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ANNALS OF THE 
 GENERAL SOCIETY OF MECHANICS AND TRADESMAN 
 OF THE CITY OF NEW-YORK. 
 
I 
 
ANNALS 
 
 OF THE 
 
 GENERAL SOCIETY OF 
 MECHANICS AND TRADESMEN 
 
 OF THE 
 
 CITY OF NEW-YORK, 
 
 FROM 1785 TO l88o. 
 
 EDITED BY THOMAS EARLE AND CHARLES T. CONGDON. 
 
 NEW-YORK: 
 PUBLISHED BY ORDER OF THE SOCIETY. 
 
 1882. 
 
Press of Francis Hart & Co. N. Y. 
 
MINUTES OF THE COMMITTEE OF PUBLICATION, 
 
 Record of the Proceedings of the Sub-committee of Five from the Literary and Scientific 
 Committee on the Publication of the History of the Society. 
 
 Extracts from the records of the Society, November 7, 1877. 
 
 John R. Voorhis offered the following resolution, which was adopted: 
 
 Resolved, That it be referred to the Literary and Scientific Committee, to consider and 
 report upon the advisability of having collated and prepared, in a suitable form for publication, 
 the History of the Society from its organization to the present time. 
 
 June 5, 1878, John Banta, Chairman, presented a Report of the Literary and Scientific 
 Committee, which was, on motion, received. 
 
 H. M. Smith offered the following resolution, which was adopted : 
 
 Resolved, That the report be referred back to the Committee, with power to employ the 
 Secretary, or some other person, to compile the History of the Society in manuscript. 
 
 Extract from the record of the Literary and Scientific Committee, September 16, 1878. 
 James J. Burnet offered the following, which was adopted : 
 
 That Thomas Earle, Secretary of the General Society of Mechanics and Tradesmen of the 
 City of New-York, be employed to collate the History of the Society in manuscript form. 
 
 On September 17, 1880, Thomas Earle notified the Committee that the compilation of the 
 History of the Society is ready. 
 
 Extract from the record of the Society, February 21, 1881. 
 
 Resolved, That the Literary and Scientific Committee be, and they are hereby authorized to 
 proceed forthwith to prepare for publication the " History of the Society," and to publish 
 the same. 
 
 It was voted, on motion of Alfred C. Hoe, that a sub-committee, consisting of the following 
 members of the Literary and Scientific Committee, be appointed, to carry out the instructions 
 contained in the resolution of the Society, viz. : Henry L. Slote, David Jardine, W. Otis Munroe, 
 Stephen D. Tucker, and George H. Robinson. 
 
 At a meeting of the Sub-committee, held March 30, 188 1 , H. L. Slote was chosen Chairman, 
 and G. H. Robinson Secretary. 
 
 A committee was appointed, April 15, 1881, to report costs and methods of publication, and 
 to consider the subject of engaging a proper person to revise the MS. of the "History." 
 
 At a meeting, held May 6, 1881, a note was received from Charles T. Congdon, stating that 
 he had made a cursory examination of the MS., and offered to undertake the collating of the 
 MS., the necessary abridgments, and the preparation of any additional matter which might be 
 deemed necessary. 
 
 On motion, it was voted to engage Charles T. Congdon to superintend the revisal and 
 publication of the " History." 
 
 The revision and publication of the work thus provided for has now been accomplished. 
 
INTRODUCTION. 
 
 rH E General Society of Mechanics and Tradesmen was founded 
 in the early days of the Republic, zvhen the people — the Knick- 
 erbockers of Manhattan Island — were honest and domestic, industrious 
 and patriotic, conservative and religious. They impressed the nobility 
 of their character upon the history of their times, and not least 
 among the monuments of their virtues is the General Society. 
 
 When the association zaas established, New -York was compara- 
 tively a small city, but it was still a city of great hopes and of 
 magnificent prospects. Fortunately situated between two rivers ; look- 
 ing out upon a beautiful bay ; near the Atlantic, ivhilc protected 
 from the dangers of the sea ; its harbor admirable ; its commercial 
 facilities unsurpassed ; its people enterprising, i?itelligent, and law- 
 abiding, New -York was then evidently predestined to become one of 
 the important cities of the world, great not merely in population and 
 wealth, in mercantile enterprise and the mechanic arts, but in those 
 characteristics which commend thetnselves specially to the philanthro- 
 pist and the Christian, the friend of social progress and of popular 
 elevation. 
 
 The General Society of Mechanics and Tradesmen is justly proud 
 not only of its origin, but its history. It is naturally desirous that 
 all which it has accomplished should be made a matter of histo7'ic 
 record. Something of this is due to the memory of the excellent men 
 who established the Society, or who carried it through so many 
 generations in usefulness and honor. This volume is their monument, 
 and it is one of which their descendants and representatives need not 
 be ashamed. 
 
i7 8 5— i79i- 
 
EEX-DRACHT MAAKT MACHT. 
 
CHAPTER I. 
 
 THE EARLY DAYS OF THE SOCIETY. 
 
 HE War of the Revolution being over, and the city of 
 New-York freed from the presence of a hostile soldiery, 
 the enterprise of the citizens was called to the. restoration 
 of much which had been lost, and to the renewal 0>f an arrested 
 industry and annihilated commerce. The prospect was indeed far 
 from encouraging. The public treasury was empty. There was little 
 or no employment for those who were willing to work. Worse than 
 all, there were many social and popular dissensions. The disagree- 
 ments of the war remained between Whigs and Tories. The former 
 had for several years been shut out from the town which was their 
 home, while the latter did not easily yield the position to which 
 they had become accustomed. These dissensions, however, were not 
 of long duration. The folly of regretting the royal government was 
 soon apparent, and equally evident was that of still cherishing the 
 hatreds and animosities of the war. Yet the task of restoring the 
 prosperity of New- York was not a slight one ; and it was during 
 the depressions and difficulties of that critical period that the idea 
 
8 
 
 GENERAL SOCIETY OF 
 
 ['78 5 
 
 of the Society suggested itself to the mechanics and tradesmen of 
 the city. The feeling in which the association originated was that 
 the burthens of the day could be more easily borne by resource to 
 a bond of friendship, of protection, and of mutual benefit. The 
 question of forming a society was discussed in social circles, and 
 meetings for its particular consideration were held in private houses. 
 Of this our Society was the happy result. From the beginning it 
 has been active, and mainly active for good. It has enlarged its 
 proportions ; it has, as years have gone by, increased its material 
 resources, and among the benevolent bodies of the metropolis it has 
 held a prominent and honored place. 
 
 Some account of the state of the city of New-York may here be 
 opportune. Its population consisted of 23,614 souls. These resided 
 upon the southerly part of the island. The closely inhabited district 
 did not extend much above Partition street, on the west side. The 
 occupied territory above Fair street, on the east, was more extensive. 
 Both these streets now constitute Fulton street, on either side of 
 Broadway. All the business operations of the city were conducted by 
 residents. Brooklyn was a rural district, while Paulus Hook, on the 
 New Jersey shore, a mere village, was more important as the starting- 
 place for stage-coaches to points beyond. Between the Hook and 
 the city, communication was had by means of a small two-masted 
 ferry-boat, called a " periagua," now almost entirely gone out of use. 
 
 The City Government of New- York went into active operation 
 in December, 1783. From this time until September 1st, 1785, 
 covering a period of somewhat more than one year and seven 
 months, the receipts and expenditures were as follows : 
 
 RECEIPTS. 
 
 Cash from ,£10,000 tax, ,£9,341 
 
 Lots sold, 3.517 
 
MECHANICS AND TRADESMEN 
 
 9 
 
 Cash from Quit Rent (including arrears), .... ,£4,276 
 
 " " Ground Rent, 3,100 
 
 Docks and Slips 868 
 
 « « Ferries, . ... . . 915 
 
 " " House Rent 410 
 
 ,£24,435 
 
 EXPENDITURES. 
 
 For Poor House, ,£5,027 
 
 " Watch and Lamps, 4,500 
 
 " Roads, 678 
 
 " Pumps and Wells, 789 
 
 " Jail, ' . . . 702 
 
 " Election, 57 
 
 " Assessors, 170 
 
 " Bridewell Repairs, etc., 3>470 
 
 " Interest on Bonds, 1,844 
 
 " Public Buildings — contingent, 7,937 
 
 ,£25,174 
 
 Computed in Federal currency, the receipts were $61,087.50, 
 and the expenditures were $62,935. It is to be observed that books 
 
 of account were kept and calculations made in pro incial pounds, 
 shillings, and pence. A pound was equal in value to $2.50 of the 
 present currency. 
 
 We may now resume our particular history of the Society. The 
 first meeting of the General Committee of Mechanics, as it was 
 called, was held at the public-house of Walter Heyer, on the 1 7th 
 of November, 1785. Twenty-two persons were present, and Robert 
 Boyd acted as chairman. A constitution was adopted. It was 
 signed by all present except one Isaac Mead, who desired time 
 for further deliberation. His name does not again appear in the 
 minutes, and it is probable that he did not again attend. 
 
 The several trades sent delegates which composed the general 
 committee. Each trade had a separate organization, which was con- 
 sidered a branch of the committee. 
 
IO GENERAL SOCIETY OF [1785 
 
 An initiation fee of sixteen shillings was paid by the members, 
 and a monthly sum thereafter. A book for recording the pro- 
 ceedings of the committee was ordered, with a chest for the 
 safe keeping of the funds. This first meeting then adjourned for 
 one week. 
 
 At the next meeting of the committee, the printing of three 
 hundred copies of the constitution and by-laws was ordered. Of 
 this pamphlet, it is to be regretted that not a single copy is known to 
 be extant, and we are left to glean such features as are recognizable 
 from the minutes of the committee. The first annual meeting of 
 the Society was held on the 2d of January, 1 786, when the follow- 
 ing officers were elected : 
 
 Robert Boyd, Jr., Chairman. John Burger, Deputy Chairman. 
 Hugh Walsh, Treasurer. James Bingham, Secretary. 
 
 The following curious resolution was adopted : 
 
 "Resolved, That forever hereafter, on the annual meeting of the 
 Society, no person be permitted to smoke the tobacco-pipe during 
 the time of business." 
 
 This resolution, it may be noted, is still in force, and no smoking 
 is permitted at the anniversary meetings. 
 
 The following persons were returned by their respective branches 
 as representatives in the general committee for the year : 
 
 Henry Bicker and Garret De Bow, for the hatters ; John Camp- 
 bell, potters ; Anthony Post and James Brown, carpenters ; Dennis 
 McReady, tobacconists; Jacob Arden and Michael Verrian, butchers; 
 John McComb, ; Abram Russell, masons ; Hugh Walsh, tal- 
 low chandlers ; Christopher Duyckinck, sail-makers ; Robert Manley, 
 coach-makers; Peter Hulick, stay-makers; Joseph Judwin, coopers; 
 Edward Meeks and Robert Boyd, blacksmiths ; Isaiah Wool, stone- 
 cutters ; John Burger, silversmiths; Thomas Ivers, rope-makers; 
 
1791] MECHANICS AND TRADESMEN. II 
 
 Andrew Otterson, tailors ;. Willjam Smith, Jr., block-makers; John 
 Bailey, cutlers ; Nicholas Anthony, tanners ; William J. Ellesworth, 
 pewterers and plumbers ; Henry Wolf, comb-makers ; Robert Hodge, 
 book-binders ; George Taylor, ship joiners ; Samuel Atlee, brewers ; 
 Oliver Mildeberger, skinners ; John Young, saddlers ; John Ouacken- 
 boss, bolters ; Ebenezer Young, ship carpenters ; David Barclay and 
 Leonard Fisher, hair-dressers ; Abram P. Lott and Frederic Stimits, 
 bakers. 
 
 The Society was now making excellent progress. Its members 
 were increasing in numbers, and it was accumulating some money ; 
 for at a meeting held about this time, it was 
 
 "Resolved, That Anthony Post, Edward Meeks, William Allen, and 
 Thomas Ivers be a committee to purchase an iron chest with three 
 locks, or one lock with three keys, for depositing the funds of this 
 society, and that the price to be paid therefor shall not exceed the 
 sum of seven pounds." 
 
 It was also decided at this meeting to loan the moneys of the 
 Society, and the following resolution was adopted : 
 
 "Resolved, That a sum not less than one hundred pounds ($250) 
 may at any time be put to interest for the benefit of the Society, 
 the members thereof having preference on giving threefold security, 
 the said security to be of real estate in the city and county of 
 New-York." 
 
 This resolution was carefully adhered to. The moneys constantly 
 received into the treasury from initiation fees and monthly dues were 
 thus safely invested, while the members to whom the loans were 
 made felt that they had a good and trustworthy credit. 
 
 At a meeting held August 2d, 1786, a committee was appointed 
 to wait on Mr. Godwin, and to engage him to engrave a plate for 
 a certificate- of membership, the design and price having been 
 previously agreed upon. A fac-simile of the plate furnished is the 
 
12 GENERAL SOCIETY OF [178; 
 
 frontispiece to this volume. At a ^neeting in December, 1 786, a 
 device for a seal was adopted, viz. : " An aged woman, with a pair 
 of scales in one hand, and a nest of young swallows in the other, 
 fed by the old one." This was ordered to be engraved, and a fac- 
 simile of it will be found upon the title-page of this volume. At a 
 meeting soon after, Abram Godwin's bill for engraving the certificate 
 and seal, amounting to £23 143-. Zd. ($59.33), was ordered to be paid. 
 
 At the annual meeting of the Society held January 2d, 1787, the 
 following officers were elected : 
 
 John Campbell, Chairman. John Young, Treasurer. 
 
 Anthony Post, Dep. Chairman. John McComb, Jr., Secretary. 
 
 We find that in 1787 the attention of the Society was particu- 
 larly directed to the subject of protection to American industry. At 
 a meeting held February 7th of that year, a committee was 
 appointed to inquire what additional duty could be properly added 
 upon those articles then dutiable by an act of the Legislature of the 
 State of New-York, and what other articles would, for the encour- 
 agement of manufacturers, consistently bear a duty. At the next 
 meeting, the committee reported a draft of a petition to the Legisla- 
 ture on the subject, which was ordered to be presented. A corre- 
 spondence was had with the Manufacturers' Society of New- York, 
 and also with similar associations in other States, for the purpose of 
 united effort to further a system of encouragement to the manufact- 
 uring and mechanical interests of the country, in the enactment of 
 such duties as would restrain the importation of articles made in the 
 United States. 
 
 The following is an extract from the circular of the Associated 
 Mechanics of Boston: "We petitioned the Legislature of Massachu- 
 setts, praying that duties might be laid on the several articles 
 enumerated in our petition. Our Legislature complied in a great 
 
MECHANICS AND TRADESMEN. 
 
 13 
 
 measure, by enacting laws for the encouragement of industry and 
 for the promoting of our manufactures." The letter was referred to 
 a committee of our Society, to meet a like committee of the 
 Manufacturers' Society of New-York. The joint committee were 
 instructed to draft an answer. From this the following is extracted: 
 " Every zealous and enlightened friend to the prosperity of this 
 country must view with peculiar regret the impediments with which 
 foreign importations have embarrassed the infant arts in America. 
 We are sensible that they are not only highly unfavorable to every 
 mechanical improvement, but that they nourish a spirit of depend- 
 ence which tends in some degree to defeat the purpose of our late 
 revolution and tarnish the lustre of our character. We are sensible 
 that long habit has fixed in the mind of the people an unjust pre- 
 dilection for foreign productions, and has rendered them too regard- 
 less of the arguments and complaints with which the patriotic and 
 discerning have addressed them from every quarter. These preju- 
 dices have become confirmed and radical, and we are convinced that 
 a strong and united effort is necessary to expel them. The Legisla- 
 ture of our State, convinced of the propriety of cherishing our 
 manufactures in their early growth, has made some provisions for 
 that purpose, and we have no doubt but more comprehensive and 
 decisive measures will in time be taken. But on the exertions of 
 our brethren, and especially upon the patronage and protection of 
 the General Government, we rest our most flattering hopes of 
 success. When our views like our interests are combined and con- 
 centrated, our petitions to the Federal Legislature will assume the 
 tone and complexion of the public wishes, and will have a propor- 
 tionate weight and influence." 
 
 These documents are interesting, as showing how early in the 
 history of the country began these discussions of tariff and free trade, 
 protection and revenue, which are still agitated, without much prospect 
 of a permanent settlement. 
 
14 GENERAL SOCIETY OF [1785 
 
 At a meeting in December, 1787, it was resolved: "That as part 
 of the money belonging to the Society is in specie, the Treasurer be 
 instructed to exchange the same for paper currency for the benefit of 
 the Society" — an operation which we have seen often repeated in our 
 own day. 
 
 At the annual meeting of the Society held January 1, 1788, the 
 following members were elected officers : 
 
 John Campbell, Chairman. Anthony Post, Deputy Chairman. 
 John Young, Treasurer. John McComb, Jr., Secretary. 
 
 Delegates from the different branches were received, and their 
 names recorded. 
 
 At the meeting held December 3, 1 788, resolutions were received 
 from the Manufacturing Society, proposing a committee, one-half of 
 which should be from each society, with such powers as might be found 
 necessary for establishing friendly relations between the two societies, 
 as manufacturers and mechanics of the same community. This prop- 
 osition met with an immediate and friendly response. This, probably, 
 was the beginning of a still closer union when the charter was obtained, 
 under which the Manufacturing Society gave up its distinctive organ- 
 ization, and many of its members joined the Society of Mechanics 
 and Tradesmen. 
 
 At the annual meeting held January 6, 1789, the following mem- 
 bers were elected officers for the ensuing year: 
 
 Anthony Post, Chairman. James Bramble, Dep. Chairman. 
 
 Wm. J. Elsworth, Treasurer. John McComb, Jr., Secretary. 
 
 After the election, the members dined together, and during the 
 convivialities the following characteristic toasts and sentiments were 
 enthusiastically received : 
 
MECHANICS AND TRADESMEN. 
 
 15 
 
 First. The United States of America. 
 
 Second. His Excellency, George Washington. 
 
 Third. His Excellency, George Clinton. 
 
 Fourth. The land we live in : may it ever be free ! 
 
 Fifth. May our efforts to do good be crowned with success. 
 
 Sixth. May we breakfast with health, dine with friendship, drink a bottle with 
 mirth, and sup with contentment. 
 
 Seventh. May agriculture and manufactures receive support and encouragement 
 under the Federal Government. 
 
 Eighth. Disgrace to the man who owes his greatness to his country's ruin ! 
 
 Ninth. A cobweb pair of breeches, a porcupine saddle, and a hard trotting-horse 
 to all the enemies of freedom! 
 
 Tenth. May the mechanics of the United States discover ingenuity in their profes- 
 sion and honor in their dealings! 
 
 Eleventh. Trade and navigation ! 
 
 Ttvelfth. May we live and our enemies know it ! 
 
 This festival proved so pleasant, that at each return of the 
 anniversary it was repeated, thus cementing the bonds of friendship 
 which bound the members together. 
 
 At the meeting in March, 1789, the Society resolved hereafter 
 as a society to take no part in elections. 
 
 From this it is apparent that previously the Society had taken 
 an active part in elections. This will not seem so strange, if we 
 remember that the Government was yet in its infancy ; that it was 
 regarded by many as an experiment, and rather a hopeless one ; 
 that it was so regarded by the world at large ; and that the patri- 
 otic interest which it excited was thus made intense and personal, 
 and soared far above mere considerations of party. 
 
 At a meeting held November 4th, 1 789, the following petition to 
 the Legislature was agreed upon : 
 
 " To the honorable, the Legislature of the State of New- York, in 
 Senate and Assembly convened, the petition of the Society of the 
 Mechanics and Tradesmen of the City and County of New-York most 
 respectfully showeth : 
 
l6 GENERAL SOCIETY OF [1785 
 
 "That your petitioners, actuated by the purest motives, did, soon 
 after the close of the late war, associate and form themselves into a 
 society composed of members from the different descriptions of trades- 
 men within this city. 
 
 "That, for the sake of order and regularity, certain resolutions 
 have been adopted by which the Society is now governed. 
 
 "That the grand Objects that your petitioners have in view in 
 thus associating are to promote and establish the trade and manu- 
 factures of their country, and which, at the present clay, in some of 
 their sister States, meet with protection and encouragement from 
 their first class of citizens. 
 
 "To raise a fund by subscription within themselves for the re- 
 lief of such of their fellow-citizens who may, through the various 
 vicissitudes of fortune, claim a share of their munificence to rescue, 
 from the cold hand of poverty and distress, the mourning widow 
 and helpless orphan. 
 
 " These are the principles which have induced the mechanics and 
 tradesmen of this city to enter into an association. And although 
 their zeal and anxiety to carry their laudable designs into execution 
 may have operated in a small degree to their wishes, jet your 
 petitioners find their exertions inadequate to accomplish the under- 
 taking unless they have the favorable interposition of the honorable, 
 the Legislature, to enable them by law, as an incorporated body, to 
 operate with energy and vigor in the management of such moneys 
 or other property as may from time to time come into their hands. 
 
 " Your petitioners, themselves confiding in the patriotism, benev- 
 olence, and justice of those they have now the honor to address, 
 do most humbly pray that they may be permitted to lay before 
 your honorable body the resolutions by which they, as a society, 
 are at present governed, and that leave may be granted your 
 petitioners to bring in a bill for the purpose of constituting them 
 a body corporate and politic, subject to such regulations and re- 
 
MECHANICS AND TRADESMEN 
 
 17 
 
 strictions as you in your great wisdom shall think meet. And your 
 petitioners, as in duty bound, will ever pray." 
 
 It has been thought desirable here to reproduce this petition, 
 because it succinctly shows the purpose for which the Society was 
 organized. We find, however, that it was not presented at the 
 next session of the Legislature, and it may have been somewhat 
 modified before it was forwarded. 
 
 Correspondence with affiliated societies was, during this year, 
 continued. The absorbing topic v/as protection to American indus- 
 try, and the necessity of united effort in petitioning Congress to 
 lay a tariff of duties upon such articles as were manufactured in 
 the country. We find specially that there was correspondence with 
 the mechanics and manufacturers of Baltimore, Md., and Provi- 
 dence, R. I. From one petition, the following is extracted: "It is 
 to the Supreme Legislature of the United States, as guardians of 
 the whole country, that every eye is directed. From their united 
 wisdom, their patriotism, their ardent love of country, your peti- 
 tioners expect to derive that capital, aid, and assistance which alone 
 can dissipate their just apprehensions, and animate them with hope 
 of success in the future, by imposing on all foreign articles which 
 can be made in America such duties as will give a decided pref- 
 erence to their labors, and thereby discontinue the trade which tends 
 so materially to injure them and impoverish their country." 
 
 At the annual meeting of the Society held January 5th, 1 790, the 
 following-named persons were elected officers for the ensuing year : 
 
 John Stagg, Chairman. James Tyler, 2d Deputy. 
 
 Nicholas N. Anthony, 1st Deputy. Wm. J. Elsworth, Treas. 
 John McComb, Jr., Secretary. 
 
 The Overseers of the Indigent were then appointed, according to 
 the by-laws. After the transaction of other business, the Society 
 partook of the anniversary dinner. 
 
i8 
 
 GENERAL SOCIETY 
 
 [I78S-I79I 
 
 At the meeting held April 8th, 1 790, it was voted that the 
 Society become an adventurer in the State Lottery. 
 
 Mr. Gilbert, with the treasurer and secretary, was directed to 
 purchase thirteen tickets for the Society, and to give its note for 
 the amount. It was reported at a subsequent meeting that five of 
 the tickets held by the Society were prizes of four pounds each, and 
 that he had received seventeen pounds, there being a deduction of 
 fifteen per cent., according to the rules of the lottery. All the 
 tickets cost twenty-six pounds. There was therefore a loss to the 
 Society of nine pounds (twenty-two dollars and fifty cents), and it 
 does not appear that it was ever again induced to try the experi- 
 ment of winning large gains from very small investments. 
 
 At the annual meeting held January 4th, 1 79 1, the following- 
 named members were elected officers for the ensuing year : 
 
 Jotham Post, Chairman. Francis Ciiilds, 2d Deputy. 
 
 James Tyler, ist Deputy. William J. Elsworth, Treas. 
 John McComb, Jr., Secretary. 
 
 The Society partook of the usual anniversary dinner, which was 
 given at Aaron Aorson's tavern, at the corner of Nassau and George 
 (now Spruce) streets. 
 
 At a meeting held January 5th, 1 79 1 , a committee was appointed 
 to prepare and to report a by-law to prevent litigation among the 
 members of the Society. A report was subsequently made, but, 
 though much discussed, there seems to have been no definite action 
 upon it. Two years after, however, a by-law was enacted upon the 
 subject, but it does not appear upon the records. Still, the minutes 
 show an earnest desire on the part of the members to avoid law- 
 suits among themselves. It was found difficult, probably, to frame 
 an enactment which would have a practical force. 
 
CHAPTER II. 
 
 INCORPORATION OF THE SOCIETY. 
 
 T the annual meeting of the Society held January 3d, 1 792, 
 the following-named members were elected officers for the 
 ensuing year : 
 
 Robert Boyd, President. Daniel Hitchcock, 2d Vice-Pres. 
 
 Anthony Post, 1st Vice-Pres. Thomas Lefoy, Treasurer. 
 
 John Elsworth, Secretary. 
 
 It will be observed that the titles of these officers had been 
 changed since the election of 1 79 1. The titles then were chairman, 
 first and second deputy chairmen. The change was made in Feb- 
 ruary, 1 79 1, when the subject of applying for a charter was before 
 the Society. 
 
 It was resolved, at a meeting held soon after, that each member 
 of the Society, on calling for liquor in this house, pay for the same 
 upon receiving it, and a committee was appointed, consisting of 
 John Campbell and James Tyler, to inform the landlady of the 
 passage of this resolution. 
 
22 GENERAL SOCIETY OF [1792 
 
 At a meeting held February 15th, 1792, it was resolved that the 
 twelfth article of the by-laws be put into execution. This required 
 the president, treasurer, and secretary to give bonds, with sureties 
 in the sum of two hundred and fifty pounds, equal to $625, for the 
 faithful discharge of their duties, and for a just accounting for 
 moneys of the Society in their hands. 
 
 Previous to March, 1792, the initiation fee was one pound 
 ($2.50); from that time it was one pound eight shillings ($3.50). 
 Four shillings of the fee in each case entitled the brother to a 
 certificate of membership. 
 
 In the year 1 791 the Society appears to have increased in popu- 
 larity. The number of members was large, and continued to increase 
 during the year 1792, the Society becoming more and more efficient 
 in its operations, as it has up to the present time. The application 
 to the Legislature was successful. The Society was constituted a body 
 corporate, according to the provisions of the following charter : 
 
 An Act to Incorporate the Society of Mechanics and Tradesmen of the City of 
 New-York, for Charitable Purposes. Passed the i^tli of March, 1792. 
 
 WHEREAS Robert Boyd and others, Mechanics and Tradesmen, of the City 
 of New- York, associated as a Society, under the style of "The Genera/ Society 
 of Mechanics and Tradesmen of the City of New- York," for the laudable purposes 
 of protecting and supporting such of their brethren as by sickness or accident 
 may stand in need of assistance, and for the relief of the widows and orphans of 
 those who may die, leaving little or no property for their support, by their petition, 
 presented to the Legislature, have prayed to be incorporated, to enable them 
 more beneficiently to carry into effect their charitable intentions : Therefore, 
 
 Be it enacted by the People of the State of New- York, represented in Senate 
 and Assembly, That the said Robert Boyd, together with Nicholas N. Anthony, 
 Thomas Allen, William Allen, Jacob Arden, Francis Ardcn, John Amory, 
 Allard Anthony, Jacob I. Arden, Thomas Ash, Elbert Anderson, Jacob Arnold, 
 John Burger, John Burger, Jr., William Bryar, Michael Brooks, Abraham Blood- 
 good, Francis Bassett, David Barclay, Walter Bicker, Gardner Baker, James 
 Brown, James Bramble, John P. Bessonett, John Browcr, Thomas Brewen, James 
 
i8oo] 
 
 MECHANICS AND TRADESMEN 
 
 23 
 
 Byrne, John Brown, Peter Bertine, John Bingham, James D. Bissett, Thomas 
 Brown, John Banks, Isaac Boyea, Caleb Boyle, John Campbell, Joseph Cheese- 
 man, John Commendener, John Cole, Peter Cole, Richard Cunningham, Samuel 
 Campbell, Francis Childs, William Croleys, William Carman, John Clitz, Sea- 
 bury Champlain, John Croleus, Isaac Coulthard, James Culbertson, Richard 
 Davis, John De la Montayne, Walter Degraw, James Van Dyck, John Van 
 Dyck, William I. Elsworth, John Elsworth, Jacob Fisler, Gabriel Furman, Jacob 
 Fee, William Forde, George Gosman, William W. Gilbert, John Goodeve, John 
 Gilmore, Robert Gosman, Alexander Gibson, Caleb Haviland, Thomas Hazard, 
 Robert Hodge, Peter Hulick, Hercules Heron, William Hopson, Daniel Hitch- 
 cock, Jabez Halsey, Jacob Hallett, Aaron Howell, Obadiah Helmes, Thomas 
 Ivers, Joseph Jadwin, Seth Kneelen, George Lindsey, Robert Lilburn, Thomas 
 Le Foy, John Moore, John M'Comb, Sr., Dennis M'Cready, John Mills, Malcolm 
 M'Ewen, George Meserve, William Meserve, William Mooney, White Matlack, 
 William Mooney, Peter R. Maverick, David Mann, Andrew Morris, James 
 Moore, John M'Baine, Robert M'Dowell, John Ming, Isaac Moore, Peter 
 M'Cartey, John M'Comb, Jr., Joseph Newton, Isaac Nicoll, John Norman, 
 Anthony Ogilvie, Andrew Otterson, Anthony Post, Abraham Polhemus, Jotham 
 Post, John Perrian, Edward Patten, George Pake, George Peck, Alexander Pea- 
 cock, William Phillips, William Parker, Abraham Russell, James Robinson, 
 Frederick Resler, Thomas Ross, John Ross, Abraham Riker, John I. Richie, 
 Daniel Ruckel, John Stagg, Thomas Stevenson, John Sidell, Daniel Stansbury, 
 John Striker, Gerardus Smith, Frederick Stymets, Stephen Smith, Anthony 
 Simmons, Jacob Sherred, George Seal, George Speth, Henry Snyder, William 
 Stymets, Peter Shackerly, Cornelius Sebring, Andrew Thompsor, James Tylee, 
 James Teller, Ahasuerus Turk, Thomas Timpson, Daniel Tooker, John Utt, 
 John Wylley, Henry Will, Edward Watkeys, Hugh Walsh, William Wright, 
 George Warner, Henry Wolf, James Warner, Nathaniel Woodward, Benjamin 
 Williamson, John Wood, John Wright, Andrew Wright, and John Young, and 
 all persons being Mechanics or Tradesmen, and resident within the City and 
 County of New- York, who hereafter shall be members of the said Society, shall 
 be, and hereby are ordained, constituted and declared to be one body corporate 
 and politic, in fact and in name, by the name of " The General Society of 
 Mechanics and Tradesmen of the City of New- York," until the first Monday of 
 April, one thousand eight hundred and twelve ; and that by that name they 
 and their successors, for the term aforesaid, shall and may have succession, and 
 shall be persons in law, capable of suing and being sued, pleading and being 
 impleaded, answering and being answered unto, defending and being defended, 
 in all courts and places whatsoever, in all manner of action and actions, suits, 
 
24 GENERAL SOCIETY OF [1792 
 
 complaints, matters, and causes whatsoever; and that they and their successors 
 may have a common seal, and may change and alter the same at their pleasure. 
 And also, that they and their successors, by the name of " The General Society 
 of Mechanics and Tradesmen of the City of New- York" shall be, in law, capable 
 of purchasing, holding, and conveying any estate, real or personal, for the public 
 use of the said corporation. 
 
 Provided, That the lands, tenements, and hereditaments which it shall be 
 lawful for the said corporation to hold, shall be only such as shall be requisite for 
 the purpose of erecting a house or hall thereon, in which to meet and to transact 
 the business of the said corporation, or such as shall have been bona fide mort- 
 gaged to it by way of security, or conveyed to it in satisfaction of debts 
 previously contracted in the course of its business, or purchased at sales on 
 judgments which shall have been obtained for such debts. 
 
 And provided, also, That the amount of the real and personal estate, which 
 the said corporation are hereby enabled to hold, shall not at any one time exceed 
 the sum of fifty thousand dollars. 
 
 And be it further enacted, That the officers of the said corporation shall be a 
 President, Vice-President, and a Second Vice-President, a Treasurer and Secre- 
 tary, who shall hold their offices for one year, and shall be citizens of this State, 
 and be elected on the first Tuesday in January in every year, at such time of the 
 day, and at such place in the city of New-York, as shall be fixed and ascertained 
 by the by-laws of the said corporation. That all elections of the said officers, or 
 any of them, shall be by ballot, and such person who shall have, at any election, 
 the greatest number of votes given at such election as President, shall be the 
 President ; and in like manner the person who shall have the greatest number of 
 votes as Vice-President, shall be Vice-President; and in like manner the person 
 who shall have the greatest number of votes for Second Vice-President, shall be 
 Second Vice-President; and in like manner the person who shall have the 
 greatest number of votes as Treasurer, shall be Treasurer ; and in like manner 
 the person who shall have the greatest number of votes as Secretary, shall be 
 Secretary. And the said officers shall hold their respective offices for one year, 
 and until others shall be chosen in their places. That if any vacancy shall hap- 
 pen among the said officers by death, resignation, or removal, such vacancies 
 shall be filled, for the remainder of the year in which they may happen, by a 
 special election for that purpose, to be held in the same manner as the annual 
 elections arc made, at such times and places as shall be provided for and deter- 
 mined by the by-laws of the said corporation. That Robert Boyd shall be the 
 first President of the said corporation, Anthony Post, Vice-President thereof, 
 Daniel Hitchcock, Second Vice-President thereof, Thomas Le Foy, the Treas- 
 
i8oo] 
 
 MECHANICS AND TRADESMEN 
 
 25 
 
 urer thereof, and John Elsworth, the Secretary thereof ; who shall hold their 
 offices respectively until the first Tuesday i'n January next, and until others shall 
 be chosen in their places. 
 
 And be it further enacted, That in case it should at any time happen that an 
 election of officers should not be made on any day when, pursuant to this act, it 
 ought to have been made, the said corporation shall not, for that cause, be 
 deemed to be dissolved, but it shall and may be lawful on any other day to hold 
 and make an election of officers, in such manner as shall have been regulated by 
 the laws and ordinances of the said corporation. 
 
 And be it further enacted, That all elections and all meetings of the said 
 corporation shall be made and held in a place certain, to be fixed and determined 
 by the by-laws of the said corporation ; and that at all such elections and meet- 
 ings of the said corporation, so to be held as aforesaid, twenty-five members 
 thereof, including the President, or in his absence the Vice-President, or in his 
 absence the Second Vice-President, shall be considered as a quorum of the 
 said corporation, and shall have full power to do and transact all the busi- 
 ness thereof. 
 
 And be it further enacted, That the said corporation, and their successors, 
 shall have full power to make and prescribe such by-laws, rules, ordinances, and 
 regulations as to them from time to time shall appear needful and proper, 
 touching the management and disposition of their stock, property, estate, and 
 effects for the purposes aforesaid ; and touching the meetings of the said Society, 
 both special and ordinary, except the first Tuesday in January in every year, 
 which is hereby declared to be the annual meeting of the Society ; and touching 
 the duties and conduct of the officers of the said corporation ; and touching the 
 election of officers, and all such other purposes as appertain to the business, ends, 
 and purposes for which the said corporation is by this act instituted, and for no 
 other purposes whatsoever. 
 
 Provided, That such by-laws, rules, and regulations be not repugnant to 
 the Constitution or the laws of the United States or of this State. 
 
 And be it further enacted, That all persons, being Mechanics or Tradesmen, 
 and resident within the City and County of New- York, desiring to become mem- 
 bers of the said corporation, shall be proposed by at least two members, one 
 meeting previous to his or their election, which shall be by ballot, and determined 
 by two-thirds of the members present at such election ; that then he or they so 
 elected, on paying into the hands of the Treasurer such sum as the corporation 
 by their by-laws shall direct, provided the same shall not exceed the sum of ten 
 dollars, shall have his or their names inserted in the general register, and shall be 
 entitled to all the privileges and benefits arising therefrom. 
 
26 
 
 GENERAL SOCIETY OF 
 
 [1792 
 
 And to the end that the funds of the said corporation may never be 
 diverted to any other than the charitable purposes for which the institution 
 has been expressly made and created : 
 
 Be it further enacted, That the said corporation shall, within twenty 
 days after the passing of this act, exhibit to the Chancellor of this State a 
 full and particular account of all the estate, real and personal, then vested in 
 the said corporation, attested by the oath of the Treasurer thereof, that the 
 same is a true and perfect account. And shall also, in every year there- 
 after, during the continuance of this act, and between the first and last days 
 of May in each year, exhibit to the Chancellor for the time being a like 
 account, together with a particular and detailed account of all moneys by 
 the said corporation expended in the preceding year, specifying the several 
 purposes to which it has been applied. And if it shall appear to the said 
 Chancellor that any moneys, except for the necessary repairs of any buildings 
 which may belong to the said corporation, or for the payment of the Treas- 
 urer or Secretary thereof, or for other charges expressly incidental to the 
 management of the funds thereof, have been applied by the said corporation 
 to any use other than for the support of indigent members of the said cor- 
 poration, or the widows or children of any person having been a member 
 thereof, he shall direct the Attorney-General of the State for the time being, 
 ex officio, to file an information against the said corporation in the Supreme 
 Court of this State ; and if, upon the traverse, the said corporation shall be found 
 guilty, and judgment shall pass thereupon, that thenceforth the said corporation 
 shall cease and become null and void, and the estate, real and personal, which it 
 may then possess, shall vest in the people of this State. 
 
 And be it further enacted, That this act be, and hereby is declared to be, a 
 public act ; and that the same is construed in all courts and places, benignly 
 and favorably, for every beneficial purpose therein intended. 
 
 The preceding act is a true copy of the original, examined and compared 
 therewith, this 2jd day of March, 1792, 
 
 By me, 
 
 ROBERT HARPUR, Deputy Secretary. 
 
