Royal Masonic Institution For Girls.

Brett , John Thomas , Alfred Layton . George Pymm , John Boyd , G . S . States , George Cox , J . T . Bowen , and E . H . Patten , Secretary . The minutes of former meetings having been read , Bro . Symonds , V . P ., brought forward his motion for the alteration of Law 51 of the Institution . The motion was duly carried , as

were also those of Bro . Raynham W . Stewart , with tbe exception of the motion for the increase of the clerk's salary , which was withdrawn . The election of eleven girls to the Institution , out of a list of twenty-one candidates , resulted as follows : — succESSi'trii . Votes .

Taylor , Alice M . , 154 S Jelly , Rosa 1023 Titus , Amelia C SS 7 Nelson , Lilian M 853 Holland , Caroline E 812 Eastham , Mary A 824 Bowditch , Rosalie 809 Belcher , Florence K 801 Seaton , Beatrice A 787 Morris , Blanche E 760 Lee , Octavia C 529

The votes of the following unsuccessful [ candidates will be carried forward to the election iu April next -. — Votes . Andrews , Celia J 459 Kelly , Ada K 383 Dawson , Ann S 263 Clapman , Ada G 222

Hollis , Emily 207 Coombs , Louisa R . .., , 165 Gill , Mary E . B ' 55 Green , Harriet M 26 Allard , Charlotte 26 Votes of thanks to the Scrutineers and Chairman , with the customary replies , closed the proceedings .

Laying Of The Foundation-Stone Of The New Edinburgh Infirmary By Bro. H.R.H. The Prince Of Wales.

LAYING OF THE FOUNDATION-STONE OF THE NEW EDINBURGH INFIRMARY BY BRO . H . R . H . THE PRINCE OF WALES .

The foundation-stone of a new Infirmary for Edinburgh and neighbourhood was laid on Thursday , the 13 th inst ., amid demonstrations of public interest worthy of so important an event . Dignified by the presence of royalty , the ceremony possessed all the additional eelat that could be derived from the co-operation of the great Masonic body ; while the general public turned out

in such numbers as left no doubt regarding their hearty participation in the sentiments suggested by the occasion . Only a few months have elapsed- since the rebuilding of the Infirmary in Watson ' s Hospital grounds was finally decided on . The p > lans have just received the architect ' s finishing touches , and tho erection of the intended buildings has yet to be

commenced . Under these circumstances , the laying of the foundation stone at the present time was determined by tho occurrence of an interesting event in connection with Scottish Freemasonry . Tho office of Patron of the Masonic Order having recently been accepted by the Prince of AVales , his Royal Highness signified the intention of visiting Edinburgh on his return from the

Highlands with the view of being installed into office . Such a visit was considered to afford an excellent opportunity for having the now Hospital founded under tho most desirable auspices . The Masonic body readily offered their co-operation , while the Prince intimated his willingness to render the Infirmary his first public services in his new official capacity . Having received this

gratifying assurance , the Infirmary managers lost no lime in makingarrangements for giving due effect to the ceremonial . The Freemasons , at the same time , bestirred themselves with characteristic heartiness . The local A oIunteer Corps were , as usual found ready to turn out , the general public , as represented by a number of leading citizens , lent their kindly countenance and

assistance . The result was witnessed yesterday in a pageant such as has not been witnessed in Edinburgh for many years past . The weather on die occasion was scarcely all that could have been desired , for the day was dull and coldish , and the clouds threatened rain from morning till night . Still it was as good as could be expected in the last month of autumn , and infinitely

better than the experience of the previous day and night had led people to expect . The magistrates having recommended a general holiday , only a very few shops wove opened in tho morning , and of these the greater number were closed before tho day was far advanced . The banks and public offices wen ; also shut , and the whole business of the city as far as possible

suspended . The event was likewise made the occasion of a holiday in Leith , Portobello , Musselburgh , and other towns i . i the neighbourhood . From an early hour the streets began to exhibit an

uuwontedly lively appearance . Most of the bouses along the intended route of procession were more or leso decorated , and not a few had their balconies handsomely fitted up for the accommodation of spectators . The decorations gave the city a thoroughly festive appearance . The line of procession was kept by tbe military and A ^

olunteers . George Street , from the Masonic Hall to St . Andrew Square , was entrusted to the 1 st Mid-Lothian Rifles . A battery of artillery from Leith Fort was stationed , with a number of field-pieces , round the north side of St . Andrew Square . The 13 th Hussars lined the street from the Douglas Hotel to the foofc of South St . Andrew Street , and the 90 th Regiment extended

from the foot of St . Andrew Street , along Princes' Street , to St . David Street . The Queen's Edinburgh Brigade continued the line from St . David Street , along Princes' Street , and up the Mound , to the Bank of Scotland . The 3 rd Edinburgh Miles stretched from this point to George IV . Bridge , and the City of Edinburgh Artillery aud Mid-Lothian Coast Artillery continued

tbe line to the entrance to the Hospital grounds . The military arrangements were carried out under tho direction of Sir John Douglas , Commander of tho Forces in North Britain , assisted by Lord Rosehill , Aide-de-Camp , and the Hon . F . Coibornc , Adjutant-General .

THE PEOCESSIOJf . While the whole of tbe streets through which the pageant was to pass had got lined with expectant crowds , there was towards noon a special concentration of spectators iu St . Andrew Square and George Street , where the first formal steps in the day ' s proceedings were to be taken . In front of the

Douglas Hotel a dense crowd patiently awaited the exit of royalty . From end to end of George Street a broad double fringe of people extended along both sides of the narrow passage reserved in tho centre of the spacious roadway . The foot-pavements , too , were thronged with persons who chose to exercise their limbs while waiting ; and every doorway , balcony , ' . ind

window bad its group of occupants . In front of the Masonic Hull the crowd was considerably denser , covering for some distance nearly the whole surface of the street . The Freemasons began to arrive in Charlotte Square about twelve o'clock , and during the next hour they flocked in singly , or in small groups , or entire deputations . As they arrived tho