Scotland.

down the hill , and made for home . They escorted the Rutherglen brethren to the station , and then returned to the lodge , all highly pleased with the afternoon ' s outing . GLASGOW . —LODGE COMMERCIAL ( No . 360 ) . —A special meeting of this lodge was held in their hall , 30 , Hope-street , on the 26 th ult . Bro . John Monro , R . W . M ., presided , supported by Bros . J . M . Oliver , S . W . ; G . B .

Adams , acting J . W . ; R . Brodie , J . Thomson , and others . Bro . Monro said he had called this meeting to get through with the business before the lodge that was pressing . Applications from three gentlemen wishing to join the Order were submitted , viz ., Wm . Thomson , Robt . Wilson , and Murdoch McLean ; they were proposed

by Bro . John Cummings , and seconded by J . Monro , R . W . M . They were found worthy , and received the First Degree , Bro . J . M . Oliver , S . W ., officiating , and the R . W . M . delivered the charge with his usual ability and impressiveness . The lodge was then closed in due and ancient form .

Report Of The Grand Chapter Rose Croix Of Ireland.

REPORT OF THE GRAND CHAPTER ROSE CROIX OF IRELAND .

In the circular letter by which this convocation was an ou'eed , it was stated that on this occasion I would present a report of the progress and present condition of the Rose Croix Order in Ireland . It has hitherto been the duty of the Vice-President—not of the Sovereign of the

Order—to present the triennial report to the convocation ; but I am departing from that rule to-day in order to prcst rve the spirit of it ; for , although I now have the honour of being Sovereign of the Order , I was myself the actual Vice-President until very recently . So that I hope I may not be deemed to have overstepped my proper limits , or intrudeJ upon the province of my friend who has kindly accepted from me the office of Vice-President .

It was not without reluctance that I commenced my present task . Not to speak of the impossibility of accomplishing it without repeating much of what 1 have already said in my former reports , it is a painful thing to review the transactions of even a few past years , at a period of life when each additional year must bring its share of sadness , as friends drop away faster and faster , and energy and activity decline . What was once an agreeable exercise of the mind then becomes a laborious effort . But as there is

no necessity to occupy your attention Jong , 1 may be brief , and I need not apologize' for brevity , or waste time by trying to excuse what is inevitable . I could not address the first convocation which has met since the death of the late Duke of Lcinstcr without mentioning that venerable nobleman , whom I served , as Vice-President of this Order , for eighteen years ; but 1 will merely

acknowledge the respect and afiection „ we all feel for his memory . The language of eulogy has been exhausted ; our expressions of regret , however sincere , are idle and unavailing ; and I do not ask you to listen to a funeral oration : we meet here for a more profitable purpose . Let me , however , be excused for dwelling for one moment on the name of one who also , very lately , held a high place

amongst us , and was deservedly respected and esteemedthe late Major-General Dunne . We all felt sincere sorrow at his unexpected death ; none more deeply than myself , for he had been my friend for forty years . He was indeed a noble gentleman , worthy of his ancient and high lineage , a man who had served his country in high and responsible stations , both military and civil ; a true Mason , whose

personal character was an example of the qualities on which our society boasts itself to be founded , and whose exertions and influence were always cheerfully and ably employed for its advancement . I now proceed to the main objects of this address . On looking to my former reports , which contain the statistics of our Order since 1854 , I find that the number of its

members has been actually doubled within the last twenty years : Aie increase has been at the average rate of ten per annum . In 18 54 there were 144 subscribing members of the Rose Croix Chapters of Ireland ; there are now 290 . If we analyze that sum total , we shall find it composed of 197 members of Dublin chapters and 93 of provincial chapters . This striking difference is accounted for by the

fact that of the 13 chapters now held in Ireland , 8 arc in Dublin . All the 13 chapters appear to be in full work . As I stated here in 1872 , the increase of this Order may be either a subject of congratulation or very much the contrary . It is true of it as of the human frame , —the cessation of its growth may be taken to indicate the first beginning of its decay , —yet it may grow too fast or grow too large

to be in a perfectly healthy condition . But when we remember how greatly the general Masonic fraternity has increased in number and importance during the last twenty years , in spite of those allocutions and ecclesiastical fulminations by which it is periodically denounced , we cannot say that our own branch of it has become disproportionately extended . I do not think it would be just—indeed I do not

think it would be possible—to prevent the extension of the Rose Croix Degree while the general Masonic fraternity continues to increase in numbers ; but I think it both just and possible to preserve the present high character of our own Order by regulating its extension judiciously . - Its numbers declined between 1847 am ' 1854 , and between 1857 and ' 8 O 0 j they have ever since been increasing . No doubt they may decline aga n ; but I thin ' i it improbable .

We had but seven chapters in 1854 , whereas we have now thirteen . The more warrants that are issued the more Prince Masons we shall have , and again , the more Prince Masons , the more likelihood that new warrants will be sought for ; as we frequently have s ; cn new lodges spring out of those which have become very numerous . As no warrant has bt » n .-is ' -ed for since 1872 , we may be satisfied that at least qu ' t : enough of tliem have been issued for the present .

