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Article FREEMASONRY IN SCOTLAND. ← Page 2 of 2 Article FREEMASONRY IN SCOTLAND. Page 2 of 2 Article FREEMASONRY IN SCOTLAND. Page 2 of 2 Article LETTERS FROM OUR IRREPRESSIBLE CORRESPONDENT. Page 1 of 1 Article LODGE OF BENEVOLENCE. Page 1 of 1
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Freemasonry In Scotland.
a long list of laws which had been recommended for alteration , and when they came up for the convenience of Grand Lodge they were put under certain sections . A large number of the alterations , he thought , were opposed to the rights and piivileges of daughter lodges holding of Grand Lodge , and in the interest of Freemasonry in Scotland they should have been fully discussed . There was a
proposal that the whole of one of the sections should be passed nem . con ., and by a large voting power that had apparently come into Grand Lodge , without knowing that they were about to do , certain members had succeeded in silencing the voices of those who wished to have a discussion of these most important subjects . That was sufficient to show that there ought to be some change in the constitution
and working of Grand Lodge , and he regretted that a large number had thought fit to leave the lodge at that time , because if they bad held together , though defeated at one time , victory would be sure to crown those who perserved in a good cause . The brethren who retired formed a committee , who had afterwards called that meeting . It had been alleged that this committee of thirty-two was
entirely composed of Glasgow brethren , but to show what this was not the case he had to state that there were thirtytwolodgesin theGlasgow province , each giving three representatives , but besides , there were fifty who were entitled to vote in right of their proxies . Out of the large number of 146 there were only ten on the committee , which was not an extravagant number . Hetrustedeverythingwouldbe
done in a constitutional manner , and that it would be shown they had no desire to raise any jealousy between east and west . Their desire was that such scenes as had occurred in Grand Lodge would not occur again , and that their business would be conducted , for the benefit of Freemasonry in Scotland , and for the benefit of the Craft they all loved so well . ( Applause . )
Captain Harriott moved the first resolution— "Thai this meeting has learned with regret the means that were taken in many instances to obtain votes at the last Quarterly Communication of Grand Lodge on 5 th August last , by thiid parties paying admission fees for members to attend and vote on the occasion ; that this is contrary to the spirit of Masonry , and the practice which has hitherto
been acted on in conducting the business of Grand Lodge . " He said they were not taking up this matter as a party movement , but for the sake of all the lodges throughout Scotland . They wished lodges to come forward , and not send incompetent brethren who would misrepresent them . It was mentioned that third parties were paying admissionfees for members to attend , and this was totally
unmasonic . Any one who became a Freemason must pay for himself , otherwise he was not a free agent to vote and think according to his own conscience . ( Applause . ) Bro . Robert Wylie , in seconding the motion , said that the fact of so many brethren being drawn together showed there was something rotten in the state of Grand Lodge .
The resolution was put to the meeting , and unanimously adopted . Bro . Bickerton moved— " That at said Quarterly Communication of Grand Lodge brethren voted whose names were not on the qualified voters' roll made up on first Monday of April last , and who were therefore not qualified to vote as provided for by chapter 17 , section 15 , of
Grand Lodge Laws ; anu this meeting therefore protests that the whole proceedings of Grand Lodge at said Quarterly Communication were null , and are not binding on the brethren . " The Grand Lodge Laws , he said , clearly showed that those on the roll at 1 st April were alone tntitled to vote , except to fill up vacancies as shown in cap 17 , sec . 15 , Grand Lodge Laws . When the vote
was taken on the 5 th of August there were those voting that were not on the roll , and on that account he retired , as the proceedings were being conducted in an unconstitutional manner . A few days afterwards he wrote to the Grand Secretary to furnish him with a roll up to date , and he found that since the 1 st April 191 names had been placed on the roll , and a large number had voted at that
meeting who were not entitled to vote . He , therefore , maintained that the whole business on this account was void . ( Applause . ) Bro . Agnew , R . W . M . ( No . 126 ) , Kilmarnock , seconded the motion , which was likewise adopted . Bro . Fisher , R . W . M . ( No . 129 ) , Paisley , said that the Grand Committee had ordered a return of the proxy
commissions issued since the 24 th June , and 120 names were entered on that return who were not entitled to vote . Bro . R . Nisbet , Prox . Master , ( No . 340 ) , moved— " That the present proxy system is unsatisfactory , inasmuch as it fails to secure a due representation of the opinion of lodges in the provinces ; and steps ought to be immediately taken by Grand Lodge for improving the same .
