1893-1894 BOM Minutes

SEPT. 26, 1893-JUNE 9, 1894

Maryland Historical Society Woman's Literary Club of Baltimore Collection,  MS988, Box 3

 

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For the Club Year 1893-1894
Board of Management Meeting.
September 26th, 1893.

The Board of Management of the Woman's Literary Club of Baltimore met after the Summer vacation on Tuesday, September 26th, 1893, at their Committee room on the corner of Cathedral and Franklin Streets. Seven members attended this meeting;--the President, Miss Brent,--Second Vice President, Miss Haughton,--the Recording Secretary, Miss Crane,--the Treasurer, Mrs. Bullock,--Mrs. Lord,--Miss Grace and Mrs. Dammann.

The President announced that we were to consider the purchasing of some furniture, needed for the Committee room, and also for the large room in which we hold our meetings.

The question of book-cases and chairs for the large room,--of a lamp;--and, for the small room, a table, curtains, and a divan, the latter article to be made of a long box covered and cushioned, which might also serve as a receptacle for papers we did not wish to destroy.

It was also proposed to paint the fireplace in the Committee room, and to make it more ornamental than it is as present.

Dualities, materials and prices

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were also discussed. Miss Haughton suggested that our room should be a cozy one, not stiff, nor uninviting.--Miss Grace said that we could speak more bravely with a pleasant environment than otherwise. Rocking chairs were proposed--and opposed. We were reminded that the meetings of our Committees in this room are sometimes four or five hours long.

It was agreed to appropriate $125.00 for furnishing and improving the Committee room.

The question of extending the platform in the large room, across to meet the wall on each side, was proposed, and decided; as it was considered desirable. It was suggested that the officers of the Club should sit with the President on the platform.

The question of the advisability of buying--or renting--chairs was discussed; and the majority voted in favor of buying them.

The Treasurer said that to buy book-cases and chairs, after the platform, and to do all proposed for the large room, would probably cost $175.00. She made a motion that $300.00 be appropriated for the furnishing of both rooms,--which was carried.

A Committee on Furnishing and

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Decoration was proposed, and agreed to. The choice of this Committee was difficult, and it was not known certainly whether some members suggested as suitable for their duties were in the city, and the time was limited in which the work should be done.

Finally Miss Haughton, Mrs. Lord, Miss Grace and Mrs. Dammann were appointed as the Committee on Furnishing and Decoration.

The question of promoting the study of Elocution among our members also engaged our attention, for a little while.

The question of appointing a Chairman of the House Committee; or Steward, as the President's Assistant, who shall do--officially--the work which has been done for us--without official appointment--by our Second Vice President was also discussed. Finally it was moved that our Second Vice President, was also discussed. Finally it was moved that our Second Vice President should have charge of Stewardship officially of the housekeeping necessary for our monthly entertainments, etc.,--as the President's Assistant. The motion was seconded, and carried.

Miss Haughton then gave us information of an Article to be published in "The American Woman", on Women's Clubs, written by Miss Bisland, one of the editors of the Cosmopolitan, and in which an account of our Club is to appear. A request has

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been made for a Photograph of our Club in its meeting room on a social evening; and also for Photographs of the Officers of the Club. Also for some account of the literary work done by our Club; of our Committee work; and of our professional workers. The request received a favorable answer.

The Recording Secretary proposed that the invitations to visitors should be issued by either of the two Secretaries, without having to be sent back and forth, in submitting them to a Committee on Invitations. The proposition was agreed to;--and so ordered by the President. The Secretary also spoke of limiting the number of invitations given more strictly,--but this subject was deferred.

The question of making Mrs. R. W. Latimer an Honorary Member of the Club was discussed; also, whether it could be done at this time. The Article of the Constitution "On New Members" was read to us; but we were reminded that Mrs. Latimer was not a new member; also that there was a precedent for the appointing of honorary members by the Board of Management, without waiting for the election of new members. The motion to make Mrs. Latimer an honorary member was made by Miss Crane, and seconded by Miss Haughton; and carried without opposition. The meeting adjourned.

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Board of Management Meeting

The Board of Management of the Woman's Literary Club of Baltimore met on Monday October 23rd, 1893, at the corner of Franklin and Cathedral Streets. There were six members present;--the President, First Vice President,--Second Vice President, Recording Secretary,--Corresponding Secretary, and Miss Brown.

The President called the meeting to order, and informed us that we had been called together to consider the question of the proposed Amendments to the Constitution of the Club. This question had been discussed last Spring, and had been deferred until the present time.

After some discussion of the subject before us, the President submitted in writing a plan for the offering and consideration of Amendments to the Constitution, as follows:

"Any Amendment desired to be made to the Constitution must be presented to the Board of Management in type-writing.

"Three copies of each of such Amendments must be sent to the Recording Secretary. One copy to be filed; which the members of the Club may consult for information. One copy for the Board of Management. Once copy for the Presi-

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dent.--To be sent to the Secretary before Saturday October 28th.

