Supreme Grand Chapter.

SUPREME GRAND CHAPTER .

Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Freemasons was held on Wednesday , when the following Grand Officers were present : Comps . Saml . Lawson , Z . ; Capt . Platte , H . ; Capt . Phillips , J . ; Col . Clerke , P . S . ; Rev C . W . Arnold , Asst . S . E . ; S . C . Snell , Asst . S . E . ; Erasmus Wilson , N . ; H . G . Buss , as E . ; James Lewis Thomas , S . B . ; and

Robertson , D . C . Among the other companions present we noticed Comps . Colonel Creaton , Long , Glaisher , Pullen , Grey , Filer , Rucker , Nunn , and Holman . The business on the paper included the report of the Committee of General Purposes , which was adopted , and petitions for six new chapters , five of which were granted ,

to be attached to the following lodges : Star of Gwalia Chapter—Lodge 1066 , Bengal . Marlborough Chapter—Lodge 1399 , Woodstock . Mid-Surrey Chapter—Lodge 1044 , Camberwell . St . Peter , Westminster , Chapter—Lodge 1533 , London . St . Thomas Chapter—Lodge 142 , London .

Grand Lodge Of Scotland.

GRAND LODGE OF SCOTLAND .

The Quarterly Communication of the Grand Lodge of Scotland was held on the 5 th inst . in the Freemasons'Hall , George-street , Edinburgh . There was an unusually large attendance , the hall being crowded in every part . The Throne was occupied by Sir Michael Shaw-Stewart , Bart ., Grand Master Mason of Scotland ; the Senior

Warden ' s chair was Ifilled ( by Bro . F . A . Barrow , S . G . W ., and Bro . Shaw-Stewart , Senior Grand Deacon , discharged the duties of Junior Warden . Among those on the dais were Bros , the Rev . Thompson Grant , H . Inglis of Torsonce , D . G . M . ; Colonel Campbell of Blythswood , S . G . M . ; Col . W . M . Neilson , Prov . Grand Master , Glasgow ; T . Halket , Grand Bible Bearer ; Alex . Hay , G . J . ; Captain Hills ,

G . M . ; D . Murray Lyon , Grand Sec . ; D . Kinncar , Grand Cashier , and others . There was a large number of representatives present from the Western Provinces , and among others in the body of the hall were Bros . Maclean , Sec . Prince ' s Lodge ; J . Munro , P . M . 3 60 ; J . Smellie , Pr , S . W . 4 S 9 ; Thos . Stobo , R . W . M . ; D . G . Stobc , J . W . 5 81 ; W . H . Bickerton , Prov . Grand Sec . Glasgow ; Wm .

Bell , Pr . M . 434 ; I- Steven , S . W . 116 ; J . A . Ferguson , Pr . S . W . o ; W . L . Shaw , Pr . J . W . 591 ; W . F . Shaw . Pr . J . W . 230 ; J . M . Watters , J . W . 17 ; J . Baird , J . W , 597 ! J- Morgan , R . W . M . 219 ; J . Nisbet , Pr . SI . 453 ; Wm . Officer , Pr . M . Egypt and Penn . ; Wm . Edwards , R . W . M . 3 6 ; W . L . Mair , and J . Rhind , Dr . J . Loth , Pr . S . W . 479 , and others .

Thc Grand Master having opened the lodge in the E . A . Degree and raised it to the Sublime Stage , Bro . Nisbet , Glasgow , before entering on the business , complained about a handbill which had been distributed at the door of the hall , requesting brethren to vote against his motions which were to come up , on the ground that they were merely proposed for the purpose of turning certain

gentlemen out of office . Bro . D . Robertson rose to speak to a point of order , when great uproar ensued , and some time elapsed before quietness was restored . Bro . Robertson went on to say that they had nothing to do with bills distributed outside , and the business should be proceeded with . ( A Voice : " It was inside the Grand

