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

An Active Members Opinion of tho Mercan-
tile Library Associations Troubles.
To THE EDITOR OF THE HERALD:-
l 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 or 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:-wth
$4,000 members, about one-haif OF whom are voters,
only about l. 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 this? 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.
agementP / Will tell YOU About fifty members
more or less, divided into two factions, aspir.
ants for the high honor OF holding Office. They hold
nominating meetings with scarcely any notice to
any but their particular friends, and nominate
themselves. Very few members know who they are
to vote for until the lists OF candidates published
a day two before the election. Then, election
day. the polls are under the control OF 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.
blers, runans, unworthy characters and many
others not members were allowed 10 vote aud re-
peat their votes in the interest OF the socaled regu
lar ticket while many members who held opposition
ballots not permitted 10 vote and told that
their names were checked on as voted and on other
fraudulent preexts, and were not allowed to swear
In their vote and no satisfaction gwen them, and
this IN the presence OF the principal officers OF the
ASSOCIATION and against the energetic protests then
and there of other members.
These facts that nave 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 den,ed, that | am aware OF. Now,
what Is 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 the annual meetings,
also board VI canvassers: also providing that de.
sired amendments shall be posted In the library ten
days previous TO the annual meeting, scted upon at
tnat meeting, but only 10 be valid wnen ratified by
ballot at the ensuing election. As II now impor-
tant amendments are passed at the annual meet
ings the import OF which few members have heard
Of or had proper timc to consider.
Other improvements might be included In the new
constitutions out II Is or great Importance that we
have a iair election; and would here make a sug-
gcsti0n--tha In order that none but members may
vote, each person Offering ballot shall produce his
last seceipt for dues, which should, when votes,
be marked voted" That appears to me simple