"The proposed Amendments, with the several clauses to be amended, will be read to the Club on Tuesday October 31st, by a member chosen from and by the Club, exclusive of the Board of Management.

"All objections to these Amendments must be made in type-writing, as were the Amendments:

"On a subsequent meeting, the last Tuesday in November having been appointed for such purpose, the proposed Amendments, together with the objections made to such Amendments, will be read to the Club for the second time; each Section being separately considered, and separately voted upon.

"The votes will be made by written ballot,--a two-thirds vote, of course, being necessary for any Amendment of the Constitution."

A discussion followed the reading of the first resolution; and Miss King offered--verbally--a substitute for it, as follows:*[1] "A Committee on Revision of the Constitution shall be formed, to

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receive and consider proposed Amendments; and the Club shall vote whether this Committee shall be chose from the Club generally, or shall be the Board of Management. Any Amendment desired to be made must be presented to the Committee in type-writing."

After a free and interesting discussion, taking a wide range the substitute was adopted. 4 to 2.

After further discussion, the remaining articles of the President's resolutions were adopted. It was agreed that they should be read at the meeting of the next day, October 24th; and submitted for action by the Club at the meeting of October 31st.

At was proposed that, at this latter meeting there should be no visitors. It was also proposed to limit the time for individuals speaking on the subjects under consideration.

Miss Brown spoke of the subject of having a teacher of Political Economy for the Committee on that department of study; but no special action was taken on this matter, though some time was given to its discussion.

Miss Haughton then presented her Report as Chairman of the Committee on Furnishing. She reported the

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purchase of chairs, book-cases, a divan, a lamp, a sofa, a desk, and other furniture, also the alterations made in the platform of the room in which we hold our meetings. All these purchases had been made well within the amount of money appropriated by the Board of Management for these purposes.

Thanks were given to Mrs. Haughton, and to the rest of the Committee on Furnishing. The meeting adjourned.

Board of Management.
October 31st, 1893.

The Board of Management of the Woman's Literary Club of Baltimore met on Tuesday, October 31st, 1893, at the corner of Cathedral and Franklin Streets. There were ten members present,--the President,--Second Vice President,--two Secretaries, (Miss Perot and Miss Crane,)--Treasurer,--Mrs. Johnson,--Mrs. Dammann,--Mrs. Lord,--Miss Grace,--and Miss Brown.

The President called the meeting to order.

The Resolutions proposed by the President, and adopted by the Board of Management at its former meeting on October 23rd were discussed.

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The Resolution offered on that occasion--verbally--by Miss King, and adopted by the Board, was read from Miss King's own version, given in writing after the meeting,--and sent to the Secretary,--as follows:--"It was moved and seconded that, at a meeting to be called, October 31st, the Club shall vote whether it will rest the right of preparing a revision of the Constitution in the hands of the Executive Committee, or whether it will appoint a special Committee for that purpose."

It was proposed, and agreed to, that any Committee which was to be appointed by the Club, "On Amendments", should have ample time to discuss and formulate all Amendments to be proposed to the Club. Six weeks for this purpose, it was agreed, would be necessary, which would bring the time for the vote of the Club to a meeting late in December. It was considered desirable to finish this work of Amendments, if possible, before the 1st of January,--the time appointed for the election of new members.

A resolution moved by Mrs. Johnson was adopted: That a printed copy of the proposed Amendments shall be sent to every member of the

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Club for her consideration before the 11th of December.

An enquiry from Miss Szold with regard to non-resident membership was unavoidably deferred.

The question of electing a member of the Board of Management to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of Miss Szold from that position, was brought before us by the President. Mrs. Goddard and Miss Bennett were nominated. A ballot was taken, and Miss Bennett was elected Miss Szold's successor.

Some conversation followed on the question of defining the duties of the House Committee.

The President called a meeting of the Board for the next Tuesday, November 7th. The meeting adjourned.

Board of Management
November 7th, 1893.

The Board of Management of the Woman's Literary Club of Baltimore met on Tuesday, November 7th, 1893, at the corner of Cathedral and Franklin Streets. There were ten members present at this meeting;--the President,--Second Vice President,

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two Secretaries,--Treasurer,--Mrs. Lord, Mrs. Johnson,--Mrs. Dammann,--Miss Brown,--and Miss Bennett.

The President called the meeting to order.

A motion was made by Miss Brown to permit the new Committee on Amendments to the Constitution to send printed notices of the proposed Amendments to every member of the Club.

A discussion arose whether this work was properly the work of the Committee. Miss Brown's motion was finally put to a vote,--and lost.

A discussion on the sending of printed postal cards to our members, by the Secretary, giving these notices, then followed.

The subject was also brought forward of the notices of our Club in the daily newspapers,--to which great exception has been taken. Some of the members spoke of the great unpleasantness of antagonizing the Press, as well as of the unpleasantness of having our affairs prematurely, and incorrectly, published to the world. No action was taken,--or specially recommended on this subject.--The Board of Management adjourned; as the Executive Committee, acting as the House Committee, was about to hold a meeting.