Bro . D . M . Neilson , I . P . M ., ( No . 3 J ) , seconded the motion , which was carried unanimously . Bro . Fisher proposed the next resolution— " That this meeting deprecates , in the strongest possible terms , the proceedings adopted for promoting the candidature of Mr . Henry lnglis as Grand Master , whereby members have been in many instances erroneously led to suppose that the
present Grand Ma = i " intended to retire from the office . " He said that an attemp . had been made to shuffle the present Grand Master out of ofiice by giving him a testimonial , and the names of persons were iltached to this proposal who knew nothing about it . Direct statements had been made by certain persons in their canvas's for Mr . lnglis that Sir Michael intended to retire , and m . ^ ny brethren by this means were induced to sign the requisition to the
present Deputy Giand Master , and allowed hirn to be put in nomination for an office that was not vacant . He thought it would only have been courteous in the first place to ask Sir Michael Shaw-Stewart whether he intcrfded to retire . ( Cheers . ) Bro . W . D . Chalmers , R . W . M . ; No . 204 , A-y > seconded the motion , which was put to theme ; ting , "and carried unanimously . '
Freemasonry In Scotland.
Bro . Barrow moved— " That having regard to the deplorable condition into which the financial affairs of Grand Lodge had fallen , and the energetic measures recently taken to place them in a satisfactory state under the guidance of the present M . W . Grand Master , Sir M . R . Shaw Stewart , Bart ., and the fact that for this purpose much still remains to be done , this meeting has learned
with satisfaction that he is willing to continue his valuable services for another term ; and beinj satisfied that his reelection to the throne would promote the best interest of Masonry in Scotland , this meeting pledges itself to use every exertion tosecure his appointment . " Thequestion for them to decide , he said , was whether they would support one who they knew had done right or one who they
knew had not acted right . He had been a member of Grand Lodge for four and twenty years , and from the first day he had become aware of the fact that it was a rotten in - stitution , and that it was based on rottenness in consequence of the way in which it was conducted by those in Edinburgh . Investigation after investigation was called for , but they never got any satisfaction . When the new
hall was built a great impetus was given to Masonry , and better accounts were afterwards got to account for the income of Grand Lodge , which showed that the Secretary and Treasurer were taking all the income for fees to themselves . When the Secretary died it was found that he was due Grand Lodge a large sum , but most of it went for law expenses . ( Laughter . ) Earl Dalhousie was afterwards
elected G » nd Master , but he refused to take office unless a committee was appointed to investigate into Grand Lodge business . That committee came back to Grand Lodge and reported that everything was found in ordereverything was complete and perfect . Under the next Grand Secretary , though the income showed a large amount , they were still getting deeper into debt , till Grand
Lodge became almost bankrupt . When Sir Michael Shaw-Stewart came to the throne , he was determined to have matters looked into , and took the bull by the horns . The result was that at the end of 1876 the Secretary was dismissed . A cashier and interim-secretary were appointed , and the Finance Committee took every means to carry out the views of the Grand Master . They found ,
by careful watching and the exertions of the present Grand Secretary , Bro . D . Murray Lyon , means to put the Grand Lodge in a more satisfactory condiiion . He felt sure that during the last twenty-five years the Grand Lodge must have lost from £ 50 , 000 to £ 70 , 000 . In February , 18 77 , they had only £ 20 , while they were hundreds in debt ; and in 1878 the funds accumulated to nearly £ 2000 ,
