The Masonic Mirror.

the Craft , as fully to all intents and purposes as if such substitute , officers , or members were specified in every law or constitution in which any powers or authorities are given , or rules or regulations prescribed for the principals , unless special provision is made to the contrary . '"

Bro . Bobie called Bro . Binckes ' s attention to the fact , that the Grand Master had decided that they should not raise points of discussion on the Book of Constitutions , but go on with the report . ( Hear , hear . ) Bro . Binckes contended that the Brethren which declared the last Quarterly Communication adjourned till October meeting duly opened for the purposes of Masonry , were the Grand Master of Masons pro hac vice , and had every authority for what they did .

The Grand Master said , that was arguing against his decision , and once more he must say he would not allow it . Bro . Binckes : " This is not the way to promote the interests of Masonry : while there is this difference of opinion amongst us , the matter should be allowed to be argued . " ( Applause . ) The Grand Master : et Whatever your own opinions may be , I hope you will give me credit for acting to the best of my power in the manner in which I believe it to be my duty to act . I have expounded the law , and I will not allow that exposition to be controverted in this way . "

Bro . Binckes : " Will your lordship allow me to ask you a question ? ( Loud cries of Yes , yes ! ' and 'No , no . ' ) It would be disrespectful in me , after what your lordship has said , to press this matter any further . ( Applause . ) I shall now simply move this amendment : ' That this motion having been already discussed and decided upon by a legally constituted Grand Lodge , the Grand Lodge deems it inexpedient and unnecessary to reopen the question or further to consider thereon . '" ( Loud cheers . )

The Rev . Bro . Lyall seconded the motion . Bro . Havers suggested to his lordship that he could not put such a motion as that . The Grand Master : " I shall certainly refuse to put the amendment . " The Rev . Bro . Portal , whose rising was greeted with loud and hearty applause , spoke as follows : — It is with extreme pain and regret that I find myself compelled to move a separate amendment on the motion which has just been made by the W . Bro . Burlton , and in doing so T wish to pay the most implicit obedience to

the Grand Master sitting in his chair , though for the present he has refused to allow us to quote and consider our own laws ; I , therefore , shall not quote from them . His lordship lias refused to allow us to pass an opinion as to the extent of our own jurisdiction , and I shall , therefore , not enter into that subject . There is an old adage which informs us that * a child may lead a horse to water , but a hundred men cannot make him drink . ' ( Loud cheers , and laughter . ) I contend that if we are asked to stultify ourselves in this manner , that till we have considered this question , we ought to declare that we will not discuss any other . ( Loud cheers . ) Therefore , while I submit to the Grand Master in the chair , as a member of Grand Lodge , I feel bound to maintain its dignity ; and I therefore do move ' That this Grand Lodge declines to proceed to any other business till it has been allowed to decide on its inherent authority and prerogative . ' " ( Loud

applause . ) Bro . Hearn seconded the amendment . Bro . Roxburgh rose to move another amendment . Bro . Warren said an amendment could not be put upon an amendment , till the first amendment was disposed of . Bro . Roxburgh : " It has been stated by the Rev . Bro . Portal , that the Grand Master has refused to permit Grand Lodge to consider its own constitutions . {[ fear , hear . ) That I deny . ( Applause . ) Masonry is bound by its laws , and there in but one constitutional method of amending those law s ; and if the worthy Brother is desirous of amending them , he can do so in the proper way , vi ^ ., by giving a substantive notice of motion , which would then ho considered by the Grand Lodge . So long as the Worshipful Master occupies that chair , ho is bound to maintain those laws , and in the exposition of them lie has << iven his own notions