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Board of Management
November 28th, 1893.

The Board of Management of the Woman's Literary Club of Baltimore met on Tuesday, November 28th, 1893, on the corner of Cathedral and Franklin Streets. There were ten members present;--the President, Miss Brent;--First Vice President, Miss King,--Second Vice President, Miss Haughton,--Recording Secretary, Miss Crane,--Treasurer, Miss Bullock,--Mrs. Lord,--Mrs. Dammann,--Miss Grace,--Miss Bennett,--and Miss Brown.

The President called the meeting to order. Questions having been proposed with regard to the powers of the Special Committee on Amendments, particularly one concerning the right of the members of this Committee to suggest and present Amendments, as well as to consider and report them; the President said that the members of the Committee ought certainly to have the right, as members of the Club, to present Amendments for consideration and for decision by the Club.

To prevent misunderstanding Mrs Bullock moved that the Special Committee shall have power to present Amendments offered by its

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own members--before the reading of the Amendments to the Club--with the Amendments offered by other members also, for its consideration and submission to the Club. The motion was adopted.

The questions of a blackboard and of a bulletin board, and of other small expenses were brought forward; and the House Committee was authorized to go beyond in some degree the appropriation of $10.00 made for these purposed. Also 25 cents to a boy for carrying books, and 50 cents for laundry work was appropriated.

The meeting adjourned.

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Board of Management Meeting
January 2nd, 1894.

The Board of Management of the Woman's Literary Club of Baltimore met on Tuesday, January 2nd, 1894, at the corner of Cathedral and Franklin Streets. Ten members attended this meeting,--the President, Second Vice President,--two Secretaries,--Treasurer,--Mrs. Johnson,--Mrs. Lord,--Mrs. Dammann,--Miss Bennett,--and Miss Grace. The President announced that this was the regular meeting for the reception of the names of proposed new members,--other business being in order afterwards.

The name of Mrs. Remsen, 12 East Riddle Street, proposed by Mrs. Goddard, and seconded by Miss Balch, was read. The second name read was that of Miss Ellen Duvall, proposed by Miss Balch, and seconded by Miss Evans. Miss Duvall's name, we were told, had received favorable action two years ago. Miss Kate Mason Rowland was proposed by Mrs. Dammann, and seconded by Miss Crane. These three ladies were unanimously elected.

Miss Reese, an honorary member, was proposed for regular membership; and the proposal was accepted without opposition.

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Mrs. Johnson spoke of the legal methods of undoing in any Club, any work or action which may have been unsatisfactory to a large number of its members. Some discussion followed on this subject.

The resignations of eight members of the Club were submitted to the Board, those of Miss King, First Vice President,--Miss Brown of the Executive Committee,--Mrs. Perry,--Dr. Mark,--Miss Hoffman,--Miss Duer,--Miss Clark,--and Dr. Sherwood. Miss Brown had also written to the President resigning the Chairmanship of the Committee on Economics.

Mrs. Johnson said that she thought it would be well to decline to accept the resignations before us. She moved that "we express our regret to the members who have resigned for their action; and that we asked them to reconsider it." Miss Crane seconded the motion, and it was adopted. [2]The Corresponding Secretary was instructed to write the notes in pursuance of this resolution.

Mrs. Dammann asked leave to submit the Report of the House Committee. She did so; and the Report was approved. The meeting adjourned.

Over.

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At the close of the literary meeting, the same afternoon, the President asked the members of the Board of Management to come to the platform for a few minutes,--as she had a word or two to say to them. A majority of the Board having come forward, we were informed by the President that the nomination of Mrs. Uhler, as a new member of the Club, had been handed to her during the literary meeting:--but that she thought it came too late for any action to be taken upon it. She wished for the opinions of the members of the Board. They agreed with her that this nomination came too late for the election of this day.

The resignation of Miss Corrinne Jackson was also announced.

The Board informally adjourned.--

--Read to the Board.

Board of Management.
January 9th, 1894.

The Board of Management of the Woman's Literary Club of Baltimore met on Tuesday, January 9th, 1894, at the corner of Cathedral and Franklin Streets. Nine members attended this meeting,--the President,--Second Vice President,--two Sec-

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retaries,--Treasurer,--Mrs. Dammann,--Mrs. Johnson,--Miss Grace,--and Miss Bennett.

The President called the meeting to order, and the Recording Secretary read the minutes of the meeting of January 2nd.

The resignations from the Club of Mrs. Griffin, Miss Adams, and Miss Cenas were presented to the Board. The resignation of Mrs. Ahrens was also announced. Letters were also presented from the members whose resignations had been read on the previous Tuesday, declining to reconsider their action in resigning. The Corresponding Secretary was instructed to write to the ladies whose resignations had just been received, requesting their reconsideration also.