Lodge" ) The Grand Master then said : An irregularity has been committed , but it is outside , and the Grand Lodge has nothing to do with it . There is a lot of business before us , and my wish and duty is to act fairly and impartially . ( Hear , hear . ) It may be very improper , but it is not before the Grand Lodge , and we had better go on with the

business . ( Cheers . ) A number of proxy commissions having been sustained , the Grand Master proposed that their Royal Highnesses Prince Arthur , Duke of Connaught , and Prince Leopold be elected honorary members of the Grand Lodge of Scotland . The motion was enthusiastically adopted , amid loud

cheers , and thc Grand Secretary was instructed to communicate the decision of the Granel Lodge . The minutes of thc Grand Committee stated that the Finance Committee reported " that at a meeting held on the Oth of May they had resolved to recommend to Grand Committee that the amount of arrears found due by the Auditors be ranked for on the sequestrated estate of the late

Grand Secretary . Further , that having met on the 9 th of May , for the purpose of giving definite instructions regarding the investment of , £ 1500 of Grand Lodge funds , as recommended by Grand Committee and confirmed by the Grand Lodge , they had instructed that the money be invested on deposit receipt with the Standard Property Investment Company ( Limited ") , at four and one-half per

cent , per annum , for three years—the money to be lodged in the name of the Grand Lodge of Scotland , and payable to the order of the Grand Cashier or the Grand Secretary , and any two members of the Finance Committee for the time being—the Cashier to hand over the deposit-receipt to the Gtand Secretary for preservation . The Grand Secretary exhibited the deposit-receipt for

£ 1500 . The report was approved of . Bro . Thomson , Galashiels , moved that this portion of the minutes be not approved , and called in question the stability of the company . An acrimonious discussion followed , in the course of which Bro . Robertson maintained that the security was undoubted , while a number of others were of opinion that

the debts of the Grand Lodge should all be paid before any money was invested . There were loud cries of " Vote , vote , " when Bro . Mair , as counsel for Grand Lodge , statetl that the committee had executive powers conferred upon them , and in pursuance of these powers had entered into this contract . The money had been invested , and could not be touched

Grand Lodge Of Scotland.

for three years , and the Grand Lodge had no power to break the contract . The motion was then withdrawn . Bro . Nisbet moved that the minutes , so far as they referred to the reappointment of the Finance Committee , as recommended by Grand Lodge , be net approved . He proceeded to speak at length in support of his proposal , but was frequently interrupted .

Colonel W . M . Neilson expressed the hope that brethren would not behave in such an unruly fashion . In Glasgow they were accused of conducting business in a somewhat noisy manner , but he never saw anything there as bad as what he . had witnessed in Grand Lodge . Bro . Bickerton seconded the motion for the disapproval of the minutes , and a vote was afterwards taken , when

the minutes were adopted by 272 to 108 . Bro . William Mann called attention to an entry in the minutes to the effect that— " It was also , on the motion of Bro . Bickerton , seconded by Bro . William Barry , R . W . M . No . 223 , unanimously resolved— ' That Bro . Capt . Henry Moreland be asked to apologise for the insulting , unbecoming , and unmasonic language he had in open lodge

used towards the Right Worshipful the Grand Secretary , and to withdraw the words , which were very much out of place , and totally inapplicable to Bro . Murray Lyon , either in his official or his personal character . ' " Bro . Mann said he had received a telegram from Capt . Moreland , who was unwell , asking that this matter should not be disposed of until he was ' able to attend . If Capt . Moreland had used

the language indicated in the minutes , it should have been taken notice of in Grand Lodge and checked at the time . Bro . Bickerton said that the language referred to had been used in the Grand Lodge of India . On the motion of Bro . Officer this portion of the minutes was remitted back to Grand Committee . Bro . R . Brycc called attention to an application by the

Lodge Caledonian , Edinburgh , No . 392 , for an amended diploma in favour of a brother who had been initiated under his " professional" name , when the Grand Secretary was instructed to alter the register and issue a new diploma on payment of the full fee of ten shillings and sixpence . The Committee also directed thc Secretary to minute their disapproval of candidates being received under assumed names .

Bro . Bryce stated that the mistake had been inadvertently committed , and moved that the penalty should be modified . After some discussion the decision was confirmed . The Grand Lodge then took into consideration the proposed alterations on Grand Lodge laws . Those under

Section A , which contained 3 6 clauses , with one slight exception , had met with the approval of the Grand Committee , and after a considerable amount of discussion as to how they were to be disposed of , a- vote was taken , which tlecided by a large majority that they were to be considered in cumulo .

