RUTGERS
UNIVERSITY
LIBRARY
^:^^si^,
Estate of Hiram E. Deats
'f
i
tstory of m national JIiit<
ateur Press Hssociation « « gompiled by 3obn turn nixon « * « *
' ' Once an Amateur, Always an Amateur. " — Ernest A. Stowe.
3oftn t nixon, Publjsber, €rowky, Cottisiana. m D € £ € €
THE MIRROR PRINT CRO^\^LEY, LA.
To The
Officers and Members -
OF the
National Amateur Press Association
This Volume
Is Respectfully Dedicated
By the Author.
Explanatory*
Amateur Journalism is an institution of young men and women who edit, publish or contribute to. mininture newspapers and magazines, for pleasure and intellectual improvement. The majority of the recruits i^r 3 youths and maidens in their teens, who enter "Amateurdom," as it is familiarly called, for the education that may be derived. A fractional part of these re- cruits make pleasant acquaintances among fellow workers and keep in touch with Amateurdom as long as possible. The Na- tional Amateur Press Association, the principal organization of amateur journalists, holds annual meeting, alternating East and West, and these conventions bring amateurs together from all parts of the country. A beginner is styled a "recruit," and one who has left the ranks a "fossil."
PREMCE.
HIS volume is put before the Qiembers of the National Amateur Press Association with the knowledge that, no matter how far it may fall short of the expectations of amateur journalists and no matter how mau3^ important events have not been chronicled in its pages, the compiler has worked conscientiously, without fear or favor, and with the one idea of publishing that which is worthy of publication and of preserving a true history of the organiza- tion and progression of the Association during the first quarter century of its existence.
The work of compilation has extended over a period of ten years, during which time hundreds of letters have been written and thousands of amateur papers and magazines consulted.
In dealing with the organization of the Association and its earlier years of life, all ascertainable facts are printed. The more difficult of access the authority, the more valuable the in- formation has been considered. In dealing with later years many minor matters have been omitted, the last decade being an open book to all who wish to learn.
The author desires to publicly express his thanks to many amateur journalists who have rendered him valuable aid. For those who ignored his letters of inquiry or who, after undertaking to assist have failed to carry out their promises, he has no words of censure. While their failure has to some extent shorn the book of completeness, it is believed that prompt publication at this time is more desirable than any delay for such causes.
HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PBBSS ASSOCIATION. iv
The book falls short of the author's concept in many wii3's, and he is fully prepared for any criticism that may be made. All amateur journalists will realize the importance of the work, and, considering the expense attached to such an undertaking, we be- lieve they will overlook minor typographical and other defects, - and accept the volume in the spirit in which it is offered.
John Travis Kixon. Crowley, La., June 16, 1900.
statistical Cables.
Laureateships, Convention Attendance, Proxy Vote and Official Roster of the N. A. P. A.
HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASS0CIAT50N
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VI
HISTORY OF THE NATldNAL AiaEATEUR' PRESS ASSOCIATION
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Official Roster of \U national Jtmateur Pre$$ dissociation, from \m to 1900.
COMPILED BY JOHN TRAVIS NIXON.
Vice-President
Foui-tli Vice-President
Ollioial Editor
New Yorii Milwaukee Boston . . . SuD Francisco Pbiladelpliia
Cliicago
Buffalo
ludiauapolis
Philadelphia
Chicago.. . .
Boston
Chicago
Wastiingtoii.
Will T. Hall
J. Edson Briggs. . WillL. Wright'., rhos. G.Harrisoni rhos. H..Parsonsi Frank N. Keeve. . .
Finlay A. Grant. .
WillardO. Wylie. Henry E, Leglerl . Ed. E. Stowell»« . Fred F. Heatbtt. Dennie A. Sullivai
J. H. Ives Munro,
tiamuel S. Slinson. Will S. Moore§§.. Albert E. Barker .
Edwin B. Swin. . . cheriuerhornll
an J. Speucei
J. L. Tomliuson** Brubukerl . .
Charles R, Burger.
Will Hancock ....
Jas. F. Mortou, Jr. David L. Hollub..
Theodore B. Tliicle
Richard H. Gerner J. Winslow Snyde Arthur J. Huss. .
Will L. Wright. . Frank N. Reeve • Tbos. H. Parsons
Frank E. Dayt. .
Edward E. Stowell
Frank S. Ariiett.
Will B. Leaning. W. F. Babcock. . FredM. Cornell.
Imric
Wilfred E. Griggs, r. Merciir . Will.JHeineuianttt
Wilis. Moore....
F. S. C. Wicks**. Jerome C. Bulltt . Michael F.Boecbal
T. J. Spencer'* . . Warreu.JBrodio||l| . Herbert H. FishlU W.J.Hiinter§ •*. . Herbert H.FishS-. F. E.Scbermerborn
Harriet C. Cox*
F Sta ( Wh tnej Ivu elan I BalH Robert Ca ey
Arbngtontt- leC. Bull . . . Bowersoektt G. Phillips.
L. Otlingcr. .
Cbas.H. Lawsou*
Hora e Freema
George Bertron. . J. C. VVortbingto Frank M. Morris
Louis Konpner. .
R. B. Tcacbenor.
Albert E. Barker
Will S. Moore. . . Edwin H. Dyertt Zelda Arlington, . Ernest A.Edkiustt Justin DBowersocl
p. Woollentt.
A. Epbriam . .
ivis C. Bigelow
Thos. G. Harrison, Hei Heury E. Leglcr", Tn Will S. Moure, liraiiicrd
Albert B. Barl
John L Tomlinsou
d M C te ti a J S|e e
Delavau W. Gee.
.1. Fred Eberle . . Herbert A.Clarke" Wm. F. Buckley*' Charles G. Steele§ lohu J. Weissert.
Jas. F.KaTanagh§ . .JohnW.MoClain" Fred F. Heath§... M. F, Boeobatttt- Beltha Yorkn. . . Gracia A. Hniith. .
Fred. L. Hunter. .
Charleo R. Burger
Natbau N. Block
Sam J. Steinberg A. Mueller** ■erard Appleton§ Johu Moody .
Evan E. Riale . . . Will E. Leaning, J. Fred Eberle . .
Frank N. Reeve .
Warren J. Niles ♦ C. C. RickertS . . B. Benj. Pelh,ani.
Truman J. Spencer
Maurice J. B
J. H. Ives M
Frauk M. Morris O. L. WillianistJ Tbos. Ct. Harrison
H. K.. Sanderson
John Fischer. . . .
. H. Parsons
lao J. Speiice
Wm. B. Baldwin. W. B. Mellinsiert John G. Kugler* H. M. Cartertt • George W. Dodd* C. N. Audrewsll || Walter C. Chiles.
E. J. Harclcastle Oscar A. Reum. .
John L. Tomlinso L. Tomlinso
E. J. Hardcastle'
Cbas. C. Heuman. John AV. Snyder* . Clement C, Chase. Clement C. Chase. Joseph P. Clossey.
Joseph D. Miller .
Brainerd P. Emery
Ernest A. Edkins** Wm. B. Baldwintt Frank D. Woollen
Truman J. Spencer
Howard M. Carter
Harriet C. Cox. ..
Walter C. Chiles
be B Ihele L H Snj le S . s b Pobb E
L Ha k Albert E Barna
H A S loe C W h ss no Fl A Hen
CI a N N U Fe
niSTORT
OF THE
N/ITION/iL /in/iTEUR FRE55 /ISSOCI/mON.
CHflFTER 1.
ORIGIN OF THE N. A. P. A.
Many Claimants for the Honor of Planning a National Association. — C. E. Williams Named by James Austin Fynes. — James M. Beck Says Philadelphia Amateurs WERE Responsible for the Plan. — Suggestion of E. R. RiALE IN September, 1875. — The Philadelphia Associ- ation.— Accumulating a Convention Fund. — Division of the Philadelphia Amateurs. — -Beck's Plan. — Approval from Boston. — -Coalition of Two Societies Attempted, WITHOUT Success. — Two Conventions Called. — The Meeting at City Institute Hall, July 4. — '-Winslow" Credits the Plan to the Portland Gazette. — Honor TO Beck and Other Philadelphians.
'HERE are a cumber of claimants to the honor of having suggested the present National Amateur Press Associa- tion. In /d/e I/onrs, liuhliiihed in 1884, James Austin Fynes, Jr., stated that the first proposition to hold a convention of amateurs in Philadelphia, during the Centennial, came from C. E. Williams, of Portland, Me. James M. Beck, in the American Sphinx February, 1885, vigorously' deuie this, and says in answer:
The true history of the origin of the present Natiouai Amateur Press Association remains to be written. But three amateurs now living are to the best of my knowledge cognizant of ail the facts.
2 HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION.
These are Fraak K. Voudersmith, the editor of the Boys' Gem in 1875-6. and but a year or two since the editor of the Acme; Evan Reed Riale, well and favorably known to the fraternity as the editor of nnmarous papers and the first corresponding secre- tary of the Association, and the writer.
In the spring of 1875 a society was in existence in Philadelphia for the purpose of making the preliminary arrangements for this convention. They were working so quietly, modestly and unos- tentatiously that little was known of their plans outside of Philadelphia. To whom the idea of such a convention lirst oc- curred will of course never be known. Riale assures me that the first suggestion of which he has ever heard was made by himself to Vondersmith, in September, 1875. These two gentlemen formed the Philadelphia association, which, from its purposes and objects was called the N. A. P. A. Their chief mission was to raise the funds to meet the expenses of the proposed conven- tion. As none of the members were endowed by fortune vvith a superfluity of this world's goods, tliis was no easy task. It was effected by each member paying into the treasury of the associa- tion the sum of 5 cents a week, and this insignificant contribution gradually accumulated in the lapse of many months into a not inconsiderable sum, from which every expense incident to the or- ganization of the present N. A. P. A. was generously defrayed. The members did not number over twelve. Among the list 1 only remember at this late day the names of Vondersmith, Riale, Brandt, Bertron, Cross, Hunter and Macaran.
At the time of its organization I was not a member of this local association. The Philadelphia amateurs were at that time divided into two classes. The one, called the "uptowners," comprised the wealthier and more aristocratic members of the 'Dom. The other, composed of the poorer amateurs, was called t!»e '-downtowners." While neither possessed of the purse of Fortunatis nor aristocratic in my tastes, yet living up town 1 nat- urally affiliated with the former class. ' The local N. A. P. A. that was arranging for the Centennial convention, was organized by and exclusively composed of "downtowners."
In the winter of 1875-6, I was editor of the news department of the Philadelphia Literary 'Jimes, an excellent amateur paper, published by a gifted amateur, William Grissinger by name. In that department I wrote the following, which I quot<3 from my scrap book, verbatim et literatim :
Reader, what think you of holding- a grand convention of the aiii.i- teurs of the world, ia this citv on Julv 3rdy Tiic plan can and will be pushed through. Call and address as above.
At the time I knew nothing of the existence of the N. A. P. A., much less of its arrangements for such a convention. Than
IIISTORV OK TflE N.4TI0NAL AMATEOR PRESS ASSOCIATION. 6
this printed propositiou to hold ths proposed coaveatioa, I know of nothing earlier.
1 remember perliectlv vvv3ll svriting to Fyies at the time I made this snggestion, asking his opinion thereon and that of other Boston amatenrs. He wrote back to me his entire approval of the project and that of Kendall, Fovvle and others of the Massa- chnsetts fraternity, to whom he had spoken on the subject.
I received quite a number of responses to raj suggestions, and some months thereafter a meeting was held in Philadelphia, con- sisting of amateurs of Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware, to arrange for such a convention. These formed the ''Amateur Literary Union." There then were two associations, seeking to effect one and the same object. Some of u^, who recognized the utihty and necessity of unity, then sought to effect a coalition of the two societies. A committee was appointed by the Literary Union to confer with the N. A. P. A. on the subject, of which 1 was a member and the spokesman. We were courteously re- ceived, but our offer was declined. The Union then became divided in opinion as to its future course. A minority, including myself, recognized the impracticability of holding two such conventions, and believing that a preference was due the N. A. P. A., because of its seniority, left the Union and joined the N. A. P. A. The majority of the Union adhered to their determin- ation to hold a separate convention, engaged the Assembly buildings for that purpose, chose July 5th as the date, and sent out invitations throughout the country. The convention was actually held, but proved a wretched fiasco.
The N. A. P. A., in the meantime, had steadily grown in membership, and as July approached had funds in its treasury more than sufficient to defray the entire expenses of the conven- tion. Its corresponding secretary, the indefatigable Riale, corresponded with all prominent amateurs, and to his skill the success of the convention is largely attributable.
The City Institute Hall was engaged for July 4, 1876 ; the writer had the honor of being assigned to deliver the welcoming oration, and Richard Gerner, then the most prominent amateur in the country, was selected as the temporary chairman. Much more might be said of the struggle between the Gerner and Snyder factions of the convention ; of its personnel — the finest, 1 think, of any convention in amateur history — and of the social experience of the visiting amateurs.
A Philadelphia amateur was probably the first to suggest the organization of the present N. A. P. A., in September, 1875. Philadelphia amateurs arranged every preliminary detail of the Centennial convention, and liquidated every expense from their own slender means. As a Philadelphia amateur. I speak with
4 HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION.
pardonable pride of these matters, and with the more warmth since the Philadelphia amateurs, who made every sacrifice for the welfare of the association, have most modestly suffered for years a positive injustice in the ascription by the fraternity of the credit of organizing the N. A. P. A. to C. E. Williams. I state the facts. It is not too late for the fraternity to correct an error.
Later on, John "Winslow" Snyder, who was elected first president, in writing of the organization meeting, took occasion to say :
It is now generally agreed or assumed that an amateur paper published at Portland, Me., under the title of the Gazette, f^r&t suggested to the amateurs of the United States the wisd(tm and feasibility of taking advantage of "Centennial" excitement, sight-seeing and reduced railroad rates to gather at Philadelphia on the 4th of July, 1876.
The Portland Gazette did not live to see the work fairly begun, but its idea on the subject was generallj^ discussed and endorsed. Presently the encouragement was sufficiently great to fire ihe enthusiasm and pride of certain amateurs of Philadelphia, who formed what was strictly a city club, but what they called, rather hastily, but with an honest conviction that it had a great work on hand, the Philadelphia National Amateur Press Association. Perhaps James M. Beck can claim the honor of being the lead- ing light of this organization, and he. certainly, was their ever ready spokesman and most active leader. I remember well his bright, cheerful face, diminutive form and scholarly spectacles. E^an Riale and Vondersmith were also members of the Philadel- phia club ; and these three amateurs were appointed by that club as a committee to meet the amateurs who came to the convention.
CH/IFTER 2.
THE FIRST CONVENTION.
Few Introductory Words. — Philadelphia, July 4, 1876. — "WiNSLOw's" Account. — Invitations from Philadel- phia.— Arrival at the Mecca. — A First View. — A Representative Gathering. — Call to Order. — Gerner's Address of Welcome. — Suggestions of the Political Battle. — Permanent Officers Elected. — The National Amateur Press Association Organized. — Official Board Completed. — Other Business. — Literary Exercises. — A Telegraphic Report. — Prominent Papers of the Year .
t— ,r-^HE founder of Amatear Journalism in North America is unknown. Papers were published by boys and girls as early as 1812, but it was not until the close of the civil war, in 1865, that any considerable number were issued. In 1869 the introduction of cheap hand printing presses finally established Amateur Journalism among the American youth. Local press clubs, state and sectional associations flourished, and this era of the work has been handed down in tradition as one of great activity. An Amateur Press Association, embracing the Eastern and New England states, was organized in 1869 and lived until 1873. A directory issued in 1875 contained the names of over 500 editors and authors, representing almost as many publications. The wide spread of the institution rendered a national organization desirable, and the proposition to meet in Philadelphia, July 4, 1876, was received with delight by amateurs everywhere.
The following account of the first convention, from the Empire State Amateur (1888), was written by John Winslow Snyder, first president :
A fairly elegant printed postal card had been circulated among the amateurs of the United States, informing them that the City Institute Hall, at the corner of Chestnut and Eighteenth streets.
H ni?!TORT OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION.
would be at their service at 12 o'clock, hiffh iiooii, on the ever- memoralde fourth of July. To this rallying- spot at the said hour all hastened.
When I reached the chosen Mecca at the chosen hour, I looked with curiosity at the other pilgrims, who had been summoned by the same cry (on a postal card) to the faithful, to meet and join hands as already we had joined hearts. At the little hallway, or ante room, at the top of a long flight of stairs, was a table, around which some twenty young men and boys were ero'vding. It was my first view of how animated amateurs can become when electrified by pprsonal contact. The explanation came a moment later, when I beheld a register, in which eac4i amatenr wrote his name. Thereupon some reader of said name would call it out, and the owner of said name be passed around among the boys and made to feel at home. Other conventions brought together old friends, but naturally at Philadelphia, most everyone was a stranger to everyone else. The signing of distinguished names upon the sc-called Ledger continued for about an hour, and the besfinniuff of the record read as follows :
John Hosey, Jolin J. Farrell. J. F. DuHamel, W. T. Hall, C'orrel Keudali, F. O. McCleary, J. J. Richardson. J. A. Fynes.
Such were the first eight names recorcied. and I especially note the fact, to enforce the claim that the first National conven- tion came more nearly to being a National one. in the sense at least that it represented various and distant sections of the coun- try, than any other 1 have ever attended. I knew quite well six of the eight signers. Two of them lived in New York City, one in Chicago and two in Boston. Again they had not only traveled from afar but were well known in the amateur world. Obscure poets, authors of a single article, poets without poems and mem- bers of three weeks standing in some local club (formed for political purposes only), did not sweep this convention by that irresistible force known as the power of numerical strength. Of the sixty-five amateurs present, only about twenty were from Philadelphia, and some of these local lights were well known throughout Amateurdom.
Araonof other amateurs present were: Richard Gerner, of Ho- boken. N. J. : N. J. Taussig, of the Ameriran BtiUetin, Harris- burg. Pa. ; Black, of the Young Idea, Brooklyn : Happie, of the Bot/s' Bights, Westminster. Md. : Count, of the Times, Ellensville, N. Y. : Stevenson, of the Bay Ciiy Amateur, San- dusky: \Aliite. of the Bo)/s' Journal, Alexandria. Va. ; Nathan Cole (and brother), of the Acorn, St. Louis; Hawk, of the Wide Awale, New York: Siviter. of the American Banner, Pittsburg: Jones, of the Union Gazette, Baltimore: Clarence G. Allen, of the Southern Sitar, Washington : Brings, of the Imp,
HISTORY OF rriE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION. i
Washino^ton, and Will Leaning, George Bertroo, William Wia- slow. Heuman, Case, McColm and Hoadley.
At about I o'clock Richard Gerner called the somewhat noisy and excited oratherin^ to order. The Philadelphia Chib, as a self-appointed executive committee, had selected Mr. Gerijer for this distinction. Perhaps this was fair enough, under all the cir- cumstances of the case, as the Philadelphia Club had, by its labors and provisional arrauoemeuts, entitled itself to the meagre honors of firing the first gun.
Mr. Gerner made an address of welcome, which alluded at length to the object had in view in calling this convention, and declared that Amateur Journalism had reached a high standard. He was followed by James M Beck, of the Philadelphia Sphinx, who welcomed to his city all visiting amateurs. Before these gentlemen had concluded, it was evident that the convention was preparing to have what is technically known as a hot political time of it. On the one hand Gerner' s friends considered their hero's rights to leadership as plain and manifest, and applauded, as just and salutary, Mr. Beck's statement that --Mr. Gerner is one of the smartest amateur authors in the country;" others concluded that all of this seemed too much like a cut-and-dried plan to rush Gerner into the presidency, instead of the free-aud- open-to-all race that youthful blood likes to share in, wherefore they res^dved that no one should take the crown without scratch- ing awhile through the thorns.
Scarcely could Mr. Beck conclude, before Hosey, Fynes and White moved to proceed to the choice of a permanent chairman. The motion was carried and Gerner, Kendall, Allen, Hoadley, White and myself were nominated. White withdrew. Yonder- smith, Bertron and Williamson were appointed teller?^. Mr. Kendall here made the point that no one could claim an election, unless he received a majority of all the votes cast. The first ballot resulted as follows :
Total vote cast, 56 ; necessary to a choice, 29 ; Richard Gerner, 22 ; John Winslow Snyder, 18 ; Ed. R. Hoadley, 7 ; Correl Kendall. 6 ; Clarence G. Allen, 3.
Second ballot : Total vote cast, 60 ; necessary to a choice, 31; John Winslow Snyder. 33; Richard Gerner, 27.
It is needless to say I was flattered by my election to the highest office in the gift of those nvhose opinions I most highly valued. My brave and generous opponent, whose friendship I never had cause to question, welcomed me to the platform.
Mr. Will T. Hall, of Chicago, was unanimously elected secre- tary, and the convention was ready for business.
it will be seen that at that moment there was no such entitv as a National Amateur Press xVssociation. but
§ HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION.
only an organized convention, all ready and willing to create and execute,
Mr. Gerner then moved that the National Amateur Press Con- vention resolve itself into the National Amateur Press Associa- tion. This most important motion, because the hour was ripe for the occurrence, passed without discussion. Mr. Beck then moved that the Association should have a president, five vice-presidents, a recording secretary, a corresponding secretary, a treasurer and an official organ. This motion was likewise carried without discussion.
Mr. White now moved that the permanent officers of the Con- vention should be made and declared the permanent officers of the National Amateur Press Association. On this motion an animated discussion ensued. Messrs. Gerner, Kendall and Hosey took part in the debate. The motion prevailed. Thereby I became president of the National Amateur Press Association and Will T. Hall became its recording secretary. The other created offices were then filled, by an election, as follows:
Richard Gerner, of Hoboken, first vice-president; William E. Leaning, of Fly Creek, N. Y., second vice-president; George Bertron, of Philadelphia, third vice-president ; Charles C. Heuman, of New York City, fourth vice-president; William Winslow, of Pennsylvania, fifth vice-president; E. R. Riale, cf Philadelphia, corresponding secretary; J. A. Fynes, Jr., of Boston, treasurer. The New England Star was made the official organ. The president then appointed, on motion duly made and carried, a committee, consisting of Messrs. Gerner, Heuman and Barrett, to draft a constitution and by-laws, and report the same at the next convention. Ot this committee, Richard Gerner was made chairman ; Charles C. Heuman, secretary, and Franklin Barrett, of New York, parliamentary referee.
A most animated c<;ntroversy then followed, as to where the next convention should be held. Long Branch was finally chosen, and July settled as the month ; the exact day to be afterwards determined by the president.
The rage of battle having ceased, the oil of peace was poured over the troubled waters by Macanen, of Philadelphia, reading an original poem, and Gerner reciting, in effective manner, his latest poetical production, "On the Brink."
The following account of the convention, taken from the Pa- cific Amateur Journal (San Francisco), dated July 15, 1876, is deemed worthy a place here. It is given almost as originally printed, headlines and all, though somewhat condensed:
Philadelphia! — Great Amateur Convention at the Centennial. — The Grandest Event ever Chronicled in the Annals of Amateur
HISTOUr OK THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PKESS ASSOCIATION. 9
Journalism. — Intense Excitement and Enthusiasm. — Notes and Incidents. — [Telegraphed by our Special Cv rrespoudent, per Western Union Telep^raph Company.] — Philadelphia, July 4, 1876. — The Centennial anniversary of American independence has long been looked forward to with eager interest by amateur journalists of this country, as it was the day appointed on which the much talked-of convention of amateurs was to be held in this city. It being here that, in 1814, Thomas Condie issued the initial number of the Portfolio — the first amateur paper published in America — Philadelphia was, no doubt, not only the most con- venient, but the most appropriate city for holding such a convention.
To the now defunct Gazette, of Portland. Me., belongs the honor of suggesting this assemblage of Amateurs.
The ceremonies were taken charge of by the amateurs of this city, who experienced considerable difficult}^ in obtaining a suitable place for convening, but City Institute Hall, corner of Chestnut and Eighteenth streets, was finally secured, and such arrangements made as would insure the success of the meeting and the comfort of those attending it.
The hour for assembling drew near, and small knots of excited amateurs might be seen gathering on the sidewalks, eagerly engaged in making the acquaintance of their editorial brethren, or discussing with considerable vehemence the scenes that were to follow. ' Among them could be found Richard Gerner (Humpty Dumpty), of Hoboken, N. J.; J. W. Snyder (Win- slow), of Richmond, Va. ; J. A. Fynes, Jr., of Boston, Mass. ; Correl Kendall (Sphinx), the well known puzzler, of Boston; Taussig, of the American Bulletin, Harrisburg ; Black, of the Young Idea, Brooklyn ; Hoppie, of the Boys^ Eights, Westmin- ster, Md. ; Count, of the Times, Ellensville, N. Y. ; Stevenson, of the Bay City Amateur, Sandusky ; White, of the Boys^ Jour- nal, Alexandria, Va. ; Nathan Cole and brother, of the Acorn, St. Louis; Hawk, of XheWide 4wake, New York; Siviter, of the American Banner, Pittsburg ; Jones, of the Union Gazette, Baltimore ; Hall, of the High School Gazette, Chicago ; and Hosey and Farrell, of the Free Lance, New York. Philadelphia was represented by about twenty amateurs, including the editors of the Boys^ Gem, Boys^ Press, Sphinx and Exposition, Washing- ton, the ''boss city," was represented by about ten editors, including those of the Southern Star, Crucible, Imp, Daicn, Am- ateur Press, American Youth, Pastime and Gem.
When the doors were thrown open, a scramble for seats ensued, during which Gerner, the cliairman, vainly endeavored to call the meeting to order, and it was only after innumerable unsuccessful attempts, and repeated requests for "order, gentle-
10 HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION.
men, order," that anythiiio- like quiet was restored. The reofister was then bronoht forth, and the names of those present enrolled, after which the meeting- proceeded to business.
Gerner then read a lensthy address, statino- the object of the convention, and speaking of the high standard to which Amateur Journalism in America has risen, and nrgintr those present to exert themselves in its behalf. During his address he was fre- quently and loudly applauded, and was evidently held in high esteem by his hearers. Beck, of Philadelphia, then followed by an address in behalf of the amateurs of his city, which was well received.
The election of officers for the National Amateur Press Asso- ciation was then held, and was hotly contested by the friends of a few ambitious candidates, who seemed persistent in creating as great a commotion as possible, but their efforts were of no avail, and the result was as follows :
President, J. W. Snyder, Richmond, Va. ; vic^-presidents, Gerner, of Hoboken. Will Leaning, of Fly Creek, N. Y. ; George Bertron ; Heuman, of New York, and Winslow. of Pennsylvania ; secretary, W. T. Hall, of Chicago ; corresponding secretary. E. R. Riale, cf Philadelphia. ; treasurer, J. A. Fynes, Jr., of Boston, Mass. ; official organ, Neic England Star.
Snyder made an excellent address on accepting the position of president,^ and was loudly cheered. His address, though deliv- ered without previous preparation, was one of the elocntionary gems that are so seldom found, and was one of the finest efforts at elocution that ever graced an amateur convention. Maccarman, of Philadelphia, then read an original poem of considerable merit, and was immediately followed by "Humpty Dumpty," who delivered in fine style and with great effect his latest and best poem, entitled "On the Brink." It is a fine production, and has been disposed of at a high figure to Our Hearthstone Friend.
The convention was a grand success in all respects — but had there been fewer outside attractions the attendance would un- doubtedly, have been larger.
After being in session about three hours it adjourned. The next annual meeting will be held some time in July, 1877, at Long Branch.
During the election of officers the excitement had risen to fever pitch, and two aspiring youths were with difficulty restraii-ed from "pummehng" each other. While Snyder was delivering his extempore address, the enthusiasm rose to such a heig^ht as to ren- der it almost impossible for him to proceed, and he had to await the subsiding of the applause so plentifully showered upon him before he could make himself heard.
HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUli PBES.S Ai«SOCl ATIOX. 11
Nine hmulrecl papers are said to have ])een in existence at one time rinriiior this year, which opened the era known as the '-Hal- cyon Days." The TaUer, Albany, N. Y., and Boys^ Herald, Ba- tavia. N. Y.. entered their fifth year. The Omaha (Neb.) Excelsior entered its sixth year, and was the oldest amateur paper published. The Amateur, Brooklyn, N. P. ; Pacific Ama- teur Journal, San Francisco, Cal. ; New England Star, New Ipswich, N. H. ; Brilliant, Grand Rapids, Mich. ; Budget (semi-monthly). New York City, were prominent papers. The Bee, by Henry VV.almsly, said to be 12 years of age, was credit- able. The largest paper of the year was the High School Gazette, Providence, R. I., twenty three-column pages and cover, 9x12 inches each. Prominent new papers were : Monthly Doings, by Wyndham A. Morris ; Clipper, by Frank F. Bassett ; Bamhler, by Howard Scott ; Amateur Republican, by George W. Hancock ; Boys^ Delight, by Zander Snyder ; Western Amateur, by Will T. Hall. The best known weeklies were: Bays^ Journal, later Youth'' 8 Progress, of Alexandria, Va., and the Young American, of Carboudale, Ills. The prettiest and neatest paper of the year was Our Free Lance, Chicago and Washington each claimed to have thirty papers at one time. The Crucible, by Clarence G. Allen, caused much comment by its originahty, sarcasm and sprightliness. The Imp was on the same order, but irregular in publication. The Daily Amateur, an advertising sheet, was published at the Chicago Exposition for one month. Misses Libbie L. Adams and Delle E. Knapp took a prominent part in amateur affairs this year.
CH/IFTER 3.
THE LONG BRANCH CONVENTION.
Politics to the ' Foee. — Candidates Plentiful. — Gernkr's "CoxGKEss Scheme." — Sectionalism Appears. — Ohio Am- ateurs Pass Resolutions. — Winslow Replies, Suggesting That Meetings Alternate East and West. — ^President's Proclamation. — Clossey'sConvention Account. — Winslow Defines an Amateur. — "Congress Scheme" Tabled. — Another Constitution Com3iittee Appointed. — Dingwall Elected President. — Sensational Literature Denounced. Prominent Papers of the Year.
'HE organization of the Association and election of officers to carry on its business bronobt the political side of Am-
\ ateur Journalism to the fore, and early in '77 numerous nominations were made for the various offices to be filled at the Long Branch meeting, and in some instances vigorous campaigns were carried on. Among the candidates named for the presi- dency we find Charles C. Heuman, of New York; Alexander W. Dingwall, of Milwaukee; Will T. Hall, of Chicago; Richard Gerner, of Hoboken ; Correl Kendall, of l^oston, and the then president, John \\ . Snyder, of Richmond, Va.
Early in the campaign Mr. Heuman withdrew in favor of his friend, Mr. Gerner, though not until he had been given a goodly following, many of whom were at a loss for a leader when Mr. Heuman withdrew.
The Gerner campaign was given a platform in the "Congress Scheme," originated by Mr. Gerner, and warmly upheld by his supporters. Thos. G. Harrison in his "Career and Reminis- cences" says:
This scheme, as explained by Gerner, in his motion for its ac- ceptance [at the Long Branch convention], was, in brief, as follows: The formation of a National Assembly of Amateur Journalists, to which delegates were to be elected, not chosen, by the Associations in the United States, these delegates to meet in convention annually at some central city, there to elect a presi-
HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION. 13
dent who would act as president and chief of all the associations ; in short, with comparatively the same power as that of the Presi- dent of the United States.
In Wise and Otherwise {MsniettsL, O.), Chas. A. Watkyns explains Geruer's plan:
Gerner's constituents were known as the "Congress Party/' because they advocated the adoption of what was known as the •'Congress Scheme," which originated in the fertile brain of their leader. It was a ponderous constitution, being an adaptation of the system of the Lnited States Government, with a President, secretaries of the interior and exterior and so forth, Senate and House of Representatives.
In writing of the Long Branch convention Mr. Watkyns continues :
Gerner arose and read the famous "Congress Scheme," con- sisting of seventy pages, which took him fortj- -three minutes to read. Whatever else of the second annual convention has been lost in the past, the recollection of that celebrated document has been handed down, without need of the historian's stylus. If there are those who have never understood exactly what it was, its very name will give them a crude idea of its nature. It was, as I have already mentioned, an adaptation of the system of our country's government, and was understood to be the seven years' labor of "Humpty Dumpty." Aside from its complexity and profundity, it was too great an elephant for the limited scope of Amateur Journalism. It was then considered by Gerner's sup- porters— to quote a paper of '77 — to be full of "grandeur of thought and sjiblimity of idea," but the proposer of such a gi- gantic scheme, in these latter days of common sense and greater experience, would be ridiculed as a lunatic.
After the "Congress Scheme" had been voted down, the MSS. was probably retained by Mr. Gerner. As to its final disposition, Mr. Watkyns says :
It was rumored at the time that Gerner walked sadly out to the beach and hurled his prodigy far out in the ocean. I actu- ally saw him throw a MSS. bundle, corresponding in bulk to that of his "gigantic labor," but have ever had a suspicion that he still retains it, and I am strengthened in my belief by the testi- mony of several who allege to have seen it after the "sacrifice" was made.
The talk of Sectionalism, which has often been a potent factor in the politics of Amateurdom, caused the publication of an open letter by President Snyder. This letter was written in answer to
14 HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRE&S ASSOCIATION.
the following resolutions, adopted by the Ohio Amateur Press Association :
Whereas, The former N. A. P. A. was held in an eastern city, and owing to this fact western amateurs were unable to attend ; be it
Besolvedj That we respectfully request that a city further west be selected for this year's meeting, and that the secretary send a copy of this resolution to the president of the National Amateur Press Association.
As the Association was entirely without laws during this period of its existence, this resolution, demanding attention of some sort, was one which President Snyder donhlless considered care- fully. In his answer, published in the Boys^ Herald, he declared that the Association alone had the power to appoint its place of meeting, as it had exercised that power in the Philadelphia con- vention. He quickly dismissed, as impracticable, suggestions that he call an extra session, and authorize a "vote by letter" on the question of the seat for the coming July convention. He broached the plan of having conventions alternately in the east and the west, which thought was incorporated in the constitution adopted later, and has remained there ever since. He also sug- gested that, where it was found impossible for Westerners or Easterners to attend the annual convention, on account of the distance, the amateurs of the far-off section meet together, and after discussing the Association's interests, apjioint delegates to represent them at the gathering.
The Westerners, however, were not satisfied. The following resolution was passed at the meeting of the Indiana A. P. A., February 22, 1877, at Indianapolis:
Hesolved, That we, the members of the Indiana Amateur Press Association, having powers equal to that of the New York Amateur Press Association, do hereby proclaim Indianapolis, Ind., as the next meeting place of the National Association, and that the time be July 4, 1877.
There is no record that the resolution was ever noticed by the officers of the N. A. P. A.
Continuing on the same line, the Dauntless, an anonymous sheet, issued by Thos. G. Harriscn, in its number for April, 1877, said;
HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION. 15
Amateurs of the west and south, the National Association is National in name only. It will not recoojnize our rights. There- fore we must support them ourselves. We need a United States A. P. A. — one that will show impartiality to east, south and west alike. A convention held in Indianapolis or Cincinnati would be the right thing in the right place. Let us hold one. This opinion is not only ours^ but of ALL the amateurs of the west with whom we have come in contact. It is a decided opin- ion that such a meeting would be highly beneficial ; therefore, fellow amateurs, we hereby call a meeting of Amateur Journalists, to be held in Cincinnati (as the most convenient place for Southern amateurs), on July 4, 1877, for the purpose of organ- izuig a United States A. P. A. Cincinnati amateurs will make arrangements for the rooni, etc. A large attendance will be se- cured, and satisfaction will be given to all except those few dis- contented dodgers who will uphold the National Association in the hope of getting office.
On the nomination of Dingwall (of Milwaukee) for the presi- dency, and promises of fair play from the Easterners, this plan was abandoned.
The Miscellany^ of Boston, in its issue of May, 1877, gives a complete ticket for N. A. P. A. officers, credited to Correl Ken- dall. At its close this paragraph is found :
Exchanges favoring Heuman's nomination will please copy our ticket entire, as the -'regular ticket," decided on by the leaders -of "our side."
It is explained that, as far as possible, the nominations are di- vided between east and west. The ticket follows :
President, Charles C. Heuman, New York City; first vice- president, Stanton S. Mills, Rock Island, Ills. ; second vice- president, Marvin E. Stow, Troy, N. Y. ; third vice-president, Junius W. C. Wright, Memphis. Tenn. ; fourth vice-president, Arthur J. Huss, Tiffin, O. ; fifth vice-president. Will W. Bart- lett, Omaha, Neb. ; secretary, J. Austin Fynes, Jr., Boston, Mass. ; treasurer. Will T. Hail, Chicago, Ills. ; official organ, Boys^ Herald, Batavia, N. Y. ; official editor, Alex. W. Ding- wall, Milwaukee, Wis.
Mr. Ernest K. Packard, in the New England t^tar, presented a plan for an exhibit of amateur papers at the Paris Exposition of
1878.
The New England Star was then the official organ of the N. A.
16 HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUE PRESS ASSOCIATION.
P. A., and in the April-May-June, 1877, issue, the following appeared :
A Proclamation, To the Amateurs of the United States — At Philadelphia, July 4, 1876, a National Amateur Press Associa- tion was organized. With this Association all amateurs of the United States, in good standing, are earnestly advised and cordially invited to connect themselves. The great object of the National Amateur Press Association is to promote "union" among workers in a like cause, and to foster fraternity, friend- ship and united effort among youths who already acknowledge the mutual ties of common, tastes, aims and hopes.
The convention of 1876 selected for its next place of assemb- ling Long Branch, N. J. It likewise appointed July as the month and delegated to its President the power of naming the day. Therefore I, J. Winslow Snyder, President of the National Amateur Press Association, in accordance with the power vested in me, appoint the 16th day of July, 1877, as the date for the assembling of the National Amateur Press Association at Long Branch N. J. J. Winslow Snyder,
Richmond, Va., May 8, 1877. Pres. N. A. P. A.
Mr. Joseph P. Clossey, in his paper. Our Free Lance, pub- lished an admirable account of the Long Branch convention, from which the following copious extracts are made:
Saturday, July 14, was in New York a day of moment. Since Thursday various members of the fraternity had been arriving, and by Saturday there were as many as twentj^-five visitors in the hands of the reception committees.
On Sunday morning the renowned "Boston delegation," ac- companied by three other delegations, less famous, arrived by the Fall River line.
Bright and early on Monday morning the boys were "all aboard" and shortly after "underway." The trip to Sandy Hook on the steamer Empire State was delightful, and everyone seemed to enjoy it.
Gerner's "personal magnetism" made itself felt to a wonderful degree upon this occasion, and no one was cheered more lustily than he, and since the convention, too, the feeling kindled has been displayed in numerous instances.
Before the New York delegation and the "visiting statesmen" of the 'Dom who had made that city their temporary resting place, had started for the Branch, the chairman of the Dingwall committee was already on the ground. Shortly after his arrival a number of the most prominent among the delegates already present had been taken into council, relative to the advisability
HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION. 17
of uniting the auti-Gerner factions upon one ticket. Kendall's friends were loth to give him up. Snyder's supporters were con- fident of their candidate's success, after a single ballot had shown the impj^sibility of elecitingj either Dingwall or Kendall. In fact, Dingwall's unavoidable absence came near disrupting his sup- port. Many who W3ald have supported him, if present, were inclined to prefer either Kendall or Snyder ; and so determined were the advocates of each that some despaired of effecting an agreeable consolidation. In this dilemma it was urged by some who feared that Gerner's election was almost certain, that, to ac- celerate matters, Kendall's support be transferred to Mr. Gerner, presumably putting his election beyond doubt. Upon the attainment of this result, the opposition — meaning the adher- ants of Dingwall, Snyder and Kendall — should withdraw from the •N. A. P. A., and immediately resuscitate the never-to-be-for- gotten ^'Eastern Amateur Press Association," from whose raenr.- bership Gerner and his clan should be forever debarred.
Such wild counsels could not prevail. The assertion that an absentee could not be elected president was met with a reference to ''Gushing." The doubts of the Dingwallites were removed by vigorous reasoning; and the friends of Mr. Kendall, though none the less true to him, were half inclined to cooperate, for the sake of a common victory, with the supporters of the man of Milwaukee.
All this time the boys from New York were anxiously looked for, but no sign of their coming appeared. At length, while Chairman Clossey and his gut sts were in solemn conclave sit- ting, a faint '-hurrah" from afar burst upon their ears, bringing joy to their hearts and sending the blood enthusiastically suririno: throug^h every vein. All rushed to the balcony, whenc3e they could see in the distance, coming at mad speed, with horses on a swinging trot, the two Ocean Hotel stages, carrying more boyish enthusiasm, jollity and good feeling than they could hold — since these overflowed at the window.
Rapidly rallying to the call of their leader, the Dingwall Com- mittee-men entered upon their task cheerfully and systematically. As soon as orders for a caucus had been issued, they took pains to ensure the attendance, as far as possible, of all known to be in opposition to Gerner. Speedily there assembled at the chair- man's parlors over fifty delegates. aU supposed to be in unison with the object of the caucus. After some desultory conversa- tion, it was agreed that a ballot should determine upon which of the three candidates — Dingwall, Kendall or Snyder — our strength should be united. Messrs. Graff, Young and Mansbach were indefatigable in their exertions to hasten the proceedings ; and as those present voted, they passed out and were counted by
18 HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUE PRESS ASSOCIATION.
guards at the door. Outside, the Gerner party gathered in amazement, anxious to learn whether the division in the ranks of their opponents, upon which they principally relied for success, would be avoided. Inside, Gee, Hosey and Fynes counted the ballots, while half-a-dozen others observed them. Fifty-eight had been in the room, of whom nearly a dozen had refrained from voting, through sympathy with Snyder, chiefly, and a wish not to be bound by acquiescence in the ballot to the action of the caucus. But forty-eight good and trae ballots had been cast, and A. W. Dingwall had received a majority. Among those in the room, comprising the leaders of three parties, it was accepted as an understood fact that Dingwall would receive, as far as their control extended, all the votes that would have been cast for the man of their former choice. Hosey was deputed to inform those waiting outside of the decision of the caucus ; and when he announced that "A. W. Dingwall, having received a majority of the votes cast, would be the candidate of the anti-Gernerites," an exultant cheer arose that presaged victory. The last words as the caucus dissolved, were: "Correl Kendall for Ist-vice?" "Yes."
By the time the Dingwall caucus dissolved, the arrangements for the meeting had been perfected, and promptly thereafter President J. Winslow Snyder, at 1:15 p. m., called the second annual convention of the National Amateur Press Asso(;iati(m to order. After congratulating the gentlemen upon their ability to be present, whereby they were afforded an opportunity of form- ing friendships that would last through life, Mr. Snyder ex- pressed his gratification with the unity of purpose exltibited in giving to the National Amateur Press Associaticm a vitality nml permanence that, enlarging its circle of influence, would increase in power for good. The time had come for work, however, rather than words, .ind without further digression the Convention would proceed at once to business.
At the outset a difficulty presented it.elf, and President Snyder expressed his opinion of the futility of attempting any- thing before it was settled who, of the vast multitude present, were amateurs, and, therefore, justly entitled to vote. The roll of the Philadelphia convention was itself incomplete, since some of those who participated in the proceedings failed to sign it. During the intervening year, also, it was possible for anyone in the ranks to become a member of the Association by sending his name to the secretary. Many availed themselves of this means while others deferred joining until they should be present at the convention. So it happened that out of the ninety or so present, at least one-half had no previous affiliation with the N. A. P. A. President Snyder, with his customary discretion, exnressed an
HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION. 19
opinion of the propriety of revising the roll of membership be- fore any further business was taken in hand. The chair per- formed its delicate task— ^involving, en passant, a decision of the time-honored question: "What constitutes an amateur?" — in a most satisfactory way. Directing the Secretary to read the list of those who had signed the roll at Philadelphia, and those who had subsequently signified to him their desire to join, he re- quested those present whose names were called to assume seats on the right of the chair. This done, the elect and the non-elect were amassed in opposing columns. Those who wished to become members were then invited to present their names to the Secretary. Pending this, however, Mr. Kendall asked information from the chair, relative to challenging persons who applied for membership. The chair replied, defining an amateur as ''Anyone who contrib- uted to an amateur paper," and stating that any member could challenge the right of anyone wishing to join. In his opinion, however, no one would wish to join who was not legitimately an amateur, as he would only sully his honor without any appreci- able gain.
It was suggested that those then about to join should give their noms de plume as well as their real names; but the manifest impracticability of this plan caused its rejection. Finally, the completion of the roll was proceeded with, the secretary calling aloud each name as it was handed in. Three names were ob- jected to. and the cases were referred by the chair to a committee consisting of Messrs. Babcock, Heuman and Fynes. The com- mittee, ^after receiving the testimony of the challenged persons and the challengers, presented a report advising the admission of tvvo of those challenged, but rejecting the application of the third. Mr. Kendall created some little excitement by requesting permission of the chair to ask Mr. Kahrs (of the Budget, N. Y.j, '^ Whether he considered himself an amateur?" Mr. Kahrs re- plied spiritedly, ''I certainly do." Kendall retorted that "while Kahrs printed his pa[)er for a living, he didn't."
The roll of those present being completed, other business would have been taken up, but for the fact that some amateurs — < among them the leading presidential candidate — had neglected to send their names to the secretary for membership in the ex- pectation ol: joining the cor.vention only to be disappointed in the end. Upon information being sought, the chair ruled that any gentleman present could submit for meinbershi[) the name of any absent amateur, whose candidacy for ariy of the offices of the N. A. P. A. he wished to urge, provided that the amateur in question had expressed a wisli to join, and had authorized the use of his name in this regard. Under this ruling Mr. .jolui Hosey propo-^cd for membership Mr, A. W. Dingwall, of Alii-
20 HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION.
waiikee, Wis. The acceptance of this name was received with cheers. Mr. Kendall's adherents, notwithstanding their acquies- cence in the result of the morning caucus, had cherised the hope that the neglect — ah, mistaken idea! — of those managing the Dingwall campaign, had left them an opening for victory. When the list of all new and old, absent and present members had been read, and was minus Mr. Dingwall's name, their plans were quickly laid. When Mr. Dingwall should have been nominated for president — presuming, of course, his non-membership — an objection on that must have been sustained. But they bad rashly credited the Dingwall committee with a lack of foresight that did not belong to it. Every step of the canvass had been foreseen, every contingency provided for; all that was needed was efficient direction of subordinate movements, and the proper execution of appropriate plans.
In connection with the proposal of Mr. Dingwall's name, other candidates for office were proposed by various gentlemen, and under the same ruling were admitted. A sudden impulse prompted some member to propose for membership Miss Alice Plarper, and in the same feeling of gallantry. Misses L. Libbie Adams, Delle E. Knapp and Lottie Ray were proposed and admitted, the admirers of each lady applauding.
The roll of members, now complete, comjjrises, according to the best accounts, about 140 names. About 85 members were present at the convention, noticeable among whom were our "Prince of Essayists," J. Winslow Snyder, Gerner, Gee, Heu- man. Hall, Huss, Kendall, Fynes. Campbell, Sewell. Wa.^serman, Babcock, Graff, Baker, Mix, Winslow, Young, Worthinston, Dix, Doherty, Morris, Lawrence, Lesser and others. Among: the interested visitors were two of the famous "old-timers" — Will S. Hillyer and John A. Rebertson. These were constantly the center of admiring throngs. The members were, for the most part, grouped together according to party. Almost the entire Gerner faction was seated at the right of the chair and in the front row of seats. Behmd these were Mr. Kendall's supporters, with here and there an odd Dino^wall man. But the main body of the Dingwallites were clustered at the left of the chair, and well to the front. On the same side were seated also many of Mr. Snyder's advocates. An expectant air prevailed all.
By direction of the chair. Secretary Hall next read the minutes of the convention held in Philadelphia, July 4, 1876. The min- utes presented a clear record of all the proceedings of the Cen- tennial 'vention, and, upon their acceptance, the chair expressed its sense of their merit.
The chair next called for the report of the committee on Con-
HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION. 21
stitution, consisting of Messrs. Gerner, Heuman and Barrett. In response, Mr. Gerner, the chairman of the committee, presented a document of 76 pages, embodying the principles of his much- vaunted 'Congress Scheme." Immediately a discussion arose as to its reading, some arguing that it should be read and acted upon clause by clause, while others wished to hear it read through be- fore any action suould be taken. The chair, in due courtesy, and by established precedent, ruled that it must be read as a whole. It would be manifestly unjust to have the whole work — the labor of seven years — judged by a clause severed from its conjunction, and therefore incapable of correct interpretation. Every consid- eration of fair play required that the whole be heard, that we comprehend the full scope of the plan before acting upon its adoption.
Mr. Gerner proceeded with his arduous task of reading the re- port. The reading occupied over three-quarters of an hour, and Mr. Gerner, at its close, was greeted with cheers by his adl\erents.
Mr. Kendall moved that the report be laid on the table indef- initely. Some heated discussion thereupon arose. Mr. Lesser claimed that the time and labor spent upon the report merited for it more consideration than a mere tabling. It had taken months and years to i)erfeet the plan set forth, and yet it was proposed that all should go for nothing, and the result of so much labor would be so curtly dismissed ; the motion was temporarily with- drawn by Mr. Kendall, who substituted a motion of a recess for an hour. This motion was, at 3:20 p.m. almost unanimously carried.
The recess was a glad relief to those who had become weary of Gerner's prolix plans. It afforded, also, a welcome opportunity of interchanging views upon the ''Congress Scheme" ; and though many availed themselves of the hour's intermission to re- plenish their waning strength, other spent the time in discussing its merits and defects. Almost universally was disapproval ex- pressed, mingled with regret, that the result of so much thought, care and labor must be summarily dismissed. Few, even of the foremost in denouncing the scheme, failed to appreciate the ad- mirable features with which it abounds, despite its innumerable infelicities and absurdities. All regretted that the preponder- ance of the bad necessitated the rejection of the element of good underlying the scheme. An hour was all too short for all that could be said on both sides, and it rapidly fled.
At 4;20 p. m., the members began to reassemble, and Presi- dent Snyder, after deferring the transaction of any business till half past four, declared the recess closed, and again called the meeting to order. A motion for a further recess of half an hour
22 HISTOUY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR. PRESS ASSOCIATION.
haviDg been lost, . Mr. Kendall, in response to an inquiry from the chairf renewed his. motion that the report of the Committee on Constitution be continued indefinitely. On a standing vote, the motion- was carried, and to the table was consigned Gerner's pet plan. Hie Jacet. Upon motion by Mr. Kendall,. it was ordered that a committee be appointed to prepare a, simpler con- stitution, than that just offered. The chair appointed Messrs. ^ Kendall, Heuman and Babcock.
The next step towards the expedition of business was taken by Mr. J. C. Worthington, of Philadelphia, who moved that the As- sociation proceed to the election of oificers, pending the report of.:the Constitutional committee. A nearly unanimous vote tes- tified to the desire of all to have the suspense at an end. It was agreed that the same officers should be elected as at last year's convention. The dramatic sensation of the day arrived when Gerner arose, and in a voice of icy coolness said: "I doubt the legality of all these proceedings, as there is no quorum present." Mr. Kendall questioned the solidity of Mr. Gerner's position^ the chair stated that in the absence of a- constitution defining what should constitute a quorum, common parliamentary practice should be followed. A majority. of all answering to the call of the roll during the first session would, therefore, be sufficient for the purpose. The, position that a majority of all enrolled as members were necessary, the chair held to be untenable, since a great number could not, by force of circumstances, or location, attend the convention.
.Meanwhile a steady stream, of those absent at the call of the meeting had been pouring in until the seats were now as well filledvas during the first session. President Snyder stated that the precedent of- last year's convention — that of voting by ballot
—should be followed ; and he appointed as tellers Messrs. Heu- man, Babcock and Fynes. .
-Mr. Heuman, thereupon, nominated for president, Richard /Gerner, of Hoboken,.N. J. Mr. Snyder was renominated by Mr. T^usig, and Mr. A. W. Dingwall, of Milwaukee, Wis., and Will T. Hall, of Chicago, Ills.,, were also placed in nomination.
Mr. Landauer, of Philadephia, then recited a carefully prepared -address in praise of President Snyder, and urging "his reelec- tion. To such an extent did he dilate on his merits that every- where were visible signs of weariness, and yawning seemed the order of. the day. > Mr. Snyder, admonished the speaker of the necessity of dispatch, and he, soon thereafter concluded his dis- course.
Mr. Lesser, of Hoboken, took the floor in behalf of Mr. Gerner, but with no result to- his championing, save disgust from those already weary and a -rebuke . from Gerner himself, who
HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION. 23
"didn't care to have his personal merits discussed there." Mr. Dingwall's name went to the convention without any advocacy, owing partly to a mistaken sense of zeal on the part of Mr. Davis, who had nominated him, and the consequent disinclination of the gentleman to whom had been assigned the task of both nomination and eulogy, to carry out a programme officiously marred. But a greater consideration than this was the fact that the 'vention was tired of speeches already, and each new one added to its indifference. Motives of policy, therefore, prompted the Dingwall managers to a safe silence.
As the secretary, by direction of the president, called the roll, each member present stepped forward and deposited his ballot. The voting done, the tellers busied themselves with the count. A long delay ensued, and every heart beat high in anticipation. A few minutes before the result was announced, a report that Ding- wall had received 36 votes carried joy to his supporters. Finally the result was declared as follows :
Number of votes cast - - - - 78
Necessary to a choice - - - - 40
A. W. Dingwall - - - - - 38
Richard Gerner - - - - - 24
J. Winslow Sn>der - - - - 15
The suspense was maintained to the last, Dingwall's vote not being announced until after the other two. When it was known, what a cheer burst forth ! Smiles and shouts, handshaking and congratulations, but ill expressed the exuberant feelings of the Dingwallites, confident now of victory. Order at length restored, a second ballot was commenced. Its result was a foregone con- clusion, Mr. Dingwall's ranks remaining firm, though some changes occurred among his opponents.
When the tellers counted the votes, one— a printed ballot slip furnished by the Lance — read: "For first vice president, Cor- rel Kendall, Boston, Mass." Whatever meaning had been in- tended will probably never be known. The chair invited the person who cast the ballot to identify it and explain it, but as no one replied to his repeated request, he was forced to throw it out. As the rejection of this ballot broke the deadlock and gave one candidate the majority (of which he only lacked one-half a vote), Mr. Snyder has been unjustly criticised — nay defamed. It is easy to show that he could not have acted otherwise: 1st — Because /orm is evitrything in the legal settlement of such a case unless so clear evidence of intention be presented as will remove all doubt. 2nd — The vote could not be counted for Kendall, because Kendall was not in nomination.
This mysterious ballot rejected, the vote stood:
24 HISTORY OP THE NATIONAL AMATEUE PRESS ASSOCIATION.
Number of votes east - - - - 75
Necessary to a choice - - - - 38
A. W. Dingwall - . - . 38
Richard Gerner - - - . \. 26
J. W. Snyder - - - - . - 11
Mr. Dingwall's vote, lessened by the departure of several of
his adherents on the 5 :30 boat for New York, was increased to
its original strength by the accessions from the ranks of Mr.
Snyder's friends, and though he had apparently the same support
on both ballots, on the second he had a positive gain.
When the chair declared that A. W. Dingwall was elected the next president of the association, all his friends joined in a re- sounding cheer, the echoes of which ring: in our ears yet. Order for the nonce was disregarded, and each one souglit the best vent for his exultant feelings. All felt the magnitude of their tri- umph, and so gloried in it.
When the storm of enthusiasm had subsided, the chair an- nounced that nominations for first vice-president were in order. Mr. Gee, of the Southern Star, nominated Arthur J. Huss, of Tiffin, Ohio. Stanton S. Mills and J. W. Snyder were also nominated. Mr. Clossey nominated Correl Kendall, but the lat- ter gentleman declined. Upon a ballot. Mr. Snyder received 44 votes, Mills 32, and Huss 2. Snyder's election was. by motion, made unanimous. He acknowledged the eompiiment paid him in a neat speech — short and sweet. "If my voice were in good condition and there were time, I might indulge in a few words; but as it is gentlemen, I thank you from my heart for this warm expression of your regard. In whatever fi'eld 1 may meet you, whether as editors, authors or printers, I hope we shall be friends." At the close of this speech the boys cheered again.
To facilitate the dif^patch of business, Mr. Snyder, who, in the absence of President Dingwall retained the chair, suggested that the remaining vice-presidents could be chosen by acclamation, if no more than two candidates were presented for each office; and in pursuance of this plan, a motion for a committee to nominate candidates having been carried, the chair appointed the tellers as such committee. They recommended the following ticket: 2d vice-president, W. F. Babcock, Hoosick, N. Y. 3d vice-presi- dent, J. C. Worthington, Philadelphia, Pa. 4th vice-president, A. J. Huss, Tiffin, Ohio. 5th vice-president, W. J. Campbell, Cambridgeport, Mass. These gentleman were elected to the re- spective offices without opposition. J. A. lynes, Jr., was elected recording secretary by a vote of 43 to Lud wig's 19, and Watkins' 8. The first ballot for corresponding secretary resulted in no choice. On the second Will E. Leaning was elected, re- ceiving 43 votes to 16 given to L. H. Mansbach, and 5 to J. B.
HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION. 25
Sewell, Jr. Wm. T. Hall received the treasurership on a vote of 62 out of a total of 80 ; of the remainder, 14 votes were cast for E. R. Riale, 3 for Clemmie Chase, and 1 for Ritter.
A recess was taken until 8 :30. When the adjourned meeting was called to order, the first business was the election of an of- ficial organ. Our Free Lance declining, the Boys^ Herald^ hav- ing promised regularity in the future, was elected on the third ballot over the Monthly Souvenir, Elmira Enterprise^ All Sorts, Idle Sours, Amateur Leader and Critic. After several ballots, C. C. Heuman was elected official editor.
When the time for the selection of the next place of meeting had arrived, good feeling reigned every were ; Mr. Gerner setting his followers an example of equanimitj' that they would do well to imitate. For the meeting-place of the '78 convention, Chicago, Indianapolis, Cincinnati, Boston, New York, Hoboken, Elmira, Philadelphia and the Sandwich Islands were nominated. Every- one appreciated the humor of the thing, and on the first ballot there was danger that either King Kalakaua or Prince Gerner would be our host next year. But after this exuberance the members resolved into steadiness, and on the second ballot Chi- cago was chosen, receiving a majority over Indianapolis and Cincinnati. Some further business, chiefly financial, was trans- acted ; and upon appeals from the cbair, who was not slow in- deed to set a good example, enough money was subscribed to de- fray the expenses incurred and to meet the appropriations made. At 10:30 p. m., the convention adjourned, to meet again the fol- lowing morning.
In the morning hastily rising and dressing, we betook ourselves to the meeting-room of the night before, where the convention was already assembled and hard at work. Every motion meant good to the 'Dom and brought down the house. The committee on constitution, appointed the night before, presented a concise but serviceable constitution in its report. With a few amendments this was adopted. Mr. Beck moved a vote of thanks to the com- mittee, which was given. The committee on badge reported in favor of a design similar to that worn by Mr. Gerner. Upon motion of Mr. Graff, it was resolved that no communication be
held by the members of the association with the , or with
Stewart Bros., its publishers. This interdiction was extended to the GMpmunJc, Buckeye Cruiser and Portland Courier, on ac- count of their similar violations of the proprieties of speech. Gerner followed up this move in the right direction by a denun- ciation of the New York professional boys' papers. Our Boys\ Boys of New York and the Boys^ Weekly. Gerner' s motion for condemnation was amended to the effect that any member con- tributing in any manner to these papers be expelled. Amidst
26 HISTOKY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUE PRESS ASSOCIATION,
the wildest applause the motion was carried. Beck moved a re- quest that the action of the convention be published, and copies of such accounts be sent to the journals condemned. A univer- sal "AYE" spoke, the convention's mind. A resolution of thanks to Mr. Grerner, for his able reply to the attack of the New York Herald of April 29, was carried with great applause ; and when the secretary, in response to a call, read Mr. Gerner's let- ter, the din was renewed.
A motion to adjourn sine die being lost, the chair introduced the orator of the occasion, Mr. James M. Beck, of Philadelphia. The gentleman excused himself, however, and the laureate, Mr. C. C. Heuman, also expressed regret at his inability to perform his part, through having mislaid his MSS.
Mr. Gerner said that since so much had been condemned, he thought it fitting now to express praise, and he therefore moved that a vote of appreciation and approval be given to Mr. Chas. K. Farley, (Karl C. Yelraf), for the wonderful ability displayed in his serial "Two Fair Bedouins," now being published in Our Free Lance. With enthusiastic cheers, the motion was carried. A vote of thanks was also given to the chair, and a committee was appointed to convey to the Messrs. Leland the thanks of the Association. The business was at an end, and, after a charming valedictory by Mr. Snyder, at 10:30 a. m., on July 17, tbe second annual convention of the N. A. P. A. adjourned.
Amateur papers were not as numerous in 1877 as in the previous year, but of a higher grade. A war against "thumb nails," or papers issued for exchanges only, at the smallest possi- ble expense, had driven many from the ranks. Our Free Lance, enlarged, was known as "King bf Amateur Journals." The Keystone, Baltimore and New York; Monthly Souvenir, Pitts- burg, Pa.; Literary World (16 page magazine), Philadelphia; Fcho (eclectic), Brooklyn, N. Y. ; Miscellany, Boston ; Our Amer- ican Youth, Washington, D. C. ; Rfimbler, St. Louis; Club, Chi- cago; Young American, Cfxrhond^lQ, Ills., Buckeye Boy, TltRn, O. ; All Sorts, Omaha, Neb.; Duke^s Spirit, Pesotum, 111., were prominent papers of the year.
There were more authors of acknowledged ability in the ranks this year than ever before or since.
"The Universal History of Amateurdom" by Marvin E. Stow, made its appearance and was of great interest.
CHflFTER 4.
THE CHICAGO CONVENTION OF 1878.
The Second Generation Comes On. — The Postal Troubles. — The Campaign. — Convention in Chicago. — New Con- stitution Adopted. — Struggle for the Presidency. — The Banquet at the Palmer House. — Editors' Lyceum and Critics' League. — The Charges of Fraud. — Prominent Papers of the Year. — The First National Amateur. — The Constitution.
THOS. G. HARRISON, in his "Career and Reminiscen- ces," published in 1883, gave the following: The "second generation" of. amateurs now began to push its leaders into notoriety, and to gradually occupy posi- tions cf prominence. The few remaining amateurs in the ranks of the first generation fought hard against the ambition of the more youthful aspirants, but the "fossils, " as the old timers were called, were pushed aside, and in 1878 were almost entirely driven to the wall. Comparatively strange names were hailed by the fraternity with exclamations of applause ; the leading authors and editors were nearly all of the new generation. In the cam- paign, which opened early in the winter, the leading' spirits of the new generation rallied around Jos. P. Clossey and Wm. T. Hall, as exponents of their class, while Correl Kendall, of Boston, Mass., was the candidate of t^^e "Fossils."
During the early part of this year Amateur Journalism had been more prosperous than ever before ; more and better papers were issued and greater ability and activity shown by the pub- lishers than a:t any time previous in the history of Amateurdom. But late in the spring Amateur Journalism received a blow which had well nigh been deadly. This was in the form of a post of- fice regulation, the influence of which was the enforcement of the payment of one cent in postao;e upon every copy of an amateur journal mailed, unless certain rules and forms were complied with, which were destructive to the prosperity and extension of Amateur Journalism.
Previous to this time postal laws had been peculiarly accom- modating and inducive to the growth and spread of Amateurdom. At one time, any recrularly published periodical was sent throuafh
28 HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION.
the mails free of all charge, and just previous to the enforcement of this "obnoxious postal law," amateur journals were mailed for three cents per pound, this rate thus forming the lowest item of expense essential to the publication of a paper. But the new law increased the expense of publication very heavily, in many cases forming the greatest item in the sum total, figured up by amateur editors in their expenditures.
Amateur journals fell like leaves, and only those journals con- tinued publication whose proprietors were able to evade the law or whose means were sufficient to pay the tax levied upon them.
A vigorous campaign was opened in the interest of a num- ber of candidates for various offices in the Association. Mr. Harrison continues :
The National campaign closed, leaving everything as regards the candidates for the presidency in a state of confusion. The vote of Chicago was apparently split between Hall and Hancock, with a large support for both outside the city. Kendall failed to gain much support in the west. Clossey's support consisted of a great number of the ablest editors, and for that reason I con- jectured that his prospects were favorable for election. Clossey's opponents seemed to be afraid that he would use money to- wards paying railroad fares of his supporters and in baying votes. Hall held out to his supporters the inducement of a ban- quet at his expense. Early in July the supporters of Hancock were thrown into a flurry by a report, afterwards claimed to be bogus, that Hancock had declined the nomination for the presi- dency in favor of Hall. This report was afterwards said to have been circulated by Hall men, as a campaign dodge to gain sup- port for their candidate, and it deceived a great many supporters of Hancock, but did not have the effect of driving them into line for Hall. Since the convention, however it has been thought that the report was not entirely without foundation, and only denied because it was found to not improve Hall's chances of election.
This was a very bitter campaign — more so than any before or since. Hall was probably the most abused. Next to Hall, Clossey was the most slandered, his enemies bringing every pos- sible charge against him. Kendall and Hancock came in for their share, too, but the latter was "let down easy."
At 10:30 o'clock Wednesday morning, July 17, the third con- vention of the National A. P. A. was called to order by Vice President John W. Snyder, with about 85 amateur editors and authors present, and he delivered an eloquent address, which was loudly applauded, and served to increase the already great en- thusiasm which everyone felt. A. J. Huss was elected secretary
HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION. 29
protem, and the usual business of the reading of minutes, of- ficers' report, admission of members, etc., was transacted. A committee was appointed to examine the credentials of appli- cants for membership, and then the constitution, which had been prepared during the preceding year by Will B. Graff, Chas. H. Young and Wm. B. Henry, was read by Young, the only one of the committee who was present. He took a rest of a few min- utes, after reading some time, while Stanton S. Mills, the ap- pointed orator of the occasion, delivered an excellent address upon "The Professional vs. the Amateur," which he handled in an able manner. Young then finished reading the constitution, which was then voted upon, clause by clause, and adopted with several amendments, made by Clossey and others.
The adoption of this constitution was the source of a great deal of congratulation upon the part of the members present, and they felicitated themselves on the Association now possessing a constitution which they thought would do a great deal towards making the National popular, and bringing all amateurs to its support.
A recess was taken, after the constitution had been adopted, until 2 o'clock, when the Association was again called to order. A letter from the corresponding secretary. Will E. Leaning, was read, and also "letters of regret" from a number of prom- inent amateurs. The committee on credentials, which was equally <*()m posed of supporters of Hall, Hancock and Clossey, then reported that twenty-one applications for membership had been challenged, of which the committee had seen fit to expel but four — Lay. Demarest. Downs and Griggs, all residents of Chicago. These four had all previously been active amateurs, but were not then connected with the ranks. It was moved that the Associa- tion act upon each one of the four's admission separately, and upon this being done, all were elected to membership, despite the earnest protests of the Clossey supporters. J. Fred Eberle, of Philadelphia, was also admitted to membership although he was challenged in the convention by Clossey, on ihe ground that he was a contributor to the New York boys' professional papers, which, in fact, he was.
For the presidency, Hall, Hancock, Closse}'^ and Kendall were placed in nomination — the latter by his chief supporter, Gee. The ballot was taken, ea(;h member walking up to the tellers, as his name was called, and depositing his vote. The result of the lirst ballot was as follows:
Total number of vo^es cast. To ; necessary to a choice, 37 ; Hall, 35 ; Clossey, 19 ; Hancock, 12 ; Kendall, 7.
A wild cheer burst from the Hall men, whose victory was now conceded by all. Hall had managed his campaign with sreat
30 HTSTOKY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PEESS ASSOCIATION.
adriotness. Hancock's vote was a surprise to the supporters of Clossey, and it has been thought, and was so said afterwards, that he had only been running in the interests of Hall, to hold that portion of the Chicago vote with whom the latter was per- sonally unpopular, and keep it from going to a strong opponent. While this has been currently rumored, it has never been sub- stantiated.
The second ballot resulted as follows : Total number of votes cast, 71 ; necessary to a choice, 36 ; Hall, 39 ; Clossey, 22 ; Hancock, 10 ; and William T. Hall was declared elected. . For the first vice-presidency, Hancock, Huss and Mills were nominated, and Huss elected on the first ballot, receiving 38 votes of the 67 cast, to Mills' 17 and Hancock's 12. Mills had made himself unpopular by challenging voters. Huss had un- doubtedly made a "deal" with the Hall men, for he held their support, almost to a man. Hancock's nomination to the vice- presidency was probably not preconcerted.
Fred M. Cornell, of New York, was unanimously elected sec- ond vice-president, and Frank M. Morris, of Indianapolis, third vice-president. Gee was unanimously elected recording secretary, and J. F. Eberle was elected corresponding secretary by a vote of 25,. to 10 for Griggs, of Chicago; 10 for Graff, of Brooklyn, and 4 for Carter, of Cincinnati. Willis H. Allen received 33 votes for treasurer, to 15 for Daugherty, of Pittsburg, and 10 for Griggs, of Chicago. J. W. Snyder was elected official editor by acclamation, but he declined the honor, and for a time, the office went a begging. Several amateurs were nominated for it, but they declined, hardly knowing what was to be required of them, I suppose, until finally C. C. Chase was nominated and elected.
The Association then adjourned until the following morning, it being late.
At 8 o'clock, the members of the National gathered in the din- ing rooms of the Palmer House, and partook of a cold "ban- quet," which was probably the worst in its way, as far as eat- ables are concerned, that has ever been dignified by the name. The toasts and responses were the features of the occasion. J. W. Sn^^der officiated as toastmaster, and he was the backbone of the occasion, making the responses to several of the toasts him- self. The following are the toasts and sentiments :
The National A. P. A. — Ever the hope of Amateurdom. May these hopes be realized.
Amateur Journalism — May it live to entertain, instruct, en- noble ; to lift the standard of Juvenile Literature, and to afford a school to Professional Journalism.
Professional Journalism — May Amateur Journalism so progress that the\sire will recoo:nize and acknowledge the son.
HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION. 31
Our Host — The G-arcleQ City A. J. A. — They have given us a good time ; may they And a reward laid up for them in the East.
The Western A. P. A. — The National looks to it for support. (Response by Chase.)
To th3 memory of VVm. A. Fiske — May his name live sur- rounded by those same precious associations which preserved the memories of Farley and Barler.
This last toast was responded to by Stanton S. Mills, who made the oratorical event of the banquet, all who heard his elo- quent remarks uniting in enthusiastic applause.
A number of short speeches were made and the banquet ended with the "N. — A. — P. — A." cheer beinoj ojiven.
After the banquet, by previous arrangement, a number of amateur editors repaired to the room of Jos. P. Clossey for the purpose of organizing the -'Editors' Lyceum." At 10 o'clock p. m., I [Thos. G. Harrison] called the meeting to order and stated the objects of the contemplated association. By motion I was elected temporary chairman, and I then appointed A. J. Huss temporary secretary. Twent3^-eight active amateur editors joined the Lyceum and paid their dues. Huss then read the con- stitution and by-laws, which was adopted with a few changes. This association was organized for the express purpose of pre- venting early electioneering, and exerted a powerful influence for some time. Joseph P. Clossey was unanimously elected presi- ident ot the Lyceum, and took the chair. George W. Hancock was elected first vice-president ; F. M. Morris, second vice-presi- dent and also poet-laureate. After transacting some miscellane- ous business, the Lyceum. adjourned at 11 :15 p. m., this being its first and only meeting.
Immediately after it adjourned, the editors present signified thfcir desire to join the Critics' League, and I was unanimously elected League Critic. This League was "for the purpose of obtaining a compilation of impartial criticism upon worthy topics." It never amounted to much.
Thursday morning at 10 o'clock the National was again called to order, but with a diminished attendance, many of the boys being out seeing the sights. President Hall appointed several committees, and then a place for the next meeting was to be chosen. Washington, Cincinnati and New York were proposed, and Washington receiving 22 out of the 41 ballots cast, was de- clared appointed as the seat of the fourth convention. Miscel- laneous business followed, nothing of particular interest being brought before the convention, however, except Young's motion to expel John B. Sewell from the Association, on the charge of plagiarism, which was defeated. Finally, about noon, the Na- tional Association adjourned sine die.
32 HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION.
In tlie afternooD a game of baseball was played by nines from among members of the Editors' Lyceum and the National Asso- ciation, the Lyceum club being beaten by a score of 21 to 28.
The Monthly Casket, a Chicago jjaper, was issued daily during the convention, with a report of each meeting held.
Charles H. Young, editor of Our Own Journal, of New York ; Henry P. Hull and Thos. G. Harrison formed themselves into what was afterwards termed the "Clossey Investigating Com- mittee," to examine into the facts why Clossey did not get more votes. Twenty-six amateurs asserted to us that they had voted for Clossey, but there is no doubt that some of them equivo- cated. The evidence collected made it appear that there was some- thmg "crooked" about the balloting, and the after publication of the statements caused much excitement and raised the cry of fraud against Hall. But I do not doubt that Hall would have been ultimately elected, even if he was not fairly so on the second ballot, as the remaining supporters of Hancock would probably have come over to him. For a few weeks after the convention of the National, the fraternity was agitated by the rumor that the meeting had not been legal, it being claimed that a quorum of the old members had not been present at the first assembling, but all doubts were presently set at rest by the quotation from the old constitution, stating that "any number of members shall con- stitute a quorum."
Eastern amateurs were very bitter, foi" a time, against the way the western boys had managed the convention, and at the time it was rumored that no quorum had been present, a cry was made for a special convention. Grave accusations were made against numerous prominent western amateurs. An attempt was made to claim Clossey as the president dejure, but no effort was made to unseat Hall, and finally the cry of fraud wore out.
Soon after the convention, work on the next campaign was commenced and Huss and Haniuel J. Lawrence, of the JEastern Star, were nominated for the presidency. Huss was nominated by the Buffalo Amateur, then just -issued by Chas. G. Steele. During the last days of the year Huss was the only candidate actively in the field.
Take tiie year from beginning to end, and there were more pa- pers published that reached a liigh standard in all departments then in two years previous or since. One feature of the year was the large number of "all editorial" journals. The Stylus, of Tiffin, O., by Arthur J. Huss, was the most famous journal of the year. It was all editorial and vigorously attacked many famous amateurs, getting much notice and many enemies. Cairo, Ills., because famous as an amateur head-center. Will Wright's Egyptian Star and Eugene E. Ellis' Knight Errant were the best
HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION. 33
Cairo papers, and ranked among the ablest published. Will T. Hall's Western Amateur was very neat, with a finely engraved heading. The Fireside Gem, Appleton Wis., was a fine 8-page sheet. O/r Boys, of Toledo, O., was the oldest journal pub- lished, at the beginning of the year. Once a Month, Hampton, la., poorly printed but interesting. Southern Star, D. W. Gee, editor, Washington, finely printed. Crisis, J. C. Worthington, Philadelphia, handsome and ably edited. Club, Geo. W. Han- cock, enlarged. Fierian, 24 pages, Alonzo P. Brown, Brook- lyn; Le Bijou, Herbert A. Clark (colored), Cincinnati; Wa- verly, Wm. F. Buckley and Geo. W. Baildon, Brooklyn, N. Y. ; Composiny Stick, Geo. W. Beihn, Ripley O. ; Fhcenix, James J. O'Connell, Brooklyn, N. Y. ; Acorn^ Nathan Cole and Frank L. Misner, St. Louis ; Bethel Cadet, E. A. Oldham, Wilmington, N. C. ; Echo, Fred M. Cornell, Brooklyn ; Our Sanctum, Will T. Scofield, Philadelphia, N. Y. ; Boys' Gazette, Philip Hand and Harry J. Calvert, Philadelphia; Amateur Blade, T. H. Parsons, Buffalo, N. Y. ; Imp, J. Edson Briggs ; Bounce, Ralph Van Vechten, Cedar Rapids, la. ; Our Own Journal, Chas. H. Young, New York ; Eastern Star, Samuel W. Lawrence, Medford, Mass. ; Satirist, Chas. S. Elgutter, Omaha, Neb. ; Eastern Sunbeam, Edward W. Frye, Boston ; Independent Times, F. N. Reeve, New- ark, N. J., were prominent papers. Our Free Lance, by Joseph P. Closse}^, in July was issued in 16-page, sixty-four column form.
The first National Amateur was printed by Arthur J. Huss in 4-page, 12-column form, and edited by C. C. Chase, who had been elected as the Association's official editor. A short report of the convention. President Hall's message, an article on "Early Campaigning" by A. J. Huss and a number of able editorials completed the contents of the first issue.
The second or December issue contained J. W. Snyder's ad- dress made before the Chicago convention, wherein occurred the since oft-quoted passage asserting that ''Amateur Journalism is a flame that perpetually renews itself, andean never wear out." Hall's second message, wherein he condemned "early election- eering," a number of editorials, one of course, on the "Postal Troubles," and the establishment of ^'The News" department, a feature which has been continued ever since, made up the second issue.
The March, 1879, issue of the National ^ma/e?«; contained the first installment of "The Philosoph}^ of Amateur Journalism," by Official Editor Chase ; A plea for union, by Ex-President Sayder ; concise instructions as to voting at State elections for N. A. P, A. officers; an article from the Stylus on "A National Amateur Directorv," a message from President Hall naming
34 HISTORY OP THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION.
the next meeting day a^d making several appointments, and the "News'* department.
The June issue contained the conclusion of Editor Chase's "Philosophy of Amateur Journalism ;" a review of the poetry of the day; the president's message; an article on the post office trouble, the "News" department, editorial matter, etc.
The four issues of the National Amateur comprising the first volume consisted of four pages each, three columns to the page, 2 1-6 inches in width and the page 10 1-4 inches long. The first page heading on the first issue was a full line of square gothic letters, capitals and small capitals. In succeeding issues the heading was set with capitals and small letters, and the line "of- ficial organ National Amateur Press Association" followed it. The head and column rules gave a newspaper appearance to the pages. The paper was printed by Arthur J. Huss and was dated from Tiffin, O., his place of residence. The first issue was ac- companied by a two-column supplement containing an interview by President Hall with Postmaster General Key, in regard to amateur papers and pound rates of postage. The account of the Chicago convention was not the official minutes, Secretary Gee being quoted as saying that "the minutes, of the late convention of the N. A. P. A. are not for publication."
In the National Amateur, December, 1878, President Hall stated some provisions of the constitution* as follows :
It allows a right of universal franchise, by which every amateur who resides in a State having an Association and is a member of that Association, can become a member of the N. A. P. A. and vote, whether present at or absent from its conventions, thus giving all a voice in its affairs.
It repudiates all persons in any way connected with the dis- reputable boys' weeklies.
It alternates the seat of conventions, east and west.
It confers titles, medals, etc., for the most excellent produc- tions from amateur pens and provides for literary exercises at conventions.
In the same paper the following appeared :
Membership — Persons desirous of joining the National
*A11 inquiry has so far failed to discover a copy of this first consti- tution, adopted by the N. A. P. A. in 1877, and we are obliged to be content with the outline here given, laken from various authorities.
HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PREES ASSOCIATION. 35
Amateur Press Association should send their names to the first vice-president, who is chairman of the committee on credentials. If this committee decides favorably upon a name it is placed before the Association for consideration at its next annual con- vention. Ten black balls will reject an applicant. The requisites to membership are good character and a connection with Amateur Journalism. Persons who are puzzlers only^ or who are identified with the New York "boys' weeklies" are ineligible. An initia- tion fee of $1 and annual dues of $1 must be paid upon admittance.
In the next issue the editor, C. C. Chase, explained the proxy voting system as follows :
The manner of election, in that the important event will soon take place, should be clearly understood by everybody. The manner, however, is well laid down in the constitution, and it is probably more a question of icho shall vote. So we will state that
1 — No person except a member of the Association is entitled to a ballot.
2 — Those who joined the Association at Long Branch are not en- titled to vote unless they have remitted -their dues, $1, to Treasurer Allen, and
3— No member in any way indebted to the society is entitled to vote.
Members of the Association meet in their own State, two months previous to the National convention to cast their ballots, which shall be in the form ;
For President of the National Amateur ^ Press Association : ^
WILLIAM T. HALL. %
% C. Clement Chase. ^
(Other officers in the same style.)
The officers of the State Association shall count the ballot in the presence of the assembly and make memorandum giving the total number of votes cast and the number each candidate received. The votes shall, with a certificate, signed by the officers of the State Association, stating that the ballot inclosed is the one cast by the members of their society at such a time and such a place, be inclosed in an envelope and mailed to the recording secretary of the National. And the memorandum, with a second certificate
36 HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION.
stating that the figures in said memorandum give the correct number of votes cast by their society for ofl3cerg of the National, shall be mailed to the first vice-president of the N. A. P. A. Then votes shall be counted at the convention aud the persons having a majority shall be declared elected. All of the minor of- ficers and the place of meeting are chosen in the same manner. No State Association should refuse a vote, but should send in every one cast. The examining committee of the National will decide as to the validity of votes, and all invalid ones will be ruled out by them.
In regard toLaureateships, the Stylus is quoted: The constitution provides that the titles of poet laureate, his- torian laureate, etc., shall be conferred upon those whose compo- sitions printed in competition for the prizes, shall deserve them, in the eyes of the judges. It is also provided that prizes may be offered by local Associations or private individuals, to those who excel in a certain branch. Thus, if an author competes for a prize offered for a serial, story or sketch, he must print his pro- duction in an amateur paper and send two copies to the second vice-president, department A, three months before convention, stating for which prize or title he desires to compete. Poems, essays and histories of Amateur Journalism must be sent to the third vice-president, department B, These officers in turn send the productions to the judges in their departments ; these judges render their decisions and forward the same to the president, who announces them in convention.
CHflFTER 5.
THE WASHINGTON CONVENTION OF 1879.
The Year 1879. — Extracts from President's Messages. — Waller as a Historian. — Washington's Many Conven- tions.— The Briggs Campaign. — Mistakes of Briggs and Gee. — Fynes' Hopeless Candidacy. — Lukewarm Briggs Men Desert for the Enemy. — The Convention Assembled. — Credentials Committee and Its Work. — The Skirmish Before the Battle. — Proxy Committee and Its Remark- able Report. — Proxies Thrown Out. — Briggs Elected on First Ballot. — Irregularities Charged. — Briggs Caucus Makes a Full Ticket. — Fynes' Followers Plan for a Second Ballot. — Charges and Counter Charges. — Personnel oe the Gathering. — Some Figures. — Mount Vernon Excursion. — Fynes Men Disgusted. — Laureate Awards.— King Kushing Again Reigns. — Hotel Proprie- tor to the Rescue. — Estimates of the Proxy Vote. — Southerners Withdraw Because of Clarke's Election to Office. — Papers of the Year.
THE YEAR 1879 was a notable one, a large number of excf^llent papers appearing. The N. A. P. A. was ham- pered by the constitution adopted at Chicago, and the Washington convention was of such a character that no attempt at amendment was made.
Committees appointed by the President were named in the National Amateur for December, 1878, as follows:
Reception committee (for Washington convention) — Delavan W. Gee, J. Douglas Lee, Robert L. Sebastian, John Edson Briegs and James F, DuHamel.
Examining committee — Delavan W. Gee (chairman), Chas. C. Heuman, Warren Moore, H. S. Livingston and Willis H. Allen.
Executive committee — Charles H. Young (chairman), Geo.W. Hancock and Arthur J. Huss.
Judges of award — Class A: Correl Kendall and J. A. Fynes,
38 HISTORY OF TfTE NATIONAL AMATETJK PRESS ASSOCIATION.
Jr. Class B: Sam Clover and Donald MoKenzie. The first vice- president appoints Geo. H. Fernald to Committee A and George W. Hancock to Committee B.
In the March issue of the National Amateur, President Halt named the date for the next convention :
I deem it time to appoint a definite date for onr next conven- tion, and set Wednesda3^ Jul}^ 16, as the day. I have also made the following appointments:. Orator, J. Winslow Snyder; essayist, Will W. Winslow, and poet, Frank M. Morris.
According to the constitution all State Associations whose members belong to the N. A. P. A. are required to convene in their own State during the month of May and cast their ballots for our officers, and in this all the requirements of our constitu- tion must be complied with. No person not a member of the N. A. P. A. is allowed to vote, and no person in arrears for dues shall be considered an active member.
Again writing of rights of absent members as voters, in his message in the June, 1879, National Amateur, President Hall said ;
I wish to refer to a clause in our constitution which seems to be troubling many; namely, that one referring to the "Elec- tion of officers." I understand it as follows:
There shall be a meeting of State Associations in each State during the month of May. It must meet as a State Association only, and during the month of May. The ballots must be made out in the form prescribed by the constitution, and be counted and reported on as required to the proper authorities. The only amateurs who may cast their ballots are those who are bona-fide members of our Association at the time of casting the ballots, and are at that time on the membership roll of the N. A. P. A. A majority of these legal votes shall constitute an elec- tion, and unless there is a majority, the two candidates having the largest number of votes shall be nominees and shall be voted on by the members of the N, A. P. A. in convention assembled, the nominee receiving the larger numbers of votes to be declared elected.
Unless all conditions are complied with, the votes shall be de- clared illegal,
Frank M. Morris, second vice-president, assumed the presi- dency of the Editors' Lyceum previous to the Washington convention, and appointed Charles H. Young vice-president and Will W. Winslow treasurer and secretary.
HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION. 39
rrabfihly to uo o'ther man does Amateurdom owe so heavy a debt of gratitude, for collecting and preserving the history of our organizations, as to Warren J. Jirodie. Mr. C. R. Waller's ex- cellent account of the Washington meeting of '79, written for Mr. Brodie's Empire State Amateur^ contains the following, which gives a review of the political horizon before the convention as well as an account of the meeting itself:
The 13th to the 19th of July, 1879, will always be remembered as the great convention week. Five days of that memorable week witnessed an amateur press convention at the grand capitol of the United States. Every day of that week the famed and hospita- ble National Hotel, which had presented one of its large dining rooms for the use of the conventions, was subjected to the liber- ties, pranks, debates and nuisances of amateur journalists. The South-P^MSteru met on Monday, the 14th ; the Eastern on Tues- day, the loth ; the Natv)nal on Wednesday, the 16th, Thursday, the 17th, and Friday, the 18th; the Editors' Lyceum on Friday, the 18th, too, but at night.
In spite of the unusual attractions offered all desiring to wit- ne>4s Amateurdom in ccmvention assembled, the attendance was renjnrkably meagre and unequally divided. This is evidenced by the fact that the South-Easlern, then one year old, had a larger ))ercentage of members present than any other association, lit'ty per cent, attending. The percentage of members attending at the National's convention was undoubtedly the smallest, the number present being thirty-four. The statement regarding un- equal division may be appreciated when it is known that only nineteen of that number were visitors, and the remainder, fifteen, Washington or D. C. amateurs. Out of the nineteen visiting amateurs, seven were Southerners, who, added to the District of Columbia delegation equalled twenty-two from the South. The coolest calculator had estimated that the number of visiting ama- teurs would not be less than fifty. But, as in the past,- if not for all time to come, amateur attendance was estimated on promises broken wilfully or involuntarily. Several came whom uo one expected ; many did not come whom all expected.
There have always been fears expressed that the amateur jour- nalists of the meeting place and vicinity w^ould not only outnum- ber but overcome visiting amateur journalists during the election. Indeed, it is a rule with the amateur demagogue to spare no pains to acquire the support of amateur journalists in and near the place of meeting. If successful, the amateur demagogue feels confident that three-quarters of the battle has been won. Under the belief that W^ashington and vicinity were united in support of
40 HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION.
a presidential candidate, the chances of opposition seemed slim. With the seven Southerners, Washington and vicinity, as can be seen, would have had a safe majority on any candidate or meas- ure selected. On March 20, 1879, Washington and vicinity did select. A ratillcation meeting was held, and the recognized Briggs ticket endorsed. It met with approval, not only in the District of Columbia, but throughout the South. This unity was genuine. That it was broken finally, is due to J. Edson Briggs and Delavan W. Gee. The ratification meeting had appointed a campaign committee whose members were peculiarly objection- able to Gee, but undoubtedly favorable to Briggs. Briggs relied on the political judgment of Gee, and may have been influenced thus in all of the few political steps he took. The popular "the people's" campaign committee was snubbed. Briggs supplanted ''the people's" campaign committee with one of his own appoint- ment, giving Gee the chairmanship. This course was keenly felt by those who had taken the first step towards solidifying Washington nnd vicinity in Briggs' favor. Gee, who had as- ])ired to the presidency, supported Briggs from force of circum- stances, perhaps, knowing that his own candidacy would have proven fruitless. The celebrated Columbian A. J. A., with which all of the members of the snubi)ed "people's" campaign commit- tee were (U)nnected, had clearly shown that Gee was 'not popular in Washington ;nid vicinity, if nothing more. The snub, for which he wns held !)artly responsible, dampened the ardor of a number of Briggs' supporters, and induced a few to make another choice. Added to this was a snub Briggs gave John E. Over- ton— a candidate for the presidency of the South-PLastem — and his su[)porters. Overton requeste.l his camj)aign manager. Waller, to ascertain Brigos' i)ositi()n towards him in the South-Eastern campaign. It recj-iired little acumen to realize the signilicance of this refpiest. It did require, however, inuch delicacy to place the matrer before Briggs in the most favoral)le light. Let it be said that Briggs' mind soared higher than pot-house politics. If he was familiar with the ways of politicians, Briggs never ex- hibited his kujwledge. If he" knew the advanttiues of political baroains, lie never accepted or made an offer. It has been thought that he favored Overton's candidacy, but never a word on the subject had ])assed his lips. When approached cautiously he gave no satisfaction. The man who ca!i read innocence could have seen tliat Briggs hesitated, not because he disliked Overton, but because his delicate sense of honor revolted against taking a position so significant and so misconstruable. But this high sense of honor, although commended by the campaign man- ager, who admired the man, was misconstrued by Overton into a personal and unjustifiable snul). It can be imagined that Over-
HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION. 41
ton lost much of his enthusiasm for Briggs, and that his coldness gradually affected Virginia amateurs with whom he was identi- fied. It may be concluded that these two snubs, however unin- tentional, caused much of the opposition with which Briggs finally met from amateur journalists of his own section. Had the unity not been thus marred, it is believed that the conven- tion would not have been the scene of great excitement, and that Briggs would have been elected quietly and dignifiedly. There had been good ground for the fear that Washington and vicinity would overcome all opposition to Briggs. Washington and vicinity scarceh^ knew itself. The majority paid no heed to random murmurs of the minority. When on the 14th, the South-Eastern endorsed the Briggs ticket, Washington and vi- cinity seemed satisfied. Fynes had not arrived.
The majority of visiting amateur journalists arrived several days before the day set for the National convention, and spent their time, either as spectators or participants, in the conventions of the South-Eastern or Eastern. Of course, an opportunity was a,fforded to come in contact with Briggs, a member of both as- sociations. It IS doubtful whether that contact proved favora- ble. J. Edson Briggs never stepped out of his way to make a friend. He was incapable of flattery or guile, and too honest to conceal contempt. The youth who grasped his hand knew at once whether he was liked or disliked. Briggs was, indeed, the last candidate in the world to personally excite sympathy or gain support. The amateur journalist to whom he did not take a fancy was left to wonder whether J. Edson Briggs was a snob or an aristocrat. But a truer heart never beat in the breast of any amateur journalist.
J. Austin Fynes, of Boston, arrived on the night of the 14th. He differed from Briggs in many traits. He never hesitated to confess his desire for the presidency, his personal participation in the campaign, and his determination to win. As regards liter- ary ability or worth, the candidates were on almost equal footing. As regards political ability, Fynes was a giant ; Briggs a pigmy. When he reached Washington, Fynes found only three support- ers, Edward A. Oldham, of North Carolina, who had withdrawn as the vice-presidential candidate ; James M. Howard, of North Carolina, and Oswald L. Williams, of Virginia. Aware that these three gentlemen were all upon whom he could depend, almost every- one regarded Fynes' chances as hopeless. Several, indeed, seemed amused over his arrival, and ridiculed his ambition for the office. But Fynes was a politician — a Herculean amateur demagogue. He mingled freely with all ; spent money promiscuously, joked, laughed, chatted, and gained a friend where Briggs would have made an enemy. Sympathy began to take the place of ridicule.
42 HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION.
On the 15 th Fynes had an opportunity to display his talent and abil- ity during the Eastern convention. The literary session, held at Maple Square, Briggs' residence, was grand and enjoyable. But it was ill-advised. Briggs' motive was undobtedly pure, yet his hospitality suffered misconstruction, especially on the eve of the contest which his guests were to decide. The part Fynes played in both sessions of the Eastern proved on the other hand, his talent and ability, regardless of his principles. The amateur journalist who failed to admire his good traits in spite of his bad, his moral courage and perseverance, was incapacle of admiration. The Maple Square feast helped Fynes as much as it injured Briggs.