 This excellent charter had a beneficial influence upon the pros- 
 perity of the Society. The large accessions to the membership have 
 already been noticed. The number belonging to the Society January 
 1st, 1792, was 184. During the year there were 229 initiations. 
 This brought the number of members up to 413. Congratulations 
 
i8oo] 
 
 MECHANICS AND TRADESMEN 
 
 2 7 
 
 were received from various similar societies in different States of 
 the Union. As a specimen of these', and of the replies which they 
 received, the following may be given : 
 
 Providence, June 20th, 1792. 
 
 Gentlemen : The Providence Association of Mechanics and Manufact- 
 urers beg leave to congratulate you on the happy issue of your spirited 
 exertions to cement the mechanic interest. 
 
 Be assured that it gave us the most sincere pleasure to see in the public 
 newspapers that another pillar was erected under the sanction of authority to 
 the support of the mechanic arts. 
 
 We cannot but hope that the firm resolution and steady perseverance which 
 have marked your conduct will be imitated by all the brethren in the United 
 States, although at present we regret the backwardness of many of them, for 
 certainly the utility of incorporated bodies of mechanics must present itself to 
 every thinking mind. 
 
 We desire to maintain a friendly correspondence with you, and to receive 
 every necessary information respecting the mechanic interest. 
 With respect and esteem, 
 
 Your friends and brethren. 
 
 (Signed, by order of the Association), 
 
 Gershom Jones, Vice-President. 
 
 To the General Society of Mechanics and ) 
 Tradesmen of the City of New-York. ) 
 
 This letter was received with much satisfaction, and answered as 
 follows : 
 
 New- York, Oct. 29th, 1792. 
 
 GENTLEMEN : It was with much pleasure we received a letter from you, 
 dated 20th of June, and, although dated so long ago, we can assure you that 
 we did not receive it until October 8th. We suppose the delay to have been 
 owing to inattention at the post-office. 
 
 We thank you for your kind congratulations on our exertions to cement the 
 mechanic interest, and we feel ourselves indebted to our Legislature for their 
 patronage in granting us a charter which, although given only for charitable pur- 
 poses, yet will, we doubt not, have the happy effect of uniting us as brethren in 
 one common interest, and promote the mechanic arts. 
 
28 
 
 GENERAL SOCIETY OF 
 
 [ 1 79- 
 
 Be assured, gentlemen, that nothing shall be wanting on our part to render 
 the mechanic interest respectable and worthy of imitation by all our brethren in 
 the United States, although we regret, with you, the backwardness of the Rulers 
 in other States, in granting charters to associations of mechanics who have an 
 undoubted right to the privilege. 
 
 We have the pleasure to forward with this letter a pamphlet containing a 
 copy of our charter, by-laws, rules of order, and a catalogue of names of the 
 members of our Society, and beg you to accept the same. 
 
 We should be happy to maintain a friendly correspondence, and whatever 
 information can be given respecting the interest of mechanics in general we shall, 
 with pleasure, impart, and expect the same in return. 
 
 We are, gentlemen, with perfect esteem and regard, 
 
 Your friends and brethren. 
 
 (Signed in behalf of the Society), ROBERT BOYD, President. 
 
 The Providence Association of Mechanics and Manufacturers. 
 
 At a meeting held November ist, 1792, it was resolved to 
 appoint a committee to consider and report a plan for building a 
 hall, and to devise ways and means for defraying the expenses of 
 such an erection. This project was agitated for years, and resulted 
 in the purchase of the lot of land at the corner of Broadway and 
 Robinson street (now Park Place), and the building thereon of 
 Mechanics' Hall. This was long the home of the Society. When 
 the land became too valuable to be used by the Society, another 
 location was procured, and the increase derived from the old estate 
 still affords abundant means of usefulness and benevolence. 
 
 At the annual meeting held January ist, 1793, the following 
 members were elected officers for the ensuing year : 
 
 Anthony Post, President. Peter Cole, 2d Vice-President. 
 
 Daniel Hitchcock, Vice-Pres. Richard Furman, Treasurer. 
 John Elsworth, Secretary. 
 
 The Society then went in procession to Cardin's tavern, to par- 
 take of the anniversary dinner. 
 
i8oo] 
 
 MECHANICS AND TRADESMEN 
 
 2 9 
 
 At a meeting held January 9th, 1 793, the Society took into con- 
 sideration a letter signed " W. S. Livingston," wishing its political 
 cooperation. A committee was appointed to inform all citizens of 
 New- York concerned that it was repugnant to the objects of the 
 Society to have anything to do with the public elections. 
 
 At a meeting held February 20th, 1793, the finance of the 
 Society being under consideration, the following plan was adopted 
 for raising and sinking a sum of money to be used in purchasing 
 land and erecting a hall thereon : 
 
 "Resolved, That this Society will receive on loan a sum of money 
 not exceeding ,£3,000, and will pay for the same annually interest 
 at the rate of 6 per cent, per annum, and also 10 per cent, of the 
 principal at the end of every year until the whole sum be settled. 
 
 "Resolved, That each subscriber shall pay into the hands of such 
 person as may be authorized to receive the same the sum by him sub- 
 scribed within thirty days after being so required ; and the President, 
 with such other person or persons as the Society may appoint, shall 
 issue his or their notes in the name of the Society for the sum received. 
 
 "Resolved, That the proposed loan be open to members of this 
 Society only, for the space of thirty days, and that no subscription 
 be received for a sum less than forty shillings ($5.00). 
 
 "Resolved, That a committee of five be appointed to receive sub- 
 scriptions, and as soon as the sum required shall be subscribed they 
 shall report the same to the Society, which shall thereupon proceed 
 to elect a board of commissioners and a treasurer, to receive the 
 money and issue the notes, which shall be printed on good paper 
 and bound in a book ; and also to purchase the land and contract 
 for the erection of the building." 
 
 The following members were appointed to constitute said com- 
 mittee : Gabriel Furman, Anthony Post, Jacob Sherred, Daniel Hitch- 
 cock, Jotham Post. 
 
30 GENERAL SOCIETY OF [ I79 2 
 
 The initiation fee was raised to two pounds ($5.00). This change 
 was to take effect on and after March 1st, 1793. 
 
 At the meeting held April 19th, 1793, a committee was appointed 
 to inquire for suitable land upon which to erect a hall. This appears 
 to have been an anticipation of the action of the Society, under the 
 resolutions adopted February 20th. At the meeting held May 1st, 1793, 
 the committee reported that they had been offered a certain lot in 
 the Fifth ward, belonging to the Widow Bancker, at the price of 
 ^750. The purchase of this was recommended, and the report 
 having been accepted, the same committee was instructed to con- 
 summate the purchase by the Society. But this action appears to 
 have been taken without due consideration, and the records of further 
 proceedings show that the plan was not carried out. 
 
 The Society, each year, observed two anniversaries. The annual 
 meeting has already been noticed. The Fourth of July was also 
 kept as a festival by the members. We have the following record 
 of the proceedings July 4th, 1 793 : 
 
 " The Declaration of Independence was read, after which a pro- 
 cession was formed, which proceeded to the old Presbyterian Church, 
 where a sermon well adapted to the occasion was delivered by the 
 Rev. Mr. Miller ; when the Society dispersed, and again met at six 
 o'clock p. m. at the house of Mrs. Amory, which was illuminated for 
 the occasion. Deputations were received from Tammany Society, 
 the Society of the Cincinnati, officers of the militia, and merchants 
 of this city — a happy gathering congratulating each other on the 
 return of the auspicious day. The evening was spent in the enjoy- 
 ment of the entertainment and social intercourse which ever char- 
 acterize this Society." 
 
 At the meeting held on August 7th, 1 793, a committee was 
 appointed to view the ground and building belonging to the Society, 
 to promote the subscription list, and to forward the building of a 
 
i8oo] 
 
 MECHANICS AND TRADESMEN 
 
 31 
 
 hall. At the next meeting, the bond and mortgage given by the 
 Society on the premises purchased of Mrs. Bancker were presented 
 and duly executed. The land cost ^750 ($1,875), °f which ^400 
 had already been paid. 
 
 At the meeting held November 6th, 1 793, a communication was 
 received from the committee appointed by the citizens of New-York 
 to prevent the bringing in and spread of infectious diseases in the 
 city. The opinion of the Society was asked as to the propriety of 
 renewing general intercourse with the city of Philadelphia, where 
 the yellow fever had been raging. An opinion unfavorable to such 
 renewal at present was given, and confidence was expressed in the 
 discretion of the citizens' committee. 
 
 At the annual meeting held January 1st, 1794, the following 
 officers were elected : 
 
 John Stagg, President. John Campbell, 2d Vice-President. 
 
 James Tyler, Vice-President. William J. Elsworth, Treas. 
 John Elsworth, Secretary. 
 
 After the officers had been installed, the Society went in pro- 
 cession to the Tontine Coffee House, where, with the usual festivity, 
 the members dined together. 
 
 On the 7th of May, 1 794, a committee was appointed to confer 
 with the Commissioners of Fortifications, to ascertain when it would 
 be most desirable for the Society to assist at the public works on 
 Governor's Island ; and arrangements were subsequently made for 
 carrying out that patriotic purpose. 
 
 The anniversary of American independence was celebrated, as 
 usual, this year. Regular meetings of the Society were held, for 
 the transaction of necessary business. 
 
 At the annual meeting held January 6th, 1 795, the following 
 officers were elected : 
 
32 
 
 GENERAL SOCIETY OF 
 
 [1792 
 
 Gabriel Firman, President. Daniel Hitchcock, 2d Vice-Pres. 
 
 Jacob Sherred, Vice-President. William J. Elsworth, Treas. 
 
 Gardiner Baker, Secretary. 
 
 In the year 1795, the American ensign, as it is called in the 
 minutes, and as it is still exhibited by the Society on all public 
 occasions, was adopted. At the meeting held July 1st, 1795, it was 
 voted that this flag be displayed at sunrise. At eight o'clock a. m., 
 the Society met to listen to the reading of the Declaration of Inde- 
 pendence. The members then proceeded to join the general pro- 
 cession of the citizens. At five o'clock p. m., the Society met again 
 to receive the congratulations of its sister societies, and of the citi- 
 zens. Each member contributed two shillings to defray the expenses 
 of the day. Regular toasts of the usual character were given at the 
 dinner. Among these, the following may be selected, Franklin hav- 
 ing died April 17th, 1790. 
 
 " The memory of our late brother mechanic, Benjamin Franklin : 
 May his bright example convince mankind that in this land of 
 freedom and equality, talents, joined to frugality and virtue, may 
 justly aspire to the first offices of government." 
 
 The procession formed upon the Battery at nine o'clock a. m., 
 and moved in the following order : 
 
 First. The Legion. 
 
 Second. The General Society of Mechanics and Tradesmen. 
 Third. The Tammany Society. 
 Fourth. The Democratic Society. 
 Fifth. The Militia Officers. 
 
 The route of the procession was through Beaver, Broad, Pearl, 
 and Beekman streets to the Presbyterian Church. Here the Declara- 
 tion of Independence was read by Edward Livingston, Esq., and a 
 sermon preached by the Rev. Mr. Miller. A suitable ode was 
 
i8oo] 
 
 MECHANICS AND TRADESMEN 
 
 33 
 
 sung, and a collection taken up for the benefit of the charity school 
 connected with the church. Afterward the procession marched down 
 Broadway to the Battery, where a feu de joie closed the ceremonies 
 of the occasion. 
 
 At the annual meeting held January 8th, 1796, the following- 
 officers were elected for the ensuing year : 
 
 Jacob Sherred, President. John Stagg, 2d Vice-Presidejit. 
 James Tyler, Vice-President. William J. Elsworth, Treasurer. 
 Gardiner Baker, Secretary. 
 
 The anniversary festival was held at the Tontine Coffee House. 
 The committee on the treasurer's accounts stated that the assets 
 of the Society were as follows : 
 
 £ s. d. 
 
 Land which cost 750 00 00 
 
 Amount loaned, 500 00 00 
 
 Cash on hand, 213 3 10 
 
 1,463 3 10 
 
 In Federal currency, this amounted to $3,657.98. 
 At the annual meeting held January 3d, 1797, the following officers 
 were elected for the ensuing year: 
 
 Seabury Champlin, President. Cornelius Crygier, 2d Vice-Pres. 
 James Stewart, Vice-President. William J. Elsworth, Treasurer. 
 Gardiner Baker, Secretary. 
 
 There was the usual dinner at the Tontine Coffee House. The 
 treasurer reported the assets of the Society as follows : 
 
 £ *. d. 
 
 Land which cost 750 00 00 
 
 Amount on loan, with security, 850 00 00 
 
 Cash on hand, 132 14 9 
 
 i.73 2 H 9 
 
34 
 
 GENERAL SOCIETY OF 
 
 In Federal currency, this amounted to $4,331.84. 
 The celebration of the Fourth of July was participated in by the 
 Society as usual. 
 
 At the meeting held September 6th, 1797, a committee was 
 authorized to sell the lot of land belonging to the Society for a 
 sum not less than ,£1,200, but at a meeting held in November the 
 committee reported that a sale had been effected to Josiah Freeman, 
 for the sum of ,£1,415. There is no record of the motives of the 
 Society for selling this land, which had been bought for building 
 purposes. The action was, however, deliberately considered. It was 
 sold for more than original cost, with accrued interest and taxes, so 
 it had proved a profitable investment, though there may have been 
 some mistake made in originally purchasing it. 
 
 At the annual meeting of the Society held January 2d, 1798, the 
 following officers were elected for the ensuing year : 
 
 James Tyler, President. Cornelius Crygier, 2d Vice-Pres. 
 
 Thomas Timpson, Vice-Pres. John Stryker, Treasurer. 
 William Whitehead, Secretary. 
 
 The members dined at Hunter's Hotel. 
 
 At the meeting held in March, the committee to examine the 
 accounts of the treasurer presented the report, by which the assets 
 of the Society were as follows : 
 
 Amount on loan, 1,250 00 00 
 
 Amount on land sold, 1,061 5 00 
 
 Amount in the treasury, 108 18 8 
 
 2,420 3 8 
 
 In Federal currency, this amounts to $6,050.46. 
 
 At the meeting held April 4th, 1 798, a code of by-laws and rules 
 of order was adopted, the subject having been discussed at several 
 previous meetings. ( Vide Appendix A.) 
 
i8oo] 
 
 MECHANICS AND TRADESMEN, 
 
 35 
 
 The Fourth of July was this year observed by the Society 
 according to its custom. There seems this year to have been some 
 diminution of interest in the Society on the part of its members, 
 several meetings during the autumn finding themselves without a 
 quorum. 
 
 At the annual meeting of the Society held January ist, 1799, the 
 following officers were elected for the ensuing year : 
 
 Peter H. Wendover, President. Anthony Brown, 2d Vice-Prcs. 
 Cornelius Crygier, Vice-Pres. John Stryker, Treasurer. 
 William Whitehead, Secretary. 
 
 The annual dinner took place at the Tontine Coffee House. 
 
 A correspondence was held between the Society and the Providence 
 Association of Mechanics and Manufacturers. ( Vide Appendix B.) 
 
 A source of no little trouble to the Society was the delinquency 
 of members in meeting their monthly payments. It was sometimes 
 necessary, in consequence of this, to strike the names of negligent 
 members from the rolls. The following, from the minutes of the 8th 
 of May, illustrates the difficulty: "The treasurer reported that 370 
 members were in arrears for dues to the amount of ^241 19^." 
 ($604.48). But a gratifying feature of the Society's operations was 
 the interest felt in the wants of indigent members. The care of them 
 was confided to the overseers of the poor, as they were called. In 
 adopting measures of benevolence, the utmost harmony prevailed. 
 
 A special meeting of the Society was held December 26th, 1799, 
 the following call having been addressed to the president by several 
 members : 
 
 " Owing to the death of our beloved fellow-citizen, Lieutenant- 
 General George Washington, we, the subscribers, being members of 
 the General Society of Mechanics and Tradesmen of the City of 
 New-York, do deem it expedient and signify to you as our pleasure 
 
36 
 
 GENERAL SOCIETY. 
 
 [1792-1800 
 
 that a meeting of this Society be called for Thursday evening next, 
 at the usual time and place, to devise proper measures to be taken 
 upon this melancholy occasion." 
 
 At the meeting, the president announced that the public author- 
 ities were making- arrangements for a funeral procession. A com- 
 mittee was appointed to make necessary provision for the partici- 
 pation of the Society in the ceremonies. It was directed that the 
 chairs of the president and vice-president "be hung with black 
 cloth, with love ribbon hung around the branches, and that the 
 painting above the president's chair be festooned with black cloth 
 tied with love ribbon ; that the colors be hoisted half-mast at sun- 
 rise ; that each member wear black crape around his left arm on 
 the day of the procession ; and that the standard be draped in 
 mourning." 
 
 At the annual meeting of the Society held January 1st, 1800, 
 the following officers were elected for the ensuing year : 
 
 Daniel Hitchcock, President. John Slidell, Jr., 2d Vice-Pres. 
 Cornelius Crygier, Vice-Pres. John Striker, Treasurer. 
 John Elsworth, Secretary. 
 
 A report upon the financial condition of the Society gave the 
 assets at £2, 'joy lod. ($6,767.60). There were members' dues un- 
 paid to the amount of ^318 4.S. 
 
 Another communication was received from the Providence Asso- 
 ciation of Mechanics and Manufacturers, asking the cooperation of 
 the Society in a petition to the legislature of the United States, 
 asking for higher duties on many articles imported. But the Society 
 deemed it inexpedient to comply with this request. 
 
 The Fourth of July was, as usual, observed by the Society this 
 year. The oration was delivered by Matthew L. Davis, Esq., in 
 St. Paul's Church. 
 
III. 
 
 1801 — 1810. 
 
 "^7 
 
CHAPTER III. 
 
 PROGRESS OF THE SOCIETY. 
 
 T the annual meeting held January 6th, 1801, the following 
 officers were elected for the ensuing year : 
 
 Jacob Sherred, Pres. Francis Cooper, 2d Vice-Pres. 
 Abraham Labagh, Vice-Pres. John Striker, Treasurer. 
 William Whitehead, Secretary. 
 
 The anniversary dinner was marked by the presence of many 
 prominent citizens. Letters were read from the Mayor of New- 
 York, and from the Hon. Aaron Burr. 
 
 According to the report of the treasurer, the assets of the 
 Society appeared to be ,£2,874 195. $d. ($7,187.41). Interest due, 
 £141 \os. 8^. Arrears, ^281 $s. 
 
 From a report of the overseers of the poor, it appeared that 
 the names of fourteen widows and twenty-seven children were on 
 the pension list. When a member needed assistance, it was repeated 
 from time to time, but his name was not placed upon the pension 
 list. 
 
4-0 GENERAL SOCIETY OF [1801 
 
 On the 7th of October, 1801, the committee appointed to pro- 
 cure a lot of land recommended one upon the west side of Broad- 
 way, at the corner of Chambers street, owned by Mrs. Henshaw. 
 Its measurement was stated at twenty-five feet front and rear, and 
 ninety-two feet deep. The price was ,£1,500. The committee con- 
 sidered the situation of this lot as "truly desirable, as the opposite 
 side of the street will always remain open, as there stand the Alms- 
 house and Bridewell. This, with the height of the ground, the 
 well-known purity and healthfulness of the street, and the location 
 upon a corner, must, during the warm season of the year, render it 
 comfortable and airy." But the Society did not come to an 
 immediate decision upon the subject. The benevolent operations of 
 the Society occupied considerable time during the regular meetings. 
 Great care was taken of indigent members, and of the widows and 
 orphans of deceased brothers. 
 
 At the annual meeting held January 5th, 1802, the following 
 officers were elected for the ensuing year : 
 
 Abraham Labagh, President. William P. Miller, 2d Vice-Pres. 
 Francis Cooper, Vice-Pres. John Striker, Treasurer. 
 William Whitehead, Secretary. 
 
 At the meeting held May 5th, 1802, the matter of purchasing land 
 was again under Consideration. On this occasion, the lot recom- 
 mended was at the corner of Broadway and Robinson street, owned 
 by Richard Varick. The dimensions were twenty-five feet on Broad- 
 way and ninety- nine feet on Robinson street. A committee was 
 appointed to obtain his terms from Mr. Varick ; and at a special 
 meeting held May 12th, 1802, they reported that they had obtained 
 the refusal of the land until the 13th inst. The price asked, the 
 buildings being included in the sale, and two hundred loads of lime, 
 was ,£2,600. The cost of the lime, with screening and storage, would 
 
i8io] 
 
 MECHANICS AND TRADESMEN 
 
 41 
 
 be about ,£180. The building, containing much "stone and useful 
 material, had been appraised at ,£120, which would reduce the price 
 of the land to ,£2,300, or $5,750. Mr. Varick proposed the pay- 
 ment of ,£600 on the delivery of the deed, with ,£2,000 to remain 
 on bond and mortgage at lawful interest. The committee were 
 strongly in favor of the purchase of this lot. A resolution to that 
 effect was passed. At the next meeting, the committee presented 
 the deed, and the bond and mortgage were executed. The follow- 
 ing committee was appointed to take charge of the erection of a 
 hall, and for devising ways and means of raising necessary money 
 for defraying the cost thereof: Jacob Sherred, John McComb, Jr., 
 Anthony Steenbach, Joseph Newton, John Slidell, Jr., George Gos- 
 man, Matthew L. Davis, Andrew Morrell, George Ireland, Peter H. 
 Wenover, Cornelius Crygier, George Knox, Thomas Stevenson. 
 
 It was resolved that the Society borrow the necessary amount for 
 building, the whole amount not to exceed $15,000, in sums of $10 
 each, and issue certificates therefor to be denominated loan shares, 
 bearing interest at the rate of six per cent, per annum. 
 
 At the meeting in August, the committee reported that 1,070 of 
 the loan shares had been disposed of, amounting to the sum of 
 $10,700. The committee reported further, on the 4th of August, 
 1802, that they had, in the name of the Society, purchased of 
 William G. Miller, for the sum of $575, two feet of his lot, and 
 joining on the north of the land of the Society, and had received 
 a satisfactory deed therefor. The action of the committee was 
 approved. This purchase turned out in the end to be an unadvisa- 
 ble one. Other parties claimed the land, and after a long and 
 expensive litigation their claims were allowed. Afterward the invest- 
 ment proved to be profitable, and a source of income to the Society. 
 
 The building committee presented several plans for the pro- 
 posed Mechanics' Hall, one of which was adopted. Brothers A. 
 
42 
 
 GENERAL SOCIETY OF 
 
 [1801 
 
 Steenbach and John McComb were appointed master masons for 
 building the wall. The corner-stone was laid by the president on 
 the 2d of August, 1802, with imposing ceremonies. It bore the 
 following inscription : 
 
 This Stone was laid 
 for the HAUL of the 
 General Society 
 
 of 
 
 Mechanics 6f Tradesmen 
 of the CiXy of NwYorK 
 onthe2. ,,d day of Aug? 
 
 In the twenty jevenlK 
 Yew? of 
 
 American Independence. 
 
 The building committee was a very competent one. The work 
 was vigorously pressed, and Mechanics' Hall soon became an orna- 
 ment of the city, and the pride of the Society. 
 
 On the 2d of December, 1802, a form of address was adopted to 
 be used at the initiation of members. (Appendix C.) 
 
 The annual meeting of the Society was held at the new Me- 
 chanics' Hall, corner of Broadway and Robinson street (now Park 
 
i8io] 
 
 MECHANICS AND TRADESMEN. 
 
 43 
 
 Place), on Tuesday, January 4th, 1803, when the following officers 
 were elected for the ensuing year: 
 
 James Warner, President. John P. Roome, 2d Vice-Pres. 
 
 John Slidell, Jr., Vice-Pres. John Striker, Treasurer. 
 William Whitehead, Secretary. 
 
 After the adjournment, the Society, two hundred in number, assem- 
 bled in another room and partook of a sumptuous entertainment, ac- 
 cording to established custom. The occasion was one of much interest. 
 The new hall had been completed, and its erection had added greatly to 
 the interest felt by the members in the Society. The New - York 
 Gazette and General Advertiser of January 5th, 1803, gives a list 
 of the toasts drank upon the occasion, as follows : 
 
 I. The People : From whom, sooner or later, each misrepresented character obtains 
 justice, and each calumniated honor. 
 
 II. The President of the United States. 
 
 III. The Vice-President of the United States. 
 
 IV. The Right of Suffrage : May it be exercised by those alone who are faithful to 
 the Constitution. 
 
 V. Religion and Morality : The necessary and indispensable props of our freedom. 
 
 VI. The Governor and State of New- York. 
 
 VII. The Seventeenth State: May every addition to the number be an accession of 
 wisdom and patriotism. 
 
 VIII. Mechanic Hall : May it ever stand firm as the principles on which it is 
 founded. 
 
 IX. Public Schools : And all those institutions established for the mitigation of human 
 misery. 
 
 X. May every honest patriot, beside an approving conscience, be blest with competency. 
 
 XI. May the asperity of party abate, and the generosity of friendship increase. 
 
 XII. Departed Worth : May the memory of Washington, and his great compatriots, 
 excite to emulation, while it extorts tears of regret. 
 
 XIII. The successful prosecution of manufactures, arts, and commerce. 
 
 XIV. Public Prisons: May the progress of humanity meet no interruption from the 
 prejudices of ignorance, or the cavils of ancient barbarism. 
 
 XV. Plenty : May it continue to smile on the labors of the American husbandman. 
 
 XVI. Peace : May our country long continue to enjoy the beneficial consequences 
 of her exemption from the scourge of the human race. 
 
 XVII. The day we celebrate. 
 
44 
 
 GENERAL SOCIETY 'OF 
 
 [1801 
 
 VOLUNTEERS. 
 
 By the President. — The Militia of the United States: May they always be found suf- 
 ficient to protect our liberties, without the assistance of a standing army. 
 
 By the First Vice-President. — The Contemplated Statue of Washington: While it 
 embellishes our city, and testifies our gratitude, may posterity justly appreciate those virtues 
 it is designed to perpetuate. 
 
 By the Second Vice-President. — The universal improvement of arts and sciences. 
 
 By the Mayor of the City. — The Mechanics of New-York: May industry and skill, 
 patriotism and integrity, be their characteristics. 
 
 After the Mayor had left the table, the President gave : " The Mayor and Corporation 
 of the City of New- York." 
 
 The following is an extract from a letter received about this 
 time from the Hon. Edward Livingston, mayor of the city : 
 
 I take the liberty of addressing your Society on a very interesting subject 
 in which I have thought their agency necessary to produce an effect I am sure 
 they have very much at heart, — I mean the employment of the poor, the dim- 
 inution of distress, and, consequently, of the crimes to which it leads. The 
 Almshouse of this city affords a comfortable asylum for feeble old age, casual 
 debility, and the unprotected state of orphan infancy ; but there is another class 
 to whom it affords no relief, and who would feel a iductance in applying for it 
 if they were certain of success. You will readily perceive that I allude to those 
 who are capable of supporting themselves by their labour, are yet thrown, by 
 particular circumstances, out of employment, and are thus forced either to suffer 
 the evils of want or to draw for relief on a fund appropriated only for the help- 
 less poor. 
 
 This class is composed, first, of strangers during the first months after their 
 arrival ; second, of citizens who, from the effects of sickness or other casualty, 
 have lost their usual employment ; third, of widows and orphans capable of 
 labour ; fourth, of discharged or pardoned convicts from the State's Prison. 
 
 The letter concludes with an elaborate plan for bringing about 
 the objects proposed. It shows in what high esteem the Society was 
 held by the civic authorities. It declined to enter upon a work not 
 in accordance with the objects of the Society as set forth in its 
 charter, while deeply sympathizing in the benevolent propositions 
 of the Mayor. 
 
i8io] 
 
 MECHANICS AND TRADESMEN. 
 
 45 
 
 The building committee reported - that, in accordance with the 
 directions of the Society, they had leased to Michael Little the new 
 Mechanics' Hall for the term of two years, at the rent of $1,500 
 per annum, payable quarterly, with all taxes on said property ; 
 the Society to be permitted, at all its anniversary, monthly, and 
 Fourth of July meetings, to use the hall, he agreeing to warm and 
 light the room ; Little giving a bond, with John Slidell as security, 
 for the faithful observance of these conditions. 
 
 The year 1803 was one of continued usefulness and prosperity. 
 Many mechanics were elected members, the meetings were well 
 attended, the benevolent operations of the association were sustained, 
 and its reputation in the community was maintained. 
 
 At the annual meeting held January 3d, 1804, the following officers 
 were elected for the ensuing year : 
 
 John Slidell, Jr., President. William Whitehead, Secretary. 
 Wm. G. Miller, Vice-Pres. John Striker, Treasurer. 
 Augustus Wright, 2d Vice-Pres. Wm. J. Waldron, Collector. 
 
 On the 7th of March, 1804, tne building committee reported that 
 the accounts which had been paid in cash for building the hall 
 amounted to ,£6,686 io^. Sd., and the bills which remained unpaid 
 to ,£2,008 4^./ total, ,£8,694 lls - ($ 2l >736-37)- The following was 
 a statement of the funds out of which the accounts had been paid : 
 
 Cash for 1,384 Completed Loan shares, 
 " " 109 Incompleted " 
 " from John Striker, treasurer, 
 " " James Warner, loan, 
 " " Alexander Saunders' donation, 
 " John P. Anthony's 
 
 $13,840 
 498 
 2,050 
 500 
 10 
 
 5^ 
 
 $16,903 
 
^5 GENERAL SOCIETY OF [^01 
 
 The sum of nearly $5,000 was thus wanting at that time to 
 discharge the debts of the Society. It seemed impracticable to sell a 
 sufficient number of loan shares to meet this. The building committee 
 had therefore recommended giving a mortgage on the hall and land. 
 It does not appear that the indebtedness of the Society was in round 
 numbers $20,000. The balance in its favor was about $9,000, showing 
 a good degree of financial prosperity not often secured in those days 
 by benevolent societies. 
 
 On the 5th of September, 1804, the building committee presented 
 its final report upon the erection of Mechanics' Hall, announcing that 
 after encountering various difficulties their labors were finished. The 
 total cost of the building was stated as follows : 
 
 Total cost of building, $22,142.38 
 
 PaicT for land, 6,500.00 
 
 Paid Miller for land 575-oo 
 
 $29,217.38 
 
 At the annual meeting held January 1st, 1805, the following officers 
 were elected : 
 
 Francis Cooper, President. John Striker, Treasurer. 
 Augustus Wright, Vice-Pres. James Hopson, Secretary. 
 John P. Anthony, 2d Vice-Pres. Wm. J. Waldron, Collector. 
 
 The financial condition of the Society, as reported by a committee, 
 February 6th, 1805, was as follows: 
 
 Cr. Cash in treasury, $274.00 
 
 Rent due February 1st, 375-OQ 
 
 Mechanics' Hall, valued at 30,000.00 
 
 $30,649.00 
 
^10] MECHANICS AND TRADESMEN. 
 
 Dr. 1,442 Shares of stock, at $10 each, .... $14,420 00 
 Nine months' interest, less dues, '. . . . . 414 90 
 
 Jacob Sperry's mortgage, 5,087 .50 
 
 $19,922 40 
 
 Balance in favor of Society, $10,726 .60 
 
 At a meeting held April 3d, 1805, the following amendment to the 
 by-laws was adopted : 
 
 "Be it ordained by the General Society of Mechanics and Trades- 
 men of the City of New- York, that from and after the passage of this 
 act, all persons who may apply to become members of the Society 
 shall, upon initiation, pay to the treasurer the sum of eight dollars 
 each. 
 
 "And be it further ordained, that so much of the by-law entitled 
 ' a law to regulate the admission of such persons as may apply to 
 become members of this Society,' as relates to the sum to be paid, be 
 and is hereby repealed." 
 
 The regular monthly payment of one shilling per month, for each 
 member, was continued. 
 
 At the annual meeting held January 7th, 1806, the folio wi -g officers 
 were elected: 
 
 Augustus Wright, President, 
 John P. Anthony, Vice-Pres. 
 Stephen Allen, 2d Vice-Pres. 
 
 John Striker, Treasurer. 
 James Hopson, Secretary. 
 Wm. J. Waldron, Collector. 
 
 The committee appointed to examine the treasurer's account 
 presented the following report : 
 
 Mechanics' Hall, valued at ...... $30,000.00 
 
 Cash in treasury, 823 .39 
 
 $30,823.39 
 
GENERAL SOCIETY OF [1801 
 
 Due on bond and mortgage, $ 5,000.00 
 
 " Interest on mortgage, 116.66 
 
 " 1,405 Loan shares, 14,050.00 
 
 " Interest on Loan shares 784-3° 
 
 $19,950.96 
 
 Balance $10,872.43 
 
 At the annual meeting held January 6th, 1807, the following offi- 
 cers were elected : 
 
 William G. Miller, President. John Striker, Treasurer. 
 Stephen Allen, Vice-Pres. James Hopson, Secretary. 
 
 Andrew Morrell, 2d Vice-Pres. William J. Waldron, Col. 
 
 At the annual meeting held January 5th, 1808, the following 
 officers were elected : 
 
 Alexander Campbell, President. John Striker, Treasurer. 
 Arthur Smith, Vice-Pres. James Hopsox, Secretary. 
 
 John Browx, 2d Vice-Pres. William J. Waldrox, Col. 
 
 As politics at this time greatly excited the community, it may be 
 proper to notice that, although the Federal party had its head- 
 quarters at Mechanics' Hall, the Society ignored politics altogether, 
 having nothing to do with this occupancy, which was under an 
 arrangement with the lessee of the hall. 
 
 At the annual meeting held January 3d, 1809, tne following offi- 
 cers were elected : 
 
 Stephen Allen, President. John Slidell, Treasurer. 
 
 George Ireland, Vice-Pres. James Hopson, Secretary. 
 
 John C. Crvgier, 2d Vice-Pres. William J. Waldron, Col. 
 
 The years 1807, 1808, and 1809 were not marked by much 
 activity on the part of the Society. At the meetings a quorum 
 
i8io] 
 
 MECHANICS AND TRADESMEN. 
 
 49 
 
 was seldom present. There were few new members admitted. 
 The Fourth of July, which had always been enthusiastically cele- 
 brated, passed in 1809 without notice on the part of the Society; 
 at least, no record can be found of such observance. 
 
 At the annual meeting held January 2d, 18 10, the following offi- 
 cers were elected : 
 
 George Ireland, President. John Slidell, Treasurer. 
 
 Harmanus Tallman, Vice-Pres. James Hopson, Secretary. 
 John I. Labagh, 2d Vice-Pres. Philip Arnold, Collector. 
 
 A proposition was received from the Humane Society, asking 
 the appointment of a committee on the part of the Society to meet 
 like committees, for the purpose of devising some method of re- 
 ducing the number of taverns and grog-shops in the city. Such a 
 committee, consisting of five members, was appointed. 
 
 At a meeting held February 7th, 18 10, the Society approved a 
 lease of Mechanics' Hall to Mr. A. Marcelline, for the term of five 
 years, at the annual rent of $2,250, the tenant to pay the taxes and 
 keep the building in repair. The Society, as before, reserved the 
 large room for its own use on the days of its anniversaries, and the 
 occasion of its other regular meetings. 
 
 At a meeting held February 21st, 18 10, the report of the com- 
 mittee appointed at a previous meeting to draft a petition to the 
 Legislature for a bank charter was read and accepted. Afterward 
 a committee of seven members was appointed to present the petition 
 and promote its favorable consideration. 
 
 At a meeting held March 28th, 1810,. the bank committee re- 
 ported that the delegates to Albany, Gabriel Firman and Thomas 
 R. Mercein, had returned with a certified copy of an act establish- 
 ing the Mechanics' Bank in the city of New-York. It was further 
 reported that Jacob Sherred, John Slidell, Francis Cooper, John D. 
 Miller, Anthony Steenbach, Naphthali Judah, Gabriel Firman, Mat- 
 
50 GENERAL SOCIETY OF [1801 
 
 thew L. Davis, Samuel St. John, George Warner, John R. Murray, 
 Jonathan Lawrence, Jr., Stephen Allen, and George Ireland (president) 
 are the directors for the ensuing year ; that the president of the 
 Society is always to be, ex officio, a director ; that seven other direct- 
 ors must be chosen from members of the Society, four of whom are 
 to be men actually engaged in some mechanical profession ; and that 
 the State may provide by law for the appointment of two other direct- 
 ors, making the whole number sixteen. 
 
 It was further reported that the Legislature had authorized the 
 Society to subscribe for shares in said bank, to the amount of 
 $150,000, the bank loaning to the Society the money to pay in 
 their shares, if required, for three years, at the rate of five per cent, 
 per annum ; and that the Legislature shall have the right to sub- 
 scribe for stock to the amount of $250,000, upon the same terms as 
 the Society, provided they shall, by law, appoint a person for that 
 purpose previous to the first Tuesday in April, 181 1. 
 
 At a meeting held June 6th, 18 10, measures were taken to peti- 
 tion the Legislature for a renewal of the charter of the Society. 
 
 At the same meeting, the president reported that he had made 
 application to the Mechanics' Bank for stock, and the answer received 
 was as follows : 
 
 New-York, June 4th, 1810. 
 
 SlR: In reply to your favor of the 31st ultimo, respecting the subscription 
 to the stock of the Mechanics' Bank, for and in behalf of the Mechanics' Society, 
 I am directed to inform you that six thousand shares of the aforesaid stock are 
 reserved for the Society, agreeably to the charter. The call lately made, of six 
 dollars and fifty cents on each share, announces the intention of the Board of 
 Directors to have the stock completed as half shares by the 30th inst. 
 