which was a pretty good indication of what proper management could effect . Singular to state , the very persons who were in office during this period of mismanagement some brethren now wished to promote . ( Applause . ) All they wanted was to get again into power . He did not know whether theyjwere responsible for the " plundering and blundering " in the past , but those who were in office
at the time this was going on , were not the people to trust with the management of Grand Lodge . ( Applause . ) The late Grand Secretary had a salary of £ 315 a-year , and had stated that he spent £ 313 out of that amount in carrying on the work , yet he could buy gold medals and silver plate to make presents out of £ 315 , and still manage to live at the rate of £ 1000 a year . Sir Michael
Shaw-Stewart had had great difficulties to contend with in the past , and they might be sure they would not be less in the future if they allowed those who had been in power to get back again . He hoped every brother would lend his aid in every form to return to the chair of Grand Lodge Sir Michael Shaw-Stewart , in order that he might complete those reforms which he had begun , and so leave
Grand Lodge in a state worthy of her position . ( Applause . ) Bro . John Baird , in seconding the resolution , said that he had heard it stated by the Grand Jeweller that there was a determination that no one outside of Edinburgh should be allowed to sit on the Grand Committee . ( " Shame . " )
Bro . A . M'Connochie stated that the Earl of Dalhousie left £ 150 , and he wished to know whether this money had ever been handed over to the Grand Lodge . It was meant to form the nucleus for decayed Masons' widows and children , but he had heard that it was handed over to the late Grand Secretary , and spent on a champagne supper . ( Laughter . ) He asked Bro . Barrow if this was
true . Bro . Barrow said this was not before the meeting , but if the question was put to him in Grand Lodge he would answer it . The motion was then put to the meeting , and enthusiastically adopted . Bro . Mackic , R . W . M . ( No . 7 ) , Hamilton , proposed the
next resolution— "That committees be appointed for Edinburgh , and also for each province , with power to add to their number , for the purpose of promoting the election of Sir . M . R . Shaw-Stewart , Bart ., and carrying out the foregoing resolutions ; and that it be remitted to the present Acting Committee to organise a committee in Edinburgh and in the provinces .
Bro . Moncrieff , Edinburgh , said that they were already taking steps to organise a committee in the city . Bro . J . A . Ferguson , Prox . S . W ., Mother Kilwinning , seconded the motion , which was adopted . Bro . Macfarlane , Dumbarton , said that capital was being made out of the assertion that this was purely a Glasgow affair , and he hoped that the Central Committee would take care that the committees were organised in such a way
as to silence this rumour . Bro . Barrow said that the object of the meeting was to get Masons from all parts of Scotland to see what was to be done , and where the Central Committee would be was a matter for future arrangement . Bro . Gillespie , R . W . M . ( No . 16 ) , Falkirk , seconded by Bro . W . F . Shaw , moved—" That said resolutions be printed , and copies sent to each R . W . M . and Wardens ,
Freemasonry In Scotland.
with a request that they be submitted for the early consideration of their lodges , and with a hope that they will see fit to give them their support at Grand Lodge meeting to be held on 4 th November next , or instruct their froxies to do so . " The resolutions were agreed to , and a vote of thinks having bten given to the chairman for presiding , the meeting separated .
Letters From Our Irrepressible Correspondent.
LETTERS FROM OUR IRREPRESSIBLE CORRESPONDENT .