Report Of The Grand Chapter Rose Croix Of Ireland.

The warrant we had in Lisbon for many years is extinct and has been returned by the brethren who held it ; they are now subject to the United Grand Lodge of Portugal , as stated to the convocation of 1872 . At present wc have no warrant in any foreign country . I do not like the affectation of quoting myself ; but as I cannot mend what 1 observed at the last convocation , on the establishment of new

chapters , I will , for convenience sake , repeat it now . I said , " I cannot lay down a hard and fast rule to guide you in matters of discretion , on which it is not easy to form a fair opinion ; but this I may say—I would have you grant new warrants with a very cautious hand , having regard to a great many circumstances which would not be taken into account if you were to grant them merely to gratify a few

individuals , however estimable in character or anxious for the extension of the Order . We must not either withhold promotion from men who deserve it , nor make promotion too cheap , too easily had , too common to be thought very well worth having . I have stated thus much for your consideration , knowing , as I do , that I incur the risk of displeasing many who may hear me , because it is my duty

to point out a danger , and it will be yours to avert it , if you can , by good sense , discretion and circumspection . " The exercise of that discretion in the granting or refusing of new waerants is plainly one principal way in which the extension of this Order is to be regulated ; the approval or rejection by the Grand Chapter of individual candidates is another . On the latter point I would observe ,

that the Grand Chapter having now become a numerous body , and being generally well attended , I think it not improbable that in a short time someattempt may be made to have some of its business intrusted to a committee . To that I see no objection ; but I hope that in any event the important trust of passing candidates will never be thus delegated . The experiment has been tried already , although it may not

be within the memory of many here , and it proved a signal failure ; In fact it placed , as I may say , the very existence of the Order in the hands of one or two men , until the Grand Chapter , finding how matters were going , wisely took back the important function into their own direct administration , in which 1 hope it will ever continue . The Grand Chapter is not infallible ; but although

in this or that instance it may have made a mistakesometimes on the score of strictness , sometimes of indulgence—1 believe that in the great majority of cases its vigilance has been rightly exercised , and I am certain it has always been exercised honestly and honourably . We have done a great deal in preserving , as we have hitherto done , so high a character for so numerous a society . And

how have wc done it ? By each member of the Grand Chapter requiring to be reasonably satisfied , as if we were solely responsible for the result , respecting the character and fitness of every person for whom his vote is sought . I hope I may not be misunderstood , as if I meant to imply any distrust of the subordinate chapters . It rarely happens that they offer a doubtful name . Rose Croix

Chapters are not at all regarded by their members as mere clubs , as we all know that even very respectable Craft lodges are ; but all who know mankind must allow , that people do not like to be deemed fastidious censors of their neighbours ; many would not oppose , although they may not altogether approve , the admission of an acquaintance , or even of a person brought forward

by some friend they would not willingly disoblige . People do not . like to introduce disunion or dissatisfaction into a favourite society ; yet men will often be found so weak and vain as to think it justifiable to break up such an one , if they should fail in obtaining admission into it for some favourite of their own , who , for one reason or

another , may not be quite acceptable to the rest . And unquestionably the present system has , on the whole , worked very well . I believe the subordinate chapters , which are all represented in the Grand Chapter , feel that such is the case , and are well satisfied with the existence of this controlling power , and would prefer that it should continue unaltered .

It is surely better to err , since we cannot always avoid error , on the safe side ; better that now and again a worthy man should be disappointed than an unworthy admitted . You may admit the former when you discover your mistake ; but , once admitted , you cannot so easily exclude the other . I cannot too often repeat my solemn warningit is by the Grand Chapter that the Rose Croix Order

will be preserved , an honour to the Masonic community of Ireland , as it is this day , or ruined past all remedy . It must be gratifying to all of us to know that perfect harmony and good will exist among all our chapters , and that no complaint has been made on the part of any individual member of any of them . This is saying a good deal for a community so numerous . We have not much

intercommunication with chapters of our Order in other countries , but so far as wc have had any it has been of a most friendly nature . The office of Assistant . Secretary General has recently become vacant by the resignation of Bro . Charles T . Walmislcy , who for many years past filled that place . The Grand Chapter has deferred the appointment of his

successor until November next , in order that time may be afforded to the Grand Secretary to enquire and report whether any alteration should be made in the duties of the office of his future assistant . But I deemed it due to my respected friend Bro . Walmisley to enquire from him respecting our financial position at present , and I found that his accounts , to the end of 18 / 4 , have been kepi with gnat regularity . They shew a very decided improvement in

our monetary affairs since the time when he undertook the care of our finances . We have now tocrcditof the Grand Chapter a sum of £ 214 3 « . jd . in Three per Cent . Consols in the names of our trustees , £ 100 of which was invested last year . And the accounts shew a cash balance , on the 1 st of January last , of £ 98 17 s . od . in bank to our credit ; a further sum of £ 7 6 15 s . od . was due at the same date to the Grand Chapter , of which £ 25 13 s . od . has

Report Of The Grand Chapter Rose Croix Of Ireland.

since been paid and lodged in bank . In 1872 we had but a sum of between £ 40 and £ 50 . Bro . Walmisley has informed me that all demands made upon him as Grand Treasurer have been paid ; that if there be still any outstanding it is because they have not been furnished ; that such demands ( if any ) arc of trifling amount , and that we have in fact no debt impending over us . I need not

go further into these financial matters , which belonc more properly to the Grand Chapter . I am happy to say that Bro . Walmisley , though he has resigned the troublesome office of Assistant Secretary , retains the honorary one of our Grand Treasurer . A revised code of rules for the Order has been recentl y under consideration , but has not yet been finally arranged .

