20th May 1904
Scottish Football Association Meeting
The Chairman said the first business was the exemption from the Qualifying Cup competition. Mr M’Dowell reported he had only one application for exemption vix., Aberdeen. Mr Hutton moved that Aberdeen be exempted, Mr M’Culloch seconding. However, the Chairman suggested that the committee follow the practice of the past and vote. Mr Watson moved that the First Division League clubs be exempted. They numbered fourteen, which would leave two clubs to make up the sixteen. This was agreed to unanimously. Nominations were then called, when Aberdeen, Hamilton Academicals, Leith Athletic, St Bernard, and Clyde were put forward. Mr Hutton said that Aberdeen and Hamilton Academicals were looking forward to inclusion in the League First Division. Mr Watson said it was no secret that the Scottish League would not allow its clubs to play in the Qualifying Cup competition, which remark brought Mr Horsburgh to his feet with a request that the League be allowed to conduct its own business.
A vote was then taken by ballot, when Aberdeen secured 11 votes, Hamilton Academicals 7, Clyde 6, and the other two 4 each. The Aberdeen and Academicals were thereupon exempted.
Ref: Dundee Courier 21st May 1904

9th August 1904
Scottish Football Association – Draw for Qualifying Cup
Hamilton Academicals and Aberdeen, who had been exempted from the Qualifying Cup, declined the honour, and accordingly it was agreed that 18 instead of 16 clubs from the Qualifying Cup be entitled to compete for the Scottish Cup.
Ref: Airdrie and Coatbridge Advertiser 13th August 1904