Additional Grand Stewards.

ADDITIONAL GRAND STEWARDS .

LONDON , SATVBDAT , MAY 4 , 1801 .

The propriety of increasing the number of Grand Stewards has recently been discussed amongst some influential brethren , with the view of ascertaining tlie probable feelings of the Craft thereon , based upon the principle that no interference with the present Red Apron Lodges shall take place . A scheme for the selection of

the proposed additional Grand Stewards has been prepared , and with the view of eliciting the opinion of our readers , and of notifying to the brethren that the subject may probably be brought under discussion in Grand Loclge , we give a sketch of that scheme , which it is

proposed , shall be fully subject to correction and amendment . It will be seen that , in rotation , every lodge , subject to certain restrictions as to number of subscribing members and years of existence , is to have the privilege of nominating a Grand Steward , and that the brethren

so nominated are to have certain qualifications . The Avords in italics are to be subject to alteration , if the scheme , as a whole , is adopted as a basis . The proposition to have the several numbers of 7 , 9 , and 14 names returned in the 9 th paragraph is suggested from the impression that some of the lodges to be called on to

return names , and especially the colonial and distant provincial lodges , may omit to make returns , or be in a dormant state , or perhaps , in some cases , indifferent about the privilege . The other suggestions will probably be understood on a reference to the obligations and privileges of existing

Grand Stewards , such as the proposed subscription to the Masonic Charities ; and , if the discussion is temperately conducted , a satisfactory decision on this question , on which much has been said at times , may be speedily obtained . It is argued that the great increase of the

Craft , and the growing feeling that privileges should be extended as much as possible , render the increase of Grand Stewards both desirable and just ; and as it is liberally and judiciously suggested that no interference with the privileges of the present Grand Stewards ^ shall

take place , it is confidently expected that the members of Red Apron Lodges will support a scheme , Avhich , in fact , strengthens their position with a moderate distribution of those honours which many lodges Avill very highly value , whilst a larger number of Grand Stewards in the great Council of Masonry will have a useful influence and a graceful effect .

Suggestions for nominating twelve [ additional Grand Stewards , in event of its being decided to increase the number of Grand Stewards from eighteen to thirty . The privilege and appointing of the eighteen Grand Stewards to remain as heretofore . General Statement . 1 . That every lodge under the registry of the Grand Lodge of England , having the following cpialilications , shall be entitled in

turn to nominate a member of the lodge to be a Grand Steward , such Grand Steward to be qualified as hereinafter mentioned , anil subject to the approval of the M . AV . G . M . 2 . Lodges not now entitled to nominate a Grand Steward .

Additional Grand Stewards.

3 . Lodges having returned not less than twenty subscribing members to Grand Lodge in each of the previous three years , and paid all dues to the end of the preceding midsummer . 4 . Lodges having been constituted by warrant at least seven years . Qualification of the twelve additional Grand Stewards . 5 . To be a Master or Past Master .

6 . To have been three or more years a subscribing member to the lodge . 7 . To subscribe five guineas to one of the Masonic charities . S . To be a resident in England at his nomination , and during his year of office . How Lodges shall be selected . 9 . The Grand Secretary to call upon seven London lodgesnine

, Provincial lodges , and fourteen Colonial lodges every year , commencing by seniority , to deliver at his office , during the month of January , the name of one brother , qualified as aforesaid , from each such lodge , to serve the office of Grand Steward for the ensuing year . Selection from Felirrns .

10 . That , from the number so returned , six Grand Stewards shall be taken according to seniority from the London lodges . 11 . That in like manner six shall be taken from the Provincial and Colonial Lodges . 12 . That in event of more being nominated than the required number , the lodges nominating the excess shall be again entitled to nominate in the following year .

Nomination if Returns are not fully made . 13 . That in case of the lodges not nominating a sufficient number , the M . AV . G . M . shall , if he think proper , authorize the required number of Grand Stewards to be nominated by any lodge or lodges , only one being nominated by each lodge , and this authority to be irrespective of seniority , date of constitution , or number of members .

14 . That any lodge neglecting or omitting to make the nomination when called upon , shall not possess the privilege of nomination again till every other lodge , entitled as aforesaid , shall have been called upon to exercise the said privilege .

Memoirs Of The Freemasons Of Naples.

MEMOIRS OF THE FREEMASONS OF NAPLES .

( Continued from page 324 . ) A vast crowd assembled outside the prison walls to see the unhappy victims restored to liberty , Twentyeight persons , many of whom had been confined for several years , left their penal dungeons on the 27 th of November-1798 ; relatives could scarcelrecognise those

, y they held most dear , their looks were haggard , their limbs trembling , and there seemed a settled melancholy on their countenances ; the young appeared to have become old and wrinkled . A general outcry of symjjathy was raised , ancl a murmur of discontent ran through the whole assemblage . It was not onlsympathfor

y y the unjust imprisonment of those now releasee ! , but the feeling that so many unhappy beings had been unjustly executed , that now irritated the people ; and , notwithstanding their being surrounded by government spies there was a general cry for vengeance . Luigi de Medici ' was loudly called for , and he presented himself before

the assembled throng . "When solicited to speak he assured them that personally he had no desire for revenge , for the principle he had ever acted upon , was ahvays to " freely forgive others as he hoped to be forgiven ; " and he would put this charitable construction upon the matter , as far as he was concerned , that the

government had been mistaken and deceived . But he took this opportunity ( which was denied him at his trial ) of assuring the people of his love for his country and loyalty to his sovereign ; that he lad been , and was a Freemason , he was happy andproudto acknowledge , but that any party spirit could emanate from such a body he boldly denied . Every man who practised charity , virtue ,