Freemasonry Over The Border.

assert that Scottish Freemasonry is perfect—very far from it . There are many faults , both of omission and commission , that I should like to see rectified , and many irregularities which must be corrected ; I look on the subject in a perfectly

impartial light , viewing it from different points , first as a member of the Grand Lodge of Scotland , and secondly as an adopted brother of England , to the best of my ability , striking the balance honourably and equitably .

There is one thing I must premise , that Masonry in Scotland , is not , as a general rule , brought into disrepute by Scotsmen but by Englishmen , -who come to Scotland to join our order , induced by the comparative cheapness of the fees , and by

the shortness of timo , necessarily elapsing , between each degree , —according to the Book of constitutions 14 days , but in cases of emergency reduced to nil , the candidate receiving the three degres on the same night .

This privilege , only instituted for the benefit of those leaving the country for foreign lands , has Ibeen , I am sorry to say , abused in Scotland , and I should be much pleased to see the same rule ¦ enforced , as in England , that an interval of one

calendar'month ( or at least 14 days ) must intervene between each degree . This rule , and a little extra care in the selection and supervision of the candidates , would at

once put a stop to much cavilling on the part of English brethren , and at the same time approach us a little nearer to that grand desideratum of all good Masons , and a uniform government and ritual for the three sister kingdoms .

With respect to the internal government of the lodge in Scotland it would be invidious to speak ; but I may hint that the practice of re-¦ electing a R . W . M . for the fifth time , does not conduce to good working in the lodge . My

Scottish brethren will readily understand me when I assert that this practice , by nipping in "the bud the ambition which should be felt by every brother to excel , and become skilled in our ancient charges , throws open the door to that laxity of working , which our English brethren so much reprobate and abhor .

Here again , the English rule of compelling a brother to serve the office of warden for one year , before he is eligible for the chair in the east , would work admirably in instructing that brother in the proper manner of ruling and governing his

lodge , Avhen the time should come for his elevation to the mastership . This rule is not in force under the Scottish Constitution , indeed , I have known one instance of a brother being elected R . W . M . within six months of his initiation .

There are m Scottish Lodges two office bearers , Avhich we have not in England , nor have Ave their equivalant . The Depute Master , and the Substitute Master . These officers are supposed to occupy the chair in the absence of the R . W . M .

This they can do in Scotland , as there is no degree of Past Master , at least , in the Blue Degrees . This degree being given as one of those antecedent to the Royal Arch . However , these officers are looked upon more as honorary than anything

else . « One thing , which most forcibly impresses itself on the mind of a visiting brother from England ,

on entering a Scottish lodge is the variation of colours used in trimming the aprons . Thus the Celtic Lodge ( 291 Edinburgh ) , use the Royal Stuart Tartan ; the Caledonian ( 392 Edinburgh ) the Hunting Stuart Tartan ; the St . Clair ( 349 ) a

bright crimson ; and so on , nearly all different . I do not think , this has nearly so pretty an effect as the universal lig ht Blue used in England , which at once conveys from its uniformity , the idea of equality , and that the distinction of lodges

is but nominal , as we all belong to one grand lodge . It also draws the line between the Craft degrees the Blue , and the Royal Arch the Red .

The jewel worn by the R . W . M . is different from that of the W . M . in England , and is most elaborate . It consists of a square and compasses with a segment of a circle underneath , and in the centre a blazing sun .

This jewel is frequently worn suspended from a silver chain . All office bearers in Craft Lodges wear sashes of the same colour as the trimmings of the apron , and collars to match . There is a slight difference in the Ritual , both

in opening and closing of which I cannnot say more than that it is of no vital importance . The old York working is generally adhered to in the ceremonies , but there are considerable variations to be found , especially in the provincial districts ,

where I blame the brethren for carelessness and laxity of working . The provincial Grand Lodges would do good service by periodical visitations ,