The Roanoke times. [volume] (Roanoke, Va.) 1890-1895, 1891-04-11
THE COMMERCIAL ASSOCIATION
Was Formally Organized Last
Night
And Constitution and Bylaws Adopted
Lively Discussion of the Practicabiiitv
OF Holding Weekly Meetings-Execu-
tive and Finance COMMITTEES Appointed
by the Board of Directors.

The now Commercial Association was
formally organized last night. On ao-
count Of the inclement weather there
was slim attendance, but those who
were there were full Of enthusiasm.
About twenty stockholders wore pres
ent, however. and as many moro we're
represented by proxy.
j. Il. Engleby was made temporary
chairman, and called the meeting to
order.
A list of the subscribers was read by
Mr.. Pechin, and on motion ordered to be
spread on the minutes.
MIR. Pechin had prepared q set of by
laws beforehand. In doing so he stated
that II a committee had been appointed
it would have been anywhere between
two weeks and two years before they
would have reported.
Mr.. Pechin read the bylaws by Sec
lions, and they were adopted with but
few alterations
Inc annual Getting of the associa-
ton was fixed on the first Monday in
April on motion Of Mr. Kemp.
point was raised by DR.. Parsons in
reference TO holding regular stated
meetings. The doctor advocated weekly
meetings, and thought the bylaws
ought to provide for such.
Mr.. Pechin said this was a curious,
h1gh-toned organization. The charter
provided for contributing members, and
the rooms open at all times for the ac-
commodation OF members. 1t was a
hard matter in Roanoke to get crowd
OF business men together. Such meet
ings would be farce, and would soon
become monotonous.
DR.. Parsons spoke of the chamber of
commerce in st. Paul, of which he was
formerly member. Meetings were
held every Monday morning, and each
member was fined 81 IL he failed to at
tend. They went regular as school
boys, and tho organization became so
powerful that it welded decided leg
islative influence.
"Do you think we are far enough
along for that?" asked Mr.. Pechin.
"Surely do" said the doctor. "Roa-
noke has no organization except the
City Council through which the aims
and rights Of the citizens can be heard.
Such ON association is necessary, and
the city is now full ripe to receive it.
1t is only question of time when the
association can exert decided influence
in all municipal affairs.
MIR. Simmons thought DIR. Parsons
idea was good one, but believed Mr..
Pechin was right. He was sure the di-
rectors would make suitable provisions
for all meetings.
Mr.. Pechin suggested compromise
with DR.. Parsons, that the mattor be
left to the stockholders, who would
make provisions for meetings whom me-
cesSarv.
This was accepted by tho doctor, who
said he believed in coming together
and talking over matters.
Mr. Pechin spoke of tho necessity of
every member taking an interest in tho
association. He was willing to give his
own time and attention if no had sup
port. If the members failed in this he
would step out as quick as lightning
from the Office of president. He be-
lleved the association could be made re-
munerative. He was in favor of taking
in members from all trades unions and
make them feel at homo.
Questions between capital and labor
might be settled through the associa-
ton with good results If such was the
case. Mr.. Pechin then offered the fol-
lowing resolution, which was adopted:
Whereas it is desirable to secure as
many contributing members rs possible;
Resolved, That it is the sense OF this
meeting that each stakeholder use his
influence to induce reputable business
men, artisans and workmen to become
members of the Commercial Association.
DIR. Parsons offered resolution re-
curing the stockholders to provide for
meetings of the association when neces-
sary. The same was adopted and the
meeting adjourned.
The board then held n meeting and
appointed the following committees:
EXecutive-Csl. Lewis, Messrs. En-
gleby and Carpenter.
Finance-Messrs. Matson, Wentworth
and Engleby.