On Wednesday, the 16th, the day of the National conveation, it became evident that Fynes' tactics and presence were bearing fruit. It also became evident that many snubbed by Briggs needed little persuasion to transfer their support to Fynes. Fynes could not have had a distinct knowledge of the animas of these amateurs, but he must have observed their lack of enthusi- asm and grasped the opportunity. Little argument was neces- sary to transfer their support from an amateur who had snubbed them to an amateur who came to Washington, with onl}' three friends in the city but treated all alike and royally. Conscience had melted under the glare of the July sun. Let us give Fynes the benefit of all the doubt.
Overton, in the Historian, Nov., 1879, states:
^'to make things worse, some poor, miserable fools have charged Mr. J. Austin Fynes with bribery, and also some of his friends with him. I would state, gentlemen, that I was with Mr. Fynes' party at the con- vention, and that every dollar spent for him by his friends was against his knowledge, as he would not countenance anything like it."
With Overton, who had been elected to t^e presidency of the South-Eastern, others pledged to vote for Briggs transferred their support to Fynes. Bribery is one of the blackest, most contemp- tible crimes, be the consideration small or great. It may seem unkind to charge a fellow-journalist with a crime against which every honest heart revolts and to which no honest man stoops, let the emergency be what it may. As the writer holds the pen to say that bribery was committed during the National conven- tion, July, 1879, and attributed to the Fynes following, his heart is saddened because so much sorry truth must be recorded. A non- amateur, presumably authorized, rushed from corridor to corridor, on Wednesday, offering to pay the initiation fee of all who would vote for Fynes. One of Fynes' new-found friends offered five dollars for a single but significant vote. Several who had been bribed openly confessed. It was even boasted that Fynes had brought $300 to buy the entire convention, if necessary. The blood of every honest amateur boiled at the
HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION. 43
expectation that a paltry, filthy three hundred would buy the presidency of the National. But not three trillion times three hundred ; not all the money in the world ; not power or trickery, could buy the highest seat in Amateurdom, July, 1879. It was earned.
It would be unjust, however, to leave the impression that all who supported Fynes were guilty of accepting bribes. It i& un- fortunate, perhaps„ that some honest supporters suffered the. sweepipg charges that were made, too. There is not a shadow of doubt regarding the honesty of his original supporters^ Edward A. Oldham, James M. Howard and Oswald L. Williams. As much cannot be said of two per cent, of additional support- ers. It was known, before the opening of the convention, that, notwithstanding the loss of Oldham, who was compelled to leave prior to the ballot, Fynes would have most of the Virginia dele- gation and several of the Washington representation. Under any circumstances, it was known that the contest would be between Briggs and Fynes, and that Arthur J. Huss, the Western can- didate, would receive little support beyond the votes of a few immovable supporters.
When the members assembled, not an officer was present, except the recording secretary, Gee, and the official editor,, Chase. Gee, therefore, called the convention to order at 11 a. m. , and requested nominations for temporary chairman. Strange as it may seem, the Briggs party under the tutelage of Gee, forced George W. Baildon, of New York, into the chairmanship, only to discover that he was not a member. A slight mistake. Gee, as in the past, seemed destined to lead the Briggs party to destruction. His knowledge of politics, in which dramatic foresight is, peculiarly, fortunate, may have been theoretical rather than practical. Gee. even with all of his power of practice, could not have contemplated either light or low comedy on this sublime occasion. Fj^nes did not fail to take advantage of the dramatic situation. The keen appreciation of the dramatic dis- played on his arrival was excelled, perhaps, by his earnest ef- fort to further the comedy Briggs had begun, and to place Briggs in the chair. But the actors blundered. They had not been rehearsed. James F. DuHamel, of Washington, D. C, was elected.
Only eleven of the amateurs present were members, viz: Briggs, Chase, Clarke, DuHamel, Fynes, Gee, Lee, Reeve,, Tausig, Winslow, and Wright. To the committee on credenti- als, on which only three members were present — Chase, Gee and Wright — were added Tausig and Winslow. The committee was. allowed fifteen minutes to report, and was at once beseiged by Fynes in the interest of his friends. Twenty odd names were
44 HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION.
proposed for membership but the committee reported adversely on eleven. Fynes protested against the report, and created con- siderable excitement. During his remarks he disclosed that he was in possession of the Association's roll, compiled at Long Branch, July, 1877. Reeve indicated that the manuscript was the property of the National. Fynes, willing to receive credit for restoration, eagerly grasped the situation and restored the roll to the archives of the secretaryship. The dispute over these eleven names was finally settled by the acceptance of 'seven. Even so, there were several among the thirty-four who exercised membership on this occasion who were not entitled to recognition. In this unconstitutionality neither side was guiltless.
After collection of dues, Wright being temporary treasurer, a recess was taken at 1 :25 p. m. The recess was designed to give members an opportunity to do the National hotel's dining tables ample justice, but the active Fynes managers spent little time in that direction. It was realized that Fynes needed more votes than those obtained. No pains were spared during the recess to acquire additional support. There were dissatisfied Briggs sup- porters whom the wealth of the world could not have bought. A direct bribe would have received either cold contempt or physical repulse. To such wavering members other influences were ap- plied. Sophistry may have influenced one or two ; treats influ- enced more. The bar-room of the National hotel was the lever of the political machinery Fynes' managers manipulated. Be- tween heavy dinners and liberal beverages, several amateur jour- nalists were in no condition either to vote or to debate intelligently, when the convention reassembled at 2 :30 p. m. "The lines were closely drawn," now. Fynes had counted his last vote; Briggs' managers their last deserter. Both were eager to decide the con- test. The reports of the recording secretary, corresponding secretary, treasurer, and official editor, the latter of whom pre- sented his bill of expenses receipted, were hurriedly read and ac- cepted. Letters of regret, while read, were almost regarded as torture.
When the order of counting the proxy votes had been reached, the interest in the proceedings increased. Consistent with pre- vious mis-steps, Briggs had been invited to take the chair, and had innocently accepted the invitation. Just as innocently did he fail to realize the impropriety of remaining or the propriety of vacating. Fynes moved that the proxy votes be rejected, and that the convention elect officers. Briggs rejected the motion. His constitutional ruhng was rewarded by an appeal that gave considerable discussion, in which Fynes, and J. Fred Kelly, of Washington, D. C. , were co-appellants. The latter, an amateur of a few weeks, had been a supporter of Briggs. So warm was
HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR TRESS ASSOCIATION. 45
their co-debate, that the writer, among a number of others, found all attempts to take the floor impossible. Fynes, with belter dis- cretion, soon subsided, but Kelly, with great vigor, spoke beyond limit. Familiar with neither rules nor constitution o^ the Na- tional, Kelly based his argument on proceedings in the American Congress, the Ohio Legislature, and other legislative bodies. He laid the foundation for the nick-name subsequently given him— "King Kushing." The appeal was not sustained.
Baildon, Gee, Tausig, W. Topham and Winslow were ap- pointed examining committee. A recess was taken to allow this committee time to examine and count these proxy votes. The report that the committee made was ludicrous, if not remarkable. It had been given a full hour to count the votes, but reported that more time was needed, and even hinted that the task could not be performed during the week. A report of the convention states, "the committee reported that they had counted the bal- lots of one State." A motion to throw out the proxy votes was repeated, and prevailed. The few of either side; dissenting were powerless and harmless. It was understood that, as far as the committee had gone, (and there is reason to believe that there was little farther to go) the legal State ballots stood : Briggs, 11 ; Fynes, 1 ; Huss, 3. Aside from this there had been every in- dication that "the country at large" was in favor of Brigj->-s.
Briggs still occupied the chair, almost unconsciously, '''no o?j- stacle remained in the way of an election of officers by the con- vention. But no sooner had J. Edson Briggs been nominated for the presidency than J. Randolph Tucker, of Washington, D. C, moved to close the nominations. It may be said that no one was responsible for the injustice contemplated but Tucker, him- self. The excitement became intense. Fynes grew pale, and was unable to conceal his agitation. Many of his friends arose excitedly, and gesticulated wildly but protestingly. Had not all decided on a candidate before this, the contemplated injustice (for which the Briggs party was unjustly held responsible), would have changed in favor of Fynes several votes. But the motion received no second. J. Austin Fynes and Arthur J. Huss were then respectively nominated. Wright and Williams were ap- pointed tellers. In accordance with a motion that had been passed, the ballots, duly signed, were deposited by the voters as. their names were called. Beyond the noise such movement made, silence reigned during the voting. The following exposes the ballot :
For Briggs: Baildon. Chase, Clarke, Crosby, Chamberlain, Comings, DuHamel Gee, Lee, Martin. Perry, Reeve, Sebastian, R. Topman Tucker, Wright and Waller— 17.
For Huss : W. Topman, Wilson and Winslow— 3.
46 HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION.
For Fynes: Butt, J. Duffy. Elgutter, Fynes, Grrigg, Hope, Howard, Kelly, McGill, Overton, Potter and Tausig— 12. Scattering: Williams — 1. Total, 33. ISTecessary to a choice, 17.
The tellers communicated the result. Silence, following their •count, was broken by cheers for Briggs, and most intense excite- ment. Many members arose without purpose. Fynes, whose face bore traces of the suspense he had undergone, finally called attention to the scattering vote, and demanded to know by whom and for whom it had been cast. It was then disclosed that Williams cast the vote for Fynes, but had unintentionally neglected to af- fix his signature. A sharp dialogue occurred between Fynes and Williams. Williams threw his head back proudly and indepen- dently. It was said that unpublishable words passed, but all re- marks were drowned by the hue and cry for reconsideration or another ballot. At one time three-quarters of the members were on the floor, demanding recognition. And, above all of this con- fusion, were heard the fierce, heavy taps of the gavel that Briggs wielded in vain. Williams was finally given an opportunity to re-cast his vote, but declined. The recasting of his vote would not have, of course, changed the result, but the following of Fynes, if not Fynes, in the excitement of the moment seemed to think otherwise. Indeed, there were few cool heads on either side.
Briggs was powerless to restore order. It is doubtful, in fact, whether any chairman could have silenced Fynes' followers, who took the floor regardless of recognition. The confusion may be realized by the fact that several of Fynes' followers commenced proposing names for membership. Elderdice, the poet, was pres- ent onl}^ as a spectator, but Overton proposed his name, under the impression that he favored Fynes. Of course the proposal was irregular, but Elderdice spared dispute by stating that his name had been proposed without his consent. Order seemed impossi- ble. Members who had usurped the floor remained standing, in spite of remonstrance. "King Kushing" headed these usurpers, and spoke long and incoherently for reconsideration, regardless of the remarks that six or seven others were making, as well as the expostulations of the chair. The rules and proceedings of several legislative bodies were thus disclosed. The depths of parliamentary usage were earnestly sought. Several members made motions to adjourn, but their voices did not reach the chair. Fyne^ even resumed his seat and entreated others to set a hke example. Several followed him. Gradually order was partially restored. But still "King Kushing" expounded. During a brief and uninteresting pause. Waller succeeded in gaining the floor, iind presented a motion to take a recess. With lightning rapidity
HISTORY OP THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION. 47
President Briggs announced the recess at 7 p. m. In the con- fusion the usual announcement of the result was either forgotten or prevented. It was left so. The result of the contest — the election of the fourth president of the National — never was offi- cially announced.
During the recess, both sides were busy. Prominent supporters of Briggs held a caucus and endorsed a ticket, subsequently elected, but inconsistent with pledges made early in the campaign. So much for the sincerity of amateur politicians. These gentle- men had no use for amateurs whose mfluence they had sought months before, and to whom they had promised offices. But the negro, Clarke, who had deserted Huss at the eleventh hour, was handsomely and unjustifiably rewarded. This reward was for treachery. A supporter whom Briggs had proclaimed a liar, and whom Gee had pronounced a fool, adhered to his pledge, but coul'd not have even persuaded the caucus to be as faithful as he. So lying and foolish as he had been represented, just so lying and foolish was the Briggs caucus.
Fynes and followers endeavored to gain sufficient support to ensure the success of a second ballot. Several even searched Washington for old, retired amateurs, hoping to have such elected members. But they soon realized \.hat their plans would fail. They could obtain none of the seventeen votes cast for Briggs. Neither could they obtain more than two of the votes cast for Huss, as Winslow would have voted for Briggs on second ballot. Williams would have voted likewise. Thus, it will be seen, a second ballot would have resulted in nineteen for Briggs, and perhaps fourteen for Fynes. Had, indeed, a sufficient num- ber of retired amateurs been resurrected, it is scarcely probable that the Briggs party would have let the rules be suspended, much less let Fynes recruits be elected members. Consolation was found, however, in denouncing the election as illegal, and ridiculing President Briggs. When he finally remarked that it was no honor to be elected president of the National, then it be- came evident that Fynes entertained no hope of success. He had, it was reported, sworn to have vengeance on Wright, the Briggs candidate for first vice-president. Crosby, a Briggs supporter, had been converted and induced to accept the nomination against Wright. Beyond perplexing, parliamentary inquiries, it was evi- dent Fynes would confine himself to this one vindictive purpose. Most of Fynes' supporters persisted in denouncing the election as illegal. We may presume that several adhere to that denuda- tion to-day. Their remarks, and the report written by some of his followers, left doubt in some minds until months after the convention. Briggs and his supporters were roundly abused. Several papers attributed his election to "bribery and corrup-
48 HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION.
tion." Such accusations may have been made as an offset to the bribery aud corruption of the other side. But, upholding truth, we should know that there was not the slightest foundation upon which to base the charge that any of Briggs' voters were bribed or corrupted. On the other hand, several positively de- clined to allow their initiation fee to be paid by, or accept any consideration from, those seeking votes for Fynes. The Gatling Gun, Sept. 15, 1879, hurled this to its readers:
''And yet he is president of the National A. P. A., elected by a fair majority' of the amateurs of the United States, in convention as- sembled; and what's the odds, though more than half of them were residents of the place of meeting, and all but a very small faction, actuated by the prevailing spirit of sectionalism."
The Gun may have been justly indignant over the rejection of the proxies, but its statement conveyed an absurd impression. "More than half" were not "residents" of Washington. Had the "spirit of sectionalism" prevailed, Briggs would have been elected without uproar or question. Had the unity first created continued, there might have been ground for the charge of sectionalism. But, as already indicated, Washington and vicin- ity were divided when the critical moment came, although Briggs received a majority of the former's vote. The charge of section- alism is hardly supported by the fact that, outside of Washing- ton Briggs received only one Southern vote, yet he was undoubt- edly a Southern amateur, if not a Southern candidate. The following table may enable us to understand the absurdity of the charge we have ventured to refute:
Member Voting. From Briggs Fynes Huss Sctg.
Baildon, Geo. W., Brooklyn, N. Y. - 1 - - -
Butt, Gary W., - Norfolk, Va. - - 1 -
Chamberlain, Frank F., Washington, D. C. - 1 _ _ _
Chase, Clement C, Omaha, Neb. - 1 _ _ _
Comings, Elmer E., Cairo, Ills. - 1 _ _ _
Crosby, C. Fred, - Milford,N. H. - 1 _ _ _
DuHamel, James F., Washington, D. C. 1 - - -
Duffy. .James, - Washington, D. C - 1 - -
Elgutter. Charles, Omaha, Neb. - - 1 - -
Fynes, J. Austin, - Boston, Mass. - - 1 - -
Gee, Delavan W., - Washington, D. C. 1 - - -
Grigg, J. L. Jr., - Alexandria, Va. - 1 - -
Hope, Thos. J. Jr., Norfolk, Va. - - i - _
Howard, James M., Newberne, N. C. - - 1
Kelly, J. Fred, - Washington. D. C, - - 1
Lee, James D., - Washington. D. C. - 1 - - -
Martin. Myrtle E., - Washington, D. C. - 1 _ _ _
McGill, Will C. Jr., Washington, D. C. - - 1 - _
Overton. John E., Portsmouth, Va. - - i _ _
Perry, Arthur B.. - Norfolk, Va. - 1 _ _ _
Potter, Wilfred C, Alexandria, Va. - - 1 - -
Reeve, Frank N., Newark, N. J. . - 1 - - -
HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION. 49
Member Voting. From Briggs Fynes Huss Sctg.
Sebastian. Robert L., Washington, D. C. - 1 - - -
Tausig, Mulford B., Harrisburg, Pa. - - 1 - -
Topham, Richard, Washington. D. C. 1 - - -
Topham, Washington, Washington, D. C. - - 1 -
Tucker, J. Randolph, Washington. D. C. 1 •.
Waller, C. Ridgely, Washington, D. C. 1
Williams. Oswald L.. Richmond. Va. - - - - 1
Wilson, David Z.. - Washington, D. C. - - 1
Winslow, Will AV., - Punxsutawney, Pa. - - 1 -
Wright, Will L., - Cairo, Ills. _ i _ _ _
Totals. - - - 17 12 3 1
It will be seen that Fynes' support was four times as great as the number of original supporters, or in other words, that he had increased his support, in three days, three hundred per cent. That, in amateur politics, regardless of means, was a Herculean feat. It should not be supposed that Fynes had been the candi- date of the South. The endorsements that Briggs had received are proof against the supposition. Oldham was, perhaps, the foremost of his supporters. Howard and Williams were sup- porters, but neither was enthusiastic. The five Virginians and the three Washingtonians who supported Fynes finally, had been ardent supporters of Briggs. The total Southern vote, includ- ing Washington, stood: Briggs, 10; Fynes, 9; scattering. 1; Huss, 2.
Another table may more clearly exhibit the State vote : State jSTo. Votes Briggs Fynes Huss Sctg.
2 - - -
1 1 1 - -
1 - - -
1 - - -
1 - - -
1 1 5
9 3
|
Illinois, |
2 |
|
Massachusetts, |
1 |
|
Nebraska, |
2 |
|
Xew Hampshire. |
|
|
:N"ew Jersev, |
|
|
N'ew York," - |
|
|
North Carolina, |
|
|
Ohio, |
|
|
Pennsylvania, |
2 |
|
Virginia, |
7 |
|
District of Columbia, |
14 |
Totals - 33 17 12 3 1
It may be seen that eight States voted for Briggs; six for Fynes, two for Huss. Now let us suppose that Washington and vicinity took no part in the election, or in other words, let us omit the votes of the District of Columbia, Virginia and North Carolina. This would take ten votes from Briggs, nine from Fynes and two from Huss, including one scattering ; twenty-two in all. The result, from remaining sources, would have been : Briggs, 7 ; Fynes, 3 ; Huss, 1 — a majority of three for Briggs. Sectionalism is natural. No section of the American Union can
50 HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION.
accuse another of sectionalism without its own guilt, for which nature is responsible, being apparent. The man who does not first love his section, will never learn to love his country. The man who does not love both is worthy of neither. The charge of sectionalism in Briggs' election seemed probable, but had no foundation. Had Fynes, in whose favor the section unexpectedly turned, been elected, the charge* would have been true. Section- alism had aimed at Briggs' election but turned at the eleventh hour. It failed in its second. John Winslow Snyder, the first president, and first Southerner who occupied the chair, had been elected without sectionalism. J. Edson Briggs, the second Southern president, was elected not by, but in spite of section- alism. Sectionalism was prostituted.
The evening session was called promptly at 8 :30, Winslow act- ing as secretary. Attendance was not as large as during the day, the average numbier of ballots being twenty-seven and one- third. The convention at once proceeded to continue the election of oflScers. Fynes' followers still harped on the subject of a second ballot and became a party of fillibusters. They threw every obstacle in the way of business, but were foiled, step by step. "King Kushing " attempted to re-impress his remarks, made during the day, but received encouragement from neither side. Fynes strained every nerve to defeat Wright, but failed. For the first vice-presidency, with Crosby as opposition, Wright received a majority of three. Perry and Overton, both South- erners, were nominated for second vice-president — Briggs and Fynes candidates, respectively. Several of Fynes' followers left the room in despair, prior to the vote being taken on this nomi- nation. Perry was elected by a majority of six. More of Fynes' followers left. Overton temporarily retired, in a dan- gerous state of mental excitement. A friend, although a Briggs supporter, who was startled by Overton's manner, ran to pacify him, and left him in a better condition than his striking departure had promised. It was during the absence of so many that Her- bert A. Clarke was quickly nominated for third vice-president, and as quickly elected without ballot. Indeed, the rapidity was so great and unexpected that a member, Waller, who would have nominated the original Briggs candidate, George Melvin Carr, of North Carolina, heard Clarke's election announced before he could obtain the floor. Like rapidity characterized the election of Frank N. Reeve to the corresponding secretaryship. But af- ter this, several of Fynes' followers returned. The election of recording secretary was not so unanimous. J. Fred Eberle, Butt and Crosby were nominated. Eberle received 19 ; Butt, 5 ; Crosby, 3. Both sides seemed exhausted then. Ballots were tedious. The Briggs side was happy over the success of all of
HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION. 51
its illegitimate nominations. Fynes' side hopeless, and more or less under the influence of beverages. One had drank to ex- cess ; another, for success. One was merry, another drunk. So neither weighed the motion to adjourn till 10 a. m., Thursday, the 17th. One might have been too willing; another, not willing enough. Neither objected. The convention adjourned.
On Thursday, the second day, by means no one could directly trace, an understanding prevailed that the motion to adjourn, on Wednesday night, had contemplated the convention would reas- semble aboard the steamer to Mount Vernon. This understand- ing was not based on fact, but mutual agreement to visit Mount Vernon, or the tomb of Washington, prevented dispute. All, however, did not accompany the excursionists. Some members did not discover the departure until they had expectantly gone to the National hotel. The steamer left at 10 o'clock; the conven- tion would have resumed its hotel session at the same hour. Several remained, a few missed the group, but only one or two complained.
The excursionists, with badges on their lapels or hats, and glad to escape the wrangling of Wednesday, presented a gay spectacle. In spite of light-heartedness, however, it was impossi- ble to conceal the anxiety felt over the remnants of the Fynes side left behind. First Vice-President Wright called the members to order at 10 o'clock. There was no ground for this course, as already indicated. Even had the motion to adjourn contem- plated the excursion, the meeting could not have been prolonged, as the steamer soon carried the members out of the District of Columbia, or beyond the jurisdiction of the convention. Under any circumstances, a meeting held on a moving steamer, as the continuation of one begun on land, or in the District of Colum- bia, would have been the subject of much unfavorable discus- sion. The plea was made that few Fynes supporters were present. Dispute was prevented by taking a recess until 5 p. m. The steamer had not yet crossed the District line.
It is safe to say that the matter of jurisdiction outweighed all other considerations. Under the most liberal interpretation, the meeting on the Arrow cannot be regarded as part of the Na- tional convention. It is recorded here as an illustration of amateur constitutional phenomena, too often developing the fact that amateur constitutions, rather than meeting their spirit and letter, are twisted, squeezed and shaped to meet what sophistry is pleased to term exigencies. The spirit that over-rides the constitution in emergencies cannot be trusted to obey its pre- cepts on any occasion. There never has been a necessity that excused deviation from the National's constitution. There never will be. Emergencies have arisen, but none have been so sreat
-52 HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION.
or trying that the regular channel was necessarily abandoned. The convention that lets emergencies take the regular channel, and holds the constitution aloof from those who seek to gratify momentary aims or pleasures, gains a victory that the coldest his- torian may record with delight. It matters not Low provoking or how distressing the rules may be ; it is the constitution. It was deliberately framed to serve a purpose greater than the whims or aims that enter the minds of every new member, or af- flict the heated brain of the amateur politician. Obey it — that is easy to do. It went through the regular channel ; let tvhims and aims seek satisfaction there too.
The excursionists knew the weakness of the position they had taken. Their first question on return was: "What has the Fynes crowd done?" It was soon discovered that Fyues' follow- ers had only continued their denunciation of the proceedings of Wednesday. It was also discovered that President Briggs had called the National to order at 10 o'clock, in the dining room of the hotel, and adjourned the meeting until 5 p. m.
President Briggs called the convention to order at 5: 15 p.m., Winslow again acting secretary. A short delay was caused by the absense of Wednesday's mmutes. Waller was appointed a committee of one to search for the missing document, and event- ually returned and handed the manuscript to the secretary. The minutes being read, the convention resumed the election of offi- cers, begun on Wednesday. Such Fynes followers as were pres- ent repeated their efforts to obstruct business. The unity of the other side, determined to expedite business, frustrated all filibus- tering movements. Frank M. Morris, of Indianapolis, Ind.. was elected treasurer without opposition. For official editor. Chase the incumbent, and Chas. J. Ficke, of New York, were nominated. Tv^enty-seven ballots were cast. Chase receiving twenty-one, and Ficke six. The fines, it will be seen, were unexpectedly broken. Indianapolis and Cincinnati were nominated for place of next meetino-. It is difficult to sa}^ which city would have been chosen had not Herbert A. Clarke championed Cincinnati. His remarks, although brief and neat, appealed not to judgment but to ani- mal instinct, Cincinnati maidens and cheap beer being the basis of his argument. Cincinnati was chosen unanimously. Bills amounting to $65.15, more than had been collected followed. - Keeve, Perry and WiUiams, appointed executive committee, were directed to settle financial perplexities. On motion of Chase, a committee was ordered to obtain designs, etc., for a suitable Na- tional badge. Then followed the most meritorious feature of the convention — the awarding of laureateships, being as follows:
Poet, George M. Huss, author of "Music."
Sketchist, Chas. J. Ficke, author of "A Noble Revenge."
HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION. 53
Essayist, J. Austin Fynes, author of "Author andJournalist/' In accordance with a motion made by Chase, resolutions of thanks were ordered to be sent to Postmaster General David N. Key, Senator Saunders, Hon. James H. Marr and Hon. Paul Vanderveut, for assistance during the postal terrors. The fare- well message of President Briggs' predecessor. Will T. Hall, was followed by wild, confused amendments to the constitution. All were irregular, inasmuch as amendments were limited to the first day of the convention. There had been rumors of amendments. Indeed, it was said that several Briggs supporters had held a caucus to amend the constitution, piecemeal, but that, after hours of labor they had realized the impossibility of the task. To afford the desired opportunity a proposition had been made to disband and organize anew. By what manner or means thirty- four amateurs could uproot the Association of all Amateurdom, the reader may judge. The oligarchy would have become ochloc- racy, had not the election prevented unity. Lack of unity had, therefore, prevented any definite plans. Both sides became ex- cited. The turmoil was unprecedented. "King Kushing" re- sumed his reign, ably assisted by other Fynes followers. Usurpations of the floor were incessant. Every known authority on constitutional and parliamentary law was cited, extensively and aimlessly. More liquor than logic enabled several members to outrival clowns. The debate, though hot, seemed purposeless. Burning words of abuse, entirely disconnected with the question of amendment, shot from the Fynes side. Again was the election of Briggs denounced. Every parliamentary error, and much more , were scorchingly criticised. Recriminations followed. One fretted under downright abuse ; the other under aggravating re- partee. Fists were doubled, lips bit and brows contracted. At times several personal encounters were imminent. Members stood anywhere and everywhere. The chair was helpless. All of the bottled wrath of the Fynes side was being uncorked, and much still remained to escape. Few who participated in the scene knew what they were saying or doing. There was every indica- tion of ultimate violence or a skirmish. The proprietor of the National hotel was not without experience. A warning, impera- tive message came. It was followed by a recess. It averted danger, if not tragedy.
On Friday, at 9 a. m., the convention reassembled. Both sides showed plainly that a lesson had been taught. No sooner had the roll been called than a motion to adjourn until July, 1880, was passed. Thus ended the fourth convention. It is hoped thai a blacker page of amateur history may never be written. So far it is the blackest page in the history of the Na- tional, or the annals of Amateur Journalism. It may teach.
54 HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION.
President Hull's message to the convention was printed in the next (September) issue of the National Amateur. In it he ap- pointed as orator Mr. Edward Oldham, vice Mr. Snyder, re- signed. He again dwelt on the proxy system of voting :
I hold that only those ballots shall be received that were cast at a meeting ot one's State Association, held during the month of May, the person being himself present at such meeting, and also being a regular member of the N. A. P. A., as defined in our constitution. This is according to our constitution, and I cannot see how it can be otherwise interpreted.
The throwing out of the proxy ballots at the Washington con- vention caused widespread dissatisfaction, and had much to do with the change soon inaugurated in voting by proxy. As the proxies were thrown out without being counted, no record can be given of the total proxy vote.
In the Boys^ Folio, just before the convention, Finlay A. Grant printed the following :
The result of balloting for the officers of the National Amateur Press Association at the Stale elections will undoubtedly be a surprise to many.
It will be seen by the statistics we give below that Briggs has received more votes than his two opponents combined. But Huss' main support is in the west, and but little has been heard from this part of the country. It is very probable that the result will be thrown into the hands of the Washington convention. The whole number of ballots cast by the State Associations; so far as we have ascertained, is 171. The following is the result in the several States :
|
Briggs |
Huss |
Fynes |
|
|
New Hampshire, |
2 |
0 |
9 |
|
Massachusetts, . - - |
0 |
7 |
16 |
|
New York, |
7 |
3 |
1 |
|
Pennsylvania, |
11 |
1 |
2 |
|
New Jersey, |
10 |
0 |
9 |
|
Virginia, . - - - |
10 |
2 |
0 |
|
Maryland, |
38 |
7 |
4 |
|
Florida, - - - - |
3 |
0 |
0 |
|
Indiana, - - - |
1 |
1 |
0 |
|
Washington, |
17 |
0 |
0 |
|
Wisconsin, - - - - |
1 |
3 |
0 |
|
Iowa, |
0 |
6 |
0 |
Total, - . - - 100 30 41
Of the above 171 ballots, probably not more than 100 or 125 are legal. The reason of this is the difference of opinion ex-
HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION. 55
pressed as to whom is given by the constitution the privilege of easting the ballots at the State elections. It is, therefore, almost impossible to tell the result at Washington.
For the vice-presidency, as far as we have been able to learn, Parsons has the majority. Only a few of the States have been heard from.
The National Amateur for June, 1879, gave the following as .results of balloting in State conventions :
|
' |
Briggs |
Huss |
Fynes |
|
Missouri, |
0 |
1 |
4 |
|
Ohio, |
0 |
4 |
0 |
|
Massachusetts, |
0 |
7 |
16 |
|
Virginia, |
10 |
2 |
0 |
|
Florida, |
3 |
0 |
0 |
|
Indiana, |
2 |
2 |
0 |
|
Kew Hampshire, |
2 |
0 |
9 |
|
New Jersey, |
10 |
0 |
9 |
|
Kew York, |
7 |
3 |
1 |
|
Wisconsin, |
1 |
3 |
0 |
|
Pennsylvania, |
11 |
1 |
2 |
|
Washington, |
16 |
0 |
0 |
A note was made of the fact that Iowa, Illinois and Nebraska gave Huss majorities, but figures were not at hand.
The election of Herbert A. Clarke, a negro, as third vice-pres- ident of the National by the Washington convention was severely criticised by the members of the Association residing in the South, and was responsible for the withdrawal of these amateurs from the Association and the decline of the cause of Amateur Journalism in that section of the Union.
The fight against negroes as members of the Association wa& begun before the Washington convention, and on the election of Clarke to office was vigorously prosecuted. Edward A. Oldham, George M. Carr, and other prominent North Carolina amateurs led in the fight, and shortly after the Washington meet, at a session of the North Carolina A. P. A. a "Southern association of white amateurs" was proposed. The sectional associations of the South allowed no colored members, and about this time the famous "Amateur Anti-Negro Admission Association," better known as the "A, A. A. A.," was organized. While Amateur Journalism continued to exist in the South some time after this, it may be well said that the Washington convention sounded its death knell. Nearly ten years was required for this section of
56 HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION.
the country to assume the position in the affairs of the mimic world of letters that it had theretofore held.
The failure to amend the constitution in vital particulars was regretted by many, and the September National Amateur devoted considerable space to it, styling the constitution a "despotic doc- ument", an "iron-clad and arbitrary set of rules" and "the most high-handed, unapproachable, obstinate document that ever man or amateur conceived."
Toward the close of the year man^^ editors had trouble to retain their "pound rates" of postage, and the first assistant postmaster general issued a circular letter giving a number of reasons for re- fusing to allow many amateur papers the rate. Summed up, the reasons that debarred many papers were that they were not is- sued from a known office of publication, that they were not pub- lished for some specific purpose, and that they did not have a legitimate list of subscribers. These rules have remained in force in the post office department until this day, their enforcement and interpretation varying with the administration. At times pa- pers have been debarred merely because they were acknowledged as "amateur," but as a general rule it has never been hard for an amateur publisher to secure "pound rates" if he chose to live up to the law.
The second volume of the National Amateur was also edited by C. Clem. Chase, the printing being done by Oswald L. Willi- ams, of Richmond, Va., from which place it was dated. A much smaller heading, of a shaded variety of letter quite common then, was used for this volume. The columns were widened one- sixth of an inch and lengthened correspondingly. The paper was set in solid long primer type, with gothic headings, and pre- sented a good appearance. The volume consisted of four issues of four pages each.
Among the papers of the year ma}^ be mentioned : The Satir- ist^ Omaha ; Chief, Omaha ; Sphinxes Spirit, Boston ; Fynes' Ftt'ncy, Boston ; Boys^ and Girls^ Own, Frederic, Md. ; Censor, La Crosse, Wis. ; Dew Drop, Lancaster, N. Y. ; Register, New York ; HawJceye Amateur, Cedar Rapids, la. ; Eclipse, Boston ; Youths^ Advocate, Washington; Star, Trenton, Mo. ; Amateur Journalist, St. Louis; Imp, Washington, D. C. ; Index, Lowell,
HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS A880CXATI<»N. iii
Mass. : Souihern Star, Washington, D. C. ; Stylus, Tiffin, U. ; Independent Times, Jersey City. N. J. ; Egyptian Star, Caibon- rlnle. Ills.; Amateur Dial, Ricbm(»nd, Va. ; All Sorts, Omaha, Nel). ; Young American (weeHy), Caiboudale, Ills.; Argus, \V?»shint>ton, I). C. ; Connecticut Amateur, Hartford, Conn. ; Elf, Wnsliinoton, [). C. ; Hurricaiie, Charleston, S. C. ; Spunk, Park Ridoe, N. J. ; Tattler, Fostoria, O. ; Odd Trump, Winston, N. C. ; Welcome Visitor, Lafayette, Ind.
Correction — On page 48 the name of Herbert A. Clarke is omitted from the table of members voting. His vote was cast for Brig^s, making the total Briggs vote, on page 49, correct as priated.
\
f
CHflFTER 6.
THE A. A. A. ASSOCIATION.
The Negro as an Amateuk. — Oldham's Stand.— Clarke Defeats Carr.— Action in North Carolina. — Universal Endorsement in the South.— Organization of the A. A. A. A. — Its Offtceks. — How It Worked. — It May BE Still Alive.
M
ENTION was made in the foregoing chapter of the or- ganization of an Amateur Anti-Negro Admission Asso- ciation. The following acconnt of this secret society
was contributed by ''Rickety" to the Bojjs^ Folio, January,
1884:
A. A. A. A. — An Association Whose History Has Not Heen Recorded. — An Interesting Acount of Civil Rights Times in tiie 'Dom.
When the National A. l\ A. hehl ils convention at Wiisliing- ton, July 16, 17 and 18, 1871), discussion over the admission of negro members had already commenced. Edward A. Oldham, of North Carolina, was tlie first amateur editor who j)ubliciy braved the contempt that^an adverse editorial upon negro adnds- sion was sure to bring froiri..iuimerous ariiateur journalists. North, East and West. In his jou'rnal, .the Of7,(Z Trump, he called the attention of all Southerners to the presence of Herbert A. Clarke in the National. Of course Chirrie's membership was well known, but Southerners -luid never come in contact with him, nor sat in convention when he wa^ prestnt. Oldham indicated the fact that Clarke would attend the Washington c(mvention and de- clared that the time had arrived when Southerners must take a decisive step. At first Clarke's membership had assumed the character of a novelty. Many entirely overlooked the Southern principle involved, and became curious to know, in a wondering way, what kind of a negro Clarke was and how he acted. A few may have, indeed, regarded Clarke's membership with dislike, but a great many expressed no feeling on the subject. It wa'*, therefore, left for Oldham to rouse the section with which he was identified, and to place the matter before Southerners in such manner as would compel them to declare their positions. But even this, although done prior to the Washington convention, did not result in any combined effort. A war of words alone
HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION. 59
followed. A storm of abuse rained fast and thickly throughout the eouutrv. The convention met and Clarke appeareci. The record of that convention is anythino: hut pleasing. Taking a rough estimate there was not more than 17 per cent, of the mem- bers present, and certainly not more than 0 per cent, of Ama- teurdom represented. Yet it was, as has been admitted every- where, the noisiest, most disorderly, most corrupted and most disgraceful convention ever held. But with this we are not here to deal, although we could tell many interesting tales that sprung from that occasion. It is suflicieMt to say that neither Hriggs nor Perry, both of whom were eiec'ed to high offices, represented the Soutii. The South had nojuinated George M. Carr. editor of the famous Notih Carolina Amateur, and lately opposed to negro admission, for the third vice-presidency. His nomination was highly prize<l. and many Southerners were his pledged su|)port- ers. But the discord at that crmvention during the election of the first otKcers had disgusted, if not demoralized, the Southein delegation as well as the delegations present. Whe i the nomi- nutions for tliinl vice-president were in order, the majority of the members who had agreed to supj.ort Carr were. i'\ their high po- litical demoralization, scattered everywhere except where they should have been. As a natural result, Clarke, backed by a solid caucus, was nominated and elected so rapidly that the fesy dissenting voices had no opportunity to protest. He was, ac- cording to all reports of the convention, elected "unanimously." The election of Clarke over a Southerner of such popularity as C:nr led Southerners to look the question fairly in the face. Their ancestral pride was deeply wounded. Besides the words that Oldham's editorial had drawn forth. Southerners now con- cluded that some active steps were necessary. The North Carolina a! P. A., of which Carr was a most prominent member, gave the first official cry July 21, 1879, to the movement that was sul>sequently begun. It denounced Clarke's membership, and proposed "a Southern association of white amateurs." The cry was echoed from Maryland to Louisiana. On Ausust 20 the celebrated Columbian Amateur Journalists' Association, of Washington, D. C, approved the action of the N. C. A. P. A. Neither association, however, adopted one word that upheld the disorganization of the National. The action of the Columbian, which transpired amid considerable excitement, as the division was almost equal, was annulled at a subsequent meeting through treachery; but following meetings soon placed the matter where it originally stood, and the Columbian to-day stands upon a platform of negro exclusion. In consequence of the treachery just mentioned, several plans were considered to prevent failure in the future. The fact that treachery might occur elsewhere as
60 HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION.
well as iu Washington was not overlookefl. Bnt the utmost secretly was observed regaidinoj all plans considered. So tierce had the anlagonisui between anti-negroites and negroites become, especially in Washington, that lack of secrecy would have pre- vented success.
On the 6th of September, 1871), C. Ridgelj Waller, of Wasli- ington, D. C, took passage on the steamer Leary, boun*! for Potomac Ldg. and Norfolk, Va. Before boarding the steamer he dropped a card to C. V\^ Darr. infoiming him that he expected to organize an anti-negroite association upon reaching his destin- ation. The trip down or across the Chesaj)eake Bay is anything but safe on the shell steamers of Washington. And tl)is being in September, it became a question whether any other record would ever l>e left Af the i)ro|)osed association than the caid sent Darr. No constitution had been framed. The voyage was })ussed with the high waves of tlie Chesapeake rolling and splasliing, writing a constitution, while the |)enci] used persisted in beating a tjiltoo in time with the motion of the steamer. The objects, as set forth in the constitution, are:
To prevent the almission of negro members into the white amateur journalists' adsociations of the Unitt^d States; to form a sworn union of Southern amateurs, in or !er that the proposed Soutlieru Amateur Press Association's success may be certain by having a sufficient number of pledged and sworn supporters in advance; to memberiz* all white amateurs who concur in its objects and constitution ; an.l to accomplish such o])jects as may further those alrea»iy stated.
The obligation reads as follt)\vs:
I, , solemnly promise and swear that I shall obey the regula- tions of and endeavor to protect the Amateur Anti-Negro Admi»&iou Association; so help me God !
The term (»f office is permanent. It is prescribed that all bus- iness shall be transacted by mail, but the president is empowered to call a meeting at any central point upon the request of a ma> jority of the members. Resolutions, etc., it is prescribed, shall be sent to the president who, through the secretary, shall call for a vote and afterward announce the result through the same me- dium. In consequence of the binding character of the obliga- tion, the objection of two members is prescribed as sufficient to prevent amendments, expulsions and deposals. In spite of what has been said to the contrary, nothing iu the constitution betrays any attempt to collide with the National ; in fact, the constitution contains no word concernin;^ that organization. Sunday, Sep- tember 7th, the following day, a number of Southern amateurs met in the dining rooms of the Jordan House, Norfolk, Va., just as the Washington delegation had finished its dinner. Using a chicken leg, a remnant of the meal, in place of a gavel, the Washington delegation called the meetinor to order, stated its
HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRE8S ASSOCIATION. 61
objects, and asked for a temporary chairman. John E. Overton, of Virginia, was selected. The meeting then proceeded, and adopted the eonjtitution aheady described. Officers were elected as follows: President, John E. Overton; first vice, C. W. Butt; second vice, George M. Carr; third vice, C. W. Darr; secretary, C. R. Waller; spy, Thos. J. Hope. After numerous informal speeches and various suggestions upon the policy of the association, "Clarke's connection with the N. A. P. A.*' was denounced. The phrase, "unanimous consent," was interpreted to imply that such consent was given until the association by unanimous vote withdrew it.
It was some time before the existence of the association be- came generally known. At first, few amateurs could understand 'A. A. A. A.," into which the name soon became corrupted. The four. A' s became a puzzle that no non-member could solve. All of this time, however, the officers spared no pains to increase the membership. New members silently and secretly signed the obligation daily.
It will be remembered that the second object of the associa- tion is to organize a Southern association, exclusivel}" of white amateurs. The objecjt was prompted by other reasons than that publicly disclosed. At that time the famous South-Eastern A. P. A. was highly unacceptable. Some of its members, actu- ated more by greed than principle, had endeavored to localize its meetings, an<l to prevent State representation among its officers. North Carolina was especially indignant over the fact that its meetings had thus far been conlined to Washington and Virginia ; two in the former and two in the latter. It would not have taken much to kindle this spark of indignation into a blazing, roaring fire of revolt in North Carolina, a fire of revolt that could not have been extinguished until the walls of the South-Eastern had been burned to their foundation. Chief among those who were opposed to this localizaticm and non-representation of States, were prominent members of the A. A. A. A. Two of these members were upon the committee which framed the new consti- tution adopted at Norfolk, Va., December 27, 1879— a constitu- tion so superior to the old document that justice, equal-repre- sentation and ])roxy- voting were its principal features. The adoption of that constiiution, and the institution of a system of proxy-voting whose etfica'.»y eight meetings have proved, at once gained the old South-Eastern a popularity it has ever retained. And when, at the subseqiient meeting, Hampton, Va., July 3, 1880, the members of the A. A. A. A., as individuals, saw that every active State possible was represented, and saw that the localization of meetings was given its death blow, North Caro- lina, the entire South in fact, moved its lips in loud and
62 HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATKUR TRESS ASSOCIA-TION.
abundant praise, and the Soulli Kaslern became tlie pride of the South, In consideration of this great cliantxe, wrought ejnefly by members of the-A. A. A. A., the proposed Soutlisrn Amateur Press Association was abandoned, and tlie Soutli-Eastern oladly and williuajy allowed to take its place. While, of course, it had not. accomplished its object in the mnnner oriajinally intended, the A. A. A. A. had virtually fulfilled tlie provision ''to accom- plish such other objects as may further those already stated."
Members of • the association were also members of local asso- ckntions^^ tiu-ouohont the South, and afterward became valuable in preventin^i' the admission of neo^ro members into tlieir own or- sjanizations. Among those who worked hard to accomplish this object was P. J. Donahue, who claimed lie was "an old friend of G%rke," but consi'iered his 'Hluty as a Southerner too impera- tu^e^to allow fidendly feeling to stand in the way." All Georgia fallowed him. =Bu4^^ perhaps the greatest fight that took place was in.the Columb>an A. J. A., of Washington. Attempt" after at- tempt ^vas made to insert "white'' in the ''onstitution. but at first every effort was foiled. The battles were fierce. Oratory was a.most prominent weapon. Little did the association dream that many of its members were bound by tiie oath of the A. A. A. A. At one meeting the members of the A. A. A. A. set a trap, into which: their opponents unconsciously fell. Some advocate of Clarke nommfited a negro for membership. By a tacit under- standing, the members of the A. A. A. A. either cast blank bal- lots.-or abstained from voting. The advocates of Clarke, hnw- eyer,.. voted: as usual. The- result was amusing. The negro applicant "was roundly blackballed— roundly blackl)al1ed bv ad- vocates of Clarke. P^ven the meml)er who" had nominated him had cast an adverse ballot. This exposure of their howling hypocricy sounded the death-knell of advocates of Clarke in the famous. Columbian.' Soon afterwards "white" became part of the lumstitution.
The association took steps towards the publication of an offi- cial organ, the Anti-Negroite, but it never appeared. John E. Overton, the president, in consequence of reasons lie has never explained, became inactive, a'nd failed to jierform the duties of liis office. Much valuable business was thus obstructed, and business-concerning the official organ could not be transacted. But the^-constitution was so constructed that the president's fail- ure did not prevent the accomplishment of such main objects as the -association intended, although all efforts were necessarilv dwarfed. Members continued to advocate its objects and enroll recruits. It is a question whether the association is still aliye.
CH/IFTER 7.
THE MEETING IN CINCINNATI.
Conditions Improving. — Campaigns and Campaigning. — The Convention and Attendants. — Officeus Elected and Constitution Amended. — "Old Sledge's" Account. — The Constitution in Full, as Amended. — New Members Admitted. — Interest Waning. — Papers of the Year.
LIKE his predecessor, Wm. T. Hall, Fresklent Briggs had to live down numerous cries of "fraud." These, how- ever did not last many months after the convention, and by tiie opening of the new year, he was being assisted by all elements of Amateurdom.
From "Harrison's Career" we quote:
At the opening of tlie year 1880, Amateur Journalism was in a better condition tlian it had -been since the beginning of the l)ostal troubles, and was apparently regaining the ground lost in the two previous ^ears, but after the conventions in July few |)apers were issued and a seiious decline of interest was mani- fested. Yet many able and brilliant papers were published this year. "All editorial" journals were yet numerous. The Na- tional's laureate contest was widely participated in this year, and the articles entered in competition were generally of unusual merit. The campaign for the politi(\al honors of the National Association began early, but had not re><olved itself into shape much before March. Will L. Wright, Thos, G. Harrison and Wm. F. Buckley were placed in nomination for the presidency. Their respective supporters fell rapidly in line, and the campaign was probably the most heated of any preceding it. A number of journals were issued for campaign purposes only, and each principal nominee was attacked by his opponents with abuse, slander and vituperation. Some amateurs of the East formed a scheme for capturing votes for Buckley, and organized what they called the "Radical Party," each member of which was pledged to support the party's candidate, who was to be selected by a majority vote between the members themselves. As the party was under the manipulation of Buckley's supporters, but few amateurs joined it, all being suspicious of its fair dealing, and objecting to what is called the "gag law." While Buckley was made "the party's choice, yet I can hardly say that it was entirely fraudulent in principle; at all events, its in-
64 HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION.
fluence was comparatively small and had no effect upon the final result of the campaign.
In the March National Amateur the following platform of the '•Radical Party" was printed:
1, A new constitution. 2, The convention's choice conclu- sive. 3, No sectionalism. 4, Foster local associations. 5, Loyalty to the present constitution. 6, Civil rights. Puzzlers allowed. All desiring to join must send their choice for N. A. P. A. officers to the originator, who will publish the results, the winning candidates to constitute the ticket of the Radical party at the convention.
The question of getting rid of the constitution was much dis- cussed as the Cincinnati convention drew near. Various plans were proposed, among which were the disbanding of the Associ- ation and immediate reorganization on another basis. Very little faith was placed in the system of proxy voting in State associa- tions, and only a few States sent proxies to the convention.
The Ymdicator, a small paper published by Will S. Knox, in June, 1880, thus sums up the campaign for the presidency :
During last fall and immediately after the Washington con- vention we began to hear rumors of probable candidates. Morris, Gee and Chase were almost immediately spoken of as possible candidates for the N. A. P. A. presidency. Gee's retirement from Amateurdom destroyed the chance of his running. Then Thos. G. Harrison loomed into view, and Stanton S. Mills, Geo. W. Baildon and W. L. Wright were spoken of. Mills seriously contemplated running, and an active canvass in his favor was commenced. Wright was also determined. Time wore on. Four tickets appeared until, in January, Mills was forced to leave the ranks, and Buckley appeared as the candidate of an eastern party. Chase found he had no chance of success and withdrew from the contest, and Messrs. Harrison, Buckley and Wright were left alone in the field.
Mr. Frank C. Liudsley, an amateur of the '70's, who became active again ten years later, in an article on "Amateur Journal- ism in Cincinnati,"* trives this account of the 1880 convention:
*Mr. Lindsley informs ns that the basis of his article was an account of the first day's session of the convention, written by Ren Mulford, Jr.. an ex-amateur, then a reporter for the Cincinnati Daily Enquirer, and published in the Enquirer dated July 15, 1880. On comparing the two, however, we find that Mr. Lindsley has given the events in his ow n languas-e, adding to Mr. Mulford "s article, therefore we credit him.
HISTORY OP THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION. 65
Convention day, July 14, dawned clear and premising, and soon became bright and sultry. After dinner the convention as- sembled in Eureka Hall.
President Briggs being absent in Colorado, First Vice-Presi- dent Will L. Wright, of the Egyptian Star', Cairo, Ills., called the convention to order.
Herbert A. Clarke, Chas. S. Eigutter and Frank N. Reeve were a|)})ointed a committee on credentials, and a short recess was taken.
Among those present were : W. C. Brown, Tattler, and A, E. Mergenthaler, Graphium, Fostoria, O. ; Thos. G. Harrison, Welcome Visitor, Indianapolis, Ind. ; O. L. Williams, Dial, Richmond, Va. ; Willis E. Scott, Boys^ News, Kenton, O. ; Will M. Cnrter, Mark M. Kerr, E. B. Swift, Frank C. Lindsley, Thos. E. Kennedy, R. L. Zerbe, W. H. McCaun, M. H. Tobi'^as, Jos. O'Hara and other Cincinnati amateurs; George W. Beihn, Com- posing Stick, Ripley, O. ; C. C. Rickert, Enterprise, Canal Do- ver. O. ; John Hanley, Detroiter, Detroit, Mich. ; Ulrick Knock, Lyceum, and M. J. Harty, Our Galaxy, St. Louis, Mo. ; C. G. Steele, Boys^ Herald, and Thos. H. Parsons, Blade, Buffalo, N. Y. ; W. J. Ackerman, Odds and Ends, and Benj. Pelham, Ven- ture, Detroit, Mich. ; John J. Weissert, Vigilant, Pittsburg, Pa. ; Will S. Knox, Vindicator, Marietta, O. ; *E. E. Stowell, Globe, Mt. Cnrroll, Ills. ; Fred Kibbie, Standard, Toledo, O. ; J. M. Allen, Times, Paris, Ky. ; Faber, Finch and Kramer, Buckeye Gem, Dayton, O., and others whose names cannot now be obtained.
Herbert A. Clarke acted as temporary secretary.
Wright and Harrison were opposing candidates for president.
Wright was elected president. He made a few remarks and — resigned. His friends were astounded. But he iexplained that circumstances liad transpired just previous which would compel bin to leave Amateur Journalism, and he was forgiven, and Har- rison was elected in his stead.
For first vice president, Reeve was elected by acclan)ation, but he. too, declined, and wished to transfer his support to D. A. Sullivan, but the boys wouldn't have it and the irrepressible Tommy Paisons was elected, Who is said to have precipitately fled for home, for fear of being called upon to preside. Tommy was a little fellow then, but bright as a silver dollar.
Proceedings had been protrat^ted b^- warm discussion over the credentials and the admission of some State ballots, and'it was 10 p. m. when the amateurs, many of them supperless, insisted upon adjournment until next day.
This convention was one, of; the most interesting and most ef- fective and satisfactorv in its re=^ults of anv lield — certainly the
66 HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION.
bep.t up to that time. Controlled by no party or clique, it intro- duced reforms and new methods which will mark the dividing line between the era of the boyish Amateur Journalism of the past, and the era of the stronger, more progressive and better ordered institution of the present.
Jos. P. Clossey was elected ofRcial editor and Joseph Dana Miller won the poet laureateship.
One sad event cast its sh.adow upon this gathering. It was the death of Treasurer-elect Oswald L. Williams, of Richmond, Va., at the Cincinnati Hospital, July 17.
In the Empire Slate Amateur, March, 1889, "Old Sledge" gives the following account of this gathering:
The fifth annual convention of the N. A. P. A. convened in Cincinnati, Jul3^ fourteen times. 1880, and probably is noted more for the surprises it brought about than for anything else. The boys commenced to arrive three or four days ahead of time, and the Hotel Emery, where the convention was supposed to con- vene, quartered most of them. It afterwards turned out that suitable arrangements for the convention could not be made with the hotel people. The Young Men's Hebrew Association learn- ing of this fact, through one of their members,* generously donated the use of their hall, which was accepted with many thanks. It proved to be the right thing in no better place. The day was the best they make down in Cincinnati — -barring the hot- ness of things. Sliortly after dinner the boys commenced to hie themselves up Vine jtreet towards the battle ground, and about three o'clock the hall contained about all it could, comfortably. It was not a very large hall, and on a day like this, with the ther- mometer at or close to 100* in the shade, a gathering of seventy or eighty was in reality more than it could take care of, comfortably. The seats were arranged in a half-circle about the room, giving everyone full view of the chair. Pending the call tc» order those present passed the time in conversation and in writing their auto- graphs on fans, which made their appearance at a very opportune time, and were presented by and with the best wishes of the Buckley party. It was thoughtful of the lirooklynites and the fans were appreciated. At half past three Will L. Wright, the vice-president, called the meeting to order and delivered an ora-
*The convention was to have met in the Emery Hotel, but someone had informed the proprietors of disorderly conduct bv the amateurs in Washington in '79, so they refused use of a convention room. Through courtesy of Alf. M. Cohen (now an Ohio State Senator) and Morris H. Tobias, both formerly amateur editors, the Young Men's Hebrew Asso- ciation gave the amateurs the use of their library and meeting rooms in Eureka Hall. N^inth and Walnut streets. — Frank C. Lindsley. Jan., 1898.
HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION. 67
tion upon "Shall Amateur Journalism Be Sustained?*^ His efforts met with hearty applause. Next came the roll call. Twelve members answered to their names : Bobby Newsome, Reeve, Wright, Clarke, Carter, Kerr, Elgutter, Harrison, Wil- liams, Brown, Mergenthaler and Parsons. After reports from offi- cers read and approved, Messrs. Clarke, Brown, Reeve, Elgutter and Harrison were appointed a committee for examining the proxy ballots. There being no official documents present, they recommended that the proxies be thrown out.* This report was accepted without debate. Seventy-eight amateurs presented their names for membership and all were accepted — twenty being pres- ent.
The election of officers came next. Will L. Wright and T. G. Harrison were nominated for the presidency. Wright received twenty ballots and Harrison eleven. The enthusiasm of the Wrightites about this time was red hot, but a minute later, when iheir candidate arose and declined the nomination and asked for the election of Harrison unanimously, the confusion and turmoil that ensued cannot appropriately be pictured. The Wrightites were completely surprised and upset, and it was some time before order was restored. Harrison was then appointed to the chair and called for a new ballot. A motion prevailed, however, to elect Harrison to the presidency by acclamation and it was carried. About this time —eight o'clock — Oswald L. Williams was led away from the hall too sick to remain longer. Three days after- wards, surrounded by a few Cincinnati amateurs and Benny New- some, he died of brain fever in the city hospital. He was a boy of sterling worth and unimpeachable character, and his death was universally regretted. f
Harrison accepted the office with many promises, and to my knowledge fulfilled n(me. He retired to Indianapolis and for six months no one heard from him. Not even the hole was ever dis- covered. For vice-president. Reeve was unanimously elected. He
♦Messrs. Harrison, Clarke, Brown, Elgutter and Reeve beinoj ap- pointed an examining committee to look into the State ballots received, reported that Florida had cast 3 votes; New Jersey's two associations. 9 and 8; Ohio, 6; Washington, 10, and Illinois, 12. Owing to the ab- sence of the official signatures upon the documents, the committee was unable to determine which were the illegal and which were the legal ones. The ballots were accordingly rejected as informal. — Ken Mul- ford, Jr., in Cincinnati Enquirer. .July 1.5, 1880.
tOswald L. Williams was taken sick while attending the convention, previous to election, and had to be removed to his room in the Emery Hotel. While there his illness grew serious -being typhoid fever— and he was taken to the Cincinnati hospital and his parents tele- graphed for. He rapidly grew worse and flnally died on Sunday. .July \^ .- -Harrison 8 Career,
68 HISTOTJY OF-TnE N-;iTIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSf>CIAT.I(.N.'
also declined, iniicli to the chagrin of his supporters. Parsons was then nominated by Wri2:ht and Sullivan by Reeve. The former was elected, 10 to 13. It was now ten o'clock and after a few amendments to the constitution had been read the meeting adjourned until. next morning. To the second vice-presidency F. F. Bassett was elected over Ed. Fj. Stowell by a vote of 18 to 7. Third vice-president, Jim Allen. W. C. Brown was unanimously elected corresponding secretary, and Herbert A. Clarke, record- ing secretary. Clarke declined and the office went to VVm. F. Buckley. Williams was unanimously elected treasurer. Clossey and Steele were nominated for the official editorship and the for- mer w^as elected. Buffalo was selected as the next place of meet- ing. Over twenty important amendments to the constitution were then made and a national badge adopted. A resolution was then, passed condemning the Radical party, ami threatened the expulsion of any N. A. P. A. member who persisted in being a member of that party, after whi(;h the fifth annual con venticm ad- journed to meet in the Queen City of the Lakes in 1881.
In the Natmial Amateur for September, 1880, appears an ac- count of the Cincinnati convention, evidently prepared by Joseph P. Clossey^ the editor. The following, not found in the preceding accounts, is taken from this report:
A resolution denouncing early campaigning and harsh person- alities was passed. -
The following resolutions, presented by Mr. Wright, were then adopted : ~
Whereas, Certain members of this Association have been sopresump- tious as to organize themselves into a body which conllicts witli the constitution of this organization; and,
WTiereas, The said members thus constituted under the caption of the "Radical party*' being not only in direct opposition to the object of the National Amateur Pi-ess Association, but are also violating the laws of equality and justice; and,
Whereas, Sucli cliques and cabals are detrimental to Amateur Journal- ism and the principles it represents, be it,
Rksolved, That unless the members of this Association belonoing to the said "Radical party" comply with this request for theni to le- sign their membership as Radicals, they be expelled from the National Amateur Press Association.
The constitution and by-laws, as amended at the Cincinnati
conv'ention read as follows:
PreamMe : \Ye, tlie undersigned amateurs of North America, believing that through system and generalization we can make our cause an educa- tional institution of the utmost importance to our country, and of almost unlimited value to the youth of the present generation, have organized ourselves into an Association for the promulgation and
HISTORY OP THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION. 69
advancement of Amateurdoni, by adopting the following Constitution and By-Laws.
CONSTITUTION.
Article I— Name. Tbis Association shall be known as the National Aniateiir Press Association.
Art. II— Object. It shall be the aim of this Association to unite the a uatcur forces so that thc» principles represented may be fully devel- oped and protected.
Art. Ill— Government. In order that the National Amateur Press Association may attain its object and consistently become the represen- tative organization of the fraternity, a system of proxy voting should be provided whereby each qualitied member of this Association should be enabled to have a voice in its proceedings.
AuT. IV— Officers. The officers . of the National Amateur Press Association shall consist of a president, first, second and third vice- presidents, recording and corresponding secretaries, treasurer and editor.
AilT. V— Duties of the President. SECTION 1. It shall be the duty of the president to preside at all conventions of the National Amateur Press Association and perform such other duties as are called for in contoniiity wltli this (•onstitution and these by-laws and the adopted parliamentary authoritv.
SEC. 2. It shall be the duty of the president to name the date upon which the Association shall meet.
Sec. 3. It shall be the president's duty to appoint pro tempore officers from among the members, in case of the absence or disability of the recording secretary, corresponding secretary or treasurer.
Sec. 4. It shall be the president's duty to appoint the reception committee, and such other committees as shall from time to time be necessary; except such committees as are hereinafter otherwise pro- vided tor.
Sec. .5. It shall be the president's duty to appoint members to take part in the literary exercises, as set forth in Art. V of the by- laws, and to announce such appointment in the official organ before the lime of convention.
Sec. 6. It shall be the president's duty to countersign all bills standing against the Association and presented to the treasurer for payment.
Sec. 7. It shall be the president's duty to announce to the Associa- tion at its annual meeting the name of the person who is entitled to the contract for printing the official organ.
Sec. 8. It shall be his duty to deliver over to the incoming presi- dent at the expiration oi his term of office, all papers, books, or prop- ertv of any character belonging to the Association and in his possession. ^
Sec. 9, It shall be the president's duty to present a message to the Association in convention assembled, at the expiration of his term of office.
Sec. 10. It shall be the president's duty to remain active during his term of office by publishing at least ten numbers of a journal during his term of office. If he fails to do so, it shall be his duty to resign. And no one number of his paper shall be more than one month delayed.
Sec. 11. It shall be the duty of the presi lent to secure the first four named judges of award as hereafter mentioned, and to make known their acceptance through the columns of the official organ not later than the second number of the National Amateur. The president
iO HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASBOCIATION.
shall also appoint the fifth judge of award and make known his acceptance not later than the second number of the National Amateur.
Art. \ I -Duties of the First Vice-President. Sec. 1. It shall be the duty of the first vice-president to perform all the duties devolving upon the president in case of his absence or disability.
Sec. 2. It shall be the duty of the first vice-president to assume the chair in the event of the president's resiination or death.
Sec. 3. It shall be the first vice-president's duty to receive the duplicate proxy vote of each qualified member cast for officers and upon additions to or amendments of the constitution, and open the same in the presence of the members in convention assembled, and read them in alphabetical order. And the first vice-president shall report during the first day of the convention.
Sec. 4. It shall be the duty of the first vice-president to present to this Association at its annual meeting a report of all duties performed by him during his term of office, and to deliver over to his successor all books, papers, or property of any kind belonging to this Associa- tion in his pofrsession.
A-RT. YIl—Duties of the Seconi Vice-President. Sec. 1. It shall be the duty of the second vice-president to occupy the chair in case of the absence or inability of the president and fiVst vice-president, and to perform all duties appertaining t) these offices.
Sec. 2. It shall be the second vice-president's duty to assume the . duties of the first vice-president in his absence or inability to perform til em.
Sec. 3. It shall be the second vice-president's dutv to have charge of the departments specified in Art. XXIII, Sec. 3.
Sec. 4. It shall be his duty to deceive all articles sent to these departments, to arrange them in alphabetic order and enter their titles and author's name or novi de /y?ame in a book provided for that pur- pose.
Sec. 5. It shall be his duty to retain one copy of each of the papers containing articles entered for competition and' to deliver one copy to the judge of award at least two months prior to the convention, together with a complete list of the bame.
Sec. 6. It shall be the duty of the second vice-president to present to this Association, at its annual meeting, a report of all duties per- foimed by him during his term of oflice, and the deliver over to his successor all books, papers, or property of any kind belonging to this Association in his possession.
AjiT.y III— Duties of the Third Vice-President. Sec. 1. It shall be the third vice-president's duty to assume the chair in case the officers prece ling him in rank are absent or unable to fulfill their duties.
Sec. 2. It shall be the third vice-president's duty to assume the duties of the first or second vice-president (or both), in case of the absence of the latter (or both).
Sec. 3. li shall be the third vice-president's dutv to have charge of the departments specified in Art. XXril, Sec. 3.
Sec. 4. It shall be his duty to con luct these departments in accord- ance with the rules laid down for the departments superintended by the second vice-president, as specified in Art. Vri, See's 4 and 5.
Sec. 5. It shall be the third vice-president's duty to present to this Association 'at its annual meeting a report of all duties per- formed by him during his term of office, and to deliver over to his successor all books, i)apers. or propertv of anv kind belonging to this Association in his possession.
AuT.iyi— Duties of the Recording Secretary. Sec. 1. It shall be the
HIRTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PBE6S ASSOCIATION. 71
duty of the recording secretary to keep a true record of all the trans- actions of this Association, and a complete list of all its members, in a book provided for that purpose, and to perform such other duties as are customary under parliamentary usage.
Sec. 2. It shall be the recording secretary's duty to receive the original proxy vote of the members of this Association, and open the same in the presence of the examining committee, when they shall be counted.
Sec. 3. It shall be his duty to preserve the votes, and after the same have been counted and a report made to the chairman, he shall enclose them in their original envelopes and file them away for future reference.
Sec. 4. It shall be his duty to present to this Association at its annual meeting a report of all duties performed by him during his term of office, and to deliver over to his successor all books, papers, or property of any kind belonging to this Association in his possession. Art. X — Duties of the Corresponding Secretary. Sec. 1. It shall be the duty of the corresponding secretary to issue notices of convention upon order of the chief executive, at least two months prior to the date of such convention.
Sec. 2. It shall be the duty of the corresponding secretarv to pro- vide the menibers of the Association with official blanks, necessary for proxy voting, and in conjunction with the treasurer and president to audit all bills relative thereto.
Sec. 3. It shall be the duty of the corresponding secretary to act as assistant editor, and in case of death, resignation or inabilitv of the elitor, to perform his duties, and superintend the publication of the official orgau until the next regular election.
Sec. 4. It shall also be his duty to present to this Association at its annual meeting a report of alfduties performed by him during his term of oftice,aud to deliver over to his successor all books, papers, or property of any kind belonging to this Association in his possession. Art. XI— Duties of Treasurer. Sec. 1. It shall be the duty of the treasurer to collect all monies due the Association, and to pay all just bills accruing against this Association.
Sec. 2. It shall be the treasurer's duty to keep a complete list of the members of this Association in a book provided for this purpose, and also a complete and true account of ail monies received and dis- bursed.
Sec. 3. It shall be his <luty to present to this Association at its annual meeting a report of all duties performed by him during his term of office, and to deliver over to his successor all books, papers or property of any kind belonging to this Association in his posses- sion.
Sec. 4. The treasurer upon election shall immediately file with the secretary a bond signed by five members of this Association, approved by the Association, who jointly and severally will be responsible for all monies and property entrusted to the treasurer, upon his failure to pay the amount in his "hands due the Association, to his successor, at the expiration of his term of office.
Art. X.U~-Duties of the Editor. Sec.1. It shall be the duty of the editor to take entire and complete eontrolof the official organ, and to have the corresponding secretary act as assistant editor, by perform- ing such duties as may be necessary.
Sec. 2. It shall be the duty of the editor to issue four numbers of said paper durino- the official year, one on the first day of each of the following months, viz : September, December, March and June.
72 HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATIdN.
Sec. 3. It shall be the duty of the editor to allow nothing of a po- litical character to appear in the columns of this paper.
Sec. 4. It shall be the editor's duty to mail to every member of this Association, and to every subscriber to the officiiil journal, one copy of every number as soon as issued.
Sec. 5. It shall also be his duty to present to this Association at its annual meeting a report of all duties performed by him during his term of otfice, and to deliver over to His successor all books, papers or property of any kind belonging to this Association in his possession.
Art. 'Kill -Official Organ. Sec. 1. The Association shall publish quarterly a paper, which shall be known as the National Amateur.
Sec. 2. This journal shall be under the supervision of the editor, who will edit the same in the interests of this Association.
Sec. 3. The size of tiris paper shall be four pages or more, size of each page 9x13 inches, set in long primer type.
Sec. 4. The names and addresses of the' officers shall be published at the head of the editorial page,with full information regardiuii how to join this Association,
Sec. 5. The paper shall contain reports of new Associations and the meetings of old oiganizations, with a full list of their officers when elected, and with as much information regarding new papers, consoli- dations, enlargements, improvements, ciianses, personals an.i such letters froui the officers and uiembers upon National topics, etc.. as the editor can use to this Association's best advantage.
Sec. 6. The bids for printing this journal shall be received from members of the National Amateur Press Association onlv. in sealed envelopes, and must be sent to the president, at least one inonth prior to the convention.
Sec. 7. The subscription price of this journal shall be fifteen (15) cents per annum, in advance; single copies five (5) cents eacli.
Sec. 8. The expenses for issuing this journal shall not exceed %V^ a year.
Art. KW -E'ection of Officers. Sec. 1. Each member of the Na- tional Amateur Press Association shall be f jrnished with two official blanks for the purpose of proxy voting for officers and additions to and amendments of the constitution of this Association. These blanks are to be furnished by the corresponding secretary not later than thirty days previous to the date of the convention.
Sec. 2. These official blanks shall be filled out with the momboi's choice, and in the lower right hand corner, the name of the member casting the ballot, otherwise it shall be defective and not legal.
Sec. 3 The official blanks, properly filled out, shall then be sealed in separate envelopes. The ore containing the original ballot shall be mailed to the recording secretary of the Association. The dupli- cate ballot, properly sealed, shall be mailed to the first vice-president of the National Amateur Press Association.
^ S^Ec. 4. Only active members of the Association are entitle 1 to vote in the proceedings.
Sec 5 Any ofiieial blank or blauLs, having been filled as hereto- lore stated, for proxy voting, found to be defective in any way, shall be submitted by the examining committee, through the president of the Association, who shall by a two-thirds vote of the convention, declare whether the official blanks or blank in question are legal. If not legal, they shall not be counted.
Sec. 6. A majority of all the votes cast shall constitute an elec- tion.
Sec. 7. If no candidate receives a majority vote of all the legal bal- lots cast, a« heretofore state I, the two candidates having the largest
llfSTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION 73
number of votes shall be declared, by the president, as nominees, and a vote taken bj?^ the members of the Association in convention assembled upon their names, when the nominee receiving the ma- jority of votes cast shall be declared elected.
Art. X-Y— Impeachment of Officers. Sec. 1. An officer may be im- peached for neglect of duty or misconduct in office.
Sec. 2. A certificate setting forth the grounds upon which impeach- ment is -asked, and signed by ten active, regular members of this As- sociation at the time of application, will be necessary to institute pro- ceedings.
Sec. 3. When a petition to impeach a member or officer is signed by ten active members of this Association, it shall be the duty ot the Association to resolve itself into a committee of the whole, by which the matter is to be fully investigated, when the question should be put to a vote, and if carried by a two-thirds vote ot all the members present, the member or officer is to be expelled from the Association.
Sec. 4. An officer shall be considered innocent until proven guilty.
ART. XVI — Membership. Sec. 1. Any person who is actively in- terested in Amateurdom, is a publisher of an amateur paper, or a contributor to the amateur press or a printer of amateur publica- tions, and resides in North America, may become a member of this Association by conforming with the requirements set forth in this constitution and these by-laws, and no person shall be entitled to the privileges of membership until he has. Persons who are puzzlers only are not construed by this section to be contributors to the amateur press.
Sec. 2. No person connected with or contributing to the "Boys' Weekly" papers — the Neiu Yorh Boys' Weekly, Our Boys, Boys of Ne^o York and Frank Leslie^ s Boys' and Ciirls' Weekly being samples — or no disreput- able persons shall be eligible to mendoership.
Sec. 3. Ten black-balls shall be enough to reject a name proposed for membership.
Sec. 4. A committee of three members, to be appointed by the president, shall report to the Association, at each annual convention, whether any names on the roll shall be dropped, by reason of the in- activitj^ in the ranks of the persons so named. And upon the adop- tion of their report by a two-thirds vote of the convention, the names shall be dropped.
Art. XVII — Suspension and Expulsion of Members. Sec. 1. Any mem- ber connecting himself or herself, in any manner, with the professional papers known as "Boys' Weeklies," Our Boys and the New York Boys^ Weekly ho\n<X pnmples — or any member guilty of plagairism or any other act oi- M-is detrimental to the interests of this Association, shall be expelled by n Iwo-thirds vote of the members of the Association in convention assembled.
Sec. 2. Any inciiiber failing to pay liis dues for the ensuing year within three montlis from date of convention shall be suspended from membership till h:"s dues be paid; and he shall receive notice from the corresponding secrctaiy of his suspension and the cause thereof.
Art. XVIII— .S'm; of Convention. The conventions of this Association shall be held in an eastern and western city, alternately, the city to be selected for the next following meeting at the same time and in the same manner as the officers are elected.
Art. XIX — Time of Convention. This Association shall hold one con- vention annually, during the month of July, the date of meeting to be announced by the president m the official organ at least three months' in advance of the convention.
74 HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION
Art. XX — Quorum. Such officers and members as are present at a regular convention shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of the business of this Association.
Art. XXI — Parliamentary Autlwrity. This Association shall be gov- erned by Roberts' "Rules of Order" wherein it does not conflict with this constitution and these by-laws.
Art. XXII — Committees. Sec. 1. A committee of three members shall be appointed by the president as a committee on credentials, whose duty it will be to be in session duiing their entire term of office, • and to admit or reject all applicants for membership upon the pay- ment of initiation fees and dues, when said persons are legally quali- fied to become members. Such action of the committee shall be sub- ject to the approval of the regular annual convention.
Sec. 2. A committee on reception, consisting of five members (in- cluding the chair) shall be appointed by the president.
Sec. 3. It shall be the duty of this committee to secure a room for the use of this Association while in session, and perform such duties as the president may direct.
Sec. 4. There shall be an executive committee, consisting of three members appointed by the president, whose duty it shall be to attend to anything referred to it by this Association.
Art. XXIII — Prize Compositions, SEC. 1. In order to promote the interests of our editors and authors, and the general tone of amateur literature, this Association will present the author of the best written article on any subject, in accordance with Sec. 3. of this article, the title of "Laureate," as hereinafter specified.
Sec. 2. Authors in order to compete for the "Laureateship" of any branch, must have their articles printed in one of the amateur papers at least three months prior to the date of the following conven- tion, and send two copies of the paper, with their article marked, to the officer who has charge of the department in which they wish to en- ter their composition, and state what title is desired.
Sec. 3. Articles may be written under the following heads and sent to the officer whose name precedes them :
Second vice-president, Department A-} Serials. Stories or Sketches.
Third vice-president, Department B \ Poems. Essays. History of Amateur Journalism.
Abt. XXIV — Judges af Award. Sec. 1. There shall be five judges of award, each of whom shall have a distinct department, thus : the first shall have charge of serials, the second shall have charge of sto- ries or sketches, the third shall have charge of poems, the fourth shall have charge of essays, the fifth shall have charge of histories of Amateur Journalism.
Sec. 2. Four of these judg'es of award shall be literary men of known ability not actively connected with Amateurdom. The fifth judge of award shall be an active amateur.
Sec. 3. It shall be the duty of these judges of award to examine closely every article sent them, and to report to the president as soon as possible the one they believe to be in a majority of respects the best, giving their reasons therefor.
Sec. 4. Said judges shall draw up a paper containing the titles of the articles selected, to which they shall annex their signatures and the name of their department and sent the same to the president of this Association with their report and a complete list of the compo- sitions received by them.
HISTORY OP THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION. 75
Art. XXY —Titles. Sec. 1. The title of "Laureate" shall be con- ferred upon the person contributing the best article on the subjects specified in Art. XXIII, Sec. 3.
Sec. 2. Upon receipt of a certificate signed by the president and recording secretary of this Association, they shall be allowed to place the title in full under their name or nom de plume, wben writing for the press, until the date of the next convention.
Art. XXVI — Medah. Sec. 1. Any State Association or individual may give this Association one or more medals to be presented in connection with the Laureteships, to either of the successful authors.
Sec. 2. Medals should be sent to the president of this Association one month prior to the date of the June issue of the National Amateur^ that he may acknowledge and announce the same before the con- vention .
Art. XXVII — Amendments. Sec 1. Desired amendments to this constitution shall be sent to and published in the June issue of the official organ, when the members shall vote upon them at the same time and in the same manner as they vote for officers.
Sec. 2. A two-thirds vote of the proxy ballots shall be necessary to carry any amendments lo this constitution. Any amendment which secures a two-thirds vote of the proxy ballots shall be declared by the chairman of the National convention as carried.
BY-LAWS.
Art. I — Order of Business. Sec. 1. The order of business of this Association at all conventions shall be as follows: 1, roll call; 2, reading of minutes of previous meeting; 3, report of committee on credentials; 4, electicm of members; 5, reports of committees (except committee on credentials); 6, annual reports of ofiicers; 7, announce- ment of the proxy ballots; 8, election of officers by the convention when in order; 9, unfinished business; 10, miscellaneous business; 11, literary exercises; 12, adjournment.
Sec. 2. The presiding officers shall have power to change this order of business if circumstances require.
Art. II — Finance. Sec. 1. The initiation fee shall be $1, and the annual dues $1, payable in advance.
Sec 2. No person shall be allowed to participate in the actions of the convention unless tree from indebtedness to the Association.
Sec 3. A disorderly member being called to order three times by the chair shall be fined 25c, and for each and every additional oflfensQ 10c.
Art. Ill — Official Stationery. The Association shall vote at each convention a sufficient appropriation to the corresponding secretary for him to procure official blanks for the purpose of proxy voting for the ensuing year. Appropriations shall also be voted at each conven- tion to the corresponding secretary for issuing invitations.
Art. IV — Minutes and Boll. The records of this Associations shall be open to the examination of members at all meetings.
Art. V — Literary. The literary exercises at each convention shall consist of an oration, poem and essay and such other and further matter as the presiding officer at such convention may direct.
Art, VI — Eules of Order. 1. Any five members may appeal from any decision of the chair, and it shall require a two-thirds vote of the members present and voting to sustain such an appeal.
2. A motion to reconsider can only be made by a member who
76 HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION.
voted with the prevaihng party on the original question, and shall only be in order when made at the same meeting.
3. Resolutions and reports of committees (other than the report of progress), must be made in writing and handed to the recotding sec- retary by the parties offering the same.
4. All motions except the motion to adjourn must be reduced to writing, if a request to that effect be made by two or more members.
Art. VII — Amendments. Amendments to these bydaws pay be made by a two-thirds vote of the members present at a convention, and any one or more may be suspended for one meeting by a unanimous vote of the members present thereat.
The following new members were admitted at the Cincinnati meeting: C. C. Rickert, Buckeye JEnterprise, CanaL Dover, O. ; John Biin\ey, Detroiter, W. M. Hewitt, Furnace, Jason B. Acker- man, Odds and Ends, Albert J. Stranger, Stranger, Warren J. '^iles, Cap Sheaf , G. T. Kast, Fatriot, Detroit Mich. ; Ulrich Knoch, Youths' Lyceum, M. J. Harty, Our Galaxy, A. Rammel- karap, Gaherlunzie, Geo. B. Huffington, TruWs Lyceum, Geo. F. Pierret, Mo7ithly Blossom, St. Louis, Mo. ; Chas. G. Steele, Boys^ Herald, T. H. Parsons, Our Blade, Miss Delle E. Knapp, John Fischer, Tomahawk, Buffalo, N. Y. ; Ed. B. Swift, Ex- ponent, and Connoisseur, Morris H. Tcjbias, Our Trumpet, Frank
C. Lindsley, Buckeye Herald, Ricdiard Zerbe, Junior Record, J. O'Hara, Thos. Kennedy, Junior Record, Cincinnati, O. ; John J. Weissert, Vigilant, Pittsburg, Pa. ; Ed. Collier and CIrarles Mehoff, Boomer, Lincoln, Neb. ; Chas. T. Bunce, Yankee Boy,
D. H. Wheeler, Our Boijs, Omaha, Neb. ; George E. Bryson, Spy, Hawkinsville. Fla. ; Philip I. Figel, Ubiquitous, San Fran- cisco, Cal. ; Frank J. Stanton, Yankee Clipper, James R. Gleason, FiJot, New York City; B. B. Pelham, Venture, Detroit, Mich.; WiHis E. Scott, Egyptian Star, Kenton, O. ; Will S. Knox, Vin- dicator and Boys^ Doings, Marietta, O. ; Miss Laura V. Laing, Plaiufield, N. J. ; E. E. Stowell, Amateur Globe, Mt. Carroll, 111. ; Chas. A. Crouch, Brantford, Conn. ; Fred H. Kimball, Vermonter, Montpelier, Vt. ; Fred Kibbe, Standard, Toledo, O. ; C. C. Morris, Young Democrat, Greensburg, Pa. ; J. M. Allen, Faris Times, Paris, Ky. ; D. A. Sullivan, Index, Lowell, Mass. ; Ed. W. Robinson, Ventilator, Millview, Fla.
Among "old timers" in attendance were Alf M. Cohen, of Our Banner, Cincinnati, largest paper in 1874 ; Chas. W. Faber and
HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION 7*
Milton French, of the old Buckeye Gem, Dayton, O. ; and J. M. Kramer of the Composing Slick, Dtiyton, O.
The provision of the constitution admitting Canadians to the rights of membership was an amendment, adopted at this meeting.
Interest in Amateur Journalism waned considerably after the Cincinnati convention. Only one number of the Motional Ama- teur was issued, and that was much delayed by tiie siokness of Mr. Clossey, the editor.
The death of Oswald L. Williams vacated the office of treasurer, and President Harrison appointed himself treasurer pro iem. Mr. Buckley declined the office of recording secretary and Churls G. Steele, Jr., was appointed in his stead.
President Harrison declared unconstitutional the resolution adopted at the Cincinnati convention, demanding the resigna- tion from the radical party of all members of the N. A. P. A.
The one issue of the National Amateur published during ihh
term consisted of fuur pages, similar in size to those ot VolQm«
2, and probably printed by the oHicial editor, Joseph P. Clossej'.
It contained some editorial notes, an article on the death of
Oswald Williams, a report of the Cincinnati convention, message
of President Harrison, and the following treasurer's report:
Amount received at Cincinnati $32 00
Paid Oswald L. Williams bill 20 00
$12 00 Received from W. L. Wright less postage and money order 70
$11 30 Eeceived from Frank M. Morris 6 35
^17 65 Thos. G. Harrison, Treasurer pro tern.
At the close of 1880 amateur afffiirs were at a lower ebb than ever previously since the organization of the Nationnl Amateur Press Association. This was due greatly to the inactivity of th* official board, the president having dropped all amateur work.
Among the leading papers of this year were the Dial, Vanity Fair, Youths' Lyceum, Composing Stick, Young American, Indesc, Our Banner, Independent Times, Flmdealer, TdUer, Clipper^ Connomeiir and Satirist .
CHflFTERS.
BEGINNING OVER, AT BUFFALO.
The Year Opens Quietly.— Sanderson's Convention Report. —
Small Attendance. — The Transom Trick. — Election of
Officers. — Kempner's Account. — Organization of the
I. A. A. L. — Official Minutes. — Laureateships. — Reeve's
' Administration. — Papers of the Year.
WHEN the year 1881 opened Amateur Journalism was at a very low ebb. Papers were few and far between ; some even predicted that there would be no meeting at Buffalo. President Harrison had dropped out of the ranks and Thos. H. Parsons, first vice-president, had assumed the duties of the presidential office.
"Harrison's Career" says:
The opening of the year 1881 did not show any special improve- ment. The cry of degeneration has been so often raised, how- ever, that amateur journalists felt no alarm at the condition of affairs, as they realized that Amateur Journalism is perpetually degenerating, but just as often does it regenerate. At the close of the year it was greatly prospering, and more pjipers were pub- lished than at any time in the previous two years. During the latter part of the year, several professional boys' papers of an elevated and clean tone, opened their columns to Amateur Jour- nalism and devoted departments to its affairs. These had the effect of bringing many recruits into the ranks. The National A. P. A, campaign was not very brisk this year. Frank N. Reeve was the only candidate in nomination for the presidency until within about three weeks before the convention, when Max A. Lesser placed himself in the contest.
The following account of the Buffalo convention was written by Howard K. Sanderson and published in his Bay State Press. It was afterwards used by Mr. Harlan H. Ballard, in his famous article on Amateur Newspapers, published in St. Nicholas^ and we copy it as printed there, minus the headlines :
Since June 1st we have thought of nothing else but the con- vention of the National Amateur Press Association which was to be held in Buffalo, in July. It had been our one thought and
HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION 79
wish to attend the meeting, and in accordance with this we began to save up our spare shekels and to accumulate enough collateral to attend it. The morning of the 16th of July found us count- ing our cash, and to our great joy we found that we were able to go. Hurriedly packing our knapsack, we boarded the train at the little depot in Warren and were soon proceeding at a rattling rate toward the capital of the Empire state.
After a ride of five hours, we jumped off the train in Albany. While waiting here for eight dreary hours, we were suddenly con- fronted by two hungry looking individuals who had the appearace of being amateurs. One of them stepped up to us and said, "Is this Sanderson?" and we were soon shaking hands witlj Reeve and Kempner. The eight hours at length passed avyay and found us slowly rolling out of Albany. At 8, next morning, the train steamed into Buffalo. After a short search we found Charlie Steele, of the Boys^ Herald, and soon afterwards came unexpectedly upon Parsons, Imrie and Gleasou.
We took no breakfast, but went directly to Congress Hall to see if any of the boys had arrived. Finding no new names on the hotel register, we adjourned to Reeve's room, and stretched out on a sofa to sleep. We were scarcely lost to consciousness when a clatter of feet was heard in the hall, the door flew open and in came Pelham, of Detroit. After a fraternal handshake,, we learned that the Pittsburg boys had arrived, and, rushing up stairs, we soon had hold of the hands of Weissert and Kochr .In a few minutes all the boys had gathered in Reeve's room, and a lively conversation was carried on for some time.
Telegrams had been coming in all day from the boys, but the evening brought the most important one. It was\lirected to "F. N. Reeve, Congress Hall, Buffalo," and read as follows:
Monroe, Mich., July 17th. Train loreclced. Nobody hurt. Will come Wed-r nesday eve. Niles and least.
All were suspicious that something was up, for the message was received on the wrong kind of a blank, and a capital lettel- was^ missing. Hunting up the boy who brought it, we found that it was given him by three boys on the corner of Michigan street, and that it never came through the office. It was, as we aftjexT ; ward found out, a trick of the Lesserites to dishearten us.. V, V'
Looking over the register that evening we found that Lesser, Ritter and Buckley had arrived. . ."
Tuesday morning found us at Congress Hall at an early hour.^. Niles, Kast, Brown and Rickert arrived, and we were introduced'' in rapid succession. _'.
^ At 11 o'clock a caucus was held in Reeve's room. A, regular ticket was made up and a plan of business mapped out. A huge sign adorned the entrance of the room and read as follows:
^ HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATIOISr.
**{tEEVE HEADQUARTERS. NO QUARTER GIVEN."
lo the middle of it was a representation of a sknll and cross-
Tbenaeeting was appointed to convene at 2 o'clock, but it was BtDtcalled until 3. None of the Lesser faction appeared, and a committee, consisting of Fischer and Sanderson, was sent to re- quest their attendance. Arriving at their room, we were invited iq. Delling them that the meeting was to be called in live min- uses', w-e were replied to b}^ joung Gleason, who said :
'^yy>u appointed the convention at 2 o'clock. No one appi^red' and Lesser called the meeting. No one came and now the thing's adjourned sine die.
We said nothing and turned to go, but what was our dismay to ^ud the door locked and the ke^^ on the outside. The Lesserites had us completely in their power. The meeting was being held d&wn-Srtairs and we could not get there. Our wrath rose a little at this point, and stepping to one side of the room we gave the servants' bell a violent pull. No one answered, but having abserved the lay of the land we suddenly seized a chair and^, plaxjing it by the side of the door, leaped up over it and squeezed out ol the little window at the top, before they could realize what w& were doing. Hurrying down to the parlor, we found that the convention had just been called to order.
At: 3:05 o'clock President Parsons called the meeting to OFdeF. Minutes of last meeting were read and accepted. A large UumbeT'Of new recruits were added to the me«jbership list. The following were appointed as laureate winners for the year: Jas. L. Elderdiee, poet; Wm. F, Buckley, sketch; Chas. S. Elgutter, e«jsay.
The treasurer reported $15.50 in the treasury. After a good deal o|. minor business had been transacted, the election of offi- cers occured at 4:50. Will C. Brown arose and stated that he kad the pleasure of nominating Frank N. Reeve for ilie ]>resi- dency.. No opponent appearing, he was elected by irh lniii!»li« n. In response to the cries of "speech," he rose and ndtlressed a few well-chosen words to the Association, and sjit dowji amitl hearty applause. He was the escorted to theclndr by a c< n.niil- tee of two and the election proceeded as follows: Louis Kemp- ner nominated F. E. Day for lirst vice-j^resident and he was elected unanimously. Sanderson nominated J. A. Imiie for aecoftd vice-president, and he was also elected withouto])position. KoF third vice-president, Wylie and Kempner were nominated. The Association then protceded to ballot, and it resulted as fol- lo'ws: Kempner, 11 ; Vylle. 1. Mr. Kempner was declared elected. J* J. Weisseri ai.d Warren J. Niles were elected re- cording and. corresponding secretaries. Howard K. Sanderson
HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION 81
was elected treasurer by a majority of eight votes over his oppon- ent, Chas. C. Riokert. Finlay A. Grant was elected official edi- tor, and Detroit, Mich., as the next place of meeting.
Each of the newly elected officers present responded with short speeches. Bills against the Association were ordered paid. Ad- journed.
Louis Kempner's account of the same convention in the Empire /SMe J.maiewr (1889) covers the same ground, but brings out several new points, and much of it is produced below:
In point of attendance the Buffalo convention of 1881 was not a success. But its importance is not to be thus measured ; for, as a matter of fact, no convention has had a greater infliieuce in de- veloping Amateur Journalism, no convention has been fraught with greater consequences.
The following amateur journalists were in attendance, and they indicate by personal differences of motives, aims, and character- istics, the complete nature of the convention: Frank N. Reeve, Charles G. Steele, Jr., Will C. Brown, Thomas H. Parsons, C. C. Rickert, Howard K. Sanderson, John J. Weissert, Benj, B. Pel- ham, W. S. Niles, G. T. Kast, J. A. Imrie, Geo. O. Koch, John Fischer, Louis Kempuer, W. F. Buckley, J. Roosevelt Gleason, M. A. Lesser, and W, F. Ritter. At this convention, the diver- gence of the two schools of amateur journalists, — the literary and the political school, — for thus they may be called, if not with ab- solute accuracy, yet for convenience of designation — for the first time assumed political form in the rival organization which was there and then set up under the name of the International Ama- teur Authors' Lyceum.* The organizers of the new association were M. A. Lesser, J. R. Gleason, W. F. Buckley, and W. F. Ritter. They adopted a constitution and elected a hoard of officers. They endeavored to secure the co-operation of Chas. S. Elgutter and Dennie A. Sullivan ; in this ihey failed. They elected J. D. Miller one of the vice-presidents ; that gentleman promptly resigned when notified. The real motive of tiie bolt f om the National Amateur Press Association so far as Lesser himself was concerne<l. was his bitter disappoinhnent at the de- feat which stared hitn in tiie face, at the hands of his hated rival. The career of the orgauizaiion was short and uneventful. In after years every political aspirant for election to any office in the
* Lesser and a few of his friends oro:;inized the Internationnl Amateur Authors' Lyceum, at Buffalo, in antaoonism to the Xational A. P. A.. and in consequence of Lesser's defeat. Xot being supported by the fraternity to any extent, it has virtually ceased to exist. — Harrison s Career.
82 HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION
National Association has been compelled to explain definitely what part he played in that conspiracy.
The organization of the I. A. A. L. was the so^e thing which detracted from the success of the event which I am describing, for notwithstanding the small attendance at the sixth annual convention of the N. A. P. A., to the result of the convention is due the present prosperous condition of the Association, And to one man above all others must be given the credit of reviving f nd fostering our National Association-^to oqr late lamented e5^-» president, Frank Newton Reeve. What he has done for Ama-= teur Journalism through his work for theN. A. P. A, will evep be a bright and conspicuous page of our history,
The Buffalo convention was virtually a reorganiasation of the N. A. P. A. This may seem a strange assertion, but it is based upon the fact that nothing in the nature of a document regarding the previous existence of the Association was at hand. The roll oi membership now in use was began at Buffalo in 1S81 which accounts for the absence therefrom of many Southern Amateurs, and also of such names as J. Winslovv Snyder, Jos. P. Clossey, J. Austin Fynes, J. E. Briggs, W. T. Wright, A. J. Huss, W. T. Hall, Carl Ficke, C. C. Heuman, Richard Gerner, A. W. Dingwall, Correl Kendall, Delavan W. Gee, Chas. H. Young, C. K. Farley, and many others of equal fame who played important parts in the earlier history of the National Amateur Press Associ- ation.
