The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1871-05-16
An Active Members Opinion Of tho Mercan.
tile Library Associations Troubles.

An Active Members Opinion of tho Mercan-
tile Library Associations Troubles.
To THE EDITOR OF THE HERALD:-
am now, ana have been for MANY years. an
active member OF the Mercantile Library OF this city,
ana like the large majority OF Its members, exceed
ingy regret the scandal That OF late TO have
fallen upon u.s. and 1t seems me that In all the
matter recently published in relation thereto, the
real evils nave been left untouched and, with your
PERMISSION, would like to present my opinions TO
the public and TO my fellow members for their con-
sheraton. And, first, AS to the real facts:-With
$4,000 members. about onehalf OF whom are voters,
only about 200 votes are cast during the most cx-
citing election lasting some nine hours. When
there Is but one ticket offered only about
half that number. Why Is this2 Simply by
reason OF the bad management ut the polls,
thereby disgusting many good members and pre-
venting their attendance. And why this bad man.
agement2 ] Will tell you. About fifty members,
more or less, divided into two factions, are aspir.
ants for the high honor OF holding Office. They hold
nominating meetings with scarcely any notice to
any but their particular friends, aud nominate
themselves. Very few members know who they are
to vote for until the lists OF candidates are published
q day or two before the election. Then, election
day. the polls are under the control or the directors
then in once, who appoint relatives ana particular
friends as inspectors. The latter decide who may
vote ana count the votes after the polls close.
The newspapers OF May 10, 1870, charged that gam
blers, runans, unworthy characters and many
others not members were allowed 10 vote aud re-
peat their votes IN the interest OF the socaed regu
lar ticket while mauy members who held opposition
ballots were not permitted 10 vote and were told that
their names were checked on as voted and on other
fraudulent preexts, and were not allowed to swear
In their vote ana no satisfaction gwen them ana
this IN the presence OF the principal officers OF the
association and gains the energetic protests then
and there OF other members.
These facts that l have stated, as well as the
charge against the directors OF issuing tickets and
packing the hall on the 9th inst. 10y persons not
members cannot be and have not been truth
fully denied, that 1 am aware or Now,
what IL the remedy for these evils which
shall insure us fair elections and proper pro-
ceedlngs at the annual meetings. In my opinion
we need new constitution, WIN provision that in
spectors shall be elected at me annual meetings.
also board OF canvassers: also providing that de.
sired amendments shall be posted In the library ten
days previous TO the annual meeting, ,cted upon at
that meeting, but only 10 be valid wnen ratified by
ballot al the ensuing election. As II IL impor.
tant amendments are passed at the annual meet
ings the import OF which few members have heard
OF or had proper tlmc to consider.
Other improvements might be included In the new
constitutions out 1t Is OF great Importance that we
have iar election; and | would here make q sug-
Pcstion--that in order that none but members may
vote each person Offering ballot shall produce ms
last receipt for dues. which should when ne votes,
be marked voted" That appears to me simple