intelligence which the professions represent might—acting together—parallel and in one and the same direction— result in a power worthy to be pitted against any human force—yes even this one that constitutes the menace from which the world trembles today?
In order that we may have a worthy part in such an effort, or for that matter, in any other post-war destiny that may include architects—I submit that we should no longer be satisfied with a membership that barely reaches ten per cent of those who practice the calling we profess.
With all my will I urge you to see to it that not less than a thousand be added to our membership in 1919. This, I think, is by no means a hard task. With the imminent return of building activity, of which the Committee on Institute Publications believes it has ample evidence, it should be but a short time before the dues can be materially reduced and that deterrent obstacle removed. To this end, enabling legislation in the shape of by-law changes is being suggested to this Convention.
Recent correspondence with some thirty professional organizations supports my belief in the possibility of a brotherhood or league of professions by the show of keen interest in the subject and a readiness to join in its further consideration.
A careful survey of the situation leads me to feel certain that a bigger and a better institute is immediately attainable.
Moreover, I am confident that architecture—the Art I mean—can never come into its own until some way has been found to make it easier for the young man in the profession to earn an honest living. Surely he can not hope to contribute much to art while 90 per cent of his time and energy is required to keep the wolf from the door.
A league of professions, an institute—really national in size and scope, and a vigorously and fully supported Post- War Committee on Architectural Practice—each offers possibilities. For the first I ask your post-convention interest; for the second, the greater institute, your help and for the Post-War Committee I bespeak your most generous and unqualified support.
Treasurer Waid’s report was then presented. The cash receipts for the year were set down as $36,000 and the expenditures at $32,000. He announced that there was $4,300 in the reserve fund. A summary of the budget for the ensuing year was contained in the Treasurer’s report.
In the report of the Board of Directors, presented by Secretary Parker, it was urged that members engage in the fullest discussion of the matters that would be put before them.
In this report the Board of Directors submitted a resolution for permission to borrow from the reserve fund a sum not to exceed $10,000 to meet expenses of the budget, the amount to be restored to the fund with 5 per cent interest added.
This report referred at length to the valuable individual services in war work rendered by members of the Institute.
The total membership of the Institute was now 1,499, a net gain of eight for the year.
Among the honorary members who died during the year was Theodore Roosevelt. The members stood during the reading of this part of the report as an expression of respect.
New Chapters were reported as organized in Nebraska and Tennessee.
The report contained a recommendation that the convention go on record with reference to a National Convention on Housing.
The report also urged that the Institute go on record as favoring a national Victory Memorial Park and Forest at or near Washington.
The question of State licensing laws was discussed in this report of the board and all of the Chapters in States where such laws are not now in force were urged to use every effort to secure the passage of adequate legislation.
It was announced that a committee of the Institute had been named to meet a committee of French architects which is soon to come to this country to discuss some problems of rebuilding the devastated areas in France. The Institute has pledged the most thorough co-operation in any matters which the French architects might desire to discuss.
The board recommended the election of Jean Paul Alaux of Bordeaux and Paris as an honorary corresponding member of the Institute, in recognition of his work in France and co-operation with American architects. M. Alaux was elected.
The Institute medal was awarded to Samuel Yellin of Philadelphia for his work in the Allied Crafts.
Afternoon Session, First Day
The most important matter that was brought to a conclusion during this session was that of members’ dues. After a somewhat protracted discussion it was resolved and carried that the annual dues of both Fellows and members be fixed at $20.
The amendment to Article V, Section I, of the by-laws, referring to the initiation fee, was very fully debated.
The board of directors, in its report, suggested that there should be a low limit of ten dollars, in place of fifteen dollars, as now. The debate on this amendment brought out some interesting expression of views as to just what was and what was not a dignified attitude in the matter. Some delegates advanced the contention that a low initiation fee made for a poor class of membership and the possibility of the admission of men that were not sufficiently of good standing to be desirable. Others took a more democratic stand.
The motion was put and lost.
A proposed amendment to Article 12 of the bylaws, omitting the name of the Committee on Public Information, which would work a discontinuance of that committee, was seriously opposed by D. K. Boyd, former chairman of the Committee on Public Information.