No . V . —BANQUETS VERSUS CHARITY . To the Editor of the ' Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , — I am going to touch upon a very delicate subject to day , and to traverse very dingerous ground , I know , but
my hope is that as my intentions are good , my remarks will be received in lenient criticism , and with fraternal consideration I wish that I could think , that some of our lodges realized the great principle of our Order , Charity . Alas , is it not too patent that in some lodges Charity is a mere word , a profession , a familiar and customary utterance , but without meaning , consistency , or practical results ? Am
I stating an unpalatable fact , when I declare , that some of our lodges are spending far too much on banquet ; , and giving far too little to Cnarity ? Nay , shall I be censured by some , complained of by others , if I go further and add , that many lodges are in debt to their Treasurer , because their material expenditure exceeds their income ? Once more , shall I be condemned as presumptuous if I
further venture to remark that the amount of charity is as compared with all this " quantity of sack , " really representing the " unknown quantity ? " Let us look at the matter seriously . A large number of London lodges spend all their incomes on their " social agreeabilities , " so that they give , and can give nothing as a lodge , for Masonic charity , or
for the Charities of the Order . This is a fact , to my mind , always most humiliating , that seven-tenths of the lodges and chapters of our Order have , as yet , done nothing , ( as lodges and chapters ) , for the Charities of the Order , while the amount given in casual charity is ludicrously insignificant . And it is useless to say , as some do for reply , " Ohl but the brethren give individually . " Be it so ; but the
brethren are not the lodge , and I contend , for one , that until all our lodges and chapters support the Charities ostensibly and efficiently , they are not either recognizing their own mission , or realizing their proper responsibilities in this respect . Now , I am not going to attack our social system . I consider it in due prop rtion needful and advisable , and good for Masonry . But I , for one , do deprecate the fact sincerely ,
that the balance sheets of many lodges only prcclaim that all has been given up to material gratification , that nothing has been done for benevolence , and that banquets , not charity , are the characteristic " be all" of too many of our lodges and chapters . I trust that 1879 may see an improvement in this state of things . The claims of
Masonic charity , the needs of our great institutions , are many and pressing , and instead of spending all our lodge returns to please ourselves , let us seek to help a poor destitute brother , yes , if even we have to dispense with a banquet or two , in order to do honour to the always sacred cause of Charity . I am , yours fraternally , YOUR OWN IRREPRESSIBLE CORRESPONDENT .
Lodge Of Benevolence.
LODGE OF BENEVOLENCE .
The monthly meeting of the Lodge of Benevolence was held on Wednesday , 18 th inst ., at Freemasons' Hall . Bro . J . M . Clabon , P . G . D ., President of the Lodge , presided . Bro . Joshua Nunn , P . G . S . B ., Senior Vice President , and Bro . James Brett , P . G . P ., Junior Vice
President , were in their respective chairs . The other brethren present were John Hervey , G . S . ; A . A . Pendlebury , W . Dodd , Col . H . S . Somerville Burney , P . M . 6 99 ; Joseph Wright , P . G . P . ; H . Bartlett , W . Stephens , P . M . 1365 ; E . P . Albert , P . G . P . ; H . Garrod , J . M . Klenck , W . M . 1686 ; C . F . Hogard , S . Rawson , P . D . G . M .,
China ; W . Groome , W . Mann , P . M . 186 ; William Russell , P . M . 1464 ; Thomas Deane , W . M . 77 ; G . R . Shervill , W . M . 25 ; W . Stuart , P . M . 141 ; G . P . Britten , W . M . 183 ; W . H . Cohen , W . M . 1288 ; John White , W . M . 1076 ; J . Douglass Matthews , W . M . 6 s » ; and H . Massey , P . M ., 619 { Freemason ) .
Grants to the amount of £ 160 , made at last meeting of the lodge , were first confirmed . Of new cases there were on the list fourteen , the whole of which were relieved . The total sum granted was £ 390 , viz .: one £ 100 ( £ 100 ) , two £ 50 ( £ 100 ) , one j £ 3 o ( £ 30 ) , two £ 25 ( £ 50 ) , three . £ 20 ( £ 60 ) , one £ 15 ( £ 15 ) . three £ ' ° ( £ 30 ) , and one £ 5 ( £ 5 ) .
Bro . Henry Garrod , before the lodge was closed , drew the attention of the President , Vice-Presidents , and brethren , to the loss the lodge had sustained since it last met , by the lamentable death of Bro . C . P . Cobham , one of the elected members , who was drowned with his wife and child in the wreck of the Princess Alice .
We are asked to state that the Urban Lodge of Instruction meets every Wednesday evening at halfpast six o ' clock at Bro . T . G . Willett's , 23 , Gresham-st ., City . Bro . J . L . Mather , P . M ., is the Preceptor , Bro . J . B . D . Wall , Hon . Sec .