Of the papers published that year the greater portion supported Reeve and the only opposition to his candidacy was in New York City, among a large but not influential elemeat, controlled en- tirely, not by intelligent preferences, but by the personal leader- ship of M. A. Lesser. The latter gentleman was rather the author of his own nomination ; and his candidacy was dictated by his bitter enmity toward his rival. He issued a paper shortly before the convention and announced himself a candidate in a letter of acceptance remarkable for the vigor and vindictiveness of its language.
It was certainly not a cheerful outlook that greeted Reeve, Sanderson, and the writer upon their arrival at Buffalo on the morning of July 17th, 1881. Reeve anticipated the presence of at least forty amateurs.
The Lesserites were circulating stories about the great number of anti-Reeveites who were en route for the convention. Reeve, equal to the occasion, was doing liis utmost to cheer his followers, and made praperations for a determined battle. On the door of his parlor was tacked a large canvass banner, bearing the follow- ing legend: "Reeve Headquarters: No quarter given," with representation of skull and crossbones.
HISTORY OF THF. NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION 83
There turned out to be little reason for anxiety. The Lesser- ites were nois}', but not formidable.
When the conveution was called to order by President Par- sous it was noticed that the Lesserites were absent. A committee consisting- of Sanderson and Kempuer were sent to request their attendance.
On the following morning President Reeve called the conven- tion to order at 9 ; 30 and resolutions denouncing the action of Lesser and his followers were adopted and ordered printed in the official organ.
It was durinor this period that the scheme for the issuance of a journal by a joint stock company, first proposed by Mr. Reeve, was under discussion ; and a good portion of the last day was de- voted to suggestions, and a final endorsement of the enterprise. It seems strange that this plan has not been revived in recent years, at a time when a probably much greater financial support could be secured.
It may be well here to dwell briefly upon the character and career of our lamented friend, F, N. Reeve, who was on that occasion selected by a small but representative convention to be the supreme execntive for the ensuing term. He was certainly the most remarkable fitjure of that convention ; the vigor and in- dependence of his character, his sterling honesty, and his long and honorable career were fitly remembered. He had been accused of being a politician, it had even been said that he cared nothing for the welfare of the Association. Let us look back and see if those detractions are warranted by facts. Here was a convention with about a dozen present. Yet in the distribution of officers Mr. Reeve proved his devotion to the interest of Na- tional organization by insisting that the board should be repre- sentative, not of a section, but of the entire country. The re- sult was that out of eight officers elected the following states were represented: New Jersey, low^a, Ontario, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Massachusets and Nova Scotia.
The administration of President Reeve was an entirely suc- cessful one. Its ability was signally marked ; and under his fostering care the National organization emerged from a state of lassitude to a vigorous and aggressive existence. No convention ever wrought more powerfully for the destinies of Amateur Journalism than the numerically insignificant but representative- ly important body that convened at Buffalo on the 17th day of July, J881.
In the September, 1881, National ^nateur, the minutes of the convention — the first official minutes ever published — give the following additional details :
84 ai8TO»V OP 1*HI? NATIONAL AMATEUR l»BESS ASSOCIATION.
Tbe roll of members was called and the following gentlemen found to be present: Kempner, Reeve, Parsons, Kast, Niles, Pelham, Weissert, Koch, Brown, Rickert, Steele, Stanch, Imrie, Fischer and Sanderson.
In the absence of Mr. Newsome, chairman of the credential committee, B. Pelham, one of the committee, was appointed to act in that capacity by the president, and Chas. G. Steele, Jr., was appointed to fill the vacancy on the committee.
Among the applications for membership the names of Messrs. Glenn, McClain, Delaney and Wilson were rejected on account of their connection with the New York Boys class of papers.
The proxy ballots were opened and read by Corresponding Secretary Brcwn, who announced that of the 100 sets of blank ballots sent to members, only eighteen had been returned. Five of the eighteen did not stiictly comply with the requirements of the constitution and were thrown out. The president then stated that he had received ballots and $2 each from E. R. Riale, J. P. Glenn and J. W. McClain. The former being in arrearages for a large sura,* his ballot was thrown out and the $2 placed to his credit.
Messrs. Glenn and McClain having been denied membership, the treasurer was ordered to return their money. The remain- ing thirteen ballots disclosed the following result:
For President— F. N. Reeve, 12 ; blank, 1.
For First Vice-President — U. Knoch, 3 ; W. W. Delaney, 1 ; Ben Newsome, 6 ; T. H. Parsons, 3.
, For Second Vice-President — J. A. Imrie, 7 ; W. O. Wylie, 3; Louis Kempner, 1 ; F. A. Grant, 1 ; blank, 1.
For Third Vice-President — P. J. Donahue, 4 ; J. A. Imrie, 2 ; W. O. Wylie, 6 ; F. E. Day, 1.
For Recording Secretary — J. J. Weissert, 12 ; PI E. Stowell,l.
For Corresponding Secretary — W. J. Niles, 12; M. A. Lesser, 1.
For Treasurer — H. K. Sanderson, 11; W.J. Niles, 1 ; blank, 1.
For Official Editor— F. A. Grant, 5 ; T. H. Parsons, 4 ; Ben Newsome, 4. '
For next place of meeting — Detroit, 8 ; Philadephia, 1 ; New York, 3.
Moved and seconded that the proxy ballots be thrown out as the first vice-president had failed to send in the "duplicate" ballots, as required by the constitution. Carried.
Messrs. Parsons, Steele, Imrie and Kast having signified their
♦It is hard to reconcile this statement with Mr. Kempner \s remark that this convention had "nothing la tbe nature of a document regarding the previous existence of the Association."' — Editor.
HISTORY OF THE NATIO^rAL AMATIlUR PRESS ASSOCfATION 85
intention of sio^ning Mr. Sanderson's bond, it was moved and seconded that they be accepted. Carried.
Moved and seconded that a committee be appointed to draw up relolutions condemning and censuring the actions of Max A. Lesser and party. Carried. Messrs. Kast, Steele and Imrie were appointed as such committee.
Moved aad seconded that a committee be appointed to draw np resolutions extending our sympathy to. and denouncing the attempted assassination of our president, Jas. A. Garfield. Carried.
The committee appointed to draw up resolutions denouncing the actions of Max A. Lesser & Co., reported as follows:
Whereas, Max A. Lesser, Jr., and his associates having acted at or before the assembling of this convention in a manner entirely nnl)e- coming to an Amateur of good standing, and having behaved in an entirely childish manner in not putting in an appearance at the con- vention, and
Whereas, The said Max A. Lesser, Jr., in keeping from this con- vention documents purporting to be reports from two of the judges of award has acted in a manner entirely unbecoming a gentleman, and.
Whereas, The said Max A. Lesser, Jr., by his actions in trying to bring into this convention several parties for furthering his schemes, who have no connection with Amateurdom, thus attempting to violate the constitution, has shown that he does not take an honorable interest in the cause which he is supposed to love; therefore, be it
Bosolved, That the National Amateur Press Association now in convention assembled do heartily censure the actions and misdeeds of the said Max A. Lesser, Jr., and further, that the cause of Amateur Jotrnalism would be decidedly improved if the elements of which the said Lesser is the leader were driven out of existance.
Moved and seconded that a copy of the above resolutions be sent to the Manhattan A. P. A. for endorsement. Carried.
Committees were appointed to draft resolutions endorsing Youth and Pleasure and to correspond with the publisher of Golden Days regarding an "Amateur News" department.
The Association "recognized'' the "scheme of Mr. F. N. Reeve" and decided to render him all assistance in its power to further the project.
The following were the entries for the poet laureateship : "At Last," by Nettie St. Clair ; "Home of the Heart," by Roger Burke, Jr. ; "Contemplation," by Queerquilie; "Nathan and Mithradanes," by Joseph Dana Miller ; "Nemesis," by James J. O'Connell; "Frogregsiveness of Development," by James L. Elderdice. The judge was Arthur Huss, and he judged the poems as to sense, meter, rhyme and poetic beauty. "Progress-
00 HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUB PREes ASSOCIATION.
iveness of Development," by James L. Elderdice was awarded the title.
For the sketch laureateship the following entries were made: "Dorcas," by Wm. F. Buckley; "A Noble Sacrifice," by Queer Quill, and "A Tale of Honor," by Nettie St. Clair. W. T. Scolield was judge of awards, and gave the title to Mr. Buckley.
John W. Snyder, as judge, awarded the title of essayist laureate to C. S. Elgutter for his essay on "Thomas Carlyle." There were three essays in competition.
Shortly after the convention, Mr. W. J. Niles, resigned the office of corresponding secretary, and President Reeve appointed Charles C. Rickert, of Canal Dover, O., as his successor. Messers. H. E. Mergenthaler and C. H. Kishner,both of FosLoria, O., were appointed as members of the credential committee, together with the correspoadiug secretary as chairman.
President Reeve also announced that in all cases where persons were elected members of the N. A. P. A. without their knowledge or consent, fees and dues cannot bo collected from themi unless they choose to pay them, except when they may have paid one or both, thus acknowledging their membership, when they become subject to the rules of the constitution. Art. XVII, Sec. 2 ; other- wise they have the same privilege as any non-member to apply for membership to the credential committee, and the latter shall not reject any person because his name is on the list of delinquent members, if his name is there without his authority.
"Harrison's Career" says:
In the early part of the year the TouWs Lyceum, of St. Louis, was the best amateur paper in existence, in a literary point of view. Later in the year, the Nonpareil, of New York, and the Independent Times, of Newark, N. J., were in the lead. Other noticeable journals were the Vigilant, Bay State Press, Bay State Brilliant, Our City Boys, Our Journal, Iowa Amateur, Graphic, etc.
In his article on "Amateur Newspapers" in >8'^. Nicholas, July, 1882, Mr. Harlan H. Ballard gave the following as the names of amateur papers published during 1881: Independent Times, Newark, N. J. ; National Amateur, New Glasgow, N. S. ; Hur- ricane, Charleston, S. C. : Mercury, Towanda, Pa. ; the Young Becruit, Vineland, N. J. ; the Bay State Press, Warren, Mass. ;
HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRE8S ASSOCIATION. 87
Owr standard, New Glasgow, N. S. ; the Latest, Maiden, Mass. ; Nonpareil, New York City ; the Venture, Detroit, Mich. ; the Miscellany, Speucerviile, Ont. ; The Topic, Literary Journal, the Censor, the Commentator, Philadelphia ; Puzzlers^ Pride, Chi- cago ; Amateur^ Review, Cincinnati ; New YorWs Favorite ; the Tablet, Halifax, N. S ; Pittsburg Independent; Young Aspirant, PunxsLitawney, Pa. ; Phunny Phellow, Nebraska City, Neb ; Monthly Eagle, Rockford, Ind ; Florida, Hawkinsville, Fla. ; the Dauntless, Fostoria, Ohio; the Sphere, Washington, D. C; Blushing Bud (by two girls), Evansville, Tnd. ; the Vigilant, Pitts- burg, Pa. ; Amateur Exchange, Stanberry, Mo. ; the Stylate, Frederick, Md ; Orir Blade, Buffalo, N. Y. ; the Union, Hamil- ton, Ont. ; Young Nova Scotia, New Glasgow, N. S.
The volume of the National Amateur issued during the Reeve administration was the best that had yet appeared. The issues for September and December, 1882, were of eight pages each, and were printed by James B. H. Storm, under the personal supervision of President Reeve. The issues for March and June, 1883, were printed by Editor Finlay Grant, at West Gardner, Mass. The first was of four pages, the last of eight. The vari- ous issues contained much official matter — more than in any year previous.
CH/IPTEK 3.
A CONTINUANCE OF PROSPERITY.
Campaigns Opened in January. — The Miller Boom. — The ScoFiELD Caucus.— Work of the Convention. — Members Present. — Election of Officers. — Resolutions on Flashy Literature. — The Banquet. — The St. Nicholas Article. — Finances of the N. A. P. A. — The National Amateur. — Papers of the Year.
THE convention at Buffalo, so small in numerical attend- ance, gave to the N. A. P. A. a good board of officers, and many new papers sprang up, as a result of the hard work of President Reeve and his associates.
The convention at Detroit was quite enthusiastic, and the Grant year in Amateurdom was one of bustle and enthusiasm. Mr. Grant did not have as good a board of olficers as did Mr. Reeve, but made a very creditable showing, and by many has been considered the best president of the N. A. P. A.
First Vice-President Frank E. Day presented his resignation to t!ie president soon after the '81 convention, on account of in- activity, but President Reeve declared that the constitution gave him no power to fill vacancies in the vice presidencies and re- fused to accept it. Official Editor Grant, in June, removed Mr. Day's name from the official roster in the National Amateur^ and stated that Mr. Day was not even a member, there being no record that he had ever paid dues to the Association.
Toward the close of the Reeve administration a misunderstand- ing of some sort arose between President Reeve and Official Ed- itor Grant. It is probable that it was caused by the outspoken enthusiasm of the two men, who were certainly h.'ird workers, never counting the cost of their labors in behalf of the N. A. P. A.
The June issue of the National Amateur contains a number of strictures on the acts of the President which, while clothed in dignified language, did not tend to heal the breach.
HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATK.N. 89
Official Politer Grant, iu the June National Amateur, offered the followinor amendment to the constitution:
Article XXVIL — Amendments — Amendments to this constitu- tion can be inade by a two-thirds v^ote of those present at a con- vention.
The amendment was totally ignored in the convention, be- 'cause of the throwing out of the proxies.
President Reeve, prior to the convention, made the following appointments:
Reception Committee — Will J. Baker, Rudolph Ortmann, F, H. Bolton, W. J. Niles, with the president as chairman.
Mr. Joseph D. Miller, poet; Mr. T. G. Watkins, essayist, and Mr. W. T. Scofield, orator of the convention.
Early in January, 1882, Willard O. Wylie began a campaign in the interest of Finlay A. Grant for the presidency. The fight seemed won, when, in April, Mr. Grant withdrew and his sup- porters wavered, undecided what to do. Two weeks later Mr. Grant decided that it was his duty to remain in the fight until the end, and, though at a sacrifice to himself, he accepted nomination and election, and served through the term in a man- ner acceptable to friends and enemies alike.
In the Nugget^ for June, 1886, Will T. Scofield writes of the campaign, as follows:
After the younger element of Amateurdom had inaugurated campaigns in favor of Grant, Riale and Weissert,and had coaxed the political pot into somewhat of a boil, the resurrected fos- sils and old timers put their heads together and conjured up an opposition ticket. Plans were consummated quietly, that no suspicion might be excited in the breasts of the innocent youths who were living on blissfully, and unruffled by political differ- ences. Frank N, Reeve, representing a New York jewelry house, made a "drumming" tour through the Western states, and in its course stopped at Indianapolis, Ind. There he confidentially whispered into the ear of Thos. G. Harrison, that of those hankering for the lofty honor of the National presidency, Mr. Joseph Dana Miller was in his important opinion the most capa- ble and deserving. Mr. Harrison was opposed to all of the can- didates who had hitherto been nominated, and was open to con- viction, so he placed Mr. Miller in the balance, to see whether he was full weight in all the qualities requisite for the worthy and able National president. Presumably he was, for Mr. Harrison immediately championed his cause and commenced the work of
90 HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION
renruiting, assisted by Will T. Seofisld, of Philadelphia, N. Y., aud B. Benj. Pelham, of Detroit.
The appearance of several papers hearing the name of Miller at the head of their editorial colmnns, with the eloquent pleas in his behalf, created quite a little of excitement. Riale's boom re- duced from a boil to a simmer; Weissert, in his enthusiasm for a better cause than his own, foolishly threw away his chance for the honor, and resigned in favor of Miller; and Grant, frightened " at the sudden and unexpected turn of affairs, wrote a letter of declination to his supporters. Thus, by a little Napoleonic cal- culation, was the campaign of Miller elevated at once to a posi- tion of prominence and power, and one which could not be affected by the subsequent reaction on the part of the leaders of the different factions. Weissert, we are told, soon regretted his rash embrace of Cardinal Wolsey's advice to Cromwell to "fling away ambition, "and endeavored to re-collect his scattered forces. Most of them had gone over to the Millerites, who held them with a firm grasp. Grant was persuaded to write another letter — this time an acceptance of the nomination tendered him ; but poor Riale was entirely forgotten, his supporters having ungenerously forsaken him and joined the party of the largest number.
The struggle narrowed down to Miller and Grant a couple of months previous to the convention. Of the two, Grant was the most popular, and obtained a much larger newspaper support, but Miller, being upheld by those who were veterans in amateur politics, had as the basis of his support, strategy. The leaders of his cause having learned the uncertainty of proxy ballots, worked to obtain support among those who had made known their intentions of being at Detroit, preferring substance rather than great numbers.
The arguments produced in defending the candidacy of Miller were that he had been a devoted laborer in Amateurdom for np- wards of six years, and was a skillful editor, a penetrating critic and brilliant parliamentarian, and Amateurdom's peerless poet. Just before the convention, however, a powerful editorial was published in the Paragon, of Brooklyn, which granulated these claims with exceeding gusto. His brilliancy as a parliamentarian was made doubtful by a description of his maneuvres as chairman of the IMetropolitan Amateur Journalists' Club. His ability as an author was compromised by a bold and startling accusation of plagiarism, in which plain and apparently incontrovertible proofs were produced. It was accompanied by a declaration that Miller would have ample opportunity to vindicate himself at the conven- tioa, as a notary public would be on hand with an affidavit, to which he would have to swear, or stand (convicted in the eyes of the amateur public. As might be expected, Miller's chances from
HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION 91
the date of this editorial's appearance became small by degrees and "beaatifiilly less," Even his most conscientious supporters dared entertain but a feeble hope that he would go to Detroit to humble himself before a lot of incredulous boys.
Monday, July 10, nearly every supporter of Miller was in Detroit, eager to show their power, but unable to do so from the non-appearance of their presidential candidate.
To see what it was best t9 do in the emergency, the Millerites called a caucus. Of course it was unanimously voted to no longer entertain Miller as a candidate, and as a substitute Will T. Scofield was proposed. He, however, refused to become a bona-fide contestant for the office, but agreed to run to infuse a little excitement into the election, provided it was understood by all that he should resign immediately in favor of Grant, if elected. Plans of strategy were then perfected, whereby votes might be drawn from the opposition, and the caucus adjourned.
This caucus is further described by Chas. G-. Steele, in the same paper, as follows :
The caucus was organized with Will C. Brown as chairman and Chas. G. Steele, Jr., as secretary. There was some debate as to how to proceed to the election of the ticket we were to sup- port. The name of Miller was agreed upon to be withdrawn, and after a little exchange of opinion. Will T. Scofield was named as candidate for president. He positively declined to run, and after Brown and Steele positively declined to accept, it was decided to nominate the other officers first.
After the election of the ticket, followed a lengthy discussion on the presidential question. Brown, Steele and Scofield all pos- itively declined to run. At last we decided to have Harrison name Metcalf, hoping thereby to draw votes from Grant. Sco- field agreed to run so as to defeat Grant, but would immediately resign in his favor. We decided that it would be no more than right that Grant should be president, but if we could defeat him in the convention it would be a victory for our side. Brown was to name Scofield, and we were to divide up on several candidates but on the second or third ballot, as seemed best, unite on Sco- field, and hoped to draw enough votes for his election.
There is no doubt but that the Grant supporters were uncer- tain of success when they reached Detroit, but before a vote had been taken they saw that they would be victorious. Scofield's acceptance of a nomination in opposition to Grant, with the pro- viso that he would resign in favor of Grant, if elected, was known
92 HISTORY OP THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION.
to the Grant party, though this did not in an}' manner affect the carrying on of a vigorous campaign until the final ballot.
In the Sphinx, July, 1882, Mr. Rudolph Ortmann gave the fol- lowing account of the work of the convention:
The convention was called to order at 10 o'clock a. m., Tues- day, July 11. President Reeve delivered a somewhat lengthy farewell message. The calling of the roll showed thirty-nine members present: F. N. Reeve, F. A. Grant, J. A. Imrie, Louis Kempner, Ralph Metcalf, Ed. E. Stowell, Ed. M. Gaddy, W. T. Scofield, W. C. Brown, Thos. H. Parsons, John Fischer, C. G. Steele, Jr., V. Winters, Jr., Frank L. Mills, Henry E. Legler, H. A. Clarke, Hugh McElroy, Jr., C. C. Rickert, F. S. Arnett, C. M. Heineman, Thos. G. Harriscm, W. K. Smith, (of Compass, Portland, Ore.), M. J. Hartv, H. T. Mercur, Bernard Ginsburg, F. H. Bolton, R. A. Pelham, B. Benj. Pelham, W.s M. Hewitt, H. G. Hudson, A. J. Stranger, G. T. Kast, W. J. Niles, Rudolph Ortmann, (afterward admitted), Will J. Baker, Richard Gehlert, F. F. Heath, A. D. Pulis and Russell Robb. The president announced that the committees appointed to judge the articles submitted to them for the laureateships had completed their labors and reported the following entitled to the positions named for the ensuing year.
Sketch, J. C. Nichols, of Blue Mound, Ills.
History, James J. O'Connell, of Brooklyn, N. Y.
Essay,* C. S. Elgutter, of Exeter, N. H.
Poet, Joseph P. Clossey, of New York. The proxy ballots were thrown out, owing to the absence of the recording secretarj^ who had the original proxies. The first ballot for president was as follows:
Whole number of votes cast 35
Grant 17
Scofield 13
Metcalf 5
Eighteen constituting a majority, there was no choice. Second ballot:
Grant 19
Scofield 19
The ballot was thrown out, as there were not thirty-eight vot- ers in the room. Third ballot:
Grant 21
Scofield .14
On motion of Scofield, Grant's election was made unanimous. For first vice-president, Wylie and Stowell were nominated. Wylie withdrew and Stowell was elected by acclamation.
HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION 93
For second vice-president, Griggs, Bolton and Teachenor were nominated. Tbe two latter were withdrawn, and Griggs was elected by acclamation.
Teachenor was elected third vice-president, by acclamation, without opposition.
For recording secretary, Storms, Arnett and Ortmann were nominated. Arnett withdrew. A ballot was taken, as follows:
Storms .' 5
Ortmann 26
Ortmann was declared elected.
For corresponding secretary, Pelham was nominated, and there being no opposition, he was elected by acclamation.
John Fischer was likewise elected treasurer.
For official editor, Chas. G. Steele, Jr., was elected by accla- mation.
Long Branch was elected as the next place of meeting, but at a subsequent session it was changed to New York or vicinity.
A vote of thaaks was tendered Mr. Ballard for the article in St. Nicholas.
A petition for presentation to Postmaster General Howe, was ordered drawn up.
The following resolutions were ordered printed and sent to the professional press :
"We the amateur authors and editors of the United States, knowing by experience and observation the deleterious and ruinous effects of trashy and vile literature flooding our country, which i? rendering thousands of our companions mentally and morally unfit to meet life's obligations and responsibilities, have entered our protest against the publication and reading of such papers, have passed a resolution mak- ing expulsion from our Association the penalty incurred by those of our number who contribute to the amateur columns of said papers, or them- selves publish productions which are sensational or corrupting; and have pledged ourselves to do all in our power, by precept andexanapie, to encourage the perusal of the purest and best literature, to divert youthtul attention to deeper and clearer channels, and to use all means which shall lessen the influence of a perverted press.
"Believing this to be one the greatest dangers of the day to the rising generation, and realizing the comparative insignificance of our feeble influence, we do hereby most earnestly call upon all men and wouien to come to our aid, and with us determine to wage uncompromising war upon the foe.
"We call upon the religious and secular press, as the great educator of the masses, to keep the subject before the people, to sound aloud tbe notes of alarm, and themselves to exclude from their columns eyerything which would lower the standard of literary excellence.
"We call upon all ministers, of all denominations, to give this sub- ject special attention from the pulpit, :ind to set apart one Sabbath at least in a year, to enforce upon parents their duty in regard to this mat- ter, and to show the young of their congregations the dangers and evil tendencies of indiscriminate reading.
**We call upon parents, as the guardians of youth, to keep themselves
94 HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION.
informed as to what their children are reading, and to encourage a de- sire for that which is healthful, by patronizing such periodicals as Golden, Days, Wide Awake, St. Nicholas a:ad the Youth's Companion.
"Finally, we call jpon all men and women everywhere, to use their voices and influence in driving from our midst a danger so terrible, and to stimulate Young America to highest thoughts and noblest deeds."
The official minutes, in the September National Amateur^ gvie the following additional details;
The vacancies in the credential committee caused bj^ the absence of Messrs. Kschner and Mergenthaler were filled by the appoint- ment of Messrs. Steele and Legler.
The original proxy ballots not having been brought to the convention, caused proxy votes to be declared illegal.
No record of these proxies, as far as we have been able to ascertain, has been preserved.
Of the banquet, Will T. Scofield writes, in Respite, July, 1891 : i here was, of course, a banquet at the Detroit convention. The occasion would have been incomplete without that. Thos. G. Harrison was the toast-master, and the responses were average amateur efforts at speech-making. The most ambitious response was that of Herbert A. Clarke, a colored amateur of Cincinnati. He was a thorough orator, and thrilled us all with his brilliant periods. There were responses of merit by Will Brown, Charlie Steele, Ralph Metcalf, and other lights of the convention.
The July, 1882, issue of St. Nicholas, a professional monthly magazine for young folks, contained a lengthy article on "Amateur Newspapers," by Prof. Harlan H. Ballard, of Lenox, Mass. While it cannot be said that Prof. Ballard's article was correct in every detail, it was a splendid advertisement for Amateur Journalism and brought more recruits into the ranks than any other one agency. The article was illustrated with portraits of President Keeve, Official Editor Grant and the youthful editors of the Petite Anse (La.) Amateur, fac-sirailes of pages of several amateur papers, and much information that was of interest to Young America.
Another article was prepared for the same journal, describing an amateur campaign in full, but when it appeared, in July, 1883, it had been reduced to a mere picture of the attendants at the Detroit convention and a few words about that gathering.
President Grant and Official Editor Steele, following the pos-
History of the national amateur press association 95
itive advances gaiuecl by Ihe St. Nicholcis article, iuseited adver- tisements in various publications and [)re[)areil articles for other journals, which were published withv)ut charge. Amateur Jour- nalism was probably better advertised during President Grant's term than at any time since the Centennial year.
All of this time the postoffice department was ruling against the admission of amateur papers to the privileges of second-class postage. A ruling of the department excluded every paper claiming to be an "amateur paper," without inquiring further into the merits of the case. Amateur papers sent through the mails were always stamped, and frequently several publishers would combine, sending their papers in one wrapper to the other amateurs of their exchange list. This began the day of "bun- dles," and enterprising publishers soon advertised to send out papers to amateurs at the rate of 10 cents per hundred .
At the opening of his term of office President Grant appointed the credential committee as follows : Thos. H. Parsons, chair- man; John Fischer and B. B. Pelham .
The finances of the N. A. P. A. have been generally neglected. We have hunted in vain for data that w^ould connect the various treasurers' reports printed, and so give them as they appear, with a word or two of explanation.
As was stated in a previous chapter, it was a "beginning over" at Buffalo, and it is our impression that the following report is from the gentleman who acted as treasurer during the convention, previous to the election.
EX-TREASUEER'S (PRO TEM) REPORT.
Received into treasury during my term of
office ...... $24 50
Paid T. H. Parsons, printing and station- ery $10 00
Paid W. C. Brown, printing and station- ery 6 00
$16 00
Balance delivered to Treasurer-elect San- derson $8 50
Kespectfully Submitted,
•T T W'PismT'RT Buffalo, July 17, 1881. Treasurer pro tem N. A. P. A.
The report of the nest treasurer, Mr. Sanderson, does not
96 HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIAtlOlJ.
deal with Mr. Weissert's balance, but includes it with other col- lections. It follows:
Paid out bills at Buffalo $15 50
Keturued to J. W . McLain 2 00
Returned to J. P. Glenn , 2 00
Postage, official business 1 46
Cost record book 65
$21 61 Amount paid in, including amount in treasury
at beginning of year $79 00
21 61
Balance $57 39
Howard K. Sanderson, Treasurer.
Treasurer Sanderson was not present at the Detroit convention of 1882, but sent his report, as above. Mr. Ortmann acted as treasurer pro tem, and gave the following account of his steward- ship:
From Treasurer Sanderson $ 73 81
From T. G. Harrison 1 7 65
Dues 15 00
Initiation fees 5 00
$111 46
Paid Recording Secretary Rickert $10 50
Paid Reeve (official organ) 12 50
Paid Reeve, initiations, etc 24 00
Paid for hail 7 50
$54 50
Balance in Treasury $57 96
Rudolph Ortmann, Treasurer pio tem.
It will be noted above that Mr. Harrison turned over the money he collected while acting as treasurer ad interim, as noted in his report printed in a previous chapter. Mr. Sanderson paid to the treasurer pro tem $16.42 more than his report seemed to require.
With the exception of Official Editor Steele, President Grant's official board was of little assistance to him. The three vice- presidents were inactive, as was the recording secretary, and the treasurer appropriated a considerable amount of the money en- trusted to him. The year, however, was one of activity, and a large number of papers appeared.
HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION 97
The voliinu' of the National Amateur issued l)y Editor Clias. G. Steele, Jr, eoiisisted of 28 |)aoes, Mie first tliree issues being of eioiit paiies eMcii and the hist of four. The September issue con- tinued a two |)!ioe nccounr of the Detroit banquet; the otfieial ujiimtes, oceupyiug two and a halt: pages; a review of the mlDor amateur press associations then in existence ; editorials ; a long president's message ; the usual news department, and some offi- cial reports. While the printing was fairly well done, there was nothing artistic about it. The page form of this issue was a trifle larger both as to length and width, than any previous numbers. The December Amatem^ was uniform in size with the various issues of the volume previous, and it, as well as the March and June issues, was very prettily printed. A Celtic letter was used for a heading, and the type generally used was long primer, solid. The December issue contained an article on "Purifying Ama- teur Politics", by Phoenix; some legal advice on postal topics • by John W. Snyder, first president ; a suggestion by Thos. G. Harrison that stenographers report proceedings of future con- ventions; the president's message, a page of editorial and the constitution and by-laws. The March issue was a recruiting number, and one thousand copies were printed. "Practical Hints to Amateur Editors" occupied nearly three pages and an amateur newspaper directory two pages more. The president's message, laureate reports, editorial matter and current news completed the number. The June issue contained an article "Amateur Papers; as they are and as they should be," from Our IVee Lance, editorials, notes, president's message, new pub- lications and suspensions.
The following papers were among those published this year: Birigo Amateur, Biddeford, Me. ; Granite Echo, Concord, N. n.: Green Mountain Echo. Danby, Vt. ; Amateur Eeporter, Dm livers, Mass. ; Age. Gardner Messenger, Northern Breezes, Turnip -of -Time, Gardner, Mass. ; Bay State Brilliant, West Gaidner. Mass. ; Bay State EcJio, New England Gazette, Satchel, Tri-Moiint Gazette, Boston. Mas^. ; Boys'' Folio, South Gardner, Mass. ; (?o/<:Ze?i lfoMe?i^**. Beverly, Mass. ; Guide, East Bridge- water, Mass. ; Laurel. Nautick, Mass.; Monthly Comet, Salem, Mass. : Eeadville Mite, Readville," Mass. ; Youth^s FavofHte.
98 HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION
Dangers, Mass.; High School Eeview, West Newton, Mass.; Club, New London, Conn. ; Comet of ^82, Youth's Gazette, Our Monthly, Humming Bird, New Britain, Conn, ; Tribu- nal, Waterburv, Conn. ; HocJcanumstein, Hockannra, Conn. ; American Sphinx, Soutli Manchester, Conn. : Amateur, National Amateur, Blade, Tomahawk, Buffalo, N. Y. ; Autocrat, Peekskill, N. Y. ; American Eagle, Harum Scarum, Le Critique, N. Y. Amateur News, Our Hurrah, Ameri- can Cadet, Sunflower, Premium, New York City, N. Y. ; Empire State Amateur, Geneseo, N. Y. ; Enterprise, Indepen- dent, Paragon, Philomathean Review, Sunflower, Brook- lyn, N. Y. ; MohawJc Warrior, Schenectady, N. Y. ; Capitol, Al- bany, N. Y. ; Our Sanctum, Philaidelphia, N. Y. ; Rainbow, Hamburg, N. Y. ; Record, Kinderhook, N. Y. ; Trojan Times, Troy, N. Y. ; Youth^s Fa/vorite, Cuba, N. Y^. ; Bergen Post, Jer- sey City, N. J. ; Fun, Bloomfield, N. J. ; Amateur, Newark, N. J. ; American Boys, Elizabeth , N, J. ; Adver- • tiser, Miffiinburg, Pa. ; Amateur World, Qualcer City Boys, Philadelphia, Pa. ; Active Christian, Guthriesville, Pa. ; Keystone Amateur, Semi-Monthly, En Passant, Earth- quaJce, Butler, Pa. ; Gleaner, Gettysburg, Pa. ; Mercury, Towanda, Pa. ; McElroy^s Enterprise, Little Gem, Pitts- burg, Pa. ; Beacon, Baltimore, Md. ; Globe, Frederick, Md. ; Budget, Mail, Owl, Pearl, Washington, D. C. ; Mag- net, Richmond, Va. ; Cadet, Charleston, W. Va. ; Union Lance, Cincinnati, O. ; Young Days, Columbus, O. ; High School Monthly, Cleveland, O. ; Boys' Doings, Marietta, O. ; Acorn, Co- lumbus, O. ; Sun, Canal Dover, O. ; Little News, Dowagiac, Mich. ; Boys^ Delight, p:vansville, Ind. ; Bee, Batesville, Ark. ; Typo, Heckatoo, Ark. ; Elf, Oakland, Cal. ; Dot, Highland Vil- lage, Nova Scotin ; Echo, Englishtown. Nova Scotia; Fly, Jud- soniM, Ark. ; Fly.. W.-iterburv, Conn. ; Unique, Brooklyn, N. Y. ; Sun, Si. Louis, Mo.; Blade, Jiidsonia, Ark.; Beacon, New York City; Dwarf, Butler, Pa.; South, VVasliington, D. C. ; Pedestal, ISl i^w York City; Criterion, Philadelphia, Pa. ; Coon, Butler, Pa.; Dart. Waterbujy, Conn.; Gem, Washington, I). C. ; Mosquito. Pittsburg, Pa, ; Squibs. Judsonia, Ark. ; La Whale, Snn Francisco/ Cal. ; Comet. Tek( nsha, Mich.:
HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION •'•'
Leisure Moments, ArneWs Phoenix, Our Amhiiion, Breeze, Colum- bus, O. ; Boys' Herald, Cleveland, O. : Wise & Otherwise, Mnii- etta. (). : Our Optic, Cadiz, O. ; Drawer, Official, Mentor, Scribe, Peninsula Press, Venture. Detroit. Mich. ; Little Jolzer, Plattsville, llKs. ; Reporter, Washiiiolon, Ind. ; Express, , Rcckport, Ind. ; GopJier, Rockville, Ind. ; Welcome Visitor, Indianapolis, Ind. ; Junior Press, Coon Rapids, la. ; La Caprice, Milwaukee Ama- teur, Milwaukee, WU, ; Amateur Exchange, Stanberry, Mo.; Amateur Light, Western Amateur, Osage City, Kan. ; Kansas Zephyr, Lawrence, Kan. ; Amateur Journal, Judsonia, Ark. ; Emblem, Critic, Golden Crescent, Microgram, Stinger, Epigram, San Francisco, Cal. ; Observer, Oakland, Cal. ; Ark, Portland, Ore. ; Melange, Evans dlle, Ind. ; Good Lntent, Loogootee, Ind. ; Jakey, North Webster, Ind. ; Fact & Fancy, Golden Gate, Neic Moon, Nut-Shell. Sun, San Francisco, Cal. ; Daytonian, Dayton, O. ; Odds & Ends, Detroit, Mich. ; Sea -board Light, West Philadel- phia, Pa. ; South-Easterner, Washington, D. C. ; Banner, Nor- folk, Va. ; Lamplighter. Lenoir, N. C. ; Amateur Times, New Orleans, La. ; Southern Star, Jonestown, Miss. ; Amateur Eevieio, Ldylic Hours, Cincinnati, O. ; Bnmble Bee, Alameda, Cal.; Weekly Sunbeam, Sonoma, Cal. ; No Name, Cadiz, O. ; Sunbeam., Terre PIaule,»Iud. ; Jingling Gem, Davenport, la. ; Vade Mecum, Heckatoo, Ark. ; Comj^ass, Portland, Ore.
iiii.^.;^ 11,1
CHflFTEKIO.
THE GATHERING IN GOl HAM.
Opening of a Prosperous Ykau. — Th:-: Campaign Pukckdino THE Convention. — Steele's Mrteoric Candidacy. — Wylie Brought to the Fore. — Legler Nominated. — Fischer's Plans Crushed. — Watkyns as a Campaign Manager. — The Proxies to be Counted. — Caucus Nominations. — The Convention and Officers Elected. — The Banquet. — Amendments to the Constitution. — Brewster's Affidavit. — Harrison's National Amateur. — Papers of the Year.
IN the Umpire State Amateur, March, 1889, Mr. Willanl O. Wylie says : The year 1883 ushered into existence a very prosperous condition of affairs. The term of Finlay Grant in the president's chair had been productive of rich fruits in the way of new jour- nals, literary productions of pronounced merit, and the rejuven- ation of fossils who had apparently laid aside their editorial togas, and as Grant's faithfulness to the Association brought about the grand result, so as his term of office began to expire all his ener- gies were turned toward making the New York convention a grand success.
As reception comramittee for the New York convention. Presi- dent Grant appointed the following gentleman: Chas. K, A. Watkyns, Jas. F. Kavanagh, Harry E. Batsford, Chas. R. Bur- ger and George E. Boehm.
Frank J. Martin was appointed orator, Joseph Dana Miller, poet, and Chas. K. A. Watkyns, essayist. Rudolph Ortmann, recording secretary, resigned, and Jas. F. Kavanagh, of Brook- lyn, was a]ipointed to fill the vncnnfy.
In the Orion Mapazine, Jan.- Feb.. 1881), Bi-niiierd P. Emery gave the following jiccount of the (\'irai)aign |)re('eling the New York convention :
Hardly had the smoke of the conflict, of 1H,S2 clcjired awny when the sound of scattering shol.s foielold the reopening of the presidential battle. Jiuriew J. O'Coimel! wns noniiutited for the presidency in the August niiinber of Northern Breezes, edited by Hevwood and Green, of Mass.'ichuselts, Jud Russell announced
HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION 101
in a Harum Scarum, issued iu July, that Willard O. Wylie would be a candidate, and in the October number of his paper ratified the nomination. A number of random nominations were also made. In November the Burlington Amateur mentioned Sto- well, and the Amateur Sun, Sanderson. Harrison vaguely hinted at a Western man, whom many believed to be Henry E. Legler, who had recently been elected president of the Western Amateur Press Association, but this supposition was thought baseless when the Visitor attacked Legler' s administration.
These were only premonitions, however. The campaign was opened in earnest b}^ Reeve, in a supplement to the Independent Times, dated January, with the nomination of Charles G. Steele, of the Amateur, Harrison, who had met Reeve a short time be- fore, and doubtless arranged the plan, seconded the nomination ; and Pelham and Hill, of Detroit; Brodie, McCabe, Peobles and Nichols, of New York ; Homer Green, of New Jersey ; Robert F. Griggs and E. N. Smith, of Connecticut; Heineman Bros., of Pennsylvania ; Price, of Denver, and Barker, of Arkansas, speed- ily announced their intention to support him.
Steele's chances were excellent. He had been elected official editor at Detroit, and the National Amateur under his charge was winning golden opinion. In January, 1883, he received the presidency of the Eastern Amateur Press Association, reorganized at Boston. He was popular with the boys and generally well liked. But he had antagonized Thomas Parsons, of Our Blade, his fellow townsman, and in the controversy with him in which he was involved alienated some of his support and added little to the luster surrounding his name. What made this more notable was the fact that in the December Amateur he had published an article deprecating abusive personalities.
During this time Wylie's friends had not been inactive. In December John Fischer virtually inaugurated the Wylie campaign, by an editorial in the Tomahaivk. '"The First Gun," in which he set forth his candidate's claims for the presidency. Ouce opened, the campaign was carried on vigorously. Fischer was appointed manager. He was shrewd, well versed in politics, not over high- principled in methods, and devoted heart and soul to the success of his candidate. Wylie's candidature met with much favor; the majority of the New. En^rJand amateurs supported him , New York City, the seat of the coming convention was solid for him. laken altogether, his cliances were even brighter than Steele's. In January, ISS;:!', he was elected president of the New England Association, after a stormy meeting. But while all these things militated in his favor, he had been defeated at Detroit in his race for the first vice-presidency of the N. A. P. A., on the ground that he had been n traitor to the Association, lie had written a
102 HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATRUR PRESS ASSOCIATION.
postal card to Frank J. Martin, who was secretary of the Inter- national Amatenr Authors^ Lyceum, an organization which sought to destroy the N. A. P. A., asi^ing how he could join it. This was brought up against him again, but he defended himself by saying that although he certainly wrote the card, he did not then know it was antagonistic to the N. A. P. A.
O'Connell's friends were still pushing his claims, but he had only a small following, and in the February Faragon he thanked his supporters but declined the nomination. He was not popular with the majority, and was considered conceited and overbearing. While he was one of the best read Amateur Journalists, and an editor and critic of the first rank, his success as a politician was out of the question.
As early as December the west had presented a candidate for presidential honors, in the person of Henry E. Legler, editor of XhQ Idler and La Caprice. He was very popular in his section, a good parliamentarian, a brilliant editorial writer, an essayist of considerable ability, a man whom all could respect. His election to the W. A. P. A. presidency had given him considerable prestige, and the excellence of his paper gained him many friends.
Thus stood the political field at the end of February, 1883. But all was soon changed. In a number of the Amateur dated December, 1882, but printed in February, Steele wrote a letter, "Mine Friends and Mine Enemies," declining the nomination. As O'Connell had withdrawn, the contest was narrowed to Wylie of the east and Legler of the west.
Steele himself favored Wylie, but many of his supporters, including Nichols, Daly, McCabe and the Heiuemans, trans- ferred their allegiance to the western candidate.
The sectional question was now brought up. This sectional cry as an issue was at last dropped by the Legler party. There should be no north, no south, no east, no west, but a one united Amateurdom, seemed to be the general wish. They had more substantial ground to base their support of Legler upon. His qualities as editor and parliamentarian, as a gentleman above reproach, as a good fellow in every way, deserved consideration and received it.
Harry Batsford was at the head of the Legler campaign, if a canvass in which the candidate took no active part whatever could be called a campaign, assisted by all who favored the west- ern candidate. The most prominent members of the party at this time were Rickert, Stowell, Arnett. Antisdel, Hollenback. Teachenor, Robb, Eilgutter, of the west, Batsford, Kempner, Dunn and Emery, of the east.
The supporters of Wylie accused Legler of inactivity, claiming he had issued but five papers in three years. The Torrington
HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AStATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION. lOB
Advertiser, the journal making the charge, received a convinc- ing reply from Sto well's Junior Press, which showed that he had been active even against great odds. He had issued six numbers of his paper since the Detroit convention, the number of pages exceeding that of Wylie's paper, Golden Moments, besides prepar- ing two other issues, which, owing to the dishonesty of his print- ers, never appeared.
In April it leaked out that Fischer was using very shady political methods to secure the election of his candidate. It seems that Fischer wrote a letter to Burger, of the Bergen Fost, one of the Wylie workers, saying that any one who would promise to support Wylie would be admitted to the National at once, no matter what his claims. Fischer and Parsons being a majority of the credential committee could carry out the plan. This seemed to Burger such a shrewd move that he boasted of the scheme to his partner. Homer Green, and showed him the letter. Green had been a supporter of Steele and was now strenuously opposed to Wylie. He thought the letter would be a valuable card against the Beverly gentleman, so he got possession of it and later on handed it over to Storms.
James B. H. Storms was nominated for the presidency early in the campaign, but more as a joke than anything else. But the May -June Bergen Fost, from which Burger had just retired and accepted the associate editorship on the Sentinel, nominated him in earnest and he accepted, saying he never had refused a nomin- ation. The Griggs Bros., of Connecticut, at once came out* in his support in the" Tribunal, whose sole object was to defeat Wylie ; but his following was small. Storms was not popular, and although he was a clever writer, he did not deserve the presidency. Soon after his nomination he reissued Spunk, pub- lishing it weekly until after the convention. That he cared only for the office was conclusively proven when the paper was at once suspended after his defeat. SpunJc was the fiercest campaign sheet ever published. It threw hot shot into the Wylie camp ; reviewed the story of the I. A. A. L. postal card ; exposed Fischer's letter to Burger and claimed that Wylie' s managers secured support by promising offices in all the sectional associa- tions.
As soon as the Fischer letter was published it was evident to Wylie that serious harm had been done his chances ;the responsibil- ity must not fall on him. So Fischer was requested to resign the chairmanship of the campaign committee. He did so at once, shouldering all the blame for the transaction, exonerating Wylie from any knowledge of it, and saying he wrote the letter while intoxicated.
It was a matter of much interest who would succeed Fischer.
104 HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION.
Many were suggested, but when the truth was known there was general surprise. Charles K. Watkyns, a veteran of Amateur- dom of the past, had reissued La Critique in February, 1888. He had held aloof from the political discussion. Batsford thought he would come out for Legler, but, much to his disgust, Watkyns accepted the vacant chairmanship and the April number of his paper announced his support of Wylie.
The most prominent supporters of Wylie at this period were Scofield, Brewster, Martin, Heywood, Alex. A. Stewart, farsons, Kavauagh, Gleasoia, Sanderson, Barker, McClain, Jos. D. Miller, Burger and Green of Massachusetts.
In the May La Caprice Legler had published his letter of acceptance, addressed to twenty-three persons, and Wylie' s appeared in the May-June Critique. The most remarkable thing about the latter was the number of amateurs, fifty-six, to whom it was addressed. But this apparent strength was not really very important, for many of the names heading the letter were those of men who were not members of the Association, and had no voice in the convention. Legler's was short and concise; he pledged himself to activity and the advance of all plans beneficial to the N. A. P. A. ; Wylie' s was more lengthy, but virtually gave the same promises.
Batsford had issued two numbers of Our Choice as campaign sheets ; Emery sent out a two-page Editor's Eye for the same purpose, and the Legler Campaign was published anonymously somewhere out west. The Wylie men were devoting much space and grinding out leaders on the merits of their candidate by the dozen. The fight was on and everyone was excited. Nearly every paper published took one side or another. Everybody who had ever edited a paper, written for a paper or thought of a paper was sounded on the political question.
The work of the Wylie campaign was done very systematically. The States were divided into sections and each section sub- divided. Workers and subordinate workers were appointed to each. The whole country was thoroughly canvassed and the work was done well. Watkyns directed what was to be under- taken and received regular reports from different sections ; he could thus judge how the campaign was getting on, and direct attention to any weak point. Legler's supporters were not organized at all, and hence labored at a disadvantage; but much good work was accomplished against these odds. Any one who favored him could, and was urged to, try to convert some brother amateur, presenting Legler's claims. Ikit as no one knew who had l)een addressed, liiere was much clashing and much omis- sion. Batsford was the leading worker, but even he had no sj^stem of work. The principal compaign work ^in New York
HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION
105
State was done by Batsford and the writer. Our plan was for each of us to write to a person, one a short time after the other, in the hope that our united arguments might have some influence. But this was all of plan there was. There is no use denying that Legler's campaign was badly managed.
l^egler had a nearly solid west at his back, while Wylie was supported by a divided east, with the majority of his following in the vicinity of the seat of the convention. Only one Western man was out for Wylie ; Scott D. Junkin, who published the Wylie Phalanx, and gloried in calling his comrades" Wylie Kids ;" while in the East such prominent men as Kempner and Batsford gave their votes to Legler.
It was said that Watkyus was not a very strong Wylie man after all, and I know he wrote Legler that, although pledged to the Beverly candidate, he preferred Legler himself. Watkyns told me once that on the first ballot at New York he could not vote against Legler, but put in a blank ballot.
After Steele's withdrawal, Elgutter, Harrison and Reeve re- fused to pledge themselves to any candidate ; but they were opposed to Wylie, and with the two Mttcalfs were willing to push anyone who they saw at New York could defeat the Beverly man.
The question whether the proxy ballots would be counted at New York or not was of much importance in the campaign. As Legler's support was mainly at a distance from the city, it was probable that many of them would be able to vote only by proxy. It was, therefore, important to Legler that the proxies be counted. Fischer in his Burger letter had said "we want no proxies,*' but Wylie himself said the proxies should be counted. President Grant and the holders of the proxies, Stowell and Ort- mann, were also determined they should be counted. The pros- pect was that they would be counted. So both parties did their best to get out as large a proxy vote as possible.
Wylie and Legler were on excellent terms and their candida- ture did not break off the relations. But for Storms the former had a special aversion. Rather than see Storms elected, the Wylie followers to a man said they would cast their ballots for Legler. So said Watkyns in the May- June Critique,&ud Batsford promised as much for Legler, although the Legler men as a body had no hatred for the Jersey gentleman. So stood affairs just before the convention.
Harrison, Stowell and Legler arrived the day before the date of meeting; they occupied a suite of rooms which they rrade the headquarters of the Wylie opposition. On the same day the Spencer brothers ,*^ Brown, Harty, Scofield, Parsons, Fischer, Brewster, McElroy, McClain, Mercur, Brodie, the
106 , HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION.
Heinemans, Griggs brothers, Bodenwein, the two Metcalfs, El- gutter, Salabes, Grant, Boechat and Hamilton registered.
The W^^lie caucus was held in room 231 of the St. Nicholas. Thirty-one persons were present and all signed a cast-iron pledge * to support all the nominees chosen by the caucus. Watkyns called the meeting to order, and George W. Baiidon, of Plain Dealer fame, was elected permanent chairman. Gleason acted as secretary. The following ticket was nominated : For presi- dent, Wylie; vice-presidents, Arnett, Mercur, Barker; corres- ponding and recording secretaries, T. J. Spencer, J. W. Mc- Clain ; treasurer, T. H. Parsons; official editor, C. K. Watkyns, next place of meeting, Milwaukee. The caucus adjourned in the small hours of morning, and quiet reigned supreme for a short time.
The Legler caucus was held the next day, at 9 :30, in Harri- son's room. It was a Legler-Storms caucus iu fact; the one receiving the least votes for president to decline in favor of the other. Reeve presided. Thirty- three persons were present. On the lirst ballot Legler received twenty-six votes and Storms only three ; the latter transfered his support to the former and retired from the race. The following was the ticket nommated, no absentees being given a place : For president, Legler ; vice- presidents, Griggs, Daly, Barker; corresponding and recording secretaries, B. P. Emery and W. B. Smyth ; treasurer, Stowell ; official editor, complimentary vote to C. K. Watkyns ; caucus nomination, Harry Batsford. This complimentary vote was strongly objected to by Kempner, but his objection, owing to the Metcalfs' insistance, was overruled.
From an article by Mr. Willard O. Wylie, in the Union Lance,
* Much has been said about the "cast-iron pledge" which this caucus saw fit to adopt. It may be an interesting document to some, so I give it entire:
"We, the undersigned, do hereby agree to and pledge our several votes, if present, for Mr. Willard Otis Wylie for president of the National Amateur Press Association, on Wednesday, July 11, 1883^ and we further agree to vote for said W. O. Wylie on each and every ballot that may be cast for president of said Association on that day, Geo. W. Baiidon Louis Kilmarx Judson D. Russell W, T. Scofield E.A.Brewster,Jr. J. W. McClain John Fischer C.A.Watkyns
Frank .1 . Martin I. Lowenburg E. Reed Riale Henry Jacobs
Chas. R. Burger H. J. McElroy L. H. Spencer T. J. Spencer
Jos. Dana Miller J. J. O'Connell F. E. Williams W.W. Delaney T. H. Parsons Henry S. Nelson F.K. Vondersmith M. F. Boechat J. P. Caruochan J. F. Walsh, Jr. Geo. J. Boehm John Breen James R.Gleason.
— W. O. Wylie, in Empire State Amateur, March, 1883.
^HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION 107
March, 1890, the followiDg account of the convention is taken:
At 12 o'clock, noon, President Grant called the convention to order and read his farewell message, in which the laureateship** were announced as follows: — Sketch writer, Brainerd P. Emery; poet, Joanna M. Brown ; historian, Henry K. Merritt. Routine business was then transacted.
At 8 p. m., the result of the proxy balloting for president was given as follows :
Number of votes cast 33
Necessary for a choice 17
Henrv E. Legler 16
WillardO. Wylie 13
James B. H. Storms 2
Scattering 2
As regards the other officers balloted for by proxy, Frank S. Arnett was the only one elected, receiving 21 out of the 29 votes cast for vice-president. When the committee had concluded its report. President Grant announced that a ballot for president was in order.
The tellers performed their work and reported as the result:
Number of votes cast 57
Necessary for a choice 29
Willard O. Wylie 31
Henry E. Legler 2.5
Scattering 1
The first named was declared elected.
Upon Mr. Legler's motion the election was made unanimous. Previous to this, however, a cry of fraud had been raised. Will C. Brown, of Fostoria, O., claiming that more votes had been cast than there were persons present in the room. A special (iommittee was appointed to investigate this charge, and an ad- journment effected that the investigation might be conducted in a tiiorough manner. Upon reassembling this committee reported that no evidence of fraud existed, this report being accepted. The president-elect was conducted to the chair by Messrs. Legler and Watkyns, and the ejection of otficers proceeded with as fol- lovTs: Second vice-president, Hiram T. Mercur. secured 30 votes out of 41, with 13 of such for E. Q. Daly. For third vice-presi- dent, A. E. Barker, on second ballot, received 24 out of 42 with 18 of such for R. F. Griggs. For recording secretary J. W. McClain received 27 out of 41 votes cast, 11 of such being for Charles Hey wood. For corresponding secretary T. J. Spencer had 22 out of 41, 18 being cast for 15. P. Emery. For treasurer. T. H. Parsons was elected by acclamation. For official editor T. G. Harrison was elected in the same manner, and Milwaukee next place of meeting.
108 HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION
The sessions of the AssociatioQ on Thursday and Friday were short, yet a great deal of business was transacted. The constitution was amended so that the president shall demand the resignation of any officer whose paper is over two months late; Cushing's Manual shall be our recognized parliamentary authority ; a stand- ing committee on revision of constitution shall be appointed each year ; the appointive office of national laureate recorder created ; official organ may be issued bi-monthly or quarterly at discretion of editor; sum for printing such increased from $40 to $60, and amendments to constitution may be made by a two-thirds vote of those present at a convention.
The banquet was given at the Manhattan Beach hotel. There were seventy plates. Mr. Joseph P. Clossey acted as toast master, and the following were the toasts responded to :
Our Officers Elect Thomas G. Harrison
Our National Association James M. Beck
The E. A. P. A Warren J. Brodie
The South Josepli M. Salabes
Our Absent Members Will C. Brown
Our Comrades Gone Before Henry E. Legler
The Press Clarence P. Dresser
Our Alumni. James R. Gleason
The following amendments to the constitution and by-laws were adopted at the New York convention :
CONSTITUTION.
Art. V— Sec. 12. It shall be the duty of the president to demand the resignation of any officer of this Association who shall allow his paper to become more than two months late or who shall neglect his official duties, and if such resignation be not forthcoming, the presi- dent shall immediately discharge said officer and appoint his successor.
Art. XIV — Sec. 8. If an active member of the Association in good standing, who has been a member of the Association three months or more, fails to receive official blanks previ(.us to the time of Associa- tion assembling, he shall be entitled to cast a proxy vote at any time previous to the commencement of the counting of the proxy vote, upon any blank in default of the official.
Art. XVI — Sec 7. If no candidate receives a majority nf all the legal ballots cast, as heretofore stated, the members in convention assembled shall elect such officers by a majority vote.
Art. XVII — S('c. .3. Members ceasing to be actively engaged in amateur affairs, lose all right to active membership, and are exempt from the paymt-nt of (lues. Upon the renewal of activity, however, thoy are again entitled to the rights of members.
Art. XXI — Substitute "Cushing's Manual" where '"Robert's Rules of Order" appears.
Art. XXII — Sec. 5. These shall be appointed at the annual con- vention by the president, a stan ling committee on the revision of the
HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION 109
constitution, to consist of three or more active members, and it shall be the duty of this committee to have prepared such changes and amendments to the constitution and by-laws which shall be suggested to their best judgment during their year of duty, and report same at the annual convention lollow^ing.
BY-LAWS.
Art. II— Sec. 2. The president shall appoint each year a person whose duty it shall be to write a complete record of the affairs of Amateur Journalism as transacted during his year of office. The title given said person shall be national laureate recorder, and his record shall be published in the official orgartof this Association.
Art. VIII— Sec, — A prize of $5 shall be awarded at each annual convention to the best edited amateur paper published during the previous year, which has published six isssues or more in said year. The prize shall be awarded by a committee of three appointed by the president.
Art. XIII— Sec. 1. Strike out '-quarterly" and substitute "quar- terly or bi-monthly at the discretion of the official editor."
Art. XIII— Sec. 8. Strike out '-$40'' and substitute '-$60.''
Shortl}^ after the New York convention, charges were made as to the legality of Wylie's election to the presidency. These charges finally culminated in the publication of the following affidavit: State of New York "|
>ss. County of Orange. J
E. A. Brewster, Jr., being duly sworn, deposes and says that on or about the eleventh day of July, 1883, while acting on a committee appointed to determine the legality of certain proxy ballots, cast for the election of officers of a body known and des- ignated as the National Amateur Press Association, the meeting of which was then in session in the city of New York, he was ap- proached by one Frank J. Martin, who was serving on the same committee, and in course of conversation was informed by said Frank J. Martin that he had suppressed and destroyed the ^'du- plicates'' of certain proxy ballots, the form and manner of casting which was legal; and he, the said Frank J. Martin, further in- formed the deponent that after he, the said Martin, had torn up the above mentioned "duplicates" of the proxy ballots, the frag- ments were conveyed from the room and thrown away by one John Fischer ; that said Fischer knew of the nature of said frag- ments, and said Martin further informed deponent that enough duplicates of ballots were, so destroyed to have legally elected Henry E. Legler to the presidency of the said Associa- tion. [Signed] E. A. Brewster, Jr.
Subscribed and sworn to before me this 1st day of Dec, 1863, Chas. L. Chatterton, Notary Public, Orange Co., N. Y,
110 HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AJ^lA'Pfetll "Pt&BS Ai^d'ciATlON.
In a Itetler to Tbos. G. HairisoD, published In tire Mdioneil iLihdfe^m' 'fov ^iCLVch, 1884, John Fisolier aeknowledoes the trutli- folness otiire water's Wffid^vit, and stat;es that his interest rh Wylie was due to a grudge against Steele, who had heen a candi- date for the presidency early in '82 '88. Tlie letter contains a iiuiriber of mis-statements, and, as history, is not Vvoi'th the r'o'oiii il Avoiifd occupy in this vol n me.
The following appointments by PresidentWylie were announced In the Septeftiber Ndtioiial Amateur:
Credential committee — H. E. Legler, cbairman ; C. li. Wat- kyns, E; A. Brewster, Jr.
In the December Amateur additional appointments Were an- nounced, as fallows :
Chairman of committee on editorial award — T. J. Spencer. Historian laureate recorder — B. P. Emery, Committee to report a platform setting forth the principles of btir Association — ft. Vj. Legler, C. M. Heineman, H.K. Batsford. Fbr the first time in three year, the National Amateur in size merely came up to the constitutional requirements of four pages per quarterly issue. Typographically the paper was not as pretty as former volumes, the contrast between Mr. Harrison's Issues and those of his predecessor, Mr. Steele, being very marked. While the ])rinting was fair, much of the type used was old and vvbiir. The Septenib'er Amateur contains the minutes of the New Ybrlv coiiVentron, the president's message and half a page of edi- tbtial. Mr. Harrison claims that this is the first publication of the official minutes of a convention of the National A. P. A., but he is in error, as the minutes of the conventions at Buffalo and Detroit were given space by ihe preceding official editors, in each case being duly signed l)y the recording secretary. The December Amateur gave a classilication of amateur papers which has been adapted by many succeetling official editors. It also contained an article of reminiscences of the '70's, i)resi(lent's message, a toast response, ''The N. A. P. A.," delivered by Will C. Brown, and much editorial matter. The latter was mainly in '•paragraphs" in which work Harrison excelled. The destroyin-j- of proxies at the New York convention, {heselty electing Wylie president, was treate<l at length in the March Amateur. It also contained a long message from President Wylie, the classilication.
HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION 111
Treasurer Parsons' report and editorial paragraphs. The June Amateur contained several columns more on the proxy case, an article on "'l;'h,e Need of Ambition," another on "Administrative Ref<.>i:nis," Actino- President Mercur's proclama- tion naming^ the date for tlie Milwaukee couvention f^nd ed.itprial. parajgraphs.
Among the papers of the year were ArneWs Phoenix, A^W^eur Chimes, American Spliinoc, Boys^ Folio, Boys^ Doings, Blade, Champion, Cincinnati Weekly Amateur, Dari, DowagifHio News, Experiment, .East Boston Amateur, Hornet, Kansm Zep^iyr, Le Critique, Lake Breezes, Lark, Legler^s Caprice, MetroppUian, Microgram, Mayflower, New Moon, North Star, Our Thoughts, Oiir Endeavor, Paragon, Point, Semi- Monthly, Sentinel, Stars an4 Stripes, Spunk, SoutJiern HJerald, Trojan Times, Torrington Ad- vertiser, Violet and Young American. Other publications are mentioned elsewhere in this chapter.
CH/IFTER 11.
THE MILWAUKEE MEETING. An Unauspicious Opening. — President Wtlie's Resignation, Brought About by the Fischer Fraud. — The Convention Called by Mercur. — Truman Spencer's Accounts. — Wylie Unseated and Legler Declared the President. — Election of Officer?. — Expulsion of Fischer, Russell and Martin. — Laureate Entries of the Year. — Kempner's FinancialReport. — Heath Promoted to the Presidency. — Papers of the Year.
THE year 1884 did not open as auspiciously for the N. A. P. A. as did its predecessor. President Wylie worked under great disadvantages, the cries of fraud growing louder as time passed. He soon became convinced that it was useless to continue to act as president, while many members of the Association believed he had not been elected. In their ear- Mestness to have the man of their own choice as president, they could see no good in the work of Mr. Wylie. But how to get rid of the office was a question. President Wylie studied it. It was discussed pro and con, and Mr. Wylie' s plan was laid before Amateurdom in Golden Moments. Later it was incorporated in the message which was published in the National Amateur for March.
This message disposed of accumulated business as follows:
F. F. Heath was appointed recording secretar}^, vice J. W. McClain, resigned.
Thos. H. Parsons was appointed chairman of the credential committee, vice H. E. Legler, resigned.
J. M. Salabes and M. J. Harty were appointed members of the committee on editorial award.
The following laureate judges were named: Poems, T. B. Aldrich ; sketches, Albert E. Clarke; essays, J. A. Fynes, Jr.; histories, C. E. Stone; holiday issues, D. A. Sullivan.
Mr. Wylie then continued:
There is one more matter to which X will ask you to give atten-
HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION. 113
tion. It is not without due deliberation tbat I have arrived at the decision of resigning the position I now hold, and I believe that the reasons 1 have in mind and shall state will amply justify me in the course which I pursue. I, Willard O. Wylie, therefore tender my resignation as president of the National Amateur Press Association, and shall hand over to the first vice-president, Frank S. Arnett, all documents which may be in my possession.
1 have three reasons for taking this step: 1st — On account of the nnjust and malicious criticism to which the present adminis- tration has been subjected. 2nd — To the fact that certain proxy ballots were destroyed at the New York convention which would lead one to think tliat the office to which I wa*s elected was not leofaliy mine, ord — Because the sum necessary to carry on the administration, while perhaps forthcoming, would remain unappre- ciated by those wlio are constantly on the alert to find flaws in my official conduct.
When I stepped into the chair at New York, last July, I knew full well that I was the choice of a majority of the delegates in attendance, and others who scanned the faces of the eighty dele- gates present were also positive of the fact. The convention passed off and the members departed for their homes, intent upon another year's work upon their journals. It did not surprise me in the least that in the papers issued just after the convention my opponents should attempt to belittle and ridicule; yet this I well knew how to bear, but thought such would cease in a reasonably short space of time. But month followed month, ridicule is followed by abuse and when this^ material serves to counteract interest I am awakening in the recruits' minds, over Amateur Journalism, then, indeed, shall I lay aside the pen connected with my official duties, and bid those who lind fault with me to secure the services of one who will serve them better. Seven months of my term have expired, yet these seven months, which should have been fraught with pleasure have been slowly poisoning my inter- est in the Association's affairs. But my interest in Amateur Journalism has been in no way affected ; as in the past I have been a faithful advocate of all measures for the good of the cause so shall I be in the future.
As regards the irregularity in the election at New York, I have only the affidavit of P^ugene A. Brewster, Jr., to prove that such existed. This I will say and the party mentioned will without doubt recollect the incident that on the day preceding the conven- tion Mr. Legler informed me that in his opinion there could be no choice on the proxy ballots. Mr. Legler had been associated with Mr. Stowell more or less during the week previous to the convention, and the latter was well able to tell by the post marks and different penmanships from whom proxies were received and
114 HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION.
I
for whom the ballots would be cast. Ihls matter of fraud in connection with the counting of proxy votes is enough in itself to warrant me in resigning the position I hold.
Again, there is very little satisfaction in mA' using all my time, m}' energies and my pocket book in the behalf of Amateurdom. and in return receive — what? Appreciation? No! During the past year eleven numbers of my journal have appeared. I have attended several conventions, two numbers of the National Ama- teur have been issued, I have performed all the duties required by the constitution, secured the judges iii the laureate contests and offered a medal for the best holiday issue of an amateur journal — 3'et my administration is a failure and the Association has a figure head its chief executive !
But I am cautioned. "If you value your name and reputation, don't resign." Does not that person 'know that ice have no name, no reputation to lose? If the National could have lived durin^: the past seven months, without my being in the chair, it most assuredly can during the remainder of the yenr ; and those who may afRrn^ that I resigned to bring disnster upon the Association, must swallow and digest ihe above statement, to which tliey have occasionally given publication. If I am a non-entity, simply a figure head while in olRee, then this loss cannot harm the Associ- ation nor can my action be misconstrued. But "you lack energy, will power aud moral stamina." Perh.nps, but were these quali- ties lacking in the events subsequent to the dissolution of the New England Amateur Journalists' Association, at Boston, in January, 1883, and in which I took a no unimportant part? Strange, passing strange, that our memories should be so faulty! Bnt why go on in this strain? When I accepted the position I feel myself now called upon to resign, I thought and felt I was to preside over gentlemen ; but when these persons are presented in their true lights as brawlers, fault finders and discontents, then, indeed, is it the most fitting thing for me to betake myself from their midst. One cannot touch pitch and remain undefiled, and realizing that discretion is the better part of valor, is but another reason for my nction. My nature is such that I cannot stand idly by and have my actions misconstrued and ridiculed by Hein- enian, C4raham, Metcalf, Kemi)ner, Harrison, Stowell, Baxter, Shelp and others of their ilk, when my position forces me to refrain from such controversies and few of my friends desire to mix in these quarrels for fear of injuring other friendships and their own political jn-ospects. I may lack moral stamina enough for this position, yet I possess enough confidence in my own good common sense to be assured that my time, labor and l)rains can be spent in more profitable business than serving as an ofScer upon whom these scavengers of filth may vent their wrath. Never
HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION
n%
aojaih do I expect to become an officer of an amateur press asso- ciation, although in the (ield of Amateur Journalism I shall yet do good service. My love for the National has grown less, but my attachment for Amateur Journalism stronger. I seek and expect no defense of my course. I care naught for the opinions of those who have been assailing me; they can do no more than they have already done.
With thanks to the friends who have conferred political honors upon me in the past and respect to the enemies who have granted me justice in their criticisms of the manner in which my olfieial duties have been performed, I remain.
Fraternally, as ever,
WiLLARD O. WyLIE.
Official Editor Harrison answered this in the same National ^^tnateitr, as follows :
SOMETHING OF AN EPISODE.
As President W^die has published the major portion of his mes- sage, which appears in this issue, previousl^^ few will now be sur- prised at the tenor of its contents ; unless this ai;ticle is read at- tentively. It can be seen that he announces his resignation as president of the National Amateur Press Association, for reasons on which we will dwell later on.
After first reading the news that he contemplated this step, we wrote him that we did not think he could legally resign. In an- swer, he referred us to section 10 of article V of the constitution. We have examined this document carefully and considerately, but have failed to discover any loophole of legal escape for him, and now declare that he must be considered as the president of our Association until relieved by the Milwaukee convention, provid- ing he does not become disqualified to hold the office by becoming inactive, and by not publishing ten numbers of his paper during his term of office. As yet, by all the meaning of the constitution, he cannot legally resign, nor can he have a successor nntd he can legjiUy resign or be legally deposed.
Section 10 of article V, to which President Wylie has referred us, reads as follows :
It shall be the president's duty to remain active durino- his term of office by publishing at least ten numbers of a journal during his term of office. If befalls to do so, it shall be his duty to resign. And no one number of his paper shall be more than one month delayed.
This, evidently, does iu)t give the president the right to resign for any cause but as state.]. As he lias to date fuUiiled the re- quirements of the conslitiilicMi, he must still hold Ins office. It is true he can refuse to serve, but if he thus prove recieant to the obligations and duties of his office, and leaves the Association
116 HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION.
without a head, we warn him there will be a reckoning at Milwaukee. If he refuses to serve, and leaves the Association helpless to fill his office (however willingly it would do so if it legally could) he shall be impeached and expelled from membership.
We cannot imagine how he ever came to the conclusiou that he could constitutionally resign, under existing circumstances. Who did he imagine could accept his resignation ? A resignation must be accepted by some expressed form. No amateur or body of ama- teurs can accept his resignation, except the National A. P. A. in convention ; and the Association cannot hold a convention until Jul3\ The president has no power to call a special meeting to consider his resignation, and it cannot be parliamentarily con- sidered except by the Association.
By section 12 of article V it is provided how other officers of the Association can resign or be discharged, but nowhere in the constitution is an 3^ similar provision made for the president's individual action. Hence a deliberate perusal of the constitution will convince anyone that our president has attempted to act illegally. It may be he did not know the provisions of the consti- tution, but that would be rather a ridiculous defense for one who is presumed, by virtue of his office, to have complete knowledge of the technicalities by which the Association is ruled. The con- stitution is faulty in this respect — its rulings now give us a presi- dent unwilling to serve, or else leaves the Association entirely without a head for four mouths.
We are in hopes President Wylie will perfonr the duties of his office, since he cannot legally resign them. If he refuses to serve we know the National A. P. A. will survive and get along with- out him.
President Wylie states that he will hand over the documents of his office to First Vice-President Ainett. Here, again, he shows his inferior knowledge of the constitution. If the president has performed his duties, he has long ago discharged First Vice-Presi- dent Arnett fnmi office, under article V, section 12. By that ruling Arnett is disqualilied to hold office in the Association, for It slates that the president shall Immediately discharge any olficer of the Association who shall allow his paper to become more than two months late, or who shall neglect bis official duties. Under the same ruling Treasurer Parsons should be immediately dis- charged from office. But President Wylie has failed to perform his duties.
As to the reasons advaiK-ed by President Wylie for his fltlenipterl resianalion. we nuis! sny that ihey throw great discredit upon the Association; for wjuit will anyone think of our Associa- tion, when iis president and head gives such foolish, cowardly and revengeful reasons for an act that must remain to his persona!
HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION 117
discredit and dishonor durino; tl»e entire length of his future stay in the ranks of Amateur Journalism. lu the light of his senseless and injurious attempt at resignation, how can anyone say he has previously received "unjust criticism?" And if he has, he should have had the manliness and courage, the strength of will and determination to withstand it. But he has shown himself to be devoid of these qualities — to be morally a coward, and not fitted to occupy the position he holds. Babyishly, he complains of ''unappreciation ;" unapprecuation forms the real or the main reason for his attemptert resignation. What amateur journalist is there, with a spark of manliness, who does not feel contempt for such an ei.cus''? Who has not appreciation should compel it. President W'ylie might have compelled even his enemies to ap- preciate his services, but he has lost the chance, and now should be the most pitied individual in the ranks of amateur journalists.
It is not of the man we speak thus harshly, but of the president of our Association, and in its interest and welfare. A president of the National A. F. A. should assume dignity and self-respect if he has them not. And who can say it has been self-respect which has prompted the action referred to? Rather was it not wounded conceit and self-love?
President Wylie gives one reason, that the sum necessary to carry on his administration, while perhaps forthcoming, would remain unappreciated, etc. ; which leaves us to doubt whether it would really be forthcoming; from him. But he need not worry over tliat — the N. A. P. A. has some funds in its treasury — if not, there are enough good and loyal members to amply cover any deficiency incurred by the president's department, out of their own pockets.
Developments of the {)ast few months tend to the belief President Wylie was illegally elected. Sworn testimony from Eugene A. Brewster deposes to the effect that a number of legal proxy ballots, cast for Henry E. Legler, were destroyed and not counted, which, if counted, would have resulted in declaring Henry E. Leoler the president of the Association. We presume every reader of the facts must believe that Legler was chented out of the presidency of our Association. But, as these proxy ballots were not counted. W^ylie was elected to an office to which he had no right — but wiiich he must hold until deposed — and that, we believe, will be done. At Milwaukee Wylie's name should be declared erased from the list of presidents of the Associ- ation and Henry E. Legler's substituted in its place. Thus can a great wrong be partially righted.
We will state that we do not believe President Wylie was cognizant of or accessory to the felouous destruction of the proxy ballots by his supporters, John Fischer and P'rank J. Martin;
US HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION
nevertbeless, if he believes, as be must believe, that the above mentioned proxy ballots were destroyed, he can but concur in the action we recommend, viz: the substitution of Legler's name for \V^y lie's in the list of N. A. P. A. presidents.
It is ratlier odd that towards the close of his message, President Wylie states that the "cares naught for the opinions of those who have been assaihng him," and yet he charges his determination to resign mostly to the criticism of his opponents. Or it is not his real reason? What is under the surface and not 3'et brought to light? Is there anything concealed?
The National A. P. A. holds a claim upon Willard O. Wylie that it will only relinquish at its own pleasure. Wylie owes the Association a debt that he cannot throw off at will. He can refuse payment, but the debt still exists; and ii he does refuse payment, it will be taken into court — into the next convention.
We demand the active services of President Wylie in his official position. Let him not so soon forget his promises to his suppor- ters— let him not so soon forget their votes. He cannot leave his office as he intended — if he does desert it, he will do so dis- honorably.
Mr. Wylie refused to have anything further to do with the government of the Association.
The June National Amateur editorially continued a discussion of the subject:
THE ENACTED FRAUD. Since the last issue of the National Amateur appeared contain- ing the revelaiions concerning the fraudulent counting, or lack of counting the proxy ballots, at the New York convention, the amateur press has generally discussed the matter, nearly all agree- ing with the version the Amateur gave as its opinion of the mat- ter— that there was not a fair count. A few journals declared their belief that nothing fraudulent transpired. Two more affi- davits have appeared in print and more are coming bearing upon this subject. Of those already in print, one is signed by Frank J. Martin and one by J. Rosevelt Gleason. Martin deposes that the statements implicating himself, in Brewster's affidavit, are false ; and Gleason deposes to the effect that in a conversation with him Brewster stated that he made his affidavit simply to "fix" Wylie, out of revenge. Batsford,one of the examining com- mittee at New York, writes a letter stating his belief that fraud could not have been committed ; mainly because he did not see any wrong doing.
From this immaterial evidence Frank J. Martin was acquitted of the charges made by Brewster, in a trial purporting to have been given by the Metropolitan A. J. C.
HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION 119
As cnn be sean, nothing to the point has beeu brougiit to coq- tradict the charges of fraud in the counting of the prox}- ballots. The truth of Fischer's voluntary confession has not been shaken one iota. Upon his statement alone rests the real fraud, and in an alfidavit prepared by hira shortly to be printed, the fact of the fraud is so substantiated that every reader must be convinced. The one '/vho committed the fraudulent action swear to his own guilt, voluntarily. Is not that enough to establish the truth of there having been fraud ? We think so.
Jacobs tells us Fischer iujformed him at the convention that he destroyed the proxy ballots. Fischer, previously to writing to the editor of the National Amateur^ had made confessions to other amateur journalists, notabl}^ to C. A. Watkyns, and, we learn, to Parsons and Mercur — to these latter two on the day the deed was done or thereabouts. Other facts bear out the truth of the de- struction of the legal proxy ballots. Stowell, ex-vice-president, whom one pai)er said ought to know from the ballots in his poses- sion, whom had received a majority of votes, Legler or Wylie, testified that he carried to New York fifty-five duplicate proxy ballots, and that they tallied exactly with the originals in the possession of Kavanaugh, and he says of the fifty-five at least fifty must have been legal; and judging from the post marks, Legler had a clear majority, only one of his supporters voting being delinquent in his dues.
An examination of the case convinces us that Legler was cheated out of the presidency — that Wjiie was illegally declared elected to the same.
If Martin's statements were to be accepted as exculi-nting him, it would merely tl>row the entire responsibility of the trt.ud upon Fischer. The fact of there having been fraud is now not to be questioned.
Unless fnrther rebuttal eviiience is given, it is j.roven that Legler had a majority of the legal proxy ballots cast fur the presi- dency of the N. A. P. A., and was legally entitled to the presi- dency.
Shall this wrong be righted?
Shall you, by your action in convention assembled at Milwaukee, do justice to Legler and to those who voted for him by proxy, previous to last July.
We call upon 3^ou to do it.
At Milwaukee, when in convention assembled, officiall}' denounce the fraud, erase Wylie's name from the list of Associa- tion presidents and substitute Legler*s in its place. Seat Legler in the presidential chair. By so doing you strike a blow for honor, and one against wrong and trickery.
Among the questions occupying the minds of members of the
120 HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AM.ATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION.
Associatiou was that of the reductiotj of dues. The National Amateur vigorouslj- opposed this.
Very little campaigu work was done previous to the Milwaukee Convention in behalf of candidates who desired offices at that gathering. For the presidency Al. E. Baker, of Judsonia, Ark., and Ed. E. Slowell of Des Moines, la., were named by their friends. It is probable that these two gentlemen were the only ones who had a following and hafi authorized their canvasses. The disaffection caused by the revelati(»n of the New York fraud had cooled many enthusiastic Easterners, and there was much S[)ecuiation as to what the Milwaukee gatliering would do.
The announcement of convention airangeraeuts was made by Biram T. Mercur, elected second vice-president, who held the reins of government and was then acknowledged as president, First Vice-President Arnett being ineligible from inactivity. The official organ, however, was edited by the watchful Mr. Har- rison, and he labeled President Mercur's letter "From Second Vice-President Mercur." It follows : Members and Friends of the National Amateur Press Association •
I have appointed Wednesday, July 9, the day f«r holding our ninth annual convention.
The Kirby house has been secured.
The Milwaukee Press Club, with a membership of thirt}', will entertain the visiting delegates, and I think I can safely say that the manner of entertainment will eclipse that of all previous conventions.
It is important that all members who do not intend being pres- ent should send in their proxy votes. Don't neglect this import- ant duty for thinking your proxy vote will be thrown out, for such will not be tlie case.
Have no fears least the Milwaukee convention be not a success, but let every one interested make all possible effort to be present. As the constitution prescribes that the [►resident shall present a message at the expiration of of his term of office to the Associa- tion "in convention assembled," I will reserve what more I have until I see you at Milwaukee. Your obedient servant,
HiKAM T. Meuglk.
Mr. Truman J. Spencer contributed an article, entered for the historian laureateship, to the March, 1900, issue of the National Amateur, concerning the Milwaukee convention from which extracts are given, *s an introduction of the meeting itself:
HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION. 121
The conveutiou of the Natioanl Amateur Press Assoeiatiou which met in Milwaukee in 1884 \ras attended by unusual cir- cumstances and confronteci by as peculiar political conditions as ever inaugurated an amateur journalistic gathering. Charges of the gravest character had been made against the integrity of the declared results of the election in New York the preceding year. The friends of Henry E. Legler declared that he had been cheated out of the presidency, affidavits and counter affidavits were filling the press, the air was full of rumors and accusations and denials, and the delegates rallied to Milwaukee determined, many of them, that a great wrong should be righted, and others that a new wrong should not be perpetrated under cover of cor- recting an old one. President Wylie had resigned his office, only to be met with the declaration from some officials that he had no power to resign. The first vice-president had retired into oblivion, disputes had arisen over the right of subordinate officers to assume the duties of the non-acting superiors, and confusion had indeed made his masterpiece, as far as the world of Amateur Journalism was concerned.
The political campaign had opened early. A movement was started almost immediatly after the close of the New York con- vention to elect Mr. Legler president at Milwaukee, and it gained much momentum during the fall. But Mr. Legler would neither decline nor accept the nomination and his continual wavering caused fires of hope to be kindled in other hearts. John W. McClain, of Philadelphia, was very prominently brought forward, but his candidacy did not seem to grow with the passing months. Mr. Kempner vigorously advocated the claims of John J. Weis- sert, of Cincinnati, who was, in those years, usually a candidate for the position. His following in 1884, however, was small. In January Mr Legler positively withdrew from the race, and nearly all of his supporters united in a movement in favor of Ralph Metcalf , formerly of New England but then of St. Paul. He soon become the leading factor in the contest. His political record was not considered spotless, and man}' of the leading journalists of the tmie, indifferent before, at once threw them- selves into the campaign with vigor, and sought his overthrow. Most of them rallied to the banner of Frank H. Chamberlain, of Ohio, and the contest narrowed down to these two, and waxed very warm, the advantage apparently not resting with either party.
Near the close of June, almost upon the eve of the convention, Mr. Metcalf and Mr. Chamberlain both withdrew from the race, ostensibly from a pressure of professional duties. Chaos reigned among their supporters, who included most of the leading editors and politicians of the day. In the meantime a movement had
122 HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION.
been gaining considerable force in favor of Albert E. Barker, of Arkansas. He was put forth as the candidate of the younger element, of fresh enthusiasm as opposed to aged indifference, and gained a large numerical following, although naturally, upon such a platform, his supporters numbered few of the powerful leaders of the day. Most of Mr. Weissert's following, however, went over to him, and upon the withdrawal of Metcalf and Chamber- lain, his followers lelt sure of victory. Tlie time was so short, however, that no effective campaign work could be done, and many of the deiega'es left for the convention utterly at a loss as to the outcome of tiie political situation.
Mr. Barker met the writer, who was one of his principal sup- porters, at Chicago two days before the convention, and, with several other deleoates, boarded the night boat for Milwaukee. The evening wms spent in discussing various plans for the further- ance of the conveiiliou campaign, a slate was talked over, the writer was desigtiated to present Mr. Barker's name to the con- vention, and when at four o'clock Tuesday morning we stepped upon the wharf at Milwaukee, Mr. Barker, the only candidate nominated by the press still in the race, felt confident of victory.
Just before leaving the boat an incident occurred, trifling in itself, but one of those apparently trivial accidents which set in motion a train of events which lead to important results. Mr. Barker and the writer shared a stateroom together, and while making our morning toilet, Mr. Barker finished first, with the exception of his necktie. He had a handsome four-in-hand silk tie, which he requested me to adjust for him. It was beyond my skill ill those days, and Mr. Barker said he would have one of the boys tie it for him when he went out. We fell into an earnest discussion over some matter of political detail and when we left our room found the rest of the party had started for the hotel. Mr. Barker was forced to place his tie in his pocket, and with his gold collar button exposed was greeted by the assembled dele- gales at the hotel. A few hours later his tie was in place, but even unto this day he is known as the delegate who attended the Milwaukee c(jnvention without a necktie, or more often, for such things gri)w with passing years, as the "man without a collar." The matter was not brought to my attention at the trme; and I was the only one knowing the true facts in the case, but-I learned later in the w^-ek that this little episode was one of the main factors in twriiino the tide against him. His friends sought to explain it by insisting that it was one of the customs of the section from which he hailed, but it was not so received.
The sessions of the convention were held in the Y. M. C. A. hall, which was a large and commodious room, probably the most pleasant and convenient assembly room ever occupied by our
HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION 123
national gatberino. The hotel selected for the rlelegntes was the Kirby House, whose motto, printed upon ail its stationary, *'Wake me np when Kirby dies," became the catch-word of the convention. The rooms were named instead of numbered, one. delegate being sent to Ireland, and another to Germany, while another was in Misery, and still another in Felicity. Many of the boys Avere dissatisfied with the hotel, and a delegation, led by Mr. Hatty, crowned at Detroit two years before, ''the grumbler laureate," took up their quarters at the Plankington House.
The attendance was not large, but it was fairly representative. Milwaukee, with its powerful local club, of course contributed the lion's phare of the delegates. The most prominent figure of the convention was undoubtedly the "Charles Sumner states- man," Henry E. Legler. Deprived of his just dues the year previous at New York, he was the hero of the hour. Personally dignified, solemn and courteous, on the floor he was not a ready speaker, but carried great weight b}^ his profound earnestness and force of character. But the greatest leader of the conven- tion was the veteran amateur journalist, Thomas G. Harrison. Genial and affable, he was an all round good fellow socially, with a head wonderously fertile in schemes and suggestions. He had a ready flow of words, but in addressing the assembly his delivery was not smooth, and he was apt to become rambling and prosy in his remarks. Much ot his success was owing to the fact that he united to the experience of many years the enthusiasm of a young recruit, and entered heartily into everything that came along. Unlike Mr. Harrison, Louis Kempnerdid not scatter his energies, but concentrated his energies on the one idea, and labored for that with a dogged persistency and pertinacity that knew no turning aside. In debate he was cool, collected and earnest, prolific in words and never at a loss for reply. Edward E. Stowell, at that time of Iowa, was enthusiastic, good natuied and nervous, an excellent companion. He was scarcely ever heard from upon the floor. Bernard Ginsburg, of Detroit, was the leader in most of the fun of the convention, although he was also a sharp debater upon his feet. Jolly, jovial and warm hearted, he was a great favorite, and thoroughly enjoyed the convention. Charles M. Heineman, of Butler, Penn., was an able second in the mirth of the occasion, and was constantly on the lookout for the humor of the situation. Albert E. Barker, of Arkansas, was a young, slightly built fellow of quite boyish appearance, but with a force of character which seemed to belie his apparent years. He was warm hearted, frank and sociable, and gained friends until the close of the convention. He was not prominent in the official proceedings, but could express himself upon occasion with clear- ness and feeling. Will C. Brown, of Ohio, was a veteran of
124 HIBTORY OF THE NATIONAL AM ATEUK I'KEeB /BSOCIATION.
mauy 3'ears, but his active interest was upon tlie wane. He was- a studied orator, full of well rouiuled periods nnd orotund tones. Maurice J. Harty, of St. J^ouis, was prob.-ibl.v the most thor- QLighly unique delegate in attendance. Tall, ihiu and angular ia build, he was the most inveterate pedestrian and untiring sight- seer at a convention. He was known as '-Tiii Giumblei/' and seemed to be in a perpetual state of discontent with everything^ not apparently because he was disatisfied, but because it seemed to be inherent in his nature to continually find fault. He was well informed and a good talker sociall}', but guilty of the most ludi'jrous blunders when attempting to address tl'.e convention. Charles C. Kickert, of Ohio, was a very prosniuent amateur edi- tor, but, bashful and retiring in disposition, he was heard from but little. There were also Will R. Antisdel, cf Detroit, piquant, witty, lazy; Frank S. Arnett, of Ohio, jjale, slender, indifferent; Hiram T. Mercur, of Pennsylvania, silent and unobtrusive; Oscar L. Knapp, of Cincmnati, who tarried but a short time ; George W. Hancock of Chicago, famous years before, witty, suave, and a good speaker,- but rusty in his knowledge of affairs ; Lawrence B. Stringer, of Lake Forest, III., enthu^ia-tic, ardent, a fiery debater and elocu- tionary speaker ; Wallace J. Sellman, of Evansville, Ind., bright youtliful and retiring; the Bowersock brothers, Fred IL and J. D.. of Kansas, easily the leaders of the yiumg element, keen, intelligent and full of ideas ; Allan R. Fariish and Howard M. Carter, of Chicago, both young, both giving promise of some day becoming leaders, and Will J. Roe, of Oshkosh, handsome, genial, bright. The writer and his brother, Lucius H. Spencer, with the exception of Mr. Kempner, were the only delegates present ftom the far east. The local contingent was numerous and unusually able, although composed mostly of new materiaL Aside from Mr. Legler, Mr. Fred EJeath was the only one who had achieved a national re[)utation. But Tully S. Buckner, John. F. Urban, E. M. Phillips and W. P. Cramer took a more or less active part in the proceedings, while Frederick T. Mayor was prominent in a social way. The Heyn brothers — the "Heyn triplets," as the3' were called — were one of the features of the convention. They were the 3'oungest delegates present, bright, lively, wide-awake boys, all with red heads, and so nearly alike that none of the outside members could distinguisb any one of the three from his brothers. The other locat amateurs in attendance were E. DeWolfe, Jr., H. P. Burt, H. Skinner, W, S. Uunlop and R. 'W. Houghton.
Mr. Stowell arrived uj^on the ground about noon. He had been an ardent su|)p(u-ter of Metciilf for the presidency, but as the various candidates withdrew, he was smitten with a desire for ti'.e
HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION 325
office himself. He had waylaid many of the delegates in Chicago, and endeavored to stimulate a movement in his favor, but it did not gain much head way at first. Upon reaching Milwaukee, h()wever,he found himself in his own home, among many members of the local press club which he had helped to organize, most of whom were amateurs of but a few months' standiig, and naturally his personal friends.
Shortly after dinner Mr. Barker, through Mr. Stringer, informed the writer that he had determined to release his supporters from their obligations to support him, and had withdrawn from the contest. Mr. Barker undoubtedly feared defeat, and in all pro- bability would have met it had he remained in the race. There were many things nhich made this probable. He was opposed by the older element, and had little influence with the local delegates as against Mr. Stowell, and being the candidate of the younger portion of the fraternity he proved persouallj^ small in stature and even more boyish and immature in appearance than he really was, and though a genial whole-souled fellow, lacked the essentials of strong leadership on the field. Still it was not simply fear of defeat which caused him to withdraw. He was willing to face th&t for himself, but he felt unwilling to hold his adherents fast to a losing cause. The writer and many others, however, would have stuck to him until the end had he decided to make the final contest.
The field was thus left entirely free to Mr. Stowell, although but few amateurs of prominence hid as j^et espoused his cause. Mr. Legler, Mr. Harrison and others, although strong personal friends of Mr. Stowell, felt he was not adapted for the place and cast about them for a candidate to oppose him. Messrs. Harri- son, Ginsburg, Arnett and some others, supposing that Mr. Stowell would have a "walk over," and always ready for a joke, sought to make the election interesting b}^ putting up a dummy candidate. They finally decided to use the name of Sammy Marks, a perpetual candidate of the New York boys.
In the American Sphinx, beginning with the issue for August, 1884, being published in six monthlj^ installments, Mr. Spencer gave a d-etailed account of his trip to Milwaukee and the 1884 convention, under the heading, "Fifteen Days of Excitement." From this we make c'(>pious extracts :
In the evening a conference was held for the purpose of evolv- ing candidates for the presidency. Barker's withdrawal left the arena devoid of contestants. Legler was chosen chairman. Those who considered themselves candidates were requested to leave the room. Later they were readmitted.
A ballot was taken for official editor, with Barker and ISIiller
126 HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION.
as contestauts, The ballot resulted in Miller's favor — 17 to 12.
As the couference adjourned Legler announced that the two factions would hold separate caucuses, and that the Spencer cau- cus would meet in the conference room. This was the first inti- mation we had of the fact that we were in nomination for the presidenc3^ but we afterwards learned that Harrison had pre- sented our name to the conference, and ihat it had received Legler's second.*
The Spencer caucus was presided over bv Harrison, and but little business was done beyond arranging that Harrison should present our name to the convention and Legler second it.