 You will be in time to carry into effect the design and wishes of the Society 
 at your next meeting, which, it is understood, will take place early in July. In 
 the interim, a bond for the amount, and a power to transfer the shares to the 
 company as collateral security for the loan, can be prepared, they being deemed 
 prerequisites to the granting the evidence of the Society's interest and concern 
 in the capital stock of the company. Your most obedient servant, 
 
 W. FlSK, Cashier. 
 
1810] MECHANICS AND TRADESMEN. 51 
 
 An extended correspondence then took place between the direct- 
 ors of the bank and a committee of the Society. There was no 
 question of the right of the Society to subscribe for $150,000 of the 
 stock, with stock as collateral security ; but these questions arose : 
 " Shall the stock be transferred by the Society to the bank?" "Can 
 the Society vote at elections on the stock if so transferred ?" "Can 
 it sell any portion of the stock?" The difficulty was settled October 
 3d, as appears by the following report: "The committee appointed 
 to obtain the certificate of the stock in the Mechanics' Bank, re- 
 ported that, in conformity with arrangements made at the last meet- 
 ing, the committee have delivered the bond executed by the Society 
 in favor of the bank, to the board of directors, and also made a 
 transfer of the stock as collateral security, agreeably to the tenor 
 of the power of attorney executed by the Society for that purpose. 
 The committee have received, in return, a penal bond, to secure to 
 this Society the right of voting for directors during the continuance 
 of the transfer of the stock ; also, a declaration of trust, executed by 
 the bank, in relation to the said transfer, and a power of attorney, 
 constituting this Society, or any person who may be from time to 
 time legally authorized by the Society, the proxy to vote for direct- 
 ors at all elections held during the time above specified, on as 
 many shares as may at any such election belong to the Society. 
 All of which obligations so executed by the bank were prepared 
 by the counsel employed by the committee."* 
 
 * Previous to the charter of the Mechanics' 
 Bank, there were four banks doing business in 
 the city of New-York, viz., the Bank of New- 
 York, chartered in 1791 ; the Manhattan Com- 
 pany, chartered in 1799 ; the Merchants' Bank, 
 chartered in 1805 ; and the United States 
 Branch Bank, chartered in 1791. It was not 
 an easy matter to obtain a charter from the 
 Legislature of the State for a bank, unless 
 some very good and sufficient reason was given 
 for it. Hence, a charter for a bank was es- 
 
 teemed as a very valuable franchise, and its 
 stock always was worth a premium from the 
 moment that its books were opened. The 
 Manhattan Company obtained its charter un- 
 der the plea, and with the promise, of supply- 
 ing the city with pure and wholesome water. 
 The Mechanics' Bank obtained its charter be- 
 cause the mechanic interest was to be bene- 
 fited by it, and because the petition for it was 
 indorsed by the General Society of Mechanics 
 and Tradesmen of the City of New-York. 
 
52 
 
 GENERAL SOCIETY 
 
 [1801 - 1810 
 
 The charter of the Mechanics' Bank provided that $600,000 of 
 the stock should be offered to mechanics in the State of New- 
 York. There appears to have been a rumor that this promise had 
 not been complied with, and the Society, watchful of the interests 
 of the class which it represented, appointed a committee to ascertain 
 the facts. The matter was more important, as many of the directors 
 of the bank were members of the Society. Upon inquiry, the 
 bank answered that the stock accounts had been examined ; that 
 $600,000 of the stock had been appropriated to the mechanics and 
 tradesmen of the State, in accordance with the terms of the charter. 
 It was also stated that considerably more than half the stock so 
 reserved had been taken by members of the General Society of 
 Mechanics and Tradesmen. 
 
 A petition for a renewal of the charter was at this time pre- 
 sented to the Legislature, setting forth the good work already 
 done by the Society, and stating the legal obligation which it had 
 incurred, thus rendering such renewal necessary. The petition was 
 successful, and the new charter secured. 
 
 The year 18 10 was a very prosperous one in the annals of the 
 Society. There were, during this period, two hundred and eighty- 
 four initiations, bringing into the treasury $2,270. This discharged 
 a considerable portion of the indebtedness created by building the 
 hall, and reduced the amount of interest. 
 
CHAPTER IV. 
 
 EDUCATIONAL ENTERPRISES. 
 
 T the annual meeting held January ist, 1 8 1 1 , the following 
 officers were elected : 
 
 John I. Labagh, President. John Slidell, Treasurer. 
 
 Jacob Lorillard, Vice-Pres. James Hopson, Secretary. 
 
 Peter Sharp, 2d Vice-Pres. Philip Arnold, Collector. 
 
 At the annual meeting held January 14th, 181 2, the following 
 officers were elected : 
 
 Jacob Lorillard, President. John Slidell, Treasurer. 
 
 Peter Sharp, Vice-Pres. James Hopson, Secretary. 
 
 Jonas Mapes, 2d Vice-Pres. John V. Waldron, Collector. 
 
 At a meeting held April ist, 181 2, the treasurer reported that he 
 had paid off 655 shares of the Society loan, amounting to $6,550; 
 and that the outstanding shares amounted to $7,870. 
 
 In 181 2, the question was seriously mooted whether it would 
 not be better to sell a considerable portion of the Mechanics' Bank 
 stock held by the Society. The bank had been prosperous ; the 
 premiums upon the stock had increased ; but war was imminent ; 
 
56 GENERAL SOCIETY OF [1811 
 
 the business prospects were not bright ; the purchase money of the 
 stock constituted a heavy debt. If some of the stock could be sold, 
 this debt would be lightened, while the premium, which was all 
 profit, could be realized. A committee to consider the matter was 
 appointed, with authority to dispose of such portions of the stock 
 as they might deem proper, provided the amount realized should 
 not exceed the Society's indebtedness to the bank, and also pro- 
 vided that the premium realized should not be less than fifteen per 
 cent. On the 6th of January, 1813, the committee reported that they 
 had sold five thousand shares at fifteen per cent, advance ; that they 
 had paid the amount to the bank ; and that the Society still owned 
 one thousand shares, which cost $25,000, for which it owed $6,250. 
 
 At a meeting held January 1st, 18 13, a committee was appointed, 
 consisting of Messrs. Mercein, Wright, Hopson, Slidell. and Steen- 
 bach, to report to the Society the number and names of such 
 children of deceased members as might be proper objects of gra- 
 tuitous education, the probable cost of tuition for each child, and 
 how much of the revenue of the Society could be, with propriety, 
 appropriated for that object. 
 
 At the annual meeting of the Society held January 12th, 18 13, 
 the following officers were elected : 
 
 Peter Sharp, President. John Slidell, Treasurer. 
 
 Jonas Mapes, Vice-Pres. James Hopson, Secretary. 
 
 William H. Ireland, 2d Vice-Pres. John V. Waldron, Collector. 
 
 At a meeting held June 2d, 1813, the committee appointed to 
 consider the subject of the gratuitous education of the children of 
 deceased members reported substantially as follows, viz. : That the 
 income of the Society might safely be estimated at $5,180, and its 
 expenditures at $2, 180. The surplus might be annually appropriated 
 to extinguish the debt of the Society, and to establish a school for 
 
MECHANICS AND TRADESMEN. 
 
 57 
 
 the education of the children of deceased and unfortunate members. 
 Two methods had presented themselves to the committee. A 
 school-house might be built, and a teacher hired, and the seminary 
 conducted under the supervision of a school committee ; or the 
 children might be sent to such schools as were most convenient, 
 their bills for tuition to be paid by the treasurer. But it might be 
 inconvenient for the very young pupils to attend the school contem- 
 plated in the first suggestion ; or some parents might be unable to 
 spare the services of their children during the day, so that they 
 would need to attend a night-school. The committee say that the 
 advantages of a special school maintained by the Society, rendered 
 it in their estimation preferable. Application was therefore made 
 to the corporation of New-York for two lots of land on which to 
 erect a school-house. Like favors had, in several instances, been 
 granted to other benevolent institutions for like purposes. It would 
 place the contemplated institution on a more lasting foundation, to 
 have a house built for the express accommodation of the school. 
 The application was favorably received by the corporation of the 
 city, which, on the ioth of May, granted two lots on the corner of 
 Leonard and Elm streets to the Society, with the p oviso that 
 whenever the. same should cease to be occupied for a school, or if 
 a school-house should not be built within three years, the ground 
 should revert to the corporation. 
 
 At the meeting held July 7th, 181 3, Robert Provoost was chosen 
 collector. He was reelected annually for more than forty years, 
 and until the day of his death. 
 
 At the annual meeting held January nth, 1814, the following 
 officers were elected : 
 
 Jonas Mapes, President. John Slidell, Treasurer. 
 
 George Buckmaster, Vice-Pres. James Hopson, Secretary. 
 Thomas R. Mercein, 2d Vice-Pres. Robert Provoost, Collector. 
 
58 GENERAL SOCIETY OF [1811 
 
 The new code of by-laws was adopted August 3d, 1814. (Vide 
 Appendix D.) 
 
 At the annual meeting held January 10th, 181 5, the following 
 
 officers were elected : 
 
 Abraham Van Nest, President. John Slidell, Treasurer. 
 Thomas R. Mercein, Vice-Pres. James Hopson, Secretary. 
 Joseph Smith, 2d Vice-Pres. Robert Provoost, Collector. 
 
 At the annual meeting held January 9th, 18 16, the following 
 officers were elected : 
 
 Thomas C. Taylor, President. John Slidell, Treasurer. 
 Joseph Smith, Vice-Pres. James Hopson, Secretary. 
 
 John McComb, Jr., 2d Vice-Pres. Robert Provoost, Collector. 
 
 At the annual meeting held January 14th, 181 7, the following 
 
 officers were elected : 
 
 Joseph Smith, President. John Slipell, Treasurer. 
 
 John McComb, Jr., Vice-Pres. James Hopson, Secretary. 
 George Buckmaster, 2d Vice-Pres. Robert Provoost, Collector. 
 
 At the annual meeting held January 13th, 1818, the following 
 
 officers were elected : 
 
 John McComb, Jr., President. John Slidell, Treasurer. 
 George Buckmaster, Vice-Pres. James Hopson, Secretary. 
 Gideon Lee, 2d Vice-Pres. Robert Provoost, Collector. 
 
 At the annual meeting held January 13th, 18 19, the following 
 officers were elected : 
 
 Peter H. Wendover, President. John Seidell, Treasurer. 
 Gideon Lee, Vice-Pres. James Hopson, Secretary. 
 
 Elam Williams, 2d Vice-Pres. Robert Provoost, Collector. 
 
1820] MECHANICS AND TRADESMEN. 59 
 
 There was still a lack of interest in the operations of the Soci- 
 ety observable up to 1819. The officers and committees, however, 
 attended to their duties, and thus the useful existence of the Society 
 was maintained. In 1820 began a new era of prosperity and use- 
 fulness. 
 
 At the annual meeting held January nth, 1820, the following 
 officers were elected : 
 
 Gideon Lee, President. John Slidell, Treasurer. 
 
 Elam Williams, Vice-President. James Hopson, Secretary. 
 William Mandeville, 2d Vice-Pres. Robert Provoost, Collector. 
 
 At a meeting held March 1st, 1820, the committee having in 
 charge the education of children of indigent members presented a 
 report. Another committee was appointed to ascertain the names 
 and places of residence of the children of deceased and of other mem- 
 bers who might require aid in securing education ; to ascertain upon 
 what terms for rent a room sufficiently spacious for the school could 
 be secured ; and the amount of salary which a well-qualified teacher 
 would require. 
 
 It was also resolved that a library committee — consisting of 
 Thomas R. Mercein, Francis Cooper, John Slidell, Anthony Steen- 
 bach, John I. Labagh, Elbert Anderson, Abraham Van Nest, Jacob 
 Lorillard, and Abraham Bloodgood — be appointed. It was empow- 
 ered to take requisite measures to establish a library for the use 
 of apprentices of the mechanics of this city ; and the committee 
 was also empowered to issue an appropriate address to the inhab- 
 itants of the city, stating the object, and soliciting donations of 
 books. The same committee was requested to digest and report a 
 plan for tuition, during winter evenings, of the apprentices of me- 
 chanics, members of the Society ; and to report upon the feasibility 
 of extending the benefit oi the school to the apprentices of me- 
 
60 GENERAL SOCIETY OF [1811 
 
 chanics generally. Some doubt having arisen whether, under the 
 charter, funds of the Society could be used for a school, it was 
 resolved to seek an amendment of the charter, authorizing such dis- 
 position. 
 
 At a subsequent meeting of the Society, the committee on 
 education presented a plan for the establishment and maintenance 
 of a school for the children of members of the Society. The report 
 was accepted, and the committee directed to carry out its sugges- 
 tions. Another plan for the creation and maintenance of a library, 
 to furnish useful reading matter to the apprentices of the mechanics 
 of New-York, was received and adopted. We have only the min- 
 utes referring to the reports, and not the reports themselves, and 
 we cannot, therefore, know all the details of the establishment of 
 the library and school. The latter was kept up until the adoption 
 of our public-school system. The library has gone on increasing in 
 usefulness, supplying books to the working boys and girls of New- 
 York ; and the Society is well proud of its well-managed library 
 and reading-room, the shelves containing 60,000 volumes, and the 
 tables being covered with all the prominent periodicals and news- 
 papers of the day.' On the 1st of November, 1820, the library 
 committee reported that rooms had been secured in the New-York 
 Free School building, in Chatham street ; that Joseph C. Hart had 
 been appointed teacher of the school ; that the school had been 
 opened on the 1st of July, and contained over seventy scholars; 
 that Mr. Hart had been appointed librarian, and over four thou- 
 sand volumes given to the institution. The library was to be pub- 
 licly opened on the 25th of November, being Evacuation Day. On 
 that occasion, though the weather was unfavorable, a large audience 
 was present, including the Mayor and several members of the Com- 
 mon Council and State Legislature. The opening prayer was by 
 the Rev. Dr. Milnor; the address was by Thomas R. Mercein, Esq., 
 
1820] MECHANICS AND TRADESMEN. 6 1 
 
 with a brief reply by Master Daniel Lowber, of the Mechanics' School, 
 and another by Master John Post, an apprentice, on behalf of the 
 apprentices. The whole concluded with a prayer by the Rev. Dr. 
 Milledollar. In the evening the library was crowded with appren- 
 tices supplying themselves with books. Nearly three hundred were 
 loaned. On the succeeding Saturday the applicants were equally 
 numerous. All fear that the apprentices would not avail themselves 
 of the advantages of the library was dissipated. It may be men- 
 tioned that Arnold Douglass, a member of the Society, still inter- 
 ested in its operations, and an attendant of its meetings, on the 
 opening meeting recorded his name as a reader, and took home, 
 as he remembers, Bunyan's " Holy War." 
 
CHAPTER V. 
 
 ERECTION OF MECHANICS' HALL. 
 
 T the annual meeting held January 9th, 1821, the follow- 
 ing officers were elected : 
 
 Elam Williams, President. John Slidell, Treasurer. 
 
 William Mandeville, Vice-Pres. James Hopson, Secretary. 
 John W. Hariton, 2d Vice-Pres. Robert Provoost, Collector. 
 
 At the same meeting, the committee on the school and library 
 was enlarged to forty-eight members, who were instructed to 
 classify themselves by lot — the first class to serve one, the second 
 two, and the third three years. 
 
 A vote of thanks to the school and library committee was 
 passed, expressive of the appreciation by the Society of their faith- 
 ful and intelligent services. 
 
 At the meeting held February 7th, 182 1, was submitted to the 
 Society the act of the Legislature of the State authorizing the 
 appropriation of a portion of the funds of the Society for the 
 establishment of a school and an apprentices' library. ( Vide 
 Appendix E.) At the same meeting a committee of seven mem- 
 bers was appointed, with power to purchase a lot of land, and to 
 erect a building with rooms of sufficient dimensions for the accom- 
 modation of the Society, and school and library. 
 
66 GENERAL SOCIETY OF [1821 
 
 At a meeting held March 6th, 1821, the treasurer presented a 
 report, from which the following statements are extracted : 
 
 ft 
 
 Mechanics' Hall, valued at $30,000 
 
 One thousand shares in Mechanics' Bank, valued at 28,000 
 Mortgage on property of Abram D. Mount, . . 2,000 
 Balance in treasury, 2,904 
 
 $62,904 
 
 Shares of stock in hall still due, 480 
 
 Value of assets belonging to Society, .... $62,424 
 
 ESTIMATE OF RECEIPTS. 
 
 Net income from Mechanics' Hall, $2,100 
 
 Dividend on one thousand shares Mechanics' Bank 
 
 stock, I i75° 
 
 Interest on bond and mortgage, 140 
 
 Estimate of initiation fees, 800 
 
 ESTIMATE OF EXPENDITURES. $4' 79° 
 
 Widow and orphan pensions, $870 
 
 Discretionary donations, 900 
 
 Salaries and other expenses, 220 
 
 $1,990 
 
 School-teacher's salary, 750 
 
 Librarian's salary, 200 
 
 Rent of library and school rooms, 250 
 
 Fuel, stationery, and other expenses 200 
 
 Deduct— $3»390 
 
 Say twenty pay scholars, $400 
 
 Proportion of School Fund, 180 
 
 5?o 
 
 $2,810 
 
 Balance $1,980 
 
 And this yearly sum may be loaned, or an extension may be made 
 of the charities of the Society, either by an enlargement of the pen- 
 
MECHANICS AND TRADESMEN 
 
 67 
 
 sions of the widows and orphans or by the erection of a suitable 
 
 building for a school and library. 
 
 At a meeting held May 3d, 182 1, the committee appointed to pur- 
 chase a lot and erect a building thereon for the school and library, 
 reported that they had contracted with William Mooney and the cor- 
 poration of the city for a sixty years' lease of land on Chambers 
 street, for which $1,000 and an annual rent of $125 was to be paid. 
 
 This lease terminated in the year 1881. The committee was 
 authorized to go on with the building, its cost not to exceed 
 $7,000. It does not appear what came of the action of the cor- 
 poration, May 10th, 1813, granting two lots to the Society at the 
 corner of Leonard and Elm streets, for the school and library, 
 with a proviso that they should be built upon within three years. 
 It may be surmised that the locality was not approved, and that 
 the Chambers street lease was thought to be more desirable. 
 
 Contracts for the erection of the "Mechanics' Institution" were at 
 once entered into. The corner-stone of the building was laid, with ap- 
 propriate ceremonies, on the 13th day of June, the members of the 
 Society, the readers of the library, and the children of the school 
 participating. The following was the inscription upon the corner-stone : 
 
 "This building erected by the General Society of the Mechanics 
 and Tradesmen of the City of New- York, for a Mechanics' 
 School and Apprentices' Library, A. D. 1821, and in the 45th 
 year of the Independence of the United States of America. 
 
 OFFICERS. 
 
 BUILDING COMMITTEE. 
 
 Elam Williams, President. 
 William Mandeville, Vice-Pres. 
 John W. Hinton, 2d Vice-Pres. 
 John Slidell, Treasurer. 
 James Hopson, Secretary. 
 Robert Provoost, Collector. 
 
 Thomas R. Mercein. 
 
 Jacob Lorillard. 
 Gideon Lee. 
 
 William J. Waldron. 
 Abraham Bloodgood. 
 Gideon Tucker. 
 
 BUILDERS. 
 
 Gideon Tucker. 
 
 Isaac Lucas. 
 
 >> 
 
68 
 
 GENERAL SOCIETY OF 
 
 On the 26th of November, 1821, the new building was opened 
 with appropriate ceremonies. The address was delivered by Mor- 
 decai M. Noah, Esq. The building continued to be occupied for 
 the purposes of its erection until larger accommodations were 
 required, and the building on Crosby street purchased. 
 
 At the annual meeting held January 8th, 1822, the following 
 officers were elected : 
 
 William Mandeville, President. John Slidell, Treasurer. 
 John W. Hinton, Vice-Pres. James Hopson, Secretary. 
 
 Hugh McCormick, 2d Vice-Pres. Robert Provoost, Collector. 
 
 At the meeting held February 6th, 1822, the treasurer made 
 the following statement of the assets of the Society : 
 
 Cash in treasury, $421.13 
 
 Mechanics' Hall, 30,000 00 
 
 One thousand shares of Mechanics' Bank 
 
 stock, 29,750.00 
 
 Lot on Chambers street, 1,000.00 
 
 Paid on account of Institution 4,219 75 
 
 $65,390.88 
 
 Deduct forty-two shares unredeemed loan and 
 
 interest, 445 . 20 
 
 $64,945 68 
 
 The receipts for the past year were .... $5,274 .24 
 The expenditures for the past year were . . 3,567.60 
 
 $1,706.64 
 
 The above balance may have been considerably affected by 
 the result of the lawsuit into which the Society was forced, con- 
 cerning the two feet on the north part of lot on Broadway and 
 Robinson street. 
 
i8 3 o] 
 
 MECHANICS AND TRADESMEN 
 
 69 
 
 At a meeting held August 7th, 1822, the following interesting 
 preamble and resolution were adopted : 
 
 " Whereas, Charles Starr, a member of this Society, has gra- 
 tuitously taught a course of English grammar to a class of apprentice 
 boys, exhibiting to the world the novel and interesting spectacle of 
 literature mingling with labor, and of a master mechanic and appren- 
 tices devoting their leisure evenings to literary improvement, — a 
 spectacle creditable to the teacher, beneficial to the pupils, and 
 honorable to the name of mechanics ; 
 
 " Therefore, resolved, That the thanks of the Society be pre- 
 sented to Mr. Starr; and that the secretary be directed to inform 
 him of this action." 
 
 At the same meeting, Thomas R. Mercein, Richard E. Mount, 
 and Gideon Lee were appointed a committee to report a by-law 
 stating, distinctly and precisely, what shall constitute a qualification 
 for membership of the Society. 
 
 At the annual meeting held January 14th, 1823, the following 
 officers were elected : 
 
 John W. Hinton, President. John Slidell, Treasurer. 
 
 John Lang, Vice-President. James Hopson, Secretary. 
 
 John Sutphen, 2d Vice-Pres. Robert Provoost, Collector. 
 
 The committee on the qualification for membership made a report, 
 the substance of which was that, in the early days of the Society, 
 for the sake of receiving a large membership, a large number were 
 admitted whose only title to the character of mechanic rested in the 
 fact that, at some period of their lives, they had worked at or fol- 
 lowed a trade, or were, or had been, connected in business with a 
 mechanic. A nicer discrimination was recommended, and a resolu- 
 tion limiting membership to persons brought up to a mechanical 
 trade was also reported. Nothing, however, came of it. 
 
 At a meeting held February 5th, 1823, the committee on the 
 
70 
 
 GENERAL SOCIETY OF 
 
 new building in Chambers street reported its cost to be $7,542.09. 
 The treasurer reported the assets and liabilities as follows : 
 
 ASSETS. 
 
 Cash in the treasurer's hands, $546.22 
 
 Mechanics' Hall, valued at 30,000.00 
 
 One thousand shares of Mechanics' Bank stock, 27,500 00 
 
 Chambers street lease of lot, 1,000.00 
 
 Paid toward building, 5>oi975 
 
 LIABILITIES. $64,065.97 
 
 Forty-two shares of loan and interest, . . . $445 20 
 Value of the property of the Society, . . . $63,620 77 
 
 At a meeting held September 5th, 1823, the committee on the 
 library reported the whole number of books in the library to be 
 5,480, of which 408 had been donated since the month of May last. 
 The law proceedings respecting the two feet of land purchased from 
 William G. Miller, in Chambers street, continued to annoy the So- 
 ciety, and no satisfactory settlement could be arrived at. 
 
 The new code of by-laws was adopted December 3d, 1823, and 
 ordered to be printed. ( Vide Appendix F.) 
 
 At a meeting held January 7th, 1824, the school committee re- 
 ported that the school at present numbers 117 pupils. Of these, 53 
 were gratuitously educated, 8 paid in part, and 56 paid in full. The 
 receipts of the school during the year were %j']2>-2>A' 
 
 The annual meeting of the Society was held January 13th, 1824, 
 when the following officers were elected : 
 
 John Lang, President. John Slidell, Treasure): 
 
 John Sutphen, Vice-President. James Hopson, Secretary. 
 Thomas Richards, 2d Vice-Pres. Robert Provoost, Collector. 
 Reuben Odell, Door-keeper. 
 
 The overseers of the poor reported that the sum of $1,242 had 
 
MECHANICS AND TRADESMEN 
 
 71 
 
 been expended during the year 1823 /or the support of the indi- 
 gent under their care. 
 
 At a meeting held February 4th, 1824, the treasurer reported 
 
 the assets of the Society as follows : 
 
 Mechanics' Hall, valued at $30,000.00 
 
 One thousand shares of Mechanics' Bank stock, 
 
 valued at 27,250.00 
 
 Mechanics' Institution, 8,500 .00 
 
 Cash in treasury, 1,594.18 
 
 INDEBTEDNESS OF THE SOCIETY. $^7'344 r ^ 
 
 Due Mechanics' Bank, .... $2,772 00 
 
 Thirty loan shares and interest, . 318 00 — $3,090.00 
 
 $64,254. 18 
 
 Thus it appears that, financially, the Society kept on the even 
 tenor of its way, and about used all its receipts in its disburse- 
 ments for expenses, including its pensions and donations for the 
 needy, its school for the education of the children, and its library for 
 apprentices. 
 
 At a meeting held January 5th, 1825, the school comr. ittee re- 
 ported the number of scholars belonging to the school at 115, of 
 which 51 were gratuitously taught. The school received for tuition 
 $1,106.34, and from the common-school fund $90. The total receipts 
 were, therefore, $1,196.34. The total expenditures were $1,494.15. 
 The cost of educating the indigent pupils was, therefore, $297.81. 
 
 At the annual meeting held January nth, 1825, the following 
 officers were elected : 
 
 John Sutphen, President. John Slidell, Treasurer. 
 
 Thomas Richards, Vice-President. James Hopson, Secretary. 
 Edward Arrowsmith, 2d Vice-Pres. Robert Provoost, Collector. 
 Reuben Odell, Door-keeper. 
 
y2 GENERAL SOCIETY OF [1821 
 
 At a meeting held October 5th, 1825, the library committee 
 made their annual report, from which it appeared that the number 
 of volumes in the library was 6,725. The number of readers during 
 the year was 1,275. 
 
 At a meeting held January 4th, 1826, the school committee 
 made their annual report, by which it appeared that there had been 
 received from paying pupils $1,641.76, and from the school fund, 
 $72.90. Total receipts, $1,714.66. The expenditures were as fol- 
 lows: Paid to teachers, $1,340; for furniture, $200; sundry ex- 
 penses, $224.33. The receipts nearly paid the expenses. The 
 number of scholars was 120; of these 41 were free pupils. 
 
 At the annual meeting held January 10th, 1826, the following 
 officers were elected : 
 
 Thomas Richards, President. Wm. Mandeville, Treasurer. 
 Edward Arrowsmith, Vice-Pres. James Hopson, Secretary. 
 Richard E. Mount, 2d Vice-Pres. Robert Provoost, Collector. 
 Reuben Odell, Door-keeper. 
 
 At the meeting held April 5th, 1826, the school committee was 
 directed to take measures to separate the girls' department from 
 that of the boys. Previous to this, both had met in the same 
 room. 
 
 At a meeting held December 5th, 1826, the library committee 
 reported, stating the number of volumes in the library at 6,487. 
 The number of readers during the year was 1,286. The committee 
 observe with pleasure that works of history and treatises on the 
 mechanic arts have been particularly in demand. 
 
 At a meeting held January 3d, 1827, the school committee 
 reported the number of boys to have been 122; of whom 24 were 
 gratuitously taught. The number taught in the girls' department 
 had been 95, of whom 19 received gratuitous education. The girls' 
 
i8 3 o] 
 
 MECHANICS AND TRADESMEN 
 
 73 
 
 school was formally opened May ist. The same system of education 
 was pursued in each department, except that in the girls', plain 
 and ornamental needle-work, painting, and drawing were substi- 
 tuted for mathematics and geometry. 
 
 The receipts were: for tuition, $2,257.05; from the school fund, 
 $153.00; total, $2,410.05. The expenditures were $2,716.75. 
 
 At the annual meeting held January 9th, 1827, the following 
 officers were elected : 
 
 Thomas R. Mercein, President. William Mandeville, Treas. 
 Richard E. Mount, Vice-Pres. Joseph C. Hart, Secretary. 
 Andrew Litcher, 2d Vice-Pres. Robert Provoost, Collector. 
 Reuben Odell, Door-keeper. 
 
 At the meeting held March 7th, 1827, the treasurer reported the 
 funds of the Society as follows : 
 
 •Mechanics' Hall, valued at $30,000.00 
 
 Mechanics' Institution, 8,500.00 
 
 One thousand shares in Mechanics' Bank, . . 27,500.00 
 
 Cash in treasury 1,344.28 
 
 Total, $67,344.28 
 
 From this was to be deducted — 
 
 Amount of bond due the Mechanics' Bank, . $2,772 .00 
 Twenty Mechanics' Hall Loan shares, with 
 
 three years' interest, 354.00 
 
 Total, $3,126.00 
 
 Showing a balance in favor of the Society of $64,218.28. 
 
 A new edition of the by-laws was issued during the year 1827, 
 but the changes were few and unimportant. 
 
 At a meeting held September 2d, 1827, the library committee 
 presented their annual report. The number of accounts opened with 
 
74 
 
 GENERAL SOCIETY OF 
 
 readers during the preceding year was 1,152. The books in the 
 library were as follows : 
 
 Folios 44 
 
 Quartos, 130 
 
 Octavos, 2,094 
 
 Duodecimos, 4»72i — 6,989 
 
 In the possession of readers 100 
 
 Total, 7,089 
 
 At the annual meeting held January 8th, 1828, the following 
 officers were elected : 
 
 Richard E. Mount, President. William Mandeville, Treas. 
 Andrew Litchek, Vice-Pres. Joseph C. Hart, Secretary. 
 
 Stephen B. Young, 2d Vice-Pres. Robert Provoost, Collector. 
 Reuben Odell, Door-keeper. 
 
 At the same meeting, the school committee presented their 
 annual report, by which it appeared that the total receipts during 
 the year 1827 were $3,464.97, and the expenditures $3,325.88; and 
 that the school consisted of 128 boys, 26 of whom were gratuitous 
 pupils ; and 99 girls, of whom 20 were gratuitous. 
 
 At a meeting held January 23d, 1828, a memorial to the Leg- 
 islature of the State was adopted, praying for a renewal of the 
 charter of the Mechanics' Bank. 
 
 At a meeting held January 7th, 1829, the library committee, to 
 whom had been referred the subject of loaning, from the library, 
 works of fiction, reported as follows: "In answer to the resolu- 
 tion, your committee reply that, in their opinion, it is expedient 
 to continue the issue of the books mentioned therein ; and they 
 would respectfully suggest to any member who does not approve 
 of this course, and who has in his employ readers of the library, 
 
i8 3 o] 
 
 MECHANICS AND TRADESMEN 
 
 75 
 
 that he give instructions to the librarian not to issue such books 
 to those in his charge." The report was adopted. 
 
 At the annual meeting held January 13th, 1829, the following 
 officers were elected for the year ensuing : 
 
 Andrew Litcher, President. William Mandeville, Treas. 
 Stephen B. Young, Vicc-Pres. Joseph C. Hart, Secretary. 
 Brigham Howe, 2d Vice- Pres. Robert Provoost, Collector. 
 Reuben Odell, Door-keeper. 
 
 The treasurer reported the receipts during the past year at 
 $4,719.19, and the expenditures at $4,662.16. The property of the 
 Society was estimated at $61,000, subject to bond due Mechanics' 
 Bank for $1,272, and to thirty loan-shares and interest, amounting 
 to $372 ; balance, $59,356. This was a reduction, as compared 
 with former reports, not of property, but of estimates, of the value 
 of the Chambers street property and the Mechanics' Bank stock. 
 
 The report of the school committee gave the receipts of the 
 school for the past year at $3,601.10, and the expenditures at 
 $3,335.90. The Society is congratulated upon the excellent' con- 
 dition and prospects of the school, which had been equally flour- 
 ishing at no former period. More than forty children of deceased 
 and indigent members had been gratuitously instructed. 
 
 At the meeting held September 2d, 1829, it was voted that 
 members of the Mechanics' Society be entitled to the use of the 
 Apprentices' Library upon the payment of an annual fee of one dollar. 
 Up to this time the library had been used only by apprentices. 
 
 At the meeting held January 6th, 1830, the treasurer reported 
 that overtures had been made to Mr. Mercein by an agent of 
 Colonel Burr, for a loan of money. As this was a circumstance 
 expected, and for which some preparatory measures had been taken, 
 a negotiation was commenced under the legal advice of King & Rug- 
 
76 GENERAL SOCIETY OF [1821 
 
 gles, attorneys-at-law, which terminated in the purchase from Mrs. 
 Eden of that piece of ground on which a part of Mechanics' Hall 
 stands, for $2,500. Deeds from all the parties interested were 
 executed, and by this operation the Society secured the title to the 
 land, which must be of great advantage if a sale of the property 
 should ever be deemed advisable. In reference to the claim of the 
 Society against the estate of William G. Miller, it was considered 
 prudent to have the deed taken in the name of the treasurer, who 
 would be ready at any time, when required, to make a deed to the 
 Society. The Society approved these proceedings, and purchased 
 the disputed part of the title for $2,500. The purchase of this strip 
 of land, two feet in width and one hundred feet in depth, proved a 
 very costly one. The following are the items : 
 
 Original amount paid Miller $575.00 
 
 Aaron Burr's judgment vs. heirs, 965.00 
 
 Rent between end of suit to date, 580.00 
 
 Final payment, 2,500.00 
 
 Sheriff's cost in suit, 790.72 
 
 E. W. King, Society's counsel, 100.00 
 
 $5o I o 72 
 
 This was, perhaps, as wise a settlement of the suit as possible 
 under the circumstances. It was prudent to close the business, and 
 a great cause of annoyance and difficulty was settled forever. 
 
 At the annual meeting held January 12th, 1830, the following 
 officers were elected for the year ensuing: 
 
 Stephen B. Young, President. William Mandeville, Trcas. 
 
 Brigiiam Howe, Vice-Pres. Joseph C. Hart, Secretary. 
 Benjamin Demilt, 2d Vice-Pres. Robert Provoost, Collector. 
 
 Reuben Odell, Door-keeper. 
 
 At the meeting held in February, 1830, the school committee 
 reported that the school was still prosperous. The number of 
 
MECHANICS AND TRADESMEN 
 
 77- 
 
 scholars was 207, of whom 47 were the children of indigent and 
 deceased brothers, and taught free of expense. 
 
 Thomas R. Mercein offered the following resolution, which was 
 laid on the table : 
 
 " Whereas, by the plan for the establishment of an university 
 in the city of New-York, on a broad and liberal scale, and com- 
 mensurate with the wants, the wishes, and the expectations of this 
 community, it is stipulated that the school founded by the General 
 Society of Mechanics and Tradesmen of the City of New-York 
 shall, at all times, be entitled to the privilege of having two 
 students in said university without charge, to be chosen in such 
 manner as the Society shall prescribe ; and Whereas, it is fit and 
 proper that such liberality should be met by the Society in a cor- 
 responding spirit. 
 
 " Therefore, Resolved, That the school committee be, and they are 
 hereby, authorized to appropriate the sum of $1,000 for the purpose 
 of founding a scholarship in said university, to be paid to the 
 trustees thereof, at such times and upon such conditions as may 
 hereafter be prescribed." 
 
 At the meeting in April, however, this resolution was rejected. 
 
 At the meeting held June 2d, 1830, W. Mandeville reported that 
 he, with Susan Mandeville, his wife, had executed a deed to this 
 Society, bearing date May 2d, 1830, of all that part of the Broad- 
 way property on which Mechanics' Hall stands, which had been 
 in dispute with the Eden family and Aaron Burr for several years. 
 
CHAPTER VI. 
 
 FINANCIAL TRANSACTIONS AND EDUCATIONAL MATTERS. 
 
 iT the annual meeting held January nth, 1831, the follow- 
 ing officers were elected for the ensuing year : 
 
 Brigham Howe, President. William Mandeville, Treas. 
 
 Benjamin De Milt, Vice-Pres. Joseph C. Hart, Secretary. 
 Philip Henry, 2d Vice-Pres. Robert Provoost, Collector. 
 Reuben Odell, Door-keeper. 
 
 The different officers and committees, as usual, made their 
 annual reports. 
 
 The claim of the Society against the heirs of William G. Miller, 
 which had been for a long time outstanding, remained unliquidated. 
 The estate had failed to pay sums agreed upon, and for their 
 collection the committee having the matter in charge was directed 
 to proceed in the most summary manner. 
 
82 GENERAL SOCIETY OF [1831 
 
 At the annual meeting held January 10th, 1832, the following 
 officers were elected for the ensuing year: 
 
 Benjamin De Milt, President. William Mandeville, Treas. 
 Philip Henry, Vice-Pres. Joseph C. Hart, Secretary. 
 
 Edwin B. Clayton, 2d Vice-Pres. Robert Provoost, Collector. 
 Reuben Odell, Door-keeper. 
 
 The treasurer reported that he had received from the estate 
 of William G. Miller the sum of $3,858.75, in full settlement of 
 claim for deficiency of title to the strip of land on Broadway and 
 Park Place. The cost of the two feet of land thus proved to be 
 $1,652, besides interest to a considerable amount. Yet it has proved 
 a profitable investment. The land was bought without sufficient 
 attention to title. 
 
 During the year past, sixty-five new members had been initiated. 
 The treasurer suggested that, in the present prosperous condition 
 of the Society, the initiation fee might with propriety be raised 
 to $30.00. 
 
 At the meeting held February 1st, the committee on the treas- 
 urer's report reported that they had examined it and found it 
 correct, a balance remaining in his hands to the credit of the 
 
 Society of $2,478.31. 
 
 The annual report of the school committee showed the receipts 
 for all services to be $4,017.04, and the balance remaining on 
 hand $248.81. 
 
 Thomas R. Mercein, chairman ol the special committee appointed 
 in March, 1831, to consider measures for extending the usefulness 
 of the Society, so far as relates to education, announced that an 
 opportunity now offered of purchasing the estate occupied by the 
 Boys' High School in Crosby street, consisting of four full lots 
 of land, of twenty-five feet by one hundred feet each, being one 
 
1840] 
 
 MECHANICS AND TRADESMEN 
 
 83 
 
 hundred feet on Crosby street. On the land was a spacious brick 
 school-house of three stories, fifty feet in front, and seventy-five 
 feet deep, and well adapted to the wants of the Society. The pur- 
 chase of this property was warmly recommended, and was authorized 
 by the Society. 
 
