New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1912-11-13
ASK OLD INITIATION FEE
Another Surprise for New York
Athletic Club Men.
OPEN LETTER SENT OUT
Members, However, Think the
Organization Is Not on
Way to Poorhouse.

Another surprise awaited some OF the
members OF the New York Athletic Cluo
yesterday, when an open letter advocat-
ing a reduction Of the initiation fee came
to their notice. II is argued in TINS letter
that the entrance fee be again placed AT
the old figure of 500 and that the annuai
dues be increased from $50 to SO. The let
ter is anonymous. although rumor had IL
that the writer formerly was member
of the board OF governors.
Several members who read the letter
were disguised with its tone and the I'M
putation that the club was on Its way 10
the poorhouse. II was pointed out that
up to the last report and during the thiry
days preceding october s twenty-elsht
new resident members had been elected
and twenty nonresident members, while
twenty-four applicants awaited election.
With this number standing ready TO JOIN
at the present fee they saw no reason Tor
seriously considering the reduction. Ihey
felt that the club had been run more az
a hotel than as a private organization
and were outspoken in protesting that
what was needed was direction as an
athletic club and less "Tlonkeying" with
the Initiation fee and the like.
The open letter follows:
II am no knocker l have no axe to
grind and I do not wish my suggestion
to be construed az in any way refiec-
ton on the clubs policy or any admins
tration present or past
Whatever may he the reason, we are
all aware that the club Is losing ground
and we must face that fact. II seems the
initiation fee was raised In a period or
great prosperity from 800 to 500. Since
then we have been unable TO secure new
members to fill the gap in the ranks
caused by those dropping out.
II have heard it suggested that the
club should reduce the entrance fee again
to 500 and increase the annual dues 10
s75. Personally. believe that any MEM
her who makes any use Of the club what
ever gets S75 worth Of benefit and enjoy
ment In the course Of the year, but am
sure such an amendment could never be
passed. at least not under present condi-
tons.
MY proposition. therefore. is this: 20
reduce the initiation Zee 10 Sl" unui sh'h
time as the limit Of resident membership
IS reached | believe We are now about
400 short OF the $500 limit. but | feel sure
that in six months 40 new members could
be added TO the clubs list, II the lhiua-
ton tee were cut in two.
That I'm Itself would mean an added
revenue Of 5000 with an additional an
nual income OF 2iOo from dues. Upon
reaching the membcrshinp limit. we could
establish "A waiting list and 20 back 70
the present 500. and get IL.
II dare say there are many members
who paid 500 to Join the club who might
object TO the initiation OF new members
~ a lower fee. There does not seem to
mo however. 10 be reasonable objection
on these grounds. as II Is known that
there are hundreds Of members In the
club who paid no initiation fee or. II any
a very small one.
surely no one bcErudges them their
privilege 20 the full rights Of membership
which cost some Of us considerably NOR"
money: we are Indebted 20 them for hav-
ing a club to-day. Nor should we be
grudge the Initiation Of new men az 70
duced Zee. for their admission would
mako the club more valuable 20 every
ono Of US. II would instil new ana
,.orpgrr blood into our club life and, by
building TN the membership would add
IN the benefits OF membership for every
one OF us
This scheme has been worked sue
cessfully I'm other clubs with the result
that the ranks have been filled and
waiting list established. Every one knows
how men clamor for initiation TO club
that has a waiting list It IS human ma
ture and anything which will help us
attain this end without iniurinG the club
as a whole or any individual Is at least
worthy OF consideration.
we want younger men In the CLUB
and we must have them. They are the
epcpders and the active patrons OF the
revenue producing departments. The
writer alone knows half dozen young
men who would be glad TO join II the
imitation fee were lowered 10 500, and
vigorous campaign for new members
would unouestlonably be productive
"Why not hold a special meeting or
the club and put this matter before
them? believe It to be the best solution
OF the problem"