Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-12-09

return, and 1t is understood may do so
again. The invitation extended was refus-
ed, the seeding members stating their rea-
sons why through the public press.
The publication Of these reasons caused
one Of the interesting incidents of yester-
day. Representative Gillett of Massa-
chusetts, in speech asking that an inves-
tgat1On of Red Cross affairs be had by
Cor gress declared that the iteration and
reiteration through the press Of the coun-
try Of wrongdoing. mismanagement and
transportation of funds by the national
officers had had a disastrous effect upon the
Red Cross and that the people had lost
confidence in 1t, and would not support it.
Mr. Gillett naively observed, in conclusion
that he had not the utmost confidence in a
Congressional investigation settling any
thing, which raised a great laugh, but he
had scarcely taken his seat when Mr.. p.
V. De Grow arose.
II challenge Mr.. Gillett." he said, ito
produce a single reputable newspaper in
this country or out of It, that, in its edi-
torial pages or elsewhere, has ever printed
single line of criticism of Clara Barton
or the Red Cross methods, except such as
haG been prepared for them by the oppo-
had ever attacked Clara Barton or her
methods. The opposition" he said had
prepared all the matter that had been
printed. He objected to what he desig-
mated uncalled for restriction on the press
Mr.. Gillett said he didn't know how the
things got into the papers, but they were
there, however untrue, and he emphaticall
declared that he vas there as a friend of
Miss Barton.
The first real break in the monotony of
the routine occurred after The Star went to
press yesterday Corporal Tanner demand
ed the reading of the minutes of the ses-
sion of last year. These minutes were pre-
sented in pamphlet form and had been dis
tributed. but Mr.. Tanner said he had never
seen them and exercised his right to ask
that they be read. The secretary proceeded
thay =
exactly as read.
Action on New Constitution.
The new constitution and bylaws then
came UP for action. The American National
Red Cross is just about three years old. and
this Is its third set of bylaws. The set
adopted yesterday change the annual meet
ing from December to January.
The most important change was in the
provision for the election Of board of
trustees. who shall have the immediate
government of the society. This section les
sens the weight of responsibility upon Miss
Barton. but her power remains paramount
as long as her friends are placed upon the
board. The article relating to the board
follows:
The immediate government and conduct
of the affairs Of the corporation shall be
vested in board of thirteen trustees. of
whom the president shall be one ex-officio.
The remaining twelve shall be annually
elected at the annual meeting for one year,
and shall hold office until their successors
are elected and qualified.
The trustees shall meet on the day of the
annual meeting, but before the same has
been held. and also as soon as may be after
| the election of trustees at any annual meet
ing. Thereafter they shall meet upon the
call of the president. or upon a call in writ
| ing signed by majority of the board.
| Seven members present shall constitute a
quorum
TLa
| members an executive committee of five,
who. when the board Is not In session, shall
have and exercise all the powers Of the full
board.
Causes Discussion.
The only section that caused a word of
discussion was section g. relating to proxies,
and is as follows:
ANY member of the corporation entitled
| to vote may be represented at any regular
or special meeting by another member so
entitled and thereto authorized by duly
executed proxy. which shall be valid only
| at the meeting named therein or any adj
| journment thereof. Proxies shall be in
writing and duly dated, signed and wit
| messed. All proxies shall be filed with the
secretary at least ten days before the
meeting
| with each notice of a meeting of the
corporation. the secretary shall send 10
| Ell ch member a list of members and form
| of proxy. But any other form sufficient IN
| substance may also be used
| Under section of the old constitution
| enc year old-the law on proxies read:
'1ncorporatorse and their elected a35o-
| ciates of the American National Red Cross
| Corporation are entitle4a 20 vote. and may
| be represented at any regular or called
| meeting of said corporation by duly ex-
| ecuted proxy, which shall be valid only at
| that meeting any adjournment thereof
| Proxies shall be in writing and duly dated,
| signed and witnessed.
| when the notices of meeting of the
| members are sent out the secretary shall
| also send to each member a list OF the