Miss Bennett asked leave to define her position with regard to the action that had been taken in the business of the Incorporation of the Club. She was, she said, decidedly and unalterably opposed to what had been done at the meeting of the Club on December 29th.

After some discussion on this subject, the President decided that it was out of order to delay our pro-

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ceeding to the business for which this meeting had been called; namely: the filling of vacancies in the Board of Management.

The first matter in order was the filling of the vacant place caused by the resignation of Miss King as a member of the Board. The name of Mrs. Goddard was proposed, but it was said that she could not serve at present, having a sick child to claim her attention. The names of Mrs. Wrenshall and Mrs. Manly were also suggested, but it was said that they had declined also to serve on the Board.

Mrs. Dammann nominated Miss Balch. Miss Haughton seconded the nomination; and it was carried immediately.

Miss Haughton nominated Mrs. Shippen to fill the place of Miss Brown. Mrs. Dammann seconded the nomination and it received the same vote as the former one.

The election of a First Vice President was next in order. Mrs. Bullock nominated Mrs. Dammann for that office; Miss Brent seconded the nomination. Miss Grace nominated Mrs. Johnson. Miss Crane seconded the nomination. The two candidates not voting, Mrs. Johnson re-

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ceived five votes,--and her election was announced.

The meeting adjourned.

Board of Management.
January 16th, 1894.

The Board of Management of the Woman's Literary Club of Baltimore met on Tuesday, January 16th, 1894, at the Corner of Cathedral and Franklin Streets. There were nine members present:--the President,--two Vice Presidents,--Recording Secretary,--Treasurer,--Mrs. Dammann,--Miss Grace,--Mrs. Lord and Miss Balch.

Declinations to reconsider resignations were received from seceding members. Resignations were received from Miss Ridgely, Miss Nelson, Mrs. Lake, Miss Sally Carter;--and also from Miss Perat,--Corresponding Secretary,--and Miss Bennett of the Board of Management. The question of asking those ladies to reconsider their action was discussed. It was agreed that Miss Perat and Miss Bennett might be approached on this subject. It was said that both these ladies were under some

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misapprehension with regard to some late occurrences among us, and had resigned unwillingly.

The Secretary read the minutes of the Board of Management meeting of January 9th.

Mrs. Johnson suggested that when another Club or Society were to be invited to attend one of our meetings,--as in the case of the Shakespeare Club, for the literary meeting of this afternoon,--it would be well to inform the Board of Management of the proposed invitation. Miss Brent said this had not been customary in our Club, and, however desirable in some respects, it would add greatly to the labors of the Secretary.

The President then announces that Mrs. Shipper was unable to accept membership in the Board of Management; and, consequently it would be necessary to elect some one else to fill the vacant place of Miss Brown. Also, that if Miss Perat and Miss Bennett should still decline to reconsider their resignations, their places could be filled on a later occasion.

Miss Balch then consented to do temporarily any of Miss Perat's

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work of correspondence, that could not otherwise be done.

Miss Brent then nominated Mrs. Early as a member of the Executive Committee, Miss Grace seconded the nomination;--and Mrs. Early was elected without opposition.

After a few informal remarks, the meeting adjourned.

Board of Management.
January 22nd, 1894.

The Board of Management of the Woman's Literary Club of Baltimore met on Monday, January 22nd, 1894, at the corner of Cathedral and Franklin Streets. Seven members attended this meeting,--the President,--Recording Secretary,--Treasurer,--Mrs. Dammann,--Miss Balch,--Mrs. Early,--and Mrs. Lord.--The Recording Secretary read the minutes of the former meeting on January 16th.

The President announced that Miss Kate Mason Rowland had informed us that she would not be able to become an active memebr of the CLub, as much of her time was now spent in Washington; but that she would accept non-

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resident membership. Miss Brent proposed that Miss Rowland, who had already been elected a member of the Club, should be made a non-resident member. The Board of Management vote to make Miss Rowland a non-resident member.

Miss Brent nominated Mrs. Whitelock as Corresponding Secretary of the Club. Miss Balch seconded the motion; and Mrs. Whitelock was elected unanimously.

Mrs. Lord nominated Mrs. Wrenshall for the vacant place on the Board of Management. Miss Brent seconded the nominated; and Mrs. Wrenshall was elected.

The President laid before us the proposal to have the monthly Tea of the Club for the month on the 23rd of January instead of the 30th. The Colonial Dames were invited to be present with us on the 23rd; and would miss their own Tea by accepting the invitation. It would make very little difference to anticipate by one week our monthly entertainment. There was no opposition to this proposal.

The President, Mrs. Dammann and others spoke of the desirability of

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having the use of our Committee room at all times; but also of the undesirability of opening the door to outsiders who might take advantage of it.

Some questions regarding the library, the janitress,--the blackboard, etc., were discussed. Also questions with regard to the voting in of new members, in relation to our Incorporation,--to our Chapter,--to future literary meetings etc.

The declination of membership in the Club by Mrs. Remson, on account of many engagements, was announced.

