The morning call., 1894-06-10
STIR=UP.
Mechanics Institute at
War Again.
A Large Deficit and Some Proposed
Changes in the Constitution
Cause Trouble.

There were the first murmurs at the Me-
chanics' Institute meeting last evening of
what promises to be stormy trouble in the
future. Some insinuatlng taunts of inca
pacity were thrown at the librarian, and a
vigorous cutlery was made against the de-
felt in the monthly accounts and the large
standing indebtedness of $4,000.
The trouble started with the debate over
some amendments to the constitution sub
mitted by J. Leggett. chairman of the re-
Gently appointed revision committee. 1t
was the regular monthly meeting of the
institute, and Director George Cumming
presided. About eighty members were in
attendance.
Mr.. Leggetts report. among other
things, suggested a reduction in the iuitIa-
ton fee. the allowance of special privileges
and dues 10 persons who desired the use
of only the upper floors of the library.
and the placing OF the price of life men,
bership at $50. Mr.. Clark at once OBJ
jected to the suggestions. and, before the
balance Of the report was read, moved
that they be stricken from the report.
The motion was held 10 be out oil order
by the chair. and a lively discussion was
precipitated. in which MessrS, Cornwall,
CTdge, Clark, Healy and Barry took
active part Some were for hearing the
balance Of the report, some for striking the
Objectionable sections of it out al once, aud
some for tabliDg the whole thing. The
constitution of the institute has not been
revised for fifteen years, and the possible
invasion of its sacred letters seemed TO
some OF the speakers a matter to be re-
garded with awe, Mr.. Clark in particular
thinking that as it had been in operation
with great success for so long there could
be no possible excuse for tampeTing with
l.. Adverse opinions, however, prevailed
eventually. The balance of the report
was read and ordered printed, so that all
the members of the institute might re-
ceive copies of it and have sixty days in
which TO determine on vote.
This ponderouS matter amicaby dis
posed of. tempeStuouS James Barry said:
81 want to know about the finances of the
institute. 1t is reported to me that they
are in very bad condition, etc. / demand
a response from the chairman"
Mr.. Cumming meekly and Enormously
responded that he could not give the exact
figures, but that 1t was his impression that
there was debt of $4,000 or money bor-
rowed from the State University, and a re-
cent decrease in the monthly income of
nearly $500, due to the loss OF a tenant,
pending the completion of certain altera-
tons in the new building. The statement
OF receipts and disbursements for the last
quarter showed deficit of nearly $1,000.
This was exactly what the Questoner
expected 10 learn. lie proceeded at once to
demand the reason of such state of affairs
and to propose that Immediate measures
be taken to procure 4 reduction of ex-
penses, etc. Mr.. Barry's remarks were
greeted with cheers from the meeting and
his motions Endorsed with quick responses
The chairman asked wherein NJ Barry
thought TetrenchmentS could be made
MI. Barry responded that he could not say
directly. for he seldom visited the library
In fact as seldom as possible; but when
ever be did enter the place he saw a dozen
signs Of extravaganza. Those assistants,
for instance" he said; this librarian"
poin ting to Mr.. Wilson.
Immediately Mr.. Heay was on his feet
with q reprOof. The insinuation against
Librarian Wilson, he thought. was un-
called for. Mr.. Barry made no response,
but simply remarked that some drastic
measure must be taken TO improve the
condition of affairs at once. The institute
could not 20 on losing $1,000 every quarter,
or i would soon reach an unwelcOme end.
He accordingly moved the appointment of
a committee to examine into the books of
the Institute, into the conduct of the library,
and into the disbursements and receipts,
to ascertain if some retrenchment could
not be effected and matters be brought
down to a business basis.
Mr.. Barry's motion was carried easily,
and the chairman will appoint the COM
mlttee at once. What will come of its in-
veStigatioDs remains TO be seen. Among
themselves some of the members of the
institute are expecting a general turnover
and some important changes In the Offices.