ruption that then attracted no attention is now heralded from the house-tops. The best security for the public service is the publicity certain to be given to public wrong. After all has been said that can be said against the administration of public affairs to-day, I think it is, nevertheless, true that the Brooklyn bridge is managed quite as much in the interest of the public that uses it as are the Brooklyn rapid transit lines; that the United States postoffice is as well run as the Adams Express Company; and that the affairs of the Army and Navy are as well administered as those of the Standard Oil Company. When our distinguished Governor reaches the end of his present or some future term, I hope we may be able to add that the Erie canal is as well managed as the New York Central Railroad. The tendency is certainly towards the administration of more and more public functions by public functionaries. The United States Government is more likely to acquire the telegraph than to sell the post-office. The State of New York is more likely to furnish gas and street railroad accommodations to its citizens than it is to cease to furnish them with water, and the State of New York will never sell its Niagara and Adirondack Parks. The adoption of the legislation which I have suggested would enable the State and the municipalities within its borders to carry on with abundant funds the work that they have so well commenced with such funds as they could spare from the present limited resources of taxation. Hundred-millionaires might move to New Jersey, but we could make this such a State that men of moderate wealth from all parts of the nation and the world would choose it for their residence, and we would gain in population and in prestige a hundred times what we would lose. Why should not the New York State Bar Association be the pioneer in this great cause? It has its membership in every city and in every important town of the State. It is in close touch-in closer touch than any other body of men with the people of the State. Our clients who repose their confidence in us and act upon our advice are the people and the property owners of the State. How can the Association justify its existence and repay the community for the confidence it has reposed in it better than by formulating and supporting and sponsoring legislation like this, which cannot but result in great good to the State and greater happiness to its people? (Applause.) The President: The Secretary will read the minutes of the preceding meeting. C. J. Buchanan, of Albany: I move that the reading of the minutes be dispensed with. The President: (Carried.) Are there any nominations for membership? C. J. Buchanan, of Albany: I nominate for membership Mr. Frank Silliman Parmenter, of Troy. G. M. Ingalsbe, of Sandy Hill: I second that nomination. I nominate for membership Charles H. Sturges, of Saratoga Springs. A. D. L. Baker, of Gloversville: I nominate Frank Burton, of Gloversville. Tracy C. Becker, of Buffalo: I nominate Joseph V. Seaver, of Buffalo. The President: It will be convenient to elect all the members now. The Secretary: I nominate Theodore E. Hancock, of Syracuse; J. B. Perkins, of Rochester; Ernest W. Huffcut, of Cornell University; Cuthbert W. Pound, of Cornell University; William A. Finch, of Cornell University; Edwin H. Woodruff, of Cornell University; Russell M. Johnston, of Albany; Charles F. Bridge, of Albany; B. Learned Hand, of Albany; William Van Rensselaer Erving, of Albany; also the following: George S. Klock, of Utica, proposed by Mr. John N. Carlisle. George N. Ostrander, of Albany, proposed by Edward H. Leggett. Royal A. Gunnison, of Binghamton, proposed by John P. Grant. Ralph A. Kellogg and Edward C. Mason, of Buffalo, proposed by John Cunneen. David Hayes, of Rochester, proposed by Albert Hessberg. Frederick G. Mitchell, of Buffalo, proposed by Tracy C. Becker. The President: Is there any member of the Committee on Admissions present? S. L. H. Ward, of New York: I report in favor of all of the names proposed. The President: Does anyone call for a separate vote on any special member proposed? All who are in favor of the election of the gentlemen proposed will signify it by saying aye. It is carried, and the gentlemen are elected. Is the report of the Executive Committee ready? C. J. Buchanan, of Albany: Mr. President, I will state the report is ready, but not signed by the Chairman, Mr. Jones, of Rochester, who is not here. I will read the report, signed by myself as Secretary. ALBANY, N. Y., January 16, 1900. To the New York State Bar Association: Your Executive Committee respectfully submits the following report: First. Fifty-one members of the Association have been made during the last year, through this committee, as prescribed by the Constitution and By-laws of the Association. Second. On the 15th day of December, 1899, there was a joint meeting of the Executive and Law Reform Committees, at the rooms of the Association, in the Capitol, in the city of Albany, to prescribe such subjects for consideration at the next annual meeting as such committees might deem advisable. There was an unusually large attendance of members at such meeting, and the subjects prescribed thereat for consideration at the annual meeting have been embodied in circulars and memoranda heretofore sent to the members of the Association. Third. On the 15th day of January, 1900, the annual meeting of the Executive Committee was held, as prescribed by the rules thereof. In the absence of the Chairman, Mr. Ingalsbe acted as Chairman at such meeting. The following-named proceedings were thereupon had and taken: On motion, Messrs. Keck and Buchanan were appointed a committee to examine the Treasurer's annual report, and audit the books, vouchers and accounts pertaining thereto. After such examination such committee reported that it had examined said report, books, vouchers and accounts, and found them, and every of them, to be correct. The following resolutions were adopted: Resolved, That $150 be, and hereby is, allowed to the Clerk of the Treasurer for his services for the year 1900, upon being audited by the Secretary of the Executive Committee. Resolved, That the Treasurer be, and hereby is, authorized and directed to pay the expenses of the annual meeting of the Association for the year 1900, upon the same being audited by the Secretary of this committee. The following-named accounts were presented, audited and ordered to be paid: Weed-Parsons Printing Company, printing, etc. L. B. Proctor, for postage, expressage, telegrams, etc., from February 1, 1899, to January 31, 1900.... On motion, the Committee adjourned. $48 34 23 90 W. MARTIN JONES, Chairman. CHARLES J. BUCHANAN, Secretary. |