Names were mentioned of desirable new members, and of those who, it was believed, desired to enter the Club.

The meeting adjourned.

Board of Management.
January 25th, 1894.

The Board of Management of the Woman's Literary Club of Baltimore met on Friday, January 25th, 1894 at the corner of Cathedral and Franklin Streets. There were five members present:--the President,--Recording Secretary,--Miss Grace,--Mrs. Dammann and Miss Balch.

Letters were received from Mrs.

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Whitelock, Mrs. Lord and Miss Haughton regretting their inability to be present.

The minutes of the Board meeting of January 22nd were read.

The subject of the more general distribution of Topic Papers was spoken of; also of the reading at each meeting of the programme for the next one, so far as possible.

The President explained the difficulties under which she had labored;--especially of late, when resignations had occurred among Chairmen of Committees and active members.

A suggestion was made of a sort of censorship of papers, before the public meetings, in the interest of raising the standard of our original work. This had to some extent, been done, by the Chairman of Committees;--but may, possibly, receive more attention in future, than it has hither done.

The business for which we had been called together was announced in a letter from Miss Haughton, our Second Vice President, and related to the supplying of a piano for the musical evening of next Tuesday; and possibly for future musical evenings. She told of a conversa-

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tion she had with an agent of [?Knabe's] piano firm, in which a piano was offered to us for six dollars a month, to rent,--and, for less than five hundred to buy it. Of course, three dollars would be charged for moving it. After some conversation it was decided that, as our income had lately decreased, it would be well--now--to rent, and not to buy a piano.

Miss Balch asked if the members of a society like the Colonial Dames could be invited to our meetings as individuals, after having been entertained as an association? Without deciding this question, the meeting adjourned.

Board of Management.
February 6th, 1894.

The Board of Management of the Woman's Literary Club of Baltimore met on Tuesday, February 6th, 1894, at the corner of Cathedral and Franklin Streets. This meeting was attended by eight members;--the President,--Second Vice President,--Recording Secretary,--Treasurer,--Mrs. Lord,--Mrs. Dammann,--Miss Balch,--and Mrs. Early.

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The resignation of Mrs. Whitelock as Corresponding Secretary having been announced,--the first business in order was election to fill this vacancy. Mrs. Gaston Manley was immediately elected Corresponding Secretary of the Club.

The question was then discussed whether we should have an entertainment, or anything like a general reception this year? The suggestion was made that, if this was done, the former members of the Club should be invited to it. The question of the limitations of invitations, and the very important question of the limitations of our income--heretofore, and at the present time--occupied the attention of the Board for some time. The Treasurer made an informal statement of the present condition of the finances of the Club, and a general estimate of future expenses, no decisive action was taken with regard to the proposed entertainment, though the proposal seemed to meet favorable consideration.

The question of cutting off some of our smaller expenses,--as unnecessary ones,--was also discussed.

The meeting adjourned.

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After adjournment some discussion took place on the admission of new members; especially in connection with the subject of the votes that may follow our new Act of Incorporation. The names of probable new members were discussed.

This was followed by a second informal adjournment.

Board of Management.
February 27th, 1894.

The Board of Management of the Woman's Literary Club of Baltimore met on Tuesday, February 27th, 1894, at the corner of Cathedral and Franklin Streets. Ten members attended this meeting,--the President,--two Vice Presidents, Recording Secretary,--Treasurer,--Mrs. Lord,--Miss Grace,--Mrs. Balch,--Mrs. Early,--and Mrs. Wrenshall.

The question of increasing the membership of the Club at this time was discussed; and the names of several ladies were mentioned as likely to be proposed to us.

The question arose whether we shall, after our act of Incorporation goes into effect, vote in new

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members at any time before the first Tuesday in May,--the regular time for such elections.

The time when the act of Incorporation will go into effect being still uncertain, some of the members of the Board thought it would be not just to the Club, nor to any proposed new members, to appoint an apparently irregular election at the present time. It was also said that an election now might show an undue anxiety to fill vacancies, and put our Club in an undignified position. On the other hand it was urged that we might miss the opportunity of gaining valuable new members; who might in the mean time be induced to join other associations instead of our own.

The treasurer was asked if there was likely to be any pressing need for the dues of new members. She said she did not think there was any such need at the present.

Miss Balch moved: That we shall have no election of new members before the first Tuesday in May,--the regular day for that election. Mrs. Johnson seconded the motion, and it was carried:--five votes

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to three; two members refraining from voting.

Mrs. Johnson proposed to amend the By Laws of our Club so as to make it necessary that all names of proposed new members shall be sent to the Board of Management a month before the day for their election. Discussion of this question followed. Also on that of the advisability or non-advisability of continuing to allow the members of the Board of Management to propose the names of new members.

It was decided to defer Mrs. Johnson's resolution--on giving a month's notice of the names of new members before their election--until the next meeting of the Board.

The meeting adjourned.

Board of Management.
March 6th, 1894.

