) COOO . A-