CONSECRATIONS . —The consecrations of the Clarendon Lodge and the St . Thomas's Chapter will take place respectively on Tuesday and Wednesday next . The ceremonies will be pet formed by Bros . Hervey , Buss , and other eminent brethren .
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Freemasonry In Scotland.
a long list of laws which had been recommended for alteration , and when they came up for the convenience of Grand Lodge they were put under certain sections . A large number of the alterations , he thought , were opposed to the rights and piivileges of daughter lodges holding of Grand Lodge , and in the interest of Freemasonry in Scotland they should have been fully discussed . There was a
proposal that the whole of one of the sections should be passed nem . con ., and by a large voting power that had apparently come into Grand Lodge , without knowing that they were about to do , certain members had succeeded in silencing the voices of those who wished to have a discussion of these most important subjects . That was sufficient to show that there ought to be some change in the constitution
and working of Grand Lodge , and he regretted that a large number had thought fit to leave the lodge at that time , because if they bad held together , though defeated at one time , victory would be sure to crown those who perserved in a good cause . The brethren who retired formed a committee , who had afterwards called that meeting . It had been alleged that this committee of thirty-two was
entirely composed of Glasgow brethren , but to show what this was not the case he had to state that there were thirtytwolodgesin theGlasgow province , each giving three representatives , but besides , there were fifty who were entitled to vote in right of their proxies . Out of the large number of 146 there were only ten on the committee , which was not an extravagant number . Hetrustedeverythingwouldbe
done in a constitutional manner , and that it would be shown they had no desire to raise any jealousy between east and west . Their desire was that such scenes as had occurred in Grand Lodge would not occur again , and that their business would be conducted , for the benefit of Freemasonry in Scotland , and for the benefit of the Craft they all loved so well . ( Applause . )
Captain Harriott moved the first resolution— "Thai this meeting has learned with regret the means that were taken in many instances to obtain votes at the last Quarterly Communication of Grand Lodge on 5 th August last , by thiid parties paying admission fees for members to attend and vote on the occasion ; that this is contrary to the spirit of Masonry , and the practice which has hitherto
been acted on in conducting the business of Grand Lodge . " He said they were not taking up this matter as a party movement , but for the sake of all the lodges throughout Scotland . They wished lodges to come forward , and not send incompetent brethren who would misrepresent them . It was mentioned that third parties were paying admissionfees for members to attend , and this was totally
unmasonic . Any one who became a Freemason must pay for himself , otherwise he was not a free agent to vote and think according to his own conscience . ( Applause . ) Bro . Robert Wylie , in seconding the motion , said that the fact of so many brethren being drawn together showed there was something rotten in the state of Grand Lodge .
The resolution was put to the meeting , and unanimously adopted . Bro . Bickerton moved— " That at said Quarterly Communication of Grand Lodge brethren voted whose names were not on the qualified voters' roll made up on first Monday of April last , and who were therefore not qualified to vote as provided for by chapter 17 , section 15 , of
Grand Lodge Laws ; anu this meeting therefore protests that the whole proceedings of Grand Lodge at said Quarterly Communication were null , and are not binding on the brethren . " The Grand Lodge Laws , he said , clearly showed that those on the roll at 1 st April were alone tntitled to vote , except to fill up vacancies as shown in cap 17 , sec . 15 , Grand Lodge Laws . When the vote
was taken on the 5 th of August there were those voting that were not on the roll , and on that account he retired , as the proceedings were being conducted in an unconstitutional manner . A few days afterwards he wrote to the Grand Secretary to furnish him with a roll up to date , and he found that since the 1 st April 191 names had been placed on the roll , and a large number had voted at that
meeting who were not entitled to vote . He , therefore , maintained that the whole business on this account was void . ( Applause . ) Bro . Agnew , R . W . M . ( No . 126 ) , Kilmarnock , seconded the motion , which was likewise adopted . Bro . Fisher , R . W . M . ( No . 129 ) , Paisley , said that the Grand Committee had ordered a return of the proxy
commissions issued since the 24 th June , and 120 names were entered on that return who were not entitled to vote . Bro . R . Nisbet , Prox . Master , ( No . 340 ) , moved— " That the present proxy system is unsatisfactory , inasmuch as it fails to secure a due representation of the opinion of lodges in the provinces ; and steps ought to be immediately taken by Grand Lodge for improving the same .