The Stowell caucus was at the hotel and a complete ticket was nominated, t
The ninth annual convention of the National Amateur Press Association was called to order by Frank S. Arnett,| at 10 o'clock on Wednesday, July 9, 1884, in the Y. M. C. A. rooms. Upon the reading of the minutes of the New York convention, Harrison called in question the portion relaiing to the announcement of the proxy ballots, and moved that the minutes be laid upon the table, the convention going into a committee of the whole to investigate the matter. His motion was carried and Will C. Brown was given the chair. Harrison played the role of
*The earnestness of the opposition to Mr. Stowell displayed by Mr. Legler and Mr. Harrison banished the idea of mere fun from Mr. Heineman's mind. His love for a political fight was aroused, and he resolved to defeat the leaders of the convention. He and Mr. Grins- burg espoused the cause of Mr. Stowell, as Mr. Heineman afterwards stated in print, not from any belief that he was competent or deserving of the presidency, but from a desire to win a political victory and elect a candidate ''whose success meant no more to them than a slight tribute to their skill as politicians.-' — T. J. Spencer. National Amateur, March. 1900.
fUpon the eve of the convention the peculiar situation was developed in which the ardent adherents of one candidate were not sincere in their advocacy of his cause, being desirous only of winning a victory ,^ and the leading supporters of the other w^ere so bound by personal friendship to his opponent that they promised not to do a stroke of work for their candidate outside of the convention, and neither candi- date had been mentioned forty- eight hours before. The outcome upon the morrow was hardly in doubt. Mr. Stowell being in his own home, the Milwaukee members numberina; a very large percentage of the voters present, and he conducting an enthusiastic campaign in person, while the writer did not speak a w^ord upon the subject until after the election, was a thousand miles from home, and a leading member of the despised Wylife party. — T. J. Spencer, National Amateur, March, 1900.
tThe attendance of Mr. Arnett was a great surprise, as, to quote his own report to the convention, he had during the year "transacted no business and performed no duties.** — T.J. Spencer. National Amatenr, March, 1900.
HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION 127
prosecuting attorney and presented the case in a speech of thirty minutes, ])ringing forward the alfidavits of Fischer, Emery, Brewster, Watkvns and Parsons. He made an able plea. Sto- well testified to what little he knew of the matter and Legler brought forward the fact that there were twenty-four duplicates announced by ex-Secretary McClain as remaining in his hands and only fifteen original ballots, thus making a difference of nine, the precise number that was alleged to have been destroyed. This is considerable of a coincidence, yet as far as we can see, Legler was deceived in bringing it forward, for, if the affidavit testimony is true, it will be noticed that it was duplicate ballots that were destroyed, and by McClain's account there were more duplicate than there were original ballots. We were convinced, however, of the reality of the alleged fraud, and that was all N^e required. We would have been the last person to kno^^i^giy stand in the way of justice to Legler, and, therefore, took the floor to do what wo could for our friend Wylie, and announce our position. We said that we had acted in o()od faith during the past year; that we had deemed th.e evidence insufficient nnd con- tradictory, and had remained firm in our convictions against the popular tide, simply because we believed Ihein right, and being now convinced of the illegality of the proceedings in New York, we were ready to vote to make such amends as it ^Y^i5 in the power of the Association to make, being desirous of meting out juslice to Mr. Legler for the precise reason that we stood up for Mr. Wylie — that of the right in the case.
We then called attention to the fact that not a particle of evidence had been iutroduc*cd, before or during the convention, to connect Mr. Wylie with the fraud, or in any way. s^hnpe or form criminatinp- him in the slightest degree. We believe he had taken the chair conscientiously believing he was entitled to it. Harrison replied that his belief was similar, and that no stigma of reproach was connected with his name in regard to this matter. George W. Hancock, of the Clvb, said he entered into the spirH of the thing— decidedly so— but he thought on technical grounds Wylie could not be unseated, after having served in the capacity of president during the year.
H}trris(in moved that that part of the minutes relating to the ehctioii of a president be stricken out, and in its sterd be inserted the statuPAnt that Henry E. Legler had receivf-d a majority of the pr( xy ballots and was elected president. 'J he nn 'ion received no disf-enting voice and the convention arose to iep( rt progress. Will Brown reported the action of the committee, and the report was adopted without dissent. Arnett appointed Ginsburg and AntiKlel a committee to escoit Mr. Legler to the chair. Mr, Leolcr took his seat amidst considerable applause.
28 HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION
After Legler assumed the chair, he called for reports of com- mittees. We questioned the legality of all committees, as they had been appointed by Mr. Wjlie, who had just been declared an illegal president. We suggested that in order to avoid trouble it would be well to legalize all official acts of Mr. Wylie, and made a motion to that effect, which was seconded by Harrison and unanimously carried.
The committee on editorial award decided that the Union Lance was entitled to the prize-award.
The Association then adjourned for dinner, and upon reassem- bling the reports of officers were listened to.
Robert Clarke, of Boston, judge of the sketches, awarded the title to "Professor Flumtree" by Stuyvesant.
James Austin Fynes, dramatic editor of the New York Clipper, who acted as judge of the essays, awarded the title to Chas. Zaring for the essay, "Graveyards."
W^atkyns was awarded the title historian laureate by Clarence E. Stone.
Mr. Edgar A. Enos awarded the poet laureateship to Stuyves- ant for the poem entitled "The Legion of the Aqueduct."
The committee upon the revision of the constitution was then heard through its chairman, Mr. Legler, and a general discussion of the amendments proposed followed, some being adopted. The most important of these provides for an executive committee, consisting of three judges, chosen annually by the Association.
The election of officers was next declared in order, and the president appointed as committee to examine the proxies Messrs. Harrison, Brown, Ginsburg and Stringer, together with Heath, the secretary. Harrison and Kempner were also appointed a com- mittee to examine the treasurer's accounts, and see if they could be straightened out to any extent, so that it could be ascertained at least who were in r.rrears for dues. C. C. Kickert had been previously appointed treasurer pro tern. These committees with- drew to perform their duties.
In their absence the business of amending the constitution was again taken up. Harty tried to get through an amendment abolishing altogether voting by proxy, but he was unsuccessful in the attempt. The fact that Stuyvesant had, carried off the honors in two branches of literature, besides holding the poet laureateshi[) two years in succession seemed to displease some some of the members, and various amendments were proposed to alter the conditions of the contest, but all failed. An amend- ment was passed, to prevent a person from holding the same laureateship two years in succession.
. Charles M. Heiiieman made an effort to reduce the dues to 50 cents. Harrison came out of the committee room lono- enough
HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION 129
to protest against it, saying it was better to increase than to reduce the dues under the present condition of affairs. The motion to reduce was lost. Heineman immediately moved to increase the dues to $2, but the proposition met with little support.*
We moved that the reports of the laureate judges be printed in the National Amateur. The motion carried.
Harrison reported that the books of the treasurer had been so badly kept during the two past administrations that it was impos- sible to determme the condition of the treasury or the standing of the members, with any degree of certainty.
Kempner proposed that he be appointed a committee of one to investigate farther, and proceed to Buffalo, obtain all thn infor- mation and money he could from the two ex- treasurers, Fischer and Parsons, and arrange a settlement of accounts, if possible. He was so appointed by the convention, and instructed to report in the National Amateur as soon as his labors were completed.
The examining committee reported through Harrison that the proxy votes had some been sent to Barker, some to Mercur and some to Heath, numbers of them being unsealed, and as it was impossible to determine whether members had paid their dues or not, or even who were members, a motion was earned that the election be thrown into the hands of the convention assembled.
It was moved that the ballots be informally couutedf and the result made known. The convention then adjourned.
The Association reassembled in the evening and immediately proceeded with the election of officers.
Will C. Brown nominated Stowell in a considerable speech and Ginsburg gave it a second. Harrison placed us in nomination. Ginsburg and Harrison were appointed tellers and the convention proceeded to a ballot which resulted twenty-two to ten in Stowell' s favor. Legler then relinquished the chair to Stowell, who accepted the position in a short speech.
Heath and Hancock were nominated for first vice-president, the former being elected by the same vote as before.
*A feature of the afternoon was the persistency with which Presi- dent Legler failed to see Mr. Heinemarn when he desired to speak. More than a score of times the latter would arise and address the chair, and then some other person would call upon the president and be recognized, leaving Mr. Heineman standing shamefacedly. This w^as before the day of Czar Reed, but Mr. Legler certainly understood the art of looking through a delegate and seeing another behind him. The several attempts of Mr. Heineman to gain recognition were finally greeted with roars of laughter. — T. J. Spencer, National Amateur, March, 1900.
fThere were about sixty-one ballots cast in all, of which Mr. Barker had twenty-five. — T. J, Spencer, National Amateur. March, 1900.
130 HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUK PRESS ASSOCIATION.
For second vice-president, Will J. Heiiiemjin was nominated and Harrison presented tiie claims of J. H. Ives Miinro. Heine- man was the successful can<lidate.
W . 8. M©ore was elected to the office of third vice-president.
For recording secretary, M. F. Boechat was the only nominee, and was therefore, elected without opposition.
For correspoudino secretary, Hancock put in nomination Maurice J. Harty. Harty tried to decline the honor,* but it was no use, for he was unanimously given the office, nolens volens^ and entreated to make a speech, which he finally did, accepting the office under protest and promising to do his dutj.
Kempner presented our name for treasurer and we were unani- mously elected.
An exciting contest had been gomg on for the office of official editor. Kempner nominated Miller and Legler nominated Barker. The latter, however, withdrew his name; consequently Miller's election was unanimous in its character.
For the next place of meeting the sentiment seemed to be in tavor of Chautauqua, which was nominated by someone. Harri- son placed Boston in nomination. Bowersock put up Washing- ton, Kempner nominated Philadelphia. Heineman vigorously advocated Pittsburg. Several speeches were made and a ballot was taken, Boston having a large majority.
The selt'cfion of the next place of meeting finished the formal business of the evening, and under a suspension of the rules Har- rison arose and proceeded to deliver an amusing and humorous address upon politicians in general, in the midst of which he held aloft a wisp broom tied to the end of a cane, and proceeded with mock ceremonies and formalities to present the same to Louis Kempner, as a memento of the clean sweep he had effected for Joseph Dana Miller. The broom was inscribed as follows:
*The writer nominated Mr. George E. Day for corresponding secre- tary, and the applause wdiich greeted his name seemed to indicate his election. Tt was declared however, that Mr. Day was not a member. As a matter of fact Mr. Day had been accepted by the credential com- mittee and had paid his initiation fee and dues to the treasurer, but through official neglect his name was not reported to the convention. Here there was a lull in the proc3edings for a moment. Then Mr. Heineman, catching sight of the classical features of Mr. Harty, sug- gested to Mr. Hancock that it would be a good joke to nominate him^ The idea took, and IMr. Hancock, in an eloquent speech presented his name. The idea was greeted with thunders of applause which caused the windows to rattle and the chandelier to vibrate. Mr. Harty, blush- ing like a maiden of sixteen, tried to decline, but young Mr. Bowersock moved that the secretary cast one ballot as the voice of the convention in Mr. Harty 's favor, which was carried with enthusiastic cheers. Mr. Harty had taken the convention by storm. — T. J. Spencer, National Amateur, March. 1900.
UISTORY OF TIIK NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION. 131
S PRESENTED TO "if
^ LOUIS KEMPNER, I
IN HONOR OF THE ^
I JOSEPH DANA MILLER BOOM I
^ WITH COMPLIMENTS OF THE ^
I NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION. |
It MILWAUKEE. JULY 9, 1884. $
Harrison was in his most happy vein, and ediQed the wliole convention with his reinarixS. Kenipner responded in a felicitous manner, saying he was pleased to know that the assembled amateurs had money enough to purchase so valuable a [present, and tlie convention after adjourned in good spirits.
Before the convention was called to order Thursday morning, the boys arranged themselves in the convention hall and were photographed in a group.
Harrison had been circulating two articles of impeachment, one against Jud Russell, for unseemly conduct, and one against Martin and Fischer, for their actions in connection with the proxy ballots in New York, and upon the convention being called to order he presented them. Someone moved that the convention go into the committee of the whole to investigate the matter. The motion was carried and Kempner was chosen chairman. Action was taken in a decisive manner, Russell being expelled unanimously and Martin and Fischer, with four members protest- ing.
Following the impeachments came the miscellaneous business of the session, consisting mostly of amendments to the consti- tution.
The prize of $5 for the best edited paper was discontinued,, though the honor is still to be awarded each year.
The afternoon was devoted to the usual bail game. Harrison had charge of one side and Hancock the other. Five innings were played, Heath acting as umpire, and Hancock's division was declared triumphant by a score of 24 to 16.
In the evening the amateurs attended Schlitz park in a bodj', and witnessed the first act of "lolanthe." We were forced to leave early to attend the banquet, which was to be held in tlie Cosmopolitan Restaurant at 11 a'clock. The spread was very good and ample justice was done it. Geo. W. Hancock acted as.
132
HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION.
toast-master. As Will C. Brown bad to leave early, bis address, "A Plea for Amateur Journalism," was listened to iu advance.
Stowell responded to tbe toast, "Our Conventions." Antis- del discussed tbe question of "Our Young Lady Amateurs— sball we encourage them?" Ginsburg followed with "Our Relations to Society" and Kempner responded to "Tbe Cause in New York— why it has degenerated." Legler responded to "Tbe Literature of tbe Future." "Our Country — may it be governed by Americans" was treated by Aruett. Harrison was the last speaker, and bis remarks, given under no particular head, were rambling. During tbe evening Mr. Aldrich, of the Chicago Tribune, being present, was called upon for a few remarks, and responded iu a very eloquent and able speech, which w^as one of the events of tbe evening. Tbe next day Mr. Aldrich wrote a very pleasing and commendable article upon the subject for tbe Tribune.
The following is a list of the members present during part or all of the convention :
New Y^ork — Louis Kempner.
Connecticut— T. J. Spencer, L. H. Spencer.
Pennsylvania — Hiram T. Mercur, C. M, Heiueman.
Ohio— Will C. Brown, C. C. Rickert, O. L. Knapp, F. S. Arnett.
Indiana— T. O. Harrison, W. J. Sellman.
Illinois— L. B. Stringer, G. ^Y. Haacock, H. M. Carter, N. M. Eberhardt, R. M. Mumford, A. R. Parrish.
Michigan— W. R. Antisdel, B. Ginsburg.
Kansas— F. H. Bowersock, J. D. Bowersock.
Wisconsin- A. jf. Burt, E. DeWolf, Fred F. Heath, H. E. Legler, H. Heyn, W. J. Roe, H. Skinner, W. P. Cramer, T. S. Buckner, J. E. Urban, Jr. ; E. M. Phillips, Fred T. Mayer,
Arkansas — Al. E. Barker.
Missouri— M. J. Harty.
Iowa— E. E. Stowell.
The next morning after the banquet, with Legler as a guide, most of the amateurs set out to view tbe town.
The contests for the various laureatesbip were quite spirited this year, the entries being as follows :
Poems:— The Legend of the Aqueduct, Stuyvesant ; A Life's Poem, Galatea; Beyond the Clouds, H. H. Trebla ; Perfected Love, Bertha; Apple Blossoms, Annie Fellows ; The Age of Man, F. R. Lester ; Beyond Recall, Geo. E. Day ; Twilight, Mae ; Onward, Luof ; The Way, Ralph Metcalf ; A Vision of the World's Wise Men, J. D. Miller; The Angel Gift, B. P. Emery.
Sketches: — Prof. Plumiree, Stuyvesant; To Gain Experience,
HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION. 133
IJfiirv E. Hntsford ; The Mistake My Wife Made, Jos. D. Miller ; ]jOve, Bertha ; A Queer Case, Will Warner, Calico Party, Albert HiilchiDsoii.
EssLiys: — Graveyards, Chas. Zaring ; Hamlet, T. J. Spencer; Hawliiorue, EmoiT ; Light, Fellows.
Tiie following were the amendments to the constitution adopted at the Milwaukee convention:
Akticle IV.—OJicers. Substitute: The officers of the National Amateur Press Association shall consist of a president, first, second and third vice-president, recording and corresponding secretaries, treasurer, official editor and three judges, the latter to constitute a judiciary committee.
AiiT. y. — [Expunge sections 5 and 7 and renumber the sections.]
Insert Art. YIII. — Duties of the Judicicory Committee, SECTION 1. It shall be the duty of the committee to organize witbin one month from date of convention, by the election of a president, vice-president and secretary. They shall be in session durino: the entire year, and it shall be their duty to act upon all questions of dispute appertaining to the affairs of the 2s. A. P. A,; to decide promptly all contested election cases; to act on resignations of officers, when not otherwise provided for by the constitution: and to act in all respects for the Association in convention assembled; provided, they shall perform no duties con- tiietirg with the duties of other active officers.
Sec. 2. The decisions of the committee shall be final till the subse- quent convention, when one or more members may take an appeal, and if sustained by a two-thirds vote, the decision shall be reversed.
Sec. 8. The committee shall make no decisions on controversies until officially referred to them by one or more members, who shall present their case in w^riting. It shall then be the duty of the com- mittee to notify parties interested to reply within one month, and they shall judge the case in accordance with facts presented.
AiiT. XIII — [Expunge sections 6 and 7 and renumber the sections.]
Art. XIV— Amend section 2 : Each ballot shall be filled out with the member's choice, and in the right-hand lower corner the name of the person casting the ballot, otherwise it shall be defective and illegal.
Art. XIV — Add : Sec. 9. Members in good standing attending convention may withdraw their ballots if cast at any time previous to the count and substitute other ballots. And such members who have not previously cast a ballot may do so at any time previous to the count.
Art. XVI — [Expunge the w^ords, '-or a printer of amateur publica- tions" from section 1. Amend section 3 of same article; Five black balls shall be sufficient to reject a name proposed for membership.]
BY-LAWS,
Article 1. — [Amend section 1 by eliminating number 11 from order of business.]
Art. VII.— [Substitute -honorary mention" instead of the words '■a prize of $5."]
Art, VIII— [Amend by substituting the words "a two -thirds vote" for an •'unanimous vote," where they occur in last sentence.]
Amend article relating to membership: -'That an editor shall pub-
134 HISTOKY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION.
lish at least three numbers of his or her paper during the six months- preceding his or her application for membership, and an author shall have published at least three articles in amateur publications six months preceding his or her application for membership.
President Stoweii appointed as a credential eomrailtee Messrs. Louis Kempner, chairman ; Al. E. Barker and Jos. D. Miller.
As executive committee lie appointed the then judges of the Association, MessiP. T. G. Harrison, H. E. Legler and B. Ginsburg.
Louis Kempner, who volunteered to visit Jiut'falo and try and get a settleuient out of Ex-Treasurers Parsons and Fischer re- ported in the September National Amateur. A report from Treasurer Parsons lia'i been made to the Milwaukee convention, which is liere appended;
FINANCIAL STANDING OF THE N. A. P. A.— TREASURER'S
REPORT.'
Buffalo, March 28, 1884. receipts:
Received from Ex-Treasurer Fischer % 20 00
And 22 badges valued at 55 00
Received from C. G. Steele, Jr., one year's dues and
subs, to National Amateur 3 25
Total dues and initiation fees received 7 00
Total I 85 25
disbursements:
Paid F, A. Grant on account printing bill , . . .% 19 00
Paid C. G. Steele, Jr., on account printing bill 5 75
Total % 24 75
Balance in treasury — cash, $5 50; badges, $55; total. .$ 60 50 Balance yet due from Ex-Treasurer Fischer, about. . . 60 00
Grand total $ 120 50
Signed: T. H. Parsons, Treasurer N. A. P. A.
Mr. Kempner's report was voluminous, covering the ground thoroughl}'. We append it in full.
REPORU OF LOUIS KEMPNER, APPOINTED TO IN- VESTIGATE THE ACCOUNTS OF EX-TREAS- URERS FISCHER AND PARSONS.
New York, Oct. 15, 1884. Mr. President and Members: — When I acctpted the a[)point- ment as a committee to investigate the linancial relations of our Association with our late treasurers, I determined that nothing should prevent my making a full and complete report.
I found in the first place that the method of keeping accounts was a poor one. It was impossible to tell by what treasurer
HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRE88 A68OC1ATI0N. 135
moneys were collected. I overcame this dilemma by seeing Messrs. Fischer and Parsons together, and with them going over every member's accounts. I thus ascertained by whom the moneys were collected. In order to prevent such complications in the future, I present to the Association a book to be kept by the treasurer, which I have devised to simplify all such matters in the future. On the debit side the treasurer enters the amount of dues every year, and on the credit side the sums paid into the treasury by the members. The treasurer collecting such moneys must place his signature opposite the amount collected. This will show at any time the sum collected by a treasurer during his administration.
The result of investigation of Ex-Treasurer Fischer's accounts is as follows :
receipts: Received from Acting Treasurer Ortman at Detroit
convention | 80 00
Collected for dues to July, 1883 119 00
Thirteen badges badges at $2 50 32 50
Total $ 231 50
disbursements:
Paid Rickert's bill $ 14 00
Rent in Detroit 10 00
Pelham (for what I could not ascertain) 7 50
Watkyns' bill for badges 10 00
Personal expenses 3 50
Purchased thirty-five badges at $2 50 87 50
Total $ 132 5a
Balance. 99 00*
$ 231 50 From this balance of $99 Fischer has paid to his successor, T. H. Parsons, Sl8, which leaves Fischer's indebtedness to the Association $81. I have credited the above account with thirty- five badges at $2.50 each. Now I have since learned that only those badges cost $2.50 which were enameled. Fischer paid for ten badges at the rate of $2.50 each, amountiug to $25, and twenty-five badges at $1.75 (^. e., those not enameled), amount- ing to $43.75. At this rate the thirty-five badges cost only $68.75, making a difference of $18.75.*^ Add this to Fischer's- balance as above, and the result will be $99.75.
Fischer sold thirteen badges, and he handed the remaining twenty-two to Parsons.
Parsons^ account is as follows:
receipts:
From Ex-Treasurer Fischer $ 18 00
Dues and subscription from Oflficial Editor Steele ... 4 50
Collected for dues, etc 36 50
136 HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMaTEIR PRESS ASSOCIATION.
Four badges at $2 50 10 00
Total $ 68 50
disbursements:
Ex-President Grant's bill $ 26 00
Paid Steele on account 10 00
Parsons' bill for 1883 7 75
Parsons' bill for 1884 9 50
Total $ 52 75
Balaree 15 75
I 68 50
This leaves Parsons' iadebtedness to the Association at $15.75. Parsons has informed me that as the Association owes Editor Steele a balance of $30 on bill of $40 for issuing official organ, that he will pay amount of balance to Steele.
Parsons has delivered to his successor eighteen badges.
The next thing I did was to find out how much the members owed to the Association. Below I give the name of every mem- ber, with the amount of his dues, including $1 due at the Boston convention. By doing this 1 believe it will be a simple matter to learn who is m good standing at the next convention. There are 130 names on the roll at present.
A. E, Barker's dues are paid for the next convention.
The following sixty-four members must pa}^ at or before the next convention the sura of $1 each: W. R. Antisdel, L. C. Altemus, W. C. Brown, H. E. Batsford, M. F. Boechat, C. R. Burger, T. Bodenwein, H. P. Burt, F. H. Bowersock, J. D. Bowersock, T. S. Buckner, F. H. Chamberlain, W. P. Cramer, H. M. Carter, E. Q. Daly, W. W. Delaney, J. E. Diamond, W. J. Doran, E. H. Dyer, E. DeWolf, Jr., B. P. Emery, J. D. Earle, C. S. Elgutter, N. M. Eberhardt, E. C. Fay, F. A. Grant, A. D. Grant, J. W. Grant, R. F. Griggs, VV. E. Griggs, B. Ginsburg, G. P. Griffith, C. M. Heineman, W. J. Heiueman, C. Holcomb, M. J. Haity, T. G. Harrison, F. F. Heath, C. Heywood, E. E. Hamilton, E. B. Hill, E. Heyn, R. VV. Hough- ton, Louis Kempner, J. F. Kavanaugh, G. A. Kinney, H. E. Legler, W. S. Moore, R. H. Mumford, W. R. Nichols, A. Osgoodly, E. S. Pierot, A. R. Parrish, W. S. Roe, W. Riley, Jr., Ed. E. Stowell , T. J. Spencer, L. H. Spencer, VV. J. Sellraan, L. B. Stringer, H. Skinner, J. E. Urban, Jr., VV. O. VVylie, Bertha S. York.
The following fifty-nine members must pay at or before the next convention the sum of $2 each: F. S. Arnett, F. H. Bol- ton, W. J. Baker, P. A. Burke, W. J. Boies, E. A. Brewster, W. J. Brodie, G. E. Boehm, F. E. Chipman, H. A. Clarke, E. M. Gaddy, R. Gehlert, C. C. Hollenback, H. W. Hogue, W.
HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION. 137
M. Hewitt. G. W. Hancock, J. A. Imrie, H. Jacobs, H. S. Jaf- frev, J. H. Kuhlraaa, G. T. Kast, L. Kilmarx, Jr., J. H. Kol- lock, Jr., J. D. Miller, F. L. Mills, H. T. Mercur, H. S. Mc- Elroy, R. Metcalf, F. Metcalf, J. W. McClain, Sam Marks, W J. Niles, H. S. Nelson, R. Ort.nann, W. G. Orendoff, T. H. Parsons. A. D, Pulis, F. N. Reeve, C. C. Rickert, E. R. Riale, Russell Robb, H. K. Sanderson, Cbas. G. Steele, Jr., Albert Smart, F. J. Streibio^, W. T. Scofield, S. S. Smitli, W. E. Smith, C. E. Stone, R. B. Teachenor, B. L. Taylor, M. H. Tennant, Coles Veeder, John J. Weissert, V. Winters, Jr., C. K. A. Watkyns, J. F. Walsh, Jr., F. E. Williams, E. J. Whitney.
The following six members must pay the sum of $3 at or before the next convention: H. J. Calvert, B. B. Pelham, R. A. Pel- ham, G. M. Stebbins, A. J. Stranojerand Alex. A. Stewart.
This is the sum of ray labors. 1 l)elieve I have accomplished something which should be put to advantage by those who accept the position of treasurer in the future. Let them always remem- ber that one of the mainstays of our Association is a correct record of each member's financial standing. Respectfully sub- mitted. Louis Kempner.
President Stowell accepted the presidency of both the National and Western Amateur Press Associations, expecting to do his duty. Shortly after the conventions he resigned the latter office. His health was very bad, and he decided to seek a change of climate. For this reason he left Iowa and made his home in Cal- ifornia. This move was made in August, and at the time Mr. Stowell intended to fulfil his obligations as president of the National. Time passed, however, no Junior Press appeared and no word was heard from Mr. Stowell, and finally the executive judges decided that it was time to act. Accordingly they had published in the December National Amateur the following report :
The executive judges, after consideration, have voted to re-or- ganize the board of officers of the Association as follows:
President, F. F. Heath; first vire-president, Louis Kempner second vice-president, W. S. Moore: third vice-president, E. H. Dyer; recording secretary, B. S. York; corresponding secretary, M. J. H arty ; treasurer, T. J. Spencer; (official editor, J. D, Miller.
The above named o:eutlemen are hereby invested with said offices, and will retain s^uch until their successors are chosen by the Boston c»>iiveiitiun, provided they do not in the interim resign or become ineligible.
The executive judges ex!.eGt activity from the above-nominated
138 BISTORT OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION.
gentlemsu, not oaly in the discharge of their o!fijiai duties, but also ia the raaks of Amateur Journalisin, au 1 if these gentletnea take hold as it is expected they will, the affairs of the Associatioa will undoubtedly prosper.
The list of members eligible to office governed by Art. XVII, Sec. 2, is very small ; otherwise the executive judges might see fit to depose other elected officers than they have. But they have nominated the above board in full trust that tliey have done the best that now lies ia their power for the benefit of the Associa- tion, and they sincerely hope an accepta.ble measure of activity will mark the re-or gainzation.
it is self-evident that the affairs of the National A. P. A. are in a critical condition, and it becomes the duty of every member to len:l all assistance in his power towards the advancement and building up of the prosperity of the Association. The executive judges hence expect no captious criticism, no detri- mental fault-fin ling upon the step they have taken, and to every amateur journalist who has regard for the welfare of their repre- sentative Association, they command "Fall in line.'^ (Signed) T' G. Harrison,
H. E. Legler,
B. GiNSBURG,
Executive Judges. Mr. Heath did not take charge until the opening of the new 3'ear.
Among the prominent papers of the year 1884 may be named, the American, Galesburg, Ills. ; the American Sphinx, New Bri^nin, Conn. ; Boys and Girls, Flushing, Mich. ; Boy^^ Serald, C!iic:io'o; Critique, New York; Cornel, Leominister, Mass. ; News, Downui.'ic, Mich. ; Exchange- Journal , Judsonia, Ark. ; Fact and Fancy. San Francisco; Gonden^s Gnome, Des Moines, la.; Go- Ahead. Worcester, Mass.; Imp, New York; Index, Lowell, jMm<--. : Kansas Zephyr, Lawrence, Kans. ; Larli, Gardner, Mass. ; Messenger, Ripon, Wist.; New Moon, San Francisco; Nuggef, New Glasgow, N. S. ; National Star, Buffalo, N. Y. ; Oracle, Syracuse, N. Y. ; Pacijic Conrant, San Francisco ; Picayune, Cincinnati ; Pw/icA, Bradford, Penn. ; Bound Table, Westfield, Mass. ; Rambler, New York ; Sentinel, Newburgh, N. Y. ; Stars and Stripes, Milwaukee, Wis.; Signal, Brooklyn; Spartan, L^ui-ville, Ky. ; Semi-Monthly, Butler, Pa. ; Telephone, St. Louis;
Violet, Cincinniiti ; Wise and Otherwise, Marietta, O., and
Touth^s Journal, Leominister, Mass,
HISTORY OF THX NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION.
139
Volume 7 of the National Amateur contained sixteen pages, being divided into three issaes, the first of eight pages and the other two of four pages each. The September issue contains the full reports of the laureate judges, a collection of other official reports, an article on the writings of Ex-President Snyder, a <.' lass ill cation of editors and poets, (instead of papers, as given by Mr, Harrison the previous year), the president's message Louis Kempuer's report on the condition of the looted treasury and some editorial matter. The Milwaukee minutes were omitted purposely, attention being called to this fact. The December Amateur contains the executive judges' announcement that Mr. Heath had been advanced to the presidency, an article on the writings of Chas. C. Heuman, amendments adopted at Milwau- kee, announcement of the prospective Young Ladies A. P. A. and editorial matter. The March-June issue, closing the volume, contains a poem by Mercurious, a Talk About Old Amateur Papers, a communication announcing that postal authorities would hereafter bar no paper from postal rights merely because it was published by an amateur, a message from President Heath and the usual complement of matter by Editor Miller.
CH/IFTER 12.
THE ''HALCYON DAYS" RETURNED. Heath Assumes the Presidency. — Historian Laureate Re- corder's Report. — "Mugwump's" Convention Accolnt. — Election of Sullivan. — Grant-York Wedding.— The Banquet. — Papers of the Year.
THE 3'ear 1885 ^as a very busy one in Amateur Journal- ism. We can best express our meaning by quoting from \hQ National Amateur^ when, in December, Official P^ditor Emery said :
The year past [1885] has been one of unusual prospeiiiy. The number of new papers is really wonderful, and they all seem to grasp the true principles of Amateur Journalism ; they seem to understand that we are in Amateurdom to improve ourselves, not to learn the tricks of politicians. Our literature is receivinjv more attention ; our corps of authors is larger than ever before, and a better spirit prevails among them. Our critics are beginning to learn what criticism should be; personal, feeling is left out of consideration ; the merits of a work are the only things to be considered. These things are significant. The halcyon days of Amateur Journalism have returned.
When Fred F. Heath assumed charge as president of the National Amateur Press Association, a wave of activity was at hand. Mr. Heath was one of the hardest workers that has ever filled the executive chair, and his duties were discharged in a conscientious manner.
President Heath's first message appeared in the March-June, 1885, National Amateur. From it vve quote:
I recommend that all documents of value be published in the official organ, where practicable, thus insuring the preservation of important matter. In this connection I desire to call yonr atten- tion to the fact that the Association is without a complete file of its own official organ. This is not as it should be, for if pre- vious issues of that journal liave been com|»iled in accordance with the intent of the drafters of the constitution, such a file would oe of great value. I have written past official editors for files of the Amateur issued under their respective managements^ and have received such from Messrs. Steele and Harri.^o;^
HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION 141
The medal offered last year by Acting-President Wylie, for the best holiday issue was awarded Mr. Chamberlain, of Wise and Otherwise.
As reception committee for the next convention I hereby appoint Chas. E. Wilson, Edwin H. Dyer, Clarence E. Stone and
E. C. Fa}'. Joseph Dana Miller, 'J hos. G. Harrison and Ralph Metcalf I hereby constitute a committee on editorial prize, in accordance with Art. VII of the by-laws. As a standing com- mittee on revision of the constitution I appoint T. J. Spencer,
F. H. Bowersock and Will J. Roe. As national laureate recorder I appoint Brainerd P. Emery.
The historian laureate recorder's report gives an account of the progress of Amateur Journalism from convention to convention and follows in full :
When the excitement of the Milwaukee convention had died away, then came the usual relapse into inactivity. This, however, did not last as long as usual, and before the end of July a number of papers appeared, the most notable being the literary issue of the Union Lance, the initial number of the Gauntlet and the liter- ary Nugget. August showed a waking activity and a handsome display of papers. The Union Lance issued the largest number, the Messenger the best. The most prominent new journal w£S the Ficayune. Progress created quite a sensation by the controver- sies in which it was engaged. September was ushered in with glowing prospects, Phantasmas appeared and was pronounced one of the finest publications of the year. All the smaller papers were noticeable for the excellence of their typography. TLe •Kansas Zephyr improved immensely that month. October ard November were successful eras. Milwaukee showed remarkable activity. Wisconsin sent out several new papers, notably the Magnet. At this time a very neat number of the Go Ahead appeared. The American Sphinx began the publication of a series of verj- elaborate articles on poetry. The Visitor came out with the best convention report, as usual. The annual issue of Harty's Galaxy was published. December^t first showed few papers, but toward the last of the month and early in January the holiday numbers came out. Those of the Messenger , Netv Century, Signal and Violet were the best. About this time a hitch in the affairs of the National took place. Owing to ill health Mr. Stowell was obliged to resign the presidency and Mr. Heath took the reigns of government. Mr. Rickert's "Amatturdcm Leaders" appeared. Boston's inactivity about this time caused much comment, the Waverly and Youth being the only papers sent out from the Hub. The final issue of Northern Breezes appeared. Our American Youth assumed the garb and size of a professional publication.
142 HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION.
The ih'st number ot the Amateur i\ppiii\ved, and was eh>s*^ly fol- lowed by another. January and February showed a continuance of activity, especially in New England. Milwaukee sent out a twenty-page Will- o' -the- Wisp. In January the Index ahtxu^ed to Youth. Mr. Grant issued ]5ertha'« poems in book form under title of '-Only Buds." Bric-a-Brac appeared from Canada. The political contest became, interesting at this time, and as a consequence papers multiplied. Even Boston began to show signs of an awakening, and the success of the coming convention was assured. June and July showed an enormous increase in journals and enthusiasm. Extra sized numbers began to appear, and all was activit3^ The executive judges removed delinquent officers and substituted active ones. Mr. Heath's adiniiiislr;ilion was i)r(»nounced a gi'eat success. Mr. l^^igel published ■•riie Lanrl of the Sunset Sea," a collection of Miss Gage's poems. The most prolific authors of the year were Jos. D. Miller, h\ Ray Lester, PMith M. Dowe, Geo. E. Day, L. A. Mayjiard, Rubina, Ernest E'lkins, Sfuyvesant and Arthur L. Tubbs. Many new writers entered the ranks and the laureateships were nobly contested. Amateur exhibitsvvere given dt the Wisconsin and California State fairs. Recru'ts were secured in large n um- bers and general success held sway. A comparison of the year past with the preceding one shows us to be numerically and intelleclually stronger. Amateur Journalism is on the road to success, and the })ast year has been one of great prosperity, its only misfortunes being the sad death of Wallie Sellman and the retirement of "Stuyvesant." Bliainelid P. Emeiiy,
Historian Laureate Recorder.
The two candidates for the presidency were Fred F. Heath, the incumbent, and Dennie A. Sullivan, editor of Yoyth, Lowell, Mass. The friends of the two candidates were agressive and a vigoious campaign was carried on. Mr. Heath's following was mosily from the west, while Mr. Sullivan was essentially the can- di<la'e of the east.
Youth, early ia the campaign, outlined a ''New System of Suffrage" which its editor championed. It provided for mem- bership in the National through membership in subordinate sectional associations.
For the first time in the history of the Association, the mem- bers on the Pacific slope demanded recognition, by having the '86 convention awarded to them. The coast papers all carried the sign " 'Frisco in '86" at the tpp of their columns.
'i he campaign was full of sensations — charges and counter-
HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION.
143
charges — and when the convention met the relations between the two factions were not as friendly as could be desired.
A lengthy account of the Boston convention was published in Youth, and signed simply "Mugwump." From it we quote:
At 10 p. m. the supporters of Heath and Sullivan betook them- selves to their respective caucus rooms, the former holding a brief session and agreeing on a plan of action, while the latter held forth till 1 a, m., and nominated a full ticket, besides ar- ranging the other details of tomorrow's work.
The morning of the 15th dawned clear and bright, and quite earl\ were the amateurs astir. Those who attended the conven- tion of the New England A. P. A., at Providence, arrived at Boston at 10 a. m , and swelled the gathering, until the olfice and corridors of the Quincy were packed.
At 11:45 President Heath opened the meeting. He read his message and followed with announcing the laureates for the com- ing year as follows : Poet, George E. Day ; essayist, B. P. Emery; sketchist, F. T. Mayer; historian, Fred F. Heath ; serial, Edith May Dowe.
The roil call was read, to which forty members responded, after which the credential committee reported the names of thirty more, who were accepted as members. Geor e W. Baiidon arose and asked why his name was not called, and after debate it was decided that he was a member au'l entitled to full privileges when his dues were paid.
A recess was taken to enable members to liquidate their in- debtedness to the Association, and half an hour later the con- vention came to order.
Tlie minutes of the Milwaukee convention were called for. Somebody suggested that the lengthy affidavits relating to the fraud at the Ne^v York convention be dispensed with, whereat Frank -J. Martin jumped to his feet and said : --Mv. President, I demand that those affidavits be read. I have come here for justice, anl want the whole story told!" They were read, but action on the minutes -vms deferred until ifter the '!ecti(m of offi- cers, the latter having been made the spe.-ial o. ler for 3 p. m. Adjournment was taken for dinner.
At 3 o'clock the convention reassembled. The chair appointed Messrs. Legler, Grant, Emery and Graham as a committee to examine and count prox^' vote, and thej^ repaired to an adjoining parlor with the secretary and treasurer. A recess was taken to await the report of the committee, which was not presented until 5 o'clock, a.->d, with Louis Kempner in the chair, the result of the proxy votes was read by Mr. Grant, as follows:
Whole number of proxiefe cast 48
144 HISTOKY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION.
Illegal . 12
D. A. Sullivan 19
Fred F. Heath 17
Nominations beirio declared in order, Herbert C. Parsons nom- inated Fred F. Healli as a candidate for president, and he was seconded by Miss Smith, Ralph Metcalf, J. W. Graham, H. E. Legler and others. Charles S. Elgutter followed with the name of D. A. Sullivan, and he was seconded by F. A. Grant, H. K. Sanderson, Frank A. Brown and Geo. VV. Balldon.
Messrs. Grant, Legler and Metcalf were appointed a committee to sort and count ballols. The roll was called, each member coming forward and depositing his vote in the box. After con- siderable delay, the votes were counted, and, added to the proxies made the following result:
Whole number of votes cast 105
Xecessary to a choice 53
FredF. Heath 51
D. A. Sullivan , 54
The victorious candidate made a speech.
A recess was then taken.
On reassembling, the election of officers was continued, Mr. Kempner in the chair.
W. S. Mooie liaviiit: no opponent for Ihe first vice-presidency (Mr. Roe declining to run), the secretary was instructed to cast one b.illot for him and he was declared elected.
F. H. Bowersock was elected second vice-president over Miss A. K. Richards.
Miss Zelda Arlington (Mrs. Swift) received the unanimous vote for third vice-president, and Charles N. Andrews was chosen treasurer.
At this juncture Mr. Legler arose and announced that Mr. Fin- lay A. Grant and Miss Bertha S. York were united in the holy bonds of matrimony that morning, and were now at Young's Hotel, prepared to receive their friends. The con\ention then adjourned until 0 o'clock next da^'.
To Young's H( tel the boys all filed in a body, and were ushered up stairs, into the parlor, where the ideal worker and ideal poetesof our little world were congratulated, over and over again, and wished health, wealth, prosperity and happiness. Music enlivened the o cision, which was altogethsr pleasant and enjoyable.
'J'hursda^' was a lovely day, and at 9 on the morning President Sullivan called the meeting to order.
The election of officers were taken up. Miss Gracia A. Smith was elected recording secretary over F. C. Wicks by a vote of 29 to 25.
For corresponding secretary H. W. Robinson and J. H. Ives
HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION. 145
Muuro were placed iu noraiuation. Oq the first ballot there was no choice, though Mr. Robinson led considerably on the proxies, but on another ballot being taken, the proxies were thrown out, according to the constitution, and Mr. Munro was elected, 38 to isf
For official editor Messrs. Burger, Edkins and Emery were nominated. On the second ballot P>mery was elected over Edkins, 32 to 25.
The constitution was then amended, giving the judges power to change place of meeting if the activity in t!»e city selected did not warrant a successful convention. San Francisco v/as chosen as the next place of meeting.
Unfinished business was next in order, and the reconls of the Milwaukee convention were taken up and discussed, the matters relating to the expulsion of Frank J. Martin and Judson D. Rus- sell beiu'j; the bone of contention. It was finally voted to give the chair power to appoint two committees to investigate both cases, and after they were appointed, it was voted to adjourn till they were ready to report.
After dinner, sixtj'-two amateurs gathered outsioe the Quincy House and had a photo taken. Then followed another session, at which the committees reported. The Martin committee reported in favor of his reinstatement, and its report was adopted. The Russell committee reported in favor of giving him a year's membership on probation, but the report was not accepted, and o-u motion the minutes were adopted, striking out tlie clause relat- ing to Martin's expulsion. Adjourned subject to call of president.
A rush was then made for the common, where a gam 3 of base ball was played betwesn the Easterners and Westerners, resulting in a score of 8 to 2 in favor of the latter.
The banquet was held on Thursday eveaiug, commencing at 8:30. Chas. H. Fowle, Fred Sayer, L. E. Tildeu and other old- time amateurs graced the occasion with their presence. At the opening Rev. Mr. Emery invoked divine blessing. Feasting over, Charles S. Elgutter addressed the assemblj', and closed by reading letters of regret at inability to be present, from promi- nent men.
The toasts w-ere all excellent. C. E. Wilson responded to "Our Visiting Amateurs," and was followed by Finlaj^ A. Grant with a speech on "The Worker." The latter was scarcely seated when Mr. Sullivan, in behalf of the amateurs, addressed Mr. and Mrs. Grant, and presented them with a magnificent ice pitcher and goblet as a token of esteem. Mr. Grant feelingly returned thanks. Truman J. Spencer next responded to "Our Cause' and was followed by Brainerd P. Emery on "Our State Associa-
146 IIISTOKY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION.
tions.** "The Ladies" was the subject of Fred Metcalf's response. Ralph Metcalf next presented the retiring and incom- ing presidents with handsome bouquets, in behalf of the amateurs. The Other toasts were "Our Authors," by Charles H. Fowle ; •'The Future of Amateur Journalism," by Will R. Antisdel ; '-Our Critics," by E. A, Edkins; "Our Politicians," by L. E. Tildeu, and "The Press," by D. A. Sullivan.
A special meeting was held Friday evening. Considerable routine business was acted on. It was voted that the convention be resolved into a committee to consider the question relating to reducing the dues. The most animated and interesuing debate of the session took place, Messrs. Grant, Truax, Sullivan, Kempner and Metcalf favoring a reduction, and Messrs. Legler, Metcalf, Day, Pinckney and Swift opposing. It was finally voted to leave the dues just as they are.
A committee, consisting of three, was appointed to take steps towards incorporating the Association.
It was then voted to adjourn to meet at San Francisco in 1886.
The official minutes give the proxy vote as follows-
For president— F. F. Heath, 18; D. A. Sullivan, 19.
For first vice-president— W. S. Moore, 17; W. J. Roe, 7 ; scattering, 10.
For second vi, e-president — J. E. Urban, Jr., 12; F. H. Bow- ersock, 10 ; scattering, 10.
For third vice-president — Zelda Arlington, 25 ; scattering, 8.
For recording secretary— C. E. Wilson, 8 ; E. H. Dyer, 5 ; scattermg, 15.
For corresponding secretary— H. W. Robinson, 19 ; scattering, 14.
For treasurer— C. N. Andrews, 21 ; Louis Kempner, 12 ; scat- tering, 2.
For official editor— C. R. Burger, 21 ; E. A. Edkins, 6 ; scat- tering, 7.
For place of meeting — San Francisco, 21 ; Chicago, 6 ; scat- tering, 8.
For judges, Legler, Grant and Harrison.
Therein h also found the following information not given by
"Mugwump";
For president:
Votes cast 103
D.A.Sullivan 53
F. F. Heath !.'.'..".'*.*..'.*!".]!!'.!.'".*.!.".*!! 50
For second vice-president:
W. J. Roe 34
F. H. Bowersock 28
HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION 147
J. E. Urban 4
No election. Second ballot :
E. H. Dyer 1
Blank 1
Miss A. K. Richards 24
F. H. Bowersock 29
Mr. C. N. Andrews had 42 voles f(u- treasurer and Mr. Louis
Kenipner 25.
For recording secreta'v :
F.S.C. Wicks 32
0. E. Wilson ..26
No election. Second ballot:
F. S. C. Wicks 25
Miss G. A. Smith 29
For corresponding secretary :
Blank 1
H.W.Robinson 18
J. H. I. Miinro 30
For official editor :
B, P. Emery 27
E. A. Edkins 28
C. R. Burger 25
F.S.C. Wicks 1
No electiun. Second ballot:
E. A. Edkins 25
B.P.Emery 32
The secretary cast a unanimous vote for executive judges, H. E. Legler, T. J. Spencer and F. S. C. Wicks.
There are a number of discrepancies between the figures given in the minutes and those given in the report published by Youth,
The following amendments to the N. A. P. A. constitution were adopted :
Article II. Section 1. Lady members of this Association shall be entitled to all the rights and privileges of membership without paying dues.
Art. XVII. Sec. 2. Bat this shall not be construed to appy to lady members.
Art. VIII. Sec. 4. In case the place of meeting chosen does not show sufficient activity to warrant a successful convention, the judi- ciary committee shall have power to select another city in the same section.
TREASURER'S REPORT.
DR. •
1884—
To Harrison for official organ $ 30 00
Rent of hall in Milwaukee 5 00
Printing'constitutions 6 00
1885—' Treasurer's Book 6 50
148 HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMA.TEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION.
Steele, balance of bill 22 00
Miller, for official organ 60 00
Silk badges, etc 5 00
Invitations and blanks 5 00
Invited guests at banquet 3 50
Cash on hand 89 00
Total $ 230 00
CR. 1884-5—
By fees and dues • 217 00
Badges sold 10 00 -
Constitutions sold 3 00
Total $ 230 00
Respectfully submitted,
Truman J. Spencer, Treasurer.
In his first quarterly message, President Sullivan proposed to organize a recruit committee of three members in each State. He also announced that there would be an exhibit of amateur papers at the New Orleans Exposition. Announcement was made that no paper would be refused pound rates of postage, merely because it was an "amateur." The following appointments were made: Historian laureate recorder, O. A. Mueller; credential committee, A. E. Barker, chairman ; H. W. Robinson and L. P. Lang.
After the convention new papers sprang up on every side. The September Amateur chronicled the advent of thirty-one and the December issue of twenty-eight more.
Volume VIII of the National Amateur consisted of three eight-page and one four-page issue. The September, 1885, issue contained the president's message, historian laureate recorder's report, bulletin of new papers, changes of address and elections in minor associations, reports of laureate judges, amendments adopted at Boston, a classification of all papers issued, minutes of the Boston convention and editorials. The December issue, the four pager, contains the address of welcome by James R. Gleason to President D. A. Sullivan at a dinner given the latter by the Long Island Amateur Press Association, classification, bulletin and editorials. The March, 1886, issue contained a second message from President Sullivan, four pages of editorials, the classification, bulletin, etc. The June issue contains the usual departments, president's message, proposed amendments
HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION 149
to tlie constitution, and an extract from a History of Amateur Journalism, then being prepared by President D. A. Sullivan.*
Leading papers of the year were the American Sphinx, of which the farewell number was the finest amateur paper ever issued to that time; Bric-a-Brac, Montreal, Can., an ably edited publica- tion ; 5o?/s' Folio, i)y James H. IvesMunro; Bumble Bee, as quarrelsome as its name would indicate ; Chic, Berkle}^ Cal. ; the Comet, by Vanderbilt Hros. ; Dowaglac News, Dowagiac, Mich. ; Kansas Zephyr, Lawrence, Kan. ; Messenger, Oshkosh, Wis. ; Norm, Buffalo, N. Y., iirst published anonymously, and credited to several persons, entirely innocent, but never to the real editor, M. F. Boechat ; New Century, Milwaukee ; iV^^^e^, New Glasgow, N. S., at that time a paper \vithout a paragraph from start to finish, to save time and space, and thus the recipient of much comment; Our Optic, East Concord, N. H. ; Our Knight Errant, by President Heath ; Pacific Coura.nt, San Francisco, ujidoubtedly the ablest all-editorial journal of the j^ear ; Progress, with a dif- ferent staff of editors on almost every issue, yet always lilted with interesting matter ; Sentinel, Newburgh, N. Y., a leader in the publication of good literature: Stars and Stripes, Milwaukee, illustrated ; Violet, Cincinnati, edited by Mrs. Swift, then known to Amateurdora as Miss Zelda Arlington; Youth, Lowell, Mass., President Sullivan's paper.
*The editor acknowledges receipt from Mr. Sullivan of the copy for a portion of the first chapter of this book. More was promised later, but repeated requests have failed to secure it.
CHflFTER 13,
"'FRISCO IN '86."
Political Phases. — The San Francisco Convention. — Munuo Elected President. — Judiciary Committee's Report. — Papers, Authors and Books of the Year.
IN February, 1887, a hook entitled "Anne^ils of Amateur Journalism in 1886" was published by Will S. Dunlop, of Milwaukee. It was edited and complied by Mr. Woollen, assisted by Messrs. Moore and Heath. From Mr. Moore's article, "Political Phases of '86," we extract:
Hardly bad the smoke of battle of that bitter and hotly con- tested campaign of 1885, between the forces of DenniejA. Sullivan and Fred F. Heath cleared away, then the politicians of the amateur fraternity began to start the ball rolling for the following canvass. In fact, within the very walls of the Quincy House, at Boston, before the 18S5 election had occurred, a scheme was con- cocted by which it was intended to place Louis Kempner, of New York City, in the presidential chair at the 1886 convention. Plans for the consummation of this plot progressed through cor- respondence, from the time of the Boston convention until a denoument was made by a few outside parties who had been advised of the movement, and as a result the campaign for Mr. Kempner was prematurely forced to the surface before his adher- ents CG'iild concentrate their forces. The prevailing sentiment adverse to early campaigning vented itself upon the projectors of this plan, and as a result they lost faith, and a short time there- atter it was authoritively announced that Mr. Kempner would not be a candidate. About one month after this annoncement went forth, the New York contingent entered the arena with a boom for Howard L. Pinckney, of New York City, The candidacy of this gentleman did not meet with any great favor, and save for a few scattering papers in the Empire State, the campaign lagged slowly duward with the dying year. The admirers of Will R. Antisdel, of Detroit, Mich., also placed his name in nomination for the presidency, but his inactivity in amateur matters, and the UDsatisfactory discharge of his duties as president o^ '-he Western Amateur Press Association, prevented a large ^6 ppoit from gathering under his standard. eJ
Thus the matter stood until the opening of the j^iew year, at which lime three strong candidates were placed m nomitation
HISTORY OF THE NATION -VL AMATKaR PREi^S ASSOCIATION. 151
almost simultaueously. President Sullivan, by the energetic and successful administration which he had given the Association up to that date, had gained great popularity, and was strongly endorsed for reelection. At a time when, to accept the suffrages of his friends once more almost guaranteed his election, he declined the nomination in favor of Official Editor Brainerd P. Emery. Mr. Emery had given the Association one of the best administrations as official editor that it had ever had, and at the first mention of his name support was offered to him from all sec- lion*^. At this time the course of ^Yill S. Moore, of San Fran- cisco, Cal., was watched with considerable interest. He had brouoht himself prominently before Amateurdom as an advocate of San Francisco for the 1886 meeting place. Some of those who opposed the election of that city baserl their opposition upon the argument tl.at Mr. Moore had personal aims to gratify in endeav- oring to take the convention away from the bulk of tiie amateur frateruity. In the campaign preceding, that gentlenien refuted all such (.harges and pledged himself not to accei)t the presiden- tial noniiiiation for 1886. Therefore, when a large number of his friends offered him their support, it was generally conceded that he would waver in his determination. However, he declined the nomination, and his following was given over to Mr. Emery. For two months the amateur press resounded with plaudits for that gentlemen, and for the first time in the history of the amateur press an unanimous support of the National Association w:is given to one individual. On May 29, in a letter addressed to his numerous constituents, Mr. Emery declined the nomination and his act left the political field barren, insofar as the presidency was concerned.
While the campaign for the highest office lulled into rJ.v^'.vl'Ue quietude, the contest for the minor offices became spirited. It was generally understood that the election would (lei)end solely upon the proxy vote, as the great distance of San Francisco from the East would prevent a representative attendance from tliat section of the country'. Recognizing that fact, every ambitious amateur who had friends at all, was placed in nomina'Jon for some one of the offices. For first vice-president the principal candi- dates were Frank C. Wicks, of Worcester, Mass., and Harry W. Robinson, of Montreal, Can. For recording secretary, Fred L. Hunter, of San Francisco, was the favorite candidate. Ernest A. Edkins, of Hartford, Conn., who had been defeated by a close vote at Boston, was again nominated for official editor, and his only opponent was Edith May Dowe, a talented young lady of Worcester, Mass. For a short time the contest for this office presented an animated aspect. As convention time drew near Mr. Edkins rapidly developed a remarkably increasing support^
152 HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION.
and in a short time his election was predicted. For tlie 1887 convention seat two cities were nominated : Phialdelphia,Pa., and Montreal, Can. As with the editorship this contest was lively for a short time, but the survival of the fittest was signealizad by the withdrawal of Montreal in favor of the Quaker City.
In June Jas. H. Munro, of New Glasgow, N. S., opened his campaign for the presidency, and in a few weeks time his support had assumed formidable proportions. A number of amateurs unfavorably inclined towards Mr. Munro, prevailed upon Fred F. Heath to once more accept the nomination. The contest narrowed down between these two candidates, and a close and exciting campaign was waged between their respective forces. Neither of these candidates were present at the convention, but no third nomination was made.
Early in March H. E. Legler, one of the executive judges, tendered his resignation to President Sullivan, because of a press of other work. No successor was appointed.
Al. E. Barker resigned as chairman of the credential committee, and H, W. Robinson was appointed in his stead. S. S. Stinson was also added to the committee.
The convention was called by President Sullivan in the follow- ing notice :
TA CALL.
In accordance with the power vested in me, the members of the National Amateur Press Association are hereby requested to assemble in San Francisco, on the 28th day of July, 1886, and transact any and all such business as may legally come before them. D. A. Sullivan,
President.
President Sullivan appointed First Vice-President Moore as chairman of the reception committee for the San Francisco con- vention, and in the June National Amateur Mv. Moore announced the following committees and sub-committees.
General and reception committees — California Amateur Jour- nalists' Association.
Entertainment — F. L. Hunter, chairman; Lee Weil, M. J. Sideman, E. D. Taylor, Percy Goldstone.
Literary — F. S. Arnett, chairman ; T. P. Andrews, J. C. Bull, A. L. and M. G. McClinton.
Banquet — J. R. B. Bookman, chairman ; J. A. Ephriam, D. L. Hollub, G. B. Taylor, M. G. Jonas.
Badges — Misses Zebbie Hunt, Alice Mason and Jennie Martin.
Reception committee, northern district — E. B. Devlin, chair-
HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRE88 ASSOCIATION. 153
man; Messrs. Woodson, Palmer, Chadderdon, Cunningham, Luce, Blackwell and Atkinson, of Sacramento.
Reception committee, southern district — E. E. Stowell, chair- man ; P. R. and F. E. Ruth, of Pomona.
A good report of the San Francisco meeting of 1886 is found in (7aiia(?a, the paper of President Munro. The article is un- signed, and as Mr. Munro was not present at the convention, we do not know the author :
First day — Wednesday, July 28 : Firsr business session. Also evening session.
Secondday— Thursday, July 29. Morning: Final business session. Afternoon: Excursion on San Francisco Bay. Even- ing: A trip through Chinatown.
Third day— Friday, July 30. Morning and afternoon : Visits to state mining bureau, Sutro's library, U. S. mint, and other interesting points in the city. Evening: Literary entertainment and hop.
Fourthday— Saturday, July 31. Morninor: A visit to Ala- meda. Annual baseball game. A sail on lake Merrit, Oakland. Evening : Annual banquet.
OnJuly28the eleventh annual convenMon of the National Amateur Press Association was called to order by First Vice- President William S. Moore. After roll-call the folloTving officers Were appointed pro tern : Vice-presi<lent, G. R. Lukens ; secre- tary, Miss Jennie Martin ; treasurer, Philip I. Figel ; credential committee: Fred L. Hunter, D. L. Hollub and M. G. Jonas.
The report of the judo^es was read and adoi)ted. Ne2.t came the reports of the officers. Miss Gracia A. Smith, recording secretary, gave a report and presented the Association with a handsome gavel. There were about fifty new natnes reported as applying for membership. Here are the nnmes of those who took part in the convention : Miss Hanirah 13. Gage, Miss Zebbie Hunt, MissEphriam (Ruth Ellis), Miss Alice Mason, Miss Jen- nie Martin ; Messrs. Philip I. Figel, Fred L. Hunter, T. P. Andrews, Will S. Moore, A. L. McClinton, G. R. Lukens, Philip Hastings, J. Robinson, M. G. McClinton, J. R. B. Bockman, J. A. Ephriam, Ed Tavlor, E. Alexander, D. L. Hollub, D. P. Dolan, L. S. Boruck, M. G. Jonas. P. Goldbtone, T. B. Sullivan, A. Goldstone, E. F. Giiiudoii, M. J. Sideman, S. M. Van Wick, Jr., L. E. James, F. S. Arnett, J. I). Bowersock, A. H. Red- ington, F. M. Woodson, A. W. Whitney, S. Smith, C. Faud and G. F. AUardt.
The afternoon session resumed work by hearing the report of the constitutional committee.
The judges did not send in their reports to the president, con-
154 HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION.
seqnently the winners of laureate titles could not be announced.
This evening the convention was again called to order at 8:30 p. ra. The minutes of the Boston convention were then read and {ulo[)te(l. Acting Treasurer Philip I. Figel reported thirty mem- bers present and clear on treasurer's books. The election of officers was now in order. It was somewhat late when this order of busiiaess was reached, and in order that an adjournment could be had at a reasonable hour, it was proposed to count the proxy vote for president only, and continue to count for the other offi- cers the following day, which proposition was carried. Recess taken. The following committee was appointel to count the proxy votes: Miss Jennie Martin, Messrs. Philip I. Figel, F. S. Arnett and M. G. McClinton.
After a short absence the committee reported that, as no authentic record of the financial condition of those sending proxies was in the hands of the committee, it recommended that article II, section 2, of the by-laws be temporarily suspended, and that all those who have sent proxies have them counted. The ifeport was accepted and the committee returned to work.
The committee on proxies was out an hour. In the interim Jonas rushed into the room, claiming a report from the commit- tee on proxies. It read: Munro, 47; Heath, 44. Andrews jumped upon a grand piano and proposed three cheers for J. H. Ives Munro, and they were given with a vim. But it was only a joke.
The convention was then called to order with T. P. Andrews in the chair. Some fun was in the air. The chairman spoke of the necessity there was for united and harmonious action on the part of those present, for the success and welfare of the Association. That, after due consideration, the Heath men through Lnkens, and the Munro men through Andrews had concluded to sacrifice their ideals in favor of a good "dark horse." Those in the joke spoke with much oratorial ability. The stenographers pegged away as the eloquence grew warmer and deeper. l^ukens suc- ceeded Anrlrews, and in a fifteen minute speech depicted the many good results of a "dark horse/' and cited Garfield as an €xarnple. Applause again greeted the speaker. Then California's rno^t polished and accomplished speaker, Andrews, addressed the assernl)ly, and the affair was getting more and more hilarious wlien ihe convention was thrown into excitement by the action of the 'dnrk horse," who stampeded.
The committee then returned and reported as follows:
T'^tal number of proxies cast 09
Thrown out* 2
*The official minutes ignore these ballots here shown as thrown out an 1 give Mr. Heath 27 votes.
HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRES3 ASSOCIATION. 155
Total 67
Munro 38
Heath 25
A.D.Grant 1
W.J.Niles 1
B. P. Emery 1
M. H. Shelp 1
Nominations for president wer now in order. Silence reigned supreme. Arnett, Moore, Lukeus and other heavy constituents of Heath looked enquiringly at the Munro men. The great ora- torical battle was about to begin. ir'hilip I. Figel broke the silence, nominating J. H. Ives Munro. Thos. P. Andrews sec- onded the nomination. McClinton and Ephriam followed. Heath was placed in nomination by Frank S. Arnett, seconded by Lukens and others. Ballots were prepared and Figel and Lukeus were appointed tellers. While the ballots were beiug collected everyone was on the qui-vive of excitement. That the result would be pretty close everyone knew, and it recalled vividly the scene at Boston when the chair was announcing the votes. Vice-President Moore was in the chair.
The result as announced was: Number of votes cast in con- vention, 30 ; Munro, 12; Heath, 18. Grand total and in con- vention : *
N umber of votes cast 97
Munro 50
Heath 43
Scattering 4
Munro' s majority 3
Munro's plurality 7
A scene followed that no pen can portray. The Munro men marched around the hall in a body singing "Glory, Glory, Halle- lujah!" At even that late hour they marched down town to the Tivoli Cafe. In the dining hall all sat around a long table.
Tuesday, July 29. — The convention again in session.! Tlii committee on proxies proceeded to complete their count, and after considerable earnest and painstaking work the}' reported that no candidate received a majority of votes except Ernest A. Edkins, whose vote stood 38 to 21 scattering. Montreal having withdrawn in favor of Philadelphia, the vote resulted in an over- whelming choice in favor of the citj^ of brotherly love.
For first vice-president Robinson was defeated by Wicks. Kugler got 8 votes.
* The official minutes vary from these figures, giving 98 votes cast, and Heath 44,
tThis session was held at the Mason House, 917 Market street, W. S. Moore in the chair, Mr. Moore retired with the proxy committee and Mr. Lukens took the chair. Mr. Hunter read the minutes of pre- tIous day's session.
156 HI-STORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOGIATION
For second vice-president Jert)nie C. Bull defeated W. W, Carpenter.
For third vice-president, J. D. Bowersock, of the Kansas Zephyr^ who was present, was unanimously chosen.
Fred L. Hunter was elected recording secretary, his opponent being Lester E. James.
For corresponding secretary, William B. Baldwin, editor of the Palladium^ was tlie unanimous choice to succeed President Munro.
Mrs. Zelda A. Swift was elected treasurer. Ernest A. Edkins, of Albany, N. Y., was elected official editor.
William S. Moore, Frank S. Arnett and Braiuerd P. Emery were elected executive, judges.
Friday evening — The literary entertainment was of great interest, and is a feature that should be perpetuated. Tho fol- lowing is the program: Piano solo, Frank S- Bentley ; recitation, J. R. B. Bockman ; essa^-, Frank S. Arnett; mandolin solo, Prof. S. Adelstein ; scene from Julius Caesar, J. R. B. Bockman, M. G. Jonas; recitation, M, 0. Jonas; piano solo, Miss Ephriam ;. impromptu debate, G. R. Luken^, TCugene Alexander.
Saturday evening in Cambrian hall — The banquet came off. It was quite a success. The menu and toast cards were tast3% Toasts were responded to as follows:
Birth of the National Association F. S. Arnett
National Amateur Press Association D. L. HoUub
Presidents of the National . M. G. McClinton
Amateur Journalism as ar Educator G. R. Lukens
Amateur Literature J. D. Bowersock
Youjig Woman's A. P. A Miss Zebbie A. Hunt
Our Faith F. L. Hunter
The New England Association . L. E. James
Our Lady Amateurs , . . . W. S. Moore
Our Gentlemen Amateurs Miss Jennie Martin
Our Absentees A. L. McClinton
Our Future M. J. Sideman
Our President P. I. Figel
The eleventh annual convention of the National ended with the resonant cry, N — A — P — A.
The official minutes gave the following additional information!
Roll call showed the followmg members to be present: Messrs. J. R. B, Bockman, D. L. Hollub, F. S. Arnett, W, S. Moore, F. L. Hunter, P. Goldstone, E. D. Taylor, M. J. Sideman, L. E. James, P. I. Figel and J. A. Ephriam.
On motion of F. S. Arnett :\ constitutional committee of three,
HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION. 157
the presiding officer to act as chairman, was appointed, consisting of W. S. Moore, F. S. Arnett and G. R. Lukens.
The report of the credential committee was submitted and the following members admitted :
Herbert L. Reed, Chas. Gates, Jr., W. B. Baldwin, E. E. Bryant, C. W. Henderson, F. Jameson, J. A. Shannon, F. D. Woollen, J. T. Miniter, B. S. Emory, Zebbie A. Hunt, Jennie M. Martin, P. R. Ruth, Miss A. Tomlinson, F. C. Lindsley, Mabel F. Noyes, Lottie Smith, F. A. Fartenheimer, Abbie E, Underwood, John Evans, Homer Green, G. E. Frye, Bertha Wuest, Ella Murray, E. M. Clarke, A. M. Murtaugh, O. A. Mueller, S. S. Stinson, May Alice Mason, Fred Kemp, J. Swain Garrison, W. C. -Davis, J. H. McDonald, JohnG. Kugler, Nathan Block, W. E. Melinger, J. E. Jones, Will S. Dunlop, Frances A. Parsons, Alice L. Anderson, Eva Hutchinson, Miss McEwan, L. Sanger, Anna Munro, Jessie Todman, Mary McKercher, Mary Wilson.
Mr. Bockman called attention to the fact that some non-mem- bers were voting, and aiso that two of the officers did not belong to the Association. First Vice-President Lukens asked to be allowed to resign the chair. Mr. Arnett appointed first vice- president j?ro tern., in his stead.
The report of the auxiliary credential committee was adopted, the following being admitted :
Miss Ellis, Messrs. G. R. Lukens, T. B. Sullivan, L. Gold- stone, E. Alexander, A. L. McClinton, M. G. McClinton, Eugene F. Guindon, A. H. Redington, P. Dolan, L. S. Boruck and M. Backus.
The convention adjourned to meet at Cambrian Hall at 8 p. m.
At 8:15 the convention was called to order, W. S. Moore in the chair.
Auxiliary credential committee recommended the names of F. M. Woodson and J. Robinson for membership. Report adopted.
Report of retiring recording secretary read and adopted, with a vote of thanks to Miss Smith for ber gift of a minute-book.
Amendment for which Goldstone had moved for a reconsidera- tion was again read and adopted.
The counting of proxy ballots being in order, a committee con- sisting of Jennie M. Martin, chairman ; W. S. Moore, P. D. Figel, F. S. Arnett and M. G. McClinton withdrew from the room.
Report of examining committee, second day's session:
Wednesday, July 28, 1886. Mr. President and members of theNational Amateur Press Association:
Your committee having opened and counted all duplicate proxy votes received by the first vice-president, report as follows .
158 HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION.
Candidates for but three offices have a majority of all votes cast, viz . President— Munro 38, Heath 25, scattering 4.
Official editor— Edkins 38, Dowe 11, Hunter 7, Moore 4, scattering 9. Meeting place— Philadelphia 56. Montreal 9, scattering 2. For presdent Mr. Munro's majoritv is 9 votes, for official editor Mr. Edkins' majority is 7 votes, and tor the next place Philadelphiji receives a majority of 45 votes.
The votes for the other offices are so widely scattered that it will be im- possible to elect any of the candidates on the proxy vote taken in con- nection with the votes of the conA^ention. In order to expediate matters, your committee would recommend that the proxy votes be counted only for the three offices aforesaid.
For executive judges the following have received the largest number of votes : Spencer, Moore and Grant.
Respectfully Submitted,
Jennie M. Martin, chairman. Will S. Moore, Frank S. Arnett, Myron G. McClinton, Philip I. Figel. Nominations for first vice-president being now in order, F. S. Wicks was nominated. John G. Kugler was nominated by D. L. Hollub and seconded by J. A. P^phriam. Kugler 8, Wicks 18. Wicks declared elected.
For second vice-president Will S. Moore nominated W. W. Carpenter, the nomination seconded by G. R. Lukens. Jerome C. Bull was nominated by Miss Zebbie A. P. Pluut, and seconded by Eugene F. Guindon. The vote resulted in a tie. On the second ballot it stood; Bull 14, Carpenter 12. Bull declared elected.
Jus. D. Bowersock was nominated for third vice-president by Philip Hastings. Thomas P. Andrews seconded the nomination. On motion, the secretary was requested to cast a vote as the voice of the assembly. Mr. Bowersock was then escorted to the chair.
Nominations for treasurer now being in order, W, S. Moore nominated Mrs. Zelda Arlington Swift. G. R. Lukens seconded the nomination. C. N. Andrews w^s placed in nomination by M. G. Jonas, seconded by T. P. Andrews. Mrs. Swift 21, C. N. Andrews 2, scattering 3. Mrs. Swift was declared elected. On motion the election was made unanimous.
For recording secretary Fred L. Hunter was nominated by F. S. Arnett, seconded by W. S. Moore and D. L. Hollub. Lester E. James was nominated by T. P. Andrews, seconded by Philip Hastings. Hunter 13, James 11, scattering 1. Hunter elected. William B. Baldwin was nominated for corresponding secretary by J. R. B. Bockraan, seconded by W. S. Moore, Miss Zebbie A. P. Hunt and G. R. Lukens. l^ester E. James was nominated b^' Philip Hastings, seconded byM. G. McClinton. Baldwin 21,
HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION
]59
James 2, scattering 2. \V. B. Baldwin (leclaued elected: Moved and seconded that the election be made ntianimons. Carried.
For ottlcial editor Ernest A. Edkms was nominated, and on motion the secretary was requested to cast a ballot for Mr. Edkins as the vote of the convention.
David L. Hollub nominated Philadelphia for meeting place.
The following vote was cast :
Philadelphia 19
Milpitas 3
Huntsville 1
Scattering 2
rhiladelphia having received G5 votes on the proxies, had in all 84 votes. It was therefore declared next meeting place.
P'or executive judges the following gentlemen, receiving the highest number of votes, were declared elected: Messrs. Emery Arnett and Moore.
The following is the report of the work of the judiciary com- mittee made at the convention :
Immediately after our election the committee organized by the election of Truman J. Spencer, president; Henry E. Legler, vice-president, and Frank S. C. Wicks, secretary, and in pursu- ance with the constitution of the Association remained in session duriuT the year, ready to act upon any matter that might be referred to it.
Early in the year a discussion arose in the columns of the National Amateur in regard to what was called the sanctity of the minutes, and upon 'being appealed to, the president of your committee, seeing that it arose from a misapprehension of the disposition of the Milw^aukee minutes, wrote to the olficial editor the true action taken at the Boston convention, which satisfac- torily settled the difficulty.
In March your judges received the resignation of Second Vice- President F. H. Bowersock, which was accepted. Believing it to be the spirit if not the letter of the constitution that vacancies in the corps of vice-presidents should belilled by the next in rank, Miss Zelda Arlington was promoted to the office, and Mr. Ernest A. Edkins, of Hartford, Conn., appointed to fill the vacancy of third vice-president.
During the month of April your committee were pained to receive the resignation of Mr. Legler of his position on the com- mittee, a step much regretted by the remainiuij members. In justice to him, however, they felt constrained, under the circum- stances, to accept his resignation, which was reluctantly done, and the board for the remainder of the j^ear was deprived of his sage advice and valuable counsel.
160 HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION
Although your judges felt confident that the selection of a successor to Mr. Legler devolved upon them, yet, as there seemed to be some doubt upon the subject in the minds of some of the members, and the remaining time of their executive existence being short, they deemed it best not to fill the vacancy. In order, however, that the question might be set at rest forever, they have here recorded their decision, subject to your approval. Their decision is based upon the following interpretation of the constitution : The filling of a vacancy in the judiciary committee is not expressly provided for in that document, except that, inas- much as by article IV the judges are put upon a common footing with all other officers, the method of procedure would seem to be detailed in section 1 of article VIII, which says :
It shall be the duty of the judiciary committee * * ♦ to fill all vacancies in the corps of oflicers when not otherwise provided for by the constitution.
In the absence of any express provision on the subject, power would also be conferred by another clause of the same section, which provides that the judiciary committee shall "act in all re- spects for the Association in convention assembled."
At the last convention an amendment to the c®nstitution was adopted, providing that if "the activity of the city selected as the next place of meeting be not sufficient to warrant a successful convention, the judiciary committee shall have power to change said meeting place." Under date of April 3 the president called the attention of your committee to the state of affairs then exist- ing in San Francisco, and requesting them to take some action in the premises. After a careful investigation of the subject, your committee came to the conclusion that not only was San Fran- cisco the most active city in the west, but that the existing cir- cumstances would not materially affect the success of the convention, and therefore decided that no action in the case was necessary, to which decision Presidert Sullivan acquiesced.
The only specific matter, we believe, which was left for the consideration of your committee by the convention was the question of incorporating the Associati(^n. Your committee have examined into the matter and have procured lecral advice upon the subject. They find that there are two methods of pro- cedure. First, by State action, in which case the Association would have to present at least a nominal point of headquarters in the State in whicli the act was procured. Or, it mighl, by changing its system of organization, become a body corporate under tiie laws of some State, embodying the law of that State in its constitution, and after that members from other Sfates 'jouldjoin. The other, and undoubtedly the true, plan would be to apply t > the National Congress for an act of incorporation.
HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION 161
This would place upon it certain restrictions, and make it amen- able to that body for the faithful performance of its obligations. The advantages of the step would be principally these : The Association could issue charters to State and local associations, and make them responsible to the central head in all matters the power to act in which the Association deemed best not to dele- gate. As at present constituted, this would be of no benefit to the Association, but in what your committee believe to De the ideal system of organization, and, in fact, what will be the ulti- mate position of our associations where all subordinate organiza- tions are amenable to the National Amateur Press Association, subject to its decisions and controlled by its actions, such a power would be indispensable. Another advantage would be that the Association would have power to enforce its orders and decrees through the courts. It would seem, however, as though, with proper amendments to the constitution, that document could be made binding enough for the present. But there is difficulty upon the point. Congress has no jurisdiction over any foreign coun- try, and the orders of the Association would not be binding upon our Canadian members, thus putting them upon an en- tirely different status from the other members, and if your com- mittee is correctly informed, rendering them ineligible to office, or excluding them from the Association altogether, which would be an unwise move. As at present constituted, the Association could maintain an action at law for the recovery of its property. Taking everything into consideration, at the present stage of the history of the Association, your committee do not feel justified in recommending that the steps be taken.
TREASURER'S REPORT.
RECEIPTS :
Received from Ex-Treasurer Spencer $ 87 00
Received from dues, etc 39 00
Total I 126 00
DISBURSEMENTS :
Printing oflicial organ and invitations $ 70 00
Money orders and expressage 1 50
Envelopes, telegrams, postage, etc 5 00
Cash on hand 33 25
Total $126 00
Respectfully submitted,
e. X. Andrew^s, Treasurer ■85-''86.
The constitution committee rendered a report, but there is no record as to what part of it was adopted and what rejected. It is probable, however, that the following is a correct record of the amendments adopted ;
162 HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION.
Article X. Section 4. — During the interval between conventions it shall be the duty of the judiciary committee to receive and act upon all charges preferred against a member by another member in good standing. They shall have power to suspend a member, such action being subject to final decision by the convention immediately follow- ing.
Add to article XIII, section 5 : All constitutional amendments made at any convention shall be pub- lished in that issue of the official organ immediately following said convention.
Add to article XV, section 1 : and in order to insure their being counted must be fjroperly filled out and forwarded to the respective officers having them in charge, at least two wrecks preceding the time of convention.
Art. XXIII. Sec. 6. — The president shall api^oint a committee to be known as the document committee, whose duty it shall be to make copies of all documents pertaining to the Association, its oflicers and members, place the same on file and publish such of them as they deem necessary in the number of the National Amateur immediately fol- lowing the convention.
Wherever the word "Amateurdom" occurs, the words "Ama- teur Journalism" -were substituted.
The young ladies were subject to the same money claims as the other members.
There were two other suggestions, the fate of which we have been unable to ascertain :
We suggest that section 3 of article IV be amended by striking out the words "of the constitution" and preceding "and the first vice-president."
We further suggest that section 5 of article XVI be stricken out.
Long after the convention the laureate judges reported. The judge of essays, Mr. J. J. O'CoDnell, gave the laureateship to Mr. Ernest A. Edkins, for his entry "A Forgotten Poet." Mr. Charles C. Heuman bestowed the poet laureateship on Miss Edith Callender for the entry "In Summer Woods."
The first number of the National Amateur did not appear until late in November. President Munro's message occupied almost four columns of space. From it is quoted:
The great need there is for some way of preserving the records of our Association has induced me to complete arrangements for the publication of the N. A. P. A. Year Book, to contain the following: A brief history of our Association, the constitution and by-laws, a list of members and papers, the laureate articles, a complete report of the last convention, and all other data that
HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION.
16B
is worth a place in a chronicle of the year's doings. The book will consist of about one hundred pages.
I hereby appoint the following gentlemen as a credential com- mittee: Mr. Harry W. Robinson, Mr. W. E. Mellinger, Mr. J G. Kugler.
The one issue of the National Amateur following the conven- tion and preceding the new year, consisted of eight pages. It contained the president's message, minutes, reports of various officers and almost four pages of literary criticism.
The papers of the year are carefully reviewed by F. D. Woollen in "Annals of Amateur Journalism in 1886." From it we quote:
For the amateur to fully realize the great improvements which our papers have undergone since the '70's, it is only necessary to read the National Amateur for September, 1883, when Tommy Harrison was official editor. Judged even by the papers of 1883, when Harrison, Reeve, Arnett, Spencer, Bodenwein and Kemp- ner formed a brilliant coterie of editors, our papers of today are in every sense the superior of the papers of all previous years. We have more papers, better edited papers, and papers contain- ing better literary composition than any year previous to 1884, at least, can boast of possessing.
In 1883, Mr. Harrison, as official editor, included in his class- ification table the names of eleven papers, ranking as first class and the names of twenty others ranking as second class.
The National Amateur under Mr. Emery's editorship mentions thirty papers as belonging to the first class and nineteen as belonging to the second class. If we compare the eleven papers ranking as first class with the best eleven papers of 1886, we will see our superiority distinctly enough. Most of the papers of 1883. which rank in the higher grade, are still represented in Amateur Journalism by the editors who then issued them, and the latter are no more highly renowned for ability than many of our new editors who have but lately sprung up. Arnett, Kemp- ner, Emery, Grant and McClain still keep up their connection with Amateur Journalism, and with the exception of Emery neither of them ranks in the very highest class of amateur journalists.
It is true we have a multitude of small papers which are of no use or value whatever, and serve to excite more contempt in the minds of strangers for our institution than all our good papers are capable of removing.
It is a great source of relief to turn from the mass of medioc- rity as displayed in these petty sheets whose editors have not
164 HISTORY OP THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION.
yet changed their swaddling clothes, to examine the pages of our best papers, where we delight in the soft, smooth verse of Day, with its delicate, artistic grace and charming color, its odor of golden-rod and purple-misted hills, its autumn nuellowness and sad beauty ; where we linger with delight over the finely-balanced periods, the smooth, flowing, yet caustic style of O'Connell; where we eagerly scan the last critical essay of the polished, scholarly Edkins ; where we carol the songs of Batchelder and Stinson, Emery and Bergen ; where we gather faith and pride in the strengh of our institution from the romances of Batsford, Bull, Bergen and Dowe, the sketches of Kitchen, Cleveland, Mil- ler and Lester and the essays of Emery, Edkins, Stephens, Hughes, Doughty and Martin, and the editorials of Moore, Hun- ter, Shelp, Robinson and McClinton. Also where we take so much pleasurable pride in witnessing the triumphs of a numerous junior class of litera, who, though far from being perfection, are gradually working up to higher things, and who, occasionall}^ by some burst of inspiration, strike off lines worthy of our best authors.
Of all our most prominent journals, the Violet has been the medium through which the greatest number of our real literary recruits have gained the ear of our institution, although Leisure Moments bids fair to outrival Mrs. Swift's journal in this respect. Among those amateur authors whose productions first appeared in the first named magazine we mention James W. Doughty, Emma J. Bates, Dora Sheldon, L. W. Kitchen and the writer of this article. Leisure Moments was the means of introducing H. D. Hughes, Sam S. Stinson, Robert Tilney, Bertha Wuest and several others of lesser note.
In Leisure Moments we have Hughes, Stinson, Tilney and Batchelder, who give to it a tone derived from their thought and mode of expression. Just so we find the Sentinel and Aihenia deriving individuality from Edkins, Emery, O'Connell and Buck- ley. Consequently these journals are sharp, caustic, sarcastic, flattering and diffuse all in one.
The Violet derives its peculiar tone from writers of a far dif- ferent individuality. This magazine is not so much the represen- tative of any certain coterie of writers as it is the representative alma mater of the embryo amateur literati. The editorial pages of Violet have never equaled those of the Brilliant, Faciflc Cour- ant or Bric-a-Brac, but they have always been generous and kind, directed for the good of Amateur Journalism ; sincere, sympa- thetic, and — what others have not alwaj^s been — consistent.
Probably the most conservative of our papers was the Micro- gram. Its editorials were free from vituperation, and were noted for strong, good sense. What literary matter it published was
HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION, 165
sometimes of the best, never of the poorest. Quartz, another California paper, leaped into popularity on its first appearance. It showed a marked individuality which was rather quaint and unique. Another paper which does not fail to attract attention, and which one cannot help thinking of, when thinking of 'Frisco, is the Pacific Courant. This paper has always been a power among the all-editorial sheets, and the influence of its columns is second to none.
Away up in Canada Amateur Journalism is represented by several good papers, which are known as the Nugget, Catmda and Bric-a-Brac. The 'Nugget issued a literary number m June that was a conspicuous sample of the literary ability of Canadian authors. During the year only three numbers of Youth appeared. As Sullivan's term as president drew to a close the paper expired. Progress was another publication which was short-lived after the new year of 1886 had come in. It was issued but once during the year.
We must not forget to mention in this article the paper which is known as our official organ, the National Amateur. Under Mr. Emery's management it leceived much praise from the amateur press in general. Emery's classification scheme was favorably received, and he was as correct and impartial in his judgment as one could well be. Edkins has issued but one number of the paper. Judging from this we believe that the official organ for '87 will be one of which we will long feel proud.
Besides the Violet, Ohio is particularly proud of two other papers — the Palladium and Picayune. Both are bright, clean, interesting journals, a credit to the institution of which they form a part.
O'he last year has chronicled no serious '-w^ordy war," except what was known as the Empire State trouble. Here an associa- tion of amateurs disagreed among themselves, divided off into two antagonistic parties, and fell to calling names like a crowd of street gamins. Happily the trouble did not continue for any great length of time, and the papers outside the Empire State remaining neutral, the affair had no serious effect. The Cali- fornia papers also engaged in a little civil war, which came near costing the N. A. P. A. a convention.
Among the new journals of the year, One commanded general attention, partly from the fame of its editor, and partly from its own intrinsic worth. Two appeared shortly after, not unworthy to follow in the footsteps of such an illustrioiis predecessor. Fred Heath's old Stars and Stripes was ably conducted by Will Dunlop, while the former gentleman issued Our Kyiiglit Errant, a paper which bade fair to eclipse all his other publications, but which, alas! survived only a few months. Other new papers sprang up
166 HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION.
which coDtinued on till the eod of the year, and a few like the Frairie Zephyr, Norm, Commentator, FricJily, Fear and Osceola Star gained not a little influence in the fraternity. The FricJcly Pear had a distinct individuality about it, which in the same degree, was not possessed by any other paper. It had much pith and no little humor, and its weekly visits were heartily wel- comed. The Commentator commanded general respect for its sensible editorials, and much consideration for the business-like energy of its chief editor.
The Norm was the journalistic sensation of the year. Upon its first appearance, which was anonymously, it attracted so much attention that all Amateurdom was in a quandary regarding the person who edited it. Many declared that it was Steele, while others loudly proclaimed the editor to be none other than Par- sons. What was the surprise of everybody then, when the paper suddenly changed tactics, and came out with the name of Boechat as editor and publisher.
Among the number of small western journals which showed more than average ability, we must make honorable mention of the Dowagiac News, Kansas Zephyr, New Moon of 'Frisco, Glean- ings, Fen and Fress, Chrysalis and Golden Gate. And in the same connection we must place the names of those eastern journals like Quartette, Flanet, Solo, Breeze, Duett, Spear, Forest City SparJc and the Monthly News.
The Year Book reviews the work of the editors at length, and the following is extracted :
It would be difficult quite to decide whether the Brilliant is more welcomed for its beautiful literary features or its highly polished editorial effects. The assertion will find no gainsayers that among all our editorial writers Mahlon H. Shelp and D. B. Stephens, of the Brilliant, are by far the most brilliant, the most > polished and the most logical. It is true the Brilliant appears no of tener than the changes of seasons, four times a year, yet its influence upon each appearance is marked and lasting, for good. As the foremost all-editorial paper, the Facific Courant has accustomed its readers to several styles of ability which in brilli- ance can affect no comparison with that of the Brilliant. But, on the other hand, the editors of the Courant possess the other rare quality of simplicity. The setting is never so elegant, but the gems are quite as rare. Harry VV. Robinson represents another style of writing from either of the above. The force he develops in a few words is electrifying. Robinson does not hedge about fearful of giving offense; he is frank, fearless, uses no dissimulation and cuts right to the line regardless of consequen- ces. These are valuable traits, and the editor of Bric-a-Brac
HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION. 167
could heighten Ihem considerably by observing some approach to regularity. Frederic Faries Heatii has been president of the National for part of a terra, and has accomplished such an amount of recruiting work as none but himself can ever know or appreci- ate. His Stars and Stripes in '83 and '84 led the van, with its finely engraved headings, illustrations and readable editorials. The Kansas Zephyr has gained a world-wide reputation for reg- ularity and good common sense. Fred and Justin Bowersock have placed the imprint of their broad, honest, Christian charac- ter upon the pages of the Zephyr \u marked relief. The style of Bowersock brothers is plain, unaffected and never fatiguing. W. E. Mellinger, of the Chicago Commentator, is fast winning a name among the forcible yet truthful editors of our institution. R. L. Colman, in his Flant, and later in Our Compliments, discovers the making of a tirst-class amateur editor and journalist. Frank C. Liudsley and W. B. Baldwin, of the FaUadium, have, in a comparatively short time raised their journal to a leading position among its contemporaries. Fred D. Cole, of the Globe, Abbott Village, Me., has made visible progress witliin the year, and this can be said truthfully of a score uf others, who possess peculiari- ties of style with a nearly even degree of accomplishment. A. L. McClinton and Jerome C. Bull, of San Francisco, have stepped out from the ranks and taken advanced positions which they are Well qualified to maintain. McClinton displays great indepen- dence of character and Bull remarkably diversitied powers of observation. W. A. Cowley, of Our Optic fame, proves a most interesting editor. The impression never fails to a reader of Cowley's editorials that tiie truth and nothing but the truth should prevail.
The "schemes" of the year are thus described in Dunlop's "Annals:'*
Several new schemes were originated during the 3'ear 1886, one providing for the publication of a "year book," another to pro- vide a permanent meeting pla'je, and a third to establish a uni- form page system. The first idea was broached by Mr. Munro, and caused considerable comment. tlis plan was for the Asso- ciation to publish yearly a large book, to ct)ntain a complete history of all important events occurring in the amateur fraternity. As such a plan would involve the Association in great expense, the plan was not favorably considered at the San Francisco con- vention. The idea of a permanent meeting place was first pro- mulgated by W. C. Davis, of Denver, Cuio. Much discussion was provoked over the matter, but owing to its utter impractica- bility it was linally abandoned. Fred Heath brought forward
168 HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUK PRESS ASSOCIATION.
what was known as the Stars and Btrifpes uniform page plan. It was stated thus :
It is proposed to effect, after July 1, 1887, a change in the page form of all amateur papers, to agree Avith a standard size (to be agreed on hereafter) . The paper issued during the official year to be gotten together, passed upon by a committee at the N. A. P. A. convention, and bound by the Association into a volume. This volume, or better, the volume in triplicate, to then be i3resented to three reliable public libraries, respectively in prominent cities, that will guarantee tbem safe keeping, and w^ere they will be on hand for reference, the same as other books.
The idea was generally commended, and the indications at the end of the year were that it would go into effect wt the time specified.
In "Annals of Amateur Journalism in 1886" Frank D. Woollen writes:
Our Authors — May God bless them everyone.
Our literature has been remarkable this year for the wide range it has taken, for the depth of thought displayed, for a certain elegance m style, and lor the number and ability of our authors. Undoubtedly our essayists have shown a nearer approach to the perfect than ever before, and they continue to gain in strength day by day. The romancers and story-writers are becoming much more entertaining and original, and the historical novel has for the first time stepped in to play an important part in the his- tory of our literary realm. Tlie poets have been content to sing less this year, as a general thing, and the result has been benefi- cial. More hard thinking performed. In fact, our authors are just beginning to think. They are becoming convinced of the futility of penning poor verse when excellent prose is at their command. Knowing the fate of Phaeton, they are wise in drop- I)ing the reins which refuse to control their Pegasus, and thus are saved. Plain prose is doing much for us today, has done much for us the past year, and will accomplish still more. Through the influence of this new reform in prose our views of things are enlarging and becoming clearer, we are plunging deeper into intel- lectuality, our eyes are beginning to fatbom the deep abysm of truth, we are becoming students more aiul more.
All in all, we have had a great year — a year of reform, of progress, of development. A push in the rigbt direction has been given us; if we keep moving forward, the annalist will have still l)righter pages to record for Amateur Journalism in the years to come.
Mr. Woollen thus treats amateur book publishing:
I)urin<j^ the vear 1885-6 four books of considerable size and inil)orlance wereissuc<l Irom the i)resses of amateur publishers.
HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION 169
Our poet laureate for 1885-6, George E. Day, gathered together some twenty poetical fragments which were published in book form under the name of "Wild Rose and Thistle." This book gained favor upon its first appearance, and is still regarded as a most excellent little volume, both in typographical appearance and literary finish.
"Leaders of Today," published by John Moody, is a book of fifty-seven pages, containing short biographies of twenty-six prominent amateurs, mostly editors and politicians. Those who have obtained notice in this work are Andrews, Bigelow, Burger, Clymer, Cherry, Day, Dunlop, Dowe, Edkins, Emery, Gonden, Hough, Hollub, Kimball, Moore, Munro, Metcaif, Mueller, Pinckne3% Sullivan, Stone, Smith, Truax, Winchell, Wyckoff and Wicks.
"Finlay Arnon's Faie," published by Bert H. Gonden, is a very excellent little volume from the pen of Frank W. Lee, wherein is told the story — true or not we cannot say — of Finlay Grant's wooing of Bertha York, the poetess of Amateurdom. This book had a large sale and was favorably criticised throughout the *Dom.
"Phillis the Fair," published by Will S. Dunlop, owes its existence to the pen of Edith May Dowe, whom O'Connell des- ignates as "that marvelous little tot."
Official Editor Edkins issued but one number of the Notional Amateui\ He was followed by Wm. B. Baldwin who finished the term. The March (1887) issue contained a review of the various associations, committee reports, editorial and president's message, consisting of eight pages. The June issue of six pages, contained the constitution as revised, treasurer's report, edi- torials, etc.
CHflFTER 14.
THE LITERARY LYCEUM OF AMERICA.
