The New Scottish Constitutions.

test out ot many to secure the right class of entrants , and it must be remembered that in Scotland , many of its members are , and have been , drawn from skilled operative Masons , who have followed the example set by their forbears in becoming Free and Accepted Craftsmen . The Grand Lodge of Scotland is composed of the Grand

Master Mason , all Past Grand Masters , a few of the Grand Officers for the year , ^ Pasl Prov . ami Disl . G . Masters , and the Master and Wardens , or their Proxies , but not Past Masters . The Grand Officers , excepting the Grand Master Depute and the Substitute G . M ., are elected annually , but Provincial and

District Grand Masters are commissioned by Grand Lodge for live years , and are eligible for re-election for a second year . All of these must be subscribing members of a Loilgc hcihling niiilcr the Scottish Constitution . The Grand Secretary and Grand Treasurer , however , are not subject to annual

election . The Degrees recognized are the first three , including the Mark , and a Ceremonial on Installation of Masters of Lodges . The necessary interval between the degrees is still two weeks , save abroad , by dispensation of the Grand Committee . All business of the Grand Lodge and its Lodges is to be transacted by Master Masons . Apprentices and felloii'crafls have neither voice nor vole .

Honorary membership of the G . L . may be conferred upon Sovereigns or other distinguished Brethren , on the nomination of the G . M ., and confirmation by Grand Lodge . The special badge for such consists of a medal to be worn on the breast , but no distinctive clothing . The Grand Master has also the power now to confer on Brelhicn of eminence

and outstanding ability , such honorary rank of Office Brains of Grand Lodge as may be though I proper . \ o member of Grand Committee is permitted to execute work for Grand Lodge , save the Law Agent , and the Grand fcwellcr ( if one of the number ) .

IV . HliO . JAMBS SMITH , I ' . M ., * c . A museum and library committee is provided for , composed of seven members of the Grand Committee , to whom the custody of the library is entrusted , and all matters affecting its welfare , utilization , addition , & c , and I hope will be the

means of considerably extending the usefulness of that collection which has almost been lost sight of for years . U . W . District Grand Masters are permitted to add to their description " of Scottish Freemasonry in ( naming the colony or district ) , the other officers being styled Worshipful

as with the provinces . Only the G . M . enjoys the use of the prefix Most Worshipful , that of R . W . being accorded to Past G . M . ' s and others to the G . Sec . and G . Treas . The

"V . W . " is to distinguish the Grand Chaplains to the Grand Bible Bearer ( inclusive ) , the remainder being " Worshipful , " but the Masters of lodges are still to be styled " R . W . " There is a peculiar addition to one of the rules concerning members of the Grand Lodge " holding office in a lodge under any other Masonic Constitution . " All such are

disqualified from voting in any Scottish District Grand Lodge or daughter lodge , or to hold office unless under dispensation gratiled bv the Grand Master .

UUO . l ) H . DICKSON , l' . M . No . 1 . District Grand Masters are empowered to appoint superintendents over outlying districts of such territory , whose duly shall be to superintend the work of the lodges in the localities assigned lo them . This is likely to be a very excellent rule ,

and it is also well to provide that "All business shall be transacted in the Third Degree . " livery lodge has to apply , on or before summer St . John ' s Day , for a certificate from Grand Lodge , conferring the privilege of holding Masonic meetings under Grand Lodge ' s sanction and authority . The initiation fee is fixed now at three guineas as

a minimum , to include the Mark , and payment thereof cannot be remitted or deferred on any pretence later than the evening of the ceremony . Lodges by the new regulations are required lo levy an annual contribution on their Master Mason members , which may be commuted by a single payment .

Diplomas may be obtained from Grand Lodge b y installed Masters ( when P . M . ' s ) , and also by Past Grand Officers , which certainly is a good idea , as also is the new rule which strictly forbids brethren from " using any of the emblems of Freemasonry on a sign , or in connection with any business advertisement " unless Masonic .

The rules concerning the fund of Scottish Benevolence have b . en most carefully and discreetly revised , and have placed that most excellent institution in good working order .

The regulations as to clothing and jewels are most elaborate , but I fail to find any difference between those \ iro \ klcd ( or Grand and Provincial Grand Officers , present and Past , but presume the names of the provinces would be added , though not mentioned . The ceremonies at consecrations or constitutions ,

installations , laving foundation stones , funerals , and funeral lodges , are about as near perfection as possible , and transcripts of charters , commissions , diplomas , petitions , and demits , are all duly detailed , so that the volume is a veritable miillum in parvo . The roll of Grand Masters , from 173 6 to 18 94 , with the

patrons , J 804 to the present time , a complete register of the lodges , and an invaluable index , add much to the interest and importance , as well as usefulness of the handsome volume , which undoubtedl y is a great credit to all concerned , and to the Scottish Craft . W . M . J AMICS HUJHAX .