The morning star and Catholic messenger. [volume] (New Orleans [La.]) 1868-1881, 1874-01-18

The Association numbers twelve Branches
against fourteen last year, numbered from one
to fourteen, Branches twelve and thirteen
having been disbanded during the year.
At first sight this exhibit would cause one to
suppose that the organization is not in as good
coud ton as it was last year, but considera-
ton of the following extract from the report
of the President, Mr.. r. II. BARLEY, will show
that the loss of members has really added to
it's stability, efficiency and prosperity It will
be perceived that the Association has mate
rally decreased in point of numbers since the
last annual report. This dminution in mem
bership has not affected the stability or stand
ing of the Association but. on the contrary,
has been benefit, as the composition OF the
branches is much better to-day than it has
been any year since their organization. The
spirit Of emulation that existed amongst the
Branches during the years of II and ~ caused
them to admit many members whose habits OF
life or physical condition were such that they
should have been debarred the privilege of
membership, and the enthusiasm created by
the several public parades caused many to
affiliate with Branches already organized, and
also the creation of several new ones, q great
number of whose members never were imbued
with the proper spirit, and the result has been
that the Branches have been from time to time
compelled to eXpel large numbers for nom
payment Of dues and, in the cases of
Branches Nos. IL and 10, caused their dissolu-
ton and winding up of their affairs by your
Board of Delegates which duty, trust, will
never again devolve upon any of their success
sors The number of designations, will be
seen upon referring to the report of the Secre-
tary, has been very large, during the past year
"a great many of whom were good and worthy
members, who found it impossible, during the
hard times W hich have afflicted as, to pay their
dues within the time required by the coustitu
ton governing their Branches, and adopted
the laudable course of resigning before being
expelled for non-payment of dues"
The charities of the Association have been
very great, the large sum of $1,000 % having
the year. When We think of the amount Of
suffering this sum has nlleviated, the comforts
it has brought to many home, we can appre-
ciate the noble generosity of the members of
the Association. But this sum represents only
that portion of the charity given through the
Central Board, all the contributions to the
sick from the several Branches being over
and above this amount, hence we can safely
year, given no less than $4,000 to the needy.
In congratulating the Hibernians upon the
great success heretofore attending their labors
in the cause of charity and nationality, and in
wishing them an ever-increasing measure of
and usefulness, we but give express
sion to the feelings of citizens of all nation
alities.
To the retiring Secretary, Mr.. John C. Muir
ray, we desire to return our thanks for many
favors. The punctuality and efficiency with
which he fulfilled the duties of his Office dur.
ing the past two years have received the high |
est praise from all those in contact with whom
his duties have brought him. For the iuforma-
ton of the members of the Association VI will |
state that the present Secretary, Mr.. McGarry,
may be seen daily at the Office of the Associa-
ton, 116 Poydras street, from to BPM.
We publish in another column tho names of
tho gentlemen who were elected the 18th mat 10