Mr. Emery's Reasoning. — Whoelsecoulditbe to Lorenzo. — Announcement and Constitution of the Lyceum. — The Executive Board's Manifesto. — Spencer's Open Letter TO Emery. — Action of Judiciary Committee. — The Refor- mation Over.
IN the closing months of 18S6 Athenia, edited by Brainerd f. Emer3', appeared as the' representative of the literary reformer in amateur journalism. By way of iutroduction, Athenia said :
If you ask the average Amateur Journalist why he pubhshes a paper, he will answer, for self-improvement in literature ; but when you come to see his paper you willlind it filled with politics. This is the way he improves himself in literature; He knows exactly whether Mr. Jones can preside well over the bawling of a convention ; he can tell you precisely how many numbers of a paper Mr. Smith has issued, but whether the papers were well edited he doesn't care a rush, nor can he tell whether they were or not. He can explain how Mr. Robinson managed Mr. Soforth's campaign and got defeated ; he can show where the err©rs of judgment occurred, but he is very likely to think Dante wrote "Paradise Lost" and to suppose Milton gave the world the "Inferno." He glories in describing the educational facilities of Amateur Journalism — and fills bis columns with politics and bad grammar. It will be seen from this that the average amateur believes in precept and practice agreeing. He is called the plod- der, the Philistine, and for him Athenia has a cordial hatred. It is to quite another class that Athenia is to be devoted — to the amateur who is honestly interested in literature, who is what he pretends te be. He is known as the Reformer, and on his head the Philistine delights to shower the full power of his abuse and bad grammar. Strange to say, the Reformer survives and increases in strength each year. He is the true amateur jour- nalist and the only amateur journalist worthy the name. The Philistine is an ignoramus and a blackguard. His days are numl)ered. He is to be kicked out and an Amateur Journalism of Reformers remain. When that "consummation devoutly to be wished" is reached, Athenia will have fulfilled its mission and will fold up its tents and silently steal away.
HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION. 171
The National Amateur Press Association is supposed to foster the literary spirit, inasmuch as it is devoted to the best interests of Amateur Journalism ; but literary exercises are noticeable for their absence, and no literary qualifications are necessary to render a person eligible to membership. Another thing: The N. A. P. A. encourages recruiting with no discrimination — an illiterate recruit being as welcome as one really desiring to gain literary culture. Now this is all wrong. An Association which endeav- ors to represent a literary institution should foster literary studies, should require some literary attainments of its members. Otherwise it fails in its object. We see that the N. A. P. A., to be really useful, must make literary attainments one of the qualifi- cations to be considered in electing officers and members. No illiterate person should be admitted. A rigid standard should be adopted. Indiscriminate recruiting must be discouraged. Can this be done and the present organization be retained? It may be, and it may not. But it must be done, any way.
There is no middle course if Amateur Journalism is to be saved and made useful. The Philistine must be driven out. Make our cause something more than child's play, discourage and banish politics, and he will lose all interest and retire. We must do our utmost to bring this about. Our literati must be stirred up to greater efforts. Some of them, even, have dabbled in politics to the detriment of literature. They should remember that in set- ting so bad an example they are damaging Amateur Journalism and themselves. Let them return to literature and work for Amateur Journalism, an institution which is a reality and not a sham. If any amateur wants politics, let him form a new society and call it by another name — true Amateur Journalism is far higher and nobler in its aims. To destroy politics and banish the Philistine — this should be our object.
We propose that at the Philadelphia convention of the National A. P. A., a series of essays be prepared and read by prominent amateurs selected by the president sufficiently long before to give them ample opportunity to prepare themselves well. And we also propose that the president appoint four critics, who, at a subsequent session, shall prepare and read criticisms on the essays read. Then let a ballot be taken as to which essayist has treated his subject best.
* * * * The knell of the Philistine has been sounded, and his overthrow is only a question of time. The day of the political trickster is over. The leaders of our little world, to whom she must look for salvation, are Edkins, Da3^, O'Connell, Hey wood, Shelp, Stevens, Batchelder, Miller, Mrs. Grant and Gleasou. If they will put their shoulders to the wheel they can set the chariot of reform rolling. And they are going to do it.
172 HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION.
Politics mean death to our institution. They shall be abolished.
A "letter" written by James J. O'Connell, also appeared in this issue:
A LETTER
From an Amateur of Nowhere, Who is Visiting the United
States, to His Friend Lorenzo, Grand Scribe of the
Amateur Author's Association op Nowhere.
My Dear Lorenzo: — Several months have . elapsed since I left the island of Nowhere, in order to inquire into the workings of Amateur Journalism in America. I have not forgotten my prom- ise to send you a brief account of the things I have seen, so that you could better comprehend the report I will render upon my return to our honored Amateur Author's Association. But, the truth is, I have seen so many things that are so strange and won- derful to a foreigner, that I have despaired of making myself fully understood by you. My notes are yet in the utmost dis- order, so this letter cannot be otherwise than rambling. I will, therefore, content myself with hitting off for you a few of the most salient features of Amateur Journalism in America, leaving the details until I am once more with you and our brother Bo- hemians in the land of pipes and lager beer.
I find Amateur Journalism to be an institution without any organization whatever. There are no records of how it originated ; it is merely known that for years it has struggled on through a spasmodic existence — at times full of life, and then again so moribund that its pulse has almost ceased to beat. It has never had any fixed object in view, and resembles a large school — but a school without a master, in which each scholar follows the bent of his own mind. An institution, owing its being to such circum- stances as these, can never accomplish any good. Individual members may improve themselves by their own exertions, but the institution itself is impotent for good.
Of late years the constitution of the National Amateur Press Association has offered an apology for an object by the iuserting of a somewhat equivocal clause, stating that its aim is the advance- ment of Amateur Journalism and as a side issue, it professes to be opposed to sensational Uterature. But these things mean nothing at all, except that Amateur Journalism has for years been sailing under false colors. The average amateur is not noted for his scholarly attainments — he does little reading and still less thinking — but whenever he doas read, it is the very class of periodicals by condemning which he has sought to gain public recognition for his cause. Thus, with a lie upon its face, is it strange that the outside world has always given Amateur Journalism a very cold shoulder?
HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION
173
Lorenzo, I have not forgotten year last request of me when leaving: "Be sure and send me the complete works of all the presidents of the National Amateur Press Association." I would willingly do so, but, the truth is, that with one exception, none of the presidents have ever written anything. As soon as an amateur becomes educated and learns how to write, he is no longer eligible to the office. If all the presidents, from Harrison down to the present day,wefe put into a bag and well shaken up, it is a question as to which would come out first. Perhaps Reeve, Grant and Sulhvan were more conscientious than the others, but they have all been dulness personified. Indeed, there is a tradi- tion that upon the birth of every president a miracle takes place, similar to the one described by Dryden :
The midwife placed her hand on his thick skull, With this prophetic blessing: "Be thou dull."
This National A. P. A. is entirely different from our Amateur Author's Association. Our body is magnificently organized ; all our members are imbued with the literary instinct, and when they improve themselves they improve one another. We have four grades of members — freshmen, sophomores, juniors and seniors. The association has no officers, in the ordinary sense of the word, but is governed by the seniors, who come together whenever it is necessary to choose a new executive and scribe, which are all the officials needed in an association of this kind. Instead of using a ballot, which invariably creates jealousy and disturbance, the seniors merely cast lots for the offices. Any member is thus liable to be chosen, but ^ no one can be a senior until he has shown marked ability, and as all the members are thus equal, it does not matter which of the seniors' names should happen to be drawn. For this reason we have always capable men at the head of our association, and there is ever a noble rivalry among our younger members as to which will be the first to be promoted to a higher grade.
With the National A. P. A. all is different. It nieets annually and elects a long list of officers who have nothing to do, and who take good care to do it. The president has no duties to perform, except to issue his paper every month. He is judged by that alone. If, at the end of his term, he has pubhshed twelve num- bers of his paper, he is handed down to posterity as a good presi- dent; if he hasn't done so, he is handed down as a bad one. Tthe vice-presidency is a soft-soap office, generally given to the defeated presidential candidate, or to one of his henchmen. The other vice-presidencies are figure-head offices, created to recon- cile dissatisfied factions. The recording secretary is entrusted with the books. He generally keeps them ; for Amateur Jour- nalism has no archives. The other secretary wastes his time and
174 HISTORY OP THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION.
depletes tbe treasury by valueless correspondence. The treasurer waits until there is a round hundred in the box, when he becomes a fossil and is never heard of any more. The official editor does more work than all the other officers combined, but as the Asso- ciation itself is merely a plaything, the official organ is seldom much better. As for the business transacted at these conventions, it is the most vulgar and trivial that can be imagined. The first one I attended took me entirely by surprise, for I had pictured to myself a meeting somewhat similar to those of our Amateur Author's Association, where each member of the senior class reads a carefully prepared essay upon the subject given out months before by the executive. At these meetings many famous men-of-letters are present, who aid us in our work by passing judgment upon our essays. But I had made a big mistake. There was no fear of missing the place of convention. I heard it on the street a block away. But when I entered the room I thought I must have made a mistake, and got among a party of lawyers' apprentices. The din was deafening ; a couple of loud- mouthed bullies were blackguarding each other from opposite sides of the room. Occasionally a weaker voice could be heard calling for the previous question or rising on a point of order. Then a ballot was taken which ended in more confusion, after which the convention adjourned to play a game of ball. I was dumbfounded, and went home to ponder over the scene I had just witnessed. Here I had attended a convention of amateur jour- nalists, who claim to belong to a literary institution, and yet I did not hear the word literature mentioned once during the entire session.
I have already told you that there is no organization about Amateur Journalism. Anyone can become a member, without having previously shown any ability or taste for literature ; so, it is not strange that most of the amateurs are drawn from the un- educated classes of society. Quantity counts for more than quality, and "the worker," who is merely a recruiting-sergeant, is never so happy as when he picks up a red-headed, dirty-nosed Bowery urchin and introduces him to the fraternity as a promis- ing recruit, who is destined to become one of the most prominent amateurs in the ranks. The introduction invariably winds up with the information that the neophyte will shortly issue the Blad- der, and editors are kindly requested to send him copies of their papers. As a natural consequence, nine-tenths of the amateurs are intellectually deaf, dumb and blind ; and Amateur Journalism, instead of being a literar}^ institution, is merely an expensive pas- time, where the members play at make-believe politics. They do nothing but wrangle from one year's end to the other, and if brought to task will plead that the3^ are fighting for a principle.
HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION
175
This so-called principle has no existence outside the shallow brain of some wire-puller, who makes it a pretext for involving the fra- ternity in a squabble, for a month after he has fought and gained his point he will be over on the otiier side with a brand new principle, and will fi^ht with renewed vigor to undo the very work he accomplished only the month before.
The female amateurs, being recruited from the same circles of society as the males, of course, very few of them are mentally at- tractive. They do not indulge so much in politics as their brother amateurs, but this is not because there is anything literary about them, but simply for the reason that they are not built that way. As a substitute for politics they deluge the amateur press with school-girl compositions on "Friendship," "Hope," "Mother" and "Heaven." These are so atrociously bad that even if handed in as school exercises their writers would probably all be treated to a good spanking. Poetry is by no means neglected, and, thanks to the editor of Youth, we are each month treated to a fine display of female amateur verse. It does not matter what the theme may be, the substance is always the same. The author is discovered sitting in the twilight, thinking of all the troubles there are in this world. Then, just as her trials are becoming unbear- able, she sees a cloud with a silver lining. After this she begins to doze and hears the heavenly band. It takes a dozen rheumatic lines to convey her to heaven, when she begins flying about with nothing on but a pair of wings. Heaven, I may incidentally state, IS always described as having pearly gates and golden streets. Where there are several female amateurs in one town they generally organize a local association. To study literature, you ask ? No, indeed ; to indulge in kissing games. I was once introduced to one of tUese female amateurs, having been previously informed that she was of the literati. I began wondering whether she was as brilliant and intellectual as the women of our Author's Associaiion. I became sceptical when she pronounced "Amateiirdom" Amachewerdumb, and the illu- sion altogether vanished when I noticed that both her teeth and her finger nails were innocent of a brush.
I send you a clipping from the San Francisco Examiner. It is an article on Amateur Journalism, illustrated with the por- traits of eighteen alleged prominent amateurs. With the possible exception of Arnett (and he owes the dubious distinction to the accident of being a resident of San Francisco at the time the article was gotten up), you have probably never heard of any of them. The female amateurs are represented by a Mrs. Swift and a Miss Smith, while not a word is said about Miss Brown or Miss Dowe (that marvelous litile tot), who, intellectually, are worth a hundred Zelda Arlington's and all the female poetasters
176 HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION.
and authorlings who smear their drivel through the dirty-looldng, misspelled pages of the Youth.
Despite all I have related, my dear Lorenza, I am confident that Amateur Journalism could be made as great a power for good as our own Amateur Author's Association, if the institution were but properly organized and managed. The great majority of the recruits are attracted to the cause by the prospect of hav- ing a little fun. Uneducated, and with no desire to educate themselves, they must look for amusement outside of literature. They thus turn Amateur Journalism into a playhouse and organ- ize associations just for the sake of fighting for the offices. For years the presidency of the National has been an empty honor, conferred upon those who had not the ability to succeed in liter- ature. The proper place for these persons is of course, in the various debating and social clubs which exist all over the country, but they are too ignorant to perceive that the greatest mistake they ever made was in joining a literary institution. There are hundreds of young men and women, educated and- of literary taste, who would be only too glad to join an institution which was devoted to the study and pursuit of perfection, but they do not feel disposed to waste their time just seeing which dullard is going to get the greatest number of votes for an office which has no intrinsic value or significance. That this picture is not over- drawn, it is merely necessary to state that Amateur Journalism, during its entire existence, has never yet produced a man of superior talents. Out of the host of amateurs graduated every year, not a dozen could make their salt at newspaper work, let alone at literature. This fact has not escaped the notice of even the average amateur, for he attempts to atone for it by claiming as former members many famous men-of -letters who died before the institution came into existence. It is folly to contend that a man was an amateur, in the sense which theso persons use it, just because he wrote a manuscript magazine in his youth. The name of Nathaniel Hawthorne is most commonly paraded as a graduate of Amateur Journalism by the very persons who, were Hawthorne an amateur at the present day, would try to drive him out of the ranks because he was a man of education.
A very intelligent young person recently gave his experience as an amateur. He was born and bred a gentleman, his parents being of literary habits. He was induced to become an amateur under false pretenses, one of the "workers" having told him that Amateur Journalism was a literary institution. After being a member for a month, and attending one convention, his eyes were opened and he saw he had been deceived. While neither proud nor liaughty, he had suflficient self-respect to see that he was mingling with young men who were both intellec-
HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION. 177
tually and socially far beneath him. He had no hard feeling toward them ; many of them were "good fellows" in their way, but there was nothing in common between them. He retired, and was soon forgotten.
If the Story of this young man, who washed his hands of Ama- teur Journalism the moment he found out what it really was, is sufficient to arouse our sj^mpathy, how much more sorry must we feel for those few line spirits who have remained amateurs just for the sake of trying to redeem the cause in the eyes of the outside world. They have been sneered at as only the careless can sneer ; abused as only the ignorant can abuse; hounded as only the brutal can hound. And so, with no hope of any other reward than the consciousness of battling for the truth, they have dashed themselves to pieces against the Philistinism of the ama- teur press. Some have fought with Spartan courage, whilst others, weaker and less hopeful, have, like Shelley, merely *' beaten in the void their luminious wings in vain." Daring spirits are con- stantly springing up to carry on the good work of the reform movement. They move, but their progress is slow. For years Amateur Journalism has been living an unhealthy life, oscillating
Between two worlds ; One dead, the other struggling to be born.
Adieu, my dear Lorenzo, for I find that the candle is burning low in the socket. Whoelsecoulditbe.
The publication of this "Letter" and its accompanying com- ment attracted widespread attention in amateur papers. A num- ber of letters were published, addressed to imaginary persons, mostly on the Philistine side of the controversy. As an answer to these Afhenia in the January, 1887, issue, printed another letter, signed "Philistine,'' in which the same ground was taken, by sar- castic thrusts at the "plodders."
A circular accompanied January Athenia, of which the follow- ing is a copy;
THE LITERARY LYCEUM OF AMERICA.
Announcement and Provisional Constitution Adopted at the Organization Meeting.
We believe that Amateur Journalism is primarily, and should be actually, a literary institution.
That the interchange of intelligent thought and of refined criti- cism should constitute alike the object and the aim of its ad- herents ;
That all subjects foreign to this design should be rigidly ex- cluded from all papers published under its auspices ;
178 HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION.
That all meetings of its Associations shall be given entirely to proceedings of a nature calculated to improve the literary culture of those participating.
We believe that the present *'Araateurdom" fails of these re- quirements, and we demand a change in the existing order.
To that end we have organized under the name
THE LITERARY LYCEUM OF AMERICA,
and have adopted the following provisional Constitution :
1. The general business of the Lyceum shall be administered by an executive board, to consist of three members, who shall be appointed, at each annual meeting, by their predecessors in office. The executive board shall choose their own chairman.
2. The executive board shall draught and report at a special meeting, to be held for that purpose, a list of the names of such persons, papers and associations as are now and may be then con- nected with the National Amateur Press Association, or with "Amateurdom," or whose opinions are inimical to the principles hereinabove expressed. Such names as shall, by a two-thirds vote of the members present, be included in said list, shall con- stitute the "proscription list.''
3. The Lycteum shall meet annually during the month of July, at such place as may be chosen at the foregoing meeting.
4. No member of the Lyceum shall in any manner discuss the affairs of the institution known as "Amateurdom."
5. No member shall, after 1st March, 1887, send any paper, contribution or subscription to any paper, person or association included included in the proscription list of the Lyceum, and he shall accept no copies of papers so mentioned, nor subscriptions from any such paper or persons. He shall not attend any meet- ing of any associations prescribed by the Lyceum.
6. No person shall be eligible to membership in the Lyceum who is not fully in sympathy with its aims, nor until his or her credentials have been favorably passed upon by the executive board. J. Rosevelt Gleason,
Brainerd p. Emeuy, Ernest A. Edkins,
Executive Board. B. P. Emery, Secretary of the Board, 244 Grand St.,
December 20, 1886. Newburgh, N. Y.
The executive board explains its action in this issue of ^^J^ema, under the heading, ''The Parting of the Ways:"
Recent expressions of opinion show that the reform movement is unpopular in Amateur Journalism. The majority prefer, and always have preferred, the predominance of politics over literature and indulgence in unprofitable amusement, rather than the exer-
HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEL'R PRESS ASSOCIATION. 179
cise of those faculties which the institution is designed to improve. Every one whose sj^mpathies were with reform has been maligned ; everj^ one who has entered Amateur Journalism with the idea that it was a body of young men and young women engaged in the "study and pursuit of perfection" has been repudiated. A pre- mium has been placed upon dullness and a ban upon brains. Circumstances such as these have held down Amateur Journalism so that it is today regarded, wherever it is known, as a band of self-satisfied upstarts. Strong as the vulgar sentiment has been, the evidences of inherent improvement are discernible ; for the irresistible forces of reform have gradually beaten down some of the greatest barriers. Yet, after all, we doubt whether the reform movement could, even b}^ the most arduous endeavor, overcome many of the existing evils which are incidental to State associations and the National A. P. A. ; whether it could bri'ig its principles to be the settled policj'. In view of these circumstances, the reformers feel that they can better attain their ends by withdraw- ing from Amateurdom and organizing an institution wherein liter- ary endeavor, alone, shall be stimulated ; whose members will find all the advantages of Amateur Journalism in its best sense, with- out its course features ; an institution wherein there will be no politics, no campaigning, no wrangling, no baseball. This will be called the Literary Lyceum of America. It will draw only its nucleus from Amateur Journalism. The Lyceum will be honest and consistent. It will welcome all who seek the inestimable advantages of polite writing and candid criticism. It will debar no one because he is not a clever author, a poet of melodious verse Of a master of polite diction ; but it shaU exclude the man who will not strive, with all his native abilitj-, to approach these standards.
With this number of Athenia a provisional constitutianal of the Lyceum is issued.
We do not suppose that the founders of the new institution will escape the malignant lury of the Philistines, whose copious cal- umny will ascribe every surreptitious motive to the Lyceum and its friends. Upon this point there can be no argument. If the politicians do not want the literati in Amateurdom, let them stone the literati when they depart.
The plan and purpose of the new institution is, then, self-evi- dent. We invite every member of Amateur Journalism who is prepared to live up to the constitutional provisions, to join the Lyceum.
We invite those who believed ' Amateurdom" a seminary of literature and who found it a cemetery of intelligence; everyone who is content to take his position according to the vitality and refinement of his thought ; ail these we call upon to co-operate
180 HrSTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION
with the committee whose announcement accompanies this copy of Athenia. The day of destiny is come; the little empire, whose king is ignorance, shall totter ; the thunder of reform shall roar with four years' accumulated fury ; the field upon the right and that upon the left shall spring apart, leaving a chasm which no voice can traverse and no bridge can span.
Executive Board.
Under date of January 20, 1887, the following card appeared in Quartz:
The judiciary committee of the National Amateur Press Asso- ciation fully appreciate the necessity of prompt and decisive action in crushing out the recent attempt to ruin the N. A. P. A., and would request that all members who are loyal exercise a small degree of patience, and grant the committee sufficient time to thoroughly canvass the movement. All may rest a&,sured that the best interests of the Association will be protected, and treason quelled at any cost. Will S. Moore,
President Judiciary Committee N. A. P. A.
As a type of the manner in which many amateurs viewed the L. L. of A., portions of an article from Juvens Vade Mecum, June, 1887, are reproduced :
AN OPEN LETTER TO MR. B. P. EMERY.
My Dear Friend: — I am in receipt of your polite note inviting me to become a member of the Literary Lyceum of America. It is, perhaps, unnecessary for me to say that 1 have been one of those who looked for and worked for the reformation and improve- ment of Amateur Journalism, and that any movement toward that end, which seemed to me wise in its methods, has met with my approval and support. During the past year I have watched the struggle from afar, regretting that my circumstances were such that I could not join with you in the good work, but never for a moment doubting the final success and triumph of the move- ment having for its object the elevation of the cause. Judge, then, of my surprise when I suddenly learned that the Reformers, if I may make use of that term, had become discouraged by the immensity of the task before them, "given it up as a bad job,'* and retired from the ranks, leaving Amateur Journalism to be saved by other hands. You must excuse me if I confess that I expected different things, that I had thought you possessed of greater courage, pertinacity and perseverance than to give the matter up so, publicly acknowledging that the Philistine, as you term him, is too strong for you, and that, after all, the game is hardly worth the candle.
When in 1882 Mr. O'Connell declared that, except as the
HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION. 18l
T^v'orld improves, "Amateur Journalism can never improve;" that its scope migbt he enlarged and its numerical strength increased, "but that is all the advancement it can ever make," not only did he show that his judgment in matters of this kind is not always to be depended upon, but, if his words had been accepted as true by the molders of public sentiment at the time, Amateur Journalism would not now be enjoying even as high a state of development as it is.
Mr. O'Connell would now abolish politics altogether, yet it was he who wrote that "Amateur Journalism without its campaigns would be insipid and monotonous." In this statement, as usual, he has gone to an extreme, but he is partially' right. It it cer- tainly true, however, that the politics of Amateur Journalism have done harm to the cause, for there is
■•Xonght so good, but. strained from that fair use, Kevolts from true birth, stumbling on abuse.''
Buf who is to blame for this present condition of affairs? I lay a large share of the responsibility directly at the door of the literati.
In a conversation held in this city last July with Mr. Edkins, now of your executive board — and who, by the way, I had hoped and expected to help elect president of the National at Jr'hihidel- phia, as a practical step toward the end we have in view — I ventured the remark, and he aoreed with me, that it is, in a great measure, so with our politics. Some of our so-called reformers, such, for example, as Shelp and O'Connell, have in recent years had considerable to say about the dirt}^ pool of politics, but instead of attempting to turn itinto the right channel, as they might easily have done, they have held aloof, refused to attend our conven- tions, aud let the worst elements manage things for themselves.
In the spring of 1883, in delining the objects of the Reformers, Mr. O'Connell stated one of them was to abolish politics --to an extent." Thus far I was with him. I differ from you in this: You would annihilate Amateur Journalism, I would reform it; you would banish politics, I would improve it.
As for the Lyceum, I cannot see how it can fill the lif Id that Amateur Journalism occupies. In the first place, two somewhat <;orrelated objections occur to my mind. To illustrate, take the •case of Mr. O'Connell. When in 1877 he published the P/ioem>, filled with politics, puzzles, slang and vulgarity, do 3'ou suppose the executive boar.l would have considered him using every effort to attain liis highest literary powers, and have admitted him to the Lyceum? Aud was he likely to have been attracted at that time to an institution of that nature? And yet Mr. O'Connell is now "the high priest of the Reformers.^' It is no disparagement to Mr. O'Connell to point to the depths from which he has come ; it is
182 HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION.
rather a high compliment to his industry and genius, when we consider his present eloquent writings and well-rounded periods. But he says he "recognizes how much Amateur Journalism has done for him." Amateur Journalism has done this, the Lyceum would have failed to reach him. Mr. O'Connell in 1882 declared the California papers at that time to be puerile and picayune and thought affairs on the Pacific coast had degenerated. That Mr. Harrison, Philistine though he may have been, possessed a clearer vision when he said that these journals were yet in their infancy, and that when they reached man's estate they would show that Amateur Journalism had advanced, is shown by the California journals of recent years. And yet, Mr. Moore, with his La Whale, would neither have applied nor have been admitted to the Lyceum. Amateur Journalism has produced the Pacific Courant. I shall give but one more example — that of my own career. The fact that 3'ou liave asked me to join your association is sufficient evidence to me that you now think me worthy to be one of you, but when, five years ago, I first entered the ranks, I think it alto- gether unlikely that you would have admitted me to your societ3\ And, however that may have been, I am sure that at that time I should have felt little interest in a literary lyceum. Amateur Journalism has done much for me ; the Lyceum would not have reached me. There is in Amateur Journalism a strong, uplifting evolutionary tendency, which leads one into the proper channels, if he but takes an interest in his work.
Only last July Mr. O'Connell said in your Sentinel that Ama- teur Journalism had become, as much as it ever can, a literary institution. I have always said that Amateur Journalism was not wholly a literary organization. There is the business training, the love of debate, the practice of oratory, tlie knowledge of parliamentary law and tactics, and many other things, which though of course subordinate to its literary features, are, never- theless, legitimate parts of the whole. Mr. O'Connell has sug- gested as a definition of Amateur Journalism, ''the Jacob's lad- der to professional journalism." I should rather term it an engine of mutual intellectual culture. I have myself received incalculable benefit from my connection with Amateur Journalism, and it has not been all of a literary nature either. I have reaped advantages from our political campaigns, bad as they may have been, and derived much good from our conventions, poorly con- ducted though they may have been. If, then, it can accomplish so much in its present state, what can it not achieve when each and every feature is relegated to its proper sphere? The Lyceum loses all this. And so — call me a Philistine, if you will — I cannot but express the opinion that your association can never equal Amateur Journalism, even though it attain that ideal state of
HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION 183
perfection it has reached iu that county so felicitously described by Mr. O'Counell as "the land of pipes and lager-beer."
In conclusion, to use a Shaksperian expression, iny dear Emery, chew upon this : there is in Amateur Journalism such a latent power and innate tenacity, and its principles and methods are so well grounded, that the withdrawal of half a dozen of its members and the formation of a literary association will never destroy it. It will press on, despite the Lyceum, in its useful and educating work. These are some of the reasons which have influenced me in decliniog 3^our invitation to join your association. But while I cannot honestly wish your institution success, for its individual members, severrd of whom are my personal friends, I have but the best wishes for their prosperity. Believe me to be as ever your sincere friend, Tklman J. Spexcer.
Hartford, Conn., March 1, 1887.
Under date of March 10, 1887, the judiciary committee rendered a report which was publised iu the March Amateur, and dealt with the L3'ceum as follows :
The Amateur Author's Lyceum of America, organized secretly, by members of our Association, who endorsed sentiments antag- onistic to the National Amateur Press Association, i» a circular letter sent out under date of December 20, 1886, was thoroughly investigated by your committee, and we found it to be a direct attempt to cause the downfall and ruin of the National Amateur Press Association. Recognizing this fact, your committee obtained the names of all members of our Association said to be connected with the scheme, and forwarded to each of them a copy of the following letter :
Office Judiciary Committee National Amateur Press Association.
Mr
Dear Sir: — Our attention has been called to a circular headed the Literary Lyceum of America, issued under date of Dec. 20, 1886, and signed by Messrs. J. R. Gleason, B. P. Emery and E. A. Edkins, as an executive board. While our committee recognizes the rights of individuals to form organizations for self-improvement or amusement, or both combined, it appears to them, from a careful perusal of the circular referred to, that the purposes of the Literary Lyceum of Amerioa are antagonistic to and intended to injure or destroy the National Amateur Press Association. Entertaining this belief, we cannot understand how any member, and especially an official mem- ber, of the National A. P. A. can enter into such an organization as the aforementioned Lyceum. The committee can easily conceive how members of the National A. P. A., so inclined, could form a second and select literary association, without in the least conflicting v'ith our National Association, and to this there could be no possible objection. The regulations of the N. A. P. A. provide that any mem- ber thereof may resign his or her membership, and this having been done, the future action of such individual would not be within the
184 HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION.
purvne of our Association; but AA^hen a member, while retaining his or her connection with the National Amateur Press Association, enters into another and antagonistic organization, apparent y making use of the advantages derived from their connection with the Association for the purpose oi organizing any such antagonistic association, it appears to us that the}^ place themselves in a position which leaves but one consistent course for the National A, P. A. to pursue, with regard to them. As your name has been given us as one of the mem- bers and supporters of said Lyceum, we desire to hear from you in response to this communication and at your very earliest convenience. If we have been misinformed or are laboring under any wrong impression in regard to the intents of the Lyceum, we shall be glad to be corrected. Yours most respectfully.
Judiciary uommittee, Per Will S. Moore, President.
While this matter was pending, Mr. Arnettt resigned his posi- tion as secretary of the judiciary committee, giving as a reason that his sympathies were with the Lyceum and while entertaining such feelings, he could not conscientiously hold office in an Association, whose cause he could no longer espouse. Your committee appointed Edwin B. Swift to fill the vacancy.
First Vice-President Wicks, under date of Feb. 7th, tendered his resignation from his office, because of excessive studies at college. Mr. Wicks' sympathies are also with tlie Lyceum, but he states that he is not a member of that society. Your committee accepted this resignation and appointed Second Vice-President Bull to fill the vacancy. Third Vice-President Bowersock has been promoted to the second vice-presidency, and Mr. F. D. Woollen has been made third vice-president.
Resignations from membership in our Association were sent in by Miss Martin and Messrs. Carpenter, EnTer_y and Edkins. The latter two gentlemen likewise resigned their ofllcial positions. That of Miss Martin was accepted, she having resigned her allegiance to the N. A. P. A. before joining the Literary Lyceum, In the cases of Messrs. Carpenter, Edkins and Emery, your com- mittee decided that emphatic action and a severe penalty were necessary.
Your committee concluded to reject the resignations of these gentlemen and declare them no longer officers or mem- bers in the National Amateur Press Association. It is only after mature deliberation that such action was taken and we feel asssured that the members in convention assembled at Philadelphia, will agree with us, that to insure the perpetuity and continued success of our Association it is necessary to punish the movers in all attempted insurrections in the severest manner possible. This is the time when all loyal members of our Asso- ciation must rally to the standard and prove its everlasting stability.
HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION. 185
Your committee has further found it advisable to reorganize the preseut board of officers as follows :
President, Jas. H. Ives Munro; first vice-president, Jerome 0. Ball; second vice-president, Jus. D. Bowersock; third vice-president, Frank D. Woollen; recording secretary, Fred L. Hunter; corresponding secretary, Walter E. ]Vlellinger; treasurer. Zelda A. Swift; official ed- itor, William B. Baldwin: judiciary committee— Will S. Moore, presi- dent; Fred F. Heath, vice-president; Edwin B. Swift, secretary.
A circular letter was issued by President Munro, under date of May 1, 1887, in which he reviewed the reform movement and urged loyalty the N. A. P. A.
At the 1887 convention that part of the judiciary committee's report dealing with the action taken concerning the Lyceum was stricken out ; also all reference to resignations of Emery and Edkins. Thus the N. A. P. A. did nothing.
President Stinson, in his first message— September, 1887, Amateur — reviewed the subject:
I shall not go into a lengthy discussion of reform here, being assured from careful observations that we are even now under- going a course of unconscious reform. I have never entertained theenmity toward the Literary Lyceum of America so bitterly expressed by many of our papers, and would only be too pleased to welcome its adherents back to the National. I have no hesitancy in saying that from the beginning I have been in sym- pathy with the principles of the movement, but objected to the manner of carrying tliem out. The action taken at" the Philadel- phia convention, when the Association refused to entertain the judiciary committee's report relating to the L. L. of A., forcibly demonstrates the fact that its members would be received in a spirit of kindliness. Clearly we cannot afford to lose the men who have done so much toward building up our literature, and who, for the most pa:t, are sincere in their work for reform.
In the initial number of Our Free Lance, September, 1888, Mr. Emery printed the following, closing the days of the Literary Lyceum of America;
To us belong the ashes of defeat; to you, former comrades in Amateur Journalism, the palm of victory. We make this con- fession in all candor ; we have in the past pursued a mistaken course; ytQ ioo^ avi ignus fatuus for a true light; w^e carried a reform to such an extreme that it ceased to be a reform. Now^ we can see all this, and that is why we are back in Amateur Journalism, to try, by earnest work, to atone for past mistakes.
CH/irTCR 15.
PHILADELPHIA'S SECOND CONVENTION.
Campaigns Open the Year. — The Philadelphia Meeting. — Proxies Thrown Out. — Reports of Officers. — Moore's Review of the Year. — The National Amateur.
THE opening of the year 1887 and the events of its first half are thus briefly outlined i.i the second Year-Book, by Frederick Lindsay Hunter:
Ere January, 1887, it became evident that the campaign which was to culminate in the ensuing July would be most closely con- tested. It was quite evident ere the New Year that William S. Moore, of California, and Michael F. Boechat, of New York, would be rival candidates for the presidency. The former's friends agreed upon a campaign committee, of which Fred L. Hunter was constituted chairman, which labored zealously in the interests of its candidate. Mr. Boechat's prospects were in the hands of New York amateurs, who were loyally devoted to their leader.
In May, 1887, the Buffalo Amateur^ a campaign sheet, appeared under the management of John J. Ottinger, which con- tained Mr. Boechat's letter of acceptance. Written in excellent taste, it was chiefly open to criticism in the writer's failure to touch upon some important points involved in the canvass. The letter declared for more popular laureate awards, condemned the literati movement, spoke of the value of our conventions, made a number of recommendations relative to our official organ and urged the necessity of activity. ^
Mr. Moore's letter of acceptance appeared in the June Ubiquitous. In it he denied that his canvass was being made upon sectional issues, congratulated the fraternity upon the high character of the campaign as being conducted by both sides, declared against "slates" and favored a greater interest on the part of the members in amateur politics. He declared that a good, conservative, business-like policy should be our aim, favored a reduction in membership fees, urged the preservation intact of the proxy system, and finished by urging the importance of recruiting in our work.
As with all letters of acceptance, these epistles had little or no effect upon the canvass, they standing in about the same relation to a canvass as does the preface to a book.
Mr. Frank C. Liudsley, of Cincinnati, in bis paper, The Pah
HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION. 187
ladium, gave a graphic account of the 1887 convention. From it we quote :
Tuesday, July 12, about 3 p. m., the convention was called to order by President Munro, and C. R. Burger was appointed secre- tary pro tem. Members present were Messrs. Munro, Boechat, Kempner, Stinson, Kugler, McClain, Burger, Will J. Heineman, Dr. and Mrs. Swift and F. C. Lindsley ; and candidates for mem- bership on hand were Messrs. Chrystie, W. P. Hopkins, LaRue, Wolffe, Goeway, Conolly, Sheridan, Hochstadter, Hughes, Cope, Lewis, F. E. Schermerhorn, Potter, Chiles, Perot, Edmunds, Bell, Burke and Hanly, upon all. of whom the committee reported favorably. Russell was reinstated by special act, no one object- ing. E. G. Wyckoff arrived next day.
Messrs. Kempner, Burger, Stinson, Cope, Swift and the treas- urer, ex-officio, were appointed to examine the proxies, and the convention adjourned till evening^.
Many of the amateurs then visited points of interest in the city. Upon the return to the Continental it was learned that a large number of proxies had been opened before reaching the committee, and this fact raised keen apprehension in the ranks of the Moore men.
The president rapped for^ order at 9 : 30. Kempner, of the committee on proxies, reported sixty-four proxy ballots cast, the duplicates of forty-eight of which had been opened by First Vice-President Bull by mistake. The originals were sealed and tallied with the duplicates. Of the sixteen not previously opened, thirteen were for Moore and three for Boechat. The convention was then resolved into committee of the Whole on the proxies, and Kempner called to the chair. Russell moved that all the proxies be thrown out. After some discussion the motion was withdrawn. Wolffe now made a point of order that the proxies were illegal and therefore could not be considered by the com- mittee. The chair ruled the ballots illegal. An appeal was at once taken by the Moore men, but it failed for lack of a two- thirds vote. If our memory is not at fault, the question was then put to rise and report the proxies illegal and thrown out, which was declared carried by one majority, including the vote of the chair in the affirmative. All this was done rapidly and the excite- ment was intense. Kempner quickly relinquished the chair, and Wolffe abruptly moved an adjournment to midnight, which was put and declared carried amid great confusion. The local Moore adherents left in anger declaring they would denounce the proceedings as illegal, and that they would participate no further in the affairs of the convention.
At the midnight session there were present Messrs. Boechat,
188 HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION.
Munro, Stinson, Kugler, McClain, Heiiieraan, Kempner, Burger, Wolffe, Russell, LaRue, Chrystie, Hopkins, Conolly, Goeway, Sheridan, Swift and Lindsley.
Everyone must have felt that injustice had been done. The trick to get rid of the Philadelphia boys was too i^alpable. Mr. Stinson saw this when he moved to adjourn till next day. Mr. Boechat felt it deeply when, in a determined voice, he declined the nomination for president, and, on a question whether he would accept if the meeting should adjourn till the morning, re- plied in a tone closel}^ bordering on the angry, that under 710 consideration would he accept the oiBce at the hands of ttiis convention. This exhibition of honor and manly dignity was heartily applauded ; and when Russell bluntly expressed his dis taste of a leader who spurned the victory w^on at such a cost, the ringing retort from Boechat, that he thanked heaven there were different tastes, thrilled everyone present into silent respect, and many into contrition over their share in the disgrace.
Few had the assurance to endeavor to proceed with business. Enthusiasm was dead. Russell moved to go on with the election of president and official editor. The response was feeble. In turn Swift, Munro and McClain declined a nomination. Stinson was named. He rose to decline, expressing misgivings as to his fitness, but his hesitating manner proclaimed to the "leaders" their la^t chance, and he was howled down and elected b}^ accla- mation. Woollen was elected unanimousl3\ Adjournment fol- lowed and was heartiij^ welcomed.
Wednesday the convention was slow to assemble. Manj^ were glad so good a man as Mr. Stinson had been made president, but nearlv all regretted that the act had not been left to the calmer judgment of the morning. The proceedings thenceforward were more harmonious, and marked by some observance of parlia- mentary law and the rights of members. Several Philadelphia boys put in an appearance rather tardily, and some of them at first declined to take an}^ part in the balloting.
Arrangements for the banquet were abandoned. The conven- tion was a disappointment to most of the visiting amateurs, and the^^ were anxious to start for home.
Mr. Lindsley's article fails to make mention of the election of minor officers, and from the Violet, Mrs. Zelda A. Swift's paper, the following is taken :
On reassembling Boechat was elected first vice-president by acclamation. After several nominations and withdrawals Miss Phillips was elected second vice. The election of third vice post- poned, and Burger elected recording secretary. For treasurer, Lindslev received twelve votes, and was elected after four ballots
HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRE6S ASSOCIATION. 189
being taken. For third vice McClinton and Ephriara were nomi- nated. Ephriam was elected. Kngler received twelve votes and was elected corresponding secretary. Munro, Kerapner and Figel, judiciary committee. Chicago next meet! nor place. An elegant medal was here presented to the editress of the Violet. Adjourned.
The official minutes give additional infornintion :.
The following new members were ndmilted : Messrs. M. C. Allen, W. H. Bell, —lUirke, N. N. Block, T. L. Chrystie, W. C. Chiles, P. F. Cope, L. D. Downer, B. A. Connolly, E. A. Goeway, C. H. Hall, W. P. Hopkins, H. I). Hughes, H. C. Hochstadter, B. M. LaRue, A. G. Kreidler, \V. C. Lewis, A. C. Mellville, Leon A. Mitchell, S. A. Nelson, J. J. Ottinger, C. U. Potter, F. E. Schermerhorn, R. B. Sheridan, A. P. Windolph, H. Wolffe, C. VV. Edmunds, George Moore, H. F. Thompson ami F. D. Cole; Miss Maud Potter.
The following treasurer's report was submitted to the con- re ntion :
receipts:
C. IST. Andrews. 12 badges and $ 33 25
Philip L Figel 34 70
William S. Moore 25 00
Initiation fees and dues J 27 00
Badges sold 21 50
Total $ 241 45
disbursements:
National Amateur $ 57 00
Proxies, invitations, etc 1175
Receipt book ^o
Postage for official organ 3 00
Munro's bill for 1886 7 65
Amount returned for back dues (E. B. Hill $2, E. E. Stowell $2, Michael F. Boechat$l. C. R. Burger $1,
— Pierrot $1, E. T. Capen $1, W. J. Heireman $2.) . 10 00
Total $ 91 90
Balance in treasury 1-^9 55
:N'umber of names crossed from roll for non-payment of dues or in- activity, 98. Respectfully submitted, Zelda A. Swift .
The progress of Amateur Journalism during the year is thus treated by Mr. Will S. Moore in the Year-Book:
To quote the famous words of John Winslow Snyder, the first president of the National Amateur Press Association, "the cause of' Amateur Jonrnalism is a spark which perpetually renews itself." Political dissensions maj^ arise and personal differences exist, petty jealousies may tug at the heart strings of the average
190 HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION
amateur journaiist, but withal the glorious cause of true Amateur Journalism is destined to flourish. The identity of the cause is necessarily embraced in its publications, and it is by the standard of our papers that the progression or retrocession of the cause must be established.
Assuredly tlie amateur press association is in a measure the very life of the amateur cause, but it is not to the association that the writer would refer if asked to give a true exemplification of Amateur Journalism. Only too often are our associations made unfit representatives of Amateur Journalism by petty quarrels, which, sad to say, in many instances characterize their existence. First, it is the amateur papers that should gauge the standard of excellence in our work, and secondly, the book- publishing interests must be considered. Many books issued under the management of tyros in the rough sea of journalistic experience — amateurs we mean — would reflect credit upon more experienced men. Notably as amongst these might be mentioned Mr. Figel's "Land by the Sunset Sea and Other Poems,'* Mr. Stone's "Poems and Sketches," Mr. O'Connell's "Stanzas and Sketches," Mr. Harrison's "Career and Reminiscences of an Amateur Journalist," and more latterly in appearance, but by no means less in importance, Mr. Boechat's "N. A. P. A. Year Book for 1886-7." All of the above named books are elegantly gotten up mechanically, and ably compiled.
But, coming back to the subject proper of this article — our progression — we may justly claim that the progression of the amateur cause has been steady during the past year. Our authors and editors are attaining a degree of proficiency and polish as surprising as it is true, the like of which has never before been witnessed. The amateur author of today is in many instances a devoted student of literature. Amateurs are beginning to appre- ciate the fact that our cause is one wherein literary distinction may be obtained and true genius recognized. It was not so very long ago that the writers who figured conspicuously in our belles letters were actuated solely from mercenary motives. They wrote by measurements, and each subdivision of literary measurement commanded its fixed price, and in many cases a good round price it was, too. But now how changed. The author of today seldom becomes so prolific that his effusions may be had as commonly as in days of old. Indeed, the average author of these times thinks much more and writes much less than did his less con- scientious brother of a few years since. As a natural consequence we have a much more enlightened tone to our literature. In originality of thought, logic, style and versatility, how favorably do Edkins, Stephens, Arnett and Lukens compare with the essay- ists of eight years ago. Among our sketch-writers look to Shelp,
HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION 1^1
Bull, Dowe, Cleveland, Emery, Bergen and Lynch. Contrast them with the sketch- writers of that much discussed previous time yclept "ye halcyon days," and you cannot but notice the superiority of our latter day talent. How much greater in ability are Day, Edkius, Emery, Heywood and Tubbs than any of our early day poets. Originality and poetic spirit, combined with literary skill and simplicity are observed in their productions in so great a degree as the "old timers" never even conceived in thought, much less committed to verse. Certainly the authorial field in our cause has rapidly progressed.
Our papers, too, are, as a general rule, superior to those of previous times. The two classes — literary and all-editorial — are certainly good evidences of the benefits derived from participat- ing in our cause, viewing the matter from a literary standpoint. Let us note a few of our best literary papers. The Brilliant, that magnificent magazine, replete with the very choicest contrib- uted and editorial matter, larger and by far superior to any other magazine yet published by amateur journalists. The Falladium, Irving Magazine, Bijou, Nulli Secundus, Mistletoe, Violet and Norm are all worthy specimens of our work. Who can possibly read through these journals and fail to recognize the rapid strides of progress made in our work ?
The all-editorial paper is comparatively a new growth in our institution, but it is from the sound and logical utterances of these editorial mouth pieces that the public opinion of our little world is moulded. The editor of the editorial sheet, provided he possesses the requisite vim, intelligence and personality, com- mands a potent influence over his contemporaries. The editorials prove the calibre of the man, much more plainly than a story or poem possibly could. There is a deal of difference in the writer expressing other people's thoughts through the mediem of a sketch, and expressing his own in the editorial "we." A fair- minded, consistent editorial writer is a blessing to the cause of Amateur Journalism, and there are many such among us today.
In conclusion, we may say that the progress and growth of our cause has been rapid, and as the year 1887-1888 has proven, it is lasting. That Amateur Journalism is today enjoying its greatest prosperity is a fact that cannot be gainsayed. That it will con- tinue to advance and gain power is the fervent wish not only of the writer, but of all those who have enjoyed and observed its manifold advantages as a literary institution.
Volume X of the National Amateur was published in bi- monthly numbers. The September issue was of ten pages, con- taining a page of "representative amateur verse;" an article on Amateur Journalism ; minutes of the Philadelphia convention ;
192 HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION.
reports of offiners ; bulletin of new papers; "news 'round the circle," from various localities; editorial paragraphs and the president's message. The December issue was eight pages, con- taining several reprinted poems, "some gossip about amateur papers," several critical articles, news 'round the circle, bulletif> and editorials. The January issue of eight pages, contained "some amateur sonnets," an entry for the essay laureateship^ by B. P. Emery ; a classification of poets, story and sketch ^■riters, essayists, editors, critics and papers; news 'round the circle^ bulletin, president's message, editorial, etc. The March issue, eight pages, contained the usual amount of v.erse, the treasurer's report, bulletin, editorial, news 'round the circle, classification, etc. The May issue, eight pages, contained several poems; a critical article on H. D. Hughes by S. S. Stiuson, edi- torials, bulletin, news 'round the circle, personals, aad the first part of an article on "some old amateur papers." The July issue^ four pages, contained the conclusion of the article on old amateur papers and editorial notes.
CHAPTER 16.
A YEAR OF GOOD WORK. I^AUREATE Recorder Barker's Report. — Review of the Year's Work. — The Chicago Convention. — Barker Elected, Over Woollen.— Moore's Name Put on the Presidential Roster. — The National Asatilcr.
LAUREATE Recorder Albert E, Barker reviewed the year's woik from convention to convention as follows: At Philadelphia in 1887, after an exciting campaign, in which Mr. Will S. Moore's election to the presidency of the National Association seemed a foregone conclusion, circumstances arose which resulted in Mr. Moore's defeat and the election of Mr. S. S. Stinson, of Philadelphia.
Upon the accession of Mr. Stinson, Amateur Journalism was in a seriously divided state of mind. Mr. Moore's friends were positive in their convictions that their favorite had been illegally deprived of his rights, while upon the other hand a majority of the delegates present at the convention were equally as positive in theircouvictions that no other action could have been taken, and that Stinson' s title was bej/ond question.
New England amateurs pursued the even tenor of their way, and no revival was apparent in that section/ Some slight com- motion was caused by the efforts of the Eastern Association to secure a foothold in Ne TV England, but the New England Asso- ciation, which met in Hartford in January, effectually disposed of that question, for the lime being, by a vigorous resolution denouncing all New England men -who should in any manner give countenance or support to the efforts of the Eastern Association. Fred D. Cole's Smiles and Satire increased the reputation it had fast been winning as a bright and sparkling all-editorial sheet. The Yade Mecum was strengthened by the addition of Truman J. Spencer, who, becoming enthused, re-enlisted under the ban- ner he had served so faithfully and well in days gone by. The Bay State Amateur assumed the lead of Massachusetts papers, under the management of W. E. Baldwin, an enthusiastic and talented young man of Pittsfield, while the old Nutmeg State developed a promising recruit in the person of Newton C. Smith, of Waterbuiy.
After the usual period of inactivity so prone to follow the meetings of our prominent associations, New York shook off its lethargy and aroused the energies of Brodie, Heislein, Connolly,
394 HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION
Block, and other well known leaders in behalf of their former love. Messrs. Cramer and Wolffe issued perhaps the finest mag- azine of the season, under the title of the Irving Magazine. Mr. Boechat's paper appeared regularly for several months succeed- ing the convention, an admirable departure and example set to defeated candidates. Mr. Ottinger's Nulli Secundus made a struggle to prove true to its name. Mr. Kempner issued a num- ber of his Union Lance and Joseph Dana Miller apparently at last and in earnest retired from his active authorial duties. The Amateur Mews, under the management of Messrs. Chrystie and Dodd, soon placed itself in the first rank of literary journals. New York was the head center of all activity in book publishing this year. Mr. Boechat had the honolr of puDlishing the first N. A. P. A. year book our Association had ever seen. Although a private enterprises, it was, nevertheless, so entirely and exclu- sively devoted to matters of interest and moment to our National Association, that its name, though never officially authorized, was but natural and proper. It proved so valuable as a book of reference that its continuancec from year to year seemed a matter of necessit}^ and thanks to Mr. Ottinger, the year book for 1887-8 was placed in the hands of subscribers on the first of June, fully illustrated, and a volume indi^pensible to the amateur student. "Coral Gems," '^Rosebuds," "Flutterings of Rhyme," "Morning Glories," and two or three other volumes of more or less value were also given to the public by our New York friends.
New Jersey was enlivened by the return of John Moody and Herbert Reid, while several promising recruits were enlisted through the efforts of Mr. Burger.
As usual in a convention city, the amateurs of Philadelphia, with but few exceptions, took their customary sleep. The Ideal, under Messrs. Schermerhorn and Hochstadter ; the Bising Age, with W. C. Chiles as editor, and the Arena of our worthy presi- dent, were notable exceptions. The latter journal is remarkable for the large number of laureate entries it succeeded in presenting to the literary lovers of our Association.
Osborne I. Yellott, of Towson, Md., by original, though crude, illustrations, and earnest work, made for himself a reputation and name which few secure in so short a time.
The Southern States did not display great activity. Except Texas, which sent out two or three journals, Kentucky was the only state in this section to distinguish itself, which it did through the earnest efforts of Anthony G. Kreidler, of Dayton, whose Xi^era Jfa^a2;me ranked among the finest of its class in Ama- teurdom.
Cincinnati sent out but one or two journals of prominence, the €hief of which was Mr. Lindsley's Falladiuni. The holiday num-
HISTORY OF THK NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION.
195
ber of this journal was especially admiral)le. Mrs. Swift discon- tinued lier editorial labors, while her husband undertook a con- tinuance of the same. One number of the Fio?e< appeared under his control, when it finally suspended. Tiffin and Cleveland were the only other cities to show activity in Ohio.
Indiana's principal worker, Harry F. 'I hompson, editor of Bizarre, was compelled to go south for iiis health earlj' in the winter, which caused a decided lull in amateur affairs of that State.
Illinois held her own. President Carter, in connection with the writer, resurrected the old Exchange- Journal, and with the March number they secured the services of Mr. R. B. Teachenor, one of its original editors. H. R. Cody in the Bay had one of the leading papers of the West, while the Covwientator , although deprived of Mr. Mellinger's services, held the high position it had formerly obtained, both editorially and in the excellence of its contributions. The Chicago Junior Press Club was reorgan- ized in January, and its menbership was increased to between thirty-five and forty by the first of July. Mendota. Ottnua aid several other cities continued their labors for the can-e.
Wisconsin was gladdened early it the fall by the return toacli\iry of Messrs. Mueller and Phillips, whose Truth at once assumed a prominent position as an all-editorial journal. It wa* further eiriched later on by the return of Ex- President H^^nHi from Florida, and his immediate activity. . Ex-President Grant and wife removed from their Dakota home to Milwaukee early in the year. W. S. Dunlop returned to activity with a masazTne, and Fish and Barnett materially improved the Youth. Upm the whole, Wisconsin showed the most signs of a healthy orowth of any State in the Union.
West of the Mississippi slight activity was witnessed. Iowa's amateur centers were Davenport, Marion and Fort Madison. Messrs. Kellogg Brothers, of Davenport, sent out a novelty in the shape of a magazine called the Mikado. Hal C. Bixby's Bazoo appeared as usual, while the Helios Magazine,, under the editor- ship of Stempel Brothers, assumed considerable prominence as a literary journal. E. E. Bryant's Pen and Press appeared regularly from St. Cloud, while the Brilliant maintained its former high reputation for true merit. Nebraska's sole represen- tative was Etchings, which, under the management of F. D. Woollen stood very near the head of onr literary magazines. From Colorado appeared Ifixed PicMes. by Bert Cui»ningham, and PricUy Pear, by W. C. Davis. California's activity steadily degenerated. Mr. Moore's Pacific Courant ai)peared regularly with Messrs. Hunter, James and Hollub as associates. Mr. Ephriam's New Moon appeared once, and with the exception of
196 HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION.
tlie Coster froti) Sauta Barbara, and one or two minor sheets, these were the only journals which served to keep alive the interest of that S*^^ate, until late in the spring, when Mr. Magill rei»!sued his Bumble Bee,
Upon the whole Aniatenrdoin finds little encouragement in the Yfar just drawn to a close. The general quality of our papeis has baen l>uL little above mediocrity, editorially as well as in a literary sense.
The campaign lor the presidency opened with the new year, the candidates being Frank D. Woollen and Albert PI Barker. The main political interest centered in the presidential contest, and the canvass was vigorously made on both sides.
In Stars and Stripes for September, 1888, Mr. John T. Nixon gave an account of the 1888 convention, at Chicago, from which the following is taken ;
The following notice was tacked up in the Tremont hotel office:
The thirteenth annual convention of the Xutional Amateur Press A,«sociatlon will be Ciiilod to order at 10.30. a. in.. July 5, 1888.
Sam S. Stinson, The One President.
The caucuses were held that evening,. Stinson alone attending neither.
The next tnorning at 10 :45 President Stinson rapped the coii- vpii ion to order.
;;>o-!it out tlie fact ihat there were t wcnty-rliree 1 oent. Recording Secu'etary Isuroer read the minutes
ot the Phi huieiphia convention from the National Amaieur. The Tote stood fourteen for and six against adopting (hem, the chair- man and two otlier members not voting.
At 12:16 the second session was called to order, Stinson it the chair. Minor committee work transacted. The convention we it into commiitee of the whole on the new constitution, Mellinger in the clitiir. Action deferred until old and new constitutions could be oriiite^l side by side for comparison. Proxy committee aj^poinied and convention adjourned until 7 p. m.
At 7:oO tlie third session vvas called to order. Report of the crelp i''''-.! t'o-.nirlttce rea.l. Objections made to several appli- canes, but overruled on a vote.
Committee on proxies reported tliroutrh Hochstadter, chairmar. Sixty-two proxies were accepted; one thrown out. Over this one proxy ballot there arose the bitterest fight of the convention The illegality of the ballot lay in the fact that it was not signed. It was on an official blatik, |)roperly enclosed and sealed in an official envelope, which was marked with name of sender. Bur- ger moved that it be thrown out. An aye aiid nay vote was
HISTORY OF THK NATIONAL AMATEUK PRESS ASSOCIATION. 197
oalled for and Secretary Burger announced the vote as thirteen nays and twenty-nine ayes.* From the smaller side of the house there immediately came objections to the count. Many of us had tallied the vote as called, and counted sixteen nays. The chair requested those who had voted "nay" to range themselves in line along the wall to be counted. The line contained Woollen, Lindsley, Dunlop, Day, Antisdel, Davenport, McCabe, Heath, Nixon, Bigelow, Hochstadter, Houghton, Bull, Davis and two Heyn brothers— sixteen in all. Secretary Burger glanced down the line, and, bending again to the desk, announced "thirteen." The miscounted sixteen were all mad, and numerous uncompli- mentary remarks were cast at the secretary. Again the line formed and again they were counted— this lime by Sliuson. "Thirteen" was his an noun cement also.
The situation was a trying one, and a fouilh count, calling each voter by name, con-ectly recorded us as sixteen. In justice to Mr. Stiason, who, I am sure, was trying to be fair to all parties, I will state that three of the side were standing back of ihe table, and in his excitement he failed to notice them. The other side was correctly counted and Heath moved a vote of censure on Mr. Burger "or an aliemp;: to f al dry the records. It was lo.:; by a strict party vole. Barger moved Laat the vote as iiislauaounced — thirteen to tweuty-nme — be accepted as the true voie, and so entered on the minutes. This was carried by another party vote.
♦Recording secretary reported the motion carried, it having received the necessary two-thirds vote, 29 to 13. Mr. Hochstadter demanded a division. On standing vote President Stinson declared the result to be 28 to 13. Mr. Heath protested that the negative vote was not correct, and asked permission to have the members form in line. Unanimously granted. On this count Messrs. Hochstadter and Heyn, who were recorded in the affirmative, changed to the negative, ana Messrs. Bigelow and McCabe. having finished their conv^^rsation in one of the windows,voting in the negative, made the result 17.— Official minutes of Chicago convention. National Amateur, September, 1888,
A motion w^as made and carried that the minutes [of the Chicago convention] be adopted as read, and that Mr. Hochstadter go on record having objected to the statement of his vote.— Official minutes of Buffalo convention, National Amateur, September, 1889.
We see by the minutes of the National convention at Chicago, as published in the National Amateur, that McCabe and Bigelow are said to have voted in the negative on the Mcintosh proxy question, on the last ballot, ^'having finished th^^ir conversation in one of the windows." This is a mistake. We voted nay in the first place, voted the same when the division was called for, and, wten the permission to form in line was given, we stood directly in front of one of the windows, against which we naturally rested our wearied frames. We were conversing in a low tone at times, as were others, but as w^e were in the direct line with others on either side, and with none but those voting standing on the floor, we felt a natural certainty of being counted.— Lewis C. Bigelow in Dowagiac News, October, 1888.
198 HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION
The uusealed ballots of Di. and Mrs. Swift were accepted. The committee's report as a whole was then accepted, and President Stinson announced that nominations for his successor were in order. Hope R. Cody nominated Barker. The nomination was seconded by Messrs. Hotz and Ryan, of Chicago. George E. Da}^ nominated Woollen, the nomination being seconded by Heath. Tellers were appointed. Amid comparative silence the ballots were dropped in the hat, and after the count the result was announced as follows : Barker, fifty-live; Woollen, forty-eight; Barker elected.
Immediately there arose a great din. "What's the matter with Barker?" "He's all right!" were echoed and re-echoed, and three cheers were given the elected and defeated candidates. Barker took the chair and made a speech, beginning, "This is the proudest moment of my fife." A vote of thanks was tendered Stinson, and to loud cries of "speech" he resjK)nded in a short talk. He accusred the prt'sident of ph gairizing his opening sentence, as he distinctly remembered hearing Russell at the Philadelphia convention exclaim, "This is the proudest moment of my life." A. G. J)avis wis nominated for first vice-president, and the convention adjourned until morning.
Next morning a convention photo, with forty faces, was taken. At the fourth session, election of first vice-president was in order. There was no election on the first ballot and a second was taken, resulting: Spencer, thirty-one; MacK', lone ; A. G. Davis, five. Spencer declared elected. Barker ruled out the proxies after the first ballot, without tlie formality of voting on it. For second vice-president the first ballot stood : Mrs. Ottinger, twenty-five ; Miss Philips, nineteen ; Cody, two ; Cramer, five ; Mack, fif- teen; scattering, thirty-five. Second l)allot, Mrs. Ottinger, twenty-two; Miss Phillips, eighteen; Mrs. Ottinger elected. For third vice-president Lewis C. Bigelow was nominated : proxies thrown out and Bigelow elected unanimously. For recording secretary Block and Burger were nominated. The ballot stood: Burger, seventeen; Chrystie, thirteen; Block, thirty-three; Scattering, thirty- three. No choice. Before another ballot was taken, Burger in a long speech, withdrew his name. A letter was read from Christie, also declining, and Block was elected unani- mously. For corresponding secretary, George W. Dodd was elected on the first ballot, recei\ing forty-five of the eighty-nine votes cast. For treasurer, 'J omlinson and Hopkins were nomin- ated. Tomlinson elected on first ballot, receiving fifty-one votes. For ofUcial editor, Messrs. Mellinger, Brodie, Cole, Spencer and and Mrs. Bertha Grant were nominated. The chair ruled that any member could be elected to all the officers within the gift of the Association. 'J'his made Spencer eligii)Ie. The vote of the
HISTOHV OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION 199
convention lay between Spencer and Mrs. Grant. First ballot: Spencer, forty-six ; Brodie, fifteen ; Mrs. Grant, fourteen ; Cole, nine ; Mellinger, two. No choice. Second ballot : Spencer, nine- teen ; Mrs. Grant, fifteen ; Brodie one. Spencer declared elected.
Adjourned until 7 :30 p. m. After dinner came the ball game at Lincoln park. Legler and Stinson headed the sides. At the end of the second inning darkness began to close in and the game was called. The score stood: Leglers, six; Stinsons, eight. H. E. Heyn umpired the first half of the game under an umbrella, but ingloriously retired when hit by the ball.
At 8 p. m. the fifth (and last) session assembled. On second ballot Buffalo was selected for next meeting place by a majority of four votes. For executive judges, Woollen, Day and Boechat were selected after quite a tussel. Mellinger presented Brodie' s "scheme" for the benefit of fossils, and it was adopted. Legler, after a short introductory speech, read the following set of resolu- tions, and moved they be adopted by the convention :
The jS'ational Amateur Press Association in convention assembled in Chicago, July 6, 1888, recognizes the honest, indefatigable and effective work done by S. S. Stinson while acting president of the Association during the past twelve months. It commends him for his wise, careful and prudent admmistration, which it fully endorses, and it honors him for the manly, unselfish manner in which he took hold of the administrative duties of the presidential office under the most trying circumstances, and absolves him from any blame whatever in the unfortunate chain of circumstances that led to the defeat of the popular will at Philadelphia last July.
Believing that justice to Will S. Moore, justice to S. S. Stinson, and, above all justice to the N. A. P. A. demands that the will of the majority should not be stifled, especially under pretexts controverting the principles and direct stipulations of the constitution, this convention hereby declares that Will S. Moore, according to all law and evidence, received a majority of the legal votes cast in Philadelphia for the presidential office, and shall here- after figure on the roll of presidents of this Association.
The chair ruled the motion to adopt out of order while the minutes of the Philadelphia convention remained as adopted at a previous session. In explanation, Mr. Legler stated that he had no desire to erase Mr. Stinson's name from the list of presidents. No action of the Chicago convention could change the decisions of the officers who presided at Philadelphia, and any attempt to change the minutes of that gathering would be wrong, and would tend to falsify the records. The minutes, he argued, were merely a record of the transactions of the convention, and as such the minutes of the Philadelphia meeting should -not be altered. The positi®n of the chair was ably defended by Mr. Burger and others, and the discussion waxed warm. An appeal was made from the chair's (decision, which was carried by a vote of 13 ayes to 5 nays.. The decision being thus reversed, the motion was put
200
HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION
and carried, live members voting nay, tlie rest voting aye or remaining silent.
There was considerable confusion. Tiie room was stifling hot, and man}- of the amateurs were tired out. The convention had done nothing but elect officers, and had been in session two whole days. Carter had made several attempts to adjourn until the morrow, but had been voted downeveiy time. A motion was made to adjourn, and the chair warned the members that if it carried he could not call the meeting until next July, and then in Buffalo. To the surprise of many it carried, and the convention adjourned sine die.
Immediately there arose a great hubbub. The visiting ama- teurs were tired of staying there, but some of Chicago's famous debaters were not satisfied with their manipulation of the politics of the National Amateur Press Association. Individuals whose sole claim as amateur journalists lay in the fact that they had "t'ead origioal essays at late meetings of the Chicago Junior Press Club, paced the halls, loudly reviling those who had come many miles to be present and participate in the exercises. Fraud was claimed and talk of a special meeting indulged in, but finally the neated ones cooled off.
As a number of the boys were to leave in the mor>;iug, i-.Vi oi us sat up late, indulging in chat with ams. whom we might never meet again.
The official minutes give additional details :
President Stinson appointed protem officers: W. E. Melliuger, first vice-president; N. N. Block, second vice-president; H. C. Hochstader. third vice-president; H. M. Carter and P. A. Burke, associate members of credential committee with G. E. Day as chairman.
Following members present: W. R. Antisdel, P. A. Burke, C. R. Burger, J. C. Bull, H. M. Carter, G. E. Day, H. A. Heyn, H. C. Hochstadter, F. C. Lindsley, W. E. Mellinger, J. J. Ottinger, A. R. Parrish, J. D. Russell, S. S. Stinson, F. D. Woollen.
N. N. Block's name added to list.
Following amateurs elected to membership: Mrs. A. E. Barker, L. C. Bigelow, E. H. Barnard, R. B. Cramer, H. R. Cody, M. A. Cohen, B. E. Cunningham, F. B. Davenport, A. G. Davis, George W. Dodd, N. H. Ferguson. W. J. Hunter, F. Hanchett, E. C. Hall, J. S. Hall, D. P. Hurlburt, H. Strom, F. R. Luescher, E. J. Mock, R. G. Mackav, W. F. Moody, S. O. Mumford, R. D. McAllister, J. J. Mack, W. Muirhead, J. T. Nixon, Mrs. John J. Ottinger, J. P. Paret, W. E. Price, E. G. Palmer, O. Praeger, R. M.Rawlins, I. J. Romer, M. H. Shelp,
HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION. ^01
N. C. Smith, J. D. Steffian, A. C. Stempel, P. W. Sweet, J. L. Tomlinson, M. VV. Van Winkle, H. W. Warner, O. I. Yellott, W. C. Collins, W. C. Pinckoey, E. P. Knowles, W. B. Burger, J. T. Walton, Louis Drake, J. D. Carr, C. F. Goodrich, E. P. Cook, Oscar Reum, B. H. J. Gonden, A. G. Holland, E. Heyn, J. Heyn, L. O. VanRiper, E. O. Vanderslice, C. S. Zimmerman, — Ryan, C. H. Frost, Richard Ferris, E. A.Hotz, Frederick Kemp.
Mr. Mellinger offered the following amendment to the consti- tution, which was adopted:
Article X, Section 5, It shall be the duty of the corresponding secretaiy to receive copies of current amateur publications for distri- bution among such of the inactive members of the Association as may. on payment of twenty-five cents yearly dues, request the same.
The reports of the laureate judges showed that J. D. Miller had won the essay title with his entry, "Laud Nationalization'' ; J. J. Mack the sketch laureateship with "Hezekiah, or the Pink Lady," and B. P. Emery the poet laureateship with "Pan, Pan is Dead."
President Barker, just after the convention, announced the following committees :
Revision of constitution — l^ouis Kempner, chairman ; M. F. Boechat, H. R. Cody.
Credentials— C. R. Burger, chairman ; F. D. Cole, H. H. Eish.
Editorial award— 7F. A. Grant, chairman ; Miss Helen G. Phillips, M. J. Harty.
He also announced the appointment, by both president and judiciary committee, of Warner J. Brodie as first vice-president, in place of Mr. Spencer, who had resigned because he was nlso elected official editor.
Volume XI of the National Awiateur was the prettiest and best edited volume yet sent out. It consisted of four issues, two of eight and two of four pages each. The September issue contained the official minutes, the new constitution offered by the revision committee, president's message and editorial matter. The December issue contained the reports of laureate recorder, news of the associations and editorial matter. The March issue con- tained president's message, notices on the death of Messrs, Reeve, Stowell, and Steele and Mrs. Gracia S. Woffenden, an editorial review of proposed changes in the constitution, and editorial notes. The concluding issue of the volume contained the usual official matter, an explanatory article oil Amateur Journalism and
202 HI8T0BY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PBESS ASSOCIATION.
several pages of editorial. Mr. Spencer made the Amateur an official organ in fact, and quite a contrast to that of Mr. Woollen.
In his message in the March, 1889, Amateur, President Barker named July 4, 5 and 6 as the date of the 1890 convention, and Messrs. M. F. Boechat, chairman; J. J. Ottinger, N. N. Block, T. H. Parsons and M. A. Cohen as reception committee.
Mr. W. O. Wylie was appointed a member of the committee on editorial award, vice Miss Helen G. Phillips, resigned.
Mr. H. M. Carter was appoiMted laureate recorder.
In the June National Amateur President Barker announced the selection of C. N. Andrews as corresponding secretary, vice G. W. Dodd, resigned.
CMflFTER 17.
BUFFALO'S SECOND CONVENTION.
The Conservative Party Organized. — The Buffalo Conven- tion.^Election of Officers. ^The New Constitl'tion.— Alumni Organizations.
ARLY in the year 1889 a circular letter was sent out to a select number of amateurs, containing announcement of the organization of a new party. This circular read as follows :
THE CONSERVATIVE PARTY OF AMATEURDOM.
announcement. This is to give notice that a number of amateur journalists, from strictest motives of uprightness and a desire to benefit amateur politics, have organized a political party to be known by the above caption.
This party is, in part, the crystallization of the opposition to radical movements of this and other years, and as it is founded by conscientious amateurs, it is expected to reflect the virtue of well-meaning amateurs and, in the correction of political abuses, to be of immeasurable good to the cause. Its reasons for existence are manifold :
1. Because there are print'i[)les that need its championship and demand its existence ; in its work of concentrating these principles and in firmly establishing them, it will become a mighty medium for good results.
2. Because Amateuidora's highest ofl^ces should be placed in most competent hands and the N. A. P. A. ruled by its greatest minds. Its solicitous workers of long service who bear its bur- dens on unflinching and devoted shoulders should stand foremost in its councils. To place the "laurels" where most deserved shall be the Conservative party's constant endeavor. The Conservative party believes that the N. A. P. A. offices should be so guarded that the only means of official distinction would be through an honorable and devoted career in the cause.
3. Because laxity has been rampant too long in the adminis- tration of our oflSces, a condition the party aims to supplant with business-like and sj'stematic methods ; and lastly- —
4. Because it realizes the evils of promiscuous nominations and its co-evil, that of personal ambitious office-seeking, often seating the inefficient and the unwortbv.
204 HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION.
PLATFORM.
I. The Consrvative party is in hearty sympathy with the line Amateurdom has hewn for itself, providing a popular educating process, accessable alike to the humblest youth and the more fortune-favored. It believes in the intermixture of practical literary work with the opportunities afforded for general informa- tion on diverse subjects useful to young people, and affording them such a knowledge of government and parliamentary matters as to store them with that which will stand them in good stead in after 3'ears.
II. The Conservative party is in direct sympathy with the endeavor to place Amateurdom before the public in its true nature as an educational factor in the development of the rising genera- tion. It is opposed to indiscriminate recruiting, but favors the judicious advertising of the work, that those of literary bent may identify themselves with it.
III. The party believes in the encouragement of the better class of our authorial talent, while not despising the tyro in the paths of composition. It hopes for the advancement of our literary standard, champions the national laureate system, and advocates the encouragement of literary discussion, in the English language, in our journals. The party recognizes the editor as equally important with the author, poet or essayist.
IV. The Conservative party is opposed to all hasty, radical and ill-considered legislation, and is unalterably opposed to early campaigning, which tends to subordinate literary applications. The party earnestly champions the present proxy-voting system, and believes in the spirit as well as in the letter of the present laws governing the N. A. P. A., and believes in strict adherence to them. It believes only in the election to office of such mem- bers as are tried and competent workers in the cause, who are actively connected with some journal in the capicity of editor or associate editor during their entire term, a pledge to that effect being required of them upon the acceptance of a nomination for official trust. The party believes in the sancity of the official records and in the necessity for their being carefully compiled and preserved by publication in the official organ.
The circular further explained that the government of the party was to be in the hands of a central committee, of seven members, each from a certain district. Nominations were to be made annually, during the month of April, for president, record- ing secretary and official editor, by postal card ballots sent to the various district heads, who gave returns to the chairman, who in turn announced the nominees. The circular was signed by
HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION. 205
Frederick F. Heath, chairman, an(ithe central committee was announced as follows : First district, F. D. Cole ; second dis- trict, N. N. Block; third district, W. E. Mellinger, fourth dis- trict, Frederick F. Heath; fifth district, ; sixtii district, F.
D. Woollen ; seventh district, Robert Mackay.
Tlie country was divided into districts as follows.
First — Maine, New Hamphire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Con- necticut, Rhode Island.
Second — New York, Pennsylvania, Wesi Virginia, Virginia, New Jersey, Maryland.
Third — Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee.
Fourth — Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin, MicUigan.
Fifth — North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, Arkansas.
Sixth — Idaho, Montana, Dakota, Wyoming, Nebraska, Utah.^ Colorado, Kansas, Indian Territory, New Mexico, Missouri.
Seventh — Washington, Oregon, California, Nevada, Arizona.
About the same time announcement was made that Louis Kempjier was a candidate for the N. A. P. A. presidenc}^ and an active campaign was carried on in his behalf. The Knicker- bocker A. P. A. endorsed him, and the greater part of the can- vass was carried on under its direction.
At the election of the conservative party M. F. Boechat was nominated for president. The two candidates named , were the only ones before the members of the National at the Buffalo con- vention. The conservative party existed only for this one campaign.
Laureate Recorder Howard M. Carter, writing of the year's work from convention to convention, said :
The administration of President Barker cannot be said to have been notable for great things, but for careful attention to all bus- iness and for complete conscientious labor in all departments, it has seldom been equalled. The membership increased about twenty per cent. ; Official Editor Spencer issued the National Amateur regularly and abl}-, and every officer did his work well.
From Mr. Carter's report we also take the following paragraphs of interest :
Book publishing was not quite as active as last year. •'Amenophra," by Ernest A. Edkins, from the press of Edwin B. Hill, was the most pretentious work of the year. O. A. Mueller issued, in February, a volume of his poems, and towards
206 HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION.
the close of the year Scherraerhorn published a voliime of poems and sketches by H. D. Hughes.
The first annual banquet of the California Alumni took place in August, and was a brilliant success. In November the New York Amateur Associated Press celebrated its anniversary with a merry spread at their club room. Speeches were made by a host of prominent amateurs. Most of the conventions of the year were made occasions for a feast, that at Buffalo surpassing all others. On the whole, the social features of our institution were by no means slighted.
Prominent papers of the year were Union Lance, by President Kempner ; the National Amateur ; the Visitor, ever on time ; the Empire State Amateur, containing a valuable series of articles on the N. A. P. A. conventions ; Our Free Lance, of high-class lit- erature ; Stars and Stripes, illustrated ; Facific Courant, etc.
In the Ideal, Frank L. Schermerhorn gave an account of the convention, from which we quote :
The 1889 meeting of the National Amateur Press Association, at Buffalo, N. Y., on July 4, 5, and 6', -was the most successful and most pleasant convention held for several years.
The morning session on July 4 was called to order by President Barker at 9 :30 a. m.
After some minor business and the appointment of the commit- tee on proxies, comprising Messrs. Burger, Block, Cody, Stin- son and Grant ; and also the committee on documents, on which Messrs. Block, Chiles and Boruck were selected to serve, the as- sembly resolved itself into a committee of the whole to discuss the newl}^ proposed constitution. This occupied the remainder of the morning meeting.
At the evening session the discussion and amendment of the constitution were finished, and it was moved that the committee of the whole rise, and at 9 a. m. on the morrow, report in favor of its adoption.
July 5 , the convention was called to order rather late on this day, but as soon as convened the new constitution was adopted.
The nomination and election of oflacers was then declared in order. For President, Mr. M. F. Boabat was nominated by W. O. Wylie, seconded by Messrs. Mellinger, Chrystie, Heyn and Block. Mr. Louis Kempner was nominated by J. D. Miller, seconded by Messrs. Cody, Cohen, Carter and others. The proxy votes were counted and Mr. Louis Kempner was declared elected on the first ballot.
The afternoon session was opened with nominations for the first vice-presidency. Messrs. Fish and A. B. Grant were tb«
HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION 207
contestants. Mr. Grant won in the convention, but the proxies gave Mr. Herbert H. Fisb, of Neenab, Wis., tbe victory on the first ballot.
For second vice-president, Miss Harriet C. Cox and Messrs. W. W. Carpenter and F. E. Schermerhorn were nominated. The latter gained a plurality on the first ballot, but Miss Cox, of Abington, Mass., was declared elected on the second ballot.
Messrs. N. N. Block, of Buffalo, and Hope R. Cod}^, of Naperville, 111., were nominated for the office of recording secre- tary. Mr. Cody declined in favor of Mr. Block, who was accord- ingly declared elected.
For corresponding secretary the race was interesting. Messrs. Chiles of Philadelphia, Brown of Baltimore and Boruck of San Francisco were the nominees. At first there was a considerable plurality for Brown, but the second ballot decided the election for Mr. Walter C. Chiles.
Mr. Carter was nominated for official editor by Mr. Cody ; Mr. W. E. Mellinger by Mr. Leuscher. On the first ballot Mr. Howard M. Carter was declared elected.
The next question was the selection of a convention seat for 1890. Milwaukee, Chicago, Cleveland and Detroit were placed in nomination. The first ballot showed no decision. On the second ballot Cleveland won.
The executive judges were selected, to be Messrs. Brainerd P. Emery, A. D. Grant and Al. E. Barker.
Adjourned until after the literary entertainment.
The session of Friday evening was begun before 11 o'clock, but did not terminate until after 1 a. m. For two hours the con- vention debated, pro and con, the adoption of a resolution presented by Mr. Cochrane, of the Pioneer. It was moved by him that the National Amateur Press Association should recog- nize the malicious influences of the saloon on the character of America's young men, and should declare itself forever opposed to rum-rule, not, however, necessarily in favor, either directly or indirectly, of prohibition or of high license, but as an advocate of temperance. The resolution and its adoption were discoursed upon until the morning hours of July 7. This session was by far the most exciting of the whole series, and the apparent efforts of certain anti-resolution men to prevent an aye and nay vote upon the article were quite ingenious, but futile in the end. It was argued that such a paper had no place in the proceedings of the Association. Attempts were made to table the motion to adopt, but with unsuccessful results. Amendments, proposed to divert and alter the meaning, were likewise ineffective. Finally tbe vote was taken, and the resolution was not adopted. This decision reached, the minutes were read and adopted, and one
208 HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION.
of the most successful of all N. A. P. A. conventions came to an end, as every good thing must.
On Saturday morning, some thirty amateur journalists em- barked on board a steamer chartered for the purpose, and were transported along the Niagara river to Grand Island. Here the annual ball game was played, resulting in a complete victory for the Eastern nine. The principal features of the game were the heavy batting of Stinson, the brilliant pitching of Oltinger and Boruck, the wonderful base running of Chrystie, the startling success of Heath as an umpire ably assisted by Brown and the remaining members of both nines, the mignifijent work of Crossley at first base, and last but not least, trie persistent efforts of Wj'lie to secure fair play. The game took about two hours, one-half of which was consumed in wading tlirough swamps and hay fields in search of the ball-; the rest in chasing it over the diamond when thrown to a baseman or when struck by a lucky batsman.
In the afternoon an excursion was madie to Niagara. The party arrived safely in Buffalo in time for a 10 o'clock supper.
When 3 o'clock sounded from the cnurch tower on Sunday morn- ing, the last festive amateur has scampered off to bed, and Buffalo in '89 was a thing of the past.
The following amateurs were in attendance at one or more sessions of the Buffalo convention :
C. N. Andrews, W. R. Autisdel, Al. E. Barker, N. N. Block, M. F. Boechat, L. S. Boruck, W. J. Brodie, Geo. S. Brown, C. R. Burger, W. B. Burger, H. M. Carter, W. C. Chiles, T. L. Chrystie, A. D. Cochrane, H. R. Codv, M. A. Cohen, Harriet C. Cox, Harry Crossley, W. F. Dainforth, W. W. Delaney, Geo. W. Dodd, Jr., Duhme (proxy W. G. Muirchead), E. A. Edkins, J. R. Gleason, E. A. Goeway, A. D. Grant, Fred Han- chett, F. F, Heath, C. M. Heineman, H. J. Heislein, J. G.
Heyn, Heyn, E. B. Hill, H. C. Hochstadter, Jas. Kavanagh,
Louis Kempner, F. R, Luescher, F. T. Mayor, W. E. Mellinger,
Metcalf, J. D. Miller, Cora Ottinger, J. J. Ottinger, T. H.
Parsons, E. F. Pugh, H. B. Saunders, F. E. Schermerhorn, S. S.
Stinson, Symonds, J. L. Toralinson, E. G. VVvckoff, W. O.
VVylie.
The ofBcial minutes give additional information :
The following new members admitted :
Johnson, Leslie, Theill, Price, Corbett, Smith, Brown, Apple- ton, Moss, Ott, Baker, Pendell, Cochrane, Mosier, Stevenson, Mayer, Hall, Cunningham, Tomlinson, Smith, Miss Underwood, Miss Truman, Miss. Cox, H. Crossley, F. Crossley, Barnett^ Jensen, Voss, Miss Tullar, Rasmussen, Newton, Bailey, Ander-
HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEl'R PRESS ASSOCIATION. 209
•son, Knight, Allen, Stanley, Pugb, Sheffeld, Gleason, Wagner, Bearhope, George, Steinberg.
Committee on official list of presidents reported the following roster :
1876, J. W. Snyder; 1877, A. W. Dingwall; 1878, W. T. Hall; 1879, J. E. Briggs ; 18S0, W. L. Wright, T. G. Harrison, T. H. Parsons; 1881, F. N. Reeve; 1882, F. A. Grant; 1883, W. O. Wylie, H. E. Legler ; 1884, E. E. Stowell, F. F. Heath; 1885, D. A. Sullivan; 1886, J. H. I. Munro; 1887, S. S. Stin- son, W. S. Moore; 1888, A. E. Barker.
Editorial prize awarded to the Union Lance.
The proxy votes were as follows :
For president— Boechat, 22; Kempner 39.
For first vice-president— scattering, 11; Fish, 35.
For second vice-president— scattering, 10; C. W. Smith 9; Scherm- erhorn, 12; W. W. Carpenter, 16.
For third vice-president— scattering, 17; C. F. Goodrich, 11, L S. Boruck; 17.
For recording secretary— scattering, 4; Brodie, 5; Block 14; Codv 27.
For corresponding secretary- scattering, 19; H. F, Thomoson, 1 1; Andrews, 15.
For treasurer—scattering 6; Blork; 5; Tomlinson, 45.
For official editor^-scatte:! ::^ 7: lloVi'n^Qv, 15: C^'rtci, 40.
For ^oaven.Io:! seal— scj.LLer'ii :. 5. Caic.:o;o, 13, M;:w!..:^e«% 32: y' w York, 1. - i^ , , -, .
For judiciary committee— scattering, 39; Miller, 7; Andrews, 11; Grant 13; Mack, 18; Barker, 20; Emery, 28.
Ballot for president
L. Kempner.. . M.F. Boechat.. Ballot for first vice-president:
Proxy. Convention. Total,
L. Kempner 39 20 59
M. F. Boechat 23 14 37
Proxy. Convention. Total.
A.D.Grant 1 21 22
H. H. Fish 35 12 47
For second vice-president the official minutes merely state : First ballot, no choice. Second ballot ; Carpenter, 1 ; Scher- merhorn, 14 ; Miss Cox, 20, and elected.
Ballot for corresponding secretary:
Prox}'. Convention. Total.
Andrews 15 .. 15
Thompson 11 . 11
Chiles 13 13
Brown ]2 12
Boruck 7 ^
Second Ballot:
Boruck 4
Brown 8
Chiles * 21
210 HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION.
Ballot for official editor:
Miller 1
Antisdel 1
Mackay 4
Gleason 5
Scattering 8
Mellinger 22
Carter 69
For convention seat, tbe minutes say: "Cleveland elected on second ballot, 19 to 14." As Detroit, Chicago and Milwaukee were in nomination, the vote is not easily understood.
The laureate titles were awarded as follows : Poet, to Fanny Kemble Johnson ; essay to E. B. Hill ; sketch to Harriet C, Cox. Treasurer Tomlinson's report to the Chicago convention:
receipts:
From Ex-Treasurer Lindsley $161 85
Initiation fees and dues ($2 each) from twenty-six mem- bers 52 00-
Dues ($1 each) from seventy-eight members 78 00
Unexpended balance fund Cincinnati Exposition 6 00
From Ex-Treasurer Lindsley, dues of three members. . 3 00
Total I 300 85
disbursements:
Dues refunded | 19 00
Tremont House, for convention 15 00
Expressage on Treasurer's book, ... 45
Checks discounted. 25
T. J. Spencer, printing four issues National Amateur 60 00
Credential committee 2 00
Invitations, proxies, etc 31 56
Reception committee bill 72 00
Treasurer's sundries 5 00
Total $ 205 26
Balance on hand. $95 59
THE NEW CONSTITUTION.
PREAMBLE.
The amateur journalists of the United States and Canada, believing that by thorough organization they will be better able to further the interests and extend the influence of an institution destined to be an important educational factor for the youth of America, have formed themselves in an Association, and hereby adopt a constitution and by-laws consisting of such measures as seem practicable for the fur- therance of their aims and objects.
CONSTITUTION.
Article I— Name. This Association shall be known as the National Amateur Fress Association.
HlffMRY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PREB8 ASSOCIATION. 21 f
Art. II — Object. The aim of this Association shall be to unite ama- teur forces so that the principles represented may be fully developed.
Art. Ill-Government. In order that the National Amateur Press Association may attain its object, and consistently become the repre- sentative organization of the fraternity, a system of proxy voting is provided, whereby each qualified member of this Association shall be enabled to have a voice in its proceedings.
Art. 1Y— Membership. SECTION 1. Any person who edits, publishes or contributes in prose or poetry to an amateur paper, and \vl)o lesides in the United States or Canada, is eligible to membership in this Association.
Sec. 2. Any distinguished ajthor who has by some nor manifested an interest in Amateur Journalism, may be elected an honorary mem- ber, at any regular meeting, a unanimous vote of those present being necessary to elect.
Sec. 3. Applicants for membership, as provided for in section 1, shall send their names to the secretary of credentials, and. receiving a favorable reply, shall remit, within thirty days, to the treasurer, the sum of $2, as an initiation fee and dues for one year.
Art. \.— Officers and Their Duties. Seo. 1. The otRcers of this As- sociation shall consist of a president, a first and second vice-president a recording and a corresponding secretary, an editor, three executive judges and a treasurer.
Sec. 2. The president and treasurer must be present at the con- vention at which they are elected to such oflSces.
Sec. 3.. It shall be the duty of the president, upon assuming his office, to present a message to the convention assembled, wherein he shall name a board of advisors of three members, who shall be desig- nated as follows: Secretary of credentials, national laureate recorder and librarian.
Sec. 4. It shall be the duty of the president to preside at all con- ventions of the Association, and perform such other duti s as are called for in conformity with the constitution and these by-law.s and the adopted parliamentary authority.
Sec. 5. It shall be the duty of the president to countersign a 1 bills standing against the Association and presented to the treasurer for payment.
Sec. 6. It shall be the duty of the president to remain active during his term of oftice by publishing at least six numbers of a joui- nal, at regular intervals, within that period. If he fails so to do, it shall be his duty to resign. No issue of his journal shall be delayed more than one month after its regular date of publication.
Sec. 7. It shall be the duty of the president to demand the resigna- tion of any officer of this Association who shall neglect his duties. If such resignation be not forwarded without delay the presi(-ent shall immediately discharge such o^cer.
Sec. 8. It shall be the duty of the president to appoint the recep- tion committee and such other committees as shall from tiuje to time be necessary.
Sec. 9. It shall be the duty of the president to secure the first four named judges of aw^ard as hereinafter provided, and to make known their acceptance through the columns of the official organ not later than its third number. He shall also appoint the fifth judge, and
■212
HISTORY OF THK NATIONAL AMATEUR PREfcS ASSOCIATION.
-make known his aeceptaDce not later than the third number of the- ♦official organ.
Sec. 10. It shall be the duty of the president, after roll call, to fill ;all vacant offices caused by absence from the convention; he shall also appoint two members to assist and act with the secretary of creden- tials on the credentials of applicants for membership presented at the convention.
Sec. 11. It shall be the duty of the president to appoint an active member as custodian of ballots. His appointment shall be made during the month of March of each year; notice of appointment shall be inserted in the official organ, and the title, name and full address of the appointee shall be placed in a conspicuous place in all issues of the oificial organ appearing after date of appointment The custo- dian of ballots must be a resident of the city where the next conven- tion meets.
i^EC. 12. "^^riie Association shall faaitsb the custodian with a print- ed book COD taiuiug- the (blowing foriiis with stub attachments: Forml. The Eece;i)L
IS.
Mr
f hxi': ''h'.< -ia;/ Tif-elcrd . du'i/ sea.k'd,'yovr I proxy ballot for the Xational Amaicin- Press Association.
. . Custodian.
Form 2. The Stub.
.^.IS..
Received this date from
proxy ballot postmarJced at
on 18. .
Custodian.
It shall be the duty of the custodian of ballots to receive, either personally or by mail, the proxy ballots from the members, giving a receipt therefor.
Sec 13. The custodian of ballots shall retain in his possession all ballots received, until the convention is called to order, when it shall shall b« his duty to deliver them to the presiding officer, taking ac- knowledgment for receipt book and for the number of proxy ballots so delivered.
Sec. 14. Resignation of members and officers, excepting that of the president, are to be directed to the president for action. Vacan- cies throughout the year in the board of officers, other than the pres- idency, are to be filled by the president.
Sec. 15. In the event of a t^acancy in the presidency, caused by
HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION. 213
resignation, death, or by violation of section 6 of this article, the executive judges shall appoint from among the active members a president to fill the unexpired term.
Sec. 10. Durin'' the interval between conventions it shall be the duty of the executive judges to receive and act upon all charges pre- ferred by one member against another. They shall have povyer to suspend a member, such action being subject to final (.ecjsion by the next convention. 'J'he decision of the executive judges shall be final until such convention, when one or more members may appeal from the decision, a two-thirds vote being necessary to reverse the action of the executive judges. They shall take no action against a member unless specific charges are made (in writing) by one member aizainst another; it shall then be the duty of the executive ju«lges to notify the persons interested, by sending a copy of the charges and demanding an immediate reply. In all cases the executive judges shall render decisions promptly and in accordance with the facts pre- sented.
Sec. 17. It shall be the duty of the secretary of credentials to re- ceive and pass upon all applications for active membership during his term of office, and promptly notify each applicant of his or her acceptance or rejection. When the credent als of an applicant have been favoraoly pa>setl upon, the secretary of credentials shall imme- diately send the name an ! adiress of the same to the president, cor- responding secretarv. e litor and treasurer. The actions of the secre- tary of credentials shall be subject to approval of the Association in convention assemble i. During the conventions the secretary of cre- dentials shall be assisted by two members, as provided for in section 10 of this artude.
Sec. 18. It shall be the duty of the national laureate recorder to writb a complete reconl of the atiairs of Amateur Journalism taking place during his term of office, and prepare such record for publica- tion in the official organ.
Sec. 19. It shall be the duty of the librarian to furnish in formation pertaining to Amateur .lournalism and supply copies of current ama- teur publications to such recruits or inactive members as may come to his notice. He shall make a file of all amateur papers published during his term of office, and sen. I the same to the convention for the benefit and inspection of menibers and visitors, To this end he shall (all upon all publishers of amateur papers and books, to send him for the above purpose as many copies of their publications as they can spare.