The Board of Management of the Woman's Literary Club of Baltimore met on Tuesday, March 6th, 1894, at the corner of Cathedral and Franklin Streets. Nine members attended this meeting:--the President,--Second Vice President,--Recording

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Secretary,--Treasurer,--Miss Grace,--Mrs. Lord,--Miss Balch,--Mrs. Early,--and Mrs. Wrenshall.

The President announced that we had met expecting to consider Mrs. Johnson's resolution, proposed at the meeting of February 27th, with regard to the sending to the Board of Management the names of proposed new members of the Club a month before the day appointed to the voting upon such names. The question had arisen whether this resolution should become a part of our Constitution?--or should be added to our By Laws? The impression had been received that Mrs. Johnson intended to take legal advise on this subject.

To our regret, it was announced that Mrs. Johnson had been suddenly called out of town; and consequently could not again present her resolution at this meeting, nor give us the result of her enquiries respecting its proper place--if carried--among the rules of the Club.

Some discussion was held on this subject; and on kindred questions,--especially on the advisabili-

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ty of our new members being proposed, or not proposed, by members of the Board of Management. It was suggested that each member of the Club should have the right to propose one, and only one, new name for membership in each year.

It was finally proposed that, as the time for the election was drawing near, the President should, in the full meeting of the Club about to be held, give a recommendation or request to the Club to send in the names of proposed new members to the Board one month before the day fixed for acting on these names. To this the Board agreed.

Miss Haughton then asked leave from the Board to send back to its owners the piano which had been rented for our musical evenings. To this the Board agreed also.

The President said a few words of thanks to Miss Haughton for her important part in the success of our musical entertainments.

The meeting adjourned.

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Director's Meeting.
March 27th, 1894.

The full Board of Directors--under the new Incorporation--of the Woman's Literary Club of Baltimore,--being the twelve members of the Board of Management under the old Constitution of the Club,--met on Tuesday Morning, March 27th,1894, at the corner of Cathedral and Franklin Streets.

Miss Brent the Chairman called the meeting to order.

The Chairman laid before the Board a proposition to join the Federation of Woman's Clubs of America. She read a letter from Mrs. Emerson Brown of New Jersey, the President of the Federation, and also a printed circular giving the conditions of joining, and the advantages of belonging to the Federation. It was moved and seconded that the Club should join the Federation, and the motion was carried without opposition. Miss Brent agreed to write to Mrs. Brown on this subject without delay.

The subject of the [?late[ Incorporation of the Club being in order, our own copy of the Act of Incorporation, only signed and attested, was laid before us; and

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was read to us by the Treasurer. She also laid before us the note of Mr. Trippe, the lawyer whose advice had been taken in this matter, and his bill of $10.00;--also another little bill for attendant expenses of $8.50.

Our attention was then called to the facts,--that our Club was now legally without officers,--that we, the Directors, were simply a Committee, with Miss Brent as our Chairman, her name being the first on the list of Directors.--Some conversation followed on the right to resign as Directors, or as individuals,--of engaging to resign next May, or of holding office until our successors are appointed.

Some time was given to the subject of voting into the Club those of its members who are not in the list of the forty Incorporators, and to the suggestion of voting in others as desirable new members, at the same time; which caused discussion.

The proposition being made to proceed to the election of officers, Mrs. Dammann moved that we re-instate the entire Administration holding office at the time the Incorpora-

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tion went into effect,--without change. Mrs. Manly seconded this motion; and it was carried, by a standing vote. *[3]

The question then arose of a meeting of the Club to adopt a Constitution, and to transact other important business. As it was considered not advisable to displace a literary meeting for business, it was finally decided that this meeting should be held on Friday the 30th of March, at 4 P.M.

The question of proposing Amendments to the Constitution was then discussed. Three points of alteration were unanimously approved by the Board of Management. First: That the Quorum of the Board of Managers shall be seven members, instead of four. Second: That the Quorum of the Club shall be a legal majority,--or two more than one half of the members. Third: That the names of new members

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shall have a proposer, and two seconders, and shall be proposed by a member of one year's standing. Also, that names should be considered at least one week before being voted upon.

Mrs. Johnson then offered a resolution--to go before the Club,--which, after discussion, was amended by Mrs. Bullock in the change of the word "recommend" to "suggest". Mrs. Johnson accepted the Amendment, and her resolution then read:

"That the Board of Management suggest to the Club that the election of new members shall be left to the Board, as before; and that the proposed names shall be sent to the Board on our before the first meeting in April, that the Board may have one week for the consideration of these names. Or, if the Club at large shall desire to vote upon the names of new members, that the proposed names shall be posted in the Committee room, one week before the election shall take place."

Miss Haughton objected to this resolution, and moved an amendment: "That we shall not give our opinion on this subject unless it is asked". The amendment was

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seconded by Mrs. Manly, voted upon, and defeated. Some discussion arose whether, after a vote of the Board of Management, the minority had a right to make a report to the Club--or not?--or whether the Board always appears before the Club as a unit.

