Series 3 > Foreign correspondence with Marie de Lorraine, Queen of Scotland, from the originals in the Balcarres papers > Volume 7

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by Padre Giulio Cesare Cordara, S.J., edited by Sir Bruce
Seton, C.B.; (2) The Craignish MS., edited by Mr. Herbert
Campbell; and (3) a number of early charters, hitherto
unprinted, from transcripts belonging to the late Sir William
Fraser, K.C.B., edited by Mr. Angus, H.M. General Register
House, the Assistant Secretary.
In accordance with the resolution passed at last General
Meeting, representations have been made to the Tow n Council
of Edinburgh indicating the desirability of proceeding with
the publication of their burgh records, but so far no definite
action has been reported.
In obedience to the instructions of the Society, the Council,
with the sympathetic assistance of the Press, have continued
to draw public attention to the condition of the Public Records
of Scotland, and to the manner in which for some time past
they have been treated by successive Governments as compared
with the English Records. Notwithstanding the general feeling
in the matter, and definite protests by other public bodies as
well as by the Council, a Bill originally introduced by Lord
Novar into the House of Lords was reintroduced by Lord
Muir Mackenzie on behalf of the Scottish Office for, inter alia,
the twofold purpose of legalising the policy of cutting down
expenditure on the Scottish Records and transferring their
control to London. While some of the more objectionable pro¬
visions of the Bill were rejected by the House of Lords, others
remained; and but for the dissolution of Parliament the
Council would have taken steps to ensure a vigorous opposition
to the Bill in the House of Commons. It is hoped that with
a new Government the legitimate claims of Scotland and the
opinions of those who are familiar with the subject may
receive consideration.
The Members of Council retiring by rotation are Mr. James
Curie, W.S., Dr. William K. Dickson, and Dr. W. A.
Macnaughton. They are recommended for re-election.