Before proceeding to the vote , Colonel W . M . Neilson indicated that he was opposed to one clause having reference to bye-laws of lodges to be submitted to Grand Lodge or Grand Committee , and not to Provincial Grand Lodges . A large number of the Glasgow representatives con . sidered that the vote had settled the whole of the alterations ,

and as Colonel Neilson was not likely to be heard , they left the hall in a body . Col . Campbell afterwards tabled a motion to the effect that the whole of the alterations under Section A should be reconsidered at next quarterly communication . On the motion of Col . W . M . Neilson , seconded by Col . Campbell , it was agreed that an accountant in

Glasgow be appointed to act in conjunction with an accountant in Edinburgh in auditing Grand Lodge accounts . Bro . R . Nisbet moved— " That Section 8 of Chapter iii . of Grand Lodge Laws be deleted , and the following be substituted , namely : — ' That no Grand Office-bearer ( the Grand Master , Deputy Grand Master , Substitute Grand Master , Grand Secretary , Grand Cashier , and Tylers

excepted ) shall hold office longer than two years consecutively , or be eligible for re-election until he be one year out of office . '" After discussion 32 voted in favour of the motion and 204 against . On the motion of Bro . Officer , it was agreed that it be competent to Grand Lodge to erect district Grand Lodges and appoint district Provincial Grand Masters abroad .

Bro . F . A . Barrow , seconded by Bro . Adam Thomson , moved— " That the law ordering a monthly audit of accounts be cancelled , and that Grand Lodge accounts be audited by the auditor annually . " The matter was discussed at great length , and a vote was ultimately taken , when it was found that 8 were in favour of the motion and 215 against . Grand Lodge was thereafter closed in ample form .

OPENING A BRIDGE . — On Saturday last the Duke of Cambridge was present at the opening of the Gloucerter-gate Bridge , Regent's-park . After inspecting the bridge , his Royal Highness formally declared it to be open . Speaking at a luncheon given ' afterwards , he took occasion , after referring to the great utility of the new bridge , to say a few words in warm praise of the Indian troops whom he recently reviewed at Malta .

A FAIR DISTRIBUTION . —When the British ships under Lord Nelson were bearing down to attack the combined fleet of Trafalgar , the first lieutenant of the Revenge , on going round to sec that all bands were at quarters , observed one of the men—an Irishman—devoutly

kneeling at thc side of his gun . So very unusual an attitude exciting his surprise and curiosity , he asked the man if he was afraid . " Afraid 1 answered the tar , " no your honour ; I was only praying that the enemy ' s shot may be distributed in the same proportion as the prize money—the greatest part among the officers . "

The American Pilgrims.

THE AMERICAN PILGRIMS .

The American Masonic Pilgrims , who left York on Friday , thc 26 th of July , arrived in Sheffield at noon , when they were received on the platform by the reception committee ( of which Bro . S . B . Ellis , P . M ., was Hon . Sec ) , and adjourned to the dining-room at the Midland Station , where luncheon was provided . The party then

proceeded in carriages to the show-rooms of the work - renowned firm of Messrs . Joseph RoJgers and Sons , Limited , and spent some time in inspecting the splendid display of cutlery , & c . Amongst the numerous articles exhibited may be mentioned a knife with 1875 blades , and some minute specimens of scissors , almost small enough for microscopical specimens . The party then drove to the

