Freemasonry In Scotland. No. I.

acquaintance with some of the most distinguished men of his clay . I have adverted to one or two peculiarities in the customs of Scotch Masons . Representation by proxy is another . The meeting at which Grand Lodge Avas instituted Avas composed of the Masters

and Wardens of lodges , or then- proxies . The rig ht to appoint proxies , as an alternative in the case of lodges declining to be represented by their OAVII Master ancl Wardens , was confirmed by a clause in the

charters that Avere subsequently issued under the Scotch constitution . This system after being in operation for one hundred and forty-seven years , has by resolution of a majority of the brethren attending last

Quarterly Communication of Grand Lodge been ordered to be abolished at the end of the present " Masonic year "—April , 1874 . Our head Masonic court Avill , should the resolution be confirmed , then be composed

of actual Masters and Wardens , and all Past Masters . By the introduction of the ex-officials just named our constitution Avill bear some resemblance to that of England . The metropolitan lodges have always been

represented by their OAVII office-bearers ; but is only within the last feAV years that that course Avas to any appreciable extent adopted by provincial lodges . BetAveen their own ex-officio members of Grand Lodge , and the great preponderance of proxy commissions held by them , the

brethren hi Edinburgh have for about a century and a half had the direction of Scottish Masonic affairs very much in their own hands . Whatever their shortcomings in the discharge of Masonic duties , and IIOAV

ever greedy of Masonic honours , they have through several generations devoted no inconsiderable portion of time to the management of Grand Lodge—a labour Avhich Avas tlnoAvn upon them by the

persistent negligence of the country lodges . It is noAv thought undesirable that supremo Masonic power should be concentrated Avithin so limited a circle . Hence the contemplated disqualification of proxies ancl the recognition of Past Masters as constitutional members of the Masonic

executive . It must be admitted that there is at the present clay less necessity for representation by proxy than existed at ancl long subsequent to the date at Avhich it Avas first

recognized . The hinderances to personal attendance at Edinburgh , hoAvever continues in the ease of colonial lodges , ancl ought in common fairness to be provided for as hitherto . , No abuse of the proxy

system by the home lodges , nor neglect of the claims of Past Masters , can in any degree justify the Avrong Avhich the abolition of proxies is calculated to inflict upon our colonial lodges . These number more

than a fourth of the lodges under the Scotch constitution , and are located in every part of the Avorld—ancl yet , by the contemplated change they AA ill bo virtually excluded from a voice in the administrative

body of the Order , to Avhose laws ancl levies they are bound to give effect . The object for Avhich proxy commissions Avere Avont to be procured , viz ., that the votes Avhich . they carried might be secured for

party purposes in questions coming before Grand Lodge , no doubt necessitated a reform in the system . And this Avas accomplished when in 1869 a definite date in each year Avas fixed for completion of the roll of members entitled to vote . The list

for the present year contains the names of 797 bretliren , 367 of Avhom are actual Masters and Wardens . D . MURRAY LYOM .