 At the meeting held February 8th, 1832, the special committee 
 on the purchase of the Crosby street property reported that they 
 had entered into negotiations for its conveyance to the Society 
 for the sum of $20,000. This purchase would include the school 
 fixtures and furniture, valued at $1,000. A sum of $2,000 it would 
 be necessary to pay upon consummation of the sale, the residue to 
 be paid, or secured to be paid, on the 1st of May following, when 
 the property would be delivered. The report was accepted, and 
 the treasurer authorized to pay $2,000, the first installment of pur- 
 chase money. 
 
 It was determined at once to open a subscription to assist in 
 paying the purchase money, and to borrow the balance from the 
 Mechanics' Bank. Measures were at once taken for occupying the 
 building, and for improving it, when it appeared that authority for 
 the conveyance of the estate from the Legislature would be required. 
 The cholera having made its appearance, the Crosby street building, 
 by permission of the Society, was occupied as a hospital, and the 
 improvements were suspended. 
 
 At a meeting held October 3d, 1832, the special committee on 
 the subject submitted a report of the account of money and shares 
 of High School stock subscribed for the Apprentices' Library and 
 reading-room, with a list of subscribers. The total sum of $4,065 
 had been obtained. Of this sum, $1,585 had been obtained from 
 members, and the balance from other persons favoring the project. 
 The committee regret that so little interest in the subscription had 
 been manifested by the members. There evidently had been a 
 
8 4 
 
 GENERAL SOCIETY OF 
 
 want of cordial cooperation, and the committee complain that its 
 operations had been suddenly arrested by the action of the Society. 
 
 The following 
 
 o 
 
 is a 
 
 list of the subscribers : 
 
 
 
 Benjamin De Milt, 
 
 $2 5 
 
 J. Pintard, . . '. 
 
 • $ 2 5 
 
 W. F. & S. Mott, . . 
 
 $100 
 
 J. R. Willis, . . . 
 
 IOO 
 
 C. Dubois, . . . 
 
 5° 
 
 Robert Jones, . . 
 
 5° 
 
 J. T. DOLAN, . . . 
 
 2 5 
 
 B. Deforest, . . 
 
 2 S 
 
 H. N. Bush, . . . 
 
 2 5 
 
 F. NOSTRAND, . . . 
 
 2 5 
 
 0. Churchman, . 
 
 2 S 
 
 Trowbridge & Nicholls, 3 
 
 Gideon Lee, . . . 
 
 200 
 
 Firth & Hall, . 
 
 2 5 
 
 John Mortimer, . . 
 
 5 
 
 Joseph Curtis, . . 
 
 I2 5 
 
 J. C. Morrison, . 
 
 2 S 
 
 George Bruce, . . 
 
 20 
 
 Jacob Lorillard, . 
 
 IOO 
 
 P. Hone, . . . 
 
 100 
 
 C. C. Jacobus, . . 
 
 2 5 
 
 J. G. Pierson, . . 
 
 IOO 
 
 W. Howard, . . 
 
 IOO 
 
 Thos. Powers, . . 
 
 2 S 
 
 Daniel E. Tylee, . 
 
 IOO 
 
 A. Palmer, . . . 
 
 IOO 
 
 A. Lockwood, . . 
 
 2 5 
 
 1 Hub. 1. WOODKUrr, . 
 
 I OO 
 
 — Olm stead, . . 
 
 IOO 
 
 James Harriott, 
 
 2 5 
 
 John Mason, . ... 
 
 200 
 
 Peter Sharpe, 
 
 IOO 
 
 Wm. Harsall, . . 
 
 2 5 
 
 D. Austen, . . . 
 
 200 
 
 Wm. A. Mercein, . 
 
 • 25 
 
 Simeon Pye, . . . 
 
 10 
 
 G. Tucker, . . . 
 
 IOO 
 
 E. Arrowsmith, . 
 
 • 2 5 
 
 J. P. Bunting, . . 
 
 2 5 
 
 Shepherd Knapp, . 
 
 IOO 
 
 M. E. Thompson, 
 
 • 5° 
 
 B. Halstead, . . . 
 
 2 5 
 
 R. C. Cornell, . . 
 
 I2 S 
 
 A. S. Norwood, . 
 
 IOO 
 
 C. C. Andrews, . . 
 
 2 5 
 
 Thos. R. Mercein, . 
 
 IOO 
 
 A. McIntyre, . . 
 
 IOO 
 
 J. J. Palmer, . . . 
 
 2 5 
 
 S. Leggatt, . . . 
 
 IOO 
 
 Daniel Braine, . 
 
 IOO 
 
 Charles Starr, . . 
 
 I2 S 
 
 H. Westervelt, . . 
 
 5° 
 
 Barney Corse, . 
 
 IOO 
 
 Mrs. S. L. Mitchell, 25 
 
 Isaac Frost, . . . 
 
 IOO 
 
 M. Rankin, . . 
 
 10 
 
 R. Wight, . . . . 
 
 2 5 
 
 W. B. Lawrence, 
 
 5° 
 
 John Budd, . . 
 
 . 42 
 
 A. Masterton, . . 
 
 2 5 
 
 At a meeting 
 
 held October 31st, 
 
 1832, 
 
 it was resolved 
 
 that 
 
 the library committee be requested to arrange such part of the 
 building in Crosby street as is designed for the use of the library ; 
 that the school committee arrange accommodations for the Mechanics' 
 School, and for the meetings of the Society ; and to finance and 
 loaning committees was confided the matter of repairs. The general 
 matters heretofore confided to the special committee were submitted 
 to a new committee of seven. 
 
 At the annual meeting held January 8th, 1833, the following 
 officers were elected for the ensuing year : 
 
 Philip Henrv, President. William Mandeville, Treas. 
 
 Edwin B. Clayton, Vice-Pres. James Van Norden, Secretary. 
 James Hopson, 2d Vicc-Prcs. Robert Provoost, Co//eetor. 
 Reuben Odell, Door-keeper. 
 
1840] 
 
 MECHANICS AND TRADESMEN. 
 
 85 
 
 The treasurer presented his annual report. Among other matters, 
 he mentioned that he had received $600 from the Board of Health 
 for the use of the Crosby street building for a cholera hospital. 
 
 At a meeting held in February, 1833, the school committee pre- 
 sented the annual report, by which it appeared that the receipts for 
 the past year were $3,729.08, and the expenditures $3,940.26, 
 leaving a deficiency of $211.18. This lack of prosperity in the 
 school is attributed to the prevalence of the cholera. 
 
 An authorized copy of the new charter was presented, as follows : 
 
 An Act to renew and amend an Act entitled "An Act relative to the General 
 Society of Mechanics and Tradesmen of the City of New- York, passed 
 April jd, 1 8 11." Passed February 18th, i8jj. 
 
 The People of the State of New - York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do 
 enact as follozvs : 
 
 I. The act entitled "An act relative to the General Society of Mechanics 
 and Tradesmen of the City of New-York, passed April 3d, 181 1," as amended 
 by the act relating to the said Society, passed January 26th, 1821, is hereby 
 renewed, and extended to the first Monday in April, in the year eighteen 
 hundred and sixty. 
 
 II. The said Society shall have power to use their funds for the support of 
 indigent members of the said corporation, and the widows and children of any 
 person having been a member thereof ; for the establishment, support, and 
 maintenance of a school for the gratuitous education of the children of deceased 
 or indigent members of the said Society ; and for the establishment, support, 
 and maintenance of a library and reading-rooms, for the use of apprentices, 
 of mechanics, and others in the city of New- York. 
 
 III. The initiation fee for the admission of a member of said Society shall 
 be such sum as the said corporation shall direct, provided it be not less than 
 thirty dollars ; and the said Society shall set apart, as a distinct and separate 
 fund, one-third of the initiation fees so received, which, together with such 
 donations or bequests as may, from time to time, be made for that purpose, they 
 shall appropriate exclusively for promoting and disseminating literary and 
 scientific knowledge. 
 
 IV. Every candidate for membership, being a citizen of the United States, 
 and a mechanic or tradesman, shall be proposed and vouched for by at least 
 four members of the said Society, at a meeting previous to his election, by 
 
86 
 
 GENERAL SOCIETY OF 
 
 ballot ; and no person shall be entitled to receive any pecuniary aid or assistance 
 from the funds of this corporation, nor to have his children gratuitously educated 
 in their school, until he shall have been a member at least two years ; but in 
 case of his death, then his family shall be entitled to all the benefits of this 
 Society immediately after his decease. 
 
 V. The said Society shall be, in law, capable of purchasing, holding, and 
 conveying any estate, real or personal, for the use and benefit of said cor- 
 poration ; but the lands, tenements, hereditaments, and personal estate, which it 
 shall be lawful for the said corporation to possess, shall not, at any one time, 
 exceed in amount the sum limited by the act aforesaid, passed April 3d, 181 1. 
 
 VI. This act shall take effect immediately after its passage, and the Legis- 
 lature may, at any time hereafter, alter, modify, or repeal the same. 
 
 At the same meeting, the financial and loaning committee re- 
 ported that they had leased the Society's building in Chambers 
 street to the University of the City of New-York for the term of 
 two years and one month from April 1st, at the annual rent of 
 $1,000. They also made their annual report of the receipts and 
 disbursements of the Society during the past year. They also re- 
 ported the property of the Society to be as follows : 
 
 One thousand shares of Mechanics' Bank stock, $25,000.00 
 
 Mechanics' Institute, 8,000.00 
 
 Mechanics' Hall, 35,000.00 
 
 Property in Crosby street 2,000 00 
 
 $70,000 00 
 
 Amount in treasury 1,673.22 
 
 Total, $71,673 . 22 
 
 At the meeting held April 3d, 1833, the treasurer of the Society 
 was authorized to borrow from the Mechanics' Bank a sum not to 
 exceed $8,000, toward the payment of the amount due the New- 
 York High School Society for the purchase of the Crosby street 
 property. 
 
 At the meeting held in May, 1833, measures were adopted 
 
1840] 
 
 MECHANICS AND TRADESMEN. 
 
 87 
 
 for a conveyance of the Crosby street property, which is thus de- 
 scribed : "Four certain contiguous lots of ground situated in the 
 Fourteenth ward of the city of New- York, on the westerly side of 
 Crosby street, between Grand and Broome streets, containing to- 
 gether, in width, front, and rear, and also on each side, 100 feet." 
 Provision was also made for mortgaging the same to Benjamin S. 
 Collins for a loan of $10,000, at six per cent, per annum, for one 
 year. 
 
 At the meeting held in June, 1833, the treasurer reported that 
 he had received a deed of the Crosby street property. The pur- 
 chase money was $20,000; of this, $10,000 was borrowed of Ben- 
 jamin S. Collins, as above stated ; $8,000 of the Mechanics' Bank, 
 and $2,000 had been paid in cash. There had been a payment of 
 $1,086 for interest. 
 
 At a meeting held in October, 1833, the revised code of by-laws 
 was adopted. ( Vide Appendix G.) 
 
 Members of the Society were authorized to use the library without 
 charge. An annual fee of one dollar had heretofore been required. 
 
 At the annual meeting held January 14th, 1834, the following 
 officers were elected : 
 
 Edwin B. Clayton, President. William Mandeville, Treas. 
 James Hopson, Vice-Pres. James Van Norden, Sec. 
 
 Adoniram Chandler, 2d Vice-Pres. Robert Provoost, Collector. 
 Reuben Odell, Door-keeper. 
 
 At the meeting in February, 1834, the following appropriations 
 for the year were made : 
 
 For Finance Committee, $500 
 
 " Almoners, '. 2,200 
 
 " Library Committee, 600 
 
 $3»300 
 
88 GENERAL SOCIETY OF [1831 
 
 The school was self-supporting. The annual report of the 
 librarian gave the whole number of books in the library as 9,789; 
 the whole number of readers at 1,356; and the volumes borrowed 
 during the year at 25,799. 
 
 The annual report of the school committee gave the number of 
 pupils in the school at 386 ; of these 45 were taught gratuitously. 
 The total receipts of the school for the year were $4,847.29, and 
 the total expenditures were $4,417.33, showing a balance in favor 
 of the school of $429.96. 
 
 During the year 1834, attention was paid by the Society to the 
 subject of lectures on chemistry, natural philosophy, etc. ; and the 
 finance committee recommended the erection of a building suitable 
 for their delivery. Nothing, however, was at this time decided. 
 The establishment of an apprentices' lyceum was also proposed. 
 
 The committee on subscriptions for the Crosby street property 
 reported that very nearly the whole amount had been paid in. 
 A small amount remained to be collected, owing to the pecuniary 
 misfortunes of the subscribers. 
 
 The annual report of the library committee gives the whole 
 number of volumes in the library as follows : 
 
 Folios 75 
 
 Quartos, 200 
 
 Octavos, 2,068 
 
 Duodecimos, 7»995 
 
 10,338 
 
 During the year there were 1,536 readers, and 36,466 volumes 
 were loaned. 
 
 At the meeting held January 7th, 1835, it was resolved that all 
 donations in money and shares in the capital stock of the High 
 School Society, with one-third of the initiation fees, be kept separate 
 and apart from the general fund, to constitute a literary and scientific 
 
1840] 
 
 MECHANICS AND TRADESMEN 
 
 89 
 
 fund for promoting the moral and intellectual improvement of the 
 members, and of those connected with the school and library. The 
 said fund was to be appropriated and used as the Society may 
 direct. This fund was placed in charge of the treasurer, and the 
 chairmen of the finance, school, and library committees. 
 
 At the annual meeting held January 13th, 1835, the following 
 officers were elected for the ensuing year : 
 
 Adoniram Chandler, President. William Mandeville, Treas. 
 Thomas Constantine, Vice-Pres. James Van Norden, Secretary. 
 Shepherd Knapp, 2d Vice-Pres. Robert Provoost, Collector. 
 Reuben Odell, Door-keeper. 
 
 The annual reports showed the prosperous state of the several 
 departments of the Society. Relief had been extended to eighty- 
 two necessitous persons, to the amount of $2,095.50. The school 
 committee reported the number of scholars as follows : 
 
 In the Male Department, paying 198 
 
 " " " gratuitous, 29 
 
 In the Female Department, paying, 166 
 
 " " " gratuitous, 20 
 
 Whole number 413 
 
 There had been nearly one hundred applications for admission. 
 Receipts for pupils for the year were as follows : 
 
 From paying scholars, $7,253.84 
 
 " School Fund, 400.86 
 
 Total, $7,654 . 70 
 
 Expenditures during the year, 6,115.12 
 
 Balance in favor of the School, $ x >539-5^ 
 
 From this balance the committee were now ready to pay over 
 to the literary and scientific fund the sum of $600. 
 
9° 
 
 GENERAL SOCIETY OF 
 
 At the meeting held October 7th, 1835, the finance committee 
 reported that the lease of the Chambers street property to the 
 New-York University had been canceled. As the land had been 
 diverted from its original purpose, according to the terms of the 
 corporation of New-York, the City Comptroller had given notice of 
 his intention to ask for an arbitrator to fix upon a yearly rent for 
 the land. The treasurer and finance committee were directed to 
 confer with the Common Council on the subject. 
 
 At a meeting held January 6th, 1836, the treasurer presented 
 a report giving an estimate of the value of the property of the 
 
 Society, as follows : 
 
 Mechanics' Hall, $50,000 
 
 Deduct Loan shares, 250 — $49,750 
 
 Mechanics' Institute, 10,000 
 
 School and Library (Crosby street), .... 22,000 
 
 Mechanics' Bank stock, one thousand shares, . 25,000 
 
 Library, books and furniture, 3.500 
 
 School furniture, 1,600 
 
 $1 1 1,850 
 
 Less amount due Mechanics' Bank 16,000 
 
 Total, $95. 8 50 
 
 This, considering the large operations of the Society in its 
 different departments, appears to be a very satisfactory statement. 
 
 At the annual meeting held January 12th, 1836, the following 
 officers were elected for the ensuing year: 
 
 Thomas Constantine 4 President. William Mandeville, Treas. 
 Shepherd Knapp, Vice-Pres. James Van Norden, Secretary. 
 Anson Baker, 2d Vice-Pres. Robert Provoost, Collector. 
 
 The library committee reported favorably upon the condition of 
 the library, which then contained 10,825 books. 
 
 The finance committee was instructed to rent the premises on 
 
1840] 
 
 MECHANICS AND TRADESMEN 
 
 91 
 
 Chambers street, as there was no present prospect of action by the 
 Common Council in the matter of the lease. 
 
 The annual report of the almoners showed that they had paid 
 out in pensions and donations the sum of $2,076.75. The number 
 of persons relieved was 78 — the regular pension was $25.00. 
 
 The annual report of the school committee showed the number 
 of pupils registered to be 441. Of these 50 were taught gratuitously. 
 The following was the financial statement: 
 
 Total earnings $7>53 8 55 
 
 Received from School Fund, 382.10 
 
 " old school bills, 353 .85 
 
 Total, $8,274.50 
 
 Paid Salaries, $5,834 21 
 
 " Supplies, 750.00 
 
 " Housekeeper, 240.00 
 
 " Literary Fund 600.00 — $7,424.21 
 
 According to the report, there were a large number of applications 
 on record for admission to the school, which it was necessary to 
 refuse, on account of the limited accommodations. 
 
 At the meeting held April 6th, 1836, the trustees of the literary 
 fund reported the receipts for the year at $2,675.55. This had 
 been partially invested in Mechanics' Bank and High School stock. 
 The assets of the fund at this time amounted to $4,584.05. 
 
 At the meeting held November 2d, 1836, a by-law was passed 
 authorizing the appointment of a committee for promoting and dis- 
 seminating literary and scientific knowledge. (Vide Appendix H.) 
 
 At the meeting held January 4th, 1837, the library committee 
 presented its annual report, from which it appeared that there were 
 in the library 10,120 volumes in good order; and that 30,194 volumes 
 had been borrowed by readers during the past year ; and that the 
 expenses for the year amounted to $984.74. 
 
9 2 
 
 GENERAL SOCIETY OF 
 
 The school committee presented their annual report for three- 
 quarters of the year. The number of scholars on the books was 
 503, of which 277 were in the boys' and 226 in the girls' department. 
 
 The literary and scientific committee reported that Professor 
 Renwick, of Columbia College, had been engaged to deliver a course 
 of eight or ten lectures on chemistry and natural philosophy. Mr. 
 Harvey had also been engaged to deliver a course of about the 
 same number of lectures on eloquence and general literature. 
 
 The committee also reported the assets of the literary fund, as 
 follows : 
 
 Thirty shares Mechanics' Bank stock $942 .00 
 
 One hundred and eighty-three shares High 
 
 School stock, 3,294.00 
 
 Cash in hands of treasurer, 1,580 .65 
 
 $5,816.65 
 
 At the annual meeting held January 10th, 1837, the following 
 were elected officers for the ensuing year : 
 
 Shepherd Knapp, President. Adoniram Chandler, Treas. 
 
 Anson Baker, Vice-Pres. James Van Norden, Secretary. 
 
 Cornelius C. Jacobus, 2d V.-Pres. Robert Provoost, Collector. 
 
 At the meeting of the Society he'd February 1st, 1837, the com- 
 mittee on alterations of the building on Crosby street, for lecture 
 purposes, reported that a commodious lecture-room had been pro- 
 vided. A wing had been erected on each side of the building. The 
 cost of the improvements amounted to $9,845.92. 
 
 At the meeting of the Society held June 7th, 1837, the treasurer 
 reported that he had borrowed of the literary fund the sum of 
 $1,200. 
 
 At the meeting held July 5th, 1837, the literary and scientific 
 committee reported that the lecture-room was opened on Monday 
 
1840] 
 
 MECHANICS AND TRADESMEN. 
 
 93 
 
 evening, the 15th of January last. The lectures of each course were 
 delivered on Monday and Thursday of each week during the season 
 — ten on natural philosophy, by Professor Renwick ; ten on English 
 and American literature, by Mr. Harvey. There had been four lectures 
 on miscellaneous subjects, by Colonel Knapp. In addition to the 
 above, lectures were kindly given gratuitously by the following 
 gentlemen : 
 
 By the Rev. Dr. Spring, on "The Importance of Industrious 
 Habits to Young Men." 
 
 By Mr. M. M. Noah, on "The Rise, Progress, and Downfall of 
 the Moorish Race." 
 
 By Mr. Dunkin, on " Phrenology as Applicable to Education." 
 
 By Professor Barber, on " The Character and Writings of Lord 
 Byron." 
 
 The whole course was well attended. The expenses of the course 
 amounted to $943.44. 
 
 The committee also reported the literary and scientific fund as 
 follows : 
 
 Cash on hand, $44 .56 
 
 Two hundred shares High School stock, . . . 3,200 00 
 Thirty shares Mechanics' Bank stock, .... 962 .00 
 Society notes, 1,200 00 
 
 $5,406.56 
 
 At a meeting held September 6th, 1837, a committee was 
 appointed to prepare a history or memoir of the Society, from its 
 foundation. 
 
 At a meeting held October 4th, 1837, a committee was appointed 
 to ascertain the value of Mechanics' Bank stock, and to acquire such 
 information as might enable the Society to judge of the prospective 
 value of such stock. 
 
94 
 
 GENERAL SOCIETY OF 
 
 At the next meeting, the committee reported that there was 
 standing on the books of the Mechanics' Bank, in the name of the 
 Society, one thousand shares, of the par value of $25,000. This 
 stock had reached at one time the market value of one hundred 
 and thirty-two per cent. ; but since that period it had fallen, and 
 the price had varied from seventy to ninety per cent. The last 
 sales were reported at eighty-eight per cent. But the committee did 
 not consider that the Society had cause for alarm. The committee 
 also reported the indebtedness of the Society to the bank to be 
 $22,000, with several months' interest. The bank desired this loan 
 to be paid, though no written notice to that effect had been given. 
 A committee of five members was appointed, with power to dispose 
 of any number of shares of the stock, not exceeding five hundred, in 
 such parcels and at such times as they might see fit, applying the 
 net proceeds of the sale to the payment of the debt of the Society 
 to the bank. After much discussion, this course was sanctioned, 
 forty-six ayes to twenty-eight nays. The committee consisted of 
 Messrs. Mercein, Mount, Parker, Howe, and Clayton. 
 
 It may be noticed that the Mechanics' Bank stock had, from the 
 first, been a favorite investment, paying large dividends ; but in 
 April, 1837, rumors prejudicial to its value had been circulated, and 
 it fell steadily. On the 20th of March, it sold at 115; on the 24th 
 at 1 10; on the 27th at 100; on the 1st of May at 95; on the 3d 
 at 80. On the morning of the 4th of May, John Fleming, president 
 of the bank, died very suddenly, probably from extreme nervous 
 excitement, culminating in apoplexy. This will account for the dis- 
 cussion and action of the Society with reference to the stock. 
 
 At a meeting held November 1st, 1837, the literary and scien- 
 tific committee reported that they had made arrangements for a 
 course of lectures during the ensuing winter, as follows: 
 
 Fourteen or fifteen lectures by Dr. John Torrey, on " Chemistry, 
 and the Application of Science to the Business of Life." 
 
1840] 
 
 MECHANICS AND TRADESMEN 
 
 95 
 
 Four lectures by Dr. Griscom, on "The Mechanism of the Human 
 Frame." 
 
 Four lectures by Mr. Harvey: on "True Greatness"; on "Moral 
 Philosophy"; on "Eloquence"; on "The Romantic History of the 
 Crusades." 
 
 At a meeting held December 1 6th, 1837, the library committee 
 reported the number of volumes in the library to be 10,703. 
 During the year, 1,643 accounts had been opened with readers, 
 and 35,210 volumes loaned. This showed an increase of readers 
 over those of the former year of 282 ; and an increase in the cir- 
 culation of books of 5,016 volumes. The expenditures of the com- 
 mittee amounted to $1,144.64. 
 
 At a meeting held January 3d, 1838, the treasurer presented his 
 annual report. He stated that he had transferred to the treasurer 
 of the literary committee, S. Parker, in trust, all the money and 
 securities belonging to the literary fund — being $1,200 of cash 
 and two hundred shares of the High School stock. Of the literary 
 fund, $2,200 had been borrowed. 
 
 The whole property of the Society, real and personal, being 
 considered, it was estimated that the income of the Society for the 
 next year would be, from the Park Place building, $7,350, and from 
 all other sources, $6,450. 
 
 At a meeting held January 9th, 1838, the following officers 
 were elected for the ensuing year : 
 
 Anson Baker, President. Adoniram Chandler, Treas. 
 
 Cornelius C. Jacobus, Vice-Pres. James Vax Norden, Secretary. 
 E. D. Comstock, 2d Vice-Pres. Robert Provoost, Collector. 
 
 The committee authorized to sell Mechanics' Bank shares was 
 discharged. 
 
 The almoners presented their annual report. The sum of 
 $2,296.27 had been paid to ninety individuals. 
 
9 6 
 
 GENERAL SOCIETY OF 
 
 The report of the school committee states that the total receipts 
 of the treasurer during the past year, including $425.91 from the 
 public school fund, were $11,727.83. Disbursements, $9,545.49. 
 
 The number of members' children educated in the school was 
 307; of other children, 217. There were 162 applicants for admis- 
 sion, but it was impossible to receive them. 
 
 The deeds of property belonging to the Society, and all other 
 evidences of title and of indebtedness to the Society, were at this 
 time lodged in the hands of the treasurer. A list of these docu- 
 ments was as follows : 
 
 Park Place property : Deed from the rector and inhabitants of 
 New- York to Richard Varick, December 9th, 1800. Deed from 
 Richard Varick and Maria, his wife, to the General Society of 
 Mechanics and Tradesmen of the City of New-York, May 12th, 
 1802. Release by William Gilbert Miller, and Margaret, his wife, 
 to the Society, July 28th, 1802. Lease of Rachel Eden to the 
 Society, May 1st, 1828. Deed from Rachel Eden to William 
 Mandeville, December 11th, 1829. Deed from William Mandeville 
 to the Society, May 1st, 1830. Abstract of title, December, 1829. 
 Abstract of title, April, 1838. Crosby street property: Deed 
 from the High School Society, April 23d, 1833. Canceled bond 
 and mortgage to B. S. Collins, for $10,000, May 3d, 1833. Abstract 
 of title, April 4th, 1838. CJiambcrs street property : Lease for the 
 Corporation of the City of New- York to the Society, May 11th, 
 182 1. Stock : Certificate of one thousand shares of Mechanics' Bank 
 stock, March 27th, 1838. 
 
 At a meeting held November 7th, 1838, the literary and scien- 
 tific committee reported that arrangements had been made for a 
 course of lectures before the Society on Tuesday evening of each 
 week during the coming season, and that the Rev. Orville Dewey 
 and Dr. John H. Griscom had been engaged as lecturers. 
 
1840] 
 
 MECHANICS AND TRADESMEN. 
 
 97 
 
 The committee reported the state of the permanent fund as 
 follows : 
 
 Mechanics' Bank stock, $962 .40 
 
 Loan to the Society, 2,200.00 
 
 High School stock, valued at 2,200 00 
 
 $5,362.40 
 
 The annual report of the school committee stated the number 
 of pupils to be 289 in the male and 244 in the female department. 
 Total, 533. Large as the school was, the committee reported it 
 inadequate to the demands made upon it, every seat being occu- 
 pied. The financial condition of the school was as follows: 
 
 Balance on hand, January 2d, 1838, .... $2,182 .34 
 Received during the year 10,551 .09 
 
 $12,733.43 
 
 Total disbursement during the year, .... 11,093.33 
 
 Balance on hand $1,640 10 
 
 Collectable tuition bills, $300.00 
 
 At the annual meeting held January 8th, 1839, the following 
 officers were elected for the ensuing year: 
 
 Cornelius C. Jacobus, President. Adoniram Chandler, Treas. 
 Eleutheros D. Comstock, Vice-Pres. James Van Norden, Sec. 
 Samuel Roome, 2d Vice-Pres. Robert Provoost, Collector. 
 
 At the meeting held February 6th, 1839, the almoners reported 
 the number and classes of pensioners of the Society as follows : 
 
 Members, 4 
 
 Widows, 83 
 
 Children of pensioners, 63 
 
 Orphans, 3 
 
 Total, 153 
 
9 8 
 
 GENERAL SOCIETY OF 
 
 The disbursements to pensioners during the year amounted to 
 
 $2,540. 
 
 The large number of pensions paid, much larger than at present, 
 is probably to be attributed to the low initiation fee, which permitted 
 the entrance of many members of small means, who, on dying, left 
 young and dependent families. 
 
 At a meeting held February 6th, 1839, the library committee 
 reported the whole number of volumes in the library to be 11,161. 
 The number of those who had used the library was 1,720 — who 
 borrowed during the year 36,870 volumes. The appropriation for 
 the library amounted to $1,200. 
 
 At a meeting held July 3d, 1839, the literary and scientific com- 
 mittee reported that fifteen lectures had, during the season, been 
 delivered before the Society, as follows : five by Rev. Orville Dewey ; 
 four by Dr. John H. Griscom ; two by Charles Duncan ; one by 
 John Keese ; two by George C. Schaeffer. 
 
 The lectures by the two gentlemen last named were gratuitous. 
 
 At the annual meeting held January 14th, 1840, the following 
 officers were elected for the ensuing year : 
 
 Eleutheros D. Comstock, Pres. Adoniram Chandler, Treasurer. 
 Samuel Roome, Vice-Pres. James Van Norden, Secretary. 
 
 Linus W. Stevens, 2d Vice-Pres. Robert Provoost, Collector. 
 
 The almoners reported that there were upon the pension list 
 three members, eighty-four widows, with sixty children, and one 
 family of orphans. The amount disbursed during the year by the 
 almoners was $2,577.25. 
 
 The library committee reported 11,159 volumes in the library; 
 42,037 volumes loaned; expenditures on the library, $1,230.70. 
 
 The school committee presented their annual report, showing 
 279 pupils in the male department, of whom 32 were non-paying; 
 
1840] 
 
 MECHANICS AND TRADESMEN. 
 
 99 
 
 and 240 in the female department, of whom 38 were non-paying. 
 The receipts were $10,632.11; the expenditures, $10,638.33. 
 
 The report of the literary and scientific committee, presented 
 May 6th, 1840, showed that during the past season twenty-two 
 lectures had been delivered before their members and their families, 
 and seventeen before the readers of the library and the pupils in 
 the schools. The expenses incurred during the season were $997-55- 
 The committee reported the literary fund to consist of : 
 
 The Society's note on interest, $4,700.00 
 
 Thirty shares Mechanics' Bank stock, . . . 962 40 
 
 Cash, 1 3 .84 
 
 Total, $5,676.24 
 
 The committee reported also that they had received from R. I. 
 Murray, treasurer : 
 
 Principal and interest on High School stock, . . $2,350 
 
 Society's note, 1,200 
 
 " " 1,000 
 
 Loaned to the Society, 1 50 
 
 The notes for $1,200 and $1,000 had been returned to the 
 treasurer, and a new note for $4,700 given. 
 
 During the year, Ralph Hoyt had been removed by the school 
 committee from the position of vice-principal. He appealed to the 
 Society, and much discussion was excited on the subject during 
 the year, but the action of the school committee was finally sustained. 
 The Society at last settled with Mr. Hoyt by paying him $100. 
 
 At a meeting held December 2d, 1840, the president reported 
 that he had, in conjunction with the school committee, nominated 
 Edward D. Stevens, son of Rulof Stevens, to one of the scholar- 
 ships granted by the trustees of Columbia College. It was also 
 reported that Professor Anthon, rector of the grammar school, had 
 
IOO 
 
 GENERAL SOCIETY 
 
 [ 1 83 1 - 1 840 
 
 agreed to have always six scholars from the Mechanics' Society, 
 in a course of successive preparation for college, free of all charge 
 for tuition, so that the Society might be enabled to avail itself of 
 the scholarships established in the college for its benefit, in favor of 
 the most meritorious scholars from its own school. 
 
 At a meeting held December 16th, 1840, the president submitted 
 a communication from the Hon. Theodore Frelinghuysen, chancellor 
 of the University of the City of New-York, announcing that the 
 Mechanics' Society school would be allowed to send two scholars 
 to the university free of expense for tuition. 
 
FOPMERLY WCCHANlGS HALL 47? BROADWAY 
 
VII. 
 
 1841 — 1847- 
 
CHAPTER VII. 
 
 PROGRESS OF THE LIBRARY. 
 
 T the annual meeting held January 12th, 1841, the follow- 
 ing officers were elected for the ensuing year : 
 
 Samuel Roome, President. Adoniram Chandler, Treas. 
 
 Linus W. Stevens, Vice-Pres. Isaac Fryer, Secretary. 
 James Van Norden, 2d Vice-Pres. Robert Provoost, Collector. 
 
 The almoners reported the disbursements for charity of the 
 Society for the year to have been $2,652.07. 
 
 The annual report of the school committee showed the whole 
 number of pupils in the school during the year to have been 550. 
 The pressure for admission continued to be great, and in some 
 instances it was necessary to provide for the education of candidates 
 in other schools — the expense to be defrayed by the committee. 
 A communication from Mrs. Wheaton, principal of the girls' school, 
 gave the interesting fact that there were in the city forty female 
 teachers, employed in public and other schools, who were graduates 
 from the school of the Society. 
 
104 GENERAL SOCIETY OF [1841 
 
 The annual report of the library committee stated that several do- 
 nations of valuable books had been received from the City Corpora- 
 tion, and that a donation' of the London Monthly Review, in seventy- 
 seven volumes, had been received from Messrs. Bartlett and Wellford. 
 
 At a meeting held April 7th, 1841, the death of William Henry 
 Harrison, President of the United States, was announced, and ap- 
 propriate resolutions were passed. The Society voted to join in the 
 funeral procession in a body, which it did on the appointed day. 
 
 A memorial to the State Legislature was adopted, asking for an 
 amendment of the charter, to enable the Society to establish a sep- 
 arate and permanent fund for the library. ( Vide Appendix I.) 
 
 The literary and scientific committee reported, July 7th, 1841, that 
 eighteen lectures had been delivered during the past season, the 
 expenses of the course being $230. 
 
 At a meeting held January 5th, 1842, it was resolved that a 
 committee of thirteen be appointed to solicit contributions of money 
 for the establishment of a permanent fund, the interest to be devoted 
 to the support of the Apprentices' Library ; and also to solicit dona- 
 tions of books, maps, charts, prints, etc., for the use of said library. 
 
 At the annual meeting held January nth, 1842, the following 
 officers were elected for the ensuing year : 
 
 Linus W. Stevens, President. Adoniram Chandler, Treas. 
 James Van Norden, Vice-Pres. Isaac Fryer, Secretary. 
 Chivers Parker, 2d Vice-Pres. Robert Provoost. Collector. 
 
 The almoners reported the disbursements for the year to have 
 been $2,799.75. The reports of the school committee and of the 
 library committee showed both institutions to be in a flourishing 
 condition. The literary and scientific committee reported, May 4th. 
 1842, that twenty lectures had been delivered during the past year. 
 The expenses were $551.39. The literary and scientific fund 
 amounted to $6,633.93. 
 
MECHANICS AND TRADESMEN. 
 
 At a meeting held August 3d, 1842, a communication was received 
 from the New- York Mechanic and Scientific Institute, stating that its 
 charter expired January 12th, 1842, and offering to transfer its funds 
 to the library fund of the General Society of Mechanics and Trades- 
 men. The amount thus received was $1,086.49. 
 
 On the 14th of October, 1842, the Society participated in the 
 ceremonies incident to the introduction of Croton water into the city 
 of New-York. 
 
 At the annual meeting held January 10th, 1843, the following 
 officers were elected for the ensuing year : 
 
 James Van Norden, President. Richard E. Mount, Treas. 
 
 Chi vers Parker, Vice- Pres. Isaac Fryer, Secretary. 
 
 Jacob A. Westervelt, 2d V.-Pres. Robert Provoost, Collector. 
 
 At a meeting held February 1st, 1843, the almoners reported 
 their disbursements for the year at $2,875. 
 
 The school committee reported receipts at $10,326.25, and ex- 
 penditures at $10,576.56. 
 
 The library committee reported the number of readers at 1,844, 
 to whom 49,433 volumes were loaned. The condition of the library 
 at this time was not progressive. Books were loaned u ider the 
 disadvantage of a small clerical force. The appropriations for the 
 library by the Society were limited by the amount which the 
 Society had to spare. The library was not and could not be self- 
 sustaining ; and the benevolent features of the Society demanded 
 the first recognition. During the year 1842, the receipts of the 
 Society were $6,200, and the expenditures were $6,170. Strict 
 economy was necessary. The assets of the Society, according to 
 the report of the treasurer, December 6th, 1843, were $89,080, and 
 its liabilities $21,035. 
 
 On the 3d of January, 1844, a donation of five hundred copies 
 of the New Testament was received from William Wood, to be 
 
106 GENERAL SOCIETY OF [1841 
 
 distributed among the readers of the library. In each copy the 
 following inscription was placed : 
 
 " Presented, through the Apprentices' Library, by William Wood, 
 Esq., of Canandaigua — an early, constant, zealous, and efficient friend 
 of the library." 
 
 At the annual meeting held January 9th, 1844, the following 
 officers were elected for the ensuing year : 
 
 Chivers Parker, President. Richard E. Mount, Treas. 
 
 Jacob A. Westervelt, Vice-Pres. Isaac Fryer, Secretary. 
 Thomas C. Chardavoyne, 2d V.-Pres. Robert Provoost, Collector. 
 
 The annual reports respecting the school and library were not 
 entirely encouraging. The receipts of the school had fallen to 
 $8,106.48, while the disbursements were $10,512.36. The number 
 of pupils in both departments had fallen to 372. The school was 
 not as cordially sustained as it had been. There was a controversy, 
 which culminated on the 7th of March, 1843, in the resignation of 
 the principal, Isaac F. Bragg. On the 15th of April following, 
 James N. McElligott was chosen principal. 
 
 The almoners reported the disbursements at $2,819.75. 
 
 There was some discussion at this time of the expediency of 
 disposing of the Park Place property. A committee reported against 
 the sale ; but the report was re-referred, with instructions to effect 
 a sale if $60 ,000 should be offered for the estate. 
 
 At the annual meeting held January 14th, 1845, the following 
 officers were elected for the ensuing year: 
 
 Jacob A. Westervelt, President. Richard E. Mount, Treas. 
 Thomas C. Chardavoyne, Vice-Pres. Isaac Fryer, Secretary. 
 John P. Moore, 2d Vice-Pres. Robert Provoost, Collector. 
 
