The record-union., 1896-02-07
YOUNG MEMS CIVICS CLUB.
Il Decides TO Resolve Itself Into Moot
Court.
Committees VIII be Appointed and the
Charter Will be Discussed
by Sections.

The Young Mems Ciyics Club held
its regular meeting last night at the
Congregational Church, a large attend
ance being present. President Vein
stock presided and after the reading OF
the minutes called Rev. H. n. Hoyt to
the chair, while he read an excellent
paper, which viii be found elsewhere in
this issue.
The names Of fifteen new members
were added to the roll, on recommended
tion Of the Executive Committee, after
which a discussion took place upon the
provision of the charter which pre-
scribes the appointment of heads of de-
partments by the Mayor.
Robert Waring thought that to give
all the power of appointment into the
Mayors hands would be to throw the
real power of appointment into the
hands of political bosses, who would
control the Mayor, and a change might
possibly bring about a worse state of
affairs than at present exists.
Arthur Williams thought that the
object of the proposed reforms was to
eliminate bosses and boss rule. He
confessed his ignorance of the questions
to be debated. and was anxious to OBJ
from the causes involved.
Mr.. Weinstock said that it was use
less for the club to form itself into
Board of Freeholders unless it was pre-
pared to go into the subject deeply and
thoroughly. He warned them that this
would involve much hard work and
they must prepare themselves to be ap-
pointed on committees on the various
subjects under consideration and to dig
deep for the necessary knowledge from
which to prepare their reports. If they
were not prepared to do this, it was use
less to go on further on that line. 1t
was question that the club must de-
eide before it went further.
He resumed the chair and the club
proceeded to discuss the plan
Mr.. Hoyt said that he supposed most
of the work would be done outside the
meetings. 1t would be means of edu-
cation to the members, because it
would set each one at work with a
definite object, there being a settled
plan. IF they We're not prepared to go
into it with enthusiasm, they should
hesitate. If they would meet in COM
mittee and study the subject allotted
to them. exchange views and come to
the meetings prepared to advance argu-
ments to sustain their own views, they
would gain greatly If they would not
do this it would be useless to try, and
they would do better to invite the best
people procurable to prepare essays on
the different topics and read them be-
fore the club
E. E. Avery moved that the club re,
solve itself into a moot court and dis
cuss the charter.
The President announced that if the
club did so, it was customary for the
President to appoint the members on
such committees as they expressed a
preference for, unless too many wanted
to go on the same committee.
Mr. Hoyt warned them that the mat
ter would go by default unless they
went into 1t with enthusiasm 1t would
be better to be content with the essays
than to fail.
Frank Driver said it would be better
to pass the resolution. If they had es-
says, there would be no discussion, just
as it was tonight If they formed
themselves into a Board of Freeholders
each member would make a study of
the charter and learn it thoroughly.
Even if they did not succeed in getting
reforms introduced into it, they would
gain a knowledge of it.
Charles Baker thought it would be
better to remain as a club, so that all
could work on one subject at the same
time. They could have committees, but
all could study up.
e. E. Avery thought that was just
what had been proposed. The COM
nitteeis could do the work outside, and
all could discuss it together.
Mr.. Ekins thought that if one even
ing was set apart for the report of each
committee that all the members could
prepare themselves for discussion.
Julian Arnold thought it would be a
good thing for the club. 1t would place
a responsibility on a few, who would
prepare themselves more thoroughly
than if everyone was left to do what he
pleased. The appointment of a COM
mittee need not hinder others from pre-
pairing themselves also for arguing for
or against the report.
DR. Watts advocated lectures, as,
while one who digs out a thing for him
self necessarily learns it thoroughly, life
is too short for US to gain informa ton
on all subjects in that way
The President stated that, in putting
the question to vote, he wished it un-
derstood that those who voted aye
pledged themselves to work on commit
tees and attend all committee meetings.
If they did not wish to do so. they
should vote no"
The question was then put, and the
motion was carried by vote of four to
one, the Chairman being authorized to
appoint the committees.
]. A. Woodson was invited to prepare
an essay for the next meeting on THE
Responsibility the Citizen Assumes