Sec. 20. It shall be the duty of the first vice-president to perform all duties devolving upon the i)resident, in the case of the latter's absence from or disability in convention. It sliall be the<lut5^ of the first vice-president to have charge of the departments specified in article XIII, section 3. He shall receive all articles sent to these departments, arrange them alphabetically and enter the title of each together wilh the author's name or nom de plume in a book provided for that purpose. He shall retain one copy of each of the papers containing articles entered for competition, and deliver one copy to the judge of awar.l at least two months prior to the eonvention, to- gether with a list of entries.
Sec. 21. It shall be the duty of the second vice-presi lent to as- sume the chair in case the officers preceding him in rank are absent from ponvention. It shall be the duty of the second vice-president to have charge of the departments specified in article XIII, section 3,
214 HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION.
and shall conduct them in accordance with the rules laid down for the departments conducted by the first vice-president.
Sec. 22. It shall be the duty of the recording secretary to keep a ..... A.
list of members in a book provided for that purpose, and to perform
true record of all the transactions of tliis Association, and a complete
such other duties as are customary under parliamentary usage. He shall enter upon the minutes a copy of the treasurer's bond. It shall be the duty of the recording secretary to receive the duplicate proxy ballots from the members and have such ballots at the convention, which are to be used only in the case of the non-appearance of the original ballots.
Sec. 23. It shall be the duty of the corresponding secretary to act as assistant editor, and in case of the death, disability or resignation of the editor, he shall act as editor until the vacancy is filled by the president. It shall be the duty of the corresponding secretary to pre- pare printed lists containing the names and addresses of all the mem- bers, a copy of which he shall send, free of charge, to any member ol' recruit who may request the same.
Sec. 24. It shall be the duty of the editor to take entire charge ol the oflicial organ with the assistance of the corresponding secretary; to issue the official organ as provided for m article VI, and shall mail to each member of this Association one copy of each number, as soon as it is issued. He shall prepare a list of the names and addresses of such persons as are not members of this Association but are actively interested in Amateur Journalism, and mail to each of them one copy of the oflicial organ. He shall invite the members to contribute then- best efforts for publication in the official organ.
Sec. 25. It shall be the duty of the treasurer to collect all moneys due the Association, aud to pay all bills countersigned by the presi- dent. He shall keep a complete list of the members of this Associa- tion in a book provided for that purpose, also a complete and true account of al! moneys received and disbursed. The treasurer shall, immediately upon his election, file with the recording secretary the following bond signed by five members of the Association :
We, the undersigned members of the National Ama- teur Press Association, do hereby jointly and severally agree to be responsible for all moneys and property
intrusted to as treasurer of
the above Association elected at on
July , 18. . . ., for the period of one year. We also
jointly and severally agree, if called upon by a written request signed by the president and recording secre- tary, to pay to them as representatives of this Associa- tion such sum or sums of money as may be due to the
Association from as treasurer.
We expect our interests in the premises to be protected by receiving a true account of the treasurer's books be- fore any demand is made upon us for moneys due the Association from the treasurer above named.
(Signed by five members.)
In presence of
President.
Recording Secretary.
Such bond, duly executed, shall be in the hands of the recording
HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION 215
secretary before any other business is bronu^ht before the convention. The secretary in whose possession the bond shall be placed shall not be permitted to act as a bondsman. It shall be the duty of the treas- urer to furnish a written report for publication in the September and March numbers of the otlicial organ.
Sec. 26. It shall be the duty of all the officers to remain active dur- ing their term of office by publishing at least four numbers of a journal at regular intervals, within that period. No issue to be de- layed more than one month after its regular date of publication. This provision shall not conflict with article V. section 6. It shall be the duty of all the officers, in addition to other duties prescribed in this constitution, to present at the annual convention a report of all duties performed during their term of office, and to deliver to their respective successors all books, papers or property of any kind belonging to the Association.
Sec. 27. It shall be the duty of this Association to appropriate at each convention a sum of money sufficient to meet all necessarj' ex- penditures by- the officers in the discharge of their duties, as pre- scribed in this constitution.
Akt. Yl -Official Organ. SEC. 1. The Association shall publish quarterly a paper which shall be known as the National Amateur. This paper sliall consist of not less than eight pages, the size of each page to be 9xlS inches, set in long primer type. lOUO copies of each issue shall be printed.
Sec. 2. This journal shall be under the supervision of the editor, who shall edit the same in the interests of Amateur Journalism and the National Amateur Press Association.
Sec. 3. This journal shall be issued promptly during the official year, on the first day of each of the following months: September. December, March and June.
Sec. 4. This journal shall contain nothing of a political nature, nor anything of the nature of an advertisement. It may. however, contain an imprint such as the following: "'Press of Richard Eoe, 123 Fourth street, Philadelphia. Pa."
Sec. 5, The names and addresses of all the officers and standing committees shall be published at the head of the editorial page, with full information regarding the manner of joining the Association. The September number shall contain the minutes of the preceding convention and all constitutional amendments adopted thereat. The official organ shall contain reports of new associations, items of inter- est regarding old associations, and as much information regarding new papers, consolidations, changes, and such letters and reports from officers, committees, and members upon national topics, as the editor can use in the best interests of this Association. It shall con- tain on the last page of every number in alphabetical order of states, the name and address of every member whose name appears on the Treasurer's book. An amount not to exceed $100 shall be annually appropriated for the publication of the oificial organ.
Art. VII. — Conventions. Sec. 1. This Association shall convene annually during the month of July, the date to be made by the presi- dent and announced in the March number of the official organ.
Sec. 2. The conventions of this Association shall be held in an eastern and western city alternately, the seat of the succeeding con- vention to be chosen in the same manner as the officers and at the same time.
216 HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION.
Sec. 3. Should the activity of the city selected be not sufficient to warrant a successful convention, the president shall have power to change said meeting place to some more active city in the same sec- tion of the country.
Art. yiU.—Election of Members. Sec. 1. It shall be the duty of the secretary of credentials > to present a list of accepted applicants immediately after the appointments of officers pro tempore as provided for in article V, section 10. By a majority vote of members present such list may ' be favorably acted upon in its entirety. Thereupon such applicants after the payment of their initiation fee and dues for one year shall be en- titled to the privileges of active membership. By the request of ten raembers present any number of names on the secretary of creden- tials' hst may be voted upon separately, when ten negative votes shall be necessary to reject any applicant for membership. ^ Sec. 2. The name of any member who does not each year issue at least one number of an amateur paper, or contribute at least one po^m,, essay or sketch to an amateur publication shall be dropped from the roll of membership, but should he again become active he may re- apply for membership in the usual manner. Ex-members applying for membership. are exempt from the payment of an initiation fee.
Art. IX.— Election, of Officers. Sec. 1. Each member whose name appears on the treasurer's book, and all accepted applicants for mem- bership, shall be furnished with official blanks for the purpose of proxy voting for officers and upon proposed amendments to the con- stitution or by- la vys.
Sec. 2. These blanks shall be furnished bv the corresponding sec- retary, together with twA,addressed envelopes, beariug the name and addrgss ot the custodian of ballots and recording secretary respective- ly; m the upper left hand corner of the envelope shall be printed the
following^: "N. A. P. A. Proxy ballot from "
.3m. 3.,, Tbe corresponding secretary shall furnish these blanks at least thirty days previous to the date of convention, and in or-ler to insure their being counted thev must be properly filled out by the members and be received by the custodian of ballots on or before the morning 01 the convention.
..Sec. 4. No proxy ballot shall be legal unless the dues of each tn^mber so voting shall have been paid, for the current year, before the examining committee shall have retired to count the proxy bal- lots, as provided in article IX, section 8.
Sec. 5. After the custodian shall have turned over the proxy bal- lots to the presiding officer, no ballots shall be accepted unless pre- sented in person to the presiding officer.
Sec. 6. Members attending the convention may withdraw their proxy ballots. When such ballots be withdrawn, the presiding officer sball write in ink, across the face of the stub, the word '^withdrawn."
Sec. 7. Any official blank or blanks, having been tilled out, as heretofore stated, for proxy voting and found to be defective, for anv reason except non-membership or non-payment of dues for the current year, shall be submitted by the examining committee, through the presiding officer, to the Association, which shall, by a majority vote of the members present, decide whether the blanks in question are legal or not. If decided to be illegal, they shall not be counted.
S^EC. 8. The mode of procedure for the election of officers shall be as follows, beginning when that section of the order of business shall
HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION 217
be reached : The president shall appoint from among the members an examining committee, to consist of the first vice-president as chair- man, the recording secretary, the treasurer and four others. The president shall then turn over to the chairman of the examining com- mittee the proxy ballots and stubs of same received by him from the custodian of ballots. A recess for a specified time shall be taken to enable the examining committee to make their count.
Sec. 9. The examining committee, in rendering their report, shall give the entire returns, as follows, viz: Number of votes cast, num- ber of blanks, number of votes cast out for illegality, and the respec- tive number of legal votes cast for all the candidates for each office. The blank ballots shall not be included with the total vote cast.
Sec. 10. The president shall reconvene the meeting promptly at the expiration of the specified time, when the chairman of the exam- ining committee shall render his report. Nominations for president shall be declared in order, and the vote cast in convention shall be added to the vote cast by proxy, as reported by the examining com- mittee; a majority of all the legal votes cast shall constitute an elec- tion. This same procedure shall be followed out for all the officers, and if no candidate shall receive a majority of all the legal votes cast for election to any office after the second ballot, the proxy votes shall be dispensed with, and the members in convention assembled shall elect such officer or officers, a majority of the votes cast being necessary to a choice.
Sec. 11. The duplicate proxy ballots sent to the recording secre- tary by the members shall be considered the legal.ballot sof the Asso- ciation, in the absence of the original proxy ballots sent to the custo- dian of ballots And the foregoing sections shall govern the dupli- cate ballots in the absence of the originals.
Art. ^.—Quorum. Such officers and members as are present at a regular convention shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business.
Art. 'XI.— Parliamentary Authority. This Association shall be gov- erned by Cushing's Manual,, wheren it does not conflict with this constitution and these by-laws.
Art. Xll.—Rectption Committee. A committee on reception, consist- ing of five members, residents of the city where the Association meets, or in the immediate vicinity of said city, shall be appointed by the president. It shall be the duty of the reception committee to procure suitable meeting rooms for this Association, and to perform such other duties as the president may direct.
Art. Xlll.— Laureate Titles. Sec. 1. In order to stimulate the interest and activity of our editors and authors, and promote the general tone of amateur literature, this Associatiod shall confer the title laureate, as hereinafter provided.
Sec. 2. In order to compete for the title laureate in any branch, an author must have his article printed in an amateur publication at least two months prior to the date of the convention, and send two copies of the paper, with such article marked, to the officer who shall have charge of the particular department in which the article is entered.
Sec. 3. Articles may be written under the following heads, and $ent to the officer whose title precedes them:
First vice-president \ Serials, stories and sketches or poems.
Second vice-president \ History of Amateur Journalism and essays.
218 HISTORY OP THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION.
Sec. 4. There shall be five judges of award, each of whom shall have a distinct department, thus: The first shall have charge of serials, the second shiall have charge of stories and sketches, the third shall liave charge of poems, the fourth shall have, charge of essays, the fifth shall have chargeof histories of Amateur Journalism.
Sec. 5. Four of these judges of award shall be literary men of known ability, not actively connected with Amateur Journalism. The fifth judge of award shall be an active amateur.
Sec. 6. It shall be the duty of these judges of award to examine closely every article sent to them, and to report to the president as soon as practicable the one which they believe to be, in a majority of respects, the best, giving their reasons therefor. ITie judges of award shall also name the second highest rating entry of each department.
Sec. 7. The title "laureate'' shall be conferred upon the author selected by the judges of award, for contributing the best article in each department specified in section 3 .
Sec. S . Upon receipt of a certificate signed by the president and recording secretary, the persons receiving such awards shall be al- lowed to place the title in full under their names or nom de plume, when writing for the press, until the date of the next convention, and thereafter, by adding the year in which the title was awarded. A certificate of "honorable mention'" shall be awarded to the second highest rating entry of each department.
Sec. 9. Any individual or State or local association may give this Association one or more medals to be presented in connection with the title laureate, to either of the successful competitors.
Art. XIV. — Editorial Laureate. Sec. 1. Any member publishing four or more number;* of his paper during the year is entitled to enter such publication in competition for the title editorial laureate, which shall be awarded at each convention, by the president.
Sec. 2. It shall be the duty of the president to appoint from the active members a committee of three, who shall receive copies of pub- lications entered in competition for the title editorial laureate.
Sec. 3. This committee shall be known as the committee on edito- rial award, and their names and addresses shall be inserted in each number of the official organ.
Sec. 4. This committee shall recommend to the Association the publication which in their best judgment is most worthy of the title mentioned in section 1 of this article.
Sec. 5, Upon receipt of a certificate signed by the president and! recording secretary, the editor receiving such title may place the same in f jll, under the heading of his paper, until the date of the next con- vention, and thei-^after by adding the year in which the title was awarded.
Art. XV — Amendments. Sec. 1. No part of this constitution shall be suspended except by the unanimous vote of the members present.
Sec. 2. Proxy votes sent to this Association for the amendment of any part of this constitution shall be placed in the hands of the record- ing secretaiy, whose duty it shall be to have them counted, when such amendment shall be voted upon in convention.
Sec. 3. Amendments to be voted on by proxy shall have appeared in the September, December or March numbers of the official organ.
Sec. 4. Amendments to this constitution can be made by a two- thirds vote of all the votes cast.
HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION. 219
Sec. 5. This constitution shall take effect July 8. 1889, and all laws previously adopted for the goTernment of this Association shall be thereupon declared null or void.
BY-LAWS.
Article A — Order of Business. First day — 1, roll call; 2, appoint- ment of officers pro tempore^ in the event of any vacancy caused by absence or otherwise; 3, appointment of two members as assistants to secretary of credentials; 4. report of secretary of credentials; 5, elec- tion of members; 6, annual report of officers and committes. Second day — 1, unfinished business of the previous day; 2, election of officers; 3, execution and filing of treasurer's bond; 4, installation and message of president-elect: 5, literary exercises and announcement of laureate awards; 6, banquet. Third day— 1, unfinished business of the previous day; 2, miscellaneous business; 3. reading and adoption of minutes of this convention; 4, adjournment.
Art. B -Eules of Order. 1. A motion to adjourn shall be debatable.
2. An appeal from the decision of the chair on any question shall be considered in the same manner as a regular motion. It shall be made by a member, seconded by another, and a majority vote of those present shall be necessary to sustain or reverse such decision.
3. To reconsider a vote already passed a motion must be made and seconded in the usual manner. A motion to reconsider shall be in order only upon questions acted upon at the convention at which the original vote has been taken.
4. These by-laws shall not be amended except by a two-thirds vote of the meuibers present at a convention.
5. No part of these by-laws shall be suspended except by the unani- mous vote of the members present.
6. These by-laws shall take effect July 8, 1889, and all laws pre- viously adopted for the government of this Association shall be there- upon declared null and void.
At the Buffalo convention an Alumni Association was organ- ized, with Joseph D. Miller as president and Will R. Autisdel as secretary.
The second annual banquet and reunion of the Alumni Asso- ciation of California Amateur Journalists was held at the Maispn Doree parlors, San Francisco, August 31, 1889. About twenty were in attendance.
The Alumni Association of New England was organized with a banquet at the Quincy house, Boston, November 21, 1889. Chas. H. Fowle was elected president and VVillard O. Wylie secretary.
CH/IFTEK18.
THE BOSTON CONFERENCE OF 1890. Amateurs in Attendance. — Subjects Discussed. — The Ban- quet AND Toast Responses.
ON FEBRUARY 22, 1890, a conference of amateur journalists was held at Boston, Mass. Progress ipuh- lished a full report of tins coaferen<3e, from which we condense the following:
The conference was called to order at 4 p. m., bj the president, Willard O. VVylie, with the following named persons in atten- dance:
Messrs. Louis Kempner, Charles E. Wilson, Willard O. Wylie, D. A. Sullivan, George PI Day, Ralph Metcalf, Fred Metcalf , C, H. Fowle, Henry W^olffe, Truman J. Spencer, J. Whidden Gra- ham, Charles R. Burger, Howard K. Sanderson, Louis N. Geldert, Clarence W. Small, George W. Dodd, Jr., Franklin C. Johrson, Everett C. Fay, Jerome C. Bull, Elisha T. Read, Ros- coe L. Colman, Alfred H. Nash, Albert R. Moulton, Guy Met- calf, Charles A. Sheffield, Oscar L. Stevens, Ernst Schadee, J. F. Morton, Jr., W. O. Whipple, Robert Carey, Dan J. Chris- holm, George L. Crockett, Edward W. Odlin, Thomas J. Ander- son, E. S. Spaulding, C. F. Harper, Charles S. Greene, E. A. Durgiu, W. D. Cram. L. H. Nutter, George H. Lewis, Frank C. Smith, A. M. Rice, Will S. Coggan, Mills Hoyt, W. L. Jack- man, A. S. Guttersou, W. A. Grover; Misses Harriet C. Cox, Jennie M. Day, Frances E. Parsons, Minna Noyes, Mabel S. Barrows, Lillian Foster, Mary Cox, A. B. Richards, Marie Hunt. Mabel F. Noyes ; Mrs. Cox, Mrs. W. O. Wylie, Mrs. C. E, Wilson, Mrs. Ella Maud Frye.
In his opening remarks, Mr. Wylie first spoke of the reasons he had in calling such a meeting, and expressed his gratification with the number of amateurs, active and otherwise, who had responded to his ca|l. We had met to discuss the best methods for recruit work, and in every way enlarging and benefitting our work. It was certainly a thoroughly representative gathering both as regarded the members present and the papers represented,
Mrs. Ella Maud Frye read a paper entitled "Our Authors — what incentive can we off er them to secure greater activity?" The paper was discussed by Louis Kempner, George E. Day, T, J. Spencer, Fred Metcalf, E. T. Read, C, E. Wilson, Harriet
9
HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION. 221
Cox, J. C. Bull. J. F. Morton, Jr., Fiauklin C. Johuson and C, R, Burger.
Mr. Wylie read an "apptjaL /or contributions for laureate fund," which he said would be sent to all amateurs in the course of a few weeks,
Chas. H, Fowle. a well-known old-timer, was then introduced. Miss Cox read a paper on "Recruit work," A number cf telegrams and letters of regret from absent amateurs were here read.
Chas, R, Burger introduced a resolution, favoring Boston as next meeting place for the National Association, which was unanimously adopted. Resolutions were also adopted endorsing the admistration of Louis Kempner, president of the National A, P. A. ;extending sympathy to Finlay A, and Bertha Grant for the loss of their son, Guy, and to President A. G. Davis, of the New England A, P, A., on account of his own serious illness.
A banquet was held at 7 :30 o'clock, at which forty amateurs sat down. After a faithful discussion of the viands set before the ama- teurs, speechmaking began. Mr, D, A. Sullivan acted as toast- master. The following were the toast responses :
Address of welcome to President Kempner,. Chas. E, Wilson
Response Louis Kempner
What Our Literature Owes to Shakspere. Truman J. Spencer
Youth Robert Carey
The Tariff Joseph D. Miller
(Read by Elisha T, Read)
Professional Jonrnalism .Thos. P. Anderson
New England A. P. A Harriet C. Cox
Protection J. Whidden Graham
The Canadian Amateur Ella Maud Frye
The Ladies Ralph Metcalf
CHflFTER 13.
AMATEURS GATHER AT INDIANAPOLIS.
President Kempnku's Official Appointments. — Meeting Changed from Cleveland.— The Grant and Dunlop Campaigns. — Swift as Convention Chronicler. — The Membership Revised. — Constitutiok Amended.
PRESIDENT KEMPNER announced the following appoint- ments in the September, 1889, Amateur : Secretary of credentials, B. P. Emery ; National lau- reate recorder, W. S. Dunlop; Librarian, Leiand S. Boruck.
Executive judge, vice Mr. Emery, resigned — Wm. W. Car- penter.
Committee on award of editorial laureate — C. M. Heineman, chairman; C. S. Elgutter, J. J. Ottinger.
Constitution committee — C. R. Burger, chairman ; W. O. Wylie, F. E. Schermerhorn.
Recruiting Managers:
First district, Canada — A. D. Grant.
Second district, New England— H. C. Cox, W. O. Wylie, C. A. Sheffeld, C. W. Smith.
Third district, New York state, except New York and Brooklyn —Fred Hanchett, W. W. Carpenter, M. A. Cohen, N. N. Block, E. A. Goeway, E. F. Pugh, B. P. Emery.
Fourth district. New York, Brooklyn and New Jerse}' — C. R. Burger.
Fifth district, Pennsylvania— W. C. Chiles, F. E. Scher- irerhorn, W. J. Heineman.
Sixth district, Maryland, District of Columbia, Delaware and Virginia — G. S. Brown.
Seventh district. North and South Carolina, Georgia and Florida — N. H. Ferguson.
Eighth district, Ohio and Kentucky — W. J. Brodie.
Ninth district, West Virginia, Tennessee, Alabama and Mis- sissippi— Everard Appleton .
Tenth district, Michigan — L. C. Bigelow.
Eleventh district, Wisconsin and Minnesota — H . H . Fish, Bessie E. Tuliar, W. S. Dunlop.
Twelfth district, Illinois, Missouri and Indiana— H. R. Cody, H. M. Carter, J. L. Tomlinson, S.J. Steinberg.
HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION. 223
Thirteenth district, Texas and Arkansas — H. F. Thompsoa, J. T. Walton.
Fourteenth district, Iowa, Dakota Nebraska and Kansas — W.J. Hunter, E. J. Mock.
Fifteenth district, Wyoming, Colorado, Montana, New Mexico, Arizona, Washington, Oregon, Nevada and California— L. S. Boruck, C. E. Christiancy, Jr., R. G. Mackay.
In November, 1889, the official board was changed as follows: Frank E. Schermerhorn appointed librarian, vice Leland S. Boruck, resigned. Sam J. Steinberg appointed recording secre- tary, vice Nathan N. Block, resigned. Wesley J. Hunter ap- pointed first vice-president, vice H. H. Fish, removed. Later in the official 3. ear, Mr. Hunter resigned and Mr. Fish was replaced as first vice-president. These appointments were all by President Kempner.
Volume XII National Amateur contained 28 pages in four numbers. The September issue was of twelve pages, containing the president's message, minutes of the Buffalo convention, com- mittee and official reports, the new constitution in full, member- ship list and editorial matter. The December issue contained the laureate winners, recorder's report, official reports, account of California alumni meeting and editorial matter — eight pages. The March issue, of four pages, contained an account of the Boston conference. New England alumni, a review of the ama- teur world, president's message and editorial. The July issue, also four pages, contained two pages of reprinted amateur litera- ture and two pages ofnnatter by Official Editor Carter. During this term the Awiateur was ably edited and almost a modtl official organ.
President Kempner changed the next meeting place from Cleveland, O., to Indianapolis, Ind., naming July 24-26 as the dates. Thos. G. Harrison was appointed custodian of ballots and S.J. Steinberg, T. G. Harrison, F. B. Davenport, Misses Harting and Steinberg, reception committee .
The political phases of 1900 were handled by Will S. Dunlop as laureate recorder, from which we quote:
It was generally understood at the close of the Buffalo con- vention that Official Editor-elect Carter would be a candidate for the presidency the succeeding year. Mr. Carter represented what has been called the political section of Amateurdora . The
224 HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION.
literitry section, during the latter part of 1889, begun easting about for a suitable candidate to represent their views. A. D. Grant was selected . Work on both sides went on, quietly until the opening of 1890, when the literary men began to discuss their man in their papers . Willard O . Wylie was selected to manage the Grant campaign. He organized his forces thoroughly, drew up a platform, appointed a campaign committee and soon had a large following for his man. The Carter men seemed to be do- ing nothing. Grant was gaining ground every day. Finally, in April, after the Grant campaign sheet. Our National Can- didate, was issued. Grant had almost the entire support of the members, and it was rumored that Carter would not run. The election of Mr. Grant seemed a certainty. Fate ordained other- wise. Upon the advice of his physician, his family and his immediate friends, Mr. Grant withdrew, feeling that his health would not stand the strain of the onerous duties to be per- formed by a president of this Association. Mr. Grant withdrew May 15th in favor of William S. Dunlop. Like a thunderbolt from a clear sky did the news of Grant's withdrawal and Dunlop' s acceptance strike the amateur world when it was first circulated by an extra edition of Dilettante. Mr. Wylie continued to manage the party's affairs, and endeavored to hold the support gamed for Grant for the new candidate. In this he was only partially successful. The Idiom nominated Walter E. Mellinger, Many who were dissatisfied with Dunlop as a substitute for Grant supported Mellinger. Carter refused to run, and the campaign, which toward the last was very interesting and ex- citing, narrowed down to a contest between Dunlop and Mellinger. Wylie issued another number of Our National Candidate, and Leuscher the Lance and Shield for Mellinger.
The oflace of official editor was the only other office for which a thorough canvass was instituted. Charles R. Burger was the nominee of the political party, while William S. Dunlop was the candidate of the literary party. Burger finally refused to run. Dunlop's nomination for the presidency left the literary party temporarily without a candidate. Miss Harriet C. Cox was mentioned for the office. She proved a strong candidate.
In Syperion, Dr. Edwin B. Swift gave a concise account of the Indianapolis convention, from which we quote:
The convention was called to order by Corresponding Secre- tary Chiles, who announced that nominations for temporary chairman were in order. Burger was elected over Swift by a vote ten to six. He appointed Carter and Mueller vice presi- dents and named Barker for member of proxy committee. Objec- tion was raised by Grant that Barker was not a member in good
HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION. 225
Standing. Objection sustained. Phillips, Brown, Chiles and Schermerhorn were then appointed. Report of credential com- mittee received. Then came reports of retiring officers and adjournment.
Second session. Temporary Chairman Burger called the meeting to order. Proxj- committee reported seventy-seven votes c^st ; twenty-five thrown out as being received too late, six for non-payment of dues. Several were also withdrawn by those casting them being present.
The proxv vote for president stood: Dunlop, 26; Mellinger, 8; Tomlinson, 4. In convention: Dunlop, 10; Mellinger, 10; Brown, 4.
Schermerhorn received eleven proxies and enough in conven- tion to elect him first vice-president. Scattering proxies pre- vented election of second vice on first two ballots, which were then thrown out and Burke elected by the members present. Stein- berg received twenty-four proxy votes and was elected recording secretary. He resigned and Mueller was then elected by the members present. Hardcastle was elected corresponding secre- tary by the members present, and treasurer by the proxies. Resigning the latter office. Swift was elected over Brown by a vote of thirteen to ten. Miss Cox was elected official editor by a practically unanimous vote. Philadelphia received thirty-one votes, Boston thirty. Mrs. Swift seventeen. Grant fourteen, Mellinger thirteen was the vote of the elected members of the executive committee, after a total of six ballots.
Lewis, Hardcastle and Mrs. Swift were appointed editorial laureate committee, and awarded the title to the Nugget, giving the Messenger honorable mention. The Bising Age was also given honorable mention by the meeting.
The convention decided that proxies received up midnight of the 9 th were legal.
Except editorial laureate the entries for this year were cast out. Wylie reported a balance of $21 in laureate fund. [This was ordered returned to donors.]
Swift, Mellinger and Hardcastle were appointed to examine the treasurer's books, and reported them all right, with a balance of $47.40 to be handed over to the new treasurer.
Badge committee reported in favor of blue button with gold lettering. It was accepted, the design was turned over to Swift who is authorized to sell them at 50 cents each.
The following amateurs were in attendaice at one or more ses- sions of the Indianapolis convention: Albert Barker, Charles Bier, Justin Bowersock, Q. S. Broivn, Charles Bu^er,'T. Arthur Burke, Howard Carter, Walter Chiles, Will Dunlop, A. D. Grant,
226 HI8TORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION.
E. J. Hardcastle, Ida Hailing, Tlios. Harrison. Frederick Heath, Harry Hochstadter, OltoKamber, W. A. Kennedy, E. St. Elnao Lewis, Walter Mellinger, Mrs. Mellinger, Oscar Mueller, Emanuel Phillips, Frank Schermerhoru, Rose Steinberg, Sam Steinberg, Edwin Swift, Zelda Swift, Harry Thompson, John Toralinson, Willard Wylie.
The official minutes give additional information : Committee composed of Messrs. A. D. Grant, W. C. Chiles and S. J. Steinberg reported and report adopted, dropping following names from membership roll :
R. E. Kimbell, T. P. Andrews, J. R. B. Bockman, J. A. Ephriam, P. I. Figel, Percy Goldstone, L. Goidstoue, Philip Hastings, Zebbie Hunt, M. G. Jonas, Lester James, G. R. Luken, Jennie M. Martin, Alice Mason, Myron McClinton, Geo. J. Moore, E. G. Palnaer, A. H. Rediugton, L. S. Robinson, M. J. Sideman, T. B. Sullivan, E. D. Taylor, Leo Weil, J. VV. Graham, J. H. Ives Muuro, Frederick Kemp, W. D. Ross, W. C. Davis, W. P. Hopkins, Jud D. Russell, L. H. Spencer, Geo. N. Truax, R. D. McAllisiter, F. B. Davenport, W. H. Stanley, Al E. Bar- ker, Myra I. Barker, Ed P. Cook, D. P. Dolan, R. J. Eerris, C. H. Frost, H. K. Gilbert, A. G. Holland, R. S. Hotz, A. R. Parrish, A. J. Ryan, F. L. Tomlinson, W. J. Vanderslice, L. O, VanRiper, C. S. Zimmerman, F. H. Bowersock, J. D. Bowersock, H. S. Chapman, F. D. Cole, A. G. Davis, C. VV. Small, Frtd Sma'l, D. C. Mcintosh, James G. Knoght, K. H. Bancroft,
F. L. Biscoe, George A. Dunn, Jennie M. Day, Wm. M. Emery, E. C. Fay, A. H. Gleason, F. H. Green, R. J. Griffen, H. H. Hilton, Geo. N. Hall, Geo. A. Hough, A. R. Moulton, Helen C. Phillips, F. A. Plympton, M. L. Penn, H. C. Parsons, E. H, Rockwell, Alfreda K. Richards, H. K. Sanderson, C. A. Sheffield,
A. A. Stewart, D. A. Sullivan, H. W. Smith, A. C. Whitney, F. C. Wicks, F. S. Arnett, J. C. McCabe, Warren J. Niles, E. E. Bryant, Ralph Metcalf, M. J. Harty, W. A. Cowley, E. H. Barnard, R. T. Moore, C. I. Rogers, W. B. Burger, H. C. Cross- ley, Geo. W. Dodd, Jr., W. C. Puickney, Lewis T. Stevens, M. F. Boechat, Geo. W. Baildon, T. L. Chrystie, B. A. Connolly, R.
B. Cramer, M. A. Cohen, A. D. Cochrane, W. W Delaney, W J. Doran, James Delaney, J. D. Earle, B. H. Gonden, H. J. Heislica, Henry Jacobs, J. F. Kavanagh, E. P. Knowles, L. P. Lang, B. J. Mosier, J. J. Moore, S. A. Nelson, A. B. Osgoodby,C. T. Ott,T. H. Parsons, H. L. Pinckuey, E. F. Pugh, H. W. Robinson, W. T. Scofield, H. L. Smith, H. W. Warner, Henry Wolffe, E. G. Wyckoff, M. Adler, W. B. Bald- win, W. J. Brodie, J as. D. Carr, H. A. Clarke, F. C. Lindsley,
HISTORY OF THB NATIONAL AMATKLll PKKSS ASSOCIATION. 227
J. J. VVeissert, W. H. Bell, W. H. Burke, H. D. Hughes, VV. T. Hanley, C. T. Hall, C. M. Heinemnn, W. J. Heinernan. \V. A. Lewisi John W. McClain, C. H. Potter, R. B. Slieridan, R. M. Rawlings, Jr., Otto Praeger, Jas. T. Walton, C. F. Goodrich, A. L. McClinton, R. W. Houshton, Herbert Hein, Joseph Hein, H. E. Legler, W. J. Roe, J. E. Urban, Jr., J. A. Shannon.
Following applicants elected to membership: C. E. Chris- tiancy, George Frye, John Cole, E. J. Hardcastle, E. J. DaVis, H. VV. Ireland, W. B. Newgeon, H. D. Ross, E. St. Elmo Lewis, Ida Halting, Jessie Hood, Rose Steinberg, Harry Sizer, Charles Bier, James Morton, Jr., Charles Lawson, E. T. Read, John Stover. W. W. Darby, D. G. Melloy, C. B. Palmer, A. E, Taylor, G. A. Salmon, E. T. Price, Ella Frye, L. H. Nutter, A. G. Bouney, J. C. Landis, Kittie Wolffe, Theodore Thiele, C. A. Moxley, Frances Parsons, Charles S. Greene, A. VV. Sutherland^ R. L. Mitchell, F. D. Lackey, Harry Carson, Mabel Noyes.
The reports of laureate judges were rejected. Later the chair appointed judges who awarded the sketch laureateship to Irving J. Romer, the essay laureateship to VV. O. VVylie and the poet laureateship to H. C. Hochstadter. These awards were then rejected by the convention.
The treasurer's report submitted, to the convention, showed receipts for initiation fees and dues, $70 ; dues $55 ; two badges sold. $5 ; amount on hand at close of Buffalo convention, $95.59, making total receipts, $225.59. Expenditures, for various pur- poses, $177.19, leaving $48.40 on hand.
Numerous amendments were made to the constituion at Indian- apolis. The various parts amended were made to read as follows :
Article V. Section 23. It shall be the duty of the corresponding secretary to act as assistant editor, and in case of the death, disability or resignation of the editor, he shall act as editor until the vacancy is filled by the president. It shall be the duty of the corresponding sec- retary to issue notices of convention and provide the members with official blanks necessary for proxy voting, as provided for- in article IX, sections 2 and 3. .
Sec. 26. It shall be the duty of all officers to remain active during their term of office by publishing at least four numbers of a journal at regular intervals, within that period, or by contributing at least four articles to the amateur press, during the year, three of which shall be printed prior to February of each year. No issue to be delayed more than one month after its regular date of publication. This provision shall not conflict with article V, section H. It shall be the duty of all the officers, in addition toother duties prescribed in this constitution, to present at the annual convention a report of all duties performed during their term of office and to deliver to their respective successors all books, papers or property of any kind belong- ing to the Association.
228 HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION
Art. YIII.— Election of MemUra. Sec. 1. It shall be the duty of the secretary of credentials to present a list of accepted applicants immediately after the appointments of officers pro tempore as provided for in article V, section 10, and report the names of those who by reason of inactivity shall be dropped from the mem- bership list. By a majority vote of members present such list may be favorably acted upon in its entirety. Thereupon such applicants after the payment of their initiation fee and dues for one year shall be en- titled to the privileges of active membership. By the request of ten members present any number of names on the secretary of creden- tials' list maybe voted upon separately, when ten negative votes shall be necessary to reject any applicant for membership.
Art. IX. Sec. 1. Each member whose name appears on the treas- urer's books, and all accepted applicants for membership, shall be furnished with official blanks for the purpose of proxy voting for president, official editor and next place of meeting, and upon proposed amendments to the constitution or by-laws.
Sec. 3. The corresponding secretary shall furnish these blanks at least thirty days previous to the date of convention, and in order to -insure their being counted they must be properly filled out by the members, and be received by the custodian of ballots, through the postoffice, three days prior to the convention.
Art XI. — Parliamentary Authority. This Association shall be gov- erned by Eoberts' Eules of Order, wherein it does not conflict with this constitution and these by-laws.
Art. XIII. Sec. 2. In order to compete for the title laureate in any branch a member must have his article printed in an amateur publication by June 15 of each year, and send two copies of the paper, with such articles marked, to the officer who shall have charge of the particular department in which the article is entered.
Sec. 4. There shall be five judges of awards each of whom shall have a distinct department, thus: The first shall have charge of serials, the second shall have charge of stories or sketches, the third shall have charge of poems, the fourth shall have charge of essays, the fifth shall have charge of history of Amateur Journalism.
Art. XV. Sec. 1. No part of this constitution shall be suspended except by the two-thirds vote of the members present.
Eliminate section 5 of article XV of constitution. Also sec- tion 6 of article B of by-laws. Amend article A of by-laws so that sixth order of business on second day shall read as follows : «6. Miscellaneous and new business.
Leading papers of the year were Nugget, notable for literary and editorial matter ; Union Lance, also ably edited ; Our Gompli" 'ments, with a lady editor-in-chief ; Mercury Magazine, issued like clock work ; Commentator, the leading all-editorial publica- tion; Bising Age, Amateur Journalist, Dilettante, Our Venture, etc. ,
CHflFTER 20.
THE SECOND BOSTON CONFERENCE. Amateurs in Attendakce. — Papers Read and Thoroughly Discussed.
THE miuutes of the second Boston conference were pub- lished in Dilettante, from which we quote : In the parlors of the American house, Boston, Mass., on the afternoon of February 23, 1891, a conference of amateur, journalists was called to order by Chairman James F. Morton, Jr.
There were present Mrs. Miniter, Misses Noyes, M( r:on, Abbott and Cox; Messrs. Wilson, Wylie, Capen, Burger, Chiles, Hochstadter, Nutter, Cram, Spencer, Read, Porter, Morton and Dr. Swift; and among the visitors were Mrs. Cox, Mrs. Cameron, Mrs. Wjlie, Mrs. Wilson, Misses Robbins, Barrows, Wentfailh and Cox; Messrs. Lewis, Stone, Gallagher, Gettemy, Morion, Sr., Schadee and several others.
Mr. Morton welcomed those assembled and declared that the purpose of the meeting was for the discussion of the scone, prac- tical value and present needs of Amateur Journalism.
The first topic was "The Scope of Amateur Journalism." Mrs. Miniter read a paper, followed by Willard O. \A ylie with ar- other. Letters relating to the subject were read from Everard Appleton and Jeanette Swing.
Mr. Moore's paper on "The Scope, Present Needs and Prac- tical Advantages of Amateur Journalism" was then read. The subject was announced as open for general discussion and Mr. Chiles, Mr. Capen, Mr. Wylie and Miss Cox partici[ ated.
Mr. Morton read Mrs. Frye's paper on "The Practical Value of Amateur Journalism to tie Author." Also the paper pre- pared by Mr. John L. Tomlinson, on its value to the editor.
Miss Cox prefaced Mr. Pugh- s paper,»My College of Journal- ism," by the remark that it was of particular value, inasmuch as Mr. Pugh was very successful as a journalist, and knew whereof he spoke, both from his own experience and from that of his old-time amateur friends. Mr. Spencer spoke of the prac- tical value to the printer.
Opinions were then called for from the company. Mr. Chiles, Mr. Gallagher and Miss Cox responded.
Mr. Morton read a paper written by Mrs. Ella M. Frye on "The Present Need of Amateur Journalism." This was dis- cussed by Dr. Swift, Mr. Read and Miss Cox.
After adopting some resolutions the conference adjourned.
CH/IFTER 21.
RED-LETTER DAYS. A Triangular Presidential Contest. — The Fine Array of. Papers in 1891. — Spencer's Magnificent Volume. — Mor- ton's Account of the Philadelphia Meeting. — The Official Minutes.
THE contest for the presidency in 1891 was, for the first time in the history of the National Amatenr Press Associa- tion, a tliree-cornered tight. Ti»e candidates were Edwift B. Swift, Frank E. Schermerhorn and John L. Tomljnson. Dr. Swift, an amateur of long standing, was the candidate of the literary party of Araateurdom, the campaign being under the personal direction of James V. Morton, Jr., an energetic and shrewd politician as well as a most prolitic author. Mr. Morton bad assistants throughout the country, an(i did iiis work thoroughly. The Scliermerhorn party was the party of Ama- teurdom's younger element, Mr. Harry C. Hochstadter being in charge. The wa^chwonlsof the campaign were '•Schermerhorn and manhood." The Tomlinson campaign was managed by Messrs. C. R. Burger and W. C. Chiles, and it was generally understood —and afterwards proven — that its following consisted mainly of ''fossils" and "recruits."
The era about which we are now writing has been, 03' general consent, styled the ''Red-Letter Days" of Amateur Journalism,, from the title of the leading magazine of the year. In his ruinual report, Laureate Recorder Frank D. Woollen says:
In ihe past we have had some reall}^ brilliant magazines ; we have had poeuis. sketches, essays, criticisms, books; but when iu one single year before have we boasted of a Stylus, Bed-Letter Days and New Era; of a Miss Johnson, Miss Parsons, Edkins, Emery, Mack. Shelp, Batsford, Antisdel, Hill, Spencer and the "Literary Cycbpedia?" Add to these the fine volume of th« National Amateur, Investigator, Monthly Visitor, Onr Compli- ments and Quartette, from New England; Progress, Ivy Leaf, Fern Leaf, Ideal, Wm. Penn, New Century, Delawarean, Bising Age, Lotus Leaves and Our Quill, from the Middle States; Southern Critic, South, Texas and Appleton's "Uuiquii Series,"
HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUK PKES8 ASSOCIATION. 251
from the South ; Hyperion, Messenger, Gold Foil, Commentator, Pansies, Ink Drops, Pacific Gourant and Bowagiac News, from the West, and a fair estimate may be formed of the extent and vahie of Amateur Journalism for the year.
The most valuaf)Ie product of the year was beyond doubt Truman J. Spencer^s "Literary Cyclopedia of Amateur Journal- ism,'* a volume of 512 pnges, handsomely bound, containing selections entire from the works of over eighty amateur authors, covering the whole field of amateur literature from the days of Gerner, Huss, Fyiies and Clossey to the present era. It con- tains Clossey's famous poem, "Red-Letter Days," Gleason's fine lines beginninty
My pipe is peace to me On languid summer eves, as also Shelp's masterpiece, "The Sheik," and Batsford's un- rivalled "Doctor Dick." There, too, is Buckley's "Missoury," Hey wood's "In Praisentia Mortis," Day's "In the Castle Gar- den," Metcalf's "Lines to My Waiting Love," Sluyvesant's ^'Professor Plum tree," Miller's "Dead,'' etc.
In February, 1891, President Dunlop removed Second Vice- President Burke, for inactivity, and appointed John L. Tomlin- soD in his stead.
An epoch of activity in the South was made the occasion for a vigorous campaign for New Orleans as the seat of the 1892 con- vention. The campaign committee was headed by John T. Nix- on, whose South was at this time the leading amateur paper of the section.
The convention met at Philadelphia, July 14, at 2:45 p. m. The following account of the convention is from Dilettante and by James F. Morton, Jr.
At 2 p. m. of July 14, President Dunlop called the convention to order in the parlors of the Lafayette hotel. About sixty were present. In the absence of the corresponding secretarj' Walter C. Chiles was appointed to serve in place of that officer.
The names of candidates admitted during the past year were read by Mr. Hochstadter, the secretary of credentials. Motioa being made to accept the report, Mr, Heath arose and asked that 73 names which he read be acted on separately. By rising vote these applicants were blackballed.
With one or two exceptions, the reports of officers and commit- tees presented little of special interest. The report of Miss Cox as official editor was greeted with loud applause, and the conven- tion voted to present her with a suitable testimonial, in recogni-
232 HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION.
tion of her services. The convention then adjourned to 10 a. m. of the following day.
The remainder of the afternoon and the entire evening were devoted mainly to caucusing and pplitical discussion. A union between the Swift and Tomlinson forces was decided on.
The first order of business jii the morning was the election of officers. Mr. Schermerhorn, 'who was chairman of the proxy committee, was absent. After considerable delay, Charles R. Burger presented a report of the committee, signed by five of its seven members. This recognized as legal every proxy ballot cast by a member in good standing whose dues were paid and whose ballot had arrived on time. On the motion to accept the committee's report a tie vote was announced, whereupon Presi- dent Dunlop cast the deciding vote in favor of the report. The Schermerhorn faction then attempted to force an adjournment, and when they found themselves unable to do this, bolted the convention in a body.
The convention meanwhile proceeded with the regular order of business. Dr. E. B. Swift was nominated for president by Ci R. Burger. He received 87 votes out of 113, and was declared duly elected. Harriet C. Cox was elected first vice-president and Charles H. Lawson second vice, John Moody recording sec- retary, Oscar A. Reum corresponding secretary and Hope R. Cody treasurer, with no opposition. Walter C. Chiles received 85 votes for official editor, and was declared elected. John L. Tomlinson, Willard O. Wylie and Truman J. Spencer were elected as executive judges. For convention seat the first two ballots revealed no choice. On the third, Boston was elected by acclamation, the constitution having previously been suspended to allow the convention to meet in an eastern city. The con- vention then adjourned to 2 p. m.
On reassembling, it was found that the bolters had taken pos- session of the room, and were holding a so-called convention, with Carter in the chair. After a brief consultation it was de- cided to claim the room as rightfully belonging to the National Association. Accordingly, the members quietly filed in and took their seats, while President Dunlop, taking the. gavel from Carter's hands, assumed his position as chairman. The Scher- merhorn faction, realizing that they had no right to the use of the room, hastily adjourned to their headquarters.
Dr. Swift was then installed as president. He returned thanks for the honor in a brief but eloquent speech, in the course of which he announced the following appointments : Secretary of credentials, Charles R. Burger ; laureate recorder, James F. Morton, Jr. ; librarian, Charles W. Edmunds. Announcement -was made of the award of poet laureateship to Miss Stella Trumam
HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION 233
for ''A Soldier's Meditation," with honorable mention to Miss Capitola L. Harrison for "Marguerite." The title of historian laureate was conferred on Mrs. Ella M. Frye for "A Miniature World of Letters," with honorable mention to Warren J. Brodie for '-The National Amateur and Its Official Editors." E. St. Elmo Lewis received the essay laureateship for "The Art Divinity in Amateur Literature." The committee awarded the editorial laureate to the Ideal, with honorable mention to the South.
The credential committee presented a report favoring the admission of the 73 members previously blackballed. The report was accepted. Some discussion arose over the name of Abel P. Caldwell, who was also favorably reported on by the committee. On testimony that the applicant was not objected to on the ground of color, but because his paper was in no sense an amateur paper, his name was referred back to the committee.
Willard O. Wylie then presented the following resolutions:
Whereas, Certain meinbers of the National Amateur Press Association, known as the Scherinerhorn faction, have refused to obey the voice of a ma- jority of the members of that body, and have proven themselves disloyal to it and its best interests ; and
Whereas, In the corridors of the Lafayette hotel, the Schermerhorn fac- tion has disgraced itself in its flippant references to an attending lady dele- gate ; be it
Eesolved, That we, the members of the N. A. P. A., in convention assem- bled, denounce all such actions expressing our disapproval in the most emphatic manner ; and be it further
llesolved, That the professional press of this city be furnished a copy of these resolutions.
The resolutions were adopted, and the convention then ad- journed to 10 a. m. of the following day. The regular conven- tion banquet was held in the evening at the Colonnade hotel. It was a success in every sense of the word. Over thirty were present. Willaed O. Wylie presided as toastmaster. The post prandial exercises were opened with a piano solo by Miss Helen Lawson. John L. Tomlinson responded to the "Conventions of the Fast," and Truman S. Spencer to "The National Amateur l^ress Association." Miss Harriet C. Cox read an original sketch entitled "Tim's Query." Ex-President Dunlop responded to "The Ladies" after which he presented Miss Cox, in the name of the Association, with a handsome diamond ring, in recognition of the excellent work performed by her during the year in her capacity as official editor. Other responses and literary exercises were "The Western Amateur Press Associa- tion," Walter E. Mellinger; a reading by James F. Morton, Jr.; "The Fossil," Ex-President Louis Kempner; "Our Local Clubs," Mrs. Ella Maud Frye; "Our Hobbies," Charles R. Burger ; "The Successful Candidate," President Edwin B. Swift ;
234 HISTORY OF THE NATIOiJAL AMATEUR PRtsfe ASSOCIATIOF.
^'Eastern Amateur Press Association," John Moody; "New England Amateur Press Association," James F. Morton, Jr. ; reading by George Dodd ; "The Politician," Walter C. Chiles. At the close of the exercises President Swift read a letter just received from the judge of the entries for the sketch laureate- ships. The title was awarded to Mrs. Ella Maud Frye for "Who Was to Blame," with honorable mention to Everard Appleton, for "Nor Live Nor Love."
The session of the following morning was eminently a busines session. The constitution committee reported a number of important changes, which were adopted. An elaborate scheme with reference to thciColumbiau exposition was presented by Mr. Cody for J4jdsbn D. Russell, and adopted by the convention. It was voted that measures be taken for the incorporation of the Association, and a committee was appointed for the purpose. During the proceedings, Frank E. Schermerhorn, E. J. Hard- castle and C. W. Edmunds entered the hall, and Mr. Schermer- horn read the following:
Fellow amateurs assembled: We, the undersigned committee, representing a body of Amateur Journalists, ask the appointment of a like committee to meet us in conference to discuss and settle, if pos- sible, the difficulties that exist as a result of the proceedings of the past two days. We make these^overtures, willing to forego that for which we have personally contended in the interests of the cause which we all love. Our cause has never been strong enough even in the most prosperous days, to stand the breach that now threatens, and it is in goodfaith that we ask for an amicable adjustment of the difficulties now existing.
The request was complied with, and President Swift appointed Wylie, Spencer and Morton as such committee. A recess was taken to 2 p. m.
For some reason, the committee representing the Schermerhorn faction failed to materialize. After waiting more than half an hour, the committee from the N. A. P. A. made an appointment with the only member of the otlier committee present, at 1 :45. The Schermerhorn committee, consisting of Carter, Heath and Baker, when the conference finallj' met, declared their wish to be that the entire proceedings of the convention, subsequent to its desertion by the Schermerhorn party, be declared null and void. To this theN. A. P. A. committee refused to accede. Mean- while the convention had been called to order. Mr. Tomlinson obtained the floor and described the manner in which he had been approached b}' the Schermerhorn faction, who proffered him the presidency in return for his assistance in overthrowing the proceedings of the convention. He declared himself stronglj" opposed to such methods, and moved that the convention adjourn sine die. There being no further business to consider, the
BrSTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION. 236
motioa was carried. The cotntnittee remaiiiel in session for some time, but no satisfactory agreement was reached.
The official minutes give additional details as follows:
Hope Reed Cody and James F. Morton, Jr., appointed to assist secretary of credentials.
Committee on countingr proxy ballots: F. E. Schermerhorn, chairman; Walter C. Chiles, Edwin B. Swift, Willard O. Wylie, Ciiarles R. Burger, Truman J. Spencer and Harry C. Hoch- stadter.
Roll call showed following members present: Miss Cox, Mrs Frye, Mrs. Swift, Messrs^ Spencer, Cole, Hardcastle, Ross Lawson, Taylor, Salmon, Mitchell, Carter, Cody, Meilinger, Reum, Tomiinson, Heath, Baker, Wylie, Morton, Burger Moody, Stover, Sizer, Swift, Chiles, Edmunds, Hochstadter, Kugler, Lewis, Schermerhorn, Melloy, Mellville, Smith and Dun- lop.
Following applicants for membership accepted : Messrs. Vin- nedge, French, Emerick, Nulty, Stout, Tubbs, Gilbert, Aldrich, Reid, Peacock, Grossman, Robinson, Lord, Porter, Clinton, Wade, White, Schwartz, Carr, Sizer, Palen, Ball, Mace, G. Boughton, W. Bougiiton, Fellows, Stewart, Haskell, Hall Rosenfield, G. Melloy, Walker, Lloyd, Beckers, F. Noonan Bailey, Deats, Davis, Sheldon, Davis, Russell, Sutherland, Sayre WilHams, White, Groff, W. Walker, Munro, Ha3'den, Whitney W. Grant, R- Edmunds, Pinckney, H. Jaehne, Bouchet, ^. Carey, Grabam, Brubaker, O. Pratt, F. Pratt, Vail, Teniey, Church, Mayor, W. Lawson, Howard, Praeger, Walling, Cope Donovan, D. Newbold, E. Newbold, Russell, Billheimer, Cowles Heineman, M^nn, White, Shannon, Hassard, Gooder, Siemon T. Carey, Foss, Magurn, Goldenhorn, Wolff e, Barker, Hodges Potter, Bell, S^'l»oneman, W. Burke, Williams, Nelson, Marten, Knauer, Baer, F- Tomiinson, Holland, Frick ; Mrs. Allen, Mrs. Kugler ; Misses Sallie Stanberry, Addie Humble, Elma Johnson Rosa Mara, Jea^^tte Swing, E. Trust Foster. C. A. Hardesty, Adell Ray. Ida Gruth, Emma Keim, Nettie Woodzelle, Hattie Marpe, Edith C. Cooper, Rose Williams, Mabolm Douglas, Mrs. E. B. Summers, J- J- Weissert, Frank Lindsley, W. A. Paul, William Harrison, J^- O- Addison.
Messrs. Heath, Ross, Cole, Hardcastle, Baker, Taylor, Salmon, Melloy, Carter and Schermerhorn, objected to and Messrs. Baker, Hardcastle, Salmon, Stewart, Carter, Peacock, Melloy, Cole, Hochstadter, Heath and Schermerhorn blackballed, the following applicants, rejecting them: Messrs. Polster, W. Burger, J. C. Burger. Kimball, Anderson, Engel, J. Wilson, Knapp, Duhme, Dalton, Quinlan,
236 HISTORY oy the national amateur press association.
D. Noonau, Murray, Earle, Hall, Trafford, Rivers, Tiltoii, Longstreet, Hughes, Hewins, Townsend, Hamilton, Ed'. Miller, Petit, J. Yellott, Devendorf, H. Sedgwick, Vilas, A. Sedgwick, Fesmier, Parsons, Whately, Craig, Evans, Frazer, C. Jaebne, Dusel, G. Wilson, Langer, Delane}^, Wells, Bearhope, Isen- schmid, Hall, Hine, Ward, Waggoner, Lovett, Holland, Parrish, Ferris, Verrinder, Peters, Bays, Paul Jaehne, Fred Jaehne, Deakin, Pike, Bixby, Care,'Vanderslic, Van Riper, Ryan; Misses Lillie Hawkins, Nan Lawson, Helen Lawson, Etta Hawkins, May Parsons, Mabel Vail, Annie Parsons, Jennie Morris, May Verrinder.
The secretary reported the following dropped for inactivity : Bull, Mackay, P. Ruth, R. Ruth, Nervgeon, Hunter, Strom, Metcalf, Tewksbury, Harrison and Miss Hood.
T. J. Spencer appointed chairman constitution committee:
Second day. Proxy committee's report rendered by Mr. Bur- ger: 246 votes cast; 78 thrown out for non-payment of dues, 73 blackballed, 4 received too late, 3 non-membership. Total cast out, 158 ; counted, 88.
For President -Swift 62, Schermerhorn 19, Tomlinson 6, Mellingerl.
For official editor — Chiles .59, Mayor 7, Mack 4, Mueller 1, Lewis 2, Tomlinson 1, Kugler 2. Miss Ooxl, Miss Steinberg 1, HoUub 2, Hoch- stadter 2.
For convention seat— Buffalo .3(5, New Orleans 25, Boston 14, Albany 4. Cincinnati 3, Fargo J , New ^' ork ] .
Vote for president :
E. B. Sw ift 87
F. E. Schermerhorn 39
J. L. Tomlinson 6.
W. E. Mellinger 1
Accordmg to the official minutes, in voting for the other officers, following the president, the secretary was instructed to cast the ballot for the candidate elected. Vote for meeting place :
ProxT. Convention Total
Boston 14 16 30
New Orleans 25 . . 25
Buffalo. 36 4 40
Scattering 9 1 10
Total number cast. 105 ; necessary for a choice, 53. Second ballot:
Pi-oxv. Convention Total
Boston 14 P) 30
Buffalo 8(i ;i 39
New Orleans 25 25
Scattering . 9 . . 9
Total number cast, 103; necessary for a choice, 51.
HISTOUy OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION. 237
Secretary instructed to cast the vote of the convention for Boston.
Mr. Burger moved that the seventy-three applications rejected be reconsidered ; carried. These applicants all elected to mem- bership.
Third day's session. Constitution committee reported. Fol- lowing changes made :
Article VIII, section 1 amended so that a two-thirds vote shall be necessary to reject any applicant for membership.
Article XIV. Section 1. Any member or accepted applicant publishing four or more numbers of his paper during the year is entitled to enter such publication, one month before the convention, in compe- tition for the title editorial laureate, which shall be awarded at each convention by the president.
In article XIII, section 2, the words "or accepted applicant" were inserted after the word "member," in the second line.
Article V, section 20 was amended by striking out the words, "at least two months," and inserting "before June 15."
The last two lines of article VI, section 1, were stricken out, and the sentence ' 'the editor shall use the electrotyped heading of previous years" inserted. Section 5 was amended so as to read: "It shall contain on the last page of the first and last number — ."
In article V, section 12, the words "either personally or" were stricken out.
Treasurer Swift rendered a report to the Philadelphia conven- tion showing collections during the year of $243.15, disburse- ments of $177.40, leaving a balance on hand of $114.15. The balance a year before had been $48.40.
The committee on conference appointed during the convention, had no opportunity to report to the convention before adjourn- ment, and published their report in Progress. It reviews the work of the convention up to Thursday morning and continues;
Thursday morninor after disposing of much important miscel- laneous business, Mr. Schermerhorn appeared and presented a communication [which is printed on page 234].
The request embodied in this note was granted, and Messrs. Wylie, Spencer and Morton weie appointed such committee. A vote was passed instructing the committee that the election of President Swift was not to be nullified. Your comuiittee orgauized with Mr. Wylie as chairmam, and Mr. Spen- cer as secretary. Your committee found that they were not expected to meet the committee named in the communication, but that another committee, composed ®f Messrs. Heath, Carter and Baker sood back of them. Waiving this point, after several
238 HISTORY OF THE HATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION.
iueffectiial efforts on their part to get their committee together, your committee met them in session at 1:45 p. m. Mr. Heath for his committee said that they had received tacit instructions to the effect that the body of the amateurs whom they represented would return to the Association upon condition that all business which had been transacted after the report of the proxy committee be reconsidered, and that they have a voice in the proceedings from that time. Mr. Wylie voiced the instructions your Association gave the committee, and stated the proposition offered mu«t be declined. Mr. Heath then asked for a proposition from your i;ommittee. Mr. Wylie, speaking for the committee, said that they had met to listen to any proposition that might be made to them, but saw no necessity for offering any on their part. The body of amateurs who had asked for the conference, were members, in good standing, of the Association, and would be welcomed at its sessions at any time. At this point Mr. Heath announced to your committee that the convention had adjourned sine die. After considerable fnrther discussion the conference was dissolved by mutual consent.
CHAPTER 21.
THE SCHERMERHORN BOLT.
The Minutes on Which Thky Based the Legality of Theih ACTIONS. — Full Report of the Proxy Committee. — How OvFicEss Were Elected. — Resolutions Adopted. — Pecu- liarities OF THE Case.
TH^ observant reader will have noted a few pages back that the N. A. P. A. took occasion to notice a bolt from its ranks at the Philadelphia convention. These bolters, daiming that the refusal of President Dunlop to put a motion to adjourn gave Mr. Carter the right to put it himself and adjourn the meeting, claimed for themselves the regular organizatfen and published a National Amateur. This chapter will take irp the faction from the point at which Mr. Burger read his proxy report. We quote from the mmutes as published in the Amateur :
Calls for the chairman of the committee. Moved by Mr. Hochstadter to adjourn. President Dunlop refused to put the motion. An appeal made but ignored. Point of order by Mr. Cope that a motion to adjourn was always in order ; chair ruled the point of order out of order. Moved by Burger to accept his own report. A count of the votes by Mr. Burger reported as 23 to 23. Cries that Mr. Burger hnd incorrectly counted the vote. His count accepted by President Dunlop, who cast the deciding vote in favor of the acceptance of the report. Moved and seconded to adjourn by several members, but movers not recognized by President Dunlop. After repeated requests, Mr. Carter, who had moved to adjourn, put the motion, which was carried by a vote of 28 to 22.
Called to order at 2 p. m. Vice-President Schermerhorn in the cliair. Mr. Hochstadter secretary pro tern.
Proxy committee's report submitted by Chairman Scher- merhorn :
The proxy committee met at 10:45, Tuesday evening, July 14. It was VQted that all proxies received, bearing Philadelphia's postmark of July 11 up to 2 p. m. be counted.
It ^^8 recommended that all rejected proxy ballots be filed with the recor(^ng secretary, and if such be not called for upon the appearance of the^ National Amateur, that they be destroyed by said official without any knowledge of how said votes were cast.
240 HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION.
On count it was found that the total number of proxies cast was 246.
Proxies from the following named persons were thrown out for non- membership in the Association: , G. J. Moore, E. R. Townsend, A. E. Tilton, David Noonan, John Dalton, John J. Yellott, Jr., W. W. Delaney, H. E. Parsons, W. J. Vanderslice, R. B. Teachenor, G. A. Longstreet, J. J. Hughes, John Quinlan, E. C. Hall, Guy E. Wells, Mary Parsons, L. O. Van Riper, Etta Hawkins, Lillie Hawkins, Annie Parsons, N. O. Whitney, P. J. Ferris, E. F. Waggoner, A. G. Holland, W. F. Fesmer, I. J. Hewins, Charles H. Trafford, John Bearhope, A. P. Ward, A. J. Ryan, Millie Henderson, J. C. Benendorf, John Hamil- ton, Helen Lawson, H. W. Frozer, M. S. Dockstadter, E. W. Miller, J. H. Evans, R. Petit, Nan Lawson, Paul Jaehne, Fred Jaehne, Edward Dusel, Charles Jaehne, J. S. Peters, George Bays, D. E. Pike, J. C. Burger, J. D. Earle, F. H. Polster, C. 0. Deakin, J. Morris, S. Isenschmit, C. L. Kimball, P. M. Vilas, A. R. Parrish, F. Rivers, A.
A. Langer, C. L. Hine, Isaac Lovett, J. D. Carr. M. AV. Knapp, F. B. Massey, J. H. Case, W. B. Burger, I). E. Murray, M. S. Vail, Jos Wilson, Jr., A. M. Duhme, W. Verrinder, Jr., Man Verrinder, G. B. Craig, H. C. Bixby W. A. Engel, A. W. Anderson, N. J. Sedgwick, H. G. Sedgwick, Luther C Aid, Norman Reisenfelt, Adam J. Wagner, J. G. Ballard, G. A. Nelson, W. B. Donelson, Mamie B. Wentz, W. G. Hadcock, A. C. Watkins, George J. Ressenfeld, Clinton S.Zimmerman.
Following cast out for non-payment of dues: Robert uarey, George S. Brown, I. Goldenhorn, Frank Stout, Jr., O. Yellott, 0. A. Mueller, George A. Vail, Charles S. Sheffield, A. H. Nash, A. Bouchet, J. D. Miller, H. L. Pinckney, Henry Wolffe, F. D. Lackey, H. D. Siemon,
B. William Corbett, E. A. Magurn, H. H, Fish, Mrs. H. H. Fish, E. A. Johnson, C. S. Zimmerman, Charles Jensen, Al. E. Barker, F. S. Whitney, C. H.Frost, J. Hesscock, Jr., L. C. Auld, C E. Church, M- Robinson, H. H. Hodges, G. Gooder, H. S. Johnson, H. Strom, T. E. CroBsley, G. J. Rissenfeld, N. Rissenfeld, G. G. Ballard, Jr., L. C. Bigelow, Bert Phillips, Emma Keim, James S. Wilson, W. G. Roome, P. J. Hayden, S. A. Nelson, A.J. Wagner, Ben A. Baer, L. S. Boruck, Charles Knauer, A. C. Watkins, Mrs. J. G. Kugler, Mamie Wentz, Elsie Kemp, L. L. Williams, H. L. Reid, J. H. I. Munro, W. C. Carr, F. L. Toralinson, A. R. Hazzard, J, S. Hall, B. M. LaRue, F. E, Wil- liams, Abbie E. Underwood, G. H. Wilson, Theodore B. Thiele, J. Whidden Graham, Theo. Carey, Louis Kempner, W. B. Donaldson.
Cast out for having arrived too late: John T. Nixon, Lillie Wood- zelle, George French, Harry R. Carson.
Following votes declared legal: Rose L. .Mara, F. B. Noonan, Adell Ray, E. R. Aldrich, H. E. Deats, F. D. Woollen, E. A. Edkins, Nettie Woodzelle, Jessie Dillon. E. O. Sheldon, J. W.' Foss, Mary Morton, M. H. Grossman, W. G. Muirhead, Capitola Harrison, C' B. Palmer, Orman Pratt, Fred Pratt, D. P. Hurlburt, Will S. Moore, W. W. Car- penter, Alex. D. Grant. Charles Elgutter, W. C. Tennev, Charles E. Wilson, Elisha Read, E. T. Capen, G. G. Melloy, L. H. Nutter, C. W. Smith, W, A. O. Paul, Fred C. Addison, E. W. Martin, A. G. Bonney, George Frye, W. H. Walker, Jr., J. K. Walker, J. P. White, Jr., vE. A. Becker, Jr., Everard Appleton, Kneeland Ball, Dewitt Clinton, E. B. Hill. David Hollub, Warren Brodie, Joe Mack, C. H. Williams, Frank Lindsley, G. M. Purcell, Wm. Harrison, S. O. Addison, H. H. Zumstein,
C. D. Cowles, A. S. Mann, Mrs. E. B. Summers, Charles Schwartz, Edith C. Cooper, Hattie Marpe, P. Arthur Burke, Rose Williams, J. J. Weissert, Malcolm Douglas, D.O, Groff, A,W. Sutherland, C.A.Moxley. F. C. Johnson, IdaHarting, A. G.Kreidler, Rose Steinberg, Richard Edmunds, Stella Truman, Annie Hardesty, Addie Humble, Stuart L. White, Otto Praeger, Sal lie Stanberry, George Billheimer. J. Robert
HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR FRE8S ASSOCIATION. 241
Wale, W; B. Wells, C. M. Vinnedge, Charles E. Lloyd, E. D, Melville, W. A. Kennedy, S. J. Steinberg, N. H. Ferguson, C F. Bailey, Charles E. Bier, C, E, Christiancy, Jr.. Abbie B. Allen, T. J. Nulty, l.eola B. White, total 90.
The vote resulted as follows:
For president— Swift 61, Tomlinson 6, Schermerhorn 19, Melhnger 1, blank 2— total 89.* , , , ^
For official editor— Chiles 58, Mayor 7, scattering 18, blank t>-- total 89. f
For convention seat— Buffalo 34, Albany 5, New Orleans 2o, Boston 15, scattering 6, blank 4— total 89.
The above respectfully submitted by the proxy committee.
Report accepted.
Mr. Heath took the floor to move that every proxy that ap- peared to have been cast in good faith be counted, and that their dues be regarded as paid, it being clear that the money by which many members had arranged to have their dues paid, had been withheld at the last moment by Mr. Burger, for political reasons. This he considered a clear piece of rascality and held that inno- cent members should not be made to lose their vote by reason of it. His motion seconded and carried.
Messrs. Cole, Carter and Hochstadter appointed to recount the proxies. Recess.
Reassembled. Proxy committee reported that the proxy vote stood: For president— Tomlinson 58, Swift 64, Schermerhorn, 25. For official editor Chiles had enough votes to elect. For convention seat— Albany 52, New Orleans 32, Buffalo 23, Boston 17.
F. E. Schermerhorn nominated for president. Ballot taken:
Proxy. Convention Total
Swift 64 .. 64
Tomlinson 58 . . 58
Schermerhorn 25 24 49
Total 171
Second ballot :
Proxy. Convention Total
Swift 64 .. 64
Tomlinson 58 . ^ 58
Schermerhorn 25 25 50
Total 172
On the third ballot, the proxies being thrown out, as per con- stitution, Mr. Schermerhorn was unanimously elected.
Other officers unanimously chosen : First vice-president, John G. Kugler; second vice-president, George A. French; record-
*This total is given as 90 in the National ^matcMr— evidenty a typo- graphical error.
tThe Amateur gives this total 141— another glaring error.
242 HISTOBY OP THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION.
ing secretary, Jobn H. Cole; correspondiog secretary, Harry S, Sizer; treasurer, Arthur E. Baker.
For official editor Mr. Chiles was elected, but refused to recognize tlie convention as legal. His office declared vacant and Frederic F. Heath elected.
Two ballots for convention seat, both alike :
Proxy. Convention Total
Albany 52 .. 52
'New Orleans 32 1 33
Buffalo : 23 24 47
Boston 17 .. 17
Total*... ,.149
Adjourned to 8 p. ni.
Fourth session, 8:30 o'clock, President Schermerhorn in chair. Constitutional clause relative to annual meeting place suspended. Buffalo chosen on third ballot. Roll call — 22 present.
Executive judges chosen: S. 8. Stinson, chairman; E. J. Hardcastle, A. D. Grant.
Adopted that a demand be made on retiring officials for all Association property.
Article V, section 25 of the constitution amended by inserting the words "not exceeding $100" in place of ^'such sums."
An assistant editor added to the board of officers and a new section added to article V reading "It shall l>e the duty of the assistant editor to assist the official editor."
Fifth session, 10:30 a. m., President Schermerhorn in chair. Roll call — 16 in attendance.
A communication drawn up [it appears on page 234] and com- mittee, Messrs. Schermerhorn, Hardcastle and Edmunds, ap- pointed to consult with the amateur journalists assembled in the parlor, in the hope of reuniting all the delegates at the conven- tion. A recess taken.
On reassembling, the committee reported arrangements for a conference. Messrs. Heath, Baker and Carter appointed a con- ference committee. Adjourned subject to call.
At a session held late in the afternoon the conference com- mittee reported. This report stated that the committee had failed to secure an amicable adjustment of differences. The re- port was accepted and the following re?olutions adopted :
Whereas, We have been outraged b\- the corrupt use of money for political advantage, by the dishonorable rulings of an arbitrary and partisan president, and by the indignities heaped upon our hosts by a minority faction -of the delegates present at the convention just closing; be i,t
*In the Amateur this total appears as 17i?— a \ alpab:e error.
HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION 243
Resolve<3, That we respectfully submit to the impartial consideration of our fellow amateurs of the United States the following statement of our grievances :
1. We denounce the action of the Tomlinson campaign committee, in attempting to force into membersnip in our Association a large number of persons connected in no legitimate way with Amateur Jour- nalism, and in many cases unlit to be received as members of the N. A. P. A.
2. We call attention to the fact that of the members and applicants for membership who were supporters of John L. Tomlinson, only four had paid their dues prior to the assembling of the convention, proving conclusively as was openly admitted that it was the intent of the Tom- linson committee to buy the election of their candidate.
3. We denounce the misuse of the treasurer's office by which for the first time in the history of the Association, the djes of every voter for a certain presidential candidate, were paid— that candidate being the treasurer.
4. We denounce Ex- President Dunlop for (1) his unparliamentary, unconstitutional and partisan rulings in refusing to put to vote amotion duly recognized and seconded, an appeal duly recognized and seconded, and a motion to adjourn duly recognized and seconded; (2} for appoint- ing as assistant secretary a uian notoriously unfit to fulfill the duties of the office honestly and fairlj'.
5. We deny the varacity of the records of the meeting which accepted the report of prox>'* committee, and thus defrauded a candi- date of his just representation.
6. We denounce the dishonorable action of the Swift faction in accepting onr proposal to arbitrate through duly appointed com- mittees representing both parties, and In adjourning sine die while this joint committee was in conference.
7. We denounce the actions of.the Swift faction in insulting our hoits, the Philadelphia members by scurrilous resolutions concerning them, by interfering with the arrangements of the reception committee, and by their general discourtesy to the resident amateurs.
8. We refuse to recognize the validity of the proceedings of their meeting after the motion'to adjourn was carried by the majority. We repudiate the pretended officers of the Association.
9. In conclusion, we appeal with confidence to our fellow amateurs of the United States for support and vindication.
Adjourned at 8 p. m.
Reassembled.
CoiistitutioDal amendraeDt: "with the assistance of the cor- responding secretary," stricken from article V, section 24.
F. T. Mayor elected assistant editor.
Laureate winners announced [as alread noted] and conven- tion adjourned.
After a careful study of the vote cast in this meeting we have decided that all proxies that had been cast were counted, except those of the unfortunate seventy-three who were blackballed. If this was Lite case, the result shown is remarkable. The votes re-
244 HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION.
jected by the blackballing were all Tomlinson votes, and as he got 58 anyway, as the Schermerhorn people acknowledged, the 73 additional would give him 131 out of a total of 246 •proxies. It is an amusing fact that the National Amateur issued by Mr. Heath carried the names of the rejected applicants as full-fledged members of the Association.
President Schermerhorn appointed John H. Cole chairman of bureau of recruits with Messrs. Salmon, Taylor, Peacock, Hard- castle and Ross to assist him. Howard D. Ross was appointed secretary of credentials. Miss Addie Humble, national laureate recorder and C. E. Christiancy, librarian.
Much could be written on both sides of the controversy that split asunder the N. A. P. A. The writer of this volume care- fully and honestly studied arguments made through amateur papers and private letters and finally decided that Dr. Swift was the legal president of the N. A. P. A. That was the decision of the majorit}' of non-attending amateurs. At the same time it was generally recognized that the Schermerhorn men were more sinned against tliau sinning. They left the convention in the heat of the moment, when filled with righteous indignation over the unjust rulings of an arbitrary chairman. They made an effort to return but were prevented by the early adjournment of the Association.
The campaign of Mr. Tomlinson for the presidency was some- thing unique in amateur histor3^ The Tomlinson campaign committee printed a large number of small papers, containing about fifty words each of original matter, and used as editors the names of five or six persons to each paper. These persons had filled out for them proxy votes, and Messrs. Tomlinson and Burger carried to Philadelphia with them the money to pay the dues of these "amateurs" — in fact, the purchase price of the National presidency.
The Schermerhorn faction held a banquet on Thursday night at the Colonnade hotel. There were thirty-four present. Porter F. Cope was toastmaster and toabts were responded to by E, St, Elmo Lewis, Frank ¥j. Sthermerhoru, Frederic Heath, F, T. Mayor, Arthur E. Baker, Mr, Charles Morris (a visitor), .John
HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PREgS ASSOCIATION. 245
G. Kugler, Harry D. Hughes, H. C. Hochstadter, and Samuel S. Stinson.
Iq March, 1892, President Schermerhorn accepted the resig- nation of Official Editor Heath, appointing Harry S. Sizer in his stead. He also appointed Charles W. Gans as director of re- cruiting in the northwest.
Mr. Heath was appointed corresponding secretary. A, E. Baker resigned as treasurer and Frank J. Fellows was appointed.
The Schermerhorn party sent out three issues of the Natioiud Amateur. The first issue, October, 1891, was of eight pages. It contained the minutes, official documents and editorial matter/ The February, 1892, issue, was of four pages, containing a por- tion of Laureate Recorder Woollen's report, a page about ama- teur affairs in England, and editorial. A third number, by Harry S. Sizer, was issued, but we have never seen it. A few copies only are in existence.
CH/irTER 23.
SWIFT'S ADMINISTRATION— BOSTON CONVENTION.
Dr. Swift's Personal Work. — Trouble With Officers. — Spencer a Candidate for President. — The Boston Con- vention AND Its Business.
THE administration of Edwin B. Swift as president of the National Amateur Press Association was fraught with many disagreeable features, viewed from that gen- tleman's standpoint, but he bravely took up the work and car- ried it on. A retrospective glance over twenty-five years of amateur effort justifies the statement that to President Swift, more than to any other president of the National, was due the activity displayed during his term of office. Tlie papers of the year were many and valuable. There were many active authors in the ranks, and minor associations were numerous.
President Swift's official board, however, was not of the best. The entire board was chosen from amateurs present at the con- vention, and it seems the choice w^as made in a hurry. The best member of the board, Miss Harriet C. Cox, resigned her position as first vice-president. John T. Nixon was appointed. Later he resigned and James F. Morton, Jr., was given the place.
Messrs. O. A. Reuni, corresponding secretary, and Hope R. Cody, treasurer, were removed from office for inactivity and successors appointed. For some reason the action was rescinded, and they retained their places. The official editor. Walter C. Chiles, in the March issue of the Amateur took occasion to ac- cuse President Swift of a failure to keep his pledges, and later on sent out a begging letter to a number of amateurs, asking their assistance so that the Amateur, eould be issued as he had originally planned, and again accusing Dr. Swift of breaking pledges. This led to the printing of considerable matter tljat should have no place in the National's official organ.
OflQcial Editor Chiles issued the largest volume of tlie National ' Amateur. It was bi-monthly. The September issue, eight pages, contained the minutes and other official matter. The November
HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION. 247
issue was of sixteen pages. It contained the poem winning the laureateship, the laureate recorder's report, an installment of a continued story, other literary matter, a classification of amateur papers, news from various points and editorial. The January issue was of eight pages, modeled after the previous issue. The March issue was eight pages. May issue sixteen and July issue six. The various issues followed the style adopted in the first.
At one time during the year Mr. Chiles decided to leave Ama- teur Journalism and resigned his oflftcial position and his member- ship in the N. A. P. A. Before his resignations had been acted on he withdrew them. His reasons were never very clearly understood.
In March Charles H. Lawson resigned as second vice-president and Theo. B. Thiele was appointed. Hope R. Cody resigned as treasurer and John L. Tomlinson was appointed.
Laureate Recorder Morton thus briefly outlines the political work of the year :
The political campaign opened late, though rumors concerning it were spread abroad almost immediately after the Philadelphia convention. The expected candidacy of Mr. Tomlinson and later, that of Mr. Burger, failed to materialize. The name of Truman J. Spencer awakened almost unanimous support. No candidate was named in opposition to him.
Progress gave a convention account, from which is taken the following :
Monday, July 4, at 10 o'clock, the convention was cnlled to order, forty persons being present. The constitution and b}-- laws were amended in various ways. The most prominent amend- ments put miscellaneous in the order of business for the first day, as well as second, gives the president more power in the re- moval of officers and the supervision of all official Association matter puolished.
After being photographed at 4 p. m., the National was again called to order by President Swift, and the matter of reconcilia- tion with the seceding faction was brought up. Charles li. Burger stated that reconciliation could be affected under certain conditions, and he was in favor of making such an attempt. He believed that should President Schermerhorn be re-elected the holding of a union mid-winter convention at Buffalo and placing Schermerhorn' s name on the roll of presidents would bring about harmony. This step was opposed by Wilson, Morton, Emery and Wylie, who claimed that we were in no way beholden to
248 HISTOEY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION.
recognize Schermerhorn's acts as legal. The matter was finally disposed of by empowering the president to nominate a com- mittee to arbitrate with a similar committee from the other side. At 5 : 30 o'clock the convention adjourned until 9 :30 o'clock the following morning.
As soon as the convention bad adjourned a Spencer caucus was held with all the delegates present in attendance, excepting Jas. F. Morton, who refused to participate in any political pro- ceedure. Brainerd P. Emery served as chairman of the caucus, and the ticket was nominated that was on the day following elected. The most noteworthy feature of the caucus w^as the tilt upon the nomination for official editor. Brainerd P. Emery nominated Everard J. Appleton, but Charles R. Burger took the floor and swept Appleton's candidacy to the winds, the latter re- ceiving but one vote.
Tuesday, July 5, again the delegates assembled, this time for the election of officers. The secretary of credentials reported on the names of a large number of new members. The first real contest of the convention came up on Morton's special com- mittee report to drop inactive members. Morton insisted on the step being taken, while others insisted that action should be de- layed until the next session. When a vote was taken, only one vote could be found against laying the matter on the table. The committee on proxies reported, after which came the election of officers. Truman J. Spencer was nominated by Willard O. Wylie. Sam J. Steinberg nominated by Dr. E. B. Swift. The result of the ballot was :
Truman J. Spencer 44
Sam J. Steinberg • 3
and Truman J. Spencer was declared elected. The rest of the. ticket elected was follows ; First vice-president, F. S. Whitney, Tacoma, Washirgton ; second vice-president, Leola B. White, Opelousas, La. ; corresponding secretary, Alson Brubaker, Fargo, N. D. ; recording secretary, Theo. B. Thiele, Chicago, Hi.; official editor, Brainerd P. Emery, Newburg, N. Y. ; next place of meeting Chicago, 111. With completion of election, ad- journment was affected until 2 o'clock p. m., when miscellaneous business was brought up. A motion expressing disapproval of the use of the official organ as a medium for indulging in political discussion was laid on the table. It was noted that a majority vote shall be sufficient to reject applicants for membership in place of two-thirds.
President Spencer announced the laureate awards as follows : Sketch writer laureate, Miss Harriet C. Cox, entry, ^ 'Tim's Query;" Essayist laureate, Truman J. Spencer, entry, "The Christian Merchant and Jewish Banker;" Poet laureate,. Brain-
HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION 249
erd P. Emery, entry, "The Wizard;" Serial laureate, Walter G, Muirbeid, entry, "A. Remnant of Lace." At 3:30 p. m. the convention adjourned to meet the following morning on the Plymouth steamer.
Wednesday, July 6, a very short session was held on the steamer bound to Plymouth. Prohibition resolutions introduced by Morton were laid on the table, and an attempt to take from the table the official organ matter of the day previous was unsuccess- ful. The convention then adjourned si7ie die.
Delegates present: Dr. Edwin B, Swift, Willard O. Wj^lie, Geo. E. Frye, Correl Kendall, Truman J. Spencer, Elisha T. Read, Ered. W. Small, John L. Tomlinson, Robert Carey, Brainerd P. Emery, Miss Harriet C. Cox, Fred W. Pratt, Fred Metcalf, Mrs. Ella Maud Frye, Miss Mabelle F. Noyes, Charles
E. Wilson, Moses H. Gossman, Charles R, Burger, James F. Morton, Jr., W. W. Carpenter, Thomas Carey, Miss Annie L. Lynde, Guy Metcalf, A. H. Nash, A. H. Spence, Miss M. K. Cameron, Walter H. Thorpe, Mrs. E. M. Miniter, Miss Mary Morton, Geo. W. Dodd, Jr., Geo. E. Day, E. T. Capen, Chas.
F. Porter, Oscar L. Stevens, Chas. F. Gettemy, Miss Jennie E. Day, Miss Hattie F. Burnham, Miss Susie B. Robbins, A. W. Sutherland, John W. Foss, D. T. Clark, Miss Frances A. Par- sons, Miss F. A. McKensie, Miss Lauretta A. Bowes, Mrs. F. L. Leaming-Llegge, Miss Helen Sullivan, Miss E. J. Robbins.
The official minutes give additional details :
New members admitted: Annie Laurie Lynde, Everard Ap- pleton, W. H. Thorp, J. F. VanDerCook, Jr., Kathleen F. Smith, Frank Bernhard, J. H. Phillips, F. Ellis Reed, J. \V. Cole, Marian Skinner, Hugh Lorentz, Alfred Robinson, Charles H. Allen, Agues Chipman, Charles Trowbridge, Albert Spence, Jr., Hattie Burnham, Susie Robbins, M. K. Cameron, Florence L. Leaming-Llegge, Norton C. Whitley, Helen M. Sullivan, Lauretta A. Bowes.
Amendments to constitution : Add following article, reiium- bering following sections :
Article V. Section 12. All official matter shall, upon request of the president, be submitted to him for approTal before publicatioii, or the bills therefor shall not be paid.
Insert following, renumbering other sections :
Art. V. Sec. 17. The president, on concurrence of four members of the executive judges and board of advisers, shall have authority to suspend any minor officer during the year, such action to be subject to appoval of the association at the succeeding convention.
In article V, section 26, strike out "three of which shall be printed prior to February of each year. No issue to be delayed more than one mouth after the regular date of publication" and
^50 HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION.
insert "the first of vvhicli simll be printed not later than Septem- ber following; the rereaininor numbers to be not more than three months apart."
Add to order of business for first day "miscellaneous and new business." Section 1 of article B of b3^~laws stricken out.
Following resolutions adotjted :
Whereas. During the past year there has been an association formed for similar purposes as the N. A. P. A., and yet is antagonistic to the welfare of Amateur Journalism and this organization, and
Whereas. This Association, feeling that by right of age and stability it is justified in extending the hand of reciprocity towards bodies formed for a similar purpose, therefore be it
Resolved, That this Association appoint a committee of five to meet alike committee from any Association that cares to confer with them.
The proxy committee reported 34 proxies received. Six were rejected for non-payment of dues. The remaining 28 were counted. There were no contests, every election, save that of oflBcial editor, being on the first ballot, and all counting the proxies. For these reasons the vote in detail is here omitted.
Constitutional amendment: In article VIII, section 1, strike out "two-thirds" in line 18 and substitute "majority."
Section in regard to making motions to adjourn debatable reinstated.
Treasurer Tomlinson reported receipt of $123.25 from Ex- Treasurer Swift and receipts since of $80. Disbursements were $111, leaving $92.25 on band.
CH/IFTER 24.
THE SCHERMERHORN FACTION AT BUFFALO.
Amateurs in Attexdance. — Amalgamation with the Mutual Benefit Association.— Election of Officers and Banqlet.
THE annual raeeliug of the Schennerhorn faction of the Na- ional Amateur Press Association was held in Buffalo, N. Y., July 4-6, 1892. The following account is taken from the minutes of A. H. Snyder, in the National Amateur is- sued b\^ H. S. Sizer, from Buffalo in September, 1892 :
The first session was called to order in association hall of the Y. M. C A. building on the afternoon of the fourth by President Frank Earle Schermerhorn. After addressing the convention the president announced the following officers pro tempore: First vice-|)resident, F. F. Heath; second vice-president, I*^. J. Hard- castle; recording set-retary and assistant, J. K. Walker and Kneeland Ball, resijectively ; W. Hicks Bell and C. D: Cowles, associates on the credential committee.
The following members were present: Misses l^lraa A. John- son an<l Mabel A. Lyiies; Messrs. E. J. Harrlcastle, H. D. Ross^ H. C. Hochstadter, F. E. Schermerhorn, VV. H. Bell, F. h\ Hesth, J. H. Phillips, A. H. Snyder, J. K. Walker. L. S. Spire,. C. H. Williams, E. J. Fellows, H. S. Sizer, D. C. Rockwood, S. H. Stilling, W. DeC. Moore. E. V. Rockwood, F. C. Rupp, H. G. Johnson, C. D. Cowles, F. W. Lynes, S. H. Woodruff,' W. S. Sizer. W. H. Walker, Jr., Kneeland Ball, W, A. Runp. G. O. Smith, J. J. Ottinger, F. T. Mayor, G. Williams. F. Clans,, Jr.
The following names were added to the membersliip roll: Harry E. Montgomery, Dwight C. Rockwood, Edward V. Rock- wood, W. S. Sizer, Gordon Williams, Charles W. Ketmey. Sidney H. Stilling, Mabel H. Lynes, Frank W. Lynes. August Binde- man, Fred Clans, L. D. Spire, W. A. Fisher, Will J. Roe, J. G. Heyn, E. T. Heyn, Frank F. Bassett, Bert H. Gondon. H. J. Keudrick, Granville P. Alexander, J. Herbert Phillips. Emma A. Johnson, Harry G. Johnson, Frank J. Fellows. W. H. Walker. Jr., Graham O. Smith, William A. Rupp, Walter DeC. Moore. S. H. Woodruff. ^
Mr. Heath spoke at length concerning the admissi(>n of the Mutual Benefit Amateur Press Association into membership. Mr. Snyder, representing the Mutuals, replied: "Mr. Heath has said all that need be said. I now await your pleasure."
252 HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION
It was moved by Mr. Heath and seconded by Mr. Hoebstadter, that the members of the Mutual Benefit Amateur Press Associa- tion be admitted into membership into the National Amateur Press Association, and that they be exempt from the paymment of initiation fees. Unanimously carried.
The following are the names of the members of the M. B. A. P. A. thus admitted in a body : Lennox D. Browne, R. M, Oliver, E. B. Henneman, R. O. Howard, Fred P. Goodwin, E. Harsie Smith. Clarence E. Knight, Marshall Smith, Richard O. Nehls, Albert H. Snyder. John M. Everett, James Balen, Albert Cook, Mayuard L. Daggy, John \"\'esley Geiger, Albert Gang, Otto A. Kamber, J. Noland, Emmanuel Snel, Horace Springer, Alexander Wolcott, George A. Dean, Wm. H. Eck, Sarah Hr- bek, John Bicknell, JefRe R. Hudson, C. E. Bray, S. E. Shan- nahan, Harry W. VVhite, H. Boyce, Farrand H. Borgman, C. A. Behn, Charles Bockleman, Fred Bircher, George Euler, Wm. V. Huss, E. C. Melshelmer, George F. Munsa, James W. Scars- dale, Thomas P. Smith, Alvin Soost, J. A. Wardner, Harry Weisles, Benjamin Barnett, H. T. Cook, Emma L. Hauck, Melvin King, Edward Moore, G. \V. Schelker, P. M. Bailey, Charles O. Beirne, Albert C. Smith, Herbert G. West, Frank Barr, Orvil West, Howard C. Hillegass, Ned M. Selkregg, W. H. Sheahan, George A. Huss, William Little.
At the second session, President Schermerhorn appointed the following proxy committee : Messrs. Heath, Bell, Walker, Cow- les, Ross and Snyder. After a recess the committee rendered this report which was accepted.
Whole number of proxy votes cast 18, one defective.
For president— H. C. Hochstadter 9, F. E, Schermerhorn 3, J. J. Ottinger 3, T. J. Spencer 2, total 17.
For official editor— H. S. Sizur 9, F. F. Heath 1, H. C. Hochstadter 2, E. J. Ilardcaslle 2, J. L. Tomlinson 1, Kugler 1, Blank 1, total 17.
For convention seat— Chicago 11, Milwaukee 6, total 17.
Mr. Heath, seconded by Mr. Cowle., nominated Mr. Hoch- :t:tadter for president. Of the coavention votes, 18 were for Mr. Hochstadter and 7 for Mr. Schermerborn. Added to the proxy vote, Mr. Hochstadter had 27 votes, Mr. Scl^-ermerhorn 10. Mr. Hochstadter declared elected.
At 3:45 p. m. the third session was called to order by PreJ?;- dent Schermerhorn aad the following officers elected : First vice- president, E. J. Hardcasde ; second vice-piTsident, Miss Addie Humble; recording secretary, A. H. Snyder; corresponding secretary, J. H. Phillips; treasurer, E. J. Fellows; official editor, H. S. Siger; assistant official editor, F. F. Heath; convention .scat, Chicago; executive judges, Messrs. Schermerhorn, Kamber and Wells.
On the evening of July 6, the annual banquet was held at the
HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION. 25i$
Niagara hotel, fifty persons being seated. Mr. Robert Palen acted as toastmaster. He read letters from E. St. Elmo Lewis and E. H. Butler, the latter editor Buffalo Eaening News. The following toasts were ojiven: ., _ .
The National Amateur Press Association
F. E. Schermerhorn
Our Country Fred W. Glaus
* Wilmington Club E. J. Hardcastle
Amateur Critics H. C. Hochstadter
Buffalo Amateur Journalists Chib Harry S. Sizer
The Benefits of Amateur Journalism Sidney H. Stilling
The Relations of tiie Amateur to the Professional Press
F. F. Heath
The Western Amateur J. Herbert Phillips
The Ladies Edward V. Rock wood
In accordance with a proposal by President Hochstadter, a silent toast to the memory of Ex-President Thomas H. Parsons, who died the day before, was drunk standing.
Just before respondiiii to his toast. President Hochstadter for- mally took his seat as president and delivered Ins inaugural ad- dress. At the close of the evening's proorram, \w. announced his appointments for the year: E. St. Elmo Levvis. laureate re- corder; Kneeland Hall, librarian, -Howard I). Ross, secretary of credentials.
The last session of the convention was held on July 6^ at 9:45 a. m., in the cabin of the "VVilliam Henry Harrison,'' bt- tween the United States and Canada.
Mr. Heath presented an amendinent to the constitution, chang- ing the size of the otficial Organ to Century size, not to be less than eight pages and cover, which was carried.
Mr. Heath, seconded by Mr. Hardcastle, moved that during the coming year, the president, official editor and the executive committee, constitute a committee on harmony. Carried.
After passsing a memorial on the death of Ex-President Thomas H. Parsons and expressing appreciation for the courtesies of the Buffalo amateurs, the convention adjourned to meet in Chicago in 1893.
CH/irTER 25,
WiiELiK THE Association was Planned. — Dunlop's Election Made it Cehtain. — Call fok Organization. — Success Inst ANT A\K<)u.s.— The Mutual Coxferenok. — Absorption BY THE National.
Contrihuled hi/ Oito A. Kamber.
