The Grand Lodges Of Scotland And Quebec.

THE GRAND LODGES OF SCOTLAND AND QUEBEC .

WILLIAM J AMES HUGIIAK . Can nothing be done to bring about a fraternal settlement between the Grand Lodges of Scotland and Quebec ? All of us who have been trying , publicly and privately , have so far failed , but surely we are not to accept the

present " dead lock " as final . To begin at the beginning ! I have before me the circular of Nov . 20 th , 1869 , announcing the formation of the Grand Lodge of Quebec 20 th day of October , 1869 , just ten years ago . It bears , amongst others , the respected signature of the M . W . Bro . Dr . J . H . Graham , who has , happily , again consented to wield the gavel of the Grand

Master , notwithstanding his many years of service . The Grand Lodge sprung into existence through the operation of the " British North American Act " of July ist , 18 C 7 , which made the Province of Quebec as distinct from that of Ontario ( formerly united as the Province of Canada , legally and Masonically ) as New Brunswick from Nova Scotia . After much " heartburning " and

many difficulties—in which generally Quebec was heartily supported by the Grand Lodges of the United States and elsewhere—the " Grand Lodge of Quebec " has become fraternally recognised and accepted as another polished stone in the Grand Lodge arch of the world . In 1866 Nova Scotia , and in 186 7 New Brunswick , had also been formed , so there were abundant reasons for the action on

all sides , since which period all has gone pleasantly , locally , but not so , however , with the authorities representing the Grand Lodge of Scotland . These Grand Lodges are " flesh of our flesh , and bone of our bone , " and if by any means , consistent with honour , usage , and Masonic rights , the claims put forth by Quebec can be agreed to , " the sooner the better . "

Under its rule are sixty-four lodges , being thrice the number when first of all constituted , and all must agree that , as a Grand Lodge , Quebec has done its best to support its position with dignity and rectitude . The claim , however , made and enforced as it has been of late , for " exclusive and undivided Masonic sovereignty in the Province of Quebec , " cannot be recogn . sed by the

Grand Lodges of England , Ireland , and Scotland , because it would be unfair and injurious ior any loelges preferring to continue their allegiance to either or all of those Grand Lodges . Why should a majority of lodges—not necessarily composing a majority of the members—have the right to coerce the remainder , and make them either join in the formation of a Grand Loelge , independent of the

Grand Lodges to whom they owe their existence , or be characterised as irregular , and denied Masonic intercourse ? I freely grant that fhe lodges in Quebec who formed the Grand Lodge in 1869 , or who have joined since , had a perfect right so to do , according to Masonic custom or usage , but I deny that the new Grand Lodge so formed has any right to demand that all lodges ( objecting to such

a formation , and preferring to continue as heretofore ) surrender or return their olel warrants , and enter , whether they desire it or not , the new organisation . I claim for our lodges in Quebec the same freedom forthose who prefer the allegiance of the Grand Loelges here as for those who have chosen the allegiance of the Grand Lodge there . Some difficulties , of course , will arise through the lodges continuing

their independence of the new Grand Lodge , and doubtless in time , by proper management , the members will elect to join the Granel Lodge of Quebec , but until they voluntarily do so 1 submit they are as regular and as much entitled to the fraternal support and countenance of the Grand Lodge cf Quebec as the latter organisation deserves recognition by other Grand Loelges .

There is a regular Grand Lodge of Egypt , recognised by the Grand Lodges of England , Ireland , and Scotland , but the English lodges at Alexandria , Cairo , anil Ramleh are not objected to in any way by the Egyptian Grand Lodge , and so long as they prefer allegiance here , Egypt Masonically agrees thereto . In Nova Scotia wc have 398 , Halifax , hailing from

England , and yet why should we not be on the best of terms with that Grand Loelge ? For a similar reason we have certainly the right to claim fraternal consideration from Quebec on behalf of our English and Scottish lodges at Montreal anel St . John ' s , which were chartered belore the Grand Lodge of Quebec was constituted . I cannot , however , defend the action of the Grand Lodge

of Scotland in granting warrants for 622 and 625 , Montreal , after Quebec had regularly formed its own Grand Lodge , for it is this action which has so embittered the feeling between the two Grand Lodges . England anel Quebec Masonically are on a firm footing , and if only Quebec would be content to wait until our lodges desire to transfer their allegiance , or if they never do , be ready to

acknowledge them as regular Masons ( which they are ) , there need be no fear of any new warrants being granted in that province bv England . In fact , if our friends in Quebec will not hold out the hand of fellowship to the English lodges , working by right of their warrants dated long before the Quebec Grand Lodge came into being , they need not be under any apprehension of our invading

their territory , as they arc a regularly constituted Grand Lodge . The point between us being simply that they claim authority over our lodges in Montreal , eifec , which we object to , but else there is practically no difficulty whatever between us , and under the genial rule of Dr . Graham , English and Quebec Freemasons will realise their

brotherhood more and more as time rolls on . The Grand Lodge of Scotland , however , by warranting two new lodges in 187 S at Montreal , has treated Quebec as unoccupied territory , and has without eloubt done more to create an ill feeling between these two Granel Lodges than all the efforts of Freemasons have done gooel hailing

