7th May 1895
S.F.A.A.G.M. – Qualifying Cup Proposal
The Scottish Committee proposed that a qualifying cup should be instituted. Mr Sliman said it would be a stimulus to the young Clubs, and would be for the good of football generally. Mr M’Lean (Ayr Parkhouse), seconded the proposal, as it frequently happened that the exempted Clubs snuffed out at the first attempt the qualifying Clubs left in. Mr Hood (Ayrshire), was against the exemption rule altogether. He moved accordingly. Mr M’Culloch pointed out that the country Clubs had a double chance. It was agreed by 28 to 23 to have the qualifying cup.
Ref: Evening Telegraph 8th May 1895

6th June 1895
Committee Meeting – Cup Exemptions
The selection of the sixteen clubs to be exempted from the preliminary stage of the National Cup competition next season was considered. In addition to the semi-finalists in the last competition, St Bernard, Renton, Hearts, and Dundee, it was agreed to exempt the Queen’s Park and the seven remaining clubs in the first division of the League – Celtic, Rangers, Third Lanark, St Mirren, Clyde, Dumbarton, and Hibernians. For the last four places six clubs were nominated, and the result of the ballot was that the following four were successful:- Leith Athletic, 16 votes; Kilmarnock, 16; Port-Glasgow Athletic, 15 votes; and Morton, 12 votes. The unsuccessful clubs were:- Motherwell, 11 votes; and Abercorn, 5 votes.
Ref: The Scotsman 7th June 1895