 The almoners reported their disbursements at $2,857.50. 
 
 At a meeting held April 2d, 1845, the petition of William E. 
 
MECHANICS AND TRADESMEN 
 
 Armitage, asking a nomination to the vacant scholarship in Columbia 
 College, was favorably considered. 
 
 At a meeting held March 5th, 1845, tne Society voted to sell 
 four hundred and forty-four shares of Mechanics' Bank stock. These 
 were subsequently sold for $8,591.40. Later, the treasurer reported 
 that he had paid this, with other moneys, amounting to $9,000, to the 
 Savings Bank, on the bond outstanding against the Broadway and 
 Park Place property. The Society still retained five hundred and 
 fifty-six shares of the Mechanics' Bank stock. 
 
 At a meeting held June 4th, 1845, the bequest of his library 
 by Benjamin De Milt was accepted, in accordance with the provisions 
 of his will, "to be used and improved as a pay library." This library 
 was received in September, 1845, from George Trimble, executor of 
 the estate of Samuel De Milt, to whom the library had been be- 
 queathed for life. The number of volumes was eighteen hundred 
 and thirty-three. The library committee was empowered to arrange 
 the books and to carry out the views of the testator. 
 
 At a meeting held November 5th, 1845, tne treasurer reported 
 the amount of the library fund to be $1,827.66. The receipts of the 
 Society for the coming year were estimated at $5,840.56, and the 
 expenditures at $5,755.00. 
 
 The property of the Society was valued as follows : 
 
 Park Place house, $50,000.00 
 
 Chambers street house, 14,000.00 
 
 Crosby street house, 20,000.00 
 
 Five hundred and fifty-six shares of Mechanics' 
 Bank stock, at $18 per share and 10 per 
 
 cent, premium, 11,008.80 
 
 $95,008 .80 
 
 Indebtedness, 13,000 00 
 
 Balance, $82,008 .80 
 
108 GENERAL SOCIETY OF [1841 
 
 At a special meeting held November 19th, 1845, the finance com- 
 mittee reported that several members of the Society had purchased 
 the property at 472^ Broadway, for $9,000, with a view of offering 
 the same to the Society, thus giving it an opportunity of gaining 
 an entrance to the Crosby street property. The purchasers had 
 no wish of forcing the property upon the Society, but there had 
 been no time for consultation, and they had thought the oppor- 
 tunity too good a one to be lost. The Society agreed to take the 
 property, and also thank the gentlemen whose foresight had secured 
 it — Messrs. Knapp, Westervelt, Moore, Van Norden, Fryer, and 
 Ward. 
 
 At the annual meeting held January 13th, 1846, the following 
 officers were elected for the ensuing year : 
 
 Thomas C. Chardavoyne, Pres. Richard E. Mount, Treasurer. 
 John P. Moore, Vice- Pres. Isaac Fryer, Secretary. 
 
 James Phyfe, 2d Vice-Pres. Robert Provoost, Collector. 
 
 At the meeting held February 4th, 1846, the almoners' report 
 showed a disbursement for the year of $2,966, to one hundred and 
 eleven pensioners and their children. 
 
 The school committee reported that, from the best estimates which 
 they could make, the school would continue to pay all its expenses, 
 with a surplus remaining. 
 
 The library report showed the number of volumes in the library 
 to be 11,854; the number of readers, 1,525; and the number of 
 volumes loaned, 44,472. 
 
 At a meeting held November 4th, 1846, the school committee 
 reported the appointment of E. M. J. Rodman to the vacant scholar- 
 ship in Columbia College. 
 
 Extensive alterations were made this year of the building in 
 Crosby street, involving an expense of over $4,000. 
 
r847l MECHANICS AND TRADESMEN. IO9 
 
 At the annual meeting held January 12th, 1847, the following 
 officers were elected for the ensuing year : 
 
 John P. Moore, President. Richard E. Mount, Treas. 
 
 James Phyfe, Vice-Pres. Isaac Fryer, Secretary. 
 
 Francis W. Edmonds, 2d Vice-Pres. Robert Provoost, Collector. 
 
 Upon taking the chair, the new president delivered an inaugural 
 address, congratulating the Society upon its prosperity, and making 
 several suggestions respecting the management of its funds. 
 
 The annual report of the almoners showed the number of names 
 on the pension fund to be 114; and the expenditure for the year 
 to be $2,891. 
 
 At the meeting held May 19th, 1847, the literary and scientific 
 committee presented their report, showing that lectures had been 
 delivered during the previous season by Hon. George Folsom, of 
 the State Senate; by Professor W. R. Gliddon, on "The An- 
 tiquities of Egypt"; by S. Wells Williams, on "China"; by Dr. 
 Bedford, on "Man Physically Considered"; and by A. W. Arring- 
 ton, on " Self Education." A subsequent report from the finance 
 committee showed that the lecture-room had been frequently leased 
 for entertainments, and had begun to be productive of income. 
 
 At a meeting held September 29th, 1847, the Society accepted 
 the invitation of the Washington Monument Association to par- 
 ticipate in the ceremonies at the laying of the corner-stone of the 
 monument, on the 19th of October. 
 
 A letter from Hon. F. A. Talmadge, member of Congress, 
 informed the Society that he had designated it as the recipient of 
 the maps of the coast of the United States. The president was 
 authorized to accept the donation, and to express the thanks of 
 the Society. 
 
VIII. 
 
 1848-1853. 
 
CHAPTER VIII. 
 
 EDUCATIONAL WORK OF THE SOCIETY. 
 
 T the annual meeting held January nth, 1848, the following 
 officers were elected for the ensuing year: 
 
 James Phyfe, President. Richard E. Mount, Treas. 
 
 Francis W. Edmonds, Vice-Pres. Isaac Fryer, Secretary. 
 Sylvanus S. Ward, 2d Vice-Pres. Robert Provoost, Collector. 
 
 At a meeting held February 2d, 1848, the report of the finance 
 committee showed the receipts during the past year to haw. been 
 $17,577.97, an d the expenditures $15,077.44. 
 
 Much discussion having arisen respecting the management of 
 the literary fund, a committee of investigation was appointed. Its 
 report, however, was not accepted, but the following preamble and 
 resolutions, offered by Thomas Earle, were adopted in its place : 
 
 " Whereas, it appears from the report of the special committee 
 appointed March 1st, 1848, that certain moneys, stock, etc., col- 
 lected for the purpose of enabling this Society to increase its use- 
 fulness by furnishing the means of acquiring knowledge to its 
 members, their children, and the apprentices of this city, was, at a 
 meeting of this Society held January 7th, 1835, voted into a fund, 
 
ii4 
 
 GENERAL SOCIETY OF 
 
 [1848 
 
 and placed in the hands of trustees, and subsequently transferred 
 to the literary and scientific committee under the direction of the 
 Society, and 
 
 " Whereas, said fund amounted, on the first day of January last, 
 to the sum of $6,774.99, which amount is composed of an indebted- 
 ness to the Society of $6,036.19 (including note of $4,700, and the 
 interest thereon), thirty shares Mechanics' Bank stock, standing in 
 the name of the committee, and $198.80 cash in hands of said 
 committee ; and 
 
 " Whereas, the one-third of the initiation fees set apart by law 
 has for some time past been, and, as it is supposed, will continue 
 to be, sufficient to enable said committee to carry out the object 
 for which it was appointed ; 
 
 "TJicrefore, resolved, that said committee be directed to transfer 
 to the treasurer of the Society the thirty shares of Mechanics' Bank 
 stock, the cash in hands of said committee, and also the note of 
 the Society ; and further, 
 
 "Resolved, that the treasurer open an account upon his books 
 with the literary fund, and pass to its credit the amount of said 
 fund, as above stated ; and further, when any appropriation is made 
 to the school committee, the library committee, or the literary and 
 scientific committee, exceeding the initiation fees, and such donations 
 and bequests as may hereafter be contributed to said fund, said 
 appropriation shall be charged to said fund until it shall be 
 extinguished — it being expressly understood that no interest shall 
 hereafter be allowed upon said fund." 
 
 There was much discussion about this time concerning the pro- 
 priety of leasing the lecture-room to Christy's Minstrels. The lease, 
 however, was continued for a number of years, and was a constant 
 source of discussion and disagreement, many members regarding 
 the entertainments of Christy with disfavor. 
 
 At the meeting held January 3d, 1849, tne school committee 
 
>853l 
 
 MECHANICS AND TRADESMEN 
 
 reported the establishment of a classical department in the school 
 of the Society. 
 
 At the annual meeting held January 9th, 1849, tne following 
 officers were elected for the ensuing year : 
 
 Francis W. Edmonds, President. Richard E. Mount, Treas. 
 
 Sylvanus S. Ward, Vice- Pres. Thomas Earle, Secretary. 
 
 Isaac Fryer, 2d Vice-Pres. Robert Provoost, Collector. 
 
 At a meeting held February 7th, 1849, the finance committee 
 presented the general annual report on the financial condition of the 
 Society, by which it appears there had been received during the 
 past year, from all sources, $20,523.86; there had been expended 
 during the same period, $17,418.26. They also report the assets 
 and liabilities of the Society, on January 1st, 1849, as follows: 
 
 ASSETS. 
 
 Real estate. Park Place house, $60,000 .00 
 
 " " Crosby street and Broadway, . . . 40,000.00 
 
 " " Leasehold, Chambers street, .... 12,000 .00 
 
 Five hundred and eighty-six shares Mechanics' Bank 
 
 stock, 10,548.00 
 
 Library books and furniture, 9,000.00 
 
 Cash with treasurer and committees, ..... 2,279.55 
 
 $133.78755 
 
 LIABILITIES. 
 
 Bond and mortgage, Park Place house, $20,000 .00 
 
 " " " 472 Broadway, . 4,000.00 
 
 Due to Literary and Scientific Fund, . 6,774 .94 
 Due to Literary and Scientific Fund 
 
 for one-third initiation fees, 1848, 360 .00 
 
 Due to Library Fund, 1,857 .66 
 
 " Mechanics' Bank, 1,500 00 — 34,492.60 
 
 Balance, $99> 2 94-95 
 
 At a meeting held January 2d, 1850, the treasurer presented 
 his annual report, showing the receipt during the year of $12,454.29, 
 
u6 
 
 GENERAL SOCIETY OF 
 
 [1848 
 
 and the expenditure of $13,261.95. The last amount included an 
 investment in city bonds of $1,200. 
 
 The amount of the literary fund was reported at $6,265.02, and 
 of the library fund at $1,907.66. 
 
 No lectures were delivered during the year 1849. 
 
 An amendment of the charter of the Society passed June 4th, 
 1850, authorized it to purchase, hold, and convey "any estate, real 
 or personal, for the use and benefit of said corporation." The 
 Society was also "authorized to take, receive, and hold any dona- 
 tion, devise, or bequest, either of real or personal estate," for the 
 general purposes of the corporation or otherwise. 
 
 At a meeting held June 5th, 1850, the literary and scientific 
 committee reported that six lectures had been delivered before the 
 Society by Professor Louis Agassiz, on "The Natural Relations 
 between Animals"; one by Rev. Dr. Bethune, on "Holland"; and 
 one by Dr. Anticell, on " Chemistry." The expenses of this course 
 were $469.75. 
 
 Upon the 7th of August, 1850, the Society was invited by the 
 Mayor of New-York to participate in the relief of the sufferers by 
 the explosion of a steam-boiler in the building Nos. 3 and 5 Hague 
 street, by which sixty-seven persons were killed, and fifty others 
 injured. A committee was appointed, which cooperated in the work 
 of relief. The whole amount contributed was $27,200.66. 
 
 On the 23d of September, 1850, an address was delivered before 
 the Society, upon the occasion of the re-opening of the Apprentices' 
 Library, by M. M. Noah, Esq. (Vide Appendix J.) 
 
 Extensive alterations were made during the year 1850 in the 
 hall. By these, No. 472 Broadway was brought into use for the 
 purposes of the De Milt Library, the reading-room, and of the 
 committees. The cost of these alterations was $5,624.40. 
 
 At a meeting held December 4th, 1850, the election of George 
 T. Trimble as an honorary member of the Society was proposed ; 
 
MECHANICS AND TRADESMEN. 
 
 117 
 
 but after full investigation it was decided that the laws of the 
 Society did not authorize such election. 
 
 The finance committee, to whom was referred the bequests 
 made by the Misses De Milt to the Society, reported that of the 
 $10,000 bequeathed by Miss Elizabeth De Milt, according to the 
 terms of the bequest, $5,000 should be appropriated to the improve- 
 ment of the De Milt Library, and the remainder used for the general 
 purposes of the Society. They found, also, that the whole sum of 
 $2,000 bequeathed by Miss Sarah De Milt should be appropriated 
 to the improvement of the library. Resolutions embodying these 
 views were also reported. 
 
 At a meeting held January 8th, 1851, the annual report of the 
 almoners was presented, giving some interesting facts. It appeared 
 that the whole number of adult pensioners at present was one 
 hundred and nine. Of these, one hundred and two were widows of 
 deceased members, and seven were members of the Society. The 
 number of children on the pension list was fifty-five. There were 
 fourteen persons on the pension list between the ages of eighty and 
 ninety years, and two between the ages of ninety and one hundred 
 years. 
 
 The report of the school committee showed the receipts t 1 have 
 been $11,629.75, an d the expenditures $10,901.70. The number of 
 pupils had been, in the male department, two hundred and seventy- 
 seven ; in the female, two hundred and ninety- three. There were 
 sixty-four pupils whose education was gratuitous. There were nine 
 teachers in the male, and ten in the female department. Four of 
 the teachers were educated in the school. There had been employed 
 professors of French, of drawing, of painting, and of music. 
 
 The report of the committee on the library says : " We know 
 nothing more interesting than to visit the library in the evening 
 and find the seats occupied by apprentices, perusing, after the labors 
 of the day, periodicals and newspapers with which the tables are 
 
u8 
 
 GENERAL SOCIETY OF 
 
 [1848 
 
 covered, and each retiring with his volume for reading during the 
 leisure of the week." 
 
 At the annual meeting held January 14th, 1851, the following 
 officers were elected for the ensuing year : 
 
 Isaac Fryer, President. Richard E. Mount, Trcas. 
 
 Henry T. Ingalls, Vice-Pres. Thomas Earle, Secretary. 
 John T. B. Maxwell, 2d Vice-Pres. Robert Provoost, Collector. 
 
 The lectures during the season of 1850-51 were as follows: 
 Rev. John Lord, six lectures, on " History" ; Rev. W illiam Adams, 
 D. D., two lectures, on "The Last Half-Century"; Rev. Alexander 
 Vinton, I). D., one lecture, on "Architecture"; Rev. T. Starr King, 
 two lectures, on "Thought and Life," and on "Socrates"; and Pro- 
 fessor Lassell, one lecture, on " Chemistry." 
 
 At a meeting held January 10th, 185 1, measures were taken 
 for procuring the portraits of ex-presidents, living and deceased, 
 of the Society. 
 
 At the meeting held February 5th, 185 1, the finance committee 
 reported the receipts of the Society during the year at $35,726.99. 
 This included the De Milt bequests. The expenditures for the year 
 were $30,555.66, of which $5,624.40 was for permanent improve- 
 ments. The assets of the Society were reported at $144,842.78 — 
 the liabilities of all descriptions, $38,666.21. The amount of assets 
 over liabilities was $106,176.57. The library fund was stated at 
 $1,907.66; the literary, at $4,758.55. 
 
 At a meeting held May 7th, 1851, it was resolved that thirteen 
 delegates be appointed to attend the World's Fair in London, 
 with certificates of their appointment. The following persons were 
 appointed : William Browning, George D. Tallman, James B. Ward, 
 Edwin W. Tryon, Wm. Cunningham, John Allen, Jas. Cunningham, 
 George T. Cobb. The president was authorized to fill vacancies. 
 
 At a meeting held January 7th, 1852, the committee on the 
 
MECHANICS AND TRADESMEN 
 
 II 9 
 
 library reported that, on a review of the year, they were enabled 
 to congratulate the Society on the continued usefulness and impor- 
 tance of this branch of the Society. The number of apprentices 
 among the readers had increased. 
 
 The lecture committee reported the following list of lecturers 
 engaged for the next season : 
 
 Hon. Horace Greeley, "The World's Fair"; Rev. H. W. Beecher, 
 "Laws of Precedence"; Rev. I. F. Schroeder, D. D., "Mohammed"; 
 Charles King, "New-York History"; Rev. John Pierpont, "Physi- 
 cal Science"; Professor Mitchell (three), "Astronomy"; Rev. O. 
 Dewey. 
 
 Suggestions were made by the literary committee of the neces- 
 sity of a new building for the future use of the Society, in con- 
 sequence of the removal of most of the members, readers, and 
 scholars to localities farther up-town. 
 
 At the annual meeting held January 13th, 1852, the following 
 officers were elected for the ensuing year : 
 
 Henry T. Ingalls, President. Richard E. Mount, Treas. 
 
 John T. B. Maxwell, Vice-Pres. Thomas Earle, Secretary. 
 Thomas Jeremiah, 2d Vice-Pres. Robert Provoost, Collector. 
 
 At a meeting held April 7th, 1852, a resolution was adopted, re- 
 questing the library committee to consider the expediency of opening 
 the Apprentices' and De Milt libraries during the day, or some portion 
 of the day, for the accommodation of the families of members. 
 
 At a meeting held June 2d, 1852, the thanks of the Society 
 were unanimously voted to the committee on the schools, for the 
 efficient and intelligent manner in which their duties had been 
 performed. 
 
 At a meeting held July 7th, 1852, the death of Brother Robert 
 Provoost, the venerable collector and book-keeper of the Society 
 for forty years, was announced, and the event was ordered to be 
 
120 
 
 GENERAL SOCIETY. 
 
 [1848-1853 
 
 entered upon the records. Mr. Provoost was over eighty-two years 
 old, and was for more than fifty-nine years a member of the Society. 
 
 At a meeting of the Society held October 6th, 1852, a free 
 scholarship in Columbia College was bestowed upon John Tricksy. 
 
 At the annual meeting of the Society held January 11th, 1853, 
 the following officers were elected for the ensuing year : 
 
 John T. B. Maxwell, President. Richard E. Mount, 'JVeasurer. 
 Thomas Jeremiah, Vice-Pres. Thomas Earle, Secretary. 
 James Morris, 2d Vice-Pres. Robert W. Provoost, Collector. 
 
 The literary and scientific committee reported the following 
 course of lectures as then in progress before the Society : 
 
 E. P. Whipple, "Heroism"; Rev. Samuel Osgood. "Poetry of 
 Mechanism"; Professor R. O. Doremus (two), "Chemistry"; Rev. 
 T. Starr King, "Mountains"; Rev. E. H. Chapin, "John Hamp- 
 den"; Park Benjamin, "Fashion"; Hon. H. S. Raymond, ; 
 
 Prof. Silliman, " Science and Arts." 
 
 At a meeting held October 5th, 1853, the committee appointed 
 December 3d, 185 1, in reference to the will of James Murray, 
 deceased, to secure the amount claimed for the Apprentices' Library, 
 reported that a decision against the Society had been given, but 
 without costs. The thanks of the Society were voted to Murray 
 Hoffman, Esq., for his gratuitous legal services in the case. 
 
 The subject of the extension of Beekman street through and 
 across the Park in direct line to the head of Park Place at Broad- 
 way, and the extension of Park Place through the College grounds, 
 and the widening of Robinson street, together with the concession 
 of the lower end of the Park for a general city railroad depot, at 
 this time interested the Society, whose real estate interests would 
 be affected by the proposed change. 
 
 No immediate action was considered necessary. The Society 
 strongly deprecated any infringement upon the limits of the City Park. 
 
CHAPTER IX. 
 
 VARIOUS FINANCIAL TRANSACTIONS. 
 
 T a meeting held January 4th, 1854, a report of the 
 almoners of the Society represented the number of pen- 
 sioners during the year to have been 108, and of children 35. 
 The number remaining upon the pension roll was as follows: 1. embers, 
 7; widows, 94 ; children, 31. Amount expended, $3,058. The extra 
 sum of $1,000, placed at the disposal of the almoners during the 
 year, had been bestowed upon twenty-four pensioners, mostly in sums 
 of from three to five dollars, and principally to the aged, the sick, 
 the infirm, and those having young children ; and also for funeral 
 expenses. There was a steady reduction in the number of pen- 
 sioners. 
 
 The school was reported to be in a prosperous condition, Mr. 
 David H. Crittenden and Miss Mary Y. Bean being still retained as 
 principals. There had been no essential change in the arrangements 
 
124 
 
 GENERAL SOCIETY OF 
 
 of the school. The success of placing female teachers in the boys' 
 school was ,noted. 
 
 At the annual meeting held January ioth, 1854, the following 
 officers were elected for the ensuing year : 
 
 Thomas Jeremiah, President. Richard E. Mount, Treasurer. 
 James Morris, Vice-Prcs. Wm. Van Norden, Secretary. 
 
 Charles M. Leupp, 2d Vice-Pres. Frederick W. Williams, Collector. 
 
 The following lectures were reported to be in course of delivery : 
 Rev. Dr. Vinton, "Japan"; Professor Reed, "Wit and Humor"; 
 Hon. John P. Hale, "Last Gladiatorial Exhibition"; Park Benja- 
 min, "Love and Money"; Rev. T. Starr King. "Nature and 
 Society"; Rev. Dr. Bethune, "Work and Labor"; Rev. J. S. C. 
 Abbott, "Abdication of Napoleon"; C. L. Brace, "Struggles on 
 the Danube." 
 
 At a meeting held February 1st, 1854, the subject of opening the 
 library from nine o'clock a. m., to nine p. m. daily (Sundays excepted) 
 was again referred to the library committee. 
 
 At a meeting held March 1st, 1854, the library committee, to 
 whom was referred the subject of opening the library during the 
 day, made a long and exhaustive report, favoring the opening 
 from two o'clock to nine o'clock p. m., and recommending the 
 employment of a suitable custodian during that time. The report 
 was signed by Ira Hutchinson, chairman, on behalf of the majority 
 of the committee. A minority report held that the library was 
 originally designed for apprentices exclusively, and that these could 
 use the library only in the evening ; and that it was hardly proper 
 to increase the expenses while the Society was heavily in debt, 
 for the benefit of the relatives of the pupils of the Mechanics' School. 
 The course recommended by the majority was, after considerable 
 debate, adopted. The library was afterward opened daily (Sun- 
 
1857] MECHANICS AND TRADESMEN. I 25 
 
 days excepted), from two o'clock to nine o'clock p. m. ; the friends 
 of a further increase of the time for opening were soon in a majority, 
 and the library was ordered to be kept open from nine o'clock a. u. 
 to nine o'clock p. m. 
 
 A communication was received from the treasurer, stating that 
 the Mechanics' Bank charter would expire January ist, 1855. A 
 movement was afoot to organize a new bank, under the General 
 Banking Law, with a capital of $2,000,000 — the amount to be 
 divided into 80,000 shares, of $25.00 par value. Those desiring 
 to subscribe to this were notified to do so on or before Novem- 
 ber ist, proximo. It was anticipated that a sufficient surplus would 
 accumulate by the ist of January next to supply the greater part 
 of the stock increase. The shares then held by the Society were 
 586 in number, valued at $18.00 each. The Society could sub- 
 scribe for no greater number of new shares. The matter was 
 referred to the finance committee. 
 
 At the meeting held October 4th, 1854, a special report of the 
 finance committee recommended that the Society subscribe for the 
 new stock, and a resolution to that effect was adopted. 
 
 At the same meeting, held October 4th, 1854, a select committee 
 was appointed to consider and report upon the expediency 01 selling 
 the Park Place property, and investing the proceeds in purchasing 
 thirty-three feet south and fifty feet north of the present Broadway 
 entrance, making one hundred feet on Broadway and two hundred 
 feet through ; and of erecting thereon substantial stores for business, 
 preserving a more spacious entrance and a better lighted and ven- 
 tilated lecture-room, and also a library, reading, and committee rooms, 
 and more commodious school and class rooms. 
 
 At a meeting held January 3d, 1855, the almoners reported the 
 amount of their expenditure for the past yea' - at $3,258. 
 
 The library committee reported that a full inventory of the books 
 
126 
 
 GENERAL SOCIETY OF 
 
 [1854 
 
 had been directed, in both libraries, and all necessary repairs ordered. 
 The library was closed for this purpose, and re-opened with seven 
 hundred and thirty-nine readers. The De Milt Library was hereafter 
 to be used mainly for reference. 
 
 The literary and scientific committee reported that arrangements 
 had been made for lectures during the next season by Rev. Dr. 
 George W. Bethune, Rev. A. A. Willets, Rev. T. Starr King, and 
 James T. Brady, Esq. A second course was reported to be in 
 contemplation ; and a course of six lectures contracted for with 
 Professor R. Ogden Doremus, on chemistry, for the special benefit 
 of the apprentices of the city. 
 
 At the annual meeting held January 9th, 1855, the following 
 officers were elected for the ensuing year : 
 
 James Morris, President. Richard E. Mount, Treasurer. 
 Charles M. Leupp, Vice-Pres. William Van Norden, Secretary. 
 Thomas Earle, 2d Vice-Pres. Frederick W. Williams, Collector. 
 
 At a meeting held February 7th, 1855, the finance committee 
 made the following statement of the assets and liabilities of the 
 Society on the 1st of January, 1855: 
 
 receipts. 
 
 " " Lecture-room, .... 
 Dividends from Mechanics' Bank, 
 
 Initiations, 
 
 Board of Education, .... 
 From Chambers street, 
 
 Certificates 
 
 Tuition bills from School, 
 Sundries from Library, . . . 
 
 Rent of Park Place house, 
 
 Chambers street property, 
 
 $3,600 00 
 1,300 00 
 6,248.50 
 1, 166 . 60 
 870 00 
 
 234-67 
 
 15.00 
 3.00 
 1 2,281 .42 
 328.14 
 
 $26,047 33 
 
i857] 
 
 MECHANICS AND TRADESMEN 
 
 127 
 
 EXPENDITU RES. 
 
 Bond and interest to Savings Bank, . . . $5,625 00 
 
 Ground rent, Chambers street, 125 .00 
 
 Taxes and water, 196.44 
 
 Treasurer and Clerk, 225 00 
 
 Salaries — School Committee, 10,480.32 
 
 Expenses — School Committee, 1,561.70 
 
 Library Committee, 2,162 .64 
 
 De Milt Library, 719 32 
 
 Gas bills, 787 . 64 
 
 Janitor and Door-keeper, 526 04 
 
 Insurance, 248.06 
 
 Repairs, 283.98 
 
 Literary and Scientific Committee, .... 450 .73 
 
 Almoners' Committee, 3,258.00 
 
 $26,649 ■ 87 
 
 ASSETS. ^ y ' 
 
 Park Place house, $60,000 . 00 
 
 Crosby street and Broadway, 50,000 .00 
 
 Leasehold, Chambers street, 7,000 .00 
 
 Five hundred and eighty-six shares of Me- 
 chanics' Bank stock, 14,650 00 
 
 Furniture and books, 9,350.00 
 
 Cash in hands of treasurer, 5,612 .96 
 
 " " " " committees, 2,347.60 
 
 $148,960. 56 
 
 LIABILITIES. 
 
 Bond and Mortgage, Park Place, $10,000 00 
 
 Library Fund, 1,907 66 
 
 De Milt, 5,000 .00 
 
 interest, 300.00 
 
 " " " improvement,,. . . . 500 00 
 
 Assessment, Park Place house. 240 .00 
 
 $17,947.66 
 
 Excess of assets over liabilities, 131,012 .90 
 
128 
 
 GENERAL SOCIETY OF 
 
 On the ist of January, 1854, the Mechanics' Bank was a char- 
 tered institution ; its stock held by the Society was 586 shares, the 
 par value of which was $18.00 each, amounting in all to the sum 
 of $10,548. It is now under the General Banking Law of the 
 State, and the par value of the stock is $25.00 per share, and the 
 586 shares held by the Society amount to the sum of $14,650. 
 This difference of seven dollars per share was from the surplus of 
 the chartered bank. 
 
 At a meeting held March 7th, 1855, the president stated that 
 he had been elected a director, and had attended the meetings of 
 the board of the Mechanics' Bank. 
 
 At a meeting held September 5th, 1855, the finance committee 
 reported that it had received two offers for the Park Place property 
 — one of $125,000, and one of $130,000; but in the opinion of 
 the committee it was inexpedient to accept either. 
 
 At a meeting held November 7th, 1855, the special committee 
 recommended an application to the Legislature to enable the Society 
 to use its funds more largely for the purpose of disseminating 
 literary and scientific knowledge, the Society now having authority 
 to appropriate for that purpose only one-third of the initiation fees. 
 The literary and scientific committee reported only $160 could be 
 depended upon for this purpose to defray the expenses of a course 
 of lectures. The treasurer was authorized to loan to the committee 
 a sum sufficient to raise the amount to $500. 
 
 At a meeting held January 2d, 1856, the library committee 
 reported that the year had been one rather of preparation than of 
 progress. Many old and useless books had been thrown out, and 
 new and desirable ones added, and the whole had been more con- 
 veniently arranged. A new catalogue had been prepared, upon a 
 different method. A new and commodious reading-room had been 
 fitted up ; and through these and like improvements the institution 
 promised to equal any similar one in the country. 
 
MECHANICS AND TRADESMEN 
 
 I29 
 
 The report of the school committee showed a diminution in the 
 number of pupils, in consequence of the great improvements in the 
 public schools of the city. 
 
 At the annual meeting held January 8th, 1856, the following 
 officers were elected for the ensuing year : 
 
 Charles M. Leupp, President. 
 Thomas Earle, Vice-Pres. 
 Ira Hutchinson, 2d Vice-Pres. 
 
 Richard E. Mount, Treasurer. 
 William Van Norden, Sec. 
 Frederick W. Williams, Col. 
 
 At a meeting held January 9th, 1856, the finance committee were 
 authorized and empowered to sell the Society's property on the corner 
 of Broadway and Park Place, for a sum not less than $150,000, pro- 
 vided a purchaser be found within ninety days. An auction sale 
 of the same, the put-up price to be $150,000, was authorized, sub- 
 ject to the unexpired lease. This was done on the 24th of January, 
 but no advance was made, and the property was withdrawn. 
 
 At a meeting held February 6th, 1856, the report of the finan- 
 cial committee showed an excess of assets over indebtedness of 
 $181,422.84. The Society had reduced its indebtedness $5,000. 
 
 An act of the Assembly, passed April 1st, 1856, authorized the 
 Society to set apart, at discretion, any portion of their funds f >r the 
 promotion and diffusion of literary and scientific knowledge. 
 
 At a meeting held June 4th, 1856, a series of architectural plates, 
 ninety-two in number, the donation of Benj. R. Winthrop, were pre- 
 sented. These plates had formerly belonged to a deceased brother of 
 Mr. Winthrop, who had suggested, while living, this disposition of them. 
 
 At a meeting held November 5th, 1856, the committee to which 
 had been referred the subject of purchasing a lot of land whereupon 
 to erect a building for the use of the Society, presented diagrams 
 of several pieces of land. The whole subject was referred back to 
 the committee, with power to purchase the plot on the corner of 
 Twenty-fourth street and Broadway. Negotiations, however, failed, 
 
130 
 
 GENERAL SOCIETY 
 
 [1854-1857 
 
 and others were entered into for the purchase of lots 470 and 472 
 Broadway. The report of the committee on pensions stated the 
 number of persons aided at ninety-two adults and nineteen children. 
 Expenditures, $3,236. 
 
 The library committee reported that, the annual appropriation 
 having been increased, a greater number of books had been pur- 
 chased, while the number of readers had been increased. 
 
 The school committee expressed their solicitude in relation to the 
 future prospects of the school, in view of the diminishing patronage 
 of the last few years, the receipts promising not to equal the 
 expenditures. 
 
 At the annual meeting held January 13th, 1857, the following 
 officers were elected for the ensuing year : 
 
 Thomas Earle, President. Richard E. Mount, Treasurer. 
 
 Ira Hutchinson, Vice- Pres. William Van Norden, See. 
 
 George W. Farnham, 2d V.-Pres. Frederick W. Williams, Col. 
 
 Some objections were made to the eligibility of Mr. Earle for 
 the office of president, he being a citizen of New Jersey, but they 
 were overruled. 
 
 At a meeting held February 4th, 1857, the finance committee 
 reported the assets over liabilities to be $217,148.80. 
 
 At a meeting held February 4th, 1857, the president, Thomas 
 Earle, delivered an address upon the situation and work of the 
 Society, which was ordered to be printed. ( Vide Appendix.) So 
 much of this address as referred to the opening of the apprentices' 
 library to women was referred to the library committee. 
 
 At a meeting held November 4th, 1857, the school committee 
 was instructed to consider the subject of the continuance of the 
 school, and its future management. 
 
 At a meeting held December 2d, 1857, the library committee made 
 a special report respecting the death of Wm. Wood. ( Vide Appendix L.) 
 
CHAPTER X. 
 
 SCHOOL AND LIBRARY. 
 
 T a meeting held January 6th, 1858, the annual report of 
 the committee on pensions showed that aid had been 
 extended during the year to ninety adults and eleven 
 children, at an expenditure of $3, 1 79. 
 
 The school committee made a report upon the condition of the 
 school. From this it appeared that the present revenue for school 
 purposes was $8,500, and the expenditure $9,350 — showing a deficit 
 of $850. The committee recommended increased expenditure to raise 
 the character of the school, and a more appropriate site. They sub- 
 mitted a resolution that it was inexpedient to take any present 
 action in reference to the discontinuance of the school. 
 
 The report of the literary and scientific committee showed that 
 ten lectures had been delivered before the Society during the year, 
 as follows : 
 
 Rev. A. A. Willetts, "Man for the Times"; Rev. T. Stan- 
 King, "Light and Insight"; Rev. H. W. Bellows, "Architecture"; 
 Frederick S. Cozzens, "Wit and Humor"; Rev. A. A. Willetts, 
 
134 GENERAL SOCIETY OF [1858 
 
 " Patrick Henry." Five lectures had also been delivered by Profes- 
 sor Benjamin Silliman on "Air," "Water," "Earth" (two), and "Fire." 
 The expenditures were $720. 17. 
 
 At a meeting held February 3d, 1858, the president, Ira M. 
 Hutchinson, delivered his inaugural address on the condition and 
 prospects of the Society. The address was referred to a special 
 committee, to consider and report what action upon the several 
 subjects of which it treated would be necessary. ( Vide Appendix.) 
 
 At a meeting held March 3d, 1858, the annual report of the 
 finance committee was presented. It showed the assets of the 
 Society to be $231,655, and its liabilities to be $219,147.34. 
 
 At a meeting held March 3d, 1858, the report of the special 
 committee on so much of the address as related to the school was 
 presented. For three years there had been a continued and rapidly 
 increasing diminution in the number of pupils, viz. : 38 in 1855 ; 
 60 in 1856; and 132 in 1857. It was impossible to diminish the 
 expenses of the school in the same ratio. The committee in 
 summing up said that, to educate 118 pupils, whose education 
 ought to have cost $1,100, the Society had paid in cash $1,515.25. 
 The rooms used ought to let for $2,500 a year; fixtures and 
 apparatus have increased the expenses. In a pecuniary sense, it 
 would be far better for the Society to pay for the education 
 of the pupils in the best schools of the city. It was broadly stated 
 that the mechanics' school had fulfilled its mission — that its work 
 was done. The committee reported a resolution for the discontin- 
 uance of the school. A minority report recommended further efforts 
 to sustain the school. 
 
 At a meeting held July 12th, 1858, a communication was 
 received from the school committee, stating the probable number of 
 pupils at 189, viz.: 75 boys and 114 girls. At this rate, the revenue, 
 it was stated, would not exceed $6,000, while the expenses for 
 
MECHANICS AND TRADESMEN 
 
 135 
 
 teachers, reduced to the lowest possible point, would be $6,775. 
 The other expenses (including- probable losses on the collection of 
 bills) were estimated at $800, making a deficiency of revenue 
 amounting to $1,575. The suggestion was made that the time had 
 arrived for the Society to divest itself of the work of education, and 
 to revert to the original designs of its founders — the affording of 
 facilities for useful reading and instructive lectures. 
 
 At a meeting held November 3d, 1858, the literary and scientific- 
 committee asked the Society for an appropriation of $500, for the 
 purpose of instructing evening classes of apprentices and journey- 
 men in architecture and mechanical drawing ; and that amount was 
 appropriated for the purpose. 
 
 At a meeting held December 1st, 1858, the committee on the 
 school presented a by no means encouraging report. They repre- 
 sented that the appropriations for the present year would probably 
 fall short about $2,000, and they asked the Society to decide 
 whether the school should be discontinued after the close of the 
 present academic year ; and a resolution to that effect was passed 
 by fifty-six votes in the affirmative to sixteen votes in the negative. 
 The use of the rooms occupied by the female department of the 
 school was granted to Miss Mary Y. Bean, during the pleasure of 
 the Society, for the purpose of continuing, at her own expense 
 and risk, and for her own benefit, the school for girls, she agreeing 
 to make the same deduction as at present allowed on the bills of 
 the children of the members attending the school, and to receive 
 gratuitously such scholars as the Society might see fit to send to 
 her for instruction. A proposition of the same nature was received 
 from the principal of the male school, which was referred to the 
 school committee. 
 
 The school department of the Society was established in the 
 year 1820, for the benefit of the children of members unable to 
 
136 
 
 GENERAL SOCIETY OF 
 
 meet the expenses of tuition, and at a time when the free-school 
 system of New-York was undeveloped. Afterward it extended the 
 privileges of the school, at a moderate cost, to other children. The 
 school was usefully maintained for a period of thirty-eight years, 
 and it was only abandoned when the increasing merit of the public 
 free schools rendered it unnecessary. 
 
 At a meeting held January 5th, 1859, the literary and scientific 
 committee reported the following lectures as already delivered, or in 
 the course of deliver)- : 
 
 Rev. Dr. Bethune, "Common Sense"; D. G. Mitchell, "Spending 
 Money"; Rev. H. W. Beecher, "Sympathy"; A. Oakey Hall, "Courts 
 and Jury-rooms"; Rev. I. B. Hagany, "Charles II."; Rev. A. A. 
 Willetts, "Mental Dyspepsia"; Rev. Dr. William Adams, "Daily 
 Wonders"; Theo. Sedgwick, "English Rule in India"; Rev. T. Stan- 
 King, "Existence and Life"; Rev. Dr. John Thompson, "Hugh 
 Miller"; George W. Boyd, "The False"; Park Benjamin, "Private 
 and Social Life." 
 