Finally Mrs. Johnson's resolution was seconded by Mrs. Early; and carried, by seven votes in favor to five against it.--The meeting adjourned.

Not Read to Board.

Board of Management.
April 27th, 1894.

The Board of Management of the Woman's Literary Club of Baltimore met on Friday, April 27th, 1894, at the corner of Franklin and Cathedral Streets. Seven members attended this meeting;--the President, First and Second Vice Presidents, Recording Secretary, Mrs. Early, Miss Balch, and Mrs. Lord.

The names of nineteen candidates for membership in the Club were presented to the Board, and three others mentioned as those of probable or possible candidates.

The question of the conduct of elections in the Club was discussed;

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in view of the fact that our next general election will take place on the third Tuesday in the coming month. The plan proposed by the minority of the Committee who were appointed last October, to consider and formulate Amendments to the Constitution, was informally approved; and suggestions were made for giving information with regard to it to the members of the Club.

The Recording Secretary asked leave to make a personal request from the Board. She explained that, on account of threatened trouble to her eyesight, she was obliged to report herself as very much behindhand in the copying of her Minutes into the Club Book. She very much regretted that she felt it necessary to ask the Board to allow the copying to be done at the expense of the Club. It was moved and seconded that the Secretary's request be complied with; and the motion was carried, without opposition.[4]

After some informal consultation, the meeting adjourned.

Adopted.

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Board of Management.
May 1st, 1894.

The Board of Management of the Woman's Literary Club of Baltimore held a meeting on Tuesday, May 1st, 1894, at the corner of Cathedral and Franklin Streets. In all nine members attended this meeting; the President,--two Vice Presidents,--Recording Secretary,--Treasurer,--Mrs. Lord,--Miss Grace,--Miss Balch,--and Mrs. Wrenshall. Miss Grace came late.

The President called the meeting to order, and after some suggestions with regard to the conduct of business,--reminded us that the first business in order was the presentation of the names of candidates for membership in our Club, this being the occasion of voting upon them.

Twenty new names were read to the Board; but one of them was--solely on account of irregularity in the presentation--not acted upon.

1 The first name proposed was that of Mrs. Alfred M. Belt, 1031 Cathedral Street, proposed by Mrs. Jenkins and seconded by Miss Evans. She was elected, receiving eight votes,--those of all present at that time of voting.

2 The second name was that of Miss Camak, 15 Preston Street; proposed by Mrs. Goddard, seconded by Mrs. Tait

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and Miss Grace. She was elected by the same unanimous vote.

3 The third name was that of Mrs. Elizabeth Brown Davis, the Langham; proposed by Miss Cloud, seconded by Mrs. Manly. Elected by the same vote as before.

4 The fourth name was that of Mrs. George W. S. Hall. St. Denis Post Office 1812 North Charles Street; proposed by Miss Reese, and seconded by Mrs. Jenkins and Mrs. Goddard. Mrs. Hall was elected by the votes of all present.

5 The fifth name was that of Miss Effie Johnson, 33 West North Avenue; proposed by Mrs. Goddard, seconded by Mrs. Miller and Mrs. Tait. Elected by the same eight votes.

6 The sixth name was that of Miss Margaret A. Klein, Entow Street; proposed by Mrs. Graham, seconded by Mrs. Tait. Elected by the same vote as before.

7 The seventh name was that of Mrs. W. P. Morgan, 313 West Monument Street; proposed by Mrs. T. J. Morris, seconded by Miss Early. Mrs. Morgan also received all of the eight votes cast.

8 The eighth name was that of Miss Katherine Noble, No 8 West North Avenue; proposed by Miss Griffith, seconded by Mrs. Jenkins. Elected by the same vote as before.

9 The ninth name was that of Mrs. Clapham Pennington; proposed by

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Mrs. Tait, seconded by Miss Brent. Elected by the same vote as before.

10 The tenth name was that of Mrs. William M. Pegram; proposed by Mrs. Wrenshall, and seconded by Mrs. Jenkins. Mrs. Pegram was also unanimously elected. (Declined)

11 The eleventh name was that of Mrs. Benjamin Price; proposed by Mrs. Jenkins, and seconded by Mrs. Wrenshall. Mrs. Price was elected by the votes of all present,--nine in number at that time.

12 The twelfth name was that of Miss Katherine Spear, 309 Lanvale Street; proposed by Miss Zacharias, seconded by Mrs. Cautley. Miss Spear was elected by all the votes given.

13 The thirteenth name was that of Mrs. P. R. Uhler, proposed by Mrs. Manly, and seconded by Mrs. Wrenshall and Miss Brent. Mrs. Uhler was unanimously elected.

14 The fourteenth name was that of Mrs. Yates Stirling, Lanvale Street; propose by Mrs. Frederick Tyson, seconded by Miss Brent. She was also unanimously elected.

15 The fifteenth name was that of Miss Annie Weston Whitney; proposed by Miss Zacharias, seconded by Miss Cloud. She was elected by the same vote.