Bro . D . M . Neilson , I . P . M ., ( No . 3 J ) , seconded the motion , which was carried unanimously . Bro . Fisher proposed the next resolution— " That this meeting deprecates , in the strongest possible terms , the proceedings adopted for promoting the candidature of Mr . Henry lnglis as Grand Master , whereby members have been in many instances erroneously led to suppose that the
present Grand Ma = i " intended to retire from the office . " He said that an attemp . had been made to shuffle the present Grand Master out of ofiice by giving him a testimonial , and the names of persons were iltached to this proposal who knew nothing about it . Direct statements had been made by certain persons in their canvas's for Mr . lnglis that Sir Michael intended to retire , and m . ^ ny brethren by this means were induced to sign the requisition to the
present Deputy Giand Master , and allowed hirn to be put in nomination for an office that was not vacant . He thought it would only have been courteous in the first place to ask Sir Michael Shaw-Stewart whether he intcrfded to retire . ( Cheers . ) Bro . W . D . Chalmers , R . W . M . ; No . 204 , A-y > seconded the motion , which was put to theme ; ting , "and carried unanimously . '
Freemasonry In Scotland.
Bro . Barrow moved— " That having regard to the deplorable condition into which the financial affairs of Grand Lodge had fallen , and the energetic measures recently taken to place them in a satisfactory state under the guidance of the present M . W . Grand Master , Sir M . R . Shaw Stewart , Bart ., and the fact that for this purpose much still remains to be done , this meeting has learned
with satisfaction that he is willing to continue his valuable services for another term ; and beinj satisfied that his reelection to the throne would promote the best interest of Masonry in Scotland , this meeting pledges itself to use every exertion tosecure his appointment . " Thequestion for them to decide , he said , was whether they would support one who they knew had done right or one who they
knew had not acted right . He had been a member of Grand Lodge for four and twenty years , and from the first day he had become aware of the fact that it was a rotten in - stitution , and that it was based on rottenness in consequence of the way in which it was conducted by those in Edinburgh . Investigation after investigation was called for , but they never got any satisfaction . When the new
hall was built a great impetus was given to Masonry , and better accounts were afterwards got to account for the income of Grand Lodge , which showed that the Secretary and Treasurer were taking all the income for fees to themselves . When the Secretary died it was found that he was due Grand Lodge a large sum , but most of it went for law expenses . ( Laughter . ) Earl Dalhousie was afterwards
elected G » nd Master , but he refused to take office unless a committee was appointed to investigate into Grand Lodge business . That committee came back to Grand Lodge and reported that everything was found in ordereverything was complete and perfect . Under the next Grand Secretary , though the income showed a large amount , they were still getting deeper into debt , till Grand
Lodge became almost bankrupt . When Sir Michael Shaw-Stewart came to the throne , he was determined to have matters looked into , and took the bull by the horns . The result was that at the end of 1876 the Secretary was dismissed . A cashier and interim-secretary were appointed , and the Finance Committee took every means to carry out the views of the Grand Master . They found ,
by careful watching and the exertions of the present Grand Secretary , Bro . D . Murray Lyon , means to put the Grand Lodge in a more satisfactory condiiion . He felt sure that during the last twenty-five years the Grand Lodge must have lost from £ 50 , 000 to £ 70 , 000 . In February , 18 77 , they had only £ 20 , while they were hundreds in debt ; and in 1878 the funds accumulated to nearly £ 2000 ,
