Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-06-27
THE IROQU0IS CLUB
MANY OF THE NEWSPAPER MEN
HAVE RESIGNED.
Resented Action Of the Secretary In
Asking Funds From Prominent Men
Throughout the Country.

AsOCSAsSA 1ASSAOAA Va SAAS sSS~A SSs~~y -
Asking Funds From Prominent Men
Throughout the Country.
report that Secretary ]. W. Wells Of the
IroQuojs Club had sent out letters to some
senators and representatives and prominent
men in the public eye asking for assistance
to the club as 1.-The home OF the newspaper
men Of Washington" having become known
to the directors of that organization. there
has been very prompt disavowal Of the
action, and many of the few newspaper
correspondents who were on its list Of mem-
bership have resigned.
There was very pronounced resentment
among newspaper men when 1t was learned
that the Iroquois Club has been represented
as an organization Of newspaper men. and
that as such an organisation 1t has been
placed in the light of seeking aid for its
maintenance from the bounty of public
men. It is pointed out that of the 200 MEM
bers OF the club not more than about twen-
ty are newspaper correspondents. the other
members being senator's representatives
and men in official and business life. Ref
erences to the organization as a press club
are declared to be entirely unwarranted.
Action Of Secretary Disavowed.
The action Of the secretary was not only
disavowed by the directors Of the club, but
the only case in which 1t Is known that
money was contributed by public man in
the manner indicated was promptly acted
on, and the money has been returned with
an explanation of the manner in which 1t
was asked for. Upon the disavowal of the
action of the secretary of the club Mr. John
P. Miller, the vice president, resigned from
the club. Other designations Of newspaper
men have been sent in to the club, and 1t
is understood that others will follow.
though a few Of the newspaper contingent
have expressed their intention to remain in
the organization at least for the present,
although they resent as strongly as posi-
BILE the action Of the secretary In soliciting
funds.
The letter asking for assistance which
has caused all the trouble was sent to Sen
ator Scott, who was himself at one time
member of the organization. This letter
follows:
Iroauois Club.
Washington. D. c., June 10, 1903.
Mr.. Nathan B. Scott. Wheeling. w. Va.
Dear Sir: The Iroquois Club. which is the
home of the newspaper men of Washington,
was organized January 8, 1902
1t numbers among its members the lead
ing correspondents OF the country. We
have expended in furnishings and fittings
about $1,000 and the club is still s., 200 in
debt. We are exerting ourselves to clear
this Indebtedness, which is in form of a
chattel mortgage, and which is due June
70. 1903. We have In our treasury 5000 with
which to meet this mortgage. We cannot
see our way clear to raise more. We are
anxious to retain our home. and our only
hope lies in an appeal to some kind friends
OF the press and newspaper men.
AS such we know of your generosity and
kindly disposition. We respectfully beg
that you extend a helping hand for
which our membership will be most CRATE
full. and each and every one of us will feel
m frr,1x
yours. THE IROOUOIS CIIJR
]. w. WELLS, Secretary
A Members Statement.
prominent member of the club in ex-
planning the unfortunate occurrence stated
that Thursday it came to the knowledge of
the vice president of the club that a letter
soliciting funds had been received by Sen
ator Scott, the organization being repre-
sented as being one Of newspaper cores
pOndents.
The club is not newspaper club" he
said. and never has been, but Is composed
of professional and business men-men in
the military service and senators and men,
bers of the House of Representatives, the
newspaper membership not exceeding
other professions.
Its representation. therefore, as a news
paper club was calculated to convey false
impression. and the appeal for aid had
was 1t known to any officer of the club
save the one who wrote It, A meeting of
the board of governors was called at once.
all being present. excepting the president,
whose resignation, giving private reasons
for retiring, had been received that after
noon.
The man whose name was signed to the
letter to Senator Scott. on being ques-
toned. acknowledged that he had written
the letter and a number like it; that he
had not consulted any one with reference
to the matter. and that he had never made
a financial statement to the board of gov
ernors showing the need Of aid from any
quarter.
THE resignation of the vice president
paper men, members of the club. resigned
imediately upon being informed Of what
had occurred.
Secretary Wells Position.
Mr.. ]. w. Wells. secretary Of the club,
was seen by Star reporter today and ask
ed if he wished to make any statement in
connection with the incident. Friends of
Mr.. Wells stated that the latter had sent
out the letters indicated. recognized the err
ror he had made and was sorry that he had
done so. They said there was no idea
that Mr.. Wells had an intention of retain
ing money SO secured for his own benefit,
but it was confidently believed that it was
to be accounted for in due form.
Mr.. Wells himself said that the club had
proved to be large pecuniary loss to him,
and that he had from time to time talked
with different members of the club as to
ways and means for securing additional
funds with which to meet debts. There is
now. he said. chattel mortgage on the
furniture. etc. of the club amounting to
s.. 500 and no salary has been paid him since
he has been manager of the organization.
He said he had put up money for the fur
nishing of the club rooms and had served
without pay. If he could be paid what was
i'm nd najyr ion, for fc
services he had been ready at any time to
retire from all connection with the club
and he was ready to retire on those terms
now. He did not state what the amount
would be to compensate him. He said at
least twenty such letters as that which |
won't to Sepa tor Scott la:ad |