The morning call., 1894-04-18
WHAT 1T WILL Do.
Aims of the Merchants
Association.
CIVIC REFORMS IN VIEW.
1t Indicates Many Abuses to Be
Corrected.
A PRACTICAL CONSTITUTION.
San Francisco Business Men Enter.
tain Hopes of Accomplishing
Much Good.
A PRACTICAL CONSTITUTION.

The Retail Merchants Association has
become one Of the permanent institutions
of San Francisco. Although first called
together for specific purpose. it was seen
that by means Of thorough organization
there was vast field in which its intiu-
ence could be exerted, and that, too, in a
way which could not but result favorably
to the city, and the association is the
result.
The subjects to which the new organiza-
ton will address itself embrace all of
those in which the merchants. and Darticu-
| larry the retail merchants. are interested.
1t pro- oses to take up a number OF re-
forms, some of which have already re-
ceived attention at the hands of similar
organ atoms, but in her directions 1t
will be q pioneer. And it is along their
line that he best and quickest results may
be hoped for.
Not only matters which pertain strictly
TO business are inclndrd In these subjects
when they may iegitimately axe up, but
questions of municipal reform, and
changes in the public service which would
bensfi people In general are specified, aud
the influence of su b an organization can
not be overlooked or disregardrd when 1t
has once expressed itself. Questions of
transportation legislation, the cty's Police
Department and its service, the matter OF
street-lghting the improvement of the
water front. bringing the suburban dis
| trict, closer to the city by means OF rapid
transit, a new method of settling fire
losses-in all of these and score of other
questions. in which some changes are de-
sirable, is to be the field of work for the
new organiZa ion.
The following is the constitution which
| has Oeen prepared:
| Section l. The objects Of the association
| shall be 10 promote and better the conditions
| OF the retail merchants Of San Francisco; 10
| further and promote ali deserving enterprises
winch have a tendency TO better The trade con-
| ditions OF San Francisco; 10 effect legislation
that viii accrue TO the benefit OF San Francisco;
| TO have the police force in San Francisco in
| creased so as 10 insure the safety OF our citi-
/ Zens living In the "a estern Addition, which Is
| but scautly patrolled through lack OF patrol
| men; effect and promote and bring In closer
/ contact the outlying districts OF San Fran
! cisco, such as the Potrero and Mission,
| through means of rapid transit; TO have rep
resentation as appraisers. members OF this
| association, 10 act for this association IN all
cases Of ire among any OF its members; to
draft memorials addressed 10 both Houses
| OF Congress. pending legislation for and against
/ the interests OF California and San francisco;
| 10 effect lower rates Oh electric llgbIng; to
change the system of street lighting now done
| by The city from gas 10 electric lighting; to
have our water front put In better condition.
/ and that speedily, as a present 1t Is burning
! disgrace TO San Francisco: TO Increase tue
efficiency of our Fire Department and 10 cause
| that department 10 be wholly out OF politics.
| See. 2. The m mbership 10 be divided into
| the following committees, no committee to con-
| sist Of less than i've members: A committee
! on legislation; committee on promotion and
publicity; COMMITTEES on membership; CON-
mitee on grievances, committee on investi-
! cations.
Sec. 3. The membership to be limited to 100;
| entrance Zee, $40; monthly dues, 81. Those
having already signed the roll are consider
'charter members" Those desiring entrance
/ min 81 hlfn ri
committee on membership The necessary
| qualifications for admission TO this association
are: Standing IN the community, enterprise,
| fearlessDess and good character.
Sec. 4. The officers to consist OF q president,
| vice president. secretary, treasurer aud board
| of directors 10 consist OF six members of this
| association. The treasurer 10 be some p omi-
| neni bank In our city wherein all moneys are TO
be deposi ed, and il is the intent aud purpose Of
I is association TO create fund which is not TO
! be drawn against without a full three-fourths
| vote of all the members OF this association.
that fund to be used only in the furthersnce of
! such object as The association may see ut 10
| expend the same upon.
| See. 5. The officers to be elected semi annu-
lily, the secretary TO be paid an annual salary
OF s.
Sec g. All meetings of this association TO
occur weekly, and one general meeting once
month.
Sec. Z. The association to employ lawyer or
| firm OF lawyers 10 represent 1t In all cases
| where their employment is deemed necessary,
! 10 be employed by this association Tor yearly
| stipend. such stipend TO be named and agreed
| upon by the board OF directors.
Sec. s. All members are expected TO attend
| the weekly meetings as well as the moptbly
! meetings. They are to act in concert on all
matters coming before the mreting.
/ Sec. 9. Ii Is also one Of The objects OF this
! association 10 employ collector or collectors
| to enforce all collections due any OF the firms
connected with this association at yearly
/ stipend, the said amount 10 come from lhe
| funds of this association.
Sec. TO- 1t is agreed that all the members OF
! this association are 10 furnish the secretary.
who Is to post up in a conspicuous place. the
| names of ali those people Who have deIrauded
| them ouf OF moneys, who are generally consld-
cred by Them to be bad pay" so as 10 insure
members against contracting bad debts.
| Sec. IL. Ii is also agreed that this associa-
| ton viii try 10 have " ellis, Fargo & Co. reduce
| The rate on express packages from all points
! East 10 San Francisco.
| OF this association shall appoint committee TO
walt upon the Southern Pacific Company 10
| effect lower rates on freight from all points
| East 10 San Francisco.
Sec ID. No committees are TO consist of
more Than six members, nor Is there To be ap-
pointed on any one committee Two members en-
gagged in the same line OF business.
See. IA Tie place OF meeting to be engaged
by the month. and The secretary. who shall be a
member OF this association, to devote his entire
time 10 the requirements OF this association.
being a saiared officer, and 10 receive CON-
pensation which will justify him to devote bis
entire time and energy 10 this associ ton. IL
VIII also DC necessary mat tue sara secretary
shall furnish bonds for good faith and such
moneys as are intrusted to him prior TO bis de-
posting the same with the treasurer. The SEC
retaty is not empowered to create any indebt-
edness or 10 dispose OF any of the funds with
out The sanction OF the president and board OF
directors. He is not empowered 10 sign any
checks other than those ordered by thu presi-
DEM signed by be president and counterslgned
by the secretary.
sec. 10. The association TO be governed
under Cushing's Parliamentary Manual. The
members OF this association are not expected
10 contribute as individuals any moneys TO
charities or local enterprises, as this asSocia-
tion is formed 10 aid all worthy causes and
contribute as an association and dol 1Hdi-
yiduaIly the funds 10 come from assessments
for such purposes. The association to furnish
It's members with sign neatly framed wOrded
as follows: The firm Of - Is a member OF the
Merchants Association, end all worthy causes
will be aided by written application 70 the
secretary.