The Masonic Mirror.

General Purposes . ( Cheers ) . If my interpretation of the law is not the correct ono , I must give up all attempts to interpret the laws of the Craft ; but as I have already said , I feel more confident of the justice of this decision , than any other I have here laid down , and I still hold myself confidently to that decision . Bro . Binckes was proceeding to address Grand Lodgo , when—The JI . W . Grand JIaster interposed and said—I put ifc to Bro . Binckes , ivhether , after my decision has been impugned and I have explained itit is right for him

, to continue to discuss it . Bro . Binckes considered this a great constitutional question , involving the rights of the Craft , else he would not have ventured to take a part in the discussion of it . The Jlost Worshipful Grand JIaster had thought ifc right to quote ivords from the Book of Constitutions by wliidh be wished to be judged , but if he read the words that followed those which he had quoted , ancl considered them , he would , ho thoughtcome to a different opinion .

, Bro . Roxburgh rose to order . The M . AV " . Grand JIaster ruled that a certain interpretation of a certain law was the correct one , and had explained his reasons for doing so , and the brethren were therefore 'bound to yield obedience to that decision . If the law was so ambiguous as to admit of a second interpretation , their duty was to amend it , but no brother had a right to occupy the time of Grand

Lodge in canvassing the decision of the Grand JIaster . Bvo . Binckes regretted Bro . Roxburgh had not waited for a few minutes to hear his ( Bro . Binckes ' s ) observations . Bro . Roxburgh held that Grand Lodge could not discuss ihe propriety of the Grand Master ' s decision , and he hoped his lordship would , if it wore persevered in , exercise his authority and put it down at once . The M . AV . Grand JIaster—I may perhaps save tho time of Grand Lodge by anticipating BroBinckes aud reading the remainder of the clause to which he has

. referred . It is' as follows : — "The Grand Lodge has also the power of investigating , regulating , and deciding all matters relative to the Craft , or to particular Lodges , or to individual brethren ; which it may exercise either of itself or by such delegated authority as in its wisdom and discretion it may appoint . " _ S ow , there is nothing there about the building and furniture , and as ifc says nothing of taking away from the Board of General Purposes its poiver and functions , I look upon the objection to my ruling as utterly futile . I as Grand Jlasterlay down the law ,

, and if any brother objects to my ruling , lot him give notice of motion to alter tho law itself . ( Cheers ) . Bro . Binckes then stated that , iu deference to his JIasonie allegiance ho should forbear to further discuss the matter , but as a man and as a JIason ho protested against the decision o £ the M . AV . Grand Master . ( " Ob , " and laughter ) . The minutes were then confirmed , with only three or four dissentients .

ELECTION 01 ' GIUHD MASTER . Bro . Crombie then said—Brethren , I had the honour at the last meeting of Grand Lodge to nominate our JI . AA . Grand Jlaster for re-election , and I now rise to propose to you a resolution which will be carried unanimously , ivithout amendment . It would bo useless for me to dwell upon his lordship ' s merits and high qualifications for the officeas you are all aware of his business habitshis urbanityhis

, , , firmness , and above all his uniform good temper . I hope that we may long have the opportunity of re-electing him to that chair , where I hope he will ever enjoy that confidence of the brethren which will enable him to preside over the Craft with comfort and satisfaction to himself . I propose that the Right Hon . Thomas Dundas , Earl of Zetland , be our Grand JIaster for the ensuing twelve months . Bro . Bolm seconded the proposal of Bro . Crombie . Bro . Sir Lucius Curtisas Deputy Graud JIasterput the motionwhich was

, , , carried by an overwhelming majority ( amidst loud cheers ) , only eight hands being held up for the contrary . Bro . Jennings , Grand Director of Ceremonies , then proclaimed the Right Hon . Thomas Dundas , Earl of Zetland , Lord Dundas , a Baronet of England , Lord Lieutenant and Gustos Rotuloruin of the North Riding of Yorkshire , & c , & c , as M . AV