The Grand Lodges Of Scotland And Quebec.

from the former Grand Lodge , and now resident in Quebec . The excellent letter from Dr . Baynes , the District G . M . of Montreal , under the Scottish Freemasons , in the Freemason for November 15 th , disposes entirely of the objections raised to the conduct of the lodges under his rule , and proves that in many respects his lodges flourish better

in Quebec than on Scottish soil ; bat the real grievance is left untouched—the creation of the new lodges being a standing menace , to tHe Grand Lodge of Quebec . If the " injurer will not forget and forgive , let the injured do so , " for the sake of peace and harmony , and so long as no new warrants are granted let tbe "hatchet be buried , " and may peace and concord be found cementing us to our

provinces as Masons and brethren . In conclusion , permit me to fraternally advise the Grand Lodge of Quebec , asking and accepting recognition , so long as its rights are respected , they not being of a retrospective character—by all means obtain the support of the English and Scottish lodges if possible , but if not , rest content to accept them as visitors , hailing from the " mother country . "

The Bell Musical Society.

THE BELL MUSICAL SOCIETY .

The members of this Society , which is conducted on sound principles , gave the third entertainment of their second season on Tueselay last at the Masons' Hall Tavern , Basinghall-strcet . The entertainment was most successful , upwards of 100 gentlemen being present , the programme being noticeably free from the vulgarities of

so-called harmonic meetings . Visitors were admitted by ticket only , thus securing a most select and respectable assembly . The programme , which consisted of songs , duets , e & c , was excellently rendered , the gentlemen worthy of special mention being Messrs . H . W . Goddin , Percy B , Todd , W . H . Pridham , E . C . Goddin ( President of the Society ) , anel G . Slaney ( Hon . Secretary and Treasurer ) .

During the evening Bro . E . W . Wheeler ( 1541 ) , the Vice-President , announced that a special entertainment in connection with this Society would be given on Tuesday week , when it is intended that the first part of the programme shall be devoted to the members anel the second to the visitors . Application for tickets of admission may be made by letter to Mr . G . Slaney , addressed to Masons ' Hall .

Masonic Notes And Queries.

Masonic Notes and Queries .

MASONIC RESEARCH . Amidst so many discoveries of late , and suggestions , I cannot find that attention has been paid to the statement of Mr . HaAlivieU , F . R . S ., in the " Masonic Poem" uf tbe 141 I 1 century , to ithe effect that " . Mr . Black possesses a minute book of the Freemasons of Chester , eif the eighteenth

century , " Cannot Bro . A . F . A . Wooilford hunt up this reference and add another to the many obligations we are under to him for his " happy fiuels . " There was an old lodge meeting at Chester early last century ( 1724 ) anel it might refer to the records . Who was the Mr . Black referred to ? Now then , Bro . Woodford , at it again , and success to you on the pait of ANTIQUITY

THE NEW CONSTITUTIONS . I have carefully collated Inigo Jones ' s MS ., as I proposa to term it , with most of the others , and I find that it is a peculiarly inteiesting MS ., in that it differs from all known transcripts in many points anel agrees with no one copy extant . It is more like Grand Lodge MS . in its Invocation , it is like the Harleian 1942 , in some portions , and

the Wilson M . S . in others , but really is identical with none , as the following variations will show : It calls the " Land of Behest" the " Land of the Jcbusites ; " it terms Hermes "Trismagestrus ; " it icfers to a place called Bubastis , in Egypt , in which Onias built a Jewish temple in the reign of Ptolemy and Cleopatra . It sets out the letters of Solomon to Hiram and Hiram to Solomon ; it

omits all reference to Charles Martel , or Amphibalus , or Maymus Grcecus ; its charges vary considerably from any other , in that the " King " is not mentioncel—in the ten charges of Masters anil Fellows—but these words : " that yem be not disloyall nor confederates in treasonable plots . " In the eighteen charges to be observed by Masters and Fellows we finel some slight variations , but none of importance . At the enel Hallielom is

deliberately and carefully written Itallidom . I thought at first that it was a clerical error , ( and so it might be ) , but it is so plainly and beautifully written that the scribe cleary intended it—copying it , perhaps , from an older MS . " Ye " is written all through "yea , " and all the capitals are floriated . Altogether it is one of the most interesting MSS . I have yet seen , and as I remarked last week , opens the door to many coniderations and questions . Other points will no doubt " crop up " after closer collation .

Obituary.

Obituary .

R . W . BRO . SIR E . R . BOROUGH , BART . In Sir Edward Richard Borough , Bart ., Past Deputy Grand Master for Ireland , English as well as Irish M ^ onry has lost one of its most distinguished members . In the year 1820 , Sir Edward , then an undergraduate at Christ Church , was initiated in the Apollo Lodge at

Oxford . In the same year , the same lodge initiated amongst others Edward Coleridge , afterwards Lower Master at Eton , Richard Harington , afterwards Principal of Brascnose , and John Fawcett , the present Prov G . Master for Durham . For fifty-nine years after this did Sir Edward live a keen and zealous Mason . As Deputy Grand Master for Ireland he spared neither time

Obituary.

nor trouble in the service of the Craft . Irish Masons know how much his energy and exertions did towards obtaining for the Grand Lodge of Ireland her present high position amongst the Grand Lodges of the Universe . Nor did he forget his English brethren . Many English visitors to Irish lodges will remember the cordial welcome he gave them . He was himself a frequent guest at English lodges .

