New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1900-01-04
ECLECTIC CLUB Is ANGRY
SOME MEMBER OF THE GOVERNING
BOARD WAS INDISCREET.
sCASpALoUs CHARGES VENTILATED N NEWS
Observation-Disclosures MAY END IN THE
OFFENDERS EXPULSION.

The Eclectic Club held its first meeting in 1900
yesterday al DeImonico's. The session was called
to order by the president. Mrs Joseph Bradley
Read with almost the entire membership present
A guest on entering could feel decided disturb
snce in the air thrill something like that pre-
ceding an electric storm Every one was talking
SO eagerly and an-natedy that, although the meet
ing was announced for y o'clock the gavel was
not tapped until nearly 1. When its sound was
heard. however instant silence succeeded and
as the president began 10 speak one could have
heard the proverbiaI pin drop
Tt is my duty" she said endeavor 70 And
an explanation for the articles that have appeared
IN the press within the last few days have be-
fore me statements that need some Illumination
Then Mrs Read iteuized: 1T has been said that
cur last meeting was stormy one Is that so!
A unanimous Nor burst from the club.
The president continued: There not mo-
raeut when all was not quiet, digniied and well
bred" This statement received the same vertical
ton.
The next point that needs consideration Is the
assertion that at the last moment declined 10 &C
cent a reelection Has II not been known to you
al for months that I leave the city in February
for an absence OF year, and for that reason did
not care 10 accept Officer
A general Yes; certainly was the reply.
The proxy vote was the next item noticed, and
Il was declared by all those present that the action
taken at the last meeting was strictly in accord
ance with the bylaws. No threats OF resignation
had been made. and the persons said 10 have re-
signed on account OF the meeting were well known
70 have sent their designations last May. There
were no cries Of Unfair It's a shaner
and far from criticisng members for drinking
cocktails the question had IN way arisen As II
was tersely put by the president:
Were cocktails mentioned IN any way? Was
eating or drinking7 Was even water referred 10
IN the most remote manner at the meettngT and
again z unanimous No" was the answer, one
woman IaughingIy declaring that she did not really
know what a cocktail anyway. although IT
had been her that she INDUCED IN them fire.
Quently.
Then must now make very unpleasant state
rnent" said the president, with deep gravity using
words that does not like 10 use But they are
the only words that exactly express situation "
Then slowly and solemnly: IF the press re-
ported correctly the Information furnished by some
member Of the Governing Board, then such mem
Der has He'd She paused and q dead silence en-
sued. Every one seemed hold her breath. Then
e murner Of assent and approval surged through
the room, and Mrs. Read resumed:
Under the amendment 10 the constitution
the scandal anendment-ve must investigate this
scandalrong1ng thoroughly. and give the guilty
member members every chance 10 explain II
Il be found that the rules governing our meetings
have been broken then those members should be
expelled Il this IS the sentiment OF the club, Will
the members signify II by rtsing2" Every member
n the room arose
Those Of the Governing Board who were present
were given individual opportunity 10 declare guilt
or innocence and every one denied having broken
be given similar opportunity defend themselves
from the odious charge Of having transgressed club
aw and violated confidence. One members offered
resignation acted upon in order 10 allow
her the privilege.
THE SCANDAL AMENDMENT
The scandal" amendment passed only a
short time ago. and reads thus;
Any member of this club acting IN such man-
Ter as TO impair its good name prosperity OF 10
njure the reputation OF the club may. after thor
ough Investigation, be rePTilianded suspended or
expelled. as the Governing Board may deem ex-
pedenL for the welfare Of the club provided. that
the accused member shall have had an opportunity
70 be heard in person The accused shall be given
two weeks previous notice Of time and place OF
hearing together with q copy OF the charges 10 De
preferred. IL is further provided that no nnding
OF reprimand- suspension expulsion shall De
valid and effective unless ratified by majority OF
TIE entire Governing Board
The ticket previously nominated. as provided In
the constitution Of the club. then presented.
ard unanimous vote recorded for the fol-
lowing officers: Mrs. Dore Lyon. president; Mrs.