New-York tribune., 1900-12-01
THE conMITTEE OF FIFTEEN.


Mr Charles Stewart Smith, chairman of the
Chamber Of Commerce meeting held on Tues
day. afterward refused TO say how he meant
TO constitute the Committee Of Fifteen which
he was Instructed TO appoint. for the sufficient
reason that one or more OF those originally
selected might decline. II seems safe. there
fore, 10 assume that sl Of the men whom he
publicly named yesterday as the members or
the committee have promised TO accept the
appointment and IL is a remarkable and en-
couraging fact that Sir. Smith was able in so
short a time 10 secure the services for such
purpose Of citizens so justly esteemed ana
trusted by all respectable elements in the COM
munity. A mere glance at the names gives full
assurance that IL Is an admirable committee,
and we feel that hearty appreciation of the
public loyalty OF its members should be prompt
ly expressed. They are For the most part
busy men. absorbed In important affairs, who
not without some reason might have pleaded
that they could not afford the time and strength
which the work in hand win require. and their
response 10 the call Is n gratifying exempfca-
tlon - that genuine civic spirit which Is essen
iial 10 the accomplishment Of a great and last
ing reform. Mr.. Smith thinks it probable that
ten or more citizens of equally high character
and standing will be added 10 the committee.
anN IT 80 ut DttilrFlA SAOAlu AliiuoAhfhla TX IN
cluded.
Thus far then. the purpose Of the Chamber
Of Commerce meeting has been we'll carried
forward, and from fortunate beginning I'M
portant results will be confidently expected
The committee has not been hampered by In
structions. but Is free to proceed as It may see
fit The resolution under which 1t was ap-
pointed provides only that il shall carefully
watch the actions OF the constituted authOri.
ties whether or not they will perform TO their
"fu extent the duties imposed upon them by
law 10 prevent and 10 eradicate vice in every
form" but the meeting further pledged itself
''that every support shall he given 10 the com.
"mittee TO be appointed 10 any action II may
deem IL necessary 10 take so as 10 give proper
effect 10 the purposes Of this resolution" II
has. therefore. a broad enough field for IFS oper-
ations and a guarantee that II will be faith
fully sustained. Bishop Potter aptly said that
the purpose of the Chamber Of Commerce meet
ing should be 70 unity the forces on the side Of
| law, decency and the protection Of the weak in
| this community, and II viii be the task Of this
! committee 70 carry thar purpose into execution.
! There are many welcome Indications that such
/ forces are rapidly collecting and are ready TO
be co-ordinated and arrayed. How that can
best be done the committee will apparently be
required largely 10 determine OF course. IT
has 40 authority excepting that which the
/ character OF its members gives IT, but that Is
likely 10 be sufficient. r. IN the Biblical sense.
/ they are as wise serpentS and as harmless as
| doves, they may reasonably hope 10 bring about
complete consolidation and cooperation OF all
the Influences already tentatively opposing the
| intolerable conditions which now exist. That
/ IS the first essential, and. as Bishop Potter
! saws when that has been secured the rest will
| almost accomplish itself