which was a pretty good indication of what proper management could effect . Singular to state , the very persons who were in office during this period of mismanagement some brethren now wished to promote . ( Applause . ) All they wanted was to get again into power . He did not know whether theyjwere responsible for the " plundering and blundering " in the past , but those who were in office
at the time this was going on , were not the people to trust with the management of Grand Lodge . ( Applause . ) The late Grand Secretary had a salary of £ 315 a-year , and had stated that he spent £ 313 out of that amount in carrying on the work , yet he could buy gold medals and silver plate to make presents out of £ 315 , and still manage to live at the rate of £ 1000 a year . Sir Michael
Shaw-Stewart had had great difficulties to contend with in the past , and they might be sure they would not be less in the future if they allowed those who had been in power to get back again . He hoped every brother would lend his aid in every form to return to the chair of Grand Lodge Sir Michael Shaw-Stewart , in order that he might complete those reforms which he had begun , and so leave
Grand Lodge in a state worthy of her position . ( Applause . ) Bro . John Baird , in seconding the resolution , said that he had heard it stated by the Grand Jeweller that there was a determination that no one outside of Edinburgh should be allowed to sit on the Grand Committee . ( " Shame . " )
Bro . A . M'Connochie stated that the Earl of Dalhousie left £ 150 , and he wished to know whether this money had ever been handed over to the Grand Lodge . It was meant to form the nucleus for decayed Masons' widows and children , but he had heard that it was handed over to the late Grand Secretary , and spent on a champagne supper . ( Laughter . ) He asked Bro . Barrow if this was
true . Bro . Barrow said this was not before the meeting , but if the question was put to him in Grand Lodge he would answer it . The motion was then put to the meeting , and enthusiastically adopted . Bro . Mackic , R . W . M . ( No . 7 ) , Hamilton , proposed the
next resolution— "That committees be appointed for Edinburgh , and also for each province , with power to add to their number , for the purpose of promoting the election of Sir . M . R . Shaw-Stewart , Bart ., and carrying out the foregoing resolutions ; and that it be remitted to the present Acting Committee to organise a committee in Edinburgh and in the provinces .
Bro . Moncrieff , Edinburgh , said that they were already taking steps to organise a committee in the city . Bro . J . A . Ferguson , Prox . S . W ., Mother Kilwinning , seconded the motion , which was adopted . Bro . Macfarlane , Dumbarton , said that capital was being made out of the assertion that this was purely a Glasgow affair , and he hoped that the Central Committee would take care that the committees were organised in such a way
as to silence this rumour . Bro . Barrow said that the object of the meeting was to get Masons from all parts of Scotland to see what was to be done , and where the Central Committee would be was a matter for future arrangement . Bro . Gillespie , R . W . M . ( No . 16 ) , Falkirk , seconded by Bro . W . F . Shaw , moved—" That said resolutions be printed , and copies sent to each R . W . M . and Wardens ,
Freemasonry In Scotland.
with a request that they be submitted for the early consideration of their lodges , and with a hope that they will see fit to give them their support at Grand Lodge meeting to be held on 4 th November next , or instruct their froxies to do so . " The resolutions were agreed to , and a vote of thinks having bten given to the chairman for presiding , the meeting separated .
Letters From Our Irrepressible Correspondent.
LETTERS FROM OUR IRREPRESSIBLE CORRESPONDENT .