{'V was about the mutdle <»f February, l-SyO, at an informal <iatberiiig ot ainaleuiH, that umatenr affairs in ijenernl and the NaliojitU in par>ioular were diacusseci. One of the gentle- men present vv;is :ni apj^iieanl for nietnber8hi|) in that oroanization, and the question catne up what his object was in seeking niem- bers!^[} in an oriianization which he admitted! was not altogether l!) his liking. Me potidered for a moment ai»d Iheti exclrvimed : 'I iuive changed my tnin.I. There is nothing consistent in be- coming a member of an organization whicli is so at variance with my conception of what an organization of amateur journalists should i)e." The conversation finally drifted ns to the advisa- bility of farming a separate organization, the obstacles it would hnve to overcome and the responsil)ility it would have to assume. ]t was the senliment of those present thai a new organization was a great desideratum. Some were in favor of commencing active operations at once, Ijut more const rvative judgment prevailed. 1] was the sense of the meeting that the amateurs be -'sounded," and if sufficient en(^ouragem&nt was received, to begin the work of nrgui>ization.
A.t thi:: informed meeting there were two of the shrewdest or- ganizers known to Amateur Journalism; men who watched for oppurt;iniLies and knew how to take advantage of them. With-
HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION. 255
out disparagement it may be said that they were better organizers than journalists. One was George M. Huss, of St. Louis ; the Other was "Robert Davis," of Indianapolis. That was the name by which he went ; and to forestall a very hoary campaign canard^ the writer will make the avowal that his name did not begin with a-K."
The Illustrated Age started the ball rolling by publishing a series of cartoons. The St. Louis Amateur began printing a few caustic editorials. By June of that year it was evident that the cause of independent journalism was gaining ground. There were perhaps a dozen |>apers in open revolt. But the leadejs in the new organizations movement did not act; they were awaiting the outcome of the convention of the National Association, wluch •was to convene at Indianapolis in a few days. They had hopes that Mr. Mellinger would be elected, as it was understood that he was in sympathy with the reform idea — that he would «:U? liis utmost to rectify the evils into which the National was fast drift- ing I do noc believe that the new orgaaizatiort movement svouid have come to a locus if Mr. Mellinger had lieen selected us the head of the N. A. P. A.
The means by which Mr. Duaioi- feocured the picsidenry is a matter of history. It was ree®gnizer. that the hope of reform was an eifervescent dream so long it lit National chose men in ohaige of its affairs whose only qualiticriiion was a well pod.led pooketbook. The leaders of the new movement were not slow to take advantage of the grove mistake made by the delegates as- sembled in convention at Indianapolis. An active committee covering several States was selected, with George M. Huy>*, as chairman. The writer was detailed with the mission of meeting several Eastern amateurs who had become identified with vhe new movement to discuss plans looking to a more active campaign in that section of the country, and incidentally to take such steps as were found necessary to secure recruits from the demoralized ranks of the Eastern amateurs.
On the first of October, 1890, the call was issued and a tem- porary organization affected. The committees at work had not been idle, as will be conceded when it is known that sixty odd amateurs from a dozen different States, raid re[)resenting almost
256 HtSTORY OF THE NATIONAL AM ATEim PRESS ASSOCIATION
a score of papers, had been pledged to the new movement. George M. Hnss was selected as acting president. He was a firm believer in systematic recruit work, and appointed recruiting committees in every State where a member of the organization could be pressed into service. These committees were instructed to report every week the progress made. He was an inde- fatigable worker and made free use of postage stamps and the wire. It is my opinion that the success of the Mutual was due to this feature more than anything else. It will be remembered that recruiting work was carried on in a verj^ spasmodic manner up to that time.
Though the errors in the National were very apparent, it was by no means an easy matter to avoid all of them after the new organization became in "working order." There is one thing it did overcome very effectively, and that is the complete turning down of the perennial office seeker. Six copies of a paper had to be published before any member of the Mutual was eligible to become a candidate. It also originated, I think, the manuscript bureau, which has since been adopted by the National. It en- couraged the illustrated amateui paper, and I believe the credit belongs to the Mutual for having fostered "the illustrated idea." It had six illustrated papers, while the National was handicapped in this respect.
In Februarj', 1891, a year after the meeting of that informal gathering, the Mutual had trouble of its own — if I may term the selecting of a suitable official board by such an appellation. Samuel E. Shanahan, of Easton, Md., John D. Leisure, f f Lan- sing, Mich., and George F. Munsa, of St. Louis, Mo., were all being boomed by their respective friends for president. It was to fill the unexpired time of President Huss, who was forced to turn over the affairs of the Association to a successor on account of ill health. The campaign was very spirited and resulted in the election of Mr. Leisure, George F. Munsa first vice-president, William V. Huss second vice-president, Albert C. Smith treas- urer, Miss Sarah Hrbek official editor, Albert H. Snyder corres- ponding secretary, and Jacob S. Rupp, recording secretary.
Ten days before the Veiled Prophets festivities at St. Louis, F irst Vice-President Munsa issued a call for a conference. There
HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION. 257
had been some dissatisfaction at the way President Leisure was performing the duties connected with the presidency. I am well satisfied that he was not negligent ; but the rapid pace set by Mr. Huss he could not keep up. The conference was a surprise to all. There were eighteen outside ametaurs, all members of the Mutual, in attendance. This, coupled with the presence of the large St. Louis contingent, made the number present considerably larger tbau the convention held by the National at Indianapolis, which, if my memory serves me correctly, was attended by twenty-three delegates. Mr. Munsa was unanimously elected president after making an impassioned address in which he criti- cized rather sharply "the head of the largest and grandest organi- zation of amateur journalists in America." Mr. Herbert G. West, of Springfield, Ohio, was elected first vice-president. The remainder of the ofl3cial board was re-elected.
All in attendance were deeply gratified at the rapid progress that had been made. The organization was then in the heyday of its glory. It had thirty-six regular publications, six being illustrated, one being a bi-monthly and one a quarterly. Its membership list had increased to 117. This exceeded the N. A. P. A. membership at that time by exactly a score.
It is my opinion that this remarkable growth was not due en- tirely to the merits of the Mutual organization. I well remem- ber an incident which leads me to take this view. One of the members present displayed a threatening letter written by Presi- dent Dunlop. I remember the exclamations of surprise when a number of those present displayed similar letters either from Mr. Dunlop or Mr. Mueller, who, despite his carrying a yataghan at the Indianapolis convention as a means of intimidation, was a very harmless sort of a fellow. I sincerely believe under other circumstances the Mutual would have been doomed to failure.
One hundred and fifty dollars per year had been appropriated for the publication of the oflScial organ, the Mutual Amateur, the first issue of which was published in March, 1892. It consisted of sixteen pages. Century size, containing pictures of the oflScial board. This issue contained a scathing denunciation of some of the Schermerhorn supporters by a Mutual member, and as nego- tiations were then in progress looking to the amalgamation of
258
HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION.
both orgauizatious, it was deemed advisable not to mail it ex- cepting to a few individual members. There are only a few copies known to be in existence.
President Munsa was untiring in his efforts to bring about a union of amateur journalists. He was firmly convinced that the consummation of such a step would not only be a benefit to the cause, but that the standard would be enhanced. The aims of the two organizations were practically the same ; to quote the Illuminator "the one concurred with the other in what it pro- nounced undesirable." Mr. Snyder fully concurred in this view, which was shared by the more conservative members, and used his best efforts in bringing about the much-desired result. The thoroughness of the work performed by the officials can be gleaned from the results of the balloting at the Buffalo conven- tion, when the entire Mutual membership was elected without one dissenting vote.
With this closed the last chapter of the Mutual Benefit Amateur Press Association as an aggressive factor in Amateur Journalism. I cannot see that the cause of Amateur Journalism has suffered for its having existed. The influence it exerted was for the bet- ter, while the activity that manifested itself was unparalleled. It was the protest of a potent cause against flagrant evils ; and that it fulfilled its mission, in part, at least, there can be no doubt.
The AumtuMATon^
CH/IFTEK26.
THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PROTECTIVE ASSOC'N.
^Sketch of the Association, — How it Was Organized, — Of- ficers AND Work Accomplished.
IN 1891 an orgauization was made, known as the National Amateur Protective Association, To distinguish it, it was spoken of as "T. N. A. P. A." The following bj Wm. H. Eck, fiom Juvenile Press, September, 1893, explains this organi- -^atiou, which lived less than three years:
On March 15, 1891, having been defrauded b}' several adver- tisers, I conceived the idea of getting up an association for the protection of amateur publishers against these advertising frauds, so in the April issue of the Midget^ inserted an appeal urging publishers to co-operate in getting rid of the frauds.
In the next issue of the Midget the following article appeared : ATTENTION EDITORS.
In answer to the article in last month's issue in regard to frauds, %ve have received many letters and papers containing expressions of approval and encouragement, with the hope that an organization might be perfected in the near future. Acting upon an expression of the amateur press, we submit the following proposal: If you wish to 43ecome a member of the order to be known as ''The National Ama- teur Protective Association," (T. N. A. P. A.,) fill out the blank be- low and return it to this office. A president, vice-president, corres- ponding secretary, and treasurer will be- elected from the member- .Bhip. The pre&id«-nt will appoint a committee to plan laws and gen- >eral proceeciings of organization, to define the duties of officers, fix (fees, penalties, etc.
Thirty-two publishers sent in applications for membership.
The election resulted in. the selection of \V. H. Eck, as presi- <Ient; J. \V. Donovan, vice-president; R. L. Owenle}', corres- poding secretary; Henry Norman, treasurer.
As president I appointed as a committee to agree upon and 4idopt plans to govern The National Amateur Protective Associa- tion, Jeffie R. Hudson, chairman ; John Chapman and Albert H. Snyder. This committee made its final report on or about Sep- tember 1, 1891, which was accepted by me as president of the Association.
About the middle of December, 1891, the first number of the official organ was issued. The vice-president dropped out of Tanks, and I appointed F. W. Kaler in his place. Mr, Oweuly resigned and W. E. D. Williams was appointed secretary.
260 HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PREBB ASSOCIATION.
After Mr. Williams' appointment the Association settled down to business and several complaints came in against frauds. The secretary wrote to these parties, who had swindled members of T. N. A. P. A., and the most of them settled their bills rather than be exposed through the organization.
On February 1, 1893, another election was held resulting in Wm. H. Eck being elected president; Frank W. Kaler, vice- president, Jeffie R. Hudson, corresponding secretary and Henry Norman, treasurer. At one time we had about sixty-five mem- bers who had been accepted by the executive committee and about forty-five of these were in good standing.
Some publishers have asked me of what benefit is the Associa- tion to its members? To this question I will make an answer by saying since the Association was organized it has collected nearly $75.
Cards were sent to each member in good standing for election of officers for the year, beginning February 1, 1891, and the result was as follows: H. L. Peabody, president; Miss O. Wood, vice-president; Fred W. Steckman, corresponding sec- retary and Henry Norman, treasurer. This election closed the 10th of August, 1893.
CHAPTER 27.
THE WORLD'S FAIR MEET.
The Year Reviewed. — Mrs. Leola Nixon as Convenvion Chronicler. — Amateurs in Attendance. — The Amalga- mation Report.— A New Ex-President and the Discus- sion Provoked. — Banquet at the Leland.
AMATEUR JOURNALISM" says Mrs. Bertha York Grant, laureate recorder for 1893, "may be likened to a mighty river. Although the river sometimes sinks to a narrow stream, it flows unceasingly, and there will soon come the freshet time for the low river of Amateur Journalism, when all the little rivers, down to the purling brooks, will hasten to swell the volume of the big river."
From Mrs. Grant's report we condense the year's history: The year began well, the prevailing sentiment being one of implicit confidence in our new leader,' with a general impression that if the opposing factions of Amateur Journalism were ever to be amalgamated, President Spencer's administration would not end until such a consummation was attained.
A review of the year's work from a literary standpoint is cer- tainly discouraging. There were a few single publications dur- ing the year worthy of much praise, notably Stylus, Moods and Papyrus. The midwinter number of the Investigator is the most superb magazine ever published as the product of the amateur journalist, author and printer. It consists of 120 pages and cover, is profusely illustrated and arranged in the highest stj^le of the printer's art. The holiday number of Ink Drops, 32 pages and cover, ranked second to that magazine, both in beauty and in contents. It was devoted exclusively to members of the official board. By actual count 314 papers are known to have been published during the official year. There were a few papers sent out regularly — the Investigator, the Monthly Visitor, Inlc Drops, Frairie Breezes, the Northwest, the South and the (Mass.) Sentinel.
The National Amateur, volume XV, consisted of five issues. Brainerd P. Emery edited three, of eight pages each. Harry C. Hochstadter edited the other two, one of eight pages and the other of four. The September, 1892, issue contained official re-
262 HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION
ports, including the Boston convention minutes ; a classification* of papers and authors ; membership lis*^, etc. The November- issue contained the laureate recorder's report, official documents and a critical department. The January issue contained a story by Everard Appleton, a critical department and editorials. The April issue, Mr. Hochstadter's first, contained a number of literary contributions, reviews of late papers and editorial matter. The June issue contained a plan for the systematic study of literature, review of current events and official matter.
The Schermerhorn party sent out a sixteen page Amateur dated September, 1892. It contained the minutes of the Buffalo con^ ventiou, a banquet account and various official documents.
There was no politcial activity preceding the Chicago conven- tion. The amalgamation of the two National Associations was an- accomplished fact, and every one looked forward to Chicago as- the proper place foi a love feast and re-union of old friends.
THE CHICAGO CONVENTION OF 1893. Contributed by Mrs. Leola White Niicon.
The eighteenth annual convention of the National Amateur Press Association, assembled in Chicago, July 4-6, 1893. It was the most representative gathering in the history of the Association. Delegates from nineteen States were in attendance at one or more sessions, the total number being about seventj-. The double attraction of the great World's Fair and the N. A. P. A. coa- vention was responsible for the full attendance. There were amateurs present from Nova Scotia and Massachusetts on the east, to Oregon and California on the west; from Dakota and Michigan on the north, to Kentucky and Louisiana on the south.. All factions and classes of amateurs were represented ; tlie old" timer, filled with memories of past meetings ; the raw recruit^ experiencing his first convention ; the literatus, with his dignity and learning ;the plodder, earnest and open-eyed; the politician, with schemes and expectations ; the lady amateur, smiling and winning.
In spite of the varied and cosmopolitan personnel of the conven- tion, harmony and good feeling prevailed, comradeship and gen- uine friendship cemented the body into one great family.
HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUK TRES« ASSOCIATION 263
The following amateurs were present: David L, Hollub, A. D, Grant, Annie L. Lynde, T. J, Spencer, L. H. Spencer, Sadie Wbitenack, Allan R, Parrish, C. E. Schwartz, J. J. Ottinger, A.
A. J. Robinson, F. B. Davenport, O. A. Reura, J. L. Tomlinson, H. M. Carter, E. A. Edkins, J. H. Phillips, C. Harrison Frost, Ada Campbell, Alice Fitzgerald, Cathaiine litzgerald, G. M. Jones, H. R. Cody, H. C. Bixby, C. A. Luhnow, Mr. and Mrs. W. E. Mellinger, A. H. Snyder, George W. Hancock, Rose Steinberg, O, A. Kamber, Howard McCormick, George Terhune^ Edna Horwitz, Hal Kellogg, Jeanette Swing, Stella Traman, Leola B. White, John Kendall, J. T. Nixon, J. F. Morton, Jr., George A. Dunn, L. C. Bigelow, P. Arthur Burke, C. R. Burger, Robert Carey, C. N. Andrews, W, T. Scofield, T. L. Chrystie, C. C. Hunt, F. A. Grant, Bertha York Grant, Alson Brubaker, Jessie Dillon, Blanche Dillon, F. D. Woollen, E. B. Swift, Zelda Swift, W. J. Brodie, F. E. Schermerhorn, Will R. Antisdel, Mrs. Antisdel, Eugenie D. Smith, W. Bittle Wells, W. S. Dun- lop, F. F. Heath, H. E. Legler.
President Truman J. Spencer called the convention to order in committee room 65 of the Auditorium, about 10:15 on the morn- ing of July 4. He gave a short resume of the year's work, then proceeded with the regular order of business.
The secretary of credentials, Robert Carey, and his assistants, Alson Brubaker and Albert H. Snyder, presented the names of the following persons as eligible to membership. The report was unanimously accepted : Messrs. Will Hancock, F. S. George, G.
B. Terhune, C. B. Duffy, H. A. Schoenfeld, R. W. Bennett, Lin- den Dey, John Kendall, August Bindemann, Ernest Simmons, L. W. Green, Chris Luhnow, E. R. Gardner, and Misses Alice Fitzgerald, Eugenie D. Smith, Sadie Whitenack and Ada Campbell.
All officers were present and gave their reports in person, with the exception of the first vice-president and official editor.
The report of the official editor, Mr. Hochstadter. was read by the secretary. He proposed that a committee be appointed to consider a plan for literary study, which he had fully explained in the National Amateur. Such a committee was ordered and^ Messrs. F. A. Grant, E. A. Edkins and Mrs. Swift appointed,.
264
HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION
with instructioDS to report at next session. On the following day
the comnjittee reported that owing to the changeable character of
the organization, so ephemeral in membership, they deemed the
plan, though excellent in itself, impracticable for the N. A. P.
A. This report was accepted.
After considerable discussion, it was decided not to accept a
verbal report from the executive judges, but to require one in
writing at 2 p. m. At the evening session the following report was
presented and accepted, thus uniting and healing the division
which had occurred in 1891:
The agreement entered into in regard to the amalgamation of the divisions of the Association was as follows :
1. Kecognition of Mr, Spencer as president and the acts of the Boston convention.
2. A reorganized board of officers, containing members of both divisions.
3. The two treasuries consolidated in Mr. Tomlinson's hands.
4. Members elected at Buffalo to be accepted as members of the Association upon qualifying at Chicago by the payment of dues.
The board of officers appointed by President Spencer added to the list Kneeland Ball as first vice-president; A. H.Snyder as recording secretary; H. C. Hochstadter as official editor; H. M. Carter as exec- utive judge. 0 . R. Burger, [Signed] E.B. Swift,
H. M. Carter.
The proxy committee, composed of Leola B. White, ex-ofRcio chairman; A. J. Robinson, A. H. Snyder, J. F. Morton, Jr., D. L. Hollub, John Kendall and J. L. Tomlinson, reported 18 legal proxies cast.
When the election of oflScers was declared in order, Mr. Carey nominated our worthy president, Truman J. Spencer, for re-elec- tion. Mr. Spencer refused to allow his name to be considered, and Dr. Swift nominated John L. Tomlinson of Commentator fame. This nominaton met with favor, and the secretary was instructed to cast the ballot of the convention for Mr. Tomlinson as our chief executive for the coming year.
Robert Carey, a brilliant young man from New Jersej', was unanimously elected first vice-president. The vivacious Miss Rose Steinberg, of Indianapolis, was unanimously elected second vice-president. Miss Susan B. Robbins, of Massachusetts, a sketch writer of undoubted ability, was unanimously chosen re- cording secretary. Mr. Alson Brubaker was elected correspond- ing secretary, but tendered his resignation — and later this was
HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION. 265
accepted and a ballot taken on the names of Hancock and Schoenfeld. Mr. Hancock was declared elected.
Alfred J. Robinson and Samuel J. Steinberg were placed in nomination for the treasurership, and a lively contest followed. Two ballots were taken, there being no election in either case. The proxies were then constitutionally discarded and Mr. Robin- son was chosen treasurer by the convention vote of 17 to 10.
For official editor, four persons were nominated. John T. Nixon, nominated by Kendall; Chas. R. Burger, b}^ Jones ; J. Herbert Phillips, by Steinberg ; Miss Capitola Harrison, by Frost. Mr. Phillips declined the nomination. On ballot Mr. Nixon was declared official editor.
Misses Truman and Cox and Mr. Spencer were elected execu- tive judges, and Boston was chosen for the next meeting place.
We cull the following paragraph from Mr. Spencer's account in the August, '93, Investigator.
It was now about 4 o'clock in the afternoon, and the interest aroused by the election of officers having subsided, the conven- tion, as we announced, that miscellaneous business would be in order, settled down into something like lethargy. But it was a calm which preceded a tempest. The convention was settling itself to sleep at the very moment when, unknown to most of the members, there was about to break over the heads of the assem- bled delegates the heaviest and fiercest storm of the entire session. It came without warning ; with typical Chicago suddenness, from an apparently clear sky. Mr. Tomlinson sent to the secretary's desk for the action of the convention the following resolution :
Resolved, Thfit in view of the^ estimable services of Frank E. Schermerhorn in behalf of Amateur Journalism, and the National Am- ateur Press Association in particular, the secretary be authorized to add his name to the list of presidents for the period of 1891-92.
Mr. Morton instantly moved that the resolution be laid on the table, but his motion was lost. Mr. Tomlinson moved the adop- tion of the resolution. Mr. Morton secured the floor and opposed the motion in a speech of great force. He threw his whole soul into it, and impressed every one with his terrible earnestness. It was conceived in the best spirit, however, without a particle of bitterness or malice, and was a straightforward plea for constitu- tional law and legal rights. Finlay Grant replied to him. He referred to the precedent that had been established, in cases where there was a dispute as to the election of president, of adding both names to the list, a precedent he did not approve of, but which he thought should be carried out in this case. Mr. Hollub who
266 HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRES^^-ASSOCIATION.
spoke next, did not believe in standing by a precedent which wa» confesedly a bad one. Messrs. Heath, Burger and Nixon spoke in iavor of the resolution. Mr. Morton spoke again, then Mr. Legler arose and delivered an eloquent plea for the extension of the olive branch. He argued for peace and harmony, and urged the convention to be magnanimous, making a very grace- ful speech of some length and much eloquence. He had no sooner taken his seat than Mr. Carey electrified the convention with one of his ringing, spirited and magnetic speeches. He pleaded with the members to stand by principle and not be ruled by sentiment. Mr. Grant again spoke. He claimed that there was a time when convictions should yield their claims, and hoped the time would never come when he should turn a deaf ear to sentiment. It was evident to an impartial observer that both the most effective orators and the weight of the argument were on the side of the opponents of the resolution. Upon motion of Dr. Swift the convention ordered the yeas and nays upon the resolu- tion, the result being 18 in favor of its adoption and 13 opposed. The resolution, which does not touch the vital matters in dispute at Philadelphia, was passed by the votes of the opponents of the socalled Schermerhorn faction, simply because they believed that, to quote from Mr. Legler's eloquent speech, "It is the prevailing party that can afford to be mag^naflimous. "
The following addition to article IV of the constitution was
adopted :
Section 4. Former amateurs attending conventions shall nave the privilege of the floor upon paying dues.
On Wednesday morning the new officers took their places. The committee on the feasibility of establishing a permanent library reported favorably. Their report was accepted and the following amendment to the constitution proposed by Mr. Mor- ton and adopted by the convention :
Article V. Section 3, The president shall appoint each year a librarian, who shall collect such papers, books, etc.. as are of interest to the Association, and shall be authorized to expend annually a sum not to exceed $10 for binding.
On motion of Mr. T. J. Spencer, the library was located tem- porarily at Boston.
At a recess taken between the sessions Wednesday, an Alumn Association was formed with Mr. Legler as president, Mrs. Swift secretary, and Dr. Swift official editor. No dues, conventions to be held annually in connection with the national, the members to rotate in regular succession through the offices of president and
HItTJRY OF TH3 NATIONAL AMATtUR PRESS ASSOCIATION. 26^
secretary and all those having been connected with Amateur Journalisna for five years eligible to membership, were the main points of the organization.
Excellent photographs were obtained both of the convention proper and of the charter members of the newly organized Alumni Association. Thirt3'-six faces appear in the former and eighteen in the latter.
The banquet at the Leland Wednesda}^ evening was a most pleasant affair. Forty amateurs were seated around the social board. Dr. Swift acted as toastmaster. The majority of the toasts were impromptu and hence did not attain a ver3' ^^g^ standard ; at the same time they were interesting and well received. The responses were:
'^The National" T. J. Spencer
"Our Literature," F. D. Woollen
-The Ladies," F. A. Grant
"Our Editors," J. F. Morton
"Our Lady Amateur?," Mrs. Zelda Swift
"The West," W. E. Mellinger
"The South," J. T. Nixon
Mr. A. D. Grant and Mr. Burger also made a few remarks. Mr. George W. Hancock, of the old timer Chch, mnde a very impressive and much appreciated talk. "Our honored dead" was responded to by Mr. Robert Carey and was indeed fine. Its noble sentiments, beautifully expressed, were delivered with an eloquence seldom heard at an amateur banquet. After an exchange of souvenirs in the wa}' of autographs and cards, the company disbanded with the singing of "Auld Lang Syue."
The convention was over but many amateurs remaiued to attend the fair and several pleasant social reunions were had.
The laureate awards were as follows: Poet Inureateship awarded to Miss Mary W. Morton for her poem eutiiled "The Summit," Miss Capitola Harrison's "The Lilies' Easter Dawn" receiving honorable mention. Essay laureateship awarded to James F. Morton for his essay entitled, "A Forgotten Tragedy."
CH/IFTER 28-
A YEAR OF MANY CHANGES.
The Breach Healed.— Financial Influences on Amateur Journalism.- — The Boston Convention Elects Burgee rREsiDENT. — Reception and Banquet. — New Constitu- tion Adopted.
THE laureate recorder, Truman J. Spencer, in a thorough manner reviewed the progress of Amateur Journalism after the Chicago convention : The year which closed with the Boston convention of 1894 was a peculiar one in the annals of Amateur Journalism. The Chicago convention, one of the most representative and largely attended conventions of recent years, had taken the last step which effectually healed the breach existing between the various organizations in the ranks, and the National organization started out once more, with a united membership and capable officials, and the prospects seemed exceedingly bright for a most success- ful year in Amateur Journalism. But hardly had the members returned to their homes when the great financial panic of 1893 broke over the country, and its effects were immediately felt in our little worM. In the fall President Tomlinson and Official Editor Nixon resigned their offices. The executive judges ap- pointed Alson Bru baker president, who appointed Finlay Grant official editor. In the meantime Corresponding Secretary Han- cock had issued the December ^National Amateur. Mr. Robinson resigned as treasurer, and Miss Hauck was appointed. It was a comparatively quiet year among sectional and local associations. The papers issued for the year were comparatively few in number, and as a rule were not remarkable for quality, though some very excellent issues were sent out. But one book was issued during the year. This was entitled 'Verses from a Vagrant Muse,'/ be- ing the selected poems of Joseph Dana Miller. It is a book of 120 pages, bound in cloth, and was published by T. J. Spencer. The campaign of 1894 was a very quiet and peculiar one. No Teal candidates for the office of president were in the field up to
*This December Amateur was made up, in great part, of matter pre- pared and arranged by the retiring ofticial editor. Mr. Nixon's resig- nation was presented to President Tomlinson in November, after he had prepared all the copy required for the December ^mai5ewr, allowing
HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION 269
the hour of balloting. Several members had been mentioned for the position at various times with more or U'ss emphasis, but no real campaign work was done for anybod}' but Charles R. Burger.
Volume XVI of the National Amateur consisted of four issues, 32 pages. The September, 1893, issue was edited by John W Nixon. It consisted of 10 pages, containing minutes of the Chicago convention, news of associations, classification of recent papers, bulletin of new addresses, news letters from various points and other official documents. The December number was edited by Will Hancock. It was of 4 pages, containing official communications, bulletin, 'round the circle department aiid edi- torial notes. The March issue, edited by Finla^^ Grant, was of 10 pages. It contained a reminiscent letter from Will T. Sco- field, the laureate recorder's report, a review of the past year's laureate entries, bulletin and three pages of editorial matter. The June issue, 8 pages, contained articles on amateur topics from Willard O. Wylie and Ella Maud Frye, official letters and reports, bulletin and three pages of editorial. The Amnteur go=^\ the As- sociation less this 3'ear than any other of its existence— S 15. Mr. Nixon donated $10 of his bill, and Messrs. Hancock and Grant the entire amount for printing their issues.
In Bohemia, September, 1894, \V. E. Mellinger reviews the convention of that year, from which we take the following:
The nineteenth annual convention of the National Amateur Press Association was held at the United States hotel, Hoston, Mass., July 17-18-19, 1894. The great railroad strike interfered materially with the attendance of meml)ers from the west, and as the mails were also delayed, over thirty proxy votes were missing
a column, as instructed, for the president's message. This resignation was accepted late in January by the executive judges. President Tom- llnson having entirely ignored it. The general understanding has been that the official editor wilfully neglected his duty, and thus left the Association without an organ. The |act is that when the resigna- tian was sent to President Tomlinson it was accompanied by a state- ment that the MSS. for the December issue was ready for the printer, and asking for instructions. These instructions never came. The writer's ambition since his entry in Amateur Journalism has been to edit a volume of the National Amateur. The great disappointment of his career has been the fact that when the opportunity came he was unable, through no fault of his own, to complete the vohime he started.
270 HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRKSS ASSOCIATION.
that were en route. Nevertheless the amount of work performed will compare very favorably with former conventions. Most of the delegates arrived on Monday and spent the afternoon at the New England Association convention held at Abinojton, Mass.
In the ab-<ence of President Brnbaker and both vice-presidents, the secretary. Miss Susan B. Robbins. called the convention to order at 10 o'clock, and Ex-President Truman J. Spencer was elected chairman, who appointed the following^ temporary officers, first vice-president, W. E. Mellintrer; second vice-president, J. H. Stover. 'I'he treasurer. Miss Emma Hauck, was present.
The follow n:i new members were elected: Misses E. Flora At wood, Florence A. Cobb, M. E. Wynjie. Agnes Butler, Anna Braun, Mrs. W. E. Mellinger, Messrs. A. W. Dennis, C. W. Kissinger, M. T. Valeutiiie, J. H. Chasp. and D. G. Davis.
On motion of Mr. , Burger the constitution was amended, abolishing the initiation fee, and a recess was taken to allow new members to pay dues for the ensuing year. The president then appointed committees: On association |)in, Mr. Geo. W. Dodd, Jr , chairman ; on revision of constitution, consisting of Messrs. E. H. Smith, George Dodd find \V. E. Mellinger and the praxy commit^e, Messrs. Morton, Smith, Chase, Mellinger, and Misses Cox, Robbins and Hnuck.
The Association adjourned at 11:30, and after luncheon the convention photo was taken, over thirty being in the group. In the evening tlie reception committee had arranged a moonlight boat ride to Nantasket, and most of the delegates went.
The second day's session beoan promptly on time, Mr. Spencer relinquishing tf>e chair to Mr. Mellinger, who presided until the new pre-ideiit was installed. After the reading of various tele- grams tiie proxy coiumiltee repor^^^ed as follows:
For president. C. R. Bnr<rer. 19 votes.
For treasurer, E. H. Smith, 7; Miss Hauck. 8.
For official editor. J. F. Morton, Jr., 5; Will Hancock, 7.
For next convention seat Cincinnati, 15; New Orleans, 5; San Fran- cisco. 4.
The e'ectio!! was then held and resulted as follows: President. C. R. Burger, Jersey City, N. J.; (irst vice-president, VV . E. Mellinoer. Chicago, 111. ; second vice-president, Linden Dey, Ja(ksf)nville, Fla ; recording secretar}^ Miss Emma Hauck, White Plains. N. Y. ; corresponding secretary, H. A. Schoen- feld. Seatt'e, Wash. ; treasurer, T. J. Spencer, New Britain, Ctmn. ; otflcial editor. F. C. Johnson, Boonville, N. Y. ; next convention seat, Cincinnati, Ohio.
The election of Mr. Burger was a foregone conclusion, although he sturdily refused it before his election, yet when he saw the result of tlie voting he bowed gracefully to the inevitable. There were so many names on the proxy committee's report for first
HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION. 271
vice-president, that the convention, after followinor the constitu- tional requirements and rnakinof no choice, selected for that posi- tion, the only a:entleman delegate from the west.
Mr. Dey, Mr. Spencer and Miss Hauck were elected very easily, but there was a spirited contest for the official editorship. Mr. Morton absolutely refused to accept the position, as his sense of "justice" would not allow him, a Boston man, to accept any office from a convention held in his own city. The fight was between Mr. Hancock and Mr. Johnson, resulting on the fifth l)allot in the election of the latter.
When the first ballot was announced on the next convention «eat, it was discovered that there were more votes of members present for San Francisco than for Cincinnati ; but notwithstand- ing the eloquent appeals of Messrs. Morton, Wylie and Munro^ the final ballot showed a majority in favor of Cincinnati.
The election consumed so much time that the ladies barely had time to prepare their toilettes for the reception and literary exer- cises, which took place at 4 p. m. in the parlors at the hotel. Over two hundred invitations had been issued for this event, and the guests were received by the following committee: Mrs. Ella Maud Frye, chairman; Mrs. Edith Miniter, Miss Kate Cameron, Miss Harriet Cox, Dr. J. W. Foss, T. J. Spencer, E. T, Capen, A. W. Dennis, Jas. H. Chase and C. E. Wilsoii.
After an hour spent in social intercourse, a short program was rendered, including an address of welcome by Ex-President Willard O. Wylie, a flute solo by Miss Alice McLaughlin, a read- ing by Miss Margaret Mullaney, a violin solo by Miss Anna Winn, a reading by Miss Maud Murray, a vocal solo by Clarence Wilson and an address on professional journalism by Stephen O'Meara, of the Boston Journal.
After the reception the banquet followed — "that summit of happiness" to which all had looked forward. The delegates marched in couples from the parlors to the banquet hall. Forty covers were spread in the large dining hall of the hotel ; three long tables forming three sides of a hollow square, which were beautifully decorated with flowers. Long stemmed roses were in the center before the toast master, and by the plate of each lady was a bunch of sweet peas, and for the gentlemen carnation pinks were provided.
Mr. Spencer acted as toastmaster, and after the menu was dis- -cussed the following program was enjoyed :
Boston's Welcome, W. O. Wylie
TheN. A. P. A. J. H. LMunro
Reading, Miss L. A. Bowes
The Fossil p:. H. Smith
The Politician George W. Dodd, Jr
2/2 HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION.
Reading Jas. F. Morton , Jr
The Ladies .W. E. Mellinger
The Gentlemen Mrs. Edith Miniter
The third day's session was called to order by the vice-presi- dent at 10 o'clock, and listened to reports from the various com- mittees. Mr. Dodd reported for the committee on pin as having selected one which consisted of a laurel wreath, surmounted by an antique lamp, with a quill passing diagonally through the wreath, the letters N. A. P. A. on same. The revision committee presented a long report, suggesting many changes, the most important of which was the formicg of a life membership, the establishment of a permanent librarian and the abolishing of the initiation fee.
A telegram from Mr. Schoenfeld having been received, abso- lutely declining to accept the office of corresponding secretary if San Francisco was defeated, his resignation was accepted with regret, and Clifford W. Kissinger, of Reading, Pa., elected to that position. The credential committee reported two additional applications, Mr. Jos. O'Gorman and Miss Henrietta N. Imovilli, who were elected to membership. The board of executive judges was elected, consisting of Mr. Alson Brubaker, Miss Susie B. Robbins and Mrs. E. M. Frye.
The new president was installed and in a happy speech assumed his position and made the following appointments : Secretary of credentials, Fred VV. Pratt, of Dover, Me. ; librarian, E. H. Smith, of Washington, D. C. ; laureate recorder, J. F. Morton, Jr., of Boston. The award of historian laureate for the past year was made to Mr. Smith, and the Investigator was awarded the editorial laureateship.
Mr. Morton made a final unsuccessful attempt to change the convention seat, but was promptly voted down. After the read- ing and adoption of the minutes, the convention adjourned sine die.
On Tuesday the older amateurs assembled hnd effected a pro- visional organization of the Alumni Association of Amateur Jour- nalism, Mr. Burger being chairman. Miss Cox was appointed a committee on membership and Messrs. Spencer, Morton and Mellinger on constitution. Wednesday noon a formal organiza- tion was effected and the following officers elected : President, T. J. Spencer, vice-president, Mrs. Bertha York Grant, secretary- treasurer, George W. Dodd, Jr.
A constitution was adopted which states that anyone who has been a member of the N. A. P. A. three years, or an amateur five 3'ears, is eligible to membership ; it also calls for annual meetings in'connection with the N. A. P. A. conventions, the secretary- treasurer being empowered to arrange programs.
UrSTOKY OK THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION. 273
The constitution committee reported a new constitution vvbicli we fiud to be practicall3' the constitution of 1889 with amend- ments made at latter sessions and other amendments by tlie com- mittee. The reader is referred to the documcLt as printed on pages 210 to 211). All clianges from that document are noted below. When an article or a section is entirely omitted from the followino^, it indicates that it remained exactly as it stood in 188t^ after the adoi)tion of the then new constitution: Article IV — Membership.
Section 3. Applicants for membership shall send their application with credentials and one dollar annual dues to the secretary of credentials.
Sec. 4. Any person who has been a member of the Association three years or more, may become a life member upon payment of five dollars. All ex-presidents shall be enrolled as life members unless expelled for cause.
Sec. 5. Life members shall be entitled to all the rights of member- ship wdthout regard to requirements of section 2, article IX, and be exempt fiom further payment of dues. Life members may resign, or be expelled for cause.
Article V — Officers and Their Duties.
Sec. 3. It shall be the duty of the president, upon assuming his office, to present a message to the convention assembled, wherein shall be named a board of advisers of three members, who shall be designate<l as follows: secretary of credentials, national laureate recorder and chairman of recruit committee. The president shall also name the recruit committee, as provided for in article XIII, section 1.
Sec 6. It shall be the duty of the president to remain active dur- ing the term of office by publishing at least six numbers of a journal, at regular intervals, within that period. Failing to do so the presi- dent shall resign. No issue of the journal shall be dela> ed more than one month after its regular date of publication.
Sec. 8. It shall be the duty of the president to appoint the recruit and reception committees, and such other committees as shall from time to time be necessary.
Sec 9. It shall be the duty of the president to secure the first four named judges of awards as hereinafter provided, and to make known their acceptance through the columns of the official organ not later than its March number; and shall also appoint the fifth judge, and make known the acceptance not later than the March number of the official organ.
Sec 10. It shall be the duty of the president after roll call to fill all vacant offices caused by absence from the convention.
Sec. 12, It shall be the dut}^ of the custodian of ballots to receive the proxy ballots, giving a receipt therefor if desired.
Sec. 13. Tne custodian of ballots shall retain all proxies received until the convention is called to order, when they shall be delivered to the presiding officer.
Sec 16. During the interval between conventions it shall be the duty of the executive judges to receive anl act upon all charges pre-
274 HISTORY OP Ti^E NATDNAL AMATEUR TRBSS ASSOCIATION.
ferrel by one member against another. They shall have power to saspend a member, such action being subject to final decision by the next convention.
Sec. 17. It shall be the duty of the secretary of credentials to receive and pass upon all applications for membership during the term of office, to promptly notify each applicant of acceptance or rejection, and turn over to the treasurer all moneys received from such appli- cants within thirty days after acceptance of application. ^Vhen the credentials of an applicant have been favorably passed upon, the secretary of credentials shall immediately send the name and address of the same to the president, corresponding secretary, editor, treasurer and chairman of recruit committee.
Sec. 18. The secretary of credentials shall enroll as life members, applicants as provided in article IV, section 5. The action of the secretary of credentials shall be subject to the approval of the Associa- tion in convention assembled.
Sec. 19. It shall be the duty of the chairman of the recruit com- mittee to act a chairman and ex-offido member of the recruit com- mittee, and to apportion the States of each section among their rep- resentatives.
Sec. 20. It snail be the duty of the librarian to receive and keep a record of articles defined in article VI and to preserve them in such a form that they shall be constantly accessible for inspection. The librarian shall at all times furnish to members such reasonable infor- mation as may be desired by any member, and shall furnish a report at each convention.
Sec. 21. A sum not exceeding ten dollars shall be appropriated at each convention to meet the necessary expense connected with the management of the librar3\
Sec. 22. It shall be the duty of the first vice-president to perform all duties devolving upon the president in the case of the latter's absence from or disability in convention. It shall be the duty of the first vice- president to have char^-e of the departments specified in article XIV, section 3, and to receive articles sent to these departments. The first vice-president shall retain one copy of each of the papers containing articles entered in competition, and deliver one copy to the judge of award on or before June 15, together with list of entries.
Sec. 23. It shall be the duty of the second vice-president to assume the chair in case the officers preceding in rank are absent from the convention. The second vice-president shall have charge of the departments specified in article XIV, section 3, and shall conduct them in accordance with the rules laid down for departments con- ducted by the first vice-president.
Sec 24. It shall be the duty of the recording secretary to keep a true record of all the transactions of this Association, and a complete list of members, in a book provided for that purpose; to enter upon the minutes a copy of the treasurer's bcmd, and to perform such other duties as are customary under parliamentary usage. The recording secretary shall receive' the duplicate proxy ballots, and have such ballots at the convention, which are to be used only in case of the non-appearance of the original ballots.
Sec. 25. It shall be the duty of the corresponding secretary to issue notices of the convention, and provide official blanks necessary for proxy voting, as provide'l for in article X, sections 1, 2, 3.
HlfeTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION. 275
Sec. 26. It shall be the duty of the editor to take entire charge of the official organ, and issue same as provided for in'article VII, and mail to each member and accepted applicant one copy of each number as soon as issueil. The editor shall publish the names and addresses of such persons brought to notice as are not members of the Associa- tion, but are actively interested in Amateur Journalism, and mail to each the official organ.
Section 25 of the 18S9 constitution is divided into sections 27 and 28 of the new instrument. It is identical in the introduction and the wording of the treasurer's bond. Beneath the bond it is changed to read as follows :
The recording secretary shall retain possession of the bond, but shall not be one of the bondsmen.
Sec. 29. It shall be the duty of all the officers to remain active during their term of office, and in addition to other duties prescribed in this constitution, to present at the annual convention a report of all duties performed during their term of office, and to deliver to their respective successors all books, papers or property Of any kind belonging to the Association.
Sec. 30. The president, first and second vice-presidents, treasurer, secretary of credentials, librarian, and chairman of recruit commmit- tee shall every three months forward written reports to the editor for publication in the official organ.
Article VI. — Library.
A permanent library of amateur papers, books, photographs and miscellaneous relics of Amateur Journalism shall be established at Boj^ton . The officer in charge shall be known as the librarian, and shall be a member of the Association appointed by the president to serve until resignation or removal.
Article VII. — Official Organ.
Sec. 1. The association shall publish quarterly a paper whicti shall be known as the National Amateur. This paper shall consist of not less than eight pages, the size of each page to be 9x13 inches.
Section 2 is identical with section 3 of article VI of 1889, and section 3 with section 2 of 1889. Section 5 of 1889 is divided into two sections — 4 and 5.
Article VIII. — Conventions.
Sec. 1. The Association shall convene annually, during the month of July, the date to be named by the president and announced in the March number of the official organ.
Sec. 2. The conventions of this Association shall be held in an Eastern and Western city alternately, the seat of the succeeding con- vention to be chosen in the same manner as the officers, and at the same time.
Article IX.— Election of Members.
Sec. 1. It shall be the duty of the secretary of credentials to pre- sent a list of accepted and rejected applicants immediately after the appointment of officers pro tempore as provided for in article V, section 10; such applicants, afterpayment of annual dues and election to mem- bership, shall be entitled to privileges of active membership. By the
276 HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION
request of ten members present any number of names on the secretary of credentials' list may be voted upon separately, when ten negative votes shall be necessary to reject any applicant for membership.
Sec. 2. Any member, who does not each year issue at least one number of an amateur paper, or contribute at least one poem, essay or sketch to an amateur publication, shall not be be entitled to vote dur- ing the election of officers, and may be dropped from membership, but should he or she again become active, shall be entitled to all rights of membership, after payment of annual dues.
Article X. — Election of Officers^
Sec. 1. Every member and accepted applicant shall be furnished with official blanks for the purpose of proxy voting for every officer and next place of meeting, and upon proposed amendments to the con- stitution or by-laws.
Sec. 4. ^o proxy ballot shall be legal unless the member so voting is qualified as to activity, and the dues have been paid before the examining committee shall retire to count the proxies.
Sec. 5. After the custodian shall have turned over the pro;xy ballots to the presiding officer no ballot shall be accepted unless presented in person to the presiding officer.
Section 6 of 1889 is eliminated, thus advancing all following
sections one number.
Article XII — Parlirnentary Authority.
This association shall be governed by Eoberts' Rules of Order,' wherein it does not conflict with this constitution and these by-laws. A rticle XIII — Committees ,
Sec. 1. The president shall appoint a recruit committee of twelve active members, three of whom shall be residents respectively of the Northern, Southern, Eastern and Western sections of the country.
Sec. 2. It shall be the duty of the committee to furnish information pertaining to Amateur Journalism, and supply copies of current amateur papers to such recruits and inactive amateurs as may come to notice. The committee shall endeavor to organize local press clubs, and secure as members of the Association all persons interested in Amateur Journalism,
Sec. 3. A committee on reception, consisting of at least five mem- bers, residents of the city where the Association next meets, or in the immediate vicinity, shall be appointed by the president. It shall be the duty of the reception committee to procure suitable meeting rooms for this Association, and to perform such other duties as the presi- dent may direct.
Article XIV— laureate Titles^
Sec. 2 In order to compete for the title laureate in any branch a member must have the article printed in an amateur publication by June 15th of each year, and send two copies of the paper, with such articles marked, to the officer who shall have charge of the particular department in which the article is entered.
Article XV — Editorial Award,
Sec. 1. Any member or accepted applicant publishing four or more numbers of a paper during the year is entitled to enter such publica- tion, on or before June 15th, in competition ior the title editorial
HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION
277
laureate, whicn shall be annouaced at each ^convention by the president.
Article XVI — Amendments.
Sec. 1. No part of this constitution shall be amended or suspended except bj^ the two-thirds vote of members present at a convention.
Sec. 3. Amendments to be voted on by proxy shall have appeared in the September, December or March number of the official organ.
Sections 4 and 5 of 1889 eliminated.
By-laws unchanged except that rule 6 of article B is eliminated.
CH/IFTER 29.
WHEN THE PRESS CLUBS FLOURISHED.
Conferences at Boston and San Feancisco. — President Bur- ger's Work as an Organizer. — Death of Franklin C. Johnson. —The Chicago Convention. — Blackballing Of Candidates for Membership. — Compromise Measures. — The Result.
A CONFERENCE of amateur journalists was held at Boston, February 22, 1895. There were present Messrs. Capen, Burger, Morton, Dennis, Hochstadter, Murray, Wiggin ; Misses Bean, Cameron, Wynne, Morton ; Mrs. Frye, Mrs. Mini- ter, Mrs. Small.
The proceedings of this conference were published in the Hub Official, from which we quote:
A paper was read by Mrs. Frye, ^'Advantages and Disadvan- tages of Sectionalism to Amateur Journalism." The paper was thoroughly discussed by all present. Following this came a symposium on "Amateurdom's Need — Is it External Work or Internal Reform?" Letters on the subject were read from John L. Tomlinson, David L. Hollub and Miss Stella Truman, and it was then discussed. A great many splendid ideas were brought out. A paper was to have been sent in by Linden D. Dey on "The Value of Organization to Amateur Journalism," but as it bad not appeared, the subject was informally discussed.
A conference of amateur journalists for the purpose of discuss- ing the affairs of the National Association and of nominating candidates, was held in San Francisco, May 1, 1895. Ed A. Hering presided, Walter Radius secretary'.
There were present Messrs. Ackermann, Bachmau, Bioch, Da}% Farnham, Faucompre, Hauser, Hering, S. and J. Hamilton, Hollub, Hinkle, Igoe, Jackson, Johnson, Kolberg, Miss Loh- meyer, Levy, Lind, Meyer, Moore, McCarthy, Mortimer, Morris, Miss^Neal, Peltret, Phillips, Miss Rothchild, Radius, Rothchild, Miss Schoenf eld, Stevens, Shirke, Steeves, Schoenfeld, Voorsan- ger and Weihe,
The proceedings are here quoted from the official minutes pub-
HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION. 279
lished in the Pacific Cor^ference^ issued immediately after the gathering :
Several committees were appointed and then a symposium was announced, consisting of extemporaneous speeches. Mr. Hollub treated "Reform and Progress." Among other things he said that an amateur who wished to join the National should have at least six months' standing. Mr. Schoenfeld spoke upon "The Ideal Editorial." Mr. Peltret paid tribute to "The Ladies in Amateurdom." "The Coast Candidates" was delivered by Mr. Da_y. Mr. Phillips did justice to "The Scope of the Amateur Advertising Solicitor." "The Ideal President" was treated by Mr. Mortimer. He said that such honorable positions in ama- teur organizations demanded men of dignity, purpose and intelli- gence. "Is Sectionalism on the Decline?" was delivered b}' Mr. Morris. Mr. Hauser spoke on "Public Schools as a Field for Recruiting." "Amateur Journalism From a Young Ladies' Standpoint" was Miss Lohmeyer's subject. Mr. tiering showed a thorough knowledge of his subject, "The l\ypographical Appearance of Papers."
Resolutions were adopted endorsing candidates for president and official editor. At this point it was decided to appoint an executive committee of five Coast amateurs, to name a full ticket. The chairman appointed D. L. Hollub, H. C. Morris, D. J, Mc- Carthy, C. A. Bow and H. A. Schoenfeld. The balance of the time was consumed in variously resoluting and discussing.
The executive committee on May 21 promulgated the following ticket: President, D. L. Hollub; recording secretary, Albert E. Barnard; corresponding secretary, Edward A. Hering ; treas- urer, Alson Brubaker ; official editor, Will Hancock ; executive judges, Charles R. Burger, Emma L. Hauck, James F. Morton, Jr.; convention seat, New Orleans.
The administration of Charles R. Burger as president of the National Association was one different from all preceding and following, because of the systematic method of recruiting adopted and carried on b}^ Mr. Burger. The laureate recorder, James F, Morton, Jr., says:
President Burger set the example of working with an energy which no preceding president had shown, traveling thousands of miles to visit the different amateur centres, everywhere organ- izing local clubs, and adding new members to the roll of the National Association. In his arduous labors he was warmly seconded by the recruit committee, headed by Edwin H. Smith and John H. Stover, together with manj- individual men^bers of the Association. Thousands of circulars were published and
280 HI8T0RY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION.
very widely distributed, and innumerable letters written. Sev- eral prominent professional papers and mao^azines published articles on Amateur Journalism written by differient members. The result of this and other forms of recruit work was the swelling of our membership list to an unprecedented degree.
While all rejoiced at so desirable an outcome, some difference of opinion arose concerning certain of the methods employed. It was feared by some that the credentials of applicants were not scrutinized with sufficient care, and that the membership list was being overloaded with dead wood. The request made by the administration and followed by many editors that papers should not be sent to amateurs who refused to join the N. A. P. A., also awakened severe criticism in seme quarters and warm commendation in others. The election of Cincinnati as meeting place was regarded as a severe blow by the active amateur element of the Pacific coast, which had asked that the convention meet at San Francisco. The complete inactivity of Cincinnati gave more than usual color to their complaint. An unfortunate misprint in the minutes of the convention caused a hasty cry of fraud to be raised by some of the Westerc mem- bers. The partisans. of the opposing side retorted with no little acrimony ; and a violent conflict was preciptated, greatly marring the harmony of the Association.
Almost before the Boston convention had adjourned, political l^lans were being matured. Edwin H. Smith was the first name prQrainently mentioned in connection with the presidency. He was supposed to be the adraiuistratioo candidate. The contest finally narrowed down to Mr. Smith and David L. Hollub, the latter representing the Pacific Coast and its sympathizers. 7 he campaign was an unusually bitter one. By reason of the inactivity of Cincinnati, the convention seat was changed to Chicago. At the last moment President Burger announced his intention of standing for re-election, inasmuch as the attitude of the Pacific Coast was interpreted by him as a direct assault on the administration. Up to the hour of tlie convention the result was doubtful.
Volume XVII of the National Aynateur consisted of 54 pages and a full page plate containing the pictures of the entire official board. The first two issues were edited by Franklin C. Johnson. The September issue w^s 20 pages — 16 pages of ^ma^et^r proper and a 4-page "official mail list." In this issue is found the Boston minutes, official reports, new constitution and much news of papers and persons. The December issue — 16 pages — contained several literary articles, the laureate
HISrORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PREfcg AgSOCIATION. 281
recorder's report, reports of new press clubs, oflScial documents and editorial. Franklin C. Johnson, the editor of these two issues, died at Nice, France, on January 6, 1895, of meningitis. His death was sudden and unexpected. Albert W. Fen lis was appointed as his successor. His March Amateur was 10 pages and contained several laureate entries, editorial matter, official documents, etc. The June issue was of 8 pages. There were two pages of literary matter, the balance reports of officers, communications and editorial.
Prominent papers of the year were Progress, the Investigator, Itilc Drops, Some Remarks, Monthly Visitor, Criteria, Cycle, Dav:n, Dilettante, Fr air ie Breezes, etc.
The work of recruiting was given great prominence this year.
In Ocean Waves, Harrie C. Morris thus describes the Chicago, 1895, convention:
Over forty amateurs assembled at the Wellington hotel. Chi- cago, on the morning of July 16th, 1895", to attend the twentieth annuiil convention of the National Amateur Press Association. At that convention, the majority of whose attendants were active amateurs, were discussed the methods of perpetuating and increasing the benefits of our institution ; at that convention was elected tlie most active and satisfactory board or officers ever in control of the National. While it is true that the work of some of the members at times was nnfair, they w^re forced to refute their action later on, and with the majority, a spirit of fairness prevailed.
Shortly after the hour appointed President Burger called the meeting to order, and appointed Walter C. Chiles and Hope R. Cody to be temporary vice-presidents. Calling Chiles to the chair. Burger took a seat among the members. A point was here raised, MrT D. L. Hollub claiming that Mr. Burger could not vacate the chair unless he desired to speak on some certain question. With Mr. Chiles in the chair recognition could not be gained for some time, but at last Mr. Hollub was recognized ami demanded that Mr, Burger occupy the president's proper posi- tion. Mr. Chiles having declared him out of order, he appealed from his decision, but his appeal was laid on the table. Will Hancock was selected recording secretary and John L. Tomlinson secretary of credentials. Up to this time eight or ten old-timers had been running the convention, but the credential secretary now proceeded to make his report, beginning with Illinois. When asked why he commenced at such State, he said he did so in deference to those who were entertaining the convention, but
282
HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION.
proceedino^ with Indiana, he was again interrupted and requested to proceed alphabetically. Omitting Alabama and Arizona, he commenced at California and the first six names were accepted. The name of Herbert Hauser being reached, Charles K. Burger requested that the application be rejected. Backed by nine others, he succeeded, and Mr. Hauser was not accepted. The name of William F. Yates was also rejected. Burger now demanded that the names of all the other California applicants be voted on in a bunch, and when the ballot was taken they had the necessary ten votes to cast out the names, and every Cali- fornia application was rejected.
Proceeding with Alabama all names were accepted. Next came the name of Herbert K. Patrick of Arizona, and when a ballot was demanded on his name by ten members as provided for in the constitution, the demand was not listened to on the floor of the convention. Repeated demands to ballot separately on certain pames were all denied. After the secretary of credentials had finished reporting, no other names having been thrown out, it was decided to adjourn until 7 p. m. Coming to order at the appointed time, Burger in the chair, the amateurs listened to reports from the various officers, read by George L. Colburn. A fifteen minute recess being declared, the representatives of Charles R. Burger, acknowledged their defeat by offering to compromise on Hancock. Positive of success, the supporters of Hollub at first positively refused to be a party to the outrage- ous proceedings of the morning by compromising, but feeling it would be death to tbe N. A. P. A. in California and the West, they rallied to the standard of the Association, and the name of Will Hancock of Fargo was put through for president. Albert W. Dennis was chosen official editor. After having agreed that the only legal way to admit the rejected applicanls was to obliterate all mention of the black balling, the applicants were accepted. Adjournment followed.
President Burger called the meeting to order at 10 o'clock the next morning, and Harrie C. Morris acting as chairman of the proxy committee, rendered the report, after which nominations for first vice-president were declared in order. Colburn nomi- nated Morris, who declined in favor of Alfred J. Robinson, of Chicago, Morris being elected second vice-president on the proxies, .resigned, and Miss Zelda Wesley Thurman, of Chicago, was unanimously elected. Mr. Colburn was then nominated for treasurer by Mr. Barnard and was unanimously elected. For recording secretary Albert Barnard, of Chicago, was elected on the proxies. For the corresponding secretaryship, there was a vary close proxy vote. Colburn having a lead over Bering ; the Seattleite's support in the convention was unanimous however, and
HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION 283
would have elected him with ease, but au}' need of a contest was avoided, Colbura bavinor already been chosen to an office. Therefore Edward A. Hering, of Seattle, was unanimously elected correspending secretary. A strong effort was made to elect Mr. HoUub to an executive judgeship, but a ballot being taken, it was found that the proxies had selected Charles R. Bur- ger, of Jersey City, John L. Tomliusou, of Spokane, and Stella Truman, of Opelousas, La.
Considerable interest was shown in the selection of the next convention city. Washington was nominated, after which, Mr. Daniel made an impassioned speech for New Orleans, which city he nominated, seconded by Morris. President Burger declared New Orleans ineligible, and his decision was appealed from by Daniel, seconded by Morris ; the appeal was lost. Washington was unanimously elected. The treasurer's bond was then filed and the convention adjourned until 12 ;30.
The meeting was called to order in the afternoon, and Presi- dent Will Hancock announced his appointments as follows: Secretary of credentials, Nathan Hill Ferguson, Level Plains, N. C. ; national laureate recorder, Mrs. Mabel C. Lucas, Spokane, Wash. ; chairman of recruit committee, H. C. Morris, San Fran- cisco, together with the other members of the committee. Col- burn introduced a resolution to make the Mississippi river the dividing line between the east and the west in order to settle all further disputes in relation to the selection of future convention seats ; it w^as seconded and unanimously carried, A resolution was introduced by Frost to change the National Amateur into a four page monthly. This matter was referred to a committee of Spencer, Robinson and Morris. Further business of a minor nature was disposed of and meeting adjourned until 10 a. m.
The afternoon was spent at the photographer's until 4 o'clock, after which all proceeded to the hotel, where a public reception was held. Instrumental and vocal music and recitations were in order. The Morgans, Miss Thurman, Mr. Loel and others kindly contributed their talents to the afternoon's entertainment.
In the evening the banquet was held, and all who^attended pro- nounced it a grand success. The toasts were well rendered and an enjoyable evening was spent.
President Hancock called the meeting to order promptly on Thursday morning and all unfinished and miscellaneous business was disposed of. Fifteen dollars was voted to pay for engross- ing resolutions on the death of Franklin C. Johnson, the engrossed copy to be presented to the parents of the deceased.
The recruit committee^:eceived an appropriation of twenty-five per cent of the annual receipts for use in extending the work. The board of officers were constituted a committee to assist in
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HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION
raaking the exhibit of the G. S. A. F. A. at the Mechanics' Fair in this city a success. Afler several other items were disposed of, the retiring treasurer rendered a report, showing a balance on hand of $1.25 as against a deficit of $85 at same time last year.
The minutes were then read and adopted and the conventioa adjourned sine die.
CHflFTERiO.
BACK AT THE NATIONS CAPITAL.
Changes rs OrrciAi. Board. — Pkssident Hasc*>ck"$ V»iws a>t» His Work. — New Members. — ^Thk Washixgtox Coxtex- Tiox. AS Sees-bt Lisdex Det. — ^The New CoxsTrrcxrox.
TH£ ttJiD of President Will Haincock was one of an active presitlert. bat partiallj assisted bj his official boai^. The work of nHrruiting was TigoroasSj t?ained en, and the membeiship of the National grew apace.
The resignation of A« W. Dennis as official editor was accepted, immediately after the Chicago convention, and Mis. £dith Mini- ter was appointed in his place. Nathan H. Ferguson was appointed secretary of credentials, Mrs. Maibel C. Lucas national laureate recorder, and Mrs. EUa M. Fiye, librarian. The recruit work was put in charge of Hanie C. Motris, with assistants ia «very secticm and State.
In a message to the A^ociation President Hancock thus encouragingly noted the progress of the work:
There has been no especial boom, but a great deal of quiet but effective work has been done by the entire official board. A special effort has been made to bring the memboship Ibt up to 50Q by January 1. The effort will, I am sure, be successful.
Late in the term Mr. F. Stacy Whitney was appoinlted first Tice-president, Mr. Joseph 0*6orman second Tice>president^ and Mr. Gus A. Schuldt treasurer, to fill vacancies caused by resignation.
The jr«f»oiHil Amatemr^ volume XVIII, consisted of four num- bers of 8 pages each. The contents of the various issues were uniform, consisting of required official documents, a small quan- tity of contributed matter, and notes and comments on amateur topics by the editor. Mrs. Miniter^s writings are always appre- <ciated, and the volume shows much of her individuality.
During the term Secretary of Credentials Ferguson reported a«3cepte<tl applications for membership from Frank W. Lovering, Will C. Price, George A. Alderman^ Edward Hicksoa, George
286 HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION.
W. Buchanan, G. Edward Harrison, Eugene Smith, Edward S Peterson, Xavier S. Honer, Butte H. Tipton, Edgar Levy, Edniond C. Stone, Clarence W. Chase, Sue F. Nail, John H. Campbell, Jr., Melvin R. King, Charles Beamish, F. A. Adams, Robert M. Meisel, D. G. Knerr, Philip A. Barry, D. A. Bow- man, Elmer B. Boj^d, Eliza Hancock, Samuel W. Ball and Roy L. Porte.
Efforts were made to change the convention from Washington, but they were unsuccessful. The internal trouble of the Burger administration was not yet over, although all recoganized Presi- dent Hancock as a faithful officer.
The Villa de Laura Times issued a handsome convention num- ber following the Washington meeting. From Linden D. Dey's convention account we quote the proceedings :
The twentj^-flrst annual convention was held in Hotel Page, Washington city, July 7, 1896. A telegram from President Han- cock announced to the amateurs that he had missed connection. It was fully 11 o'clock when Gus. A. Schuldt, treasurer, called the meeting to order, and requested J. Edson Briggs, president of the N. A. P. A. in 1^79 to take the chair. Mr. Briggs took the gavel and appointed Eleanor C. Dowden, recording secretary, and Linden D. Dey, secretary of credentials, and asked the latter for his report which was read and on his motion accepted. The president then appointed a proxy committee consisting of J. Edson Briggs, Liaden D. Dey, Gus A. Schuldt, Milton Tibbetts, W. R. Moscow, Elizabeth Tyler and Creed M. Fulton. A com- mittee consisting of Emerj^ Wilber and Moscow was appointed to prepare resolutions upon the death of Ex-President Will S. Moore and other members deceased during the year. On motion of Smith the president appointed a committee on the revision of the constitution, consisting of Smith, Emerj^, Moscow, Ada S. Love, and Sarah W. Howe. The rest ®f the afternoon was occupied in committee work and sight seeing, so that the different amateurs become pretty well separated. During the afternoon and early evening, several more amateurs arrived.
In the evening, after a lengthy and very pleasant social period, the caucus was called to order, and "Tommy" chosen chairman. It was more of an informal gathering to see how tke sentiment ran than a regular political caucus, and no one was considered bound to support its nominees, but it was, in reality, a forecast of the morrow. Confusion reigned supreme, despite the clear and forcible tones of -'Tommy," demanding order, and offices were passed and repassed over and over, and
HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION. 287
taken up again and again with the rapidity to dazzle the brain of even an expert parliamentary lawyers. Morton was unani- mously proposed for president. Hering, Burger and Hollub were named for first vice-president and Hering proposed. F©r second vice-president, Miss Truman and Dey were named, and the former endorsed, the latter declining to stand. Here Smith, as chairman of the constitutional revision committee, caused no little amusement by nominating candidates for offices never before heard of in tha Association, which can be explained by the fact that the new constitution proposed changes in the names of several of the offices, and with which he as chairman of the above named committee, whicii had finished its work in the afternoon, was familiar. He was constantly reminded by Morton that the offices had not yet been created. Miss Howe was unaniftiously endorsed for recording and foreign secretary, as was Smith for general secretai*}'. For treasurer a whole string of names was presented with Kissinger as the nominee. For official editor there were were no nominations, as Smith said the office would be abolished b\' the r.ew constitution. For the board of directors, formerly executive ju«lges, several were named with Burger, Hancock and Hollub in the lead. For next convention seat, Fargo and San Francisco were named, and the latter easily endorsed.
It wa-; quite late when Ex-President Briggs called the sec ii 1 session to order Wednesday morning. In a few well-chosen words he yielded the chair to President Hancock, who had arrived in the night, and the regular ordr of business was calied. The committee on resolutions up*on the death of members rendered its report and the same was accepted. Several names were presented for membership. The proxy committee presented its report showing forty votes cast. This was evidently a point for discussion and opposition. Mr. Emery asked if the dues of every member who had cast a prox}' hnd been j)aid. Mr. Schuldt said he did no know. Mr. Emery asked him if he could furnish a list of all who had paid to him, and he said he could. Mr. Fulton said it would be impossible to find out who had or had not, paid Owing to the disorganized state of the treasury record^, and the only way to protect the innocent, was to count the proxies. After some more discussion the report was accepted as read.
The committee on revision of the constituion presented its report, and the convention resolved itself into a committee of the whole, Mr. Morton, chairman. Mr. Smith read the new constitution, which was adopted by the committee and so pre- sented to the ccmvention. The report was adopted by a vote of twenty-two to eight. After this came a recess of twenty minutes.
238 HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION.
liiiHiediately upon reasseHiblino;, tlie election of officers was taken up. NoTuiiiations for president being culle<l, Kissinger placed in nomination James F. Morton, Jr., seconded by Dey and Emery. Smith withdrew his proxy and on his motion the secretary cast the entire cimvention and proxy vote for Morton. Upon the fourth ballot Hering was elected first vice-president. For secon-l vice-president the ballot resulted in favor of Freeman. For recording an:] foreign secretary Miss Sarah IloWvi was iinani- moufily chosen. For treasurer Kissinoer was elected without any opposition. For board of directors the proxies were cast out as the (iuties of executive ju icres. for which they had been cist, were different, aiid tiie names presenteti, Hancock, HoUub and Burger, were elected l)y acclamation. For historian, Miss Irene l^isonnette was elected. For the next convention seat Fargo and San Francisco were named. On the third ballot the vote stood:
Proxj^ Convention 'I'otal
San Francisco , .... IS 12 30
Fai-o-o 16 12 28
A motion to adjourn until 10 o'clock Thursday was carried.
A publii; reception to the retiring and incoming presidents was lieid Wednesday afternoon, from 3 to 6 o'clock in the parlors of liotel P.'ioe,
Just before the banquet, when everyone appeared at their best, our regular convention photo was taken by flasldight. It was a general regret that we could not have an outdoor one, but Wash- ington was not kind enough to give us sunnv days while the con- vention lasted.
Like all the previous meetings, the banquet was the event of the conventi(m. Tiie banquet hall was an ideal one, large, airy, well-lighter] and ventilated and conducive to the best effects of the speech-making. The table was very prettily arranged in the sh.ape of a '"T," the toast master, incoming and retiring pres- idents and ex-presidenis sitting at tlie head, and the rest arranged on both sides. About thirt3'-six covers were laid. The ta])le was beautifully decorated with roses and other flowers, and it was a tempting sight just i)efore we were seated. The menu (;ards were very tastefully rotten up. On the first page was the customary banquet <lescription. On the next page appeared the menu with appropriate amateur names for the dishes, as: '^'i'humb Nail Clams," '-New McCarthy Potatoes," "Ice Cream Washinorton Style," and prefixed by the title "Our Compliments" and the assertion, "The band for the occasion is kindly furnished by Lord Knowswho."
The succeeding page was devoted to the list of toasts, headed "Some Remarks," and with the warning, "Any speaker men-
HISTORY OF TH:'. NATIONAL A:\IATEUU PRESS ASSOCIATION. 289
tioning Lester Kirk will be dealt with according to the coastita- tion."
The fourth page was devoted to signatures, with the headinor, '•Ink Drops," and the indication "A good thing — push it along,"
and "Return to ." The last leaf contained the names of the
reception committee and the first verse of old -'Auld LangSyue." After the delicious repast, the toastmaster, Brainerd P, Emery, performed his office most successfully and acceptably-, and intro- duced the toasts and their speakers as follows:
The N. A. P. A Will Hancock
Our Foreign Bretheru J. H. Stover
Literature and Litterateurs Brainerd P. Emery
Our Press Clubs Linden D. Dey
Politics and Politicians Charles R. Burger
Remarks Miss Irene Bissonette
The Ladies Creed M. Fulton
Our Fossils Clifford VV. Kissinger
The Next Convention John L. Tomlinson
Amateur Journalism in 1996 James F. Morton, Jr
The Professional Press
Dr. Franklin T. Howe, of Washington Star
The C. C. C. of A. J : E. H. Smith
Immediately after the banquet, the tables and chairs were cleared away and what had just been a banquet hall was now transformed into a dancing room where an informal and delight- ful soiree was had.
The convention was called to order in third session by Presi- dent Hancock, at about 10:30 o'clock, Thursday morning. The chair appointed Misses Love and Howe as a committee to escort President-Elect Morton to the chair. Upon taking the office, the new president made a very enthusiastic address, thanking the Association for the honor conferred, and urging everyone to lay aside personal feeling and aid the Association, by helping its president in his new duties. The treasurer rendered his final report, and the president named a committee consisting of Tom- linson, Wilbur and Miss Keim to audit his accounts. While waiting for the report of the auditing committee, Ex-President Briggs distributed files of his paper. The Imp, published by him during his early connection with A. J., during the '70's and copies of his work containing the laureate entries during the year 1879, while he was president. The auditing committee reported the treasurer's books all right. It was moved and carried that the minutes of the convention be approved as they stand, without being read. On motion the twenty-first annual convention was declared by the president to be adjourned sine die.
It was a merry little party that took the trolley cars Thurs-
290 iiiBTorwY OF THE national amateur press association.
day afternoon for Mount Vernon. The manj' iiiteresting sights to-be seen in and around this historical spot are certainly worth a trip to Washington to see, and it was a great treat to all of us to examine the old mansion of thi-; father of our country, and the beautiful grounds surrounding it.
The number in attendance at the convention was quite large and fairl}^ representative, there being twelve States represented, from Washington on the West and Massachusetts on the East and from North Dakota on the North and Florida on the South. The following is the list: Edwin H. Smith, Sarah W. Howe, Pease Potter, Ada S. Love, Gertrude M. Walsh, Eleanor C. Dowden, Helen I. Walsh, Elizabeth Tyler, Gus A. Schuldt, John E. M. Hall, Brainerd P. Emery, Linden D. Dey, Wm. R. Mos- cow, Mortimer K. Wilber, Wm. R. Stewart, Robert L. Stone, Albert O. Penny, Katie L. Howe, W. A. Page, Creed M. Fulton, Milton Tibbetts, J. L. Tomlinson, Howard E. Bokman, Clifford W. Kissinger, J. F. Morton, Jr., Jay M. Fallass, F. B. Lord, D. G. Davis, Wm. \V. Delane3% J. L. Feeney, Horace Freeman, J. H. Stover, Charles Beamish, William Hancock, Irene Bis- sonette, Corene J. Bissonette, Emma Keim, John G. Lallice, Walter C. Gosling, Lucille Dawson, Dr. Frank T. Howe, Mrs. Frank 1\ Howe, Frank T. Howe, Jr., Marie Howe, Millard J. Holmes, Wilber Underwood, Washington Topham, John E. Briggs, Charles A. Darr, Mary Dennebaum, Ed J. H^irdcastle, Annie M. Lee and Mary E. Howe,
The new constitution adopted at Washington follows in full;
CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS.
PREAMBLE.
The amateur journalists of the United States and Canada, believing that organization will extend the principles and iDfluence of a cause destined to be an important educational factor for the rising generation, herby form into an association and adopt constitution and by-laws.
CONSTITUTION. Article I. — Name. This organization sball be known as the National Amateur Press Association of America.
Article II. — Membership. Any person residing in the United States or Canada w^ho edits or contributes prose or poetry to an amateur paper is eligible to membership.
Article III. — Officers. The officrs shall be a president, a first and a second vice-president, a recording and foreign secretary, a general secretary, a treasurer, an historian, three directors, a librarian, and a chairman of recruit committee.
HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AM^TEL'K PRESS ASSOCIATK/X. 2')1
'Article IV. — E'.ectiom.
Section 1. The president and treasurer must attend the conven- tion at which they are elected. The vice-presidents shall not be residents of the same section.
Sec. 2. The first vice-president, general secretary, treasurer, cus- todian of ballots, and three members shall be the committee to examine proxies.
Sec. 3. Xo proxy shall be accepted after committee haj-. retired and no proxy shall be examined unless tlie voter has qualified a? to activity and paid dues.
Sec. 4. The committee shall rcDovt number of proxies received^ number counted, number cast out, and legal number for each candi- date for each office.
Sec. 5. The vote in convention shall be added to the vote by proxy and a majority shall elect. If there be no election after second ballot the proxies of lowest candidate shall be withdrawn, but remain- ing proxies shall be counted. If there be no election after fourth ballot all proxies shall be cast out and the convention elect.
Sec. 6. In the absence of original proxies the duplicates shall be le^al and be examined.
Article V. — Duties of Officers.
Sec. 1. The president shall appoint the librarian, recruit commit- tee and chairman, reception committee, judges of award, custodian of ballots (who must be a resident of next convention-city), and three members of proxy committee, and appoint with approval of directors the critics in charge of departments in official organ. The president shall publish a monthly paper; remove officers who neglect their duties or become inactive: fill vacancies caused by death, resig- nation or removal ; change convention-seat within same section should activity of city elected not assure successful meeting; select and make known dates of convention sixty days previous.
Sec, 2. The first vice-president shall be a manager of the manu- script bureau and chairman of the proxy committee.
Sec. 3. The second vice-president shall be a manager of the manu- script bureau.
Sec. 4. The recording and foreign secretary shall record the pro- ceedings of convention, correspond with individuals and associations in foreign countries and arrange international exchange of reports and papers.
Sec. 5. The general secretary shall accept or reject applicants sub- ject to approval of next convention; mail in April notice-call for observance of activity clause and present the returned credentials to- convention ; and mail members thirty days previous to convention invitation and proxy blanks with two envelopes printed: X. A. P. A.
(original or duplicate) Proxy from , the original addressed
to custodian of ballots and duplicate to vice-president resident in the section of convention.
Sec. 6. The treasurer shall collect all money due and pay bills countersigned by president; mail notice to delinquents thirty days previous to convention; and furnish directors a bond for one thousand dollars ($1,000) within thirty days after convention.
Sec. 7. The historian shall present to the convention the literary and political history of the year.
292 HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION.
Sec. 8. The directors shall receive and act on charges preferred against members ; enforce president's activity, and appoint successor when vacancy occurs therein; receive and record laureate entries and furnish prizes authorized.
Sec. 9. The librarian shall receive an^ preserve donations to library.
Sec 10. The custodian of ballots shall receive original proxies and give receipt vi^hen requested.
Sec. 11. The chairman of recrjit committee shall supervise the work and furnish papers and circulars necessary to is development.
Sec 12. All officers, elected and appointed must publish or con- tribute to a paper every two months, present report at convention, and deliver to successors all property of the Association.
Article VI. — Conventions. The association shall convene annually during July, alternately east and west of the Mississippi river.
Article VII — Emblem. The official emblem shall be a scroll cossed by a quill with letters N. A. P. A.
Article VIII. — Official Organ.
Sec 1. The official organ shall be the National Amateur, a magazine of at least eight pages Century size, published monthly.
Sec 2. The publishers shall be The National Amateur Publishing comprising at least three members. Fifty cents of each member's dues shall be paid to the publishers as an annual subscription.
Sec 3. Critical departments shall be established therein under the heads: Poetry, serials, sketches and short stories, essays, histories and biographies, editorial, typography and book publishing.
Article IX. — Library.' A permanent library of papers, books, photos and relics shall be established at Boston, Mass.
Article X — Laureateships. To arouse interest and activity and promote standard of literature the titles laureate and honorable mention shall be conferred as here- inafter provided.
Article XI — Manuscript Bureaus. Two manuscript bureaus shall be established, one east and one west of the Mississippi river, to receive manuscript from writers and dispense to editors, the managers to use discretion in accepting articles.
Article XII — Amendments. This constitution may be suspended or amended by two-thirds vote of members present in convention.
BY-LAWS.
Article I. — Election of Members.
Sec 1. A pplicats shall send application with credentials and one
dollar (|1) for certificate, annual dues and subscription to official
organ to the general secretary. Ten negative votes in convention
shall be necessary to reject.
Sec 2. Any member who fails to publish one paper or contribute an article during the year shall be dropped from membership at convention.
F1I3TOKY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION. 293
Sec. 3. Ex-presidents shall be enrolled as life-members, unless expelled, but shall vote only when qualified as to activity. Article II — Committees.
Sec. 1. The recruit committee shall consist of one member from every State and Territory, each to have charge of the particular sec- tion. They shall interest persons in Amateur Journalism and induce them to join the Association and shall organize press clubs.
Sec. 2. The reception committee shall consist of at least five mem- bers, residents of nextconrention-city, and shall provide headquarters and arrangements.
Article III — Laureateships.
Sec. 1. Laureate entries shall be seiials, short stories, sketches, essays, poems, histories of Amateur Journalism including biographi- cal sketches, editorial and book publishing.
Sec. 2. — A member who competes must have the article printed in an amateur publication and send marked copy to any of the directors by June 1. No paper shall be considered in the editorial contest unless at least four numbers have been issued by June 1.
Sec. 3. Five of the judges shall be professional authors uncon- nected with Amateur Journalism and each shall have a department, thus: Serials, short stories, sketches, essays, poems. The judge of editorial shall be a professional journalist. The judge of book pub- lishing shall have a practical knowledge of printing. The judge of histories and biograghies shall be a prominent Amateur Journalist.
Sec. 4, The certificate laureate shall be awarded annually to the member receiving the highest rating in each department and certifi cate, honorable mention, be awarded to second highest rating entry.
Article IV, — Order of Business^
First day. 1, roll call; 2, appointment of ofiicers in event of absence; 3, reading of communications; 4, reports of officers and committees; 5, election of members; 6, appointment of committees.
Second day. 1, roll call; 2, reading of communications; 3, reports of committees; 4, election of officers; 5, installation of officers: 6, liter- ary exercises and announcement of laureate awards; 7, miscellaneous business.
Third day. 1, roll call; 2, appointment of officers and committees; 3, miscellaneous business; 4, reading and adoption of minutes of con- vention; 5, adj ournment sine die.
Article V — Quorum.
Such members as -are present at a regular convention-session shall constitute a quorum.
Ar.icle VI — Parliamentary Authointy. Eoberts' Rules of Order shall govern wherein it does not conflict with the constitution and by-laws.
Article VII — Amendments.
These by-laws may be suspended or amended by two-thirds vote of members present in convention.
CHAPTER 31.
BACK TO THE GOLDEN GATE. The Storm Following the Washington Convektion.— Lxactivk Officials. — The San Francisco Gathering. — Another "New" Constitution. — An Interesting Election. — The Business Transacted.
THE news from the Vv'nsbingLon convention eanie ii!ce u clap of thunder to the slay-at-home amateurs. The new con- stitution was to them an unnecessary innovation, and the abolition of the official editor and placing of the National Amateur in other hands was bitterl}^ denounced. The work of Mr. Edwin H. Smith was recognized throughout the changes, and grave fears were expressed that his rule would be the ruin of the Asso- ciation.
Miss Irene Bissonette, historian of the Association, in her re- port aptly says :
In the adoption of the new constitution the curtain did not fall on the last act Of thedraina; other acts were played during the year.
In October the machinery of the Association seemed to be in good working order. Two numbers of the National Amateur appeared simultaneousl.y, September and October, quite satis- factory in every respect. The former contained the Washington convention reports ; the latter is the t3"pical magazine for which the constituticn provides.
The president duly appointed his recruit committee and chair- man. A generous bundle of printed matter was sent to each State manager— everything necessary to inspire a recruit officer to do the work so nicel}^ planned for him.
November came, but with it no National Atnateur. December found the amateurs still waiting for. the official organ, and rumors of distrust of the National Amateur Publishing Company began to spread.
In the January issue of his paper, the West, Mr. Schoenfeld opened a tirade on the official board for inactivity and published an address to the N. A. P. A. members, in which he asked for their aid and co-operation in promoting activity, and in which he elected himself "director of activity and advancement." In the foUowinor six months Mr. Schoenfeld continued his warfare on in-
HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PEESS ASSOCIATION. 295
fictivit}', and was instrumental in hiving petitions sent to Direc- tors Hancock. Biirj^erand Hollub for the removal from office of Treasurer Kissinger and General Secretary Smith, and to Presi dent Morton a petition for his resignation on account of his alleged official inactivity and failure to enforce constitutional provisions.
Since January considerable discussion on the condition of Na- tional affairs iuive appeared in our papers. In the discontinuance of its official or2:an our Association lost its balance wheel. Kept in the dark on matters which they should have known, the ama- teurs, naturally, lost coiffidence in their official board. Our offi- cers gave no satisfaction to their inquiries, and it was only diligent investigation in other sources of information that facts can be ascertaiiied,
Amateur papers were not so plentiful during the year 1806-7, -as compared with others. The Monthly Visitor, and Monthly Beacon were the most regularly issued. The largest paper of the year was the convention issue of the Villa de Laura Times. Among other valuable papers were Criteria, Athenia. Prairie Breezes and Amateur Bohemian.
Two issues only of the National Amateur appeared. They were of the Century size. The first— September — issue was of 12 pages, containing an account of the Washington conven- tion, official minutes and minor matters. The October issue was of 18 pages and cover. It contaiued much reprinted matter, some pictures of N. A. P. A. officers, departments of various kinds, official reports and membership list.
President Morton appointed Allison C. Brokaw chairman of the recruit committee. Members were appointed for each State. In a message printed in the Monthly Beacon, April and May, 1897, he appointed the reception committee for the San Francisco convention : David L. Hollub, William A. Day, Harrie C. Mor- ris, Herbert Hauser, Edward M. Lind, Leon M. Pinkson, John L. Peltret, Daniel J. McCarthy, and Leon M. Voorsanger. Herbert Hauser was appointed custodian of ballots, the conven- tion being called for July 7-9.
The presidential candidates previous to the convention were David L. Hollub and H. A. Schoenfeld. The latter's absence defeated him and Harrie C. Merris was used by Schoenfeld's friends as a candidate against Hollub. No amateurs from the
296 HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION.
East were present at the convention. Tbe following account was contributed by Herbert M. Shirek to tbe Junior Eeporter, August, 1897 :
The twenty-second annual convention of the National Amateur Press Association is now but a piece of tiie history of that institution. However, that piece of history will always be dear and wll remembered by those who were fortunate enough to be present at the sessions of the San Franciso gathering.
From the time Treasurer Morris called the convention to order until President Hollub declared it adjourned the meetings were exciting and enjoyable. The social features were well planned and we can truly say that from every standpoint the convention Mas a success. The political and literary element both had their time ; it was a convention full of life, vigor and enjoyment and well worthy the trouble and expense which it brought about.
On the morning of July 7, tbe convention was called to order by Treasurer Morris. Mr. \Vm. A. Day was elected temporary chairman.
At the first day's session constitution, proxy and resolution committees were appointed. Provisions were made for the appointment of a committee, with J. Ives Munro as chairman, for the purpose of reporting upon the advisability of holding an international convention in Paris in 1900.
The politician was now beginning his work. The absence of Mr. Schoenfield brought about a series of difficulties ; his supporters wished to turn down the clause in the constitution requiring the attendance of the president. When the xjonstitu- tion committee reported, this was attempted, but a motion to strike it out was lost by two votes.
Schoeufeld was nominated by McCarty, who at the same time moved that the clause requiring the presence of the president be suspended. Lind rose to a point of order, contending that as the convention was under the head of nominating , nothing else could be considered. Of course Chairman Day declared tbe point not well taken and an appeal hastily put by Voorsanger resulted in the upholding of the decision of the chair, But tbe original motion was lost and Schoenfield' s fate was sealed.
Mr. Morris was nominated by Mr. Peltret and Mr. Hollub by Mr. Bow.
The proxy committee reported and it was seen that Hollub was virtually elected, but McCarty, who was one of the tellers, raised a point of order which the chair stood by and the report declared illegal.
After some deliberation, during which time excitement pre- vailed, Hollub was declared elected with 48 votes in his favor.
HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION. 297
After au intermission for lunch the conveation reassembled and the following other officers were elected: First vice-president, Freeman ; second vice-president, Clarke ; recording secretary', Dey ; corresponding secretary, Miss Kreiner; treasurer. Bow; official editor, Hering; executive judges, Morton, Lind and Whitney; '98 convention seat. New York City.
The evening of the 7th was given up to a theatre party. The attraction was a well known Chinese play and it appealed to everybody.
Thursdaj^ afternoon a trip was taken around Frisco Bay on a government tug. It was very enjoyable and aside from Voor- sanger^s little experience with the captain, drinking water, etc., all passed off well.
Thursday evening a reception was tendered by the G. S. A.F.A. to the National. Over a hundred invitations had been sent out and a large gathering was the result. After the entertainment the trip through Chinatown begun.
Friday evening the banquet took place. The beautiful deco- rated table, combined with those around it, made a beautiful sight. The Amateur Bohemian was the menu card.
Saturday afternoon the baseball game was in order, and the final score was 12 to 11 in favor of the home team.
A fitting wind-up of the week's festivities was a party across the bay at Fruitvale, Saturday evening, at the home of Mr. Hauser. The trip was delightful and though the stay was short the time was advantageously spent.
I believe that the '97 conventi -n compares favorably with other National conventions and will long be remembered by attending amateurs.
The San Francisco convention found it necessary to again revise the constitution. The document adopted at Washington was not at all satisfactory. The new constitution was practically the one discarded at Washington. As the document has already been printed in this book, we give below explanations of it that will enable the searcher for information to read the document complete :
Preamble and articles I, II and III as found on pages 210
and 211 of this book.
Article IV, section 1: -or design" added after "poetry." Sections 2, 3 and 4. See sections 3, 4 and 5 article IV,
page 273,
Sec. 5. Any person who has by some act manifeted an interest in Amateur Journalism may be elected an honorar.v member, at any
298 HlfcTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR TRESS ASSOCIATION.
rjgular meeting, a unanimous vote of those present being necessary to elect. The privilege of suffrage shall not be open to honorary members.
Sec. 6. To foster ond encourage the organization of amateur press clubs, this Association will allow one full vote at all of its « lections, to all organizations of not less than ten members; two full votes at all its elections for not less than fifteen members; three full votes for not less than twenty members, and thereafter one vote for every five members over twenty-five. It is understood that the word members as used in this constitution and particularly in this section, refers to bona fide accepted members of the National, and amateurs delinquent in their dues shall not be considere I in the light of members. The subordinate Associations by a majority vote shall direct some mem- ber to cast its vote or votes in such manner and for such candidates as it may see fit, provided that no section of this constitution and by- laws is violated thereby.
Article V, section 1, add "a historian'' at close of section, to
same section on page 211. Section 2, 4, 5 and 7 as on page
211 ; seclion 11 as o;i page 2 12 ; S83ti mi 3, 6, 8, 9, 10, 12, 13 and
16 as on page 273; sections 14 and 15 as on page 212 ; sections
17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 and 25 as on page 274; sections
26 and 30 as on page 275 ; sections 27 and 28 as noted on
page 275,
Sec. 29. All officers, elected and appointed, must publish or con- tribute to a paper every two months, and in addition to other duties prescribed in this constitution, to present at the annual convention a report of all duties performed during their terem of office, and to deliv.er to their respective successors all books, papers, or property of any kind belonging to the Association.
Article VI and article VII, section 1 as on page 275 ; section 2 identical with section 3 on page 215 followed by "and shall contain nothing of a political nature ;" section 3 identical with sec- tion 5, page 215, ending "amendments adopted thereat." Sec- tion 4 identical with balance of section 5, page 215.
Article VIII. — Conventions. Sec. 1. Conventions of this Association shall be held annually, during the month of July, alternatel}' east and west of the Mississippi river, the date to be named by the president and announced in the March number of the official organ, the seat of the succeecdng conven- tion to be chosen in the same manner as the officers, and at the same time.
Section 2 of tliis article identical with section 3 at top of page 216.
Article IX, sections 1 and 2 as on pages 275 and 276.
Article X, section 1, 4 and 5 as on page 276 ; sections 2 and' 3 as on page 216; section 6 identical with section 7 on i)age 216,
HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION
2S9
all other sections — 7, 8, 9 and 10— identical with sections on pages 216 and 217 having numbers one higher.
Article XI identical with article X on page 217.
Article XII and XIII on page 276.
Article XIV, section 1 identical with article XIII, section 1, on page 217; section 2 as on page 276, except date changed from Jane 15 to June 1 ; section 3 identical with section 3 at bot- tom of page 217 by adding '-and design" to end of section.
IsEO. 4. There sha'l be five judges ot award, each of whom shall have a distince department, thus: the first shall have charge of stories, sketches and serials; the Becond shall have charge of poems, the third shall have charge of essavs, the fourth shall have charge of histories of Amateur Journalism, the fifth shall nave charge of design.
Sec. 5. Three of these judges of award shall be literally men or women of known ability, not activly connected with Amateur Journal- ism; the fourth shall be an active member of the Association; the fifth shall be an artist of repute.
Sections 6, 7, 8 and 9 identical with same sections on page 218.
Article XV, section 1 same as on page 276, except date changed from Juue 15 to June 1. Sections 2, 3, 4 and 5 same as same sections, article XIV, page 218.
Article XVI — Amendments.
Sec. 1. Xo part of this constitution shall be amended except by two- thirds of the total vote cast at a convention, provided that no proposition for amendment shall be acted upon unless the same has been published in the official organ not later than the March number and printed on all proxy ballots. It may be suspended by a two- thirds vote of the members present at a regular convention.
Sec 2. Proxv votes for the amendment of any part of this consti- tution shall be placed in the hands of the recording secretary, whose duty it shall be to have them counted when such amendment shall be voted upon in convention.
Article A of by-laws amended as follows (compared with same on page 219): No. 3 made to read "appointment of commit- tees. No. 7 (first day) eliminated. Roll call made 1 on second and third day. On second day banquet omitted and following added, '-7, miscellaneous and new business."
Article B, 1 as on page 219.
2. A motion to reconsider shall be in order only upon questions acted upon at the convention at which the original vote has been taken.
3. These by-law^s shall not be amended or suspended except by a two-thirds vote of the members present at a convention.
CH/IFTER 32.
GATHERING IN GOTHAM AGAIN.
Necessary Changes in Official Board. — Chicago Amateur Press Club's Handsome Act. ^Steinberg's Account of the New York Convention.
THE election of officers at San Francisco was not as sLiccess- . fully carried on as had been hoped. After the conven- tion had adjourned it was discovered that Ross Clark, second vice-president, and Stella T. Wayne, historian, were not members, and, of course, their places were filled by others. President Hollub appointed Hubert Hauser, second vice-presi- dent and F. W. Fahnestock, historian. The Association was entirely without funds, and heavily in debt. Mr. E. H. Smith, late general secretary, had presented a statement at the con- vention showing that he had expended all the money he could get and still the Association owed him. As bills for two years back were still unpaid, President Hollub had no ordinary term before him.
Mr. Hering, official editor, did not care to stand the expense of publishing the official organ himself and so handed in his resig- nation. President Hollub appointed Walter C. Chiles editor. The Chicago Amateur Press Club volunteered to pay the printer's bill on four eight page issues, which was accepted and the con- tract was carried out.
We quote from Historian Fahuestock's report:
The chairman of the recruit committee did very efficient work during the year in securing new members. According to the records the National has in good standing 187 members, exclud- ing ex-presidents. In September, 1896, we had 103 members, and in September, 1897, we had over 173 — probably about 200, as about 40 additional members claimed they were in good standing.
President Hollub started his term of office with a very lauda- ble ambition, namely, to clear the Association of debt, and his efforts have borne good fruit, as our present debt is small. The National should feel proud of the official board elected at the San Francisco convention, as it has certainly pushed the Association
HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION. 301
forward and shown a marked contrast to the bickerings of last year.
Among the prominent papers of the year were Dilettante^ by President Hollub and Mr. Steinberg; Ocean Waves, a typographi- cal gem ; Bising Age. unique as to typography and interesting as to contents ; Inli Drops and Frairie Breezes.
The iVa/iow«7^m«feMr, volume XX, contained four issues of 8 pages each. The September number contained the official minutes, new constitution and other documents. The December issue contained the historian's report, a page of tributes to Ex- President Finlay A. Grant, official documents and editorial. The March issue contained the foreign secretary's report, laureate reports and other official matter. The June issue contained the winning the laureateship, official matter and an article on "Ama teur Journalism in Brooklyn," b}^ Chas. N. Andrew>!. This volume was carefully edited and ranks high, Mr, Chiles gave the credit for the issuance of the volume to Messrs. Jnj- M. Fallass, Warren R. H. Sawj-er, Linden D. Dey, Hervey H. Dorr, Alfred J. Robinson, Henry C. Johannes, Allison C. Brokaw, Francis P. Goss and Samuel J. Steinberg.