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The sixteenth name was that of Mrs. Thomas Hill, proposed by Mrs. Easter, seconded by Mrs. Miller. She was also unanimously elected.

The seventeenth name was that of Mrs. Thomas Rhinehart; proposed by Mrs. Wiley, seconded by Mrs. Miller. Also unanimously elected.

The eighteenth name was that of Mrs. George K. McGaw, proposed by Mrs. Wiley, and seconded by Miss Malloy. Elected by the same vote as before.

The nineteenth name was that of Miss Martha Ford, proposed by Mrs. Manly, and seconded by Miss Malloy. She was also unanimously elected.

The President then spoke of the approaching election for officers of the Club, and of the necessity for a system of rules in this election. We were reminded of the "Election Rules offered for Trial by the Minority of the special Committee on Amendments to the Constitution last Fall. Mrs. Johnson moved that a trial should be made of these rules at the approaching election. Miss Balch seconded the motion, and it was carried without opposition. We were reminded that the printed sheets filled up with the nominating lists of the members ought to be in

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the hands of the proper Committee before the 14th of May if possible.

The election rule requiring that a Committee of five members of the Club shall be appointed by the President to receive and classify the nominating sheets of the members was now considered; and the President appointed as this Committee: Mrs. Wylie--Mrs. Carter,--Mrs. Wrenshall,--Miss Haughton,--and Miss Cloud, or--if Miss Cloud should decline to serve--the fifth member might be Mrs. Percy Reese.

The question arose whether this Committee should be taken from the ranks of the Club, exclusive of the Board of Management--or not? Mrs. Johnson suggested that it would not make much difference either way; but said she thought it would be the wiser plan not to include any member of the Board of Management in this Committee. Mrs. Wrenshall said the Board ought to be represented in it.

Miss Haughton said she would decline to serve on this Committee.

Mrs Johnson moved that this Committee do not include members of the Board of Management, Miss

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Grace seconded the motion;--but it was defeated.--The meeting adjourned.

--Some of the members appointed to serve on this Committee on Election declining to serve, it became finally: Mrs. Wylie,--Mrs. Carter,--Mrs. Wrenshall,--Mrs. Whitelock,--and Mrs. Goddard.

Board of Management.
June 1st, 1894.

The Board of Management of the Woman's Literary Club of Baltimore met on Friday afternoon, June 1st, 1894 at the corner of Cathedral and Franklin Streets. Ten members were present; the Second Vice President,--two Secretaries, Treasurer, (Mrs. Bullock)--Miss Grace,--Mrs. Lord,--Mrs. Dammann,--Mrs. Wrenshall,--Mrs. Early,--and Mrs. Manly.

The President, Mrs. Brent, sent a note, telling us that to her great regret, she was prevented by severe indisposition from giving us some short explanations regarding the business before us, and her views respecting it.

Mrs. Wrenshall read the Election Rules used in the late election by the Club; and noted a few changes necessary apparently to be made in acting upon them. She offered, and

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explained, several amendments to the rules, for our consideration. She spoke of the question of signing nominations,--to which some objections have been made. Also on the point of giving time for a nominated candidate to withdraw her name before the day of the election,--if she wishes to do so.--Mrs. Wrenshall proposed a meeting for nominations,--which would not need to be over half an hour in length,--two weeks before the election. At this meeting nominating sheets should be distributed, filled, folded, and returned to the Chairman of the Committee on Nominations. The Committee should count these sheets, and post the names of the candidates receiving the highest and next to highest number of nomination votes, in the assembly room of the Club, one week before the election.

Also: that the Chairman of the Committee on Nominations shall be the Judge of Election.

That the Committee on Nominations shall consist of two members of the Board of Management and three from the ranks of the Club.

That candidates shall be immediately notified of their nominations.

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After some discussion the Rules, as amended, were put to the vote, and carried by the Board of Management, to be submitted to the Club as among our proposed By Laws.

The question of a Committee on Hospitality to invite distinguished strangers and others to our meetings received informal discussion. Also, the question of limiting the number of members in the Club.--The meeting adjourned.

Board of Management. New Board:
June 9th, 1894.

The Board of Directors of the Woman's Literary Club of Baltimore met on Saturday, June 9th, 1894, at the house of Miss Emma Brent. Eight members were present;--the First Vice President,--two Secretaries,--Treasurer,--Mrs. Lord,--Mrs. Early,--Mrs. Wrenshall,--and Miss Malloy.

The First vice President, Mrs. Bullock, called the meeting to order, and announced that the business before us was the appointment of a House Committee, to superintend the necessary arrangements regarding our rooms and furniture for the summer season.

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Miss Haughton was nominated as Chairman of this Committee, and elected unanimously, Miss Balch was nominated andelected with the same unanimity. Mrs. Lord was also unanimously elected.

There being no further pressing business before the Board of Directors, the meeting adjourned.

[END OF SEASON]