The Portland daily press., 1886-02-16

In the State of Maine there were in 1880
seven hundred and ninety-seven blind, ra
tio of 1882 to the million of inhabitants; an
increase over the average number of blind
per million in the United States of 256, or
over 26 per cent. Of the deaf there were
455, ratio of 694 to the million of inhabi-
tants; an increase of 10, or about 3 per cent.
over the average number of deaf per mil
lion throughout the United States. While
the population of Maine increased only
about 81 per cent from 1870 to 1880, the blind
increased during the same period 146 per
cent. and the blind 80 per cent. Such large
class Of unfortunates is sufficient to arouse
the sympathy of the philanthropic people of
the State, especially as those actually deaf
and blind are few compared with the men,
bers who need relief for less serious troubles
of eyes and ears. Eye and ear infrmaries,
since the first experimentin 1854 have con-
tributed materially to the alleviation of this
class of sufferers; they have done especially
good work in encouraging the treatment of
disease at its inception.
Mr.. Frank wanted DR.. Holt to state, in adj
dition to this general discourse, particulars
of the plan which was to be considered by the
gentlemen present.
Dr. Holt said in reply that the object of
the meeting was to bring into legal exist
ence an association of gentlemen for the
purpose of establishing an eye and ear in
irmary.
Mr.. Frank spoke briefly in praise of such
an undertaking.
1t was voted unanimously by the gentle
ca,,%t hot olx1oc
into a corporation for the purposes set
forth.
On motion of Mr.. Frank it was votea that
the name of the corporation be the 'Maine
Eye and Ear Infirmary."
DR.. Holt moved that committee be
elected to prepare a constitution and by
laws. 1t was So voted, and Messrs. Frank,
Stevens and Holt were elected as the COM
mittee
DR.. Holt had a draft of a proposed consti-
tuition right there, and read it. These
are the principal features of it:
Article provides that the name of the corpora
ton shall be the 'Maine Eye and Ear Infirmary."
To establish and maintain in the city of Portland
an eye and ear infirmary where daily clinics may
be held for the treatment, free of charge, of any
poor persons in the State who may be suffering
from diseases Of the eye and ear.
Article defines the conditions of membership
The petitioners, when they shall have signed the
constitution and bylaws, shall become members,
as well as those who may be elected UNANIMOUSLY.
Honorary members will not be required to sign
the constitution and bylaws,
Article provides that the officers shall con.
sist OF a president, two vice presidents, secre-
tary, treasurer and board of trustees
Article defines the functions of the board of
trustees which shall consist of not less than
twelve members nor more than twenty-four per-
sons together with the board of medical officers of
the infrmary, VINO are eT-oDcto members Of the
and majority board decides all question. At
the first election at least twelve trustees snail be
elected. These shall be divided into three
classes: Those of the fast class holding office one
year; those of the second, two; and those of the
third, three. Elections are to be annually held on
the first Monday in January The trustees elect
their own president Vacancies in the board are
to be filled by the board itself. The board shall
meet on the first Mondays of April July and Oe-
tober of each year, bnt may be convened at any
time on call of the president any two members.
Article provides that the president and vice
president OF the lnfrmary shall be elected annu-
| ally.
Article provides that the secretary and treas
| urer shall be elected annually.
Article defines the constitution and duties of
| the executive committee. The members of this
| committee shall be members of the board of trus
tees who graduates of medicine, together with
| other members of the board. This committee can
number not less than five nor more than seven,
an and Is to be designated @ II BY and hold office during
Article 8 states that medical officers shall be
appointed by the board of trustees as they shall
Article 10 provides for visiting committee of
eight. two of whom shall serve three months out
OF a year. This committee is elected by the board
of trustees.
Article IL gives the boord of trustees power to
| adopt code of bylaws.
Article IL relates to amendments.
DR.. Holt also had a draft of proposed by
laws, of which this is a synopsis:
Articles 1, 2, 3 and define the duties of the
president, vice presidents, secretary, treasurer
and executive committee.
Article directs the visiting committee to visit
| the infrmary once month.
Article relates to initiatory and annual fees,
| which are to be voluntary.
Other articles specify the order of business
at meetings, and other details.
After the gentlemen had listened to the
reading of the proposed constitution and by
laws they voted that the report of the COM
mittee be accepted, and that the constitution
| be adopted.
This committee on nominations was then
elected: Messrs. NJ. P. Frank, ]. c. Stevens
| and DR.. Holt.
1t was voted that when the meeting ad-
| journed it should be to next Monday even
| ing and to Reception Hail.
1t was voted to have the constitution en-
| crossed before the next meeting.
DR.. Holt, Rev. Mr.. Doherty, and Mr.. j. B.
Hudson then made brief remarks commenda-
| tory of the new undertaking.
Adjourned 945 o'clock