In the March Amateur amendments were offered to the con- stitution, so that they could be voted on b}^ proxy. They were as follows:
Article V. Section 2. The treasurer must be present at the convention at which he is elected to office.
Art. XVI. Sec 1. No part of this constitution shall be amended except by two-thirds of the total vote cast at a convention. It may be suspended by a two-thirds vote of the members present at a regu lar convention.
The campaign was comparatively a spiritless one. For presi- dent Mr. Horace Freeman had been named, but had refused to accept the nomination. He was unable to attend the convention.
President Hollub appointed John H, Stover chairman of the reception committee, with Horace Freeman, Charles N. Andrews, A. H. Delano, Frank E. Williams and Edith V. Kreiner, Chas. N. Andrews was appointed custodian of ballots and the conven- tion was called for July 5-7.
The following account of the New York convention of 1898 is taken from Mr. S. J. Steinberg's chronicle in October Dilettante-.
On the morning of the 5th, it was discovered that not one of
302 HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION.
the official board was present, and John Stover, as president of the local club called tho convention to order. According to previous arrangement I nominated Peltret for permanent chair- man and the motion was duly carried. Miss Kriener not being present Mrs. Rowe acted as recording secretary until she came. Mis-! Howe was appointed vice-i)resident and I was given tempo- rary treasurership.
After a recess, as secretary of credentials, I reported the acceptance of fifty-four names and the rejection of three names for lack of credentials.
Reports were received from Vice-Presidents Freeman and Hau- ser, Secretary De}', and Treasurer Bow. Bow reported a bal- ance of S29.65 in the treasury. Miss Kreiuer reported verbally as to the manner in which she had performed her duties.
By virtue of her appointipent as vice-president,. Miss Howe was entitled to the chairmanship of the pi oxy committee, but she found it impossible to serve. Mrs. Miniter was given her place — her assistants being Kugler, Hurlev, Konwiser, Miss Cox and myself. After a little more routine businesss, the convention adjourned for the day.
After adjournment, the proxy committee proceeded to their duties.
The proxies were scattering. For president, Freeman had 23, Chiles 10, Steinberg 2. Bow led with 19 votes for first vice- president ; for second vice-president Davis' 11 votes gave him a good start. For recording secretary Miss Kreiner had 12 votes and Delano had 10 votes ; Tipton was given 36 out of the 51 votes cast for corresponding secretary. For treasurer, Mrs. Spencer headed the list with 11 votes, Andrews being second with 8 votes. Out of tifty-three votes cast for official editor I was given 31 ; Lind getting 22. Chicago's 47 votes to four scattering easily settlpd where the next convention was to be held. The vote for executive judges was scattering as usual, Hollub had 26, Mellinger 18, Spencer 12, Dey 12, Freeman 10. There were 47 votes cast on the first amendment, 28 for, and 19 against. The second amendment had 46 votes, 22 for, 24 against.
It will be well to state here that some time before the conven- tion Chicago endorsed a complete ticket. Here is the slate we made up and when it is compared with the new official board, it will be observed that Chicago's influence was felt: president, Chiles ; first vice-president Bow ; second vice-president, Davis ; corresponding secretary, Tipton ; recording secretary, Delano; official editor, Steinberg ; treasurer, Mrs. Spencer; convention seat, Chicago; executive judges Hollub, Mellinger, Freeman. This will explain how it happened that some of those voted on
IIISTOIiY OF THZ NATIONAL AMATPIL'U PUKS-^j ASSOCIATION. S03
received SO m\ny votes, Cuicago, by the way east -15 votes at this convention.
Wednesday morning after the convention was called to order my supplementary report of applicants accepted was received. The reports of the laureate judges were read. Eleanor Atkinson awarded the esssay title to Spencer for h.is '-Lady or the Tiger." Jerome Case Bull gave the poet huireateship to Goodenough and honorable mention to Andrew A. Veatch. Editorial laureateship was given to Dilettante.
The proxy conunittee's re[)ort was accepted as read, after which Peltret declared nominatious for president in order.
Before we entered into the election of officers a motion was made and carried to the effect tliat the amendments voted on in the proxies be acted upon. After a ballot the chair declared th-^m both carried. As there was no pronounced opposition to these amendments, it was no wonder that some member did not care to verify by actual calculation the chairman's ruling.
Acting under the supposition that the amendments were carried Kugler nominated Freeman and I nominated Chiles. After a number of speeches had been made in Freeman's favor, I with- drew Chiles' name. The secretary was instructed to cast the ballot of the convention for Mr. Freeman.
It was decided to elect the official editor at once. Kugler put my name before the convention, Dorr seconded it with a very pretty speech. Peltert relinquished the chair to the vice-president, and put Lin 1 in nomination. Stover seconded it. The ballot resulted :
Proxy Convention Total
Steinberg 31 13 64
Lind 22 3 25
When the chair declaied me elected Mrs. Spencer was the first to congratulate me. After we adjourned for lunch a number took occasion to tell me how pleased they were over my election. Of course I was called on for a speech and I think I made one.
The election of the rest of the officers was a very mild affair, Charles A. Bow and Edwin Davis were elected first and second vice-presidents respectively, without opposition. I nominated Hurley for corresponding secretary, but Miss Krieuer named a winner when she put up Linden Dey. Tipton easily secured the corresponding secretaryship by an overwhelming majority. Mr. Stover attempted to interfere with Chicago's slate by nom- inating Truman J. Spencer for treasurer, but my nomination of Mrs. Spencer easily settled Stover's candidate. Charlie Andrew's lead in the proxies gave him an easy victory for historian, and Hollub, Mellinger and Spencer were elected executive judges after the usual number of tiresome ballots.
394 HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION.
Dorr and I made a speech apiece placing Chicago in nomination and Chicago's nomination was an easy one ; whether because of our speeches, or in spite of them I am unable to sa}'.
An adjournment was then taken, after which we placed our- selves in the hands of the arrangement committee who were to take us to Central Park to have our official convention photograph taken. Two pictures were taken by the photographer. If the one accepted by the committee is the best of the two the rejected one must have been pretty bad. After the official photographer had finished, the nnofficial photographers took matters in hand and photographed various people in various groups. It was one continual series of posing and looking pleasant.
The banquet that night brought around a number of old timers who had not the opportunity of coming around during the day. Spencer, as toast master, took the head of the table with Mrs. Spencer. Owing to Freeman's absence I was the highest National officer present, and had a seat of honor close to to the head. I was seated between Miss Cox and Mrs. Miniter and had every opportunity of realizing my good fortune. The toasts had not been prearranged and Spencer divided his attention between the menu and arranging speakers. With the exception of Spencer's introduction to each speaker, there was nothing brilliant in any- of the toasts that evening. Mr. Spencer's remarks and stories that evening were exceptionally good. It is possible that the other speeches were poor only by comparison.
The last day of the convention was as cool and pleasant as the two succeeding days. The program for the day was to attend to the constitution the larger part of the day, to finish up all remain- ing matters, and then to take a trip to Riverside Park and see Grant's tomb.
There has been no great improvement in our constitution since the document known as the Kempner constitution was adopted at Buffalo in 1889. There have been a few amendments of some value, but, in the main, the original was as excellent a set of rules as could be adopted. It was our intention to use them as a basis for our work during the da}^ but a copy of the constitu- tion could not be found. It seemed Kugler's idea to adopt the constitution in its entirity without being read. This was opposed by a number of us. Kugler's motion that a committee to revise the constitution be appointed was amended by my motion that they report at the next convention. With a few changes, I felt sure that we cauld pull through for another year. The amend- ment and motion were both carried and the chair ignoring Kugler's claim to the chairmanship, put me in that position.
My scheme of about five years' nourishment, to reduce the
HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION. 305
National Amateur to the uniform size, aud have it issued bi- monthly, went through without any opposition.
A motion was made and carried to congratulate Ex-President Louis Kempner for his good f«»rtune in being selected to assist in extending the postal facilities in Cuba, after which the usual motion to thank everything and everybody was made and the convention then adjourned.
The following amateurs were present at New York : John L. Peltret, Truman J. Spencer, Capitola Spencer, Sarah W. Howe, Hervey H. Dorr, Sam J. Steinberg, Harriet C. Cox, Edith Mini- ter, John J. Hurley, Donat J. Lefebore, Edith V. Kreiner, H. M. Kon wiser, John H. Stover, Frank E. Williams, Emma H. Rowe, John G. Kugler, .Arthur L. Tubbs, Samuel DeHayne, J. Fred Crosson, Herbert E. Woodward.
CHflFTER 33.
CHICAGO'S FIFTH CONVENTION.
Mr. Thiele's Objections. — The Historian's Report, Con- densed.— The Chicago Convention, as Seen by FiiANCis P. Goss. — The National Amateur Clearing House. — List of Members.
M
R. THEO. B. THIELE inspected very closely the report of the New York convention, and discovered that the constitutional amendnnents had not been carried by a two-thirds majority. On the strength of this discovery he protested against Hor.-ce Freeman acting as president. The executive •judges listened to this complaint, acknowledged that it was cor- rect and appointed Mr. Freeman as president, thus correcting the error of the convention. Mr. Thiele then additionally pro- tasted against the publication of ibe i\^a/io??«Z Amateur in the new form, after the issuance of the September number. The decision being the same on this c^se as on tiie other, Mr. Stein- berg resigned rather than change his plans and John G. Kugler was appointed.* Butte H, Tipton resigned as corresponding secretary and John M. Acee was appointed. Francis P. Goss resigned as chairman of the recruit committee, and Walter C. Chiles to his place.
Historian Charles N. Andrews reviewed the year's work as follows :
The one prominent feature of the 3'ear was the lack of interest taken in amateur affairs. Papers were few in number, and, with but few exceptions, of little merit.
To Walter C. Chiles and Linden D. Dey, both of Chicago, credit is due for having issued what was undeniably the most dainty creation in magazine making of the year — The Bising Age. This little magazine ccmsisted of some twenty or more pages each issue, printed on beautiful deckle edge paper and encased in a cover of l»andsome design, done in quaint old style lettering. Mr. Dey also published independently The Villa de Laura Times, modeled after and somewhat in keeping with tiie Age. Both magazines were unique as to construction, being not alone dainty
UrSTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION. 307
ill geueral appearance but cultured in both the literary and the editorial departments.
Mr. and Mrs. Truman J. Spencer also sent out a most delight- ful paper, both iu the quality of its contents and in its perfect typography. The name given their paper, however, was uueuphonious enough for almost any modern dictionary and would not do to stump the State with on a platform of sliort planks. Even Noah V^ebster has reasons to thank an all merci- ful Providence that he died before HoiionficabiUt ltd Initcct thus came to task alike editor and printer. Despite its name the Spencers gave us a charming literaiy magazine, its convention number of the 1898 meet being especially noteworthy.
Mr. Horace Freeman, president of the National Association, sent out with unfailing regularity heis comevY^tive Criteria. In its literary department appeared some of the year's best work, both iu prose and verse,
Theodore B. Thiele, of Chicago, sent out a number of inter- esting issues of the Pirate, mostly all-editorial and being conspic- uous for the length of the editorials and the unusually good style iu which they were written, Samuel J. Steinberg also sent out several issues of Dilettante containing some really good literar}^ efforts.
Other notable papers of the year were Hervey H. Dorr's La Critique, Edwin B. Hill's one issue of The Stylus, Prairie Breezes, Amateur Becord, Aftermath, Sebe, Epocha, Crusader, Le Premier and Hot Shot.
Through complications arising from a misinterpretation of the National constitution as regards the size of the official organ, Samuel J. Steinberg, who had been elected official editor at the New York convention of 1898, deemed it advisable to tender his resiornation after having issued his first number of the National Amateur. This number of the official organ, sent forth in Century size, was an admirable document, and many were the regrets that the National constitution would not permit its con- tinuance in that form. Mr. John G. Kugler was duly appointed by President Freeman to the position left vacant by Mr. Stein- berg's resignationr and the year closed with the three remaining issues printed in the old familiar blanket form.
Among the authors whose names appeared most frequenth' and whose work it may be claimed equaled that of bygone days, may be mentioned Annie Laurie Lynde, Vincent F. Howard, Arthur H. Delano, Everett Horn, Edward S. Peterson and Ross Clarke. To President Freeman all credit is due for his careful perform- ance of duty, and I am sure members everywhere feel a deep sense of obligation for his untiring efforts in clearing the Associ-
308 HJBTORY OP THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION.
ation of the indebtedness that confronted bina upon assuuaing the duties of office.
As reception committee for tbe Cbicago convention Tresideu Freeman appointed Hervey H. Dorr, cbairman ; Linden D. Dey, Francis P. Goss, W. E. Mellinger, A. J. Robinson, Mr. Dorr was appointed custodian of ballots, tbe convention being called for July 5, 6, 7.
The first issue of volume XXI of tbe National Amateur was in tbe popular Century size, 16 pages. It contained much official matter, including tbe minutes, and a new department "Papers received." Tbe first page was adorned witb a pretty beading, and tbe issue was generally commended. Tbe succeeding issues were in tbe old size, edited by Mr. Kugler, and of 8 pages each. Tbe December issue contained tbe historian's report, official documents, papers received, and considerable chat about old- timers. The March issue was composed wholly of official matter and editorial. Tbe June issue contained tbe 1898 laureate winners, and official ard editorial matter.
Sam J. Steinberg and Theodore B. Thiele were candidates for president before tbe Chicago convention. Tbe result was doubt- ful until tbe ballot.
Tbe twenty-fourth annual convention of tbe N. A. P. A. was held in tbe Great Northern hotel, Chicago, July 5-7, 1899.
The following account is taken from the report of Francis P. Goss in the July- August issue of The Beview, of Blissfield, Mich
Rumor of tbe contemplated fight for chairmanship of tbe con- vention filled tbe air; each faction held caucuses long before the convention was called to order. The Thiele contingent was better organized than that of the Steinbergites, though each side betrayed some little anxiety as to the probable outcome of the preliminary session. Delegates, who thus far had remained neutral in the presidential contest, were buttonholed by the campaign managers ; arguments pro and con were freely used, but in many cases with- out avail. Messrs. Clarke and Fallass looked after Steinberg's interests and Goss busied himself attending to Thiele's.
Precisely at 10 o'clock, Recording Secretary Dey, in the absence of president and vice-presidents, called the delegates to order. Mr. Dey delivered a brief but appropriate speech, at the conclusion of which be rapped tbe table with bis gavel and declared the twenty-fourth annual convention of the N. A, P. A. in session. He then called for nominations for cbairman. Wal-
HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION. ^^9
terC. Cliiles nominated Charles R. Burger and Mr. Bnrorer was elected by acclamation. The chairman appointed Horward M. Carter, vice-president; Walter C. Chiles, treasurer; and Francis P. Goss, secretary of credentials. The secretary read the roll.
The secretary of credentials read his report. After several conflicting motions had been made concerning the disposition to be made of it, the convention accepted the report and elected the applicants to membership. The reports of absent officers were read and ordered placed on file.
The chairman appointed a proxy committee, consisting of the vice-president, treasurer, secretary of credentials, Warren J. Brodie, John M. Acee, R. P. Kelley and VV. R. Thurman. The convention adjourned till Thursday morning at 10 o'clock.
Thursday July 6, the Milwaukee amateurs arrived early; W. C. Ahlhauser, P. Knoelke and Ed. F. Daas came together. Mrs. Grant registered the night before from Fargo, N. D. Mr, Heyn, one of the old timers, registered from Milwaukee. H. E. Legler, aUv put in an appearance along with Wm. Dnnlop. Of the lady amateurs present, Mrs. Grant was easily the most popular,
It was late when President Burger called the convention to order ; excitement was evident on all sides, for today we were to elect officers. Secretary called the roll ; several motions of slight importance were made and carried, little interest being taken tilt the chairman called for the report of the proxy committee. W. R. Thurman read the report which was listened to with eager interest but received with silence. The proxy vote was larger, eighty-five proxies being voted, ten of which we^-e thrown out for non-payment of dues. The report was accepted. Burger then called f«r nominations for president and appointed Chiles and Brodie tellers. Chiles nominated Theodore B. Thiele ; Mellinger nominated Steinberg. The result of the ballot was announced as follows:
Proxy Convention Total
Steinberg 24 14 38
Thiele ..50 10 60
The chairman declared Mr. Thiele duly elected president for the ensuing term. For first vice-president, Goss nominated Acee, who was elected by acclamation. For second vice-president, Barnard nominated Ahlhauser, Steinberg nominated Lester M. Ajves. The proxies were dropped and Ahlhauser was declared elected. For recording secretary, Thurman nominated Everett B. Horn, who was elected by acclamation. For corresponding secretary, Mellinger nominated Miss Frees; Burger nominated Goss; proxy vote stood Frees, 15; Goss, 28; proxies were dropped and a ballot taken which resulted in Goss receiving 20 votes and Frees 14. Goss declared elected. For treasurer.
308
HJBTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUB PRESS ASSOCIATION.
ation of tbe indebtedness that confronted h'lm upon aasuining tUe duties of office.
As reception conamittee for the Chicago convention Presideu Freeman appointed Hervey H. Dorr, chairman ; Linden D. Dcj, Francis P. Goss, W. E. Meliinger, A. J. Robinson, Mr. Dorr was appointed custodian of ballots, tbe convention being called for July 5, 6, 7.
The first issue of volume XXI of the National Amateur was in the popular Century size, IG pages. It contained much official matter, including the minutes, and a new department '^Papers received." The first page was adorned with a pretty heading, and the issue was generally commended. The succeeding issues were in the old size, edited by Mr. Kugler, and of 8 pages each. The December issue contained the historian's report, official documents, papers received, and considerable chat about old- timers. The March issue was composed wholl}' of official matter and editorial. The June issue contained the 1898 laureate winners, and official ard editorial matter.
Sam J. Steinberg and Theodore B. Thiele were candidates for president before the Chicago convention. The result was doubt- ful until the ballot.
The twenty- fourth annual convention of the N. A. P. A. was held in the Great Northern hotel, Chicago, July 5-7, 1899.
The following account is taken from the report of Francis P. Goss in the July-August issue of The Bevieic, of Blissfield, Mich
Rumor of the contemplated fight for chairmanship of the con- vention filled the air; each faction held caucuses long before the convention was called to order. The Thiele contingent was better organized than that of the Steinbergites, though each side betrayed some little anxiety as to the probable outcome of the preliminary session. Delegates, who thus far had remained neutral in the presidential contest, were buttonholed by the campaign managers ; arguments pro and con were freely used, but in manj^ cases with- out avail. Messrs. Clarke and Fallass looked after Steinberg's interests and Goss busied himself attending to Thiele's.
Precisely at 10 o'clock, Recording Secretary Dey, in the absence of president and vice-presidents, called the delegates to order. Mr. Dey delivered a brief but appropriate speech, at the conclusion of which he rapped the table with his gavel and declared tbe twenty-fourth annual convention of the N. A. P. A. in session. He then called for nominations for chairman. Wal-
•I
HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION.
309
a* ti- ll IT
terC. Cliiles nominated Charles R. Burortr and Mr. Burgrer was elected by auclamation. The chairman appointe(i Horward M. Carter, vice-president; Walter C. Chiles, treasurer; and Francis P. Goss, secretary of credentials. The secretary read the roll.
The secretary of credentials read his report. After several conflicting motions had been made concerning the disposition to be made of it, the convention accepted the report and elected the applicants to membership. The reports of absent officers were read and ordered placed on file.
The chairman appointed a proxy committee, consisting of the vice-president, treasurer, secretary of credentials, Warren J. Brodie, John M. Acee, R. P. Kelley and VV. R. Thurman. The convention adjourned till Thursday morning at 10 o'clock.
Thursday July 6, the Milwaukee amateurs arrived early ; W. C. Ahlhauser, P. Knoelke and Ed. F. Daas came together. Mrs. Grant registered the night before from Fargo, N. 1). Mr. Heyn, one of the old timers, registered from Milwaukee. H. E. Legler, al^o put in an appearance along with Wm. Duniop. Of the lady amateurs present, Mrs. Grant was easily the most popular.
It was late when President Burger called the convention to order ; excitement was evident on all sides, for today we were to elect officers. Secretary called the roll ; several motions of slight importance were made and carried, little interest being taken till the chairman called for the report of the proxy committee. VV. R. Thurman read the report which was listened to with eager interest but received with silence. The proxy vote was larger. eight3'-five proxies being voted, ten of wliich we^'e thrown out for non-payment of dues. The report was accepte<i. Burger then called f«r nominations for president and appointed Chiles and Brodie tellers. Chiles nominated Theodore B. Thiele; Mellinger nominated Steinberg. The result of the ballot was announced as follows :
Proxy Convention Total
Steinberg 24 H 38
Thiele 50 10 60
The chairman declared Mr. Thiele duly elected president for the ensuing term. For first vice-president, Goss nominated Acee, who was elected by acclamation. For second vice-president, Barnard nominated Ahlhauser, Steinberg nominated Lester M. Ayres. The proxies were dropped and Ahlhauser was declared elected. For recording secretary, Thurman nominated Everett B. Horn, who was elected by acclamation. For corresponding secretary, Mellinger nominated Miss Frees ; Burger nominated Goss ; proxy vote stood Frees, 15 ; Goss, 28 : proxies were dropped and a ballot taken which resulted in Goss receiving 20 votes and Frees 14. Goss declared elected. For treasurer.
iii:; HISTCEV Gi THE KATIOIvAL AMATEUR PEES* ASSOCIATION.
jMollinoer iDininated Ijurger who was ele^jted by acclamation. Fov offi'-ia! editor, liroriie was nominated. The proxies stood, E H. Srn^th. 19; Bio lie. 47; Brodie elected by acclamation. Horace Freeman, Waiter C. Chiles and Miss Sarah W. Howe were nominated for executive jad2;e3, and elected by acclamation. For lit-xt meeting place Robinson nominated Atlanta, Acee seconded t'te nomination. Mel'in';>er {.)laced Boston in nomination. Proxies were droi^ped and a isallot taken which resnlted as follows, At- lanta, 6 : Boston 14 ; Boston declared elected.
Amendment nnmber o-u-ti failed to receive- a/two-t'hirds vote aad AvfiS lost. Amendment 'h'limber two was resferred to the conven- tion to convene in 1002.' O^Rcers were installed, appropriate speeches were made by the officers elect, after which the conven- tion adjonrned nntil FridaV at 10 :30 a. m.
In the afternoon we met by appointment at the Art Institute ai]d submitted to the commands of a photographer. Several of n^; had kodaks and many snap shots were secured.
The banquet held in' the evening wos a huge success, fifty people sat down to table and everybody was on good terms with everybody else. Hope Reed Cody was happy in the position of toastmaster.
The following toasts were responded to;
Introductory address H. K. Cody
The C. A. P. C H. E, Nothomb
The National Amateur W. J. Brodie
The Ladies W. E. Mellinger
The Gentlemen Miss C. E. Schermerhorn
TheN. A. P. A ........ T. B, Thiele
Impromptu speeches were made by Messrs. Steinberg, Burger, Chiles, Acee, Carter and Goss. After the banquet was over we were the guests of Mrs. Grant who occupied a suite of rooms on the floor above. Here we listened to tales of the mistj^ past and it was long after the midnight hour when we parted.
On Friday, July 7, the taris 1900 report was considered and accepted, E. H. Smith being appoiiited chairman of the com- mittee and the committee being given full power to raise funds for the arrangements. On motion of Steinberg a committee composed of Steinberg, Brodie and Burger was appointed to draft resolutions on the members deceased during the past year, same to be published in the National Amateur. On motion of Goss a committee consisting of Thiele, Goss and Dorr, was ap- pointed to draw up resolutions thanking the retiring executive board for services rendsred.
Reports of laureate judges were next read and the following titles were awarded: Poet laureate, Vincent F. Howard; sketch ilaureate, Geo. D. Galloway; essay laureate, A. H, Delano;
HISTOKY OF THE NATIONAL AMATKIR PRESS ASSOCIATION. fill
design laureate, R. K. Bostrom ; editorial laureate, Linden D. DeyT
Prior t(^ adjonrnnieut the convention listened to impromptu remarks on the subject '-How to obtain recruits and build up the National." There beiuor no more busines>; to transact the con- vention adjourned sine die.
The following amateurs were present at Chicago in 1809: Bertha Y. Grant, Warren J. Brodie, John M. Acee, John L. Tomlinson, Charles R. Burger, Henry E. Legler, WillS. Dunlop, Wm. C. Ahlhauser, Edward F. Daas, Paul H, Knoelk, Alf B. Hvale, E, H. Whitaker. Allan R. Parrish, Ross Clarke, Alice C, Fitzgerald, Theo. B, Thiele, Albert E. Barnard, John Byrne, Frank J. Carr, Walter Chiles, Hope R. Cndv, Linden D. Dey, Hervey H. Dorr, Jay Fallass, Amanda E. Frees, Francis P. Goss, R. Percival Kelly, W. E. Mellinger, Thos, F, McDonald. H, E. Nothomb, Oscar A. Reum, A. J. Robinson. Carrie E. Schermerhorn, Sam J. Steinberg, Wallace R. Thurman, Joseph G. Heyn, Lewis C. Bigelow, Kittie C. Wolfe, C. H. White, Mrs. Vv . E. Mellinger.
As secretary of credentials President Thiele appointed Wallace R. Thurman. A. S. Guerard was appointed cl:airmati recruiting committee.
As reception committee at the Boston convention he has named Edith Miniter, chairman; HaiTiet C. Cox, F. S. C. Wicks, Everett B. Horn and Willard O. Wylie. Mr. Wicks is custodian of ballots and the convention is set for July 4, 5 and 6.
The National Amatenr, volume XXII, is tlje finest ever issued. Mr. Brodie, the editor, began his work by reprinting Nos. 3 and 4 of the first volume. These papers were of 4 pages each. Only a few copies were known to be in existence, and these reprints have 2one into many files. Volume XXII consists of six issues, five of whicli have been issued at this writing. The September, 1890, issue (onsisted of 8 pages; October, 8 pages; December, 10 |)ages: March, 8 pages; June, 12 pages. It is our ui.der- standing tliat the Ju\y issue will also be 12 pages. The Amateur has contained nu ch oft^cial and editorial matter; accounts of two conventions, and several valuable departmemts — news 'round the circle, and papers received notably. Mr. Brodie is the or'g'na'r r
312 HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION.
of the '' National Amateur Cleanng House" which he describes in the Amateur itself :
Some months ago we succeeded in completing our file of the National Amateur from the first number. It was only after 3 ears of correspondence that this long sought goal was reached, and during all these years we accumulated a large number of rare duplicates. With the purpose in view of piaciu£r these duplicates where they would be the most prized, we offered in the columns of the Random Amateur' to send to applicants such copies as might be needed of those we had on hand. The immediate de- mand which was made for these papers was remarkably large- much gretiter than we had supposed it would be — and the thought then suggested itself to us that it would be an excellent oppor- tunity to gather v\ stray copies of the National Amateur, copies that were going to waste, and to also place them in the hands of those who would prize them. We therefore printed, in the March number of our paper an article offering to supply collectors of files »nissi nof copies as fast as they were received l)y us, provided the applicant would would send to us all of the duplicate copies that he might have on hand, and at the same time, called upon all other amateur journalists who had co|)ies or files of the official organ for which they di<l not care, to mail them to the clearing house.
In brief, this is the way the clearing house originated, and the idea was at once mo^t cordially received by the amateur press of today and the old-time amateurs who were still keeping their files of the official organ up to date. The work which the clear- ing house has accomplished is something remarkable, as we have b3ei able to supply to the various files throughout the country, se e-al hundred mi-sing numbers of the N. A., yet the stock to draw from has been steadily increasing, until today the clearing house is a permanent thing or at least we propose to continue it iadefinitely.
We have not been and do not propose to send oiit copies pro- miscuously to any out* asking for them, but to only such people na have fairly representative files to start with and who are able to send lis one or more copies in the way of exchange. We keep an account with every file we are trying to perfect, and by this means know just what 1 umbers are wanted. Some of the issues ae exceedn^ly rare, and we are sometimes able to give in ex- change from two to ten or more copies for a single number, as there are many issues of which we have in stock from fifty to sev- enty-five copies. At the present writing our stock of duplicates numbers from 800 to 900 copies of various issues reaching back
HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AVATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION. 3X3
as far as volume XI. However, there are maay issues of which we canuot supply a sinorle copy.
We call upon every old-timer in the country to forward to us :nll of the old copies of the National Anmtenr he can spare, or if sie finds his file a burden, or in danger of becoming lost, send it on to us. As an inducement to those who mieht hesitate about parting with their files, thinking that they might in time regret it, we would say that the clearing house is how in such shape that it can return to any such person a file which will probably be as nearly complete as any that he may supply us, and this the clear- ing house will undertake to do, as long as it is continued under the writer.
Representative files of the National Amateur are in the hands of the following persons, and can probably be consulted, on application :
Warren J. Brodie, 487 the Arcade, Cleveland, 0.
Theodore B. Thiele, 722 Monroe street, Evanston, 111.
Edwin Hadley Smith, 107 Barclay street, New York City.
Michael F. Boechat, 704 Fargo avenue, Buflfalo, N. Y.
Truman J. Spencer, New Britain, Conn.
James H. I. Munro, New Glasgow, Nova Scotia.
John T. Nixon, Crowle\-. La.
James F. Morton, Jr., 43 Sheridan street, San Francisco, Cal.
N. H, Ferguson, Level Plains. N. C.
Alson Brubaker and Bertha York Grant, Fargo, N. D.
Samuel J. Steinberg and Alfred J. Kobinson, Chicago, 111.
Charles A. Bow, 100 East Twelfth street, Fortlanl, Ore.
H. E. Deats, Flemington, N. J,
Percy L. Dey, 1 Alpine Villas, Pinderfield Road, Wakefield, Eng.
I'he National. Amateur prints on a "'roll of honor" the ten best amateur papers of the year. The latest list is a^ follows: Bising Age, Villa de Laura Times, Inh Drops, Pirate, Interpoli- tan, Review, Dewey, American Gem, Quillings, Arrows.
The following is a list of the members of the National Amateur Press Association, as shown by the June, 1900, issue of the Jfational Amateur:
ALABAMA.
Davis, Harry, Hargrove.
CALIFORNIA.
Crosby, Chester E,, box 103, Arlington Place.
tDolan, Geo. A. 1223 Cortland avenue, San Francisco.
Hauser, Herbert, 1423a Bush street, San Francisco.
*Hollub, David L. 848 Cedar street, Alameda.
Lafranchi, O. J., Reclamation.
•*Ex-Presidents.
,t Accepted since the last convention.
314 HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION.
Lind, Edward M. box 2482, San Francisco. Lyle, J. G., 715 Oak street, San Francisco. Morris, Harrie C,, 1348 Nebraska street, San Francisco. Morris, Mrs. J. C, 1348 Nebraska street, San Francisco, *MortoD, Jas. F. Jr., 236 Clinton park, San Francisco, Schwartz. Chas. E., Stanford University. Steinberg, Samuel J., 8i8 Cedar street, Alameda. Voorsanger, Leon, 1249 Franklin street, San Francisco.
CANADA. Brown, Walter J., Toronto. Munro, Agnes, New Glasgow, Nova Scotia. *Munro, J. H. I., New Glasgow, Nova Scotia.
COLORADO. *Burger, Chas, R., box 901, Colorado Springs. CONNECTICUT.
Lyude, Annie Laurie, Chester.
Nugent, Lieut. Geo, A., Fort Trumbull, New London. Spencer, Mrs. T. J., 10 Suffield street, Hartford. *Speucer, Truman J., 320 Maiu street, New Britain. tWedge, Franklyn Curtiss, 263 Main street, Torringt<«ii.
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA.
*Briggs, JolmE,, Comptroller of Currency's Office, Wnsliiagton, Dowden, Eleanor C, 29 K street, N. E., Washington.. Howe, Sarah Willard, 1419 Corcoran street, ^V^^shingt 'u, *Ivempner, Louis, 3415 Holmead avenue, \Va.shingto:i.
GEORGIA, Acee, John M., box 222, Atlanta. tBlumberg, H.,La Grauo;e.
Bostrom, Robert E., 51 Houston street, Atla:]ta. Guerard, A. S., drawer G, Atlanta. tSmith, P'red B. box SS, Atlanta. tWilHams, Wilmer W,, P. O. box 222, Atlanta.
ILLINOIS. *Barker, Albert E., 165 South Water street, Chicago. Barnard, Albert E., 229 South Lincoln street, Chicago. Byrne, John A., 1231 Stock Exchange, Chicago. Carr, F. J., 1231 Stock Exchange, Chicago. Carter, Howard M., Marquette building, Chicago. Chiles, Walter C, 775 E. Fort^^-third street, Chicago. Clarke, Ross, Maywood. Dey, Linden D. 758 West Fourteenth place, Chicago.
*Ex-Presidents.
t Accepted since the last convention .
HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION.
*Di.i3gvvall, A. W., MoVicker's theatre, Chicago. Dorr, Hervey H., 6601 Drexel avenue. Chicago. Fallass, Jay M., 6352 Drexel avenue, Chicago. Fitzgerald, Alice C. Wiunelka.
Frees. Amanda E., 191 West Chicago avenue, Chicago. *Hall, Will T., 3519 Calumet avenue, Chicago. Johannes, Henry C, 3603 South Halsted street, Chicago. Kelly, R. P., 537 Washburue avenue, Chicago. McDonald, Thos. F., 1231 Stock Exchange, Chicago. Mellinger, Walter E.,'917 Walnut street, Chicago. Nothomb, H. E., 144 South Albany street, Chicago. Parrish, A. R,, May wood.
Pelletier, Thomas, 1231 Stock Exchange, Chicago. Reura, Oscar A., Room 40, Reaper block, Chicago. Robinson, A. J., 621 South Fairfield avenue, Chicago. Sawyer, L. Halstead, 6601 Drexel avenue, Chicago. Schermerhorn, Carrie E., 6401 Normal avenue, Station O., Chicago.
Smith, Kathleen F., 442 East Mason street, Decatur. Spelz, John P\, 1231 Stock Exchange, Chicago. Thiele, 'Jheo. B., 722 Monroe street, Evanston, Thurman, Wallace R., 770 Jackson boulevard, Chicago. *Tomlinson, John L. 6130 Kimbark avenue, Chicago. Walsh, George L., 1231 Stock Exchange, Chicago. Uhitaker, E. H., La Salle,
INDIANA. Bucher, Nelson, 328 West Jefferson street. Fort Wayne. Fogarty, W^illiam M., 1617 Spann avenue, Indianapolis, *Harrison, Thos. G., 132 E. Court street, Indianapolis. Kamber, Otto A., Terre Haute. tThomas, Walter, Greencastle.
KENTUCKY. Arnold, JohnK., Mount Sterling.
MASSACHUSETTS,
Cox, Harriet Caryl, Abington.
Horn. Everett B., 11 Greenwich park, Boston.
Miuiter, Edith, 220 Devonshire street, Boston.
Morton Nelson G., 51 Hancock street, Boston.
Smith, C. W., Haverhill.
*Sullivan, D. A., Lowell.
Wicks, F. S. C, 10 Sparhawk street, Brighton District, Boston.
Wilbur, M, E., box 183, West Medford.
*Wylie, Willard O., Beverly.
*Ex-Presidents.
fAccepted since the last convention.
316 HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRES? ASSOCIATION.
MICaiGAN. fBaldwin, R. T., 924 Pine street. Port Huron. Brittain, George C, 229 Ottawa street, Grand Rapids. Goff, Walters., Blissfield. Kellogg, J. William, Battle Creek. tMar^hall, Roy, 114 Jones street, Dowagiac. Tripp, Albert E., 319 South Jefferson avenue, Saginaw.
MINNESOTA. Butterfield, John, 139 Thireenth street, St. Paul. tCohen, Louis J., 921 A Idrich avenue, Minneapolis.
MISSOURI. *Snyder, Jno. W., Kansas City. Wendenauth, Chas. A., 7805 Ivory avenue, St. Louis.
MONTANA. Tipton, Butte H., Helena.
NEW HAMPSHIRE. Elkins, Mattie E., Peterborough. Hurd, Willis E., Newport. Morton, Mary W., Andover,
NEBRASKA. Jessen, Arthur, 2807 Franklin street, Omaha. Jessen, H., 2807 Franklin street, Oraaba, Swift, Zelda A., Omaha.
NEW JERSEY. Ayres, Leston M., 31 Peace street. New Brunswick. fClerkin, Jas. A., 563 Jersey avenue, Jersey City. Deats, H. E., Flemington.
*Freeman, Horace, 218 N. Seventh street, Newark. Kon wiser, H. M., 36 Barbara street, Newark. tReilly, Jas. M., Jr., 386 Summit avenue, Jersey City. tSelover, Jesse, South River.
NEW YORK. Acee, Marion S. 35 E. Tenth street, New Y^ork City. Boechat, M. F., 604 Fargo avenue, Buffalo. Delano, A. H., Lexington avenue, Brooklyn. tHoutain, Geo. J., 282 Putnam avenue, Brooklyn. tMoss, B. P>anklyn, 132 Eldert street, Brooklyn. Smith, Edwin H., general delivery. New York City. Stover, John H., 18 Dey street, New York City. tTownsend, J. Wm., 41 Jackson avenue, Long Island City.
*Ex- Presidents. ^
fAccepted since the last convention.
mSTOBY 0» Ta» KATIONIL AMATRCJl PBK8S ASSOCIATION. 317
Williams, F. E., 583 St. Marks avenue, Brooklyn. NORTH CAROLINA.
tAlderraan, Geo. A., 216 North Fifth street, Wilmington. Ferguson, Nathan H., Level Plaias.
NORTH DAKOTA. Bissouette, Irene, 941 First avenue, S., Fargo. *Brubaker, Alson, box 1984, Fargo. Goss, Francis P., care Plaindealer, Grand Forks, Grant, Bertha York, Hotel Waldorf, Fargo. *Hancock, Will, 510 Third street, N., Fargo.
OHIO. tAnderson, Dwight, 219 Streator avenue, Cleveland. Brodie, Warren J., 478 the Areade, Cleveland. Mario w, Harry R», Warren. *Swift, Edwin B., 131 Garfield place, Cincinnati. tWing, Charles E.. 246 Lincoln avenue, Cleveland.
OREGON. Bow, Chas. A., 100 East Twelfth street, Portland.
PENNSYLVANIA. tBeck, Royal E., 315 North Marshall street, Philadelphia. Fischer, A. Lincoln, Eighth and Washington streets, Reading. Grubb, Wallace B., 2110 Marshall street, Philadelphia.'; Heitler, P. M., 849 North Eighth street, Reading. Kissinger, C. W., box 236, Reading, Kissinger, Mrs. C. W., box 236, Beading. Kuglef, John G., 240 High street, Pottstown. Kugler, Mrs. Maude H. , 240 High street, Pottstowu. Muukel, C, J., box 3662, station K, Philadelphia Reno, Claude T., 399 Chew street. AHentown. *Schermerhorn, F. E.,2033 North College avenue, Philadelphia. Steinhaeuser, W. P., box 62, Allentown. *Stinson, S. S., care Record^ Philadelphia.
TENNESSEE. fStarring, Louis M. , Grand View,
TEXAS. Davis, Edwin, 112 Galveston avenue, Fort Worth,
UTAH. Peterson, A. V., 485 Fourth street, Salt Lake City.
VIRGINIA. fThompson, Racheal, Rustburgh.
*Ex-President8.
tAccepted since the last convention.
318 HlfiTORY OP THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION.
Woodzelle, Nettie E., Cleek's Mills, Bath county. Wood, Elmer C. , box 208, Hampton. WISCONSIN. Ahlhauser, WillC, 495 First avenue, Milwaukee. Daas, Edw. F., 1717 Cherry street, Milwaukee. *Dunlop, Wilis., 419 Marshall street, Milwaukee. *Heath, Frederick F., C3ive Sentinel, Milwaukee. Hvale, A. B. 194 Seventh street, Milwaukee. Knoelk, PaulH., 629 Greenfield street, Milwaukee. *Legler, Henry E., City Hall, Milwaukee.
As these lines are being written the 1900 convention is less than a month ahead, yet there does not seem to be much polit- ieal excitement. Warren J. Brodie has demanded that young amateurs take the offices and Linden D. Dey has seoonded it. Maj^ the best man win and may the National Amateur Press Association continue to prosper.
*Ex-Pre6idents.
CHflFTER 34.
LITERATURE OF AMATEUR JOURNALISM.
Gropikg for the Light .in Eakly Days. — Amateurdom's Great Serial Stories. — The New Era of 1882. — The Reaction AND Its Results.
Contributed by Truman J. Spencer.
THE literature of the first few years of the organized exis- tence of Amateur Journalism was practically ephemeral, and but little of it survives. It was weak in conception and powerless in expression. Its poetry, so called, was weakly sentimental and conventioually didactic in matter and jingle and doggerel in manner. Its essays were cyclopediac and com- moDplace, its stories were broadl}', often vulgarly, humorous and cheap!}' sensatioual. Of course there was, here and there, an exception to the general rule, but such was the general status of affairs doWn to the year 1876. Up to this time Richard Geruer had been the leading literarj^ lig^t. writing stories and poems with eqaal versatilit}-; his productions being numbered by the hundreds, but the}' were all without exception of a weak and childish nature. A. N. Demarest was perhaps the most popular story writer of these early days, his sketches being mostly impos- sible detective stories and tales of Indian warfare and adventure. The powerful formulative influences of the institution had not as yet had time to make themselves felt.
But even in those early days of feeble and uncertain steps in groping for light, an occasional glimpse of the coming brighter day was discernible. Henry S. Barler wrote several stanzas which are real poetry and gave considerable promise of effective work, but alas, in the early months of 1876 his hand was rendered cold by death, and, to quote his own words:
"His life is done to soon His bright sun gone down at nojn Into night."
Charles K. Farley, better known as -'Karl C. Yelraf," wrote
a few pieces of finely molded prose in these years, although his
greatest work was done later.
320 HISTOBY OP THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION.
la 1877 John W. Snyder, then the first president of the N. A. P. A. commonly known as "Winslow,'' (For in those days few wrote under their own names.) gained great prominence as an essayist* His work was ponderous and weight}', showing deep thought, but coached in more or less bombastic form. He Was undoubtedly overestimated, and has been greatly excelled by later authors, but he was certainly the greatest prose writer of those daj's. Farley, in this year, wrote his last and greatest serial, "Two Fair Bedouins," the longest story ever printed in an amateur journal, a work not without merit, but not of the highest literary order. Libbie Adams, ("Nettie Sparkle"), the first young lady of any note in Amateur Journalism, wrote many poems at this time. In them was found some striking lines, such as;
"A world of words is not one tear.' '
J. Austin Fynes wrote poems and sketches with a light, airy grace and considerable charm of expression M. W. Benjamin ("Feramorz") was oneof the best poets of the times and Delle E. Knapp was the most talented lady writer of the 70' s.
In 1878 appeared the one supreme poet of the first decade of
organized journalism, in the person of George M. Huss. His
fame rested on one poem, "Music", but "one great poem makes
a great poet," and this certainly is a great poem. These lines
have been widely quoted :
''The insect's tiny note That stabs the stillness of the summer's day."
Caxton Stanley ("John G. Canfield") was the most popular poet of the day, and he wrote many fine lines, Stephen S. Bart- iett ("John Quildriver") was the sketch writer of the times, but his style was inverted and artificial, and the matter bordered on the melodramatic and sensational.
In the next two years there were many writers, both in prose and verse but none of marked meri*. S. A. Wood (^'Quince") wrote society and lightly humorous verse containing some neat conceits. James L. Elderdice ("Hermit'') was a more ambi- tious poet, but his long poems were not sustained although con- taining some poetic lines. He was very i)opular and prolific. Joseph Dana Miller was also a popular writer of verse, but his greatest power was not developed until later. Thomas G.
HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEL'R PRESS ASSOCIATION.
321
Harrison ("Nameless") wrote a few poems poetic in conception, but crude in constrnction. Elihu Palmer wrote some lines of considerable dramatic power, and Minta R. Stevens, better known as "Rubina", wrote some true poetry.
In 1881 appeared one of the three great serial stories of Ama- teurJournairsin,"Missoury" by William F. Buckley, a story super- ior to Farley's '-Two Fair Bedouins", although inferior to Bats- ford's "Dr. Dick", Maximus A. Lesser wrote much verse, but little of superlative merit and Thomas G. Watkins ("Mercur- ious") was a very prolific, but common-place, writer of poems, sketches and essays. Joanna M. Brown ("Stuyvesant") began to show considerable power as a poet this year. Hannah B. Gage published her novel in verse, "Jack's Mistake." Clarence E, Stone wrote much verse but to little purpose. J. Rosevelt Gleason published another of the really great poems of Amateur Journalism, entitled "Lines on Breaking a Clay Pipe." The year 1882 seemed to mark a new era in the annals of Amateur Journalism. The first real literary criticism may be said t@ have seen the light then, although Arthur J. Huss and one or two others had occasionally written a true critique some years before, but now James J. O'Connell, VVillT, Scofield, and a little later, Ernest A. Edkins, Charles Heywood and Brainerd P. Emery took up this work in earnest, and the effect of it wf.s manitest. At this time O'Connell did his best work in poem, story and critique. Gleason wrote most of his highly polished sketches, Buckley published some of his scholarly stories, and Miller wrote excellent poems and essays. Joseph P. Clossey published his poem, "Red-Letter Days," up to that time the greatest poem of amateur literature, and, in its own style, per- haps never surpassed since.
The next few years were ones of great activity in literary circles, and many fine specimens of authorial work were the result. Mrs. Bertha Grant, earlier known as Bertha York, wrote some of the most sympathetic and feeling verses Amateur Jour- nalism has had, couched in lines of great beauty and melody, and also wrote some very powerful stories. Miss Brown reached the acme of her career and wrote several excellent sketches and poems. Emery was very prolific and ofttimes wrote true poetry,
322 HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION.
Batsford gave to the world his "Dr. Dick," the greatest seiia story written by an amateur. Clara H. Tardy, the chief literary representative of the South in these days, wrote much pleasing verse and some strong stories, and Will 11. Antisdel wrote verse bioth witty and quaint. Some very beautiful and musical verses were written by George E. Day and some very fine stories by F. T, Mayor.
A little later there was a reaction. Some of the more proniin- ent authors retired from the field and a school of poetry sprang up which seemed to pay more attention to form and sound than sense and beauty. Sam S. Stinson was tlie foremost writer in this field, and perhaps never equaled, although Frank R. Batchel- der was very facile in this way. The ballade, triolet, roundel, sonnet and other fixed forms of verse were much in vogue, but the spirit of poetry, was in the main, lacking. But this period did not last long, and the few years that succeeded have probably never been equaled in the quantit}^ of literary productions of absolute merit. Edkins, one of the really great poets of Amateur Journalism, reached the climax of his career; Hey wood published some fine poems, Mahlon H. Shelp wrote a number of clear-cut crystals in verse, Annie J. Fellows wrote one or two true poems of great delicacy of imagination, Edith Callender surpassed all but a few in true poetic instinct and striking metaphors, and Fanny Kemble Johnson, by many regarded as the greatest poet of Amateur Journalism, was now at her best. In prose, too, there was no lack of good work. Miss Johnson wrote sketches, one of which, "Alternatives," is by some considered the best short story ever written by an amateur journalist, although others award the palm to "Phantasus'' by Edkins. Shelp published one of the really great stories, "The-Shiek," a sketch which in many respects is unrivaled. Frank D. Woollen, besides a num- ber of poems of considerable merit, wrote at least one story of much power, "V?as He a Sphinx?." Pauline Wesley wrote some true poetry and an excellent story entitled "Carmen," Katharine Loomis Parsons was not so prolific as many wTiters, but l^er work in prose and in verse was of the best. D. B. Stephens also did some ver^^ finevvork. In the portrayal of cer- tain phases of child life, in power of minute description, united
HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR TRESS ASSOCIATION. 323
with a powerful sense ol t life (hawKi tie, Mis. Mimter, formerly known as Edith Dowe, probably never* had an equal.
In 1891 and the next few years, many young writers made themselves felt in literary circles. Some of them had been writ- ing more or less for some time, but in such a way as not to bring them into prominence. Among the foremost of these authors was Everard Appleton. His stories were both genuinely humorous and veritably pathetic, and evinced much skill in character drawing. John J. Mack was one of the leading authors of this period, publishing some fine sonnets and carefully polished prose. Jerome C. Bull published a few stories of a high order of merit in which there was much cliarm of description, atmosphere and background. Another phase of cliild life than that heretofore treated to any extent, that of the street Arab and newsboy, found its delineator in Harriet C. Cox, whose stories were very popular, and told in a direct yet powerful, style, which claimed the atten- tion. Susan B. Robbins wrote in a very original and quaintly humorous manner, and her sketches seemed like photographs of real people.
The South at this time bore a prominent part in the literary work of Amateur Journalism, Besides the strong work of Misses Johnson and Parsons, to wijich reference has been made, and which continued for some years, there was much of merit written by otiiers. One of the best poets of the section was John Kendall, who was not prolilic, but who was a genuine I)oet. Stella Truman wrote so. ne verse, but excelled in story writing, and in the delineation of negro character and ways siie had n^) equal. The WoodzeUe ^isteis —Fannie, I i lie and jS^elt'e — wrote mtiuy interesting sketches. Capitola L. Harrison publisiied a number of poems marked by poetic instinct and sincere feeling, and Blanrl R. Huddleston wrote versp of con- si.lei able power, while m prose Leola White and Addie A' aye Humble added to the laurels of this section.
The science of p-olitical economy found exponents, not only in Joseph Dana Miller, but in Mrs. Lucas in story and Mrs. E. M. Frye in essays, the latter probably standing first in the field of controversial literature. Kathleen F. Smith wrote a large uumber of stories of great vivacity of expression and engrossing
324 HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION.
interest. A poet of much promise was Maud L. Fuller, whose untimely taking away robbed us and the world of a true poet, but the one among these newer writers to attain the greatest heights was Mary W. Morton, whose poems were marked by great dramatic power of expression and deep thought. James F. Morton, Jr., wrote several searching essays of a literary character. Annie Laurie Lynde wrote some pleasing poems, but she did her best in story writing, in which field she did some excellent work, her stories exhibiting great freshness of treatment, quiet humor, excellent portraiture, and simple, but telling, expression. Maud Hannan wrote a number of verses. Arthur H. Goodenough was very prolific of stanzas, mostly of the didactic nature and some of them of considerable poetic worth.
At the present writing there are a great number of authors who are rising into prominence, and will soon make their mark in our literary world.
May 12, 1898.
CHflFTER 55.
IN MEMORY OF THOSE GONE BEFORE.
Tributes to Ex-Fresidents Wright, Parsons, Reeve, Grant, Stowell and Moore. — Others who Have Passed Away.
In memory of
mwm t,\K\m%tm Ulrigbt
Fifth President N. A. P. A.
CDomas I). Parsons
Seventh President N. A. P. A.
THOMAS H, PARSONS. The mere writing of that name crowds my pen with memories. It was more than twenty years ago I first met him. He was then the editor of the Buffalo Amateur, a diminutive but artistic paper, with an edi- torial department us quaint and witty and as full of enthusiasm for the cause of Amateur Journalism as one would expect from one of his characteristics. It was at the New York state conven- tion of amateur journalists which met in Syracuse, in Januaiy, 1879. The writer was then a youth of sixteen and Parsons, I think, two years older. We conceived at that time a strong lik- ing for each other which later rooted into such a close and inti- mate friendship that we came to be known, throughout the Amateur Journalistic world, as the "Siamese twins." No one could know Parsons' well without liking him, for he was possessed of a fiank and sunny nature, and he continually bubbled over with a quaint humor. He was tall, thin and -^ angular, wore glasses, and had a way of moving about that was inimitable. At conventions he was always busy with all mauner of pranks, and nobody ever knew what to expect next from him. At Boston, during a N. A. P. A. meet, lie issued an anonymous paper,.
326 HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATELK TJRESS ASSOCIATION.
printedon large paper bags, which he styled the Bladder, which was filled with witty squibs concerning the convention and its attendants, ard which created quite a commotion amongst those who were hit hardest. That is only a sample of his many conven- tion pranks, and the writer remembers them all, for he used to hiive to shoulder one-half the responsibility for them, and one-half tlite censure if any resulted from them, although he was usually innocent. Parsons amateur career covered a period of nearly ten years. He never could quite separate himself from the asso- ciations and friendships of his Amateur Journalistic days, and only a short time before his death the writer received a letter from him in which he expressed the desire to re-enter the 'Dom and make "things hot for awhile." He was an artistic printer, married well, was blessed with two children,, and at his untimely death was the owner of a fine printing and lithographing plant in Buffalo. He had everything to live for. 'j'o this day the writer misses "Tommy" Parsons as he could no other friend whom he has known during his lifetime. Will T. Scofield.
frank Hewton Win
P:ighth President N. A. P. A.
I< FIBST met Frank N. Reeve in 1880, at the Cincinnati meet- : ing of the.N; A. P. A. He was then a candidate for the. first vice-presidency. He had strennonsly opi)osed my candidacy for the presidency, and 'my attention was naturally attracted to him. Reeve had first obtained prominence in Ama- teui' Journalism in 1879, his publication, the Independent Times, being the me<lium through which he addressed tlie fraternity. Hejiever entered the field of the amateur authc»r^ or at least only to a very limited extent, his fame resting upon liis work as an tditor, and, in later years, as a politician.
Reeve was a capable aiid bright writer. He was an cnlliusiast in Amateur Journalism. Fiis interest in it was unbounded, and his energy tremendous. He was naturally fitted to become a le^dej'f and.when Wrignt declit»ed the election as president of the^ N. A. P, A. at dncinnati^. Reeve was tendered and could easi'v>
HTSTOKY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION. 327
have llien been elected to this much sought for position. He refused to accept a nomination and I was elected.
At the next meeting, Reeve was the only candidate worth con- sidering for tlie presidency. He was opposed by Max Lesser, of New York, but the strength of the opposition was inconsiderable. Reeve £tssumed the presidency when the affairs of the Association were in a very disorganized condition. He at once proceeded to vitalize the organization.
Reeve certainly made a model president of the N. A. P. A. Under his administration the Association assumed stabilit}'. Order was wrought out of chaos, and a complete, harmonious and respectable Association was turned over to his successor.
In looking back through tlie veil of years which now obscures his memory, I am impressed with llie thought that Frank N. Reeve was "a fine fellow." He was loyal to his friends, generous to his enemies (and as he had a very positive character, he had many of these) and was receptive of good and noble impressions. His ideals were high. Honor was born in him. His mistakes were those of youth and youthful impulsiveness.
He was a tireless worker and by his exanple inspired zeal in others. He was essentially the "man of the hour*' in 1881-2, and had it not been for Reeve it is almost Certain that the N. A. P. A. would have floundered in the sea of adversity and became extinct, at least for a time.
For several years (1882-G) I was intimately associated with Reeve. I visited him at his home, in Newark, N. J., and became well acquainted with his private life. His duties as a traveling salesman for a manufacturing jewelry house brought him to Indianapolis three or four times each year, and every time I met him my respect for his integrity and ability increased.
Frank N. Reeve was worthy to hold a place on the roster of the presidents of the N. A, P. A. His career as an amateur journalist, his moral character and abilities, were such as to ren- der it proper to pay homage to his memor3'.
Thos. G. Harrison.
Indianapolis, December 8, 1807.
A
328 HISTORY OF TflE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRE8S ASSOCIATION.
Tinlay Hrnon Grant
Ninth President N. A. P. A.
[From National Amatem\ December 1897.] DOZEN years ago a distinguished clergyman of this city used these words: "It is a great thing to have lost such a man as Ex-President Grant, but it is a greater thing to have such a man to lose." These words spoken of the dead general who n©w sleeps on the banks of the classic Hudson, are as appropriate in our world when applied to his distinguished namesake who has so recently left us. For I regard as one of the brightest pages in the records of Amateur Journalism that it attracted to and held within its ranks such a man as Finlay Grant;, and upon the other hand, it is safe to say, that no other one man ever did so much for Amateur Journalism as did he. I would not pluck one laurel from the brow of our other leaders. In the early '80's, against the machinations of the party headed by Maximus A. Lesser, it needed the iron arm and nerve of steel of Frank Newton Reeve, but had it not been for the labors of his successor, the enthusiastic, sagacious and untiring Finlay Grant, the work of Keeve had been in vain. He threw himself into the work with the enthusiasm born of sincere conviction, an intelli- gence that sprang from a profound mind, and an industry unpar- alleled in the annals of Amateur Journalism and left an impress upon that institution that has never yet and never will be effaced. But behind and above the work there was always the man. To me the news of his death came with all the shock of a personal bereavement, I knew him and I loved him as a brother, and surely no man was ever more worthy of the respect, admiration and love of his associates than was he. It is difficult to speak of Finlay Grant in terms other than those which, to those who knew him not, must seem to be the grossest flattery, but those who have simply met him can partly guess what those who knew him as I did, in sunshine and shadow, Icnow^ that in Finlay Grant there was given to the world one of the finest natures that was ever moulded of human clay. Slightly modernizing the words of Prince Henry in the play, I can sincerely say of Finlay Grant : "The earth that bears thee dead, bears not alive a truer gentle-
HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION 329
man.'' The words that Shakespeare pi)ts in the mouth of Marc
Antony over the dead body of Marcus Brutus on the plains qf
Pbillippi have become worn and hackneyed with almost constant
use since first they fell from the pen of the great dramatist, and
never in all these centuries have they been more fittingly applied
than they may be to our departed leader, Finlay Grant:
His life was gentle, and the elements
So mixed in him that Nature might stand up
And say to all the world, '-This was a man!'"
Truman J. Spencer.
Gdwara £nmt Stowell
Twelfth Presideut N. A. P. A.
[From the Progress, Pomona, Cal., Feb. 0, 1888, of which Mr. Stowell was editor.]
•'There is no chance, no destiny, no fate.
Can circumvent, or hinder, or control
The firm resolve of a determined soul; Gifts count for nothing; Will alone is great; All things give way before it soon or late.
What obstacles can stay the mighty force
Of the sea-seeking' river in its course, Or cause the ascending orb of day to wait?
Each well born soul will win what it deserves. Let the fool prate of luck; The fortunate
Is he whose earnest purpose never swerves ;
Whose slightest action or inaction serves The onegreat aim. Why, even Death stands still And waits an hour, sometimes, on such a VVill!'"
NO words, perhaps, could more fittingl}^ describe the last days of Mr. Stowell, whose death occured last Monday morning, than the above selection taken from one of his papers, published by him years ago. For weeks and months, the treacherous disease which had marked him for it* own had been slowly sapping his strength. IJis death, .while possibly not wholly unexpected, was yet a surprise to all and a shock to the entire community. So recently had he been upon the streets of our, city attendicg to his duties, that few outside his immediate friends even knew of his illness, much less realized its serious nature. All hoped at least for a temporary recovery ; but it was otherwise nilled.
Words at such a time are wholly inadequate to express the
330 HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION.
sentiments of the heart. Like a true hero, with the same courageous spirit that prompted him to face the worlds its cares, troubles, disappointments and buffetings, he watched the approach of the Destroyer, tenaceously disputing every step, but conscious how the conflict must inevitably end. Young, active, ambitious, hopeful, he toiled on earnestly, faithfully and presistently, and laid his armor b}' only at the last imperative command. Calmly he laid down his pen, beholding an end of the worthy aims and cherished hopes of his early boyhood, and quietly and peacefully yielded up his soul to Him who gave it. Mr. Stowell, though young in years and impulsive in nature, was mature in judgment, brilliant and talented far beyond the ordinary. Fertile in imagin- ation, quiet in decision and prompt in execution, he possessed a rare tact. Fearless and independent, he still remained courteous and affable. Generous, highminded and magnanimous, he would not stoop to anything low or unworthy. Of limited early educa- tion and with only the newspaper as his college, he nevertheless possessed a cultured mind and a thorough knowledge of current literature and the history of events, as well as a remarkable acquaintance with the men and measures of the time.
As the founder and editor of Progress, he shrank from no toil that would ensure its success ; it was his pride, the last work of his hands, his care, solicitude and ambition. The readers of the paper will miss him ; Pomona, which he fervently loved and for which he labored, will miss him. His familiar form and cheerful countenance will not soon be forgotten. His influence and exam- ple will long be remembered, yet
"Oh ! for the touch of a vanished hand, And the sound of a voice that is still!''
mwm Sbelby moore
Seventeenth President N. A. P. A.
IF YOU ask me to mention a single figure that more than any other recalls ''the bright, particular days" of Amateur Journalism, the genial presence of Will S. Moore comes instinctively before me. In a time that was pervaded with a young man's first radiant outlook on the life lying beyond the
HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PBE88 ASSOCIATION. 331
school room, and when the stars always remained before the vision, and never fell before the gaze, " *Frisco Billy" was. the ideal amateur journalist in agroupingthat was in the itself of ideal nature.
There are lights and shadows in an amateur journalist's life which long linger in the paintings which, perchance, the old-timer may hang before memory. Here in California, some of that lively band of other days are dead and gone, some scattered to unknown, perhaps forgotten haunts, and the remainder immersed in business lives which have no unceasing from activities, seldom meet. But when the group sometimes come together, and the days of Amateur Journalism are recalled, then we miss the lov- able and inspiring presence of Will Moore. The forgetf ulness and oblivion which the grave so often achieves cannot obtain in his instance.
He had, in the first place, a magnetism that invariably attracted — what we call a personal magnetism , in speakiflg of the character- istics of some leaders in thought and action among men and women. It is, at its best, a rare quality. Few intuitively pos- sess it. But those among us who knew Mr. Moore in California, and those who met him at the Boston convention of '85, felt the convincing and ever-present realism of his powers to attract the rank and file to the support of ideas whose success he favored.
Again, be was filled with a vitalizing, contagious enthusiasm. The days might seem dark and dreary, and Amateur Jounnalisra in its decadence, but his optimism turned laggards into active amateurs, and the young editor destroj^ed his farewell "leader," and entered with renewed vigor into the work be had been about ready to drop. 1 have seen some of the letters which the faint- hearted and discouraged young amateurs wrote to Mr. Moore in those days ; I have seen his sanguine, all-quickening responses, and among that number are some of those who are yet associated with Amateur Journalism, and have been honored among your number.
Among Californians, he was not a great writer like '-Enc," and he lacked Russ Lukens' fine diction, but he was logical in all that he said or wrote. He put propositions plainly and cogently — the chief object of an editorial. It was, however, in
532 HieTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION.
bis personal relations with the Irateroity that Will Moore wielded his greatest influence. He was in active touch with all going on about him. He made friends readily, he kept faith with them. He alwaj's bred enthusiasm. The memorable campaign for 'Frisco in '86 comes naturally to the mind in this connection. What a great campaign that was ! Some of our number were ■enthusiastic, some were apathetic, some sulked in their tents, but through it all—during the eventful days of '84 and the spring of '85, Mr. Moore covered every point in Amateurdom that cor- respondence could reach, kept the banner of 'Frisco in '86 at the Courant mast-head, and then packed' his grip and went before the Boston convention with his plea. 'Frisco Billy! That glorious campaign will remain his lasting monument in Amateur Journalism.
The honors conferred by the National Association are some- times inadequate when the services of some of its leaders are con- cerned. 7his wa^ so, I believe, in the case of Will S. Moore. The Association placed his name upon the roll of its presidents — some sort of compensation for the services which he had per- formed—but no mere political honor of the kind meted out as in this instance could balance the scale. Like Ex-President Finlay A. Grant, when Mr. Moore passed out of Amateur Jour- nalism there was no one to readily occupy his peculiar place.
Will has worked out the great problem. The short life is ended, he has passed that point where all human philosophy ends, and eternity begins. The secrets in God's keeping which we shall know by and by are his. But he is forever away from the company of the mortals. And so when the group meets, and the memories of Amateur Journalism are stirred into being, we miss his genial companionship, as we ever shall.
Come? Give us your hand again in friendly clasp, as in those other days^then hail, and farewell! Fredkrick L. Hunter. San Prancisco, January 4, 1898.
Alexander, Eugene, San Franciso, Cal., Oct. 26, 1886; 18 years.
Allen, Guy, Hutchinson, Kan., 1889; 17 years. Andrews, James E., California, Oct. or Nov., 1888.
HISTdkY OF TffE KATIONAL AitATErft fRESS ASSOCIATION. 333
Angleman, M. L., Plainfield, N, J., A«g. 12, 1879 ; 20 years. Bailet. Cbks. T., Klamath KiVer, €al., 1893. Baker, Will W., San Diego, Cal., No^. 29, 1888 ; 19 years. Barlbr, Harry S., Alton, III., June 29, 1876. Barnett. John H., Texas, 1876.
Bing, Wilbur C, Portsmouth, O., March 10, 1879; 23 years. Block, Nathan N., Edraoud, Okla,, Aug. 9, 1890; 20 years. Booth, Harry E., Seattle, Wash., Feb. 19, 1896; 19 years. Brewster, Eugene, Jr., New York State, 1892. Brown, A. P., 1879.
Brown, Fred R., Walthara, Mass., May, 1888. Buckner, Tully S., St. Paul, Minn.. 1886. Burke, Roger, Jr., New York, 1886. Capen, Ernest T. , Boston, 1900.
Case, Fred E., Hartford, Conn., Dec. 3, 1881 ; 20 years. Chamberlain, Frank H., Marietta, O., Ang. 5, 1888. Cody, HopeR., Chicago, Dec. 7, 1899 ; 32 years. Cohen, Joe, Chicago. CooMS, Charles F., Cincinnati, 1876. Cooper, Thos. C, Santa Crnz, Cal,, 1874. Cornell, Fred M., Summit, N. J.. Aug. 19, 1889. CuRRAN, Catherine A., Brooklyn, N. Y., Nov. 26, 1898; 17 years.
Daniels, P. A., New Orleans, 1897.
Dauber, Lizzie M., Jackson, O., April 23, 1891.
Demaeest, a. N., Chicago, 1876.
Donohue, Henry F., Chicago, Sept. 20, 1883.
Dresser, Clarence P., Kansas City» April 24, 1891.
Duffy, Frank H,, Washington, D. C, April 5, 1880.
Duncan, Will A., Ann Arbor, Mich., Feb, 7, 1893; 21 years.
Ely, Charles A., Frederick, Md., Dec. 10, 1881.
Emerson, Florence, Indiana, Jan. 20, 1892.
Farwell, Edward A., Boston, Mass., Jan. 11, 1871.
Fieldwisch, Henry L., Denver, Nov., 1887; 34 years.
Fiske, Wm. A., 187—.
FiTTLE, John F., Brooklyn, Aug.,1880;21 j'ears.
Fuller, Maud L., South Boston, Mass., Dec. 9, 1896.
Gang, Albert, Indianapolis, Ind.. 1893.
Gans, Chas. W., Banning, Cal., March 5, 1893; 22 years.
Gerner, Richard, England, July 30, 1885 ; 29 years.
GoDLEY, Harry C, Jersey City, N. J., Jan. 13, 1892.
GoFF, Charles L., Bowling Green, O., Aug. 12, 1899.
Grant, Alex. D., New Glasgow, N. S., 1899.
Grant, Finlay A., Fargo, N. Dak., May 2, 1897 ; 34 years. ^
Grummond, George M,, Grand Rapids, Mich., March 11, 1887.
GuiNDON, Eugene F,, San Francisco, Aug. 29, 1886 ; 22 years.
331 HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION.
Hanks, Chas., Covington, Ky., 1879.
Hart, Henry S., Philadelphia, April 27, 1881 ; 21 years.
HicKEY, D. J., New York City, 1888.
HiLLTER, Will S., 1885.
HoTT, George M., California, Jan. 23, 1888; 28 years.
Imovilla, Henrietta N., Everett, Mass., April 20,1896; 14 years.
Johnson, B. N., Barker, N. Dak., 1891.
Johnson, Franklin C, Nice, France, Jan. 6, 1895.
Kitchen, L. W., Logan, la., June 23, 1891.
Kellner, Fred M., Wilmington, Del., Aug. 14, 1881, 17 years.
Koelle, Fred J., New York City, 1881 ; 23 years.
Lautz, Will H., Fort Wayne, Ind., Dec. 11, 1895 ; 21 years.
Leaning, WillE., Gloversville, N. Y., summer, 1890.
Lee, Franklyn W., Minnesota, 1898.
Lloyd, Chas. E., University, Cal., April 27, 1894.
LooNEY, Ralph M., Sedalia, Mo., May 24, 1880; 19 years.
Marun, Pauline, East Oakland, Cal., Jan. 17, 1896 ; 17 years,
McClinton, R., San Francisco, April, 1882 ; 11 years.
McCune, Arthur, New Orleans, 1895.
McGreevy, Cornelius, Vaakleek Hill, Ont., Dec. 6, 1881.
Moore, Alva P., Rivers Station, Cal., May 15, 1895 ; 18 years.
Moore, Wm. S., San Francisco, Feb. 1, 1896.
Morris, Samuel L. C, Greensburg, Pa,, Sept. 7, 1878; 17 years.
Newcomer, EdwardP., Cedar Rapids, la., April 19, 1893.
Nicholson, R. B., Lyber Beach, Ga., Sept, 13, 1881 ; 20 years.
NiEDERMEYER, Otto A., June, 1878.
Nutter, Lewis H., Boston, June 2, 1893.
Oakley, Walter D., Memphis, Tenn., Aug. 25, 1878 ; 22 years.
Oberlies, M., Jr., New York, July 8, 1893 ; 21 years.
Parsons, Thos. H., Buffalo, N. Y., July 4, 1892.
Paty, Emma T., Abington, Mass., Sept. 4, 1896.
Penn, Myron L.
Pfeiffer, Francis, Scarboro, Ga., Aug. 6, 1885 ; 15 years.
Redick, BertL., Seattle, Wash., Feb. 8, 1896.
Reeve, P^ankN., Pittsburg, Pa., April 19, 1888.
Robinson, Edmond, Auburn, Cal., Aug. 25, 1886; 19 years.
Ross, Wm., New York, April, 1882.
Russell, W. H., Memphis, Tenn., Sept. 13, 1878; 19 years.
Sanford, G. O., Nova Scotia, 1881.
Selden, Frank H., Moodus, Conn., Feb. 2, 1882 ; 20 years.
Sellman, Wallie J., Evansville, Ind., April 28, 1885 ; 19 years.
Sheddy, Martin J., New York, July 21, 1881 ; 25 years.
HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION. 335
Shelp, MabloaH., St. Paul, Minu., May, 1896.
Smith, Benton V., Muskegon, Mich.
Smith, Frank H., Haverhill, Miss., Dec. 9, 1896.
Spencer, Lucius H., Essondale, Cal., Feb. 12, 1897.
Standerwick, James S., San Francisco ; Sept., 1881 ; 18 years.
Steele, Chas G., Jr., Buffalo, N. Y., Feb. 11, 1888; 27 years.
Stempel, Austin C, Chicago, III., July 18, 1889 ; 19 years.
Stone, Clarence E.
Stowell, Edward E., Pomona, Cal., Feb. 5, 1888 ; 24 years.
Sutter, Chas., Port Blakeley, Wash., Jan, 9, 1895 ; 19 years.
Sweet, George M., Nova Scotia, 1881.
Sweet, Millard F., Florida, 1882 or 3.
Thoma, Aloys A., Rochester, N. Y., April 3, 1887 ; 22 years.
Tully, Laura Lowden, San Antonio, Tex., 1896.
Waters, Harry L. B., Pittsburg, Pa., March 20,1886, 21 years.
Welles, Harry T., Chicago, 111., Feb. 17, 1888 ; 17 years.
Wheeler, George H., Findlay O., 1878.
Whipple, W. O., Massachusetts, 1891.
White, Claude M., Homer, La., 1889 or '90.
Williams, Clay, Cincinnati, O., Feb. 4, 1882, 14 years.
Williams, Oswald, Cincinnati, O., July 17, 1880.
WoFFENDEN, Gracia A. Smith, Springfield, Mass., May 28, 1888.
WooDZELLE, Fannie H., Cleek's Mills, Va., May 28, 1888.
Wright, Will L., Los Angelos, Cal., 1887.
CHtfrTER 36.
THE INVESTIGATOR.
Review of a Volume of the Finest Amateur Magazine Ever Published.
Contributed by Mrs. Leola White yixon.
ONE of the most highly prized volumes in our library is a large, black morocco-bound, book, bearing this inscrip- tion: "The Investigator — Spencer." Its dignified appearance and the erudite sound of its title, often attracts atten- tion. It is a volume of which any amateur should be proud. Beautifully printed on fine paper, attractively arranged and illus- trated, it is a high exponent of the printers' art. It contains some of the best amateur literature ever published, the most t.'vlented composers of the time contributing to its pages. It was edited by Truman Joseph Spencer, of New Britain, Conn., and covers a period of four years. The first number appeared in June, 1891, and the handsome "Farewell" Investigator in 1895. The entire volume contains twenty-four issues and 640 beautiful pages. Without doubt it is the finest volume of an amateur paper ever published.
The fourth issue was a superb "New Year's Number" of fifty pages. With an artistic cover, a full page frontispiece — "The Venetian Moor" by L. H. Spencer — beautiful initial letters and vignetted pages, it almost took the breath of the happy amateur recipients. Such authors as Fanny Kemble Johnson, Frank D. Woollen, Bertha Grant, Frederic Theo Mayor, Brainerd Prescott Emery, Harriet C. Cox, Joseph Dana Miller, Edith Miniter, Everard Appleton, Ernest A. Edkins, Alice T. Thayr and Tru- man J. Spencer contributed to this issue, assuring one of the high quality of its contents.
The Investigator was issued every second month during the first year, but volume II, beginning in July, 1892, was sent out in monthly numbers, being completed with the December issue.
Another delightful surprise came to Amateurdom in the "Midwinter Number" oi ihQ Investigator. It is similar to the
HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION 337
''New Year's Number," only larger and finer. With its 120 pages, uniquely illustrated, filled witli meritorious sketches, essays, poems and editorial comment, completed with a hand- some medallion ornamented cover, it is the finest single issue of any amateur paper ever published. The contributors to this issue are Bertha Y. Grant, Bland R. Huddleston, Fanny Kemble Johnson, Edith Miniter, Brainerd P. Emeiy, John Winslow Sny- der, Clara Tardy Gresham, Frederic Theo Mayor, Joseph Dana Miller, Ella Maud Frye, Annie Laurie Lynde, Kathlene F. Smith, Mary W. Morton, George Edgar Frye, Waldo P. Johnson, Alice T. Thayr, Ernest A. Edkins, Frances A. Parsons, Susan B. Robbins, Capitola LeNoir Harrison, Will A. Duncan, Truman J. Spencer, Harriet Caryl Cox and Will R. AntisdeL
The third number of volume III was the "Shakespeare Anniver- sary Number," April, 1893. This is possibly the most valuable of all the issues of the Investigaior. Mr. Spencer is a true Shakes- pearean scholar, and in this issue gave his readers the cream of much study. Within its sixty pages are found poems by Joseph Dana Miller, John Kendall, V. J. Butler and H. F. Donahue. Mr. James F. Morton, Jr., contributes an able essay, entitled "A Forgotten Tragedy," dealing with the i)lay of Henry VI. In answer to a' request from Mr. Spencer, a number of amateurs expressed their preferences as to passages and plays. A unique ''Love Letter" of two and a half pages, every word and letter found in the works of Shakespeare is given by Mr, Spencer. C. W. Ellsworth contributes a sketch, ''Dogberry." Mr. Spencer has a page of seven tablets illlustrating "Life's Fitful Fever," Twenty-eight pages of valuable comment by the editor completes the issue.
Four other notable numbers were sent out — the convention issues of '93 and '94 ; twenty-four page Christmas, '93, issue; and the splendid "Farewell Number."
The "Farewell" Investigator is a fiitting close to the volume, adding strength, beauty and pathos to the whole. It consists of 108 pages, a handsome cover, a full page frontispiece, beautifully tinted headings and initial letters and contributions from twenty of the best authors known in the amateur world. Some regard it the peer of the famous "Midwinter Issue," and surelj^ it is a
338
HISTOBY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION.
close rival. A certain feeling of sadness pervades one's spirit in
reading the "Farewell" Investigator — a heartfelt regret that ^'a
necessary end will come."
Much of the beauty of the entire volume is due to the artistic
talent of Mr. Lucius H. Spencer^ brother of the editor. He was
particularly graceful in his initial letters, headings and small
marginal pictures. Their delicate coloring and suggestive
designs speak a beautiful language of their own. There can never
be SLich another volume of tiie Investigatory for the sympathetic
hand of the artist is stilled ; yet
''To live in hearts we leave behind Is not to die."
CHAPTER 37.
MISCELLANEOUS.
Amateur Pioneers. — Early Associations. — Amateur Fairs. — Representation at Vienna. — Amateur Press Encourage- ment Association. — Young Women's A, P. A.
AMATEUR PIONEERS.
1812 — Thos G. Candie issued the Juvenile FoHfolio aiid Lit- erary Miscellany, weekly, ia Philadelphia, commeacing Oct 17, for five years. Name was then changed to Parlor Cowipanion. All trace lost after May, 1816. Cundie was 14 years old and an invalid.
1846 — April 4, Wm. Henry Button began published the Sun beam, in Boston ; four pages, 5x7. The paper continued until April 17, 1852.
1851 — Two boys issued four numbers of the Democrat from Skaneaths, N. Y.
1853 — Graveseud Item published.
1858 — C. H. Kent (14 years old) published the Coos Herald at Lancaster, N. H.
1860— Robert H. Canfield and Robert Lee issued the Bath Union at Bath, Me.
I860 — Miss Nellie Williams published the PenfieU Extra at Peufield, N. Y., weekly, from an office owned by her brother who had entered the army.
I860 — C. H, Lane issued the ifowi^or from Exeter, N. H.
1866 — Harry E. Wheeler published the Weekly Star at Evans- ville, Ind. Same editor in 1867 published the Welcome Visitor.
EARLY ASSOCIATIONS.
N. A. P. A.— 1869-1873.
1869 — Amateur Printer's Association organized at residence of Charles Scribner, New York, Sept. 18, J. B. Scribner, chairman ; W. L. Terhune, secretary.
March 2, 1870, second convention, Newark, N. J. Name changed to Amateur Press Association. W. L, Terhune, presi- dent ; Geo. W, Hills, secretary.
340 HrSTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION
July 7, 1870, third conveution, Boston, W. L. TerhunCy president; Edwin A. Farwell, vice-president; Geo. W. Hills, secretary ; C. H. Fowle, treasurer.
Jan. 18, 1871, fourth convention, Buffalo. E. H. Hutchinson, president; Chas. McColm, first vice-president; Wra. Howe Downes, second vice-president ; J.F.Osgood, secretary; Geo, B. Smith, treasurer.
July 12, 1871, fifth convention, Pittsburgh.
1872, sixth convention, Philadelphia, Wm. Howe
Downes, president ; John A. Fox, vice-president ; John Harper, secretary ; W. F. Miller, treasurer.
July 9, 1873, seventh conveution, Chicago. Chas. S. Diehl, president; E. A. Henderson, first vice-president ; Geo. W. Harn^ second vice-president.
OTHER ORGANIZATIONS.
1872— Eastern, Western, Baltimore, Bay State, California, Granite State, Jersey Blue, Kentucky, New York, Pittsburgh, Southern Associations organized.
1873 — Louisville, Philadelphia Branch of Eastern, Empire State, New Orleans and U . S. Reform Associations organized.
1875 — Feb. 2, American Amateur Editors' Association organ- ized at Walcott, N. Y. Avvarded a prize to the Boys^ Herald as the best amateur paper then published."
AMATEUR FAIRS.
The first annual fair of the United States Amateur Exhibition was held at Bath, N. Y., May 1, 1S74, and premiums to the amount of $10 were awarded. Now aud Then, of Chattanooga, Tenn., was awarded the prize for being the best amateur paper represented ; "Salt Point" for the best puzzle department and "Kork" for the best batch of puzzles. — Harrison's Career.
An Amateur Exposition was held at Leroy, N. Y., Oct 15, 1874, at which the Idler received a prize as being the best printed and the Boys^ Herald a prize as the best edited amateur paper. — Harrison's Career.
REPRESENTATION AT VIENNA. In. the spriUj^ of this year [1873], the New York Amateur Press Association resolved to have Amateur Journalism repre- sented at Vienna, Austria, at the world's exhibition, and made preparatiors for sending four amateurs there for the purpose of issuing a small journal as an exponent of American Amateur
HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION
Journalism. A printing press, type, etc, were procured, and W. N. Stewart, VVm. Howe Downes, Wm. Furber Miller and I. JaroslawskI undertook the trip/ The boys were received with :a sort of suspicion by the authorities, and each number of their little paper, the American Youth, was very closely inspected before they were allowed to be distributed. But when, regardless •of all obstacles, the Youths in eight page, sixteen column form, made its appearance regularly every Saturday, until the close of the exhibition, it attracted the attention of Americans, as well as those of the royalty and nobility of the old world, and this exemplification of American progress was praised by journalists from San Francisco to Athens, who were lavish in their ecomiums upon the pluck of the American boys, who were certainly deserv- ing of all the praise they received. — Harrison's Career.
AMATEUR PKESS ENCOURAGEMENT ASS'N. The Amateur Press Encouragement Association was organized in 1885, mainly through the efforts of Ed. P. Cook. Its object was to gather current amateur papers and send them out in bun- dles to recruits, who were not apt get current papers in other ways. Ed. P. Cook was president of the Association; H. Free- man, Jr., first vice-president ; E. D. Shaw, second vice president. Fen and Press was used as an official organ in which reports were made of work accomplished. The organization lived about a year.
YOUNG WOMEN'S A. F. A.
A Young Women's A. P. A. was organized about June, 1885. It was oflScered as follows: President, Zelda Arlington; vice- president, Helen G. Phillips ; secretary, Dora E. Sheldon ; treasurer, Bertha Y. Grant ; official editor, Edith M. Dowe. The Yiolet was the official organ. No conventions were held and the Association lived only about a year.
Cable of Contents.
Chapter 1— OrigiD of the N. A, P, A 1
Many Claimants for the Honor of Planning a National Association— C. E. Williams Named by James Austin Fynes— James M. Beck Says Philadelphia Amateurs were Responsible for the Plan— Suggestion of E. R. Rialein September, 1875— The Philadelphia Association —Accumulating a Convention Fund — Division of the Philadelphia Amateurs— Beck's Plan— Approval from Boston— uoalition of Two Societies attempted, without Success— Two Conventions Called— The Meeting at City Institute Hall, July 4— "Winslow" Credits the Plan to the Portland Gazette— UonoT to Beck and Other Philadelphians.
Chapter 2 — The First Convention ^
A Few Introductory Remarks— Philadelphia, July 4. 1876 — '-Winslow's'' Account— Invitations from Philadelphia —Arrival at the Mecca— A First View— A Representa- tive Gathering— Call to Order— (jrerner's Address of Welcome— Suggestions of the Political Battle— Perma- nent Officers Elected— The National Amateur Press As- sociation Organized— Official Board Completed— Other Business— Literary Exercises— A Telegraphic Report- Prominent Papers of the Year.
Chapter 3 — The Long Branch Convention . . 12
Politics to the Fore— Candidates Plentiful— Gerner's-'Con- gress Scheme"— Sectionalism Appears -Ohio Amateurs Pass Resolutions— "Winslow" Replies, Suggesting that Meetings Alternate East an I West— President's Proc- lamation—Clossey's Convention Account— "Winslow" Defines an Amateur— '-CongrebS Scheme" Tabled— An- other Constitution Committee Appointed — Dingwall Elected President— Sensational Literature Denounced— Prominent Papers of the Year.
Chapter 4 — The Chicago Convention of 1878 27
The Second Generation Comes On- The Postal Troubles — The Campaign— Convention in Chicago— New Con- stitution Adopted— Struggle for the Presidency— The Banquet at the Palmer House -Editors' Lyceum and Critics' League -The Charges of Fraud— Prominent Papers of the Year— The First National Amateur— The Constitution.
Chapter 5— The Washington Convention of 1879 37
The Year 1870— Extracts from President's Messages- Waller as a Historian — Washington'sManyCouventions —The Briggs Campaign— Mistakes of Briggs and Gee—
344 HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMA.TEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION.
Fynes' Hopeless Candidacy— Lukewarm Briggs Men Desert for the Enemy— The Convention Assembled— Credentials Committee and Its Work— Tlie Skirmish Be- fore the Battle— Proxy Committee and Its Remarkable Keport— Proxies Thrown Ont— Briggs Elected on First Ballot— Irregularities Charged— Briggs Caucus Makes a Full Ticket— Fynes' Followers Plan for a Second Ballot —Charges and Counter Charges— Personnel of the Gathering— Some Figures— Mount Vernon Excursion— Fynes Men Disgusted— Laureate Awards— King Kushing Again Reigns— Hotel Proprietor to the Rescue— Esti- mates of the Proxy Vote — Southerners Withdraw Be- cause of Clarke's Election to Office— Papers of the Year.
Chapter 6 — Tlie A. A. A. Assc^ciaiion 58
The Negro as an Amateur — Oldham's Stand — Clarke De- feats Carr— Action in North Carolina— Universal En- dorsement in the South — Organization of the A. A. A, A.— Its Officers— How It T^'orked— It May be Still Alive.
Chapter 7 — The Meelinj/ in Cincinnati 63
Conditions Improving— Campaigns and Campaigning— The Convention and Attendants— Officers Elected and Constitution Amended— "Old Sledge's" Account— The Constitution in Full, as Amended— New Members Ad- • mitted— Interest Waning — Papers of the Year.
Chapter 8 — Beginning Over, at Buffalo 78
The Year Opens Quietly— Sanderson's Convention Report —Small Attendance— The Transom Trick— Election of Officers— Kempner's Account— Organization of the I. A. A. L. — Official Minutes— Laureateships— Reeve's Ad- ministration— Papers of the Year.
Chapter 9 — A Continuance of Prosperity 88
Campaigns Opened in January— The Miller Boom— The Scotield Caucus— Work of the Convention— Members Pj-Psent— Election of Officers— Resolutions on Flashy Literature— The Banquet— The St, Nicholas Article.— Fi- nances of the N. A, P. A. — rhe National Amateur — Papers of the Tear.
Chapter 10— The CJatUerirg iii Gotham 100
Opening of a Prosperous Year— The Campaign Preceding the Convention— Steele's Meteoric Candidacy— Wy lie Brought to the Fore— Legler Nominated— Fischer's Plans Crushed— Watkyns as a Campaign Manager— The Proxies to be Counted- Caucus Nominations — The Con- vention and Officers Elected— The Banquet— Amend- menis to the Constitution — Brewster's Affidavit — Harri- son's National Amateur — E^apers of the Year.
Chapter 1 1 — The Milwaukee Meeting 112
An Unauspicious Opening— President Wy lie's Resigna- tion. Brought About by the Fischer Fraud— The Conven- tion Called by Mercur— Truman Spencer's Accounts-- Wylie Unseated and Legler Declared the President—
HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION. 345
Election of Officers--Expulsion of Fischer, Kussell and Martin- -Laureate Entries of the Year--Kempner's Fi- nancial Report--Heath Promoted to the Presidency-- Papers of the Year.
Chapter 12— The "Halcyon Days'' Returned 140
Heath Assumes the Presidency — Historian Laureate Re- corder's Report — ''Mugwump's" Convention Account — Election of Sullivan— Grant- York Wedding- -The Ban- quet--Papers of the Year.
Chapter 13—" 'Frisco in '86" 150
Political Phases--The San Francisco Convent'on--Munro Elected President- -Judiciary Committee's Report — JPapers, Authors and Books of the Year.
Chapter 14 — The Literary Lyceum of America 170
Mr. Emery's Reasoning— Whoelsecoulditbe to Lorenzo- Announcement and Constitution of the Lyceum— The Executive Board's Manifesto- -Spencer's Open Letter to Emery — Action of Judiciary Committee— The Refor- mation Over.
Chapter 15 — Philadelphia's Second Convention 186
Campaigns Open the Year--The Philadelphia Meeting-- Proxies Thrown Out--Reports of Officers--Moore's Re- view of the Year— The National Amateur.
Chapter 16— A Year of Good Work 193
Laureate Recorder Barker's Report™ Review of the Year's Work— The Chicago Convention — Barker Elected Over Woollen- -Moore's Name Put on the Presidential Ros- ter--The National Amateur.
Chapter 17 — Buffalo's Second Convention 203
The Conservative Party Organized— The Buffalo Conven- tion— Election of Officers — The New Constitution — Alumni Organizations.
Chapter 18— The Boston Conference of 1890 220
Amateurs in Attendance — Subjects Discussed — The Ban- quet and Toast Responses.
Chapter 19 — Amateurs Gather at Indianapolis 222
President Kempner's Official Appointments — Meeting Changed from Cleveland — The Grant and Dunlop Cam- paigns— Swift as Convention Chronicler--The Member- ship Revised — Constitution Amended.
Chapter 20 — The Second Boston Conference 229
Amateurs in Attendance- -Papers Read and Thoroughly Discussed.
Chapter 21— Red-Letter Days 230
A Triangular Presidential Concest — The Fine Array of Papers in 1891- -Spencer's Magnificent Volume-~Mor-
346 HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEUR PRESS ASSOCIATION.
ton's Account of the Philadelphia Meeting— The Offi- cial Minutes.
Chapter 22— The Schermerhoru Bolt. 239
The Minutes on Which They Based the Legality of Their Actions— Full Eeport of the Proxy Committee— How Officers Were Elected— Resolutions Adopted— Peculiar- ities of the Case.
Chapter 23 — Swift's Administration — Boston Convention . 246
Dr. fSwift's Personal Work— Trouble With Officers — Spencer a Candidate for President — The Boston Con- vention and Its Business.
Chapter 24 — The Schermerhorn Faction at Buffalo 251
Amateurs in Attendance— Amalgamation With the Mu- tual Benefit Association— Election of Officers and Ban- quet.
Chapter 25 — Mutual Benefit Amateur Press Association. . . 254
Where the Association was Planned— -Dunlop's Election Made It Certain--Call for Organization— Success In- stantaneous-'The Mutual Conference— Absorption by the National.
Chapter 26 — The National Amateur Protective Association 259
Sketch of the Association— How It Was Organized-— Of- ficers and Work Accomplished.
Chapter 27— The World's Fnir M^ et . . .• 2G1
The Year Reviewed- -Mrs. Leola Nixon as Convention Ghronicler— Amateurs in Attend-ance--The Amalgama- tion Report- -A New Ex-President and the Discussion Provoked--Banquet at the Leland. Chapter 28 — A Yenr of Many Changes 268
The Breach Heale 1--Financial Influences on Amateur Jonrnalism--The Bofctou Convention E'ects Burger President--Reception and Banquet--New Constitution Adopted.
Chapter 29— Wiien the Press Clubs Flourished. 278
Conterences at Boston and San Francisco- -President Burger's Work as an Organizer- -Death of Franklin C. Johnson--The Chicago Convention- Blackballing of Candidates for Membership- -Compromise Measures— The Resul t.
Chapter 30— Back at the Nation's Capital 285
Changes in Official Board- -President Hancock's Views and His Work- -New Members- -The Washington Con- vention, as Seen by Linden Dey--The New Constitution. Chapter 31— Back to the Golden Gate 294
The Storm Following the Washington Convention- -In- active Officials-The San Francisco Gathering--Another ''New" Constitution— An Interesting Election— The Business Transacted.
IIISTOKY OF THE NATIONAL AMATEL'li PRESS ASSOCIATION. ^47
Chapter 32^Gatbeni]g in Gotham Again 300
Necessary Changes in Official Board— Chicago Amateur Press Club's Handsome Act— Steinberg's Account of the New York Convention.
Chapter 33 — Chicago's Filth Convention 306
Mr. Thiele's Objections— The Historian's Eeport, Con- densed— The Chicago Convention, as Seen b}' Francis P. Goss— The National Amateur Clearing House— List ot Members.
Chapter 34 — Literature of Amateur Journalism 319
Groping for the Light in Early Days--Amateurdom's Great Serial Stories— The New Era of 1882— The Ee- action and Its Eesults.
Chapter 35 — In Memory of Those Gone Before' 325
Tributes to Ex-Presidents Wright, Parsons, Eeeve, Grant, Stowell and Moore— Others Who Have Passed Away.
Chapter 36 — The Investigator 336
Eeview of a Volume of the Finest Amateur Magazine Ever Published.
Chapter 37 — Miscellaneous 339
Amateur Pioneers— Early Associations-— Amateur Fairs— Eepresentation at Vienna— Amateur Press Encourage- ment Association — Young Women's A. P. A.
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