 The committee having under consideration the subject of in- 
 struction to young mechanics in architectural and machine drawing 
 reported that they had engaged Mr. Stitson as teacher of the 
 former, and Mr. Paton as teacher of the latter ; and that the draw- 
 ing-schools were to be opened on the 13th of January. 
 
 By the treasurer's report it appeared that $582 had been received 
 for tickets to the lectures, and the expenditures had been $819.50. 
 
 The number of volumes in the library was reported to be (includ- 
 ing the De Milt library) 18,737; tne number of readers 2,035; tnc 
 number of volumes loaned during the year, 43,351. The expendi- 
 tures for the Apprentices' Library were $2,016.35; for the De Milt, 
 $469.24. The committee recommended that more space be secured 
 for the convenient arrangement of the books and the accommodation 
 of readers. 
 
x 863l MECHANICS AND TRADESMEN. I 37 
 
 The finance committee reported the receipts at $24,005.96, and 
 the expenditures at $20,623.55 ; the assets of the Society at $259,- 
 437.41 ; and the liabilities at $7,507.66. 
 
 At the annual meeting held January nth, 1859, the following 
 officers were elected for the ensuing year : 
 
 George W. Farnham, Pres. Richard E. Mount, Treasurer. 
 John A. Bunting, Vice-Prcs. William Van Norden, Secretary. 
 John Wight, 2d Vicc-Pres. Frederick W. Williams, Collector. 
 
 At a meeting held March 2d, 1859, it was voted to offer the 
 Park Place property of the Society for sale, at a price not less than 
 $175,000. The committee on finance were directed to inquire into 
 the propriety of appropriating not less than ten per cent, of the 
 gross annual income of the Society for the purpose of purchasing 
 a site, and erecting a substantial building thereon, for the use of 
 the Society. 
 
 At a meeting held April 6th, 1859, it was determined that the 
 finance committee be authorized to offer the Park Place property 
 for a sum not less than $150,000. 
 
 One hundred dollars were voted as a gratuity to the principal 
 of the male, *and a like sum to the principal and vice-principal of 
 the female, school, both about to be discontinued. 
 
 At a meeting held May 4th, 1859, the finance committee reported 
 the sale of the Park Place property for $150,000; of this sum 
 $100,000 was to remain on bond and mortgage for three years 
 at six per cent, interest, the remainder to be paid in cash. The 
 president was authorized to make the conveyance. 
 
 At a meeting held June 1st, 1859, the sale mentioned in the 
 preceding minute was annulled, Mr. Wheeler, the purchaser, fail- 
 ing to comply with the terms of the contract. The earnest money 
 paid by Mr. Wheeler was ordered to be returned. 
 
I38 GENERAL SOCIETY OF [1858 
 
 At a meeting held October 5th, 1859, a communication was 
 received from Mr. Charles J. Conway, formerly principal of the 
 male school, relinquishing, the use of the rooms for a private school, 
 which had been voted to him. 
 
 At a meeting held Dec. 7th, 1859, the literary and scientific commit- 
 tee were directed to consider the expediency of establishing an institute 
 for the instruction of children and apprentices in science and literature. 
 
 At a meeting held January 10th, i860, it was voted that the 
 drawing-classes, heretofore under the superintendence of the literary 
 and scientific committee, be transferred to the superintendence of the 
 school committee. The classes in question were conducted, during 
 the season, upon two evenings of each week, and with the most 
 satisfactory results. 
 
 At the annual meeting held January 10th, i860, the following 
 officers were elected for the ensuing year : 
 
 John A. Bunting, President. Richard E. Mount, Treasurer. 
 John Wight, Vice-Pres. William Van Norden, Secretary. 
 
 Noah Worrall, 2d Vice-Pres. Frederick W. Williams, Collector. 
 
 A special committee upon the selection of a site for a building 
 for the use of the Society was appointed, consisting of Messrs. 
 George W. Farnham, Robert McClellan, and Jacob A. Westervelt. 
 
 The finance committee represented the receipts of the Society 
 for the year at $22,175.08, and the expenditures at $19,352.94; 
 the assets at $262,326.11, and the liabilities at $7,574.22. 
 
 At a meeting held May 2d, i860, an act to confirm the title of 
 the Society to certain real estate, passed by the Legislature, April 
 1 2th, i860, was reported to the Society. This was in accordance 
 with the action taken by the Society, February 1st, i860. 
 
 At a meeting held July 9th, i860, the death of John A. Bunting, 
 Esq., president of the Society, was announced. Appropriate resolu- 
 tions were passed. 
 
MECHANICS AND TRADESMEN. 
 
 139 
 
 At a meeting held September 5th, i860, Thomas Jeremiah was 
 elected president, vice John A. Bunting, deceased. 
 
 At a meeting held January 2d, 1861, the literary and scientific 
 committee reported the following lectures delivered or to be delivered 
 during the ensuing season : 
 
 Rev. A. A. Willetts, "Sunshine"; Dr. J. G. Holland, "Self-Help"; 
 Rev. Dr. Corningo, "Rome"; I. W. Gerard, "Japan"; Rev. G. S. 
 Hare, " Beaumarchais "; Bayard Taylor, "Arctic Regions"; Rev. Dr. 
 Plummer, " Resources of the United States " ; John R. Thompson, 
 "Edgar A. Poe"; Rev. Dr. Southgate, "Signs of the Times in 
 Turkey"; J. W. Gerard, "Naples, Mount Vesuvius and Pompeii"; 
 Rev. W. H. Pendleton, ; Rev. J. C. Dutcher, "National Pros- 
 perity." 
 
 The report of the school committee showed that 297 pupils had 
 attended the special schools, as follows : 
 
 Architectural Drawing Class 73 pupils. 
 
 Mathematical Class, 54 " 
 
 Mechanical Drawing Class, 50 " 
 
 Oratory and Debating Class, 120 " 
 
 Total, 297 
 
 The cost of sustaining the classes had been $568.27, .eaving a 
 balance in the hands of the committee of $431.73. The committee 
 proposed to establish additional schools in other branches of science 
 connected with mechanics and manufactures. 
 
 The committee on the library reported that nearly one thousand 
 volumes had been added to the library during the year. 
 
 At the annual meeting held January 8th, 1 861, the following 
 officers were elected for the ensuing year : 
 
 John Wight, President. Richard E. Mount, Treas. 
 
 Noah Worrall, Vice-Pres. William Van Norden, Sec. 
 
 Matthias Bloodgood, 2d Vice-Pres. Frederick W. Williams, Col. 
 
I 
 
 I40 GENERAL SOCIETY OF [1858 
 
 The finance committee reported the receipts for the year at 
 $21,893.98, and the expenditures at $19,540.48. The assets of the 
 Society were reported at $268,060.86, and the liabilities at $7,507.66. 
 
 President John Wight delivered an inaugural address. (Vide 
 Appendix.) 
 
 The Mechanics' Bank stock — 586 shares — heretofore held by 
 the Society was this year increased to 811 shares. 
 
 At a meeting held February 6th, 1861, a communication was 
 received from Miss Bean, announcing her intention of removing her 
 school to the upper part of the city, and of vacating the room 
 loaned her by the Society, and stating her willingness to educate 
 the children of members of the Society at a discount of twenty-five 
 per cent, under the usual rates. 
 
 The use of the library was voted to female apprentices, upon 
 the same terms extended to male apprentices. 
 
 At a meeting held October 2d, 1861, Brother George W. Farn- 
 ham offered the following resolution, which was very favorably 
 received, and adopted nem. con. : 
 
 " Whereas, In the present condition of our country it becomes 
 ever)- citizen and association to recognize and aid, to the extent 
 of their ability, all efforts that are being made to restore the 
 supremacy of the Constitution and laws of the United States over 
 all its territory, and to suppress the gigantic rebellion which now 
 threatens its existence, and especially to encourage those who go 
 forth to do battle in its defense ; and 
 
 " Whereas, A regiment has been formed in our city known as 
 the 'Volunteer Engineer Regiment,' which is composed exclusively 
 of mechanics, some of whom are members of this Society ; 
 
 " Therefore, Resolved, That this Society, in appreciation of the 
 public spirit and patriotism which originated, and the zeal and 
 industry which perfected, the organization (now about to take the 
 
i86 3 ] 
 
 MECHANICS 
 
 AND 
 
 TRADESMEN. 
 
 141 
 
 field) as a regiment of volunteers from -the State of New- York, from 
 which all our chartered privileges are derived, do cause to be pre- 
 pared and presented to it, under the auspices of the ' General 
 Society of Mechanics and Tradesmen of the City of New-York,' a 
 suitable stand of colors. 
 
 "Resolved, That a sum, not to exceed three hundred dollars, be 
 and is hereby appropriated from the treasury of the Society for 
 that purpose. 
 
 "Resolved, That a committee of three be appointed to carry 
 the foregoing resolutions into effect, and that they, together with 
 the president and two vice-presidents of the Society, be a committee 
 to superintend the necessary arrangements for such presentation." 
 
 The president appointed George W. Farnham, James Van Nor- 
 den, and Linus W. Stevens as such committee. 
 
 At a meeting held January 8th, 1862, the annual report of the 
 committee on pensions showed that relief had been extended during 
 the past year to eighty-eight adults and six children. The sum of 
 $4,129 had been expended. 
 
 The school committee reported the number of pupils during the 
 past year as follows : 
 
 Free-hand class, 169 pupils. 
 
 Architecture, 106 " 
 
 Mechanics, . 73 " 
 
 The literary and scientific committee reported the following 
 lectures delivered or to be delivered : 
 
 Rev. A. A. Willetts, " Business and Books" ; Rev. W. H. Mil- 
 burn, "What a Blind Man Saw in England"; Bishop Southgate, 
 "Home Life of the Turks"; James Wi Gerard, "Ancient and Modern 
 
 Total, 
 
 348 
 
 The expenditures were $903.87. 
 
142 
 
 GENERAL SOCIETY OF 
 
 Eloquence"; James W. Gerard, "Rome and its Ruins"; Rev. G. 
 S. Hare, "Milton"; J. G. Holland, "Working and Shirking"; 
 
 Rev. F. C. Ewer. ; Rev. A. A. Willetts, "The Man for the 
 
 Times"; Rev. Dr. Armitage, "The Forum of Progress." 
 
 At the annual meeting held January 14th, 1862, the following 
 officers were elected for the ensuing year : 
 
 Noah Worrall, President. Richard E. Mount, Treas. 
 
 Matthias Bloodgood, Vice-Pi r es. William Van Norden, Sec. 
 George R. Jackson, 2d Vice-Pres. Frederick W. Williams, Col. 
 
 President Noah Worrall delivered his inaugural address. ( Vide 
 Appendix.) 
 
 The finance committee reported the receipts of the Society at 
 $21,391.30, and the expenditures at $23,858.75 ; the assets at 
 $276,138.39, and the liabilities at $8,052.64. 
 
 The committee on the battle-flags to be presented by the Society 
 to the " Engineer Regiment of Volunteers " made their report. 
 
 The following was the account given of the presentation : 
 
 "The flags were presented on the 23d of January, at the Seventh 
 Regiment armory, by the president of the Society, and were received 
 by Major Butts, in behalf of Colonel Serrell and the regiment, in a 
 brief and soldier-like response. The band of the Seventh Regiment 
 discoursed most excellent music. The exercises were closed by an 
 appropriate and fervent prayer and benediction by the Rev. Dr. 
 Francis Vinton. The committee presented the following resolutions, 
 which were adopted by the Society : 
 
 " It was Resolved, That the thanks of the Society be and are 
 hereby presented to the Hon. William M. Evarts for his able, appro- 
 priate, and patriotic address, delivered on the 23d of January, on 
 presentation of battle-flags to the 'Volunteer Engineer Regiment,' 
 and a copy of the same is respectfully requested. 
 
MECHANICS AND TRADESMEN 
 
 143 
 
 " It was Resolved, That the thanks of the Society be and arc 
 hereby tendered to Brother Joseph Hoxie for his most acceptable 
 and spirited speech, delivered on the 23d of January, on the pres- 
 entation of battle-flags to the ' Volunteer Engineer Regiment,' and 
 a copy of the same is respectfully requested. 
 
 " It was Resolved, That the thanks of the Society be and are 
 hereby tendered to Rev Francis Vinton, D. D., for his kind offices 
 with and for us, on the 23d of January last, on the presentation of 
 the battle-flags to the 'Volunteer Engineer Regiment,' and the 
 Society respectfully ask a copy of the very appropriate prayer made 
 by him on that occasion. 
 
 "It was Resolved, That the Society hereby tender their thanks 
 to Colonel Marshal Lefferts, of the Seventh Regiment, N. G., for 
 his kindness in granting to the Society the use of their armory for 
 the purpose of presentation of battle-flags to the ' Volunteer Engi- 
 neer Regiment' on the 23d ult." 
 
 At a meeting held April 2d, 1862, a communication was received 
 from Hon. William M. Evarts, stating that his address upon the 
 occasion of the presentation of the flags was entirely extempore, and 
 he was, therefore, unable to furnish a copy for the press. 
 
 Letters were also received from Rev. Dr. Vinton, communicating 
 the prayer offered by him, and from Hon. Joseph Hoxie and Colonel 
 E. W. Serrell. ( Vide Appendix L.) 
 
 At a meeting held January 7th, 1863, the annual report of the 
 committee on pensions showed the number of persons relieved 
 during the year to be eighty-eight adults and children, at an 
 expenditure of $4,275.60. 
 
 The annual report of the school committee showed that there 
 were four different kinds of drawing taught in the schools, viz. : 
 architectural with 76 pupils; mechanical with 92 pupils; free-hand 
 with 156 pupils, and naval architecture with 72 pupils. Total 
 
144 
 
 GENERAL SOCIETY OF 
 
 [1858 
 
 number of pupils 396, as follows : carvers, painters, etc., 99 ; machin- 
 ists, 56; pattern-makers, 16; brass-finishers, 26; carpenters, 60; 
 ship-Wrights, 35; ship-carpenters, 27; students, 60 ; clerks, 17. The 
 expenditures were $91 1.77. 
 
 It was recommended that the school, heretofore gratuitous, 
 should be made at least partially self-sustaining. It was thought 
 that there were many branches which might be added, and particu- 
 larly " industrial chemistry." 
 
 The annual report of the library committee showed the number 
 of volumes in the Apprentices' Library to be 21,848; in the De Milt, 
 3,516. Total, 25,364. The number of readers had been 2,982; of 
 volumes loaned to apprentices, 48,888; to females, 3,274; to pay- 
 
 A 
 
 readers, 5,847 ; to members, 3,157. The expenditures were $3,731.56. 
 It was mentioned in the report that no inconvenience had been 
 experienced from admitting females to the library at the same 
 hours as formerly. The privileges of the library and reading-room 
 had also been extended to wounded soldiers and seamen of the 
 army and navy. 
 
 The literary and scientific committee reported that the following- 
 lectures had been delivered : 
 
 Rev. A. A. Willetts, "The Spirit of the Times"; James W. 
 Gerard, "Venice"; Rev. T. D. Anderson, "Work, the American 
 Inheritance"; Rt.-Rev. T. M. Clark, "The Crisis of the Nation." 
 
 The thanks of the Society were voted to James \Y. Gerard, 
 Esq., for the gratuitous delivery of his lecture. 
 
 At the annual meeting held January 13th. 1863, the following 
 officers were elected for the ensuing year : 
 
 Matthias Bloodgood, President. Richard E. Mount, Treasurer. 
 George R. Jackson, Vice-Pres. William Van Norden, See. 
 George F. Nesbitt, 2d Vice-Pres. Frederick W. Williams, Col. 
 
MECHANICS AND TRADESMEN. 
 
 H5 
 
 Matthias Bloodgood, Esq., the newly elected president, delivered 
 his inaugural address and gave an intelligent and interesting resume 
 of the history and operations of the Society. ( Vide Appendix.) 
 
 The finance committee reported the receipts of the Society at 
 $21,517.48; the expenditures at $17,060.07; the assets at $279,- 
 149.88, and the liabilities at $7,706.65; assets over liabilities, 
 $271,443.23. 
 
 During the year 1863, the Society lost by death several promi- 
 nent and valuable members. Among them was George Ireland, 
 ex-president, and one of the oldest members ; Linus W. Stevens, 
 also an ex-president, and Robert McClellan. 
 
 The improvements ^in the accommodation of the library had been 
 considerable. The general condition of the Society at this period 
 was one of great prosperity, notwithstanding the civil war, which 
 was then at its height ; and the Society was always found, without 
 a dissenting voice, doing its share in the work of saving the 
 republic. 
 
CHAPTER XI. 
 
 DURING THE WAR. 
 
 T a meeting held January 6th, 1864, the annual report of 
 the committee on pensions showed the number aided during 
 the year to be 93 adults and 9 children, at an expenditure 
 of $4,512.60. 
 
 The number of pupils in the drawing-school was reported to 
 have been 367; the expenditures had been $1,051.98. 
 
 A debating class of 62 members had been established. 
 
 The annual report of the library committee showed the number 
 of books in the Apprentices' Library to be 23,572; in the De Milt 
 Library, 3,706; total, 31,278. The number of readers was 4,302; 
 of volumes loaned, 70,863. 
 
 The library was closed this year one month earlier than usual, 
 which would make a difference in number of volumes read, but still 
 it was 9,697 more than in any previous year. 
 
 The expenditures of Apprentices' Library were $5,216.22, less 
 $1,285.26 for pay-readers and catalogues, etc. 
 
 The literary and scientific committee reported that the following 
 lectures had been delivered : 
 
 Rt.-Rev. T. M. Clark, "Inventions of the Age"; Dr. J. G. Hol- 
 land, "The National Heart"; Rev. E. H. Chapin, "Europe and 
 America"; Rev. A. A. Willetts, "The Secret"; Rev. H. I. Foss, 
 
150 GENERAL SOCIETY OF [1864 
 
 "Aims and Ventures"; Rev. I. C. Dutcher, "Grandfathers and 
 Grandchildren"; and that the course would be completed by the 
 delivery of two more — the last of which will be by James W. 
 Gerard, Esq., on " Egypt and the Source of the Nile." 
 The expenditures were $991.62. 
 
 At the annual meeting held January 12th, 1864, the following 
 officers were elected for the ensuing year : 
 
 George R. Jackson, President. Richard E. Mount, Treasurer. 
 George F. Nesbitt, Vicc-Pres. William Van Nordex, Secretary. 
 John T. Coxover, 2d Vice-Prcs. Frederick W. Williams, Col. 
 
 The president delivered his inaugural address. ( Vide Appendix.) 
 
 At a meeting held February 3d, 1864, the finance committee 
 reported the receipts for the past year to have been $24,937.59, 
 and the expenditures $30,341.47. The excess of expenditures over 
 receipts was occasioned by the purchase of a U. S. 5-20 bond for 
 $8,003.15. The assets of the Society were $284,355.61, and the 
 liabilities were $8,216.36. Assets over liabilities, $276,139.25. 
 
 At a meeting held March 2d, 1864, the Society voted a donation 
 of $250 in aid of the Metropolitan Fair for the benefit of the 
 Sanitary Commission. 
 
 At a meeting held January 4th, 1865, the report of the pension 
 committee showed that aid had been extended during the year to 
 92 adults and 9 children, at an expenditure of $4,954.40. 
 
 The number of pupils in the drawing-school had been 312; in 
 the debating society, 40. The expenditures had been $1,203.67. 
 
 The number of volumes in the library were reported as follows : 
 The Apprentices' Library. 26,328; in the De Milt, 3,755; number 
 of readers, 6,053 ; number of volumes loaned, 109,875; expenditures, 
 $6,050.30. For fines and catalogues, and from pay-readers, the 
 sum of $1,834.17 had been received. 
 
,870] MECHANICS AND TRADESMEN, 151 
 
 Mr. De Lamater, from the committee, made a report setting 
 forth that the number of readers was increasing faster in proportion 
 than the number of volumes in the -libraries. The cost of books 
 had also greatly increased, while a new catalogue had become 
 necessary. The committee asked for an appropriation of $8,000 to 
 meet the exigencies of the coming year. 
 
 The annual report of the literary and scientific committee showed 
 a course of lectures in progress, of which the following had been 
 delivered : 
 
 Rt.-Rev. T. M. Clark, "Life in Boston in 1668"; Rev. Dr. 
 Priestly, "Jerusalem as I saw it"; Rev. F. C. Ewer, "Ramble in 
 California." 
 
 At the annual meeting held January 10th, 1865, the following 
 officers were elected for the ensuing year : 
 
 George F. Nesbitt, President. Richard E. Mount, Treasurer. 
 John T. Conover, Vice-Pres. William Van Norden, Secretary. 
 Wade B. Worrall, 2d Vice-Pres. Frederick W. Williams, Col. 
 
 The finance committee reported the receipts of the Society at 
 $29,263.07 ; the expenditures at $26,427.59 ; the assets, $295,966.62, 
 and the liabilities at $10,091.89. 
 
 At a meeting held April 5th, 1865, on motion of Brother Wilson 
 Small, seconded by Brother John E. Hoagland, the thanks of the 
 Society were voted to the army and navy of the United States for 
 the glorious victories recently achieved by their gallantry and skill. 
 It was voted that the following address and proceedings be published : 
 
 The undersigned, officers of the General Society of Mechanics and Trades- 
 men of the City of New- York, in carrying out the foregoing resolution, beg 
 leave to tender to the officers and men of the army and navy of the United 
 States the heartfelt thanks of each member of the Society, for their patience and 
 endurance during the long struggle they have been engaged in to subdue the 
 greatest rebellion the world has ever known, and which is now about closed. 
 
152 GENERAL SOCIETY OF [1864 
 
 The members of the Society also beg leave to join with the officers and men 
 of the army and navy of the United States in rejoicing over the victories they 
 have achieved on land and at sea, and particularly those last battles which may 
 well be styled the death-blows of the Rebellion. 
 
 The members of the Society beg leave also to tender their sympathies to the 
 many families who have been bereaved by the loss or maiming of husband, 
 father, son, brother, or friend during the great Rebellion, and to say to all such 
 that the honor of being connected with either must, in such a cause, compensate 
 to a certain extent for their bereavement. 
 
 Tiie officers of the Society beg leave to inform the officers and men of the 
 army and navy that the resolution referred to above was unanimously adopted, 
 at a meeting more numerously attended than any other for years ; that the 
 resolution was introduced by the mover in a speech replete with patriotism and 
 eloquence ; and that the patriotic remarks by various members fully entitle the 
 Society to a position in the front rank of the upholders of the Constitution and 
 laws of our beloved country. 
 
 The officers of the Society beg leave respectfully to call attention to the 
 following correspondence, as indicating that the General Society of Mechanics 
 and Tradesmen of the City of New- York are not only patriots at the close of 
 the Rebellion, but that they performed their part when the struggle began and 
 during its continuance: 
 
 Camp of ist N. Y. Vol. Engineers, 
 
 Head-quarters Army of the James, 
 
 Varina, Va., March 27th, 1865. 
 
 Geo. W. Farnham, Esq., Mechanics Society, N. Y. : 
 
 SIR: As you were chairman of the committee who presented to my regiment 
 a stand of colors, on behalf of the General Society of Mechanics and Tradesmen 
 of the City of New- York, when we were organized in 1 861, I have taken the 
 liberty to ask, through you, that the Society present, on behalf of the regiment, 
 the national color of this set, and a regimental color presented by the city 
 of New- York, to the Bureau of Military Statistics at Albany, New-York. 
 
 I inclose a letter addressed to Col. Lockwood L. Doty, Chief of the Bureau, 
 giving the several battles and sieges in which we have been engaged. 
 
 The national color which we are sending to the archives of the State has not 
 been dishonored since you entrusted it to our care. It was the first flag that 
 floated over Fort Pulaski after its recapture by the Union troops, and the 
 first national flag that floated over Fort Wagner. 
 
MECHANICS AND TRADESMEN 
 
 153 
 
 The number of engagements in which detachments of the regiment have 
 taken part will show you that we have not been idle spectators in the great 
 struggle. We represent almost every trade, and I believe the mechanical skill 
 we have been able to bring together has ad'ded much to the efficiency of the 
 army. 
 
 We have to lament the loss of many good officers and men, whose names 
 will ever be dear to us. Captain H. L. Southard, killed at Bermuda Hundred, 
 was son of Hon. S. L. Southard, late Secretary of the Navy. He was as true 
 and pure a patriot as this war has produced. He was an officer of much more 
 than ordinary talent, and was greatly beloved by all good men. Lieutenant J. 
 Howard Brooks, killed in front of Petersburg, was a young man of great 
 promise, and although he had been with us only a few weeks, yet he had, by 
 his manly bearing and talent, won his way to the confidence and esteem of all. 
 I might name many other brave hearts who have given themselves a sacrifice 
 in our cause, and over whom your flag has waved, and over whose remains 
 it has rested. 
 
 The flag has now become a veteran, worn out in the service, and unfit for 
 duty in the field ; and we return it, to take its place with others honored by 
 service with our brothers of the State of New- York. 
 
 The regimental color presented by you we still retain in the field, and we 
 hope to bring it back for your disposition, after peace lias been restored to 
 our land, and we are permitted to go back to our homes and vocations of life. 
 
 I am very truly your ob't serv't and brother, 
 
 James F. Hall, 
 Brt. Brig. - Genl. , U. S. Vols. , Col. Conulg. 1st N. Y. Vol. Engineers. 
 
 Camp of ist N. Y. Vol. Engineers, 
 
 Head-quarters Army of the James, 
 
 Varina, Va., March 27th, 1865. 
 
 Colonel Lockwood L. Doty, 
 
 Chief of Bureau of Military Statistics, Albany, N. Y: 
 
 COLONEL: I have this day forwarded by Adams & Co.'s Express, through 
 the Mechanics' Society, city of New-York, two flags of my regiment, one an 
 American flag — one of a stand of colors presented to the regiment by the 
 General Society of Mechanics and Tradesmen of the City of New-York, and 
 the other a regimental color presented by the city of New-York. The former 
 
154 
 
 GENERAL SOCIETY OF 
 
 was the first national flag that floated over Fort Pulaski, after its surrender, 
 and the first over Fort Wagner, on Morris Island. 
 
 This regiment was raised in the city of New- York, in 1861, and has 
 representatives from almost every county in the State. 
 
 The several battalions of the regiment have participated in the following 
 sieges and battles : 
 
 Siege of Fort Pulaski, battle of James Island, battle of Pocotaligo, battle 
 of Morris Island, siege of Fort Wagner, Fort Sumter, and Charleston ; 
 battle of Olustec, siege of Petersburg, battle of Drury's Bluff, battle of Proctor's 
 Creek, battles of Bermuda Hundred, battle of the James, battle of Honey Hill, 
 battle of Coosawhatchie. 
 
 I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your ob't servant, 
 
 James F. Hall, 
 Brt. Brig.- Gen. U. S. Vols., Col. Comdg. 1st N. Y. Engrs. 
 
 Brother James Van Norden, after some remarks, moved the following reso- 
 lutions, which were seconded by Brother George W. Farnham, and unanimously 
 adopted : 
 
 Resolved, That this Society will gladly comply with the request of 
 our esteemed brother, General James F. Hall, and that it be referred to the 
 president to take charge of the glorious relics, and forward them to Colonel 
 Doty, at Albany, with such communication as he may deem appropriate and 
 
 proper. 
 
 Resolved, That, viewing with exultant pride the gallant manner in which 
 the flags presented by this Society to the First Regiment of New- York Volun- 
 teer Engineers have been borne through so many battles, and planted first 
 on captured forts, we tender to Brevet Brigadier-General Hall, and the brave 
 officers and men of his command, the thanks of the General Society of 
 Mechanics and Tradesmen, as they are eminently entitled to those of our 
 whole country. 
 
 Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions be forwarded to General Hall. 
 
 George F. Nesbitt, President. 
 John T. Conover, rst Vice-President. 
 Wade B. Worrall, 2d Vice-President. 
 
 Richard E. Mount, Treasurer. 
 William Van Norden, Secretary. 
 
 At a meeting held May 3d, 1865, a committee was appointed 
 to consider and report concerning the true interpretation of the 
 
MECHANICS AND TRADESMEN 
 
 155 
 
 charter relative to the admission of those not residing in the city 
 and county of New-York. The question was whether the omission 
 of certain words in the act of 1833 repealed the provisions of the 
 act of 181 1, requiring that candidates for membership shall be so 
 resident. The committee subsequently reported that they had taken 
 legal advice on that point of the Hon. Murray Hoffman, who was 
 of the opinion that the act of 1833 worked by implication a repeal 
 of all previous enactments upon the subject, and that consequently 
 a residence within the city and county of New-York was not 
 required. Other legal gentlemen concurred in this opinion. The 
 report was accepted, and a resolution adopting its suggestions was 
 carried, declaring that such residence was not necessary. 
 
 The following letter was received from Brevet General Hall : 
 
 Head-quarters, near Richmond, 
 
 Camp Southard, May 16th, 1865. 
 
 Geo. F. Nesbitt, Esq., President. 
 
 My Dear Brother : I received some days since your favor of the 1st inst, 
 inclosing the resolutions of the Society ; the package of books arrived on 
 Saturday, and on Sunday the resolutions were read on dress parade. The 
 officers and men of the First Engineer Regiment feel a great pride in the 
 interest taken in us by your Society. The beautiful regimental color which you 
 presented us is still a daily object of admiration, and as we can now add to its 
 previous history the final battles of the Rebellion, — Petersburg, Richmond, and 
 Appomattox Court House, — is doubly dear to us, and I know it will be to you 
 when we return it to your custody after our united country has told us that our 
 work is done, and that we may go back to our homes and peaceful vocations. 
 In the name of my regiment and myself, I thank you for your attention to our 
 request, and for the resolutions you have passed. Hoping it soon may be my 
 good fortune to meet you and all my brothers of the Society in peace and unity, 
 
 I am fraternally yours, 
 
 James F. Hall, 
 
 Bt. Gen. U. S. Volunteers. 
 
 It was resolved that a committee of five be appointed to arrange, 
 on behalf of the Society, for the reception of the First N. Y. Volun- 
 
I56 GENERAL SOCIETY OF [1864 
 
 teer Engineer Regiment upon its return to the city, and an appro- 
 priation for the expenses of the reception, not to exceed $ 1,000, 
 was ordered. ( Vide report of the committee, Appendix.) 
 
 At a meeting held January 3d, 1866, the annual report of the 
 committee on pensions showed the number relieved during the 
 past year to have been 91 adults and 7 children, at an expenditure 
 of $5-193- 
 
 The annual report of the school committee showed a total 
 of 407 pupils in the drawing-school, and of 42 in the debating 
 society. The average attendance was less. The expenditures were 
 $1,208.95. The school was represented as being in a prosperous 
 condition, and creditable mention was made of the services of the 
 teachers. 
 
 The library committee reported the number of volumes in the 
 Apprentices' Library at 29,873, and in the De Milt at 3,827 — total, 
 33,700. The number of readers during the year was 7,282; the 
 number of volumes loaned, 135,840; the expenditures of the Ap- 
 prentices' Library were $11,511.86 — less $2,167.91 received from 
 catalogues and fines. The expenditures of the De Milt Library 
 were $268.48. The committee reported a large increase in the 
 number of readers. 
 
 The annual report of the literary and scientific committee showed 
 the following lectures delivered : 
 
 Rev. R. S. Storrs, "On Professor O. M. Mitchell"; J. R. 
 Gilmore, "Jeff Davis"; Rev. Bishop Simpson, "Past and Future of 
 our Country"; Rev. A. A. Willetts, "Domestic Happiness"; Rev. 
 F. C. Ewer, "A Drop of Water"; S. M. Hewlett, "One Great 
 and Yankee Nation " ; Rev. James Priestly, " Reminiscences of Mount 
 Sinai"; Rev. J. C. Dutcher, "Little Things"; Rev. \V. W. Hicks, 
 "British Rule in India"; Rev. F. C. Ewer, " Yosemite Valley"; 
 Rev. A. A. Willetts, "The Ocean and its Children." 
 
MECHANICS AND TRADESMEN. 
 
 157 
 
 At a meeting held January 9th, 1866, the following officers 
 were elected for the ensuing year : 
 
 John T. Conover, President. Richard E. Mount, Treasurer. 
 Wade B. Worrall, Vice-Pres. William Van Norden, Secretary. 
 Wilson Small, 2d Vice-Pres. Frederick W. Williams, Collector. 
 
 The president delivered his inaugural address. ( Vide Appendix.) 
 
 At a meeting held February 7th, 1866, the finance committee 
 reported the receipts of the Society at $30,812.44; the expendi- 
 tures at $28,820.70. The assets were 339,270.79; the liabilities, 
 $8,904.32. Assets over liabilities, $330,366.47. 
 
 An act of the Assembly was presented, authorizing the Society 
 to withdraw the national color and two guide flags which were 
 presented by that Society to the First Engineer Regiment, N. Y. 
 Volunteers, and which are now deposited in the Bureau of Military 
 Record, if the Society substitute therefor the national flag and 
 two guide colors presented to the said regiment by the city of 
 New-York, and which are now possessed by the said Society. 
 
 At a meeting held October 3d, 1866, the new and revised 
 code of by-laws was received, adopted, and ordered to be printed. 
 (Vide Appendix.) 
 
 At a meeting held October 24th, 1866, it was resolved that a 
 committee of five, with the president and treasurer joined, be 
 appointed to consider the expediency of removing the Society from 
 its present location. The committee consisted of Brothers George 
 R. Jackson, Thomas Jeremiah, A. F. Ockershausen, James Van 
 Norden, C. H. Delamater. 
 
 At a meeting held November 7th, 1866, the committee above- 
 mentioned presented a report. The following resolution was adopted: 
 
 "Resolved, That the matter of location be referred to a com- 
 mittee, to make inquiries where and at what prices a suitable site 
 
I58 GENERAL SOCIETY OF [,864 
 
 for a hall for the Society can be obtained ; and also to consider 
 what financial arrangements it will be desirable for the Society to 
 make for the purpose of carrying out the suggestions of the com- 
 mittee, together with their views of the disposition of the present 
 premises." 
 
 Brother Thomas Jeremiah offered the following resolution : 
 
 "Resolved, That it be referred to the finance committee, to con- 
 sider and report upon the practicability of economizing annually a 
 specific percentage of the gross revenue for the purpose of creating 
 and maintaining a ' building fund,' and of improving such real estate 
 as may hereafter be purchased for the benefit of the Society." 
 
 At a meeting held January 2d, 1867, the annual report of the 
 committee on pensions showed that during the year 92 adults and 
 13 children had been relieved, at an expenditure of $5,477.88. 
 
 The annual report of the library committee showed the num- 
 ber of volumes in the Apprentices' Library to be 32,105, and 
 in the De Milt Library, 3,943 — total, 36,048. The number of 
 readers had been : Apprentices, 3.852 ; of women, 2,588 ; of pay- 
 readers, 525; of members, 177 — total, 7.142. The number of 
 volumes loaned was 125,943. The expenditures of the Apprentices' 
 Library had been $9,937.85, less pay-readers, catalogues, fines, 
 etc., $2,126.98. The expenditures for the De Milt Library were 
 $388.62. 
 
 The annual report of the literary and scientific committee showed 
 the expenditures to have been $991.03. The committee also reported 
 a course of lectures in delivery by the following gentlemen, viz. : 
 Rev. Noah H. Schenck, Rev. W. W. Hicks, Rev. A. A. Willetts, 
 S. M. Hewlett. 
 
 Brother George R. Jackson, chairman, presented a special report 
 of the committee on a new location as follows : 
 
 " The committee to whom was referred the change of location 
 
,8 7 o] MECHANICS AND TRADESMEN. 1 59 
 
 most respectfully report that they have had numerous sessions, and 
 several pieces of property under consideration, but two only of 
 the number are deemed desirable. 
 
 " One plot of ground, situated on the corner of Fourth Avenue 
 and Twenty-third street, being 88 feet on Fourth Avenue and 175 
 feet on Twenty-third street. Price for ground, $138,000. This 
 would be an expensive property to improve ; it would probably 
 involve an outlay of $500,000 for land and improvements. 
 
 " The other property under consideration is the plot of ground 
 on Fourteenth street, adjoining the Academy of Music, being 
 116 feet front and 122 feet deep. Price, $75,000. This is a very 
 desirable shape to improve ; we could put our lecture-room on the 
 rear, and have four stories and basement on the front, 25 x 50 each ; 
 a hall-way of 16 feet to the rear building; a library on the second 
 floor, front building ; and the third floor could be used for janitor 
 and school-room ; the fourth floor could be rented for masonic or 
 other purposes. We also made estimates of expenses and rentals, 
 and offer the following resolution : 
 
 "Resolved, That the finance committee be instructed to purchase 
 the plot of ground on the north side of Fourteenth street, 116 x 122, 
 adjoining the Academy of Music, at a sum not to exceed $75,000." 
 
 At a meeting held January 2d, 1867, it \\as 
 
 "Resolved, That it be referred to the finance committee, to con- 
 sider and report what financial arrangements will be necessary and 
 expedient for the Society to make for the purchase of the plot of 
 ground mentioned by the committee on location." 
 
 At the annual meeting held January 8th, 1867, the following 
 officers were elected for the ensuing year : 
 
 Wade B. Worrall, President. Richard E. Mount, Treas. 
 
 Wilson Small, Vice-Pres. Wm. Van Norden, Sec. 
 
 Cornelius H. Delamater, 2d V.-Pres. Fred. W. Williams, Col. 
 
l6o GENERAL SOCIETY OF [^64 
 
 The newly elected president delivered his inaugural address. 
 ( Vide Appendix.) 
 
 The annual report of the school committee showed that the 
 classes had been as follows: free-hand drawing, 182 pupils; archi- 
 tectural drawing, 48; mechanical, 28; mathematical, 12 — total, 270. 
 The expenditures had been $1,105.84. 
 
 At a meeting held February 6th, 1867, the finance committee 
 presented the general annual report up to January 1st, 1867. The 
 receipts had been $39,641.13; the expenditures, $34,881.67. The 
 assets were $393,929.21 ; the liabilities, $7,803.28. Assets over lia- 
 bilities, $386,125.93. 
 