No . V . —BANQUETS VERSUS CHARITY . To the Editor of the ' Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , — I am going to touch upon a very delicate subject to day , and to traverse very dingerous ground , I know , but
my hope is that as my intentions are good , my remarks will be received in lenient criticism , and with fraternal consideration I wish that I could think , that some of our lodges realized the great principle of our Order , Charity . Alas , is it not too patent that in some lodges Charity is a mere word , a profession , a familiar and customary utterance , but without meaning , consistency , or practical results ? Am
I stating an unpalatable fact , when I declare , that some of our lodges are spending far too much on banquet ; , and giving far too little to Cnarity ? Nay , shall I be censured by some , complained of by others , if I go further and add , that many lodges are in debt to their Treasurer , because their material expenditure exceeds their income ? Once more , shall I be condemned as presumptuous if I
further venture to remark that the amount of charity is as compared with all this " quantity of sack , " really representing the " unknown quantity ? " Let us look at the matter seriously . A large number of London lodges spend all their incomes on their " social agreeabilities , " so that they give , and can give nothing as a lodge , for Masonic charity , or
for the Charities of the Order . This is a fact , to my mind , always most humiliating , that seven-tenths of the lodges and chapters of our Order have , as yet , done nothing , ( as lodges and chapters ) , for the Charities of the Order , while the amount given in casual charity is ludicrously insignificant . And it is useless to say , as some do for reply , " Ohl but the brethren give individually . " Be it so ; but the
brethren are not the lodge , and I contend , for one , that until all our lodges and chapters support the Charities ostensibly and efficiently , they are not either recognizing their own mission , or realizing their proper responsibilities in this respect . Now , I am not going to attack our social system . I consider it in due prop rtion needful and advisable , and good for Masonry . But I , for one , do deprecate the fact sincerely ,
that the balance sheets of many lodges only prcclaim that all has been given up to material gratification , that nothing has been done for benevolence , and that banquets , not charity , are the characteristic " be all" of too many of our lodges and chapters . I trust that 1879 may see an improvement in this state of things . The claims of
Masonic charity , the needs of our great institutions , are many and pressing , and instead of spending all our lodge returns to please ourselves , let us seek to help a poor destitute brother , yes , if even we have to dispense with a banquet or two , in order to do honour to the always sacred cause of Charity . I am , yours fraternally , YOUR OWN IRREPRESSIBLE CORRESPONDENT .
Lodge Of Benevolence.
LODGE OF BENEVOLENCE .
The monthly meeting of the Lodge of Benevolence was held on Wednesday , 18 th inst ., at Freemasons' Hall . Bro . J . M . Clabon , P . G . D ., President of the Lodge , presided . Bro . Joshua Nunn , P . G . S . B ., Senior Vice President , and Bro . James Brett , P . G . P ., Junior Vice
President , were in their respective chairs . The other brethren present were John Hervey , G . S . ; A . A . Pendlebury , W . Dodd , Col . H . S . Somerville Burney , P . M . 6 99 ; Joseph Wright , P . G . P . ; H . Bartlett , W . Stephens , P . M . 1365 ; E . P . Albert , P . G . P . ; H . Garrod , J . M . Klenck , W . M . 1686 ; C . F . Hogard , S . Rawson , P . D . G . M .,
China ; W . Groome , W . Mann , P . M . 186 ; William Russell , P . M . 1464 ; Thomas Deane , W . M . 77 ; G . R . Shervill , W . M . 25 ; W . Stuart , P . M . 141 ; G . P . Britten , W . M . 183 ; W . H . Cohen , W . M . 1288 ; John White , W . M . 1076 ; J . Douglass Matthews , W . M . 6 s » ; and H . Massey , P . M ., 619 { Freemason ) .
Grants to the amount of £ 160 , made at last meeting of the lodge , were first confirmed . Of new cases there were on the list fourteen , the whole of which were relieved . The total sum granted was £ 390 , viz .: one £ 100 ( £ 100 ) , two £ 50 ( £ 100 ) , one j £ 3 o ( £ 30 ) , two £ 25 ( £ 50 ) , three . £ 20 ( £ 60 ) , one £ 15 ( £ 15 ) . three £ ' ° ( £ 30 ) , and one £ 5 ( £ 5 ) .
Bro . Henry Garrod , before the lodge was closed , drew the attention of the President , Vice-Presidents , and brethren , to the loss the lodge had sustained since it last met , by the lamentable death of Bro . C . P . Cobham , one of the elected members , who was drowned with his wife and child in the wreck of the Princess Alice .
We are asked to state that the Urban Lodge of Instruction meets every Wednesday evening at halfpast six o ' clock at Bro . T . G . Willett's , 23 , Gresham-st ., City . Bro . J . L . Mather , P . M ., is the Preceptor , Bro . J . B . D . Wall , Hon . Sec .
CONSECRATIONS . —The consecrations of the Clarendon Lodge and the St . Thomas's Chapter will take place respectively on Tuesday and Wednesday next . The ceremonies will be pet formed by Bros . Hervey , Buss , and other eminent brethren .