The Twin City star. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1910-19??, 1916-01-22
SUNDAY FORUM MEETING.

The regular meeting of Minneapolis
Sunday Forum was held last Sunday
at Bethesda, Pres. w. M. Smith in the
chair. Reports of last meeting read
by Miss Waters and adopted. The
President paid high compliment to
his predecessor, ex. pres. R. Skinner,
who is still an active member. A new
feature, "Talks on the Lives of Great
Negroes" was inaugurated, beginning
with Life of Dunbar" and reading
by Miss Eva B. Walker. This will be
a prominent part of the program each
meeting. Mr.. w. c. Jeffrey was chos'
en- to select appropriate music and as
chorister he always makes good. Mrs.
Victoria Graham was recalled to her
former position as journalist. She is
very efficient in this office and her
"Current Events" have been missed.
Mr.. L. c. Vale was appointed chair
man of the publicity committee, and
has planned a campaign of advertis-
ing the Forum. Mrs. Sensabaugh ia
fored with a piano selection from
Carmen. Atty Hilyer told of his trip
Through the Cotton Belt" which was
an interesting travefogue to Nash
vile, Augusta, Tuskegee and Atlanta.
Euiogies wer delivered as follows
Calvin G. Goodrich, late Pres. Twin
City Lines, a true friend of the Negro,
by Mrs. Mary A. Pope;-Winfield
Scott Hammond, late Gov. of Mime
sofa, by Chas. Sumner Smith;-col.
James A. Roberts, late member
Knights of Pythias, patrolman Min
neapolis police department, charter
member of Minneapolis Sunday
Forum, by Atty. w. R. Morris. Each
eulogy was fitting tribute to the de-
parted. The following is an extract
from talk by the president:
PARLIAMENTARY USAGES.
"In explaining their absence from
the Forum, many people have said
they had grown tired of its par
liamentary discussion. What they real
ly meant was that they were tired of
hearing discussions not governed by
parliamentary procedure. AS matter
of fact, we have had far too few of
parliamentary discussions and an alto
gether too great a number of the
other kind.
Because of his own lack of know
ledge the chair is pleased to realize
that the business of the Forum does
not require either from its members
or its presiding officer any extensive
knowledge of parliamentary law.
But no organization can make its
meetings interesting or conduct its
business expeditiously that does not
follow the rules provided by par
liamentary procedure. With this
special end in view, therefore, the
chair would ask your careful con-
sideration of few facts.
The Forum has but a brief two
hours in which to conclude all the
things it undertakes in any one meet
ing. Do not waste the time. Sug-
gestions only lead to discussions
which are inconclusive. Make your
suggestions in the form of motion:
these may be discussed, voted upon
and lead to concrete action.
In discussing the merits of motion,
talk to the point, then quit. Many
good arguments are spoiled by being
too long drawn out.
1t is the province of the chair to
rule upon disputed points: This will
be done quickly and impartially. If
the decision is against you, and you
feel it is unjust, don't argue the point:
appeal from the chairs decision; the
Forum itself will then and at once
by its vote decide who is right. Above
all let us be fair, each toward the
other and I am certain there will be
no complaint of lack of interest nor
of failure to properly conduct the
business of our society" .....