 The question of a new location for the Society again came up. 
 The chairman of the committee, Brother George R. Jackson, after 
 some explanatory remarks, moved in behalf of the committee the 
 following resolution : 
 
 "Resolved, That the finance committee be instructed to purchase 
 the plot of ground at the south-west corner of Fourth Avenue and 
 Twenty-third street, being 83 x 1 75 feet, for a sum not to exceed 
 $140,000." 
 
 It was moved that the resolution be laid on the table, and that 
 a special meeting be called for the 20th inst., to consider the same. 
 This was lost — ayes, eighteen ; nays, forty-four. Another resolution 
 was offered, that the finance committee be instructed to purchase 
 three lots of ground. 75 x 100 feet, on Twenty-third street, 100 feet 
 from the south-west corner of Fourth Avenue, at a sum not to exceed 
 $45,000. This also was lost. Another resolution was offered, post- 
 poning the consideration of the resolution offered by the committee 
 until the next regular meeting. This was carried. 
 
 There was a strong feeling at this meeting in favor of removal, 
 but there was much difference of opinion respecting the locality 
 and the amount of money which the Society should invest in the 
 
,8 7 oJ MECHANICS AND TRADESMEN. 1 6 1 
 
 new site. A small minority strongly felt that the Society 
 should remain in its old quarters for the present, and until 
 the sinking fund should reach a larger amount of money than 
 could now be paid for the purpose. Ultimately, action was, with 
 the usual caution of the Society, postponed. At the next meeting, 
 the Society learned that the property in question had been sold. 
 Opinion had so far changed that this was a cause of regret but 
 to few. 
 
 At a meeting held December 4th, 1867, upon motion of J. P. 
 Simpson, the following resolution was referred to the library % 
 committee : 
 
 "Resolved, That it is expedient to institute measures to extend 
 the benefits of the library by opening reading-rooms in those 
 sections of the city that will be within the reach of the greatest 
 number of the mechanics' apprentices, and that, in order to effect 
 this object, the library committee be authorized to procure a 
 suitable room in the vicinity of Grand street and East Broadway ; 
 and another in the vicinity of Greenwich Avenue and West Thir- 
 teenth street, to be fitted up as reading-rooms for mechanics' appren- 
 tices, to be opened every evening except that of Sunday, from 
 sunset until half-past nine o'clock, and to employ suitable persons 
 to take charge of the same." 
 
 At a meeting held January 8th, 1868, the treasurer reported 
 that he had received, from the estate of the late Peter Lorillard, 
 $5,000, to be expended for the benefit of the library in the pur- 
 chase of books. This matter was then referred to the finance 
 committee, with instructions to prepare a suitable acknowledgment 
 to be presented to the executors of the late Mr. Lorillard, and 
 to report the same. 
 
 The school committee reported the number of pupils in the 
 drawing-school at 398 — an increase over the number in previous 
 
1 62 GENERAL SOCIETY OF [1864 
 
 years. The committee suggested that the school be frequently 
 visited by members of the Society. 
 
 The general report of .the library committee showed the number 
 of books in the Apprentices' Library to be 33,532 ; in the De Milt 
 Library, 4,028 — total, 37,560. The number of readers during the 
 year was 6,344; the number of volumes loaned, 117,385. The 
 expenditures of the Apprentices' Library, less $1,845.41 received 
 from pay readers, were $7,872.03. The expenditures of the De 
 Milt Library were $328.59. The committee said: 
 
 " The history of the Apprentices' Library, from its organization 
 (forty-seven years ago), is a very interesting one. From a very 
 small beginning it has grown up, under the fostering care of the 
 Society, to be an institution of which the mechanics of the city 
 ma) r well feel proud. The attention of the committee has been 
 called to a resolution passed at the last meeting of the Society, 
 on the subject of opening two reading-rooms — one on the east 
 and one on the west side of the city — for the purpose of affording 
 an opportunity to young men and boys for spending their evenings 
 in reading and improving their minds. Your committee has had 
 this subject under serious consideration, and believe that the organ- 
 ization of branch offices for the purposes mentioned would be of 
 great benefit to the persons alluded to. and we hope that before 
 long such branches to the library may be put in operation. Yet. 
 in the opinion of your committee, the enterprise could not be suc- 
 cessfully carried out without a much larger appropriation than 
 they can reasonably expect at present." 
 
 The annual report of the literary and scientific committee 
 announced the delivery of lectures by Rev. F. C. Ewer, John B. 
 Gough, S. M. Hewlett, Rev. J. Hyatt Smith, and Richard O'Gor- 
 man. The latter gentleman declined to receive any pecuniary com- 
 pensation for his services. The expenditures were $1,618.85. 
 
MECHANICS AND TRADESMEN 
 
 At the annual meeting held January 14th, 1868, the following 
 officers were elected for the ensuing year: 
 
 Wilson Small, President. Richard E. Mount, Treas. 
 
 Cornelius H. Delamater, V.-Pres. William Van Norden, Sec. 
 A. F. Ockershausen, 2d Vice-Pres. Frederick W. Williams, Col. 
 
 At a meeting held February 5th, 1868, the finance committee 
 made their yearly report, stating the receipts of the Society to 
 January 1st, 1868, to have been $35,263.34; the expenditures, 
 $42,499.84. The large excess of expenditures over receipts was 
 occasioned by investments in United States securities to the amount 
 of $16,143.75. The assets of the Society were stated at $401,397.09 ; 
 the liabilities at $7,507.66. Assets over liabilities, $393,889.43. 
 
 Wilson Small, Esq., the newly elected president, delivered his 
 inaugural address. ( V r ide Appendix. ) 
 
 Daniel D. Wright was elected treasurer, to fill a vacancy. 
 
 At a meeting held July 1st, 1868, the president stated that the 
 exchange of battle-flags between the Bureau of Military Statistics at 
 Albany and this Society, for some time pending, had at last been 
 effected, and that the national flag presented by the Society to the 
 Volunteer Regiment of Engineers was now with the other flags of 
 the regiment, in the case prepared for them. 
 
 The sum of $5,500, received by the finance committee from the 
 insurance companies in payment of losses sustained by the Society 
 through the late fire, was ordered to be paid over to the treasurer. 
 
 At a meeting held January 6th, 1869, the annual report of the 
 committee on pensions showed that their expenditures during the 
 year had been $6,810, as follows: Pensions paid to members, 
 $1,622; pensions paid to widows, $4,043; to children, $270; dona- 
 tions to members, $40 ; to widows, $466 ; funeral expenses of 
 members, $116; of widows, $200; sundry expenses, $53. The 
 
164 
 
 GENERAL SOCIETY OF 
 
 whole number of pensioners on the books of the committee were 5 
 aged and infirm members, 77 widows, and 15 minor children of 
 deceased members. The committee made some interesting state- 
 ments. The oldest member on the pension list had been for sixty- 
 six years a member of the Society. Of the widows it was stated 
 that most were well advanced in years, and a few had reached 
 extreme old age. During the previous year, the committee had 
 visited all the pensioners resident in New-York and the neighbor- 
 ing cities. Although many of them were found poor, none were 
 degraded, many were highly respectable, and some were educated 
 and refined. All were worthy, and every one expressed deep grati- 
 tude to the Society for the benefits bestowed. Some interesting 
 accounts were given of the widows relieved by the Society. The 
 son of one of them was killed in the battle of the Wilderness. The 
 son of another was starved to death in Salisbury prison. The 
 oldest son of another was killed in the battle of the Wilderness ; 
 her second son, after participating in many battles, had become dis- 
 abled by disease ; her third son, enlisting at the age of fifteen years, 
 after participating in many battles, came home safe. As a rule, the 
 conduct of the orphan beneficiaries of the Society had been exem- 
 plary and encouraging. Some of them had themselves become 
 members of the Society. 
 
 The annual report of the school committee showed the whole 
 number of pupils in the drawing- school to have been 460; the 
 expenditures $1,257.54. 
 
 The annual report of the library showed the number of books 
 in the Apprentices' Library to be 37,807; in the De Milt, 4.090; 
 in the Lorillard, 843; total, 42,740. The number of readers had 
 been 5,246; of volumes loaned, 96,860. The library had been 
 closed for some time early in the year, in consequence of fire, and 
 while repairs were being made. The money received from the 
 
1870] MECHANICS AND TRADESMEN. 1 65 
 
 estate of the late Peter Lorillard ($5,000) had been appropriated for 
 the purchase of useful and standard books. The expenditures were : 
 Apprentices' Library, $14,770.64; De Milt, $370.20. 
 
 The annual report of the literary and scientific committee reported 
 the following lectures delivered : 
 
 Rev. E. H. Chapin, " Building and Being " ; Rev. F. C. Ewer, 
 "Darwin's Theory"; Rev. R. H. Thompson, "John Bull at Home": 
 Rev. A. R. Thompson, "A Word or Two about Words"; Colonel 
 F. A. Conkling, "Decisive Battles of America"; Wendell Phillips, 
 " Lost Arts." 
 
 The expenditures were $1,312.82. 
 
 The finance committee presented their annual report, which 
 stated the financial situation of the Society as follows : Receipts for 
 the year, $34,579.99 ; expenditures, $32,150.57; assets, $408,640.43; 
 liabilities, $7,507.66. Assets over liabilities, $401,132.77. There 
 was this year an excess of receipts over expenditures of $2,429.22, 
 but included in the former were the $5,500 received from the insur- 
 ance companies. There was, in fact, making this reduction, an 
 excess of expenditures over receipts. 
 
 At the annual meeting held January 12th, 1869, the following 
 officers were elected for the ensuing year : 
 
 Cornelius H. Delamater, Pres. Daniel D. Wright, Treas. 
 Adolphus F. Ockershausen, V. -Pres. William Van Norden, Sec. 
 George I. Byrd, 2d Vice-Pres. Frederick W. Williams, Col. 
 
 The newly elected president, Cornelius H. Delamater, Esq., de- 
 livered his inaugural address. (Vide Appendix.) 
 
 The fire which had taken place in Mechanics' Hall suggested 
 various changes ; and there was much difference of opinion respect- 
 ing alterations which would really be improvements. Discussion, 
 however, brought substantial agreement, and several changes which 
 
1 66 GENERAL SOCIETY OF [1864 
 
 were evidently desirable were made, including an entrance to the 
 school-room from Broadway. 
 
 At a meeting held September ist, 1869, the finance committee 
 suggested that some order should be immediately taken relative to 
 leasing the property of the Society at the corner of Broadway and 
 Park Place, as the present lease would expire on the 30th of April 
 next. This property had become very valuable, and highly desirable 
 as a location for banks, insurance companies, or other moneyed insti- 
 tutions. The Society, therefore, passed the following careful resolution : 
 
 "Resolved, That the finance committee be and are hereby 
 instructed to make known to the public that they are prepared 
 to receive proposals for leasing the property of the Society at 
 the corner of Broadway and Park Place ; and to report to the 
 Society such proposals as they may receive." 
 
 In accordance with this resolution the finance committee adver- 
 tised the property to lease, and received some applications, but found 
 that builders were unwilling to make satisfactory offers, as no 
 authority had been given to the committee, and no price had been 
 fixed upon. During the remainder of the year the subject was 
 much discussed, but no satisfactory proposal presented itself. 
 
 At a meeting held January 5th, 1870, the treasurer in his report 
 stated that the income from the sale of gold would be much less during 
 the current year. If the real estate of the Society could be favorably 
 leased, an increase of income would ensue, which would remedy the 
 deficiency and free the Society from debt incurred during the last year. 
 
 The committee on pensions reported that aid had been extended 
 during the year to 90 adults and 16 children, at an expenditure 
 of $6,855. 
 
 The annual report of the school committee showed the expendi- 
 tures for instruction during the past year to have been $1,571.97. 
 
 The annual report of the library committee showed the number 
 of books in the Apprentices' Library to be 39,785 ; in the De Milt 
 
1870] MECHANICS AND TRADESMEN. I 67 
 
 Library, 4,223; from the Lorillard bequest, 1,440; total, 45,448. 
 The number of readers during the year had been 6,321; the number 
 of volumes loaned, 105,892. The expenditures had been $10,426.08 
 for the Apprentices' Library, less money received from fines and 
 catalogues ($963.16). Actual expenditures, $9,462.92. Expenditures 
 of the De Milt Library, $303.35. 
 
 The literary and scientific committee reported lectures delivered 
 by John B. Gough, Rev. E. H. Chapin, George VV. Curtis, P. 
 Du Chaillu, George Vandenhoff, and Professor L. Youmans. Ex- 
 penditures, $1,571.12. 
 
 At the annual meeting held January nth, 1870, the following 
 officers were elected for the ensuing year : 
 
 Adolphus F. Ockershausen, Pres. Daniel D. Wright, Treas. 
 George I. Byrd, Vice-Pres. William Van Norden, Sec. 
 
 James I. Burnet, 2d Vice-Pres. Frederick W. Williams, Col. 
 
 The finance committee presented their annual report of the 
 financial condition of the Society during the past year. The receipts 
 of the Society had been $31,572.33; the expenditures, $35,378.77. 
 Excess of expenditures over receipts, $3,806.44. The assets of the 
 Society were $404,630.40; the liabilities, $9,507.66. 
 
 At a meeting held February 3d, 1870, Adolphus F. Ocker- 
 shausen, the newly elected president, delivered his inaugural address. 
 {Vide Appendix.) 
 
 A proposal was received from the Security Insurance Company, 
 offering to lease the land and premises of the Society, at the north- 
 west corner of Park Place and Broadway, at a yearly rent of 
 $24,100, for the term of twenty-one years, from May 1st, 1870, 
 with two renewals of twenty-one years each, at the rate of seven 
 per cent, upon the appraised value of the land at the time of such 
 renewals respectively, the terms of the lease to be substantially like 
 those contained in the leases of the Columbia College property in 
 
GENERAL SOCIETY. 
 
 [1864- 1870 
 
 this city, the Society to erect a first-class building of brick or stone 
 within the first year of the term, to cost not less than $100,000. 
 
 The offer was at the same meeting accepted. 
 
 At a meeting held March 2d, 1870, Brother Amos F. Hatfield, 
 architect, presented to the Society a large photograph of the build- 
 ing at the corner of Park Place and Broadway, recently taken by 
 him, which was accepted. The secretary was instructed to have 
 the picture framed and suspended in the meeting-room. 
 
 Brother James Van Norden reported that the tablet which was 
 on the front of the building at the corner of Broadway and Park 
 Place had been taken down, and deposited in the Society's rooms. 
 The matter of disposing of the tablet was referred to the school 
 committee, with power. 
 
 At a meeting held June 1st, 1870, Brother John H. Waydell 
 stated that Brother Jacob A. Westervelt, for many years a prominent 
 ship-builder of this city, being about to retire from business, and 
 having a number of models and pictures of celebrated vessels built 
 by him, would be pleased to present them to the Society. He 
 also informed the Society that Brothers Richard and Cornelius C. 
 Poillon would be pleased to present to the Society a number of 
 models and pictures of vessels built by them. The donations were 
 received with the thanks of the Society, and the matter was referred 
 to the school and library committees. 
 
 At a meeting held July 6th, 1870, the finance committee reported 
 that the corner-stone of the old Mechanics' Hall, at the corner of 
 Park Place and Broadway, had been delivered to the Society. It 
 was found imbedded in sand, with its face downward, and in as 
 good condition as when it was deposited. It was of brown stone, 
 with the following inscription on its face : 
 
 "This stone was laid for the Hall of the General Society of 
 Mechanics and Tradesmen of the City of New-York, on the 2d day 
 of August, 1802, in the 27th year of American independence." 
 
I 
 
CHAPTER XII. 
 
 CONTINUED PROSPERITY. 
 
 T a meeting held January 4th, 1 87 1, the treasurer, in his 
 annual report, stated that the slight stringency in the 
 exchequer which had existed for nearly two years had at 
 last been happily relieved. Should no unexpected exigency occur, the 
 income of the Society would be much larger the present year than 
 ever before. A century ago, it was with extreme difficulty that its 
 current needs were provided for. Since that period, and previous to 
 the past seven years, not only had a large indebtedness b en extin- 
 guished, but between $40,000 and $50,000 had been added to the 
 funded values of the Society. The treasurer also suggested that the 
 policy of economy should not be abandoned, but out of the income 
 of the future a certain amount should be set aside, principal and 
 interest, to remain inviolate, to be devoted to whatever specific pur- 
 poses this ancient and honorable corporation might determine upon. 
 
 The report of the committee on pensions showed that the roll 
 contained 92 names, viz. : those of nine members, 75 widows, and 8 
 children. The expenditures had amounted to $7,415. 
 
172 GENERAL SOCIETY OF [187 1 
 
 The annual report of the school committee showed the whole 
 number of pupils in drawing, penmanship, etc.. to have been 456, 
 and the expenditures $2,586.76. 
 
 The report of the library committee showed the number of 
 books in the Apprentices' Library to be 42,202 ; in the De Milt 
 Library, 4,278; from the Lorillard bequest, 2,287. The number of 
 readers had been 5,482. The committee reported further, that the 
 Lorillard bequest had been expended for books, in accordance with 
 the directions of the donor. The policy pursued by the committee 
 in expending the Lorillard devise had been to purchase such books 
 as would render the entire collection most complete. It was deter- 
 mined to keep the books purchased from the Lorillard bequest by 
 themselves. Progress had been made toward completing a supple- 
 mentary catalogue, which would be issued some time in February. 
 The expenditures of the Apprentices' Library had been $10,083.68; 
 of the De Milt Library, $230.05. 
 
 The literary and scientific committee reported that the follow- 
 ing persons had lectured during the year : Wendell Phillips, Rev. 
 Noah H. Schenck, Samuel S. Cox, C. F. Chandler, George Van- 
 denhoff, and Mrs. George Vandenhoff. Expenditures had been 
 $1,676.64. 
 
 At the annual meeting held January 10th, 1871, the following 
 officers were elected for the ensuing year : 
 
 George I. Byrd, President. Daniel D. Wright. Treasurer. 
 James I. Burnet, Vice-Pres. William Van Norden, Secretary. 
 Henry Wilson, 2d Vice-Pres. Frederick W. Williams, Collector. 
 
 The president on taking the chair made a short address, con- 
 gratulating the Society upon its continued prosperity. 
 
 The finance committee reported the receipts for the year at 
 $36,482.48; the expenditures at $31,145.34. The assets of the 
 
1875] MECHANICS AND TRADESMEN. 1 73 
 
 Society were stated at $401,851.56; the liabilities at $7,507.66. 
 Assets over liabilities, $394,343.90. 
 
 At a meeting held February 1st, 1871, Brother Thomas Jeremiah 
 presented resolutions to establish a sinking- fund, pledged to the 
 purchase of land in a suitable location and the erection of a hall 
 thereon for the purposes of the Society. The resolutions were 
 referred to a select committee, consisting of Messrs. Jeremiah, 
 Patterson, Ockershausen, Palmer, and Wright. 
 
 At a meeting held April 5th, 1871, the committee on the sinking 
 fund reported the following resolutions : 
 
 "Resolved, That a fund be hereby established, to be called the 
 building and sinking fund, the object of which shall be the purchase 
 of a suitable site and building, or the erection of a suitable building 
 upon such site as the Society may select, to be used as a hall for 
 its meetings and the general transaction of its business, the said 
 fund to be continued until the extinction of all debt which shall 
 remain upon the said site and the building after its purchase and 
 completion. 
 
 "Resolved, That for the maintenance of said fund the treasurer 
 be authorized to pay over to its managers, from the income of the 
 Society for the year 1871, the sum of $10,000, and a like sum 
 annually during the existence of the said fund, the managers also 
 to receive such additional appropriations of surplus as the Society 
 may be able from time to time to make, together w ith donations 
 and bequests from its members. 
 
 "Resolved, That the treasurer, with two other members, to be 
 chosen annually, as other members of standing committees are 
 chosen, shall be known as ' managers of the building and sinking- 
 fund,' whose duty it shall be to invest and keep invested the said 
 fund, with its accumulations, upon securities to be approved by the 
 Society; and whenever the surplus revenue for the year shall, from 
 
T 74 
 
 GENERAL SOCIETY OF 
 
 unforeseen circumstances, fall below the sum of ten thousand dollars, 
 as herein directed to be retained by the managers, they shall have 
 power, and they are hereby instructed, to reduce such sum, so that 
 it shall be equal to but- not exceed the surplus of any such year." 
 
 In accordance with the above resolutions, the president nomi- 
 nated and the Society appointed the following members, to con- 
 stitute, with the treasurer, the managers of the building and sinking 
 fund, viz. : Thomas Jeremiah, John Palmer. 
 
 At a meeting held December 6th, 1871, the secretary announced 
 the death of Brother William Van Norden, upon which Brother 
 William Otis Munroe offered the following preamble and resolutions, 
 which were adopted : 
 
 "Whereas, We have heard with deep regret of the sudden death 
 of our esteemed brother, William Van Norden, intimately connected 
 for many years with the Society in various responsible positions — 
 as a member of the library committee for ten years, during three 
 of which he was its secretary, and for four years its chairman, and 
 then, since 1854, as secretary of the Society, and as librarian of 
 the Apprentices' Library, during all of which time he has exhibited 
 a praiseworthy zeal and proved himself alive to the best interests 
 of the Society ; 
 
 "Resolved, That in the death of our lamented associate the 
 Society has sustained a severe loss ; that his sudden removal has 
 deprived them of a most worthy member, an able and efficient 
 secretary, and an accomplished and faithful superintendent of the 
 library. 
 
 "Resolved, That the present prosperous condition of the library 
 is chiefly owing to his zealous devotion to its interests, and to 
 his untiring efforts to extend the sphere of its usefulness during 
 the many years in which he was connected with it as its leading 
 official. 
 
MECHANICS AND TRADESMEN. 
 
 175 
 
 "Resolved, That we bear cheerful testimony to his many kindly 
 qualities of head and heart, to his strict integrity, his untiring 
 zeal for the welfare of the Society, and to his well-stored mind, 
 which so eminently fitted him to fill the onerous and responsible 
 offices consigned to his care. 
 
 "Resolved, That we express our heartfelt sympathy with his 
 bereaved family, and pray with them that He who, in His infinite 
 wisdom, has seen fit to remove him from the midst of his labors 
 so congenial to his taste, may inspire them with strength to bear 
 meekly the heavy affliction that has fallen upon them." 
 
 It was also resolved that the salary of the late secretary be 
 continued to the end of the year and paid over to his family. 
 
 Brother Thomas Earle volunteered to act as secretary during 
 the remainder of the official year. 
 
 A communication was received from A. F. Hastings, receiver 
 of the Security Insurance Company, asking the consent of the 
 Society to a sale of the lease of the property at the corner of 
 Broadway and Park Place. The subject was referred to a com- 
 mittee consisting of the finance committee and the officers of the 
 Society, with power. 
 
 John A. Browning was appointed to a scholarship in Columbia 
 College, in accordance with the recommendation of the school com- 
 mittee. 
 
 At a meeting held January 3d, 1872, the treasurer made a favor- 
 able report of the monetary interests of the Society during the 
 past year. 
 
 The annual report of the committee on pensions showed that 
 aid had been extended during the year to 91 adults and 9 children, 
 to the amount of $7,840. Ninety pensioners remained upon the 
 roll. 
 
 The school committee reported 51 pupils during the year in 
 
176 
 
 GENERAL SOCIETY OF 
 
 mechanical and architectural drawing; 19 in penmanship and book- 
 keeping, and 271 in free-hand drawing. Total, 341. Expenditures, 
 $2,586.76. 
 
 The library committee presented their annual report, showing the 
 number of volumes in the Apprentices' Library to be 44,190; in the 
 De Milt, 4,340; purchased from the Lorillard bequest, 2,283; total, 
 50,813. The number of readers was as follows: apprentices, 3,739; 
 women, 2,249; P a >' m g readers, 161; members, 145. The number 
 of volumes loaned was 110,130. The expenditures of the Appren- 
 tices' Library were $11,379.09, less catalogues, payment by readers, 
 and fines — $1,462.91 ; net expenditures of the Apprentices' Library, 
 $9,916.18. Expenditures of the De Milt Library, $348.66. 
 
 The literary and scientific committee reported that lectures had 
 been delivered during the past season by the following gentlemen : 
 Professor E. L. Youmans. George W. Curtis, James E. Murdoch, 
 Rev. G. I. Mingins, Rev. John Hall, David Mitchell, I. I. Sedgwick, 
 and George Vandenhoff. The expenditures were $2,136.68. 
 
 The annual report of the building and sinking fund committee 
 stated that it had drawn from the treasurer the allotted amount for 
 the year, and had invested the same in United States 5-20-1867 
 bonds, viz.: $9,000 at 11 equal to $10,001.25. 
 
 At the annual meeting held January 9th, 1872, the following 
 officers were elected for the ensuing year : 
 
 James I. Burnet, President. Daniel D. Wright, Treasurer. 
 Henry Wilsox, Vice-Pres. Thomas Earle, Secretary. 
 
 William H. Gednev, 2d V.-Pres. Frederick W. Williams, Col. 
 
 Brother W. H. Gedney offered the following resolution, which 
 was adopted : 
 
 "Resolved, That a committee of three be appointed to procure 
 the passage of an amendment to the charter of the Society, at the 
 
MECHANICS AND TRADESMEN 
 
 177 
 
 present session of the Legislature of the State, permitting the Society 
 to hold property not exceeding in value $1,500,000, and that all 
 members, citizens of the United States, shall be entitled to all its 
 privileges and benefits, and eligible to any of its offices." 
 
 Messrs. Gedney, Earle, and Walker were appointed such committee. 
 
 At a meeting held February 7th, 1872, the finance committee 
 presented their general annual report, as follows : 
 
 RECEIPTS. 
 
 Rent Park Place property, $24,100 .00 
 
 " Chambers street property, 3,000.00 
 
 " Mechanics' Hall, 7,999 .95 
 
 Dividend Mechanics' National Bank stock, . . 2,027 50 
 
 Interest on U. S. securities, 2,580 .00 
 
 Premium on gold, 298 . 56 
 
 Initiation fees, 1,150.00 
 
 U. S. bonds, sold $8,000 and 110^, .... 8,840.00 
 
 Library Committee, 1,462 91 
 
 $5 1.458 . 02 
 
 EXPENDITURES. ta ^ J y 
 
 Ground rent $ 1 2 5 . 00 
 
 Taxes and repairs 1,519 .45 
 
 Salaries, . 1,789.50 
 
 U. S. bonds and interest, 9-073 .07 
 
 Finance Committee, 3>°/3 97 
 
 Committee on Pensions 7,840.00 
 
 School Committee, 2,579 .46 
 
 Apprentices' Library, 11,379.09 
 
 De Milt " 348 .66 
 
 Literary and Scientific Committee, . . . . 2,136 .68 
 
 $3 9 7864~88 
 
 Receipts, $51,458.92 
 
 Expenditures, 39,864.88 
 
 Excess of Receipts, $11,594 .04 
 
I78 GENERAL SOCIETY OF ^871 
 
 ASSETS. 
 
 Real estate Park Place and Broadway, . . $200,000.00 
 
 " " Crosby street and Broadway, . 100,000 00 
 
 " " Leasehold Chambers street, . . 4,000 00 
 Eight hundred and eleven shares Mechanics' 
 
 National Bank stock, par, 20,275 .00 
 
 United States bonds, par, 43,000 00 
 
 " " " Building and Sinking 
 
 Fund, $9,000, par, 10,001 25 
 
 Books and furniture, 41,000 00 
 
 Cash with treasurer, 5>476 . 26 
 
 " " committees, 2,698.09 
 
 $426,450 . 60 
 
 LIABILITIES. 
 
 Due Library Fund, $1,907 66 
 
 " De Milt Library, .... 5,000.00 
 
 " " " Interest 300.00 
 
 " " " Improvement, . . 300.00 — $7,507.66 
 
 Assets over liabilities, $418,942 .94 
 
 At a meeting held March 6th, 1872, was presented the act 
 
 passed by the Legislature of the State of New-York, in accordance 
 with the petition agreed upon January 9th, 1872. ( Vide Appendix.) 
 
 The school committee recommended that the vacant scholarship 
 in Columbia College be conferred upon Charles E. Jackson, which 
 recommendation was confirmed. 
 
 At a meeting held June 19th, 1872, the death was reported of 
 Brother Frederick W. Williams, collector, who for many years had 
 held that office. It was ordered that his salary be paid to his widow 
 during the remainder of his official term. Brother W. Otis Munroe 
 kindly offered to perform the duties of the office gratuitously for 
 the remainder of the financial year. 
 
MECHANICS AND TRADESMEN. 
 
 179 
 
 The committee appointed at a previous meeting to select burial 
 lots, stated that they had the refusal of twelve lots in the Cypress 
 Hill Cemetery, containing four hundred superficial feet each. They 
 recommended that the committee be authorized to purchase these 
 lots, and it was so authorized. 
 
 At a meeting held September 4th, 1872, the committee above- 
 mentioned reported the purchase of the burial lots in Cypress Hill 
 Cemetery. It was instructed to have the lots graded at once, and 
 to report upon the matter of fencing the lots. 
 
 At a meeting held January 8th, 1873, tne treasurer reported the 
 receipts of the Society for the past year to have been $65,455.66; the 
 disbursements, $65,134.58; balance, $321.08. Balance in United 
 States Trust Company, $4,737.50. Total balance, January ist, 1873, 
 $5,058.58. 
 
 The treasurer in his report said : "I claim it an honor to act 
 with and for an institution that for more than four score years has 
 kept the even tenor of its way of usefulness and benevolence, 
 unspotted before the world." 
 
 The finance committee also reported its receipts during the year 
 to have been $3,174.97; its disbursements, $2,891.07; its balance to 
 be $283.90. It also reported the buildings of the Society to be in 
 good condition. At the corner of Broadway and Park Plaice a new 
 and substantial building had been erected, in accordance with the 
 terms of the lease. The property on Chambers street had been 
 repaired and repainted by the lessee. The property at Broadway 
 and Crosby street had been repaired and repainted, and was in 
 very good condition. 
 
 The annual report of the committee on pensions showed that 
 relief had been extended to 86 adults and 8 children. The total 
 expenditures were $7,310. At present there were 85 pensioners 
 under its charge, viz. : 5 members, 74 widows, and 6 children. The 
 
l80 GENERAL SOCIETY OF [1871 
 
 committee added the following: "Two of the members on the pension 
 roll have been for a number of years in a very sick and helpless 
 condition, and are wholly dependent on the committee for their 
 means of support. There are no hopes of their recovery. The other 
 three members, though all verging on eighty years of age, are in 
 comparatively good health for their time of life. By the assistance of 
 friends they are placed above fear of want, and the pension of $156 
 per annum is a great help and solace to them in their declining years. 
 The seventy-four widows vary in age from forty-five to eighty-eight 
 years. They are each allowed a pension of $52 per annum, besides 
 donations from time to time ; many of them are able by industry to 
 contribute to their own support ; others who are aged are taken care 
 of by relatives and friends ; and there are two who have been sick 
 and helpless for several years, one of whom is wholly, and the other 
 partially, supported by the committee. The committee have much 
 satisfaction in stating that, although most of these widows are very 
 poor, they are all respectable and worthy the support of the Society." 
 
 The school committee reported that during the year 526 pupils 
 had been instructed, as follows : free-hand drawing, 347; book-keep- 
 ing and writing, 90; architectural drawing, 47; mechanical drawing, 
 42. The expenditures had been $2,496.86. Good progress was re- 
 ported by the committee in the different departments of the school. 
 
 The annual report of the library committee showed the whole 
 number of volumes in the Apprentices' Library to be 37,202; in the 
 De Milt Library, 4,509; total. 41,711. The number of readers had 
 been as follows: apprentices, 4,205; women. 2,813; P a Y readers, 121 ; 
 members of the Society, 125; total, 7,264. The number of volumes 
 loaned were 121,550. The expenditures of the Apprentices' Library 
 were $9,989.52, less $1,167.55 P a 'd for catalogues, fines, etc. Actual 
 expenditure, $8,821.97. The expenditures of the De Milt Library 
 were $344.56. 
 
1875] MECHANICS AND TRADESMEN.' l8l 
 
 The literary and scientific committee presented their annual 
 report, from which it appeared that lectures had been delivered 
 by F. H. Warwick, Peter Stryker, Charles F. Deems, G. T. 
 Mingins, E. S. Youmans, George W. Curtis, James E. Murdoch, 
 and John B. Gough. The expenditures were $2,003.13. The 
 lectures were reported to have been very largely attended. 
 
 The annual report of the building and sinking fund committee 
 showed the following schedule of assets on hand January 1st, 1873: 
 
 United States five-twenty (1867) bonds, cost, . $10,001.25 
 
 (1881) " " . 10,192.50 
 
 Interest on United States bonds, 540.00 
 
 Premium on gold, 68.85 
 
 Interest on call loans 272.53 
 
 On hand as above $21,075 13 
 
 At this time it appeared that this important trust had been 
 reduced to perfect working order. It was felt that under the fostering 
 aid of the Society, and through careful, vigilant, and skillful guardian- 
 ship, the building and sinking fund would prove a valuable auxiliary 
 in the benevolent operations of the Society, whose duty it was to care 
 for the aged, the widowed, and the fatherless. The committee also 
 mentioned in appropriate terms the death of the venerable proposer 
 and constructor of the fund, Brother Thomas Jeremiah. 
 
 A communication was received from the Mechanics and Traders' 
 Association of Brooklyn, thanking the Society for a donation of 
 nearly one thousand volumes of books. 
 
 At the annual meeting held January 14th, 1873, the following 
 officers were elected for the ensuing year : 
 
 Henry Wilson, President. Daniel D. Wright, Treas. 
 
 William H. Gedney, Vice-Pres. Thomas Earle, Secretary. 
 Wm. Otis Munroe, 2d Vice-Pres. John E. Hoagland, Collector. 
 
1 82 GENERAL SOCIETY OF [1871 
 
 A resolution was offered by Brother Henry Moore, as follows : 
 
 "Resolved, That the Society, recognizing the influence that woman 
 is exciting in the community at the present time, will forthwith open 
 a day school for women, .the mornings to be devoted to ordinary 
 English studies, and the afternoons to the stud)' of telegraphy, 
 drawing, and stenography." The resolution failed of a passage. 
 
 At a meeting held February 5th, 1873, th e finance committee 
 made its annual report. The receipts were stated at $60,631.40; 
 the expenditures at $30,067.19; balance, $30,564.21. The assets 
 were stated at $563,839.21 ; the liabilities at $7,507.66; assets over 
 liabilities, $55 6 «33 1 -55- 
 
 At a meeting held March 5th, 1873, Brother H. L. Slote, in 
 accordance with notice given by him at the last meeting, offered 
 the following preamble and resolution : 
 
 " Whereas, The present location of our library, school, and place 
 of meeting, although exceedingly valuable for commercial and busi- 
 ness purposes, is not now calculated for its original uses, from its 
 lower position in the city ; and thinking it a duty to seek for another 
 and more central location, 
 
 "Resolved, That the finance committee be and they are hereby 
 instructed to advertise our present location, in any manner which it 
 may deem advisable, offering a lease for a term of years, with cov- 
 enants of renewal, and obligations to build thereon and improve the 
 same, the said lease to date from May 1st. 1874; or if the com- 
 mittee deem proper, to consider the propriety of selling the estate. 
 
 "Resolved, That the finance committee be likewise instructed, 
 during the interim, to ascertain upon what terms a building could 
 be leased for the temporary purposes of the Society, if the present 
 estate should be disposed of." 
 
 Brother Marc Eidlitz offered the following preamble and resolu- 
 tions, which were adopted : 
 
MECHANICS AND TRADESMEN 
 
 " Whereas, It appears advisable to take into consideration the 
 acquisition of a suitable building lot, and the erection thereon of 
 proper buildings for a new Mechanics' Hall ; therefore, 
 
 " Resolved, That a committee consisting of the president, vice- 
 presidents, one representative of each standing committee, and four 
 other brothers nominated by the chair, be appointed to take into 
 consideration the propriety of an immediate change of location, and 
 to prepare an estimate of the probable cost of suitable land and of 
 the appropriate buildings to be erected thereon ; and also to recom- 
 mend to the Society a feasible financial scheme for carrying out the 
 object of this resolution." 
 
 The president appointed, as such committee, Messrs. Henry L. 
 Slote, Marc Eidlitz, Andrew Mills, Daniel D. Wright, John T. 
 Conover, John Nichol, H. M. Smith, William H. Gedney, Thomas 
 Earle, Freeman Bloodgood, Christian Metzgar, W. Otis Munroe, 
 Henry Wilson. 
 
 At a meeting held April 2d, 1873, the by-laws were amended, 
 providing that the regular meetings of the Society should be held on 
 the first Wednesday of May, June, and September, at 8 o'clock p. m. 
 Certain committees were required to report quarterly. Donations, 
 by another amendment, were limited to twenty dollars in one month ; 
 and another amendment limited funeral expenses in eac.i case to 
 eighty dollars. 
 
 At a meeting held January 7th, 1874, the treasurer presented 
 his annual report, showing the receipts for the past year to have 
 been $62,816.20; the disbursements to have been $62,760.47, includ- 
 ing, among other items, cash in United States Trust Company, on call, 
 $21,000; building and sinking fund, $10,268.12; pensions, $7,500; 
 library, $10,300; literary and scientific committee, $1,900; the 
 balance was $4,055.73. Amidst great financial depression and loss, 
 the investments of the Society remained intact. 
 
184 GENERAL SOCIETY OF [1871 
 
 The finance committee reported its receipts at $6,020.46, and its 
 disbursements at $5,499.23, with a balance of $521.23. 
 
 The committee on pensions reported its receipts at $8,619 ! lts 
 disbursements at $7,3 1 1 ; balance, $1,308. The number of pensioners 
 on the roll call was stated at 80. 
 
 The school committee reported its receipts at $3,414.36; its 
 disbursements at $2,868.94 ; balance, $545.42. The number of 
 pupils in the drawing-school was reported to have been 490. Four 
 free-hand drawing teachers, with one architectural, one mechanical, 
 and one teacher of book-keeping and writing, were employed. 
 