It developed during the debate that it was the
opinion of a majority of delegates that the contin
In order that we may have a worthy part in such an effort, or for that matter, in any other post-war destiny that may include architects—I submit that we should no longer be satisfied with a membership that barely reaches ten per cent of those who practice the calling we profess.
With all my will I urge you to see to it that not less than a thousand be added to our membership in 1919. This, I think, is by no means a hard task. With the imminent return of building activity, of which the Committee on Institute Publications believes it has ample evidence, it should be but a short time before the dues can be materially reduced and that deterrent obstacle removed. To this end, enabling legislation in the shape of by-law changes is being suggested to this Convention.
Recent correspondence with some thirty professional organizations supports my belief in the possibility of a brotherhood or league of professions by the show of keen interest in the subject and a readiness to join in its further consideration.
A careful survey of the situation leads me to feel certain that a bigger and a better institute is immediately attainable.
Moreover, I am confident that architecture—the Art I mean—can never come into its own until some way has been found to make it easier for the young man in the profession to earn an honest living. Surely he can not hope to contribute much to art while 90 per cent of his time and energy is required to keep the wolf from the door.
A league of professions, an institute—really national in size and scope, and a vigorously and fully supported Post- War Committee on Architectural Practice—each offers possibilities. For the first I ask your post-convention interest; for the second, the greater institute, your help and for the Post-War Committee I bespeak your most generous and unqualified support.
Treasurer Waid’s report was then presented. The cash receipts for the year were set down as $36,000 and the expenditures at $32,000. He announced that there was $4,300 in the reserve fund. A summary of the budget for the ensuing year was contained in the Treasurer’s report.
In the report of the Board of Directors, presented by Secretary Parker, it was urged that members engage in the fullest discussion of the matters that would be put before them.
In this report the Board of Directors submitted a resolution for permission to borrow from the reserve fund a sum not to exceed $10,000 to meet expenses of the budget, the amount to be restored to the fund with 5 per cent interest added.
This report referred at length to the valuable individual services in war work rendered by members of the Institute.
The total membership of the Institute was now 1,499, a net gain of eight for the year.
Among the honorary members who died during the year was Theodore Roosevelt. The members stood during the reading of this part of the report as an expression of respect.
New Chapters were reported as organized in Nebraska and Tennessee.
The report contained a recommendation that the convention go on record with reference to a National Convention on Housing.
The report also urged that the Institute go on record as favoring a national Victory Memorial Park and Forest at or near Washington.
The question of State licensing laws was discussed in this report of the board and all of the Chapters in States where such laws are not now in force were urged to use every effort to secure the passage of adequate legislation.
It was announced that a committee of the Institute had been named to meet a committee of French architects which is soon to come to this country to discuss some problems of rebuilding the devastated areas in France. The Institute has pledged the most thorough co-operation in any matters which the French architects might desire to discuss.
The board recommended the election of Jean Paul Alaux of Bordeaux and Paris as an honorary corresponding member of the Institute, in recognition of his work in France and co-operation with American architects. M. Alaux was elected.
The Institute medal was awarded to Samuel Yellin of Philadelphia for his work in the Allied Crafts.
Afternoon Session, First Day
The most important matter that was brought to a conclusion during this session was that of members’ dues. After a somewhat protracted discussion it was resolved and carried that the annual dues of both Fellows and members be fixed at $20.
The amendment to Article V, Section I, of the by-laws, referring to the initiation fee, was very fully debated.
The board of directors, in its report, suggested that there should be a low limit of ten dollars, in place of fifteen dollars, as now. The debate on this amendment brought out some interesting expression of views as to just what was and what was not a dignified attitude in the matter. Some delegates advanced the contention that a low initiation fee made for a poor class of membership and the possibility of the admission of men that were not sufficiently of good standing to be desirable. Others took a more democratic stand.
The motion was put and lost.
A proposed amendment to Article 12 of the bylaws, omitting the name of the Committee on Public Information, which would work a discontinuance of that committee, was seriously opposed by D. K. Boyd, former chairman of the Committee on Public Information.
It developed during the debate that it was the
opinion of a majority of delegates that the contin