It will introduce some alterations into the existing code ; some few additions will be made upon matters of regulation , but some others will be of greater importance — I mean those relating to the 15 th , 16 th , and 17 th Degrees of the " Ancient and Accepted Rite , " hitherto , I believe , usually known as Knights of the Sword , Knights of the East , and Knisjhts of the East and West ,,

although the 16 th is more properly styled the Degree of " Prince of Jerusalem . " Those degrees have always been regarded as requisite qualifications for that of Rose Croix ; but as the Great Priory of the Temple in Ireland does not now permit its prcceptories to confer any other degrees than those belonging to its own Order , it became necessary to make some arrangements by means of

which the chapters might be enabled to qualify candidates for future elevation to our own ranks . I will not trouble you by recapitulating what was done after full deliberation ; but the result of the proceedings taken has been , that the Grand Chapter has now power to confer on its subordinate chapters the right to elevate brethren to those degrees , according to certain rules which will be comprised in the

new code of our Order . How far the plan which has been adopted , and which I am mair . ly responsible for suggesting , will ultimatel y prove successful , it is not at present easy to predict , as it lias not yet been acted on , the rules not being yet promulgated , as they very soon will be . It is to be hoped that it will get over a serious difficulty—I see no reason why

it should not do so ; yet I cannot but expect that the 15 th , iCth , and 17 th Degrees will soon be regarded as mere forms , and be abridged to the least possible extent , or given by mere communication . In fact they have already become practically useless ; partly through the ignorance of those who originally introduced them here , and partly by our increasing apathy as

to all Masonic ceremonial , lam notable to tell you by whom , or when , they were first introduced ; but I must say , for my own part , that I have not seen anything in any of those three degrees , as they have usually been administered here , worth the attention of men of education and sense . When we read the elucidation of them—which has been given by so great an authority as our Bro .

Albert Pike , Sovereign Commander of the 33 rd Degree in the Southern Jurisdiction of the United States , who has conferred much benefit on all intelligent Masons by his masterly , learned , and eloquent expositions andlectures—then , indeed , we can see how the 15 th Degree was intended to inculcate fidelity and perseverance ; how the 16 th teaches the noble maxim that labour is honourable , not

disgraceful—that , in fact , it is the service of God ; and how the 17 th Degree—noiv the least interesting of the threeought really to be most instructive , for it is the first of the Philosophical Degrees , however little title it has to that epithet at present . In short , I think that those three degrees have been so disfigured by corruption , and by the interpretation put on them by ignorant and conceited

persons , professional lecturers on Masonry—a class of people who were our only authority on the subject in former years , —that they are merely weariness and disappointment both to the administrant and the recipient , conveying no useful knowledge whatever . This is but my own individual opinion , which docs not bind any one ; yet , 1 think , many will concur in it . Whether it would now be

possible to restore to those degrees their original spirit and utility I cannot tell . 1 wish it were so ; but , in truth , I cannot hope that it would be so . The main object at most of our Masonic meetings seems to be , to dispense with as much ceremonial as possible , and to hurry through the little that is left ; and 1 feel ashamed to be obliged to say , that this is especially so in the higher grades . An effort

recently made by the Councd of the 33 rd Degree , and approved by the Grand Chapter , to establish " Lodges of Perfection , " as thry arc allied , has been received with utter apathy and produced no result . Yet , assuredly , it would be well to have some high and important degree interposed between the lower , degrees and this of ours . Such

was the opinion of my esteemed friend , our Bro . George Chatterlon , a very learned and experienced as well as zealous Mason , who first suggested the idea , which appeared to me to be an admirable one . But what can two or three men effect against the indifference of so many , or that pitying approbation so closely akin to ridicule ? Not a movement has been made in the Masonic Order to

encourage the hope that some of the admirable , though long disused , steps of the Ancient and Accepted Rite might be restored with their impressive forms , their ceremonies and their teaching , to be a reward to active and zealous Masons who had not yet attiined the age our rules require , or who might fairly expect honourable promotion during tl ' long probationary period of seven years , during which this degree of ours is in general unattainable , and , in my

judgment , very properly so . It should be reserved for men not only of approved zeal and intelligence , but of mature years and practical experience . It should bea reward for long services as well as a promotion . But the truth is that Masonic ceremonials afford little to interest the understanding when the symbolism of Masonry is not understood , —and it is not generally so . . ' ] . ' ' Because it requires study and attention as well as intel ! i »