Atlas Works of Messrs . John Brown ar . d Co ., Limited , where they were received and conducted through the works by Bros . Blair , Townsend , Dyson , and Richards , officials of the company . After witnessing the rolling and shearing of steel ship-plates , the armour plate mill was visited , the party being just in time to witness trie rolling of a lar ^ e plate for H . M . S . " Ajax , " the weight of

which , as rolled , was twenty-six tons , four cwt ., and the Pilgrims were informed by the manager that when the plate left the works , cut to shape , its finished dimensions would be 12 ft . 5 in . x 8 ft . 5 J in . x 10 in . thick , and would then weigh 18 tons 2 cwt . Our American friends evidently considered this a " tall sight ; " and indeed , it is hard to imagine a grander scene of the sort . The tout

ensemble was " big , " men , tongs , furnaces , machinery , rolls , and we may add " heat . " When the enormous mass of white hot iron had passed a requisite number of times through the rolls , it was picked up by a fifty ton travelling crane , and carried out of the mill on to a bed of iron to cool . The Bessemer shops were next visited , where a " blow "

was going on . This process of making steel adds to its many good qualities that of being a splendid spectacle . The molten metal is poured into a vessel holding 10 tons , and is subjected to the action of numerous jets of air blowing up through it , emitting showers of sparks , and a large flame , only second in its intensity of light to the sun itself . The hydrauli ; machinery , controlled by a

" pointsman" on an elevated platform , has the appearance of knowing exactly what is required of il , and the visitors were much amused to see large machinery moving about as though of its own accord . The " blow " finished , and the steel , fluid as water , disposed of in the moulds , the party were conducted to the blatt furnaces , and after inspecting the splendid blowing engine of 300

horse power , saw a " cast" from one of the furnaces . At this , the extremity of the great works , the carriages were in waiting to conduct the party back to the hotel . After expressing their delight at what they had seen , the pilgrims drove off , not displeased to get away from the heat and smoke of the last two hours . The ladies of the party , who could not obviously

participate in the next part of the programme , were driven out to the beautiful western suburbs of the town , Bro . G . W . Hawksley , P . M ., gallantly escorting them . Sheffield although a black , smoky , and not too handsome town , is yet favoured with surrounding scenery , unsurpassed in beauty and grandeur by any in the country . The palatial residences of Sir John Brown , Mark Firth , Esq ., and

other local magnates , were pointed out ; the Botanical Gardens ( a charming spot ) , and Weston Park and Museum , the property of the Corporation , were visited . Meanwhile the Masons of the party were being entertained by the three Sheffield lodges , viz ., Britannia , 139 ; Royal Brunswick , 29 6 ; and Wentworth , 1239 . ^ ro . & G . Webster , W . M . 139 , opened a lodge of emergency at 6

o ' clock . He was supported on his right by Bro . Nicholson , W . M . 296 , and by Bro . W . R . Thomas , M . D ., W . M . 1239 , and most of the P . M . ' s of thc three lodges . The American brethren being admitted , Bro . Webster , addressed to them a few appropriate words of welcome . Mr . Philips , a candidate for initiation was then admitted , and the ceremony was worked by the W . M ., the working tools

being presented by Bro . H . J . Garnett , P . P . G . S . B ., and the charge given by Bro . W . Longden , P . P . G . D . Bro . Meyer , P . M ., on behalf of the American brethren , briefly and happily expressed his thanks for their reception , and his gratification at the manner in which the ceremony they had just winessed had been worked . Thc splendid lodge room and its appointments also came in for a share

of approval . The lodge being closed the brethren adjourned to the banquet room , where about 130 sat down to a sumptuous supper . After the usual loyal and Masonic toasts , " The Health of our American Visitors , " was proposed by Bro . Webster , and was drunk with much enthusiasm . Bro . Meyer responded , and during his speech

took occasion to present to the three lodges an engraving from a celebrated American Masonic painting , representing an incident that occurred during the building of the Temple , Bro Meyer remarking that this engraving would not only serve as a memento of their visit , but also of the delightful harmony and fraternal union which they had witnessed as existing between the three Sheffield

Lodges . Bros . Sutter and Muckle also responded in speeches replete with kindly feeling , also the dry humour of their country . Songs , glees , and recitations were freely indulged in , and the brethren separated , each one delighted with the manner in which the evening had been spent . On Saturday morning the hard-working Pilgrims were up in good time , and accompanied by several Sheffield

brethren and ladies , drove to Chatswbrth , the seat of the Duke of Devonshire , who had given special permission to the party , not only to view the house and grounds , but also the extra rooms , and by his express commands the splendid fountains played . Our friends were not altogether prepared for thc treat in store for them here . The pictures , sculpture , carvings , tapestry , and articles of vertu , many