I hough his failing- eyesight made it a matter of great practical difficulty he was present at the installation of H . R . H . the Prince of Wales , as Grand Master of England . The Isaac Newton University Lodge at Cambridge honoured itself by electing him a honorary member , and one of his last Masonic duties was to attend a meeting of

the Studholme Chapter Rose Croix , and to accept the honorary membership of that body . Those whom he honoured with his private friendship will know that they have lost one whose kind and gentle heart made that friendship a pleasure which they will never cease to think of with affection .

Masonic And General Tidings.

Masonic and General Tidings .

The members of the Degree of Royal Ark Mariners will meet at the Surrey Masonic Hall , Camberwell New-road , at five o ' clock this day ( Saturday ) , when a number of Grand Mark Officers and other distinguished Masons will be elev ated . By desire the ceremony will be performed by Bro . T . Poore , P . G . I . G ., eSrc , with the permission of the W . C . N ., Bro . H . Lovegrove .

The recently formed Hull Literary Club , of which Mr . William Andrews , F . R . H . S ., a well-known local author , is Honorary Secretary , has resolved to form a library of works relating to the history of the East Riding of Yorkshire , and books written by natives of the district . The members propose to produce several local historical volumes .

Mr . Edward Bradbury will contribute to the January number of the " Magazine of Art" a paper entitled " Pictures in Trains , " and dealing with the romantic side of lailway realism . An annual will shortly be issued in Hull

under the title of the " Yule Log . " It will contain contributions by several well-known authors , amongst them may be named William Andrews , F . R . H . S ., author of "Historic Romance , " Edward Bradbury , W . H . Ilatton , J . Wilton Jones , Emra Holmes , J . W . Gould , Thomas B . Trowsdale , T . Tindall Wildiidgc , and other popular writeis .

1 he National Coffee Palace Company ( Limited ) have taken the Royal Exchange Vaults tor the purpose o £ carrying on a restaurant there . We are informed that Prince Leopold is about to be created a eluke , and that the county of Kent is to have the honour of claiming him as her own .

Bros . James and Thorne having gone to Nice , their places in the "Two Roses '' at the Belford benefit performance on Saturday ( this day ) will be taken ( the Echo says ) by Messrs . Bradbury and Garthorne . The Christmas double number of Brief will be ready on December 19 II 1 , anil will contain , in addition to the usu il epitome of the news and press opinions of the

week , a mass of highly interesting and reasonable reading for Christmastide . H . R . H . the Prince of Wales has sent a handsome present of game for the benefit of the patients of the Consumption Hospital , Brompton , and St . George ' s Hosp ' . tal , also thirty pheasants for the patients in the Charing ; Cross Hospital .

We regret to announce the death of Mr . John Menzies , the Scottish publisher , which occurrel suddenly in Edinburgh on Saturday last . Mr . Menzies was in his seventy-second year . We regret to record the death of Mr . W . C . Amos , of the firm of Messrs . Gilbert and Co ., of Old Couit House-street , who expired Neiv . 6 th , after a

veryshort illness , Feir many years Mr . Amos has been a zealous member of the Craft of Freemasonry , and has held various offices in connection with the fraternity . It was his expressed wish to be buried with full Masonic honours . —Indian Daily News . On January 1 st the Gas Light and Coke Company's price of gas will be reduced from 3 s . 6 d . to 3 s . 4 d . per icoo cubic feet .

At a special meeting of the Court of Common Council , held on Tuesday last , it was resolved to vote £ 105 to the Sir Rowland Hill Memorial Fund . During Bro . Toole ' s temporary absence from the stage Mr . II . J . Byron will appear in "Not Such a Fool as he Looks . " At this season of the year , when taste ,

ingenuity , and skill vie with each other in producing Christmas novelties , we hail with every feeling of pleasure any fresh feature which strikes out from tin : regular groove , and obtains a distinctive ; success . Among the many who have attempted , lew have gaineel so complete and pleasing a result as Mr . VV . Shury Marshall , the eminent photographer , of 34 , Parliament-street , S . W ., with his photo

Christmas cards , which are resplendent in design , artislic in colouring , and poetical in expression ; the Spc ' cialite consists in the photograph of the sender being inseited in the card , adding much to the value of these Christmas gifts . When informed of this novelty , we at once repaired to Mr . Marshall ' s stue . io , and in less than five minutes we

were the happy possessors of half-a-dozen Christmas cards , each one containing our portrait , which , owing to the rapidity of exposure , was a characteristic likeness . To those who delight in pleasing and gratifying their friends , go to 34 , Parliament-street , and avail yourselves of the opportunity .