New-York tribune., 1905-04-15
LEAGUE TROUBLES AIRED.
Acceptances of officials Sho5cn by
Ex-senator TkurSton.

The history of the American Maritime League
was under review in the banquet room OF the
Waldorf yesterday afternoon. The occasion was
a meeting called by ex-senator john NJ. Thurston
president OF the league. to consider what steps
If any, should be taken to continue and complete
the organization. The rumoTs rejecting upon the
methods OF II. X. POmmeFy. who originated the
league idea. and is secretary of the organization
were chiefly responsible for the issuance of the
call Notices had been sent TO ali the officers
which included a long list of mea prominent in
government circles and business life. who had
sanctioned the use of their Names mostly as
honorary vce-presidents of the league. but Presi-
dent Thurston and Secretary Pomme7y we're the
only members present when the time fer the meet
ing arrived.
The mail of the league has been withheld by the
posOffice authorities since last Saturday. and it
expected that n number of the men who are
said TO be dissatisfied with the management would
be present and avail themselves Of the opportunity
to be heard Nearly hour. however, after the
time fixed for the meeting the attendance had
been augmented only by the advent Of about a
dozen newspaper men.
President Thurston. who had come over from
Washington especially for the meeting neverthe-
less proceeded to go fully into the affairs Of the
league and his relation with the organization.
His official connection with It. as related in
typewriter statement which he read began on
December IL. 1904. when. upon written request OF
several men whose names appeared as officers OF
the league, he consented to the use Of his name
president. The league had then been in ex-
istence nearly year
Personal investigation" said Mr. Thurston
prompted by the criticism that has been INDUCED
warrants me in stating without hesitation that It
fully appears that the use oS every name in con-
nection with the official list Of the league mas
been authorized in writing by each person whose
name has been used
The only names used by the league. asserts
President Thurston. that were not sanctioned be.
fore he accepted the presidency were those or
William Ii. Taft, Secretary of War; Paul MortonS
Secretary of the Navy, and Governor Douglas or
Massachusetts
The letters of August Belmont Elihu Root. Mayor
Mcclellan Cornelius N Bliss. Attorney General
Moody, Governor Herrick Secretary Taft and
others were submitted. and in cordial terms app
proved the aims OF the league and authorized the
Of their names.
Secretary Pommery submitted the list Of sub
scribers to the funds Of the league amounting 70
$3.50. and with it an itemized statement Of ex~
Penses aggregating S2,S7s %. showing balance on
hand of 1851 Sc. covering period OF a year ana
half No money asserted Mr.. POmmery had been
paid to any officer. aside from his personal ex-
penses, excepting ?1S2 paid to s. Elliott Curtis for
eleven weeks service as secretary.
Before the adjournment Mr.. Thurston said he
still had confidence in the honesty and efficiency OF
Mr.. POmmery. Another meeting viii be called for
July at the Waldorf. and in the mean time no
further subscriptions viii be solicited; and Presi-
dent Thurston will take charge Of the mail ad-
dressed to the league.