 The annual report of the library committee stated the receipts 
 of the Apprentices' Library to have been $12,953.96; its disburse- 
 ments, $12,117.61; balance, $836.35. The receipts of the De Milt 
 Library had been $385.10; the disbursements, $378.66; balance, 
 $6.44. The number of volumes in the Apprentices' Library was 
 reported to be 47,640; in the De Milt Library, 4,657; total, 52,297. 
 The number of readers during the year had been 7,261 ; of volumes 
 loaned, 112,118. Approbation was expressed of the manner in 
 which the library was now managed. 
 
 The annual report of the literary and scientific committee showed 
 the receipts to have been $2,670.88; the disbursements, $1,586.06; 
 balance, $1,084.82. Lectures had been delivered, during the season, 
 by Rev. W illiam Ormiston, T. T. Sedgwick, T. H. Warwick, Bret 
 Harte, W. C. Richards, and T. De Cordova. 
 
 The building and sinking fund committee reported the total 
 amount of the fund to be $32,075.97, invested in United States 
 bonds, New-York City bonds, and in savings banks. The fund 
 was reported to be in a healthy and growing condition, and the 
 committee expressed the hope that, if generously nurtured and care- 
 fully guarded, it might prove itself of great value to the Society. 
 
 The report of the secretary, upon this occasion, was particularly 
 interesting. It appeared from his statements that at this time there 
 
,875] MECHANICS AND TRADESMEN. 1 85 
 
 were upon the rolls of the Society the names of 1,059 members. 
 Of these, 570 were regularly notified of the appointed meetings of 
 the Society. Of those not thus regularly notified, many were living 
 in localities outside the city and its' environs, their address and 
 whereabouts being unknown to the Society. It was a curious cir- 
 cumstance that, during the year comprehended in the report, thir- 
 teen old members had died, and fourteen new members had been 
 admitted to the Society. This did not show an increase ; but 
 neither did it show any important diminution. At the same time, it 
 was considered somewhat remarkable that the increase of member- 
 ship, considering its great advantages, had not been larger. 
 
 Upon a report from the committee having the matter in charge, 
 it appeared that the lots adjoining those of the Society, six in num- 
 ber, could be purchased at $80 each, with interest from the date of 
 the last purchase of the Society. The committee was thereupon 
 instructed to purchase these additional lots. 
 
 At the annual meeting held January 13th, 1874, the following 
 officers were elected for the ensuing year : 
 
 William H. Gedney, President. Daniel D. Wright, Trcas. 
 William Otis Munroe, Vice-Pres. Thomas Earle, Secretary. 
 Havilah M. Smith, 2d Vice-Pres. J. E. Hoagland, Collector. 
 
 At a meeting held February 4th, 1874, William H. Gedney, 
 the president elected, delivered his inaugural address. ( Vide Ap- 
 pendix.) 
 
 The finance committee reported the balance on hand, January 
 1st, 1874, to be $30,565.66, and the receipts for the year to have 
 been $73,693.81. The expenditures were stated at $33,259.85. 
 Balance to the credit of the committee, $40,433.96. The assets of 
 the Society were stated at $573,708.96, and the liabilities at 
 $7,507.66. Thus, the assets over liabilities were $566,201.30. 
 
l86 GENERAL SOCIETY OF [^71 
 
 At this meeting, Brother W. A. Walker presented the meaning 
 of the words " Mechanics and Tradesmen," in the charter of the 
 Society. The opinion of the committee, as expressed in its report, 
 was as follows : " The words ' Mechanics and Tradesmen.' as they 
 were connected by the founders of our Society, simply mean that it 
 was never intended that any one but a mechanic, or one who has 
 learned a trade, should become a member of the Society." A 
 minority report was presented, the purport of which was that " all 
 persons directly connected with a mechanical business should be 
 eligible to membership." It does not appear that any decisive 
 action was taken on this subject by the Society at this time. 
 
 At a meeting held September 2d, 1874. it was 
 
 "Resolved, That a special committee be appointed for the pur- 
 pose of taking into consideration the propriety of merging the De 
 Milt with the general library." 
 
 At the next meeting the committee reported that it was ex- 
 pedient, on account of the detail occasioned by the keeping of 
 separate accounts of the Apprentices' Library and the De Milt 
 Library, to merge the same in the following manner, viz. : All the 
 books from the De Milt Library shall be marked with a star, and 
 with an explanation that they are the bequest, either literally or by 
 purchase, of Benjamin, Elizabeth, and Sarah De Milt. 
 
 That specially valuable books, and those out of print, be marked 
 by an asterisk, only to be consulted at the library, and not loaned. 
 
 That a nominal sum be charged (say twenty-five cents) upon 
 the loan of books from the De Milt Library, in accordance with 
 the provisions of the bequest. The privileges of the De Milt 
 were to be extended to all persons paying for the use of books in 
 the Apprentices' Library. 
 
 The resolution offered by Brother W. Otis Munroe, at the last 
 meeting, and then laid upon the table, was taken up, and, after 
 consideration, adopted : 
 
1875] MECHANICS A NT) TRADESMEN. 1 87 
 
 "Resolved, That a committee of five be appointed, who, with the 
 finance committee, shall have power to purchase suitable ground for 
 the erection of a building for the use of the General Society of 
 Mechanics and Tradesmen of the City' of New-York, said ground to 
 be not south of Fourteenth street, nor north of Forty-second street, 
 and between Seventh Avenue on the west, and Third Avenue on the 
 east, and to cost not more than $200,000, the proper officers of the 
 Society being authorized to complete the purchase, execute the neces- 
 sary papers, and provide for the required payments." 
 
 At a meeting held January 6th, 1875, treasurer reported the 
 receipts of the Society, for the past year, to have been $47,315.04; 
 the disbursements, $47,140. The balances were: in bank, $175.04; 
 with the Trust Company, $4,500 ; total, $4,675.04. The treasurer 
 declined to recommend the erection of a new building, at this time, 
 by the Society. 
 
 The annual report of the finance committee stated its receipts at 
 $3,271.23; its disbursements at $2,937.09; its balance at $334.14. 
 
 The committee on pensions reported its receipts at $9,308 ; its 
 disbursements at $7,744; its balance at $1,564. There were upon 
 the roll 6 members, 67 widows, and 3 children. 
 
 The annual report of the school committee showed the receipts 
 to have been $3,043.21; the disbursements, ,$3,074.13; due the 
 committee, $30.92. 
 
 The library committee reported its receipts during the year to 
 have been $12,352.41; its disbursements, $12,788.87; due library 
 committee, $436.46. The De Milt Library showed a balance in its 
 favor of $49.02. The number of readers in the library had been 
 6,868; the number of volumes loaned, 129,273. 
 
 It was during the years 1872 and 1873 that all the books in 
 the Apprentices' Library and De Milt Library, including those pur- 
 chased by the funds of the Lorillard bequest, were re-arranged and 
 consolidated upon the shelves of the library, upon a system invented 
 
1 88 GENERAL SOCIETY OF [1871 
 
 1))- the librarian — an ingenious feature of notation, in accordance 
 with which all the books were numbered. This rendered the cata- 
 logue of 1865 useless. A new one was prepared and published. 
 The committee expressed' regret that the whole burthen of its cost 
 should have fallen upon the appropriation of last year, as this had 
 crippled the resources of the committee. 
 
 The committee said, in their report: "The books transferred 
 will probably be ready for circulation in the course of the current 
 library year, and from an approximate count will comprise about 
 1,831 volumes, embracing the following subjects: 
 
 "i. General works and natural sciences,. . . 1 70 vols. 
 
 2. Useful arts, . 109 " 
 
 3. Fine arts, poetry, literature, and philology, . 398 " 
 
 4. Prose fiction, 78 " 
 
 5. History, geography, voyages, and travels, . . 526 " 
 
 6. Biography and historical miscellany, . . . . 201 
 
 7. Political and social sciences, 134 " 
 
 8. Philosophy 49 " 
 
 9. Theology, 166 " 
 
 Total '*..... 1,831 vols. 
 
 " The volumes remaining consist of books of reference, public 
 documents, periodicals, and books unsuitable by their bulk, cost, 
 or rarity, or for some special reason difficult, if not impossible, of 
 replacement, and comprise about 2,860 volumes, which w ill form the 
 nucleus of the reference department of the library. 
 
 "The independent existence of the De Milt Library, as a sepa- 
 rate collection, will therefore cease, and the Apprentices' Library in 
 future will consist of two departments — reference and circulating. 
 
 "The original De Milt Library consisted of 1,896 volumes, and 
 was bequeathed to the Society by the will of Benjamin De Milt, in 
 the following words : 
 
MECHANICS AND TRADESMEN 
 
 189 
 
 " The use of my miscellaneous library I give and bequeath to my brother, 
 Samuel De Milt, during his natural life, and at his decease I give the same 
 to the General Society of Mechanics and Tradesmen of the City of New-York, 
 to be used and improved as a pay library forever, and to be kept in as good 
 condition and as valuable as the same shall be when received by the Society. 
 
 "Samuel De Milt died early in 1845, ar >d the collection was 
 accepted and received by the Society, and was placed in charge of 
 the library committee, who arranged it in a conspicuous place in 
 the library, and published a catalogue of it (which, by-the-by, was 
 the only separate catalogue of the De Milt Library ever published) 
 in 1846. 
 
 " The books were allowed to circulate on the payment of twenty- 
 five cents by apprentices, and fifty cents per annum by the other 
 readers. 
 
 "In 1850, Miss Elizabeth De Milt, the sister of Benjamin De 
 Milt, bequeathed five thousand dollars to the Society for its general 
 purposes, and five thousand dollars besides ' for the enlargement and 
 improvement of the De Milt Library.' The Society, at its meeting 
 on December 4th, 1850, resolved that this sum 'be securely and 
 permanently invested by the finance committee, and that the annual 
 income accruing from said investment shall be yearly expended 
 under the direction of the library committee, for the enlarging and 
 improvement of the De Milt Library.' 
 
 " In the same year, another sister, Miss Sarah De Milt, be- 
 queathed for the same purpose, of ' enlargement and improvement 
 of the De Milt Library,' the sum of two thousand dollars. Fifteen 
 hundred dollars of this amount has long since been expended, in 
 accordance with the terms of the bequest, leaving a balance of five 
 hundred dollars still due and unexpended on account of the De 
 Milt Library. 
 
 " The sum of three hundred dollars has been received annually 
 from the Society, as the interest on the five thousand dollars 
 
190 
 
 GENERAL SOCIETY OF 
 
 bequeathed by Miss Elizabeth De Milt, and from this source the 
 yearly additions have been made. 
 
 "Since 1854 the library has been kept exclusively as a reference 
 department, a small sum usually being charged for the privilege of 
 consulting the books. The use made of this privilege has been very 
 small, and experience has convinced the committee that our readers 
 and members, as a class, have not the time to spend in reading the 
 books in the library, and. that a large proportion of the books are 
 of such a nature, that many of the readers would be glad to take 
 them home ; for which reason it is thought that the transfer will 
 better enable the committee to carry out the spirit and intention 
 of the bequest than any previous measures." 
 
 The annual report of the literary and scientific committee showed 
 the receipts to have been $2,084.82; the disbursements, $1,569.72; 
 balance in favor of the committee, $515.10. The lectures during 
 the year were delivered by Elihu Burritt, Benson J. Lossing, Wendell 
 Phillips. John B. Gough, S. T. Sedgwick, and W. S. Andrews. 
 
 The annual report of the building and sinking fund committee 
 showed the whole amount of the fund to be $39,561.35. 
 
 At the annual meeting of the Society, held January 12th, 1875, 
 the following officers were elected for the ensuing year : 
 
 William Otis Munroe, President. Daniel D. Wright, Treasurer. 
 Havilah M. Smith, Vice-Pres. Thomas Earle, Secretary. 
 Edwin Dobds, 2d Vice-Pres. Enoch Stratton, Collector. 
 
 At a meeting held February 3d, 1875, Brother W. Otis Munroe, 
 the newly elected president, delivered his inaugural address. ( Vide 
 Appendix.) 
 
 The finance committee made its annual report as follows: On 
 hand January 1st, 1874, and received from various sources, $78,992.25; 
 expended during the year, $46,231.37. The whole amount of the 
 
1875] MECHANICS AND TRADESMEN. I9I 
 
 assets was $579,506.27; of liabilities, $7,507.66. Assets over liabil- 
 ities, $571,998.61. 
 
 At a meeting held March 3d, 1875, ^ was 
 
 "■Resolved, That the Society procure a new seal, and that the 
 president, vice-president, and chairman of the finance committee 
 constitute a committee to propose a suitable device and inscrip- 
 tion for the same." 
 
 At the next meeting, the committee presented a draft of the 
 proposed seal, which was accepted. 1 
 
 At a meeting held October 6th, 1875, Brother A. F. Ockershausen 
 presented the report of the committee on location, as follows : 
 
 " The committee appointed by you for the selection of a new 
 site for the use of the Society would respectfully report to you the 
 progress made in the discharge of their duty. We have held a 
 number of meetings, generally fully attended, and have had pre- 
 sented to us in the district designated by you fifty different loca- 
 tions, with prices varying from $90,000 to $450,000 — most of which 
 have been examined by some of the members of the committee 
 personally. The most prominent location presented was on Seven- 
 teenth street, facing Union Square Park, price $350,000, which 
 placed it beyond the action of your committee. 
 
 " A desirable location on Fourth Avenue, between Eighteenth and 
 Nineteenth streets, 78 by 150, could be purchased for $150,000. 
 
 " A prominent location on Broadway, corner of Thirty-ninth 
 street, 100 by 100, could be purchased for $200,000. 
 
 "These places are merely selected from those examined by your 
 committee as references as to the prices wanted by owners of real 
 estate. As the result of the experience of your committee, we find 
 that all the desirable localities presented to us are still held by the 
 owners at about the same prices that were obtained several years 
 
 An engraving of this seal is shown on page 62; of the first seal, on page 1. 
 
192 
 
 GENERAL SOCIETY 
 
 [1871- 1875 
 
 ago. Your committee have not felt justified in taking any action in 
 the way of purchasing, in such an un propitious state of affairs, not- 
 withstanding they feel the necessity of removal from the present 
 location, and a desire to carry out the instructions of the Society. 
 They cannot see their way clear to do so, should they pay for the 
 location the sums now asked by the owners for desirable property. 
 From present indications, they are of the opinion that the Society, 
 by delay, will not be the loser, as there does not appear to be any 
 probability of any advance in the price of real estate for the present. 
 They present this report to the Society, at this time, for their 
 information as to the action of the committee, and await further 
 instructions." 
 
CHAPTER XIII. 
 
 CHANGE OF LOCATION. 
 
 T a meeting held January 5th, 1876, the treasurer presented 
 his annual report. The balance, January 1st, 1875, was 
 $4,675.04, which, with the receipts during the year, 
 amounted to $41,074.08. The expenditures and disbursements 
 amounted to $36,500.80. Balance, $4,573.28. The committee said 
 that: "The past year has not been marked by any event worthy of 
 notice in the financial department of the Society. The present con- 
 dition of its exchequer, though the income is still shorn somewhat 
 of its former dimensions, exhibits a consolatory increase, and the 
 members of the Society, under the exercise of a generous economy 
 and a careful guidance of its trusts, may confidently anticipate that 
 the advent of the Society's centennial will show its superstructure 
 still firm, and worthy a Society formed to elevate and benefit 
 humanity." 
 
 The annual report of the finance committee showed its receipts 
 to have been $4,334.14, and its disbursements $4,241.54. Balance, 
 $92.60. 
 
 The annual report of the committee on pensions showed its 
 receipts to have been $9,064; its disbursements $7,727. Balance, 
 
196 
 
 GENERAL SOCIETY OF 
 
 [1876 
 
 $1,337. Relief had been extended to seven members, sixty-five 
 widows, and six children. 
 
 The annual report of the school committee showed the receipts 
 from all sources to have been $3,314.04; the disbursements, 
 $3,246.79. Balance, $67.25. Instruction in drawing, writing, and 
 book-keeping had been given to 329 pupils. 
 
 The annual report of the library committee showed the receipts 
 of the Apprentices' Library to have been : from the treasury, 
 $10,000, and from all other sources, $11,241.45; the disbursements, 
 $10,106.97. Balance, $1,134.48. The receipts of the I)e Milt 
 Library were $849.02 ; the disbursements, $222.66. Balance, 
 $626.36. The number of volumes in the library, 52,704; the 
 number of readers as follows : Apprentices (gratuitous), 3,439 ; of 
 women (gratuitous), 2,302; of those paying, 204; and of members, 
 147; total, 6,092. There had been a transfer from the De Milt 
 Library to the circulating department of 1,831 volumes. 
 
 The annual report of the literary and scientific committee showed 
 its receipts to have been $2,515.10, and its expenditures $1,883.99. 
 Balance, $631.11. Lectures had been delivered by Messrs. W. C. 
 Richards, Rev. H. C. Potter, R. I. De Cordova, A. A. Starr, 
 Charles Roberts, Jr., Rev. H. M. Gallaher, and Bayard Taylor. 
 
 The annual report of the building and sinking ftind committee 
 showed the amount of the fund, January 1st, 1875, to have been 
 $39,561.35. This had been increased during the year, by interest, 
 dividends, and by $5,108.37 received from the treasurer, to $47,244.44. 
 
 At the annual meeting held January nth, 1876, the following 
 officers were elected for the ensuing year : 
 
 Havilah M. Smith, President. Daniel D. Wright, Treasurer. 
 Edwin Dobbs, Vice-Pres. Thomas Earle, Secretary. 
 
 Henry L. Slote, 2d Vice-Pres. Enoch Stratton, Collector. 
 
i88o] 
 
 MECHANICS AND TRADESMEN 
 
 I 9 7 
 
 At a meeting held February 2d, 1876, the president, Havilah M. 
 Smith, Esq., delivered his inaugural address. ( Vide Appendix.) 
 
 The finance committee presented their annual report, showing the 
 receipts to have been from all sources, during the year, $87,060.27; 
 the expenditures, $31,353.75; balance, $55,706.52. The assets were 
 $588,481.52; the liabilities were $7,207.66; assets over liabilities, 
 $581,273.86. 
 
 At a meeting held June 7th, 1876, a scholarship in the New- York 
 University was conferred on Frank E. Bogart, son of Brother Philip E. 
 Bogart. 
 
 The school committee, in their report, recommended the appoint- 
 ment of Francis D. Jackson to a scholarship in Columbia College ; 
 which report was accepted, and the recommendation adopted. 
 
 At a meeting held October 4th, 1876, the president and vice- 
 president were requested to confer with the Faculty of Columbia 
 College, with reference to the interest of the Society in the School 
 of Mines of that college. The committee subsequently reported an 
 interview with President Barnard, of the college, and with Professor 
 Chandler, of the School of Mines. It was the opinion of President 
 Barnard that the privileges of the School of Mines had already been 
 extended to the scholarships of the Society. If not, action in that 
 direction should be taken at the next meeting of the trusiees. 
 
 At a meeting held January 3d, 1877, the treasurer presented 
 his annual report, from which it appeared that the receipts of the 
 Society for the past year had been $41,438.03, and the disburse- 
 ments, $38,237.18; balance, $3,200.85. The treasurer, in his report, 
 said: "I desire to claim no merit for myself in the matter, while 
 stating that the finances of the Society may be truly said to be in 
 a flourishing condition ; no loss or shrinkage has occurred during 
 the year just past, whilst the means have been promptly furnished, 
 and the good work has gone on, by the committees, of aiding 
 
198 
 
 GENERAL SOCIETY OF 
 
 [1876 
 
 the stricken ones, and providing a rich mental feast by the school 
 and library for all the industrious young who choose to avail 
 themselves of the same. 
 
 " A glance at the report of the building and sinking fund com- 
 mittee shows that the Society has been enabled during the period 
 named to increase its store — not a princely amount, to be sure, but 
 quite enough to form a subject for sincere congratulation, which 
 few societies or individuals can indulge in at the present time. 
 
 " There is no doubt that the theory that has produced this result 
 will, if faithfully and vigilantly pursued, ultimately put the Society 
 in a position to leave its present location, which, to some of its 
 members, is a subject of anxiety ; but those should remember that 
 this old hall is held in deep veneration by thousands who have been 
 made mentally strong, for the battle of life, therein, and until the 
 time of removal shall safely come around, must reflect that the good 
 work done therein does most surely sanctify the situation." 
 
 The annual report of the finance committee showed its receipts to 
 have been $3,092.60, and its disbursements $2,837. 1 2 ; balance, $255.48. 
 
 The annual report of the committee on pensions showed its 
 receipts to have been $9,337; its disbursements, $7,897; balance, 
 $1,440. The number of pensioners on the roll was stated to be 85. 
 
 The annual report* of the school committee showed the receipts 
 from all sources to have been $3,777.19 I the disbursements, 
 $3,319.58; balance, $437.51. 
 
 The annual report of the library committee showed the receipts 
 of the Apprentices' Library to have been $12,418.67; its disburse- 
 ments, $11,399.53; balance, $1,019.14. 
 
 The receipts of the De Milt Library had been $926.61 ; the dis- 
 bursements, $262.52 ; balance, $667.09. 
 
 The number of volumes in the library was 55.519; the number 
 of readers for the year, 7,417; the number of volumes loaned, 
 
i88o] 
 
 MECHANICS AND TRADESMEN 
 
 I 99 
 
 146,670. The committee said: "The number of volumes in the 
 libraries, the number of accounts opened with readers, and the 
 number of volumes circulated during the past year, are each in 
 excess of the figures and amounts reported in any previous year 
 of the existence of the libraries ; while the number of unreturned 
 books is less than in any previous year, notwithstanding a largely 
 increased circulation." 
 
 The annual report of the literary and scientific committee stated 
 its receipts to have been $3,231.11; its disbursements, $1,590.47; 
 balance, $1,640.64. Lectures had been delivered by Messrs. W. A. 
 Anthony, Rev. I. N. Pullman, Wendell Phillips, Rev. C. S. Robin- 
 son, John W. Forney, and W. S. Andrews. 
 
 The annual report of the building and sinking fund committee 
 reported as received from the Society $6,440.57, and from interest, 
 dividends, etc., $9,495.95. The total fund was reported to amount, 
 January 1st, 1877, to $56,740.39, distributed as follows: 
 
 .United States 5-20 bonds, $26,075 .00 
 
 New- York City bonds, I5>333 ; 37 
 
 Jersey City bonds, 8,600.00 
 
 In savings banks, 6,622 70 
 
 Interest on Illinois bonds, . 109.32 
 
 $56,740.39 
 
 At the annual meeting held January 9th, 1877, the following 
 officers were elected for the ensuing year : 
 
 Edwin Dobbs, President. 
 Henry L. Slote, Vice-Pres. 
 John R. Voorhies, 2d Vice-Pres. 
 
 Daniel D. Wright, Treas. 
 Thomas Earle, Secretary. 
 Enoch Stratton, Collector. 
 
 At a meeting held February 7th, 1877, the newly elected presi- 
 dent delivered his inaugural address. ( Vide Appendix.) 
 
200 
 
 GENERAL SOCIETY OF 
 
 [1876 
 
 The finance committee reported the balance on hand January 1st, 
 1876, with the treasurer and different committees, and in the build- 
 ing and sinking fund, to have been $55,706.52. The receipts for 
 the year were $41,228.10. Total, $96,934.62. The expenditures 
 were $31,513.42; balance, $65,421.20. The assets of the Society 
 were $597,196.20; the liabilities, $7,207.66; assets over liabilities, 
 $589,988.54. 
 
 At a special meeting held July 25th, 1877, the joint committee 
 on a new location reported: "That on or about the 1 6th of June, 
 ult., after due consideration and mature deliberation, they agreed 
 on behalf of the Society to purchase the premises, No. 18 East 
 Sixteenth street, being 3 7^ feet in width in front and rear, and 
 172^ feet in depth on the easterly side, and 181 feet in depth on 
 the westerly side, for the sum of $55,500, subject to a mortgage 
 upon the same due May 1st, 1882, amounting to $40,000, and 
 bearing interest at seven per cent, per annum ; that after making 
 such arrangements they immediately notified the officers of the 
 Society, in order that they could, -in compliance with the terms of 
 the resolution of appointment, complete the purchase thereof, by 
 searching the title, raising the money, and accepting the deed therefor." 
 
 The committee on the building and sinking fund reported that 
 they had credited the Society with the sum of $7,200 drawn from 
 the treasury, and had charged the Society with $15,500 used to 
 complete the purchase of the property on East Sixteenth street. 
 The treasurer reported that he paid to the proper parties the above 
 named sum of $15,500, being the amount in cash required to com- 
 plete the purchase of the property at No. 18 East Sixteenth street. 
 The report of the committee on location was accepted, and its action 
 confirmed. A resolution was then adopted, placing the sum of 
 $12,000 in the hands of the finance committee for making the altera- 
 tions and repairs of the building on East Sixteenth street. It was 
 
i88o] 
 
 MECHANICS AND TRADESMEN 
 
 20 I 
 
 ordered that the chairman of each of the standing committees and 
 the president of the Society constitute an advisory committee with 
 whom the finance committee may consult. The thanks of the Society 
 were presented to the committee on location, and it was discharged. 
 
 At a meeting held September 5th, 1877, upon recommendation 
 of the school committee, Richard Combes was appointed to a 
 scholarship in Columbia College. 
 
 At a meeting held November 7th, 1877, upon motion of Brother 
 John R. Voorhies, it was ordered that the literary and scientific 
 committee consider and report upon the advisability of having 
 collated and prepared in a suitable form for publication the history 
 of the Society from its organization to the present time. 
 
 At a meeting held December 5th, 1877, Brother John R. Voor- 
 hies offered the following resolution, which was adopted : 
 
 "Resolved, That the head-quarters, library, reading, meeting, and 
 school rooms belonging or attached to the General Society of Me- 
 chanics and Tradesmen of the City of New- York be, and hereby is, 
 changed, located, and established, on and after the first Wednesday 
 in January, 1878, from No. 472 Broadway to and at No. 18 East 
 Sixteenth street, which said building (No. 18 East Sixteenth street) 
 is hereby designated and entitled, for all purposes of the Society, 
 as Mechanics' Hall. 
 
 "Resolved, That the officers and the several standing committees 
 of this Society be and are hereby authorized and directed to 
 remove or cause to be removed, by the first Wednesday in Janu- 
 ary, 1878, or as soon thereafter as practicable, all books, maps, 
 drawings, desks, furniture, fixtures, or other property of value, or 
 so much thereof as may be deemed necessary and requisite, and 
 which is or may be in charge of or under the control of said 
 officers or committees, or either of them, from No. 472 Broadway 
 to No. 18 East Sixteenth street." 
 
202 
 
 GENERAL SOCIETY OF 
 
 [1876 
 
 Brother William H. Gedney offered the following resolution, which 
 was adopted : 
 
 "Resolved, That a committee be appointed, consisting of one 
 member of each of the standing committees, with the officers of the 
 Society, to make and carry out the necessary arrangements for 
 dedicating the new Mechanics' Hall." 
 
 The chair appointed the following committee : William H. Gedney, 
 G. J. Burnet, Samuel McCullough, Oliver A. Farrin, and the officers 
 of the Society. 
 
 The new hall at No. 18 East Sixteenth street, having been com- 
 pleted and furnished, was opened on the 2d day of January, 1878, 
 and the Society assembled for its regular meeting therein. In 
 calling the meeting to order, the president congratulated the Society 
 upon its new and commodious quarters. He suggested that it 
 would be becoming to return thanks for the prosperity of the 
 Society. Prayer was then offered by Brother Henry Wilson. 
 
 The treasurer presented his annual report, as follows : 
 
 RECEIPTS. 
 
 Balance, January ist, 1877, $3,200.85 
 
 Rent, Broadway and Park Place, 24,100 00 
 
 " Chambers street 3,000 .00 
 
 " Mechanics' Hall, 4,000 .00 
 
 Dividends Mechanics' National Bank stock, . . 1,824.75 
 
 Interest United States Securities, gold, . . . 1,800.00 
 
 " " " " currency, . . 480.00 
 
 Premium on gold, 95 .63 
 
 Interest accrued on mortgage 606.66 
 
 " on call loans, 42 .05 
 
 Memberships, 450.00 
 
 Building and sinking fund on account of pur- 
 chase new Mechanics' Hall 15,500.00 
 
 Building: and sinking fund on account of com- 
 
 pletion new Mechanics' Hall 19,000 .00 
 
 $74,099.94 
 
i88o] 
 
 MECHANICS AND TRADESMEN. 
 
 203 
 
 DISBURSEMENTS. 
 
 Committees — Pension, $8,000 00 
 
 Library 9,300 00 
 
 Literary and Scientific, .... 1,000.00 
 
 School, 3,500.00 
 
 " Building and Sinking Fund, . . 7,242 05 
 " Finance, current needs, .... 2,500.00 
 " " completion of new Me- 
 chanics' Hall, 19,000.00 
 
 New Mechanics' Hall at purchase, 15,500.00 
 
 Ground rent, 125 .00 
 
 Taxes and Croton water 1,800.50 
 
 Taxes on new hall, 1,325 00 
 
 Interest on mortgage, 1,400.00 
 
 Legal expenses, 202 . 76 
 
 Officers' salaries, 800.00 
 
 Janitor and door-keeper, 948.00 
 
 Current expenses, 26 26 
 
 $72,669.57 
 
 Balance in treasury 1,430.37 
 
 The treasurer said : "I am happy to inform the Society that, 
 during the past year, its current needs have been promptly met, 
 and that no disaster to, or shrinkage of, its income of consequence 
 has occurred. During its recent important purchase and change 
 of domicile, through the aid of the building and sinking fund, the 
 amount needed was promptly provided, and every demand promptly 
 met, and the Society thereby enabled to take a step in advance, 
 which, for at least a decade of years, will enable it, bearing along 
 its banner of usefulness and benevolence, to go on its way rejoicing. 
 
 " I feel a confidence that good men will always be found ready 
 to lend their aid to the laudable undertakings of this Society, and 
 that the pursuance of the same course of vigilance and virtue which 
 appears to have marked its path from the beginning, and which has 
 
204 GENERAL SOCIETY OF [^76 
 
 thus borne it onward, will insure its existence and usefulness, so 
 long as this part of the globe continues to be inhabited. 
 
 "And while we possess and enjoy our new and more eligible 
 home, let us reverence the memory of those who have gone before 
 us, whose active zeal and purity were the primary cause of placing 
 this Society where it now stands, in the front rank of the institutions 
 of benevolence and usefulness in this metropolis." 
 
 The annual report of the finance committee showed its receipts 
 for the year to have been $2,755.48; its disbursements, $2,409.30; 
 balance, $346.18. 
 
 The annual report of the committee on pensions showed its 
 receipts to have been (with balance from last year) $9,440; its 
 disbursements, $7,948; balance, $1,492. It had paid the sum of 
 $7,870 to pensioners of the Society, including twelve members, 
 sixty-seven widows, and nine children. The number of pensioners 
 had not materially increased, and the committee had therefore 
 thought it a duty to make as liberal allowances as possible. 
 
 The annual report of the school committee stated its receipts at 
 $4,215.50, and its disbursements at $2,974.33; balance, $1,241.17. 
 The total number of pupils registered was given as 392, of whom 
 265 were employed at trades, representing nearly all branches of 
 mechanical art; 39 were clerks, the rest being at present without 
 occupation. 
 
 The annual report of the library committee stated the receipts 
 of fhe Apprentices' Library to have been $11,423.70; its disburse- 
 ments, $10,346.06 ; balance, $1,077.64. 
 
 The receipts of the De Milt Library, including balance from last 
 year of $667.09, had been $967.09; disbursements, $1,001.75; 
 balance due the committee, $34.66. Number of volumes in the 
 library, 57,897; number of readers, 9,087; number of volumes 
 loaned, 172,839. The resources of the library had been greatly 
 
1880] MECHANICS AND TRADESMEN. 205 
 
 taxed to deliver the unusually large number of books called for, 
 sometimes reaching 1,000 a day, and in one instance amounting to 
 1,254 volumes. Great additional advantages were anticipated from 
 the increased facilities offered the library in its new quarters. 
 
 The annual report of the ' literary and scientific committee 
 reported its receipts (with balance, January 1st, 1877, of $1,640.64) 
 to be $2,640.64; its disbursements had been $1,314.68; balance, 
 $1,325.96. Lectures had been delivered during the year by Rev. 
 H. M. Gallaher, Daniel Dougherty, C. S. Robinson, Wendell Phillips, 
 and A. P. Burbank. The committee also reported a valuable and 
 interesting lecture, delivered by the Hon. John T. Hoffman. 
 
 The annual report of the building and sinking fund committee 
 showed the total amount of the fund to have been $67,824.43, with 
 disbursements as follows : To the treasurer, on account of the pur- 
 chase of Mechanics' Hall, $15,500; to the treasurer, on account of 
 the completion of Mechanics' Hall, $19,000; difference in cost and 
 sale on United States bonds, $731.25; difference in cost and sale 
 of New- York City bonds, $333.37 ; interest on City bond, $44.52. 
 Amount of fund, January 1st, 1878, $32,215.29. The assets were 
 as follows : 
 
 9,000 United States 5-20, 67's, at inyi, . . $10,001 25 
 
 9,000 United States, 1 88 1, at 113^, . . . 10,192.50 
 
 3,000 Jersey City bonds, 105, 3,150.00 
 
 5,000 Jersey City bonds, 109, 5,450.00 
 
 In Dry Dock Savings Bank, 139.66 
 
 In Bowery Savings Bank 38 .40 
 
 In bank, 3,243 .48 
 
 $32,215 .29 
 
 "Less than seven years," the committee said, "have elapsed 
 since this building and sinking fund was instituted, and only six 
 
206 
 
 GENERAL SOCIETY OF 
 
 [1876 
 
 years have passed since the first appropriation was made for its 
 uses by the Society. During that time, two of its valued members 
 have been removed by death; one of whom was actively instru- 
 mental in the formation of this trust, and both of them honored and 
 revered members of the Society. Still, under Providence, and with 
 the cheerful assent and entire confidence of the Society in the fund 
 and in its managers, the work for which it was called into existence 
 has gone steadily on : all that the Society could safely appropriate 
 has been carefully invested and kept in use. the income thereof, 
 and the other fragments of income, carefully gathered up and 
 added thereto, and the result has enabled the Society to secure 
 its new quarters, toward which it has been for so many years 
 looking. The labors of the committee will not cease until the 
 recently acquired estate is entirely freed from debt ; and with 
 faithfulness upon the part of the managers, fanned by the con- 
 fiding trust of the Society, the day of such freedom cannot be far 
 distant." 
 
 The president, Edwin Dobbs, Esq., delivered an address appro- 
 priate to the occasion. ( Vide Appendix.) 
 
 At the annual meeting held January 8th, 1878. the following 
 officers were elected for the ensuing year : 
 
 Henry L. Slote, President. 
 John R. Vdorhies, Vice-Pres. 
 Alexander Gaw, 2d Vice-Prcs. 
 
 Daniel D. Wright, Treas. 
 Thomas Earle, Secretary. 
 Enoch Stratton, Collector. 
 
 At a meeting held February 6th, 1878, Henry L. Slote, Esq., 
 the president-elect, delivered his inaugural address. ( Vide Ap- 
 pendix.) 
 
 The finance committee presented a report of the cost of altering, 
 repairing, and furnishing building No. 18 East Sixteenth street, as 
 follows : 
 
i88o] 
 
 MECHANICS 
 
 AND 
 
 TRADESMEN. 
 
 207 
 
 Cost of 
 
 11 
 
 it 
 
 11 
 
 i< 
 
 altering and building extension, . 
 
 heating apparatus 
 
 shelving in library 
 
 partitions in school-room, . 
 emblem in front of building, . 
 furnishing rooms, 
 
 $14,709.08 
 1,900.00 
 
 3-953-50 
 300.00 
 260.00 
 
 11 
 
 1,513.68 
 
 $22,636.26 
 
 The committee, after speaking of the convenient and pleasant 
 arrangement of all the rooms, said : 
 
 "Several causes combine to give your committee pleasure in 
 presenting their report. 
 
 " First. It gives the Society a new hall in a central location. 
 
 " Second. It sets at rest the long agitated question of removal. 
 
 " Third. Many of the older members who, for several years past, 
 have been anxious to remove, but have hesitated lest the too great 
 cost would cripple the usefulness of our institution, will feel that the 
 causes of their fear are all removed. 
 
 " The change we have made will add but a small additional 
 expense yearly. The rent from the old building will nearly pay 
 the interest on the new, and the sinking fund can, at the same 
 time, be constantly increased." 
 
 The finance committee made a statement of the financial con- 
 dition of the Society, and of its assets and liabilities, January 1st, 
 1878. There was January 1st, 1877, $107,324.73 in the custody of 
 the various committees. The expenditures of the year had been 
 $68,230.78. Balance, $39,093.95. The assets were $625,368.95; 
 the liabilities, including bond and mortgage on Mechanics' Hall 
 ($40,000), $47,207.66. Balance of assets over liabilities, $578,161.29. 
 
 The report of the committee on the dedication of Mechanics' 
 Hall was as follows : 
 
 " Your committee on dedication or opening of the new Hall, 
 the home of the Society, No. 18 East Sixteenth street, would 
 
208 
 
 GENERAL SOCIETY OF 
 
 respectfully report that they have carried out and performed the 
 duties which were assigned to and accepted by them, to the best 
 of their ability, and hope and trust it has met with the concurrence 
 and approval of the Society, which we endeavor to please. Your 
 committee would also state with feelings of great pleasure that all 
 remarks coming to their ears, in relation to the opening, have been 
 such as not only gratifying to hear to those who are interested in 
 the good and welfare of the Society, but also to give them redoubled 
 energy in still looking after that which has been left to us, and 
 passed through so many years of prosperity, and which can only 
 continue prosperous by that never lagging diligence and watchful- 
 ness that has so well characterized it in the past, and which we 
 so well know can be done by the present members for the future. 
 
 " Your committee would further state the publicity given to the 
 new opening, and which your committee think will be of great benefit 
 to the Society in bringing it before those to whom it has been 
 unknown before, and in adding to its ranks, as members, names that 
 will be of lasting honor and benefit to the Society. 
 
 "The evening of January 22d, from seven until ten o'clock, was 
 selected for the public reception. The weather was mild and 
 pleasant, the visitors numbered nearly six hundred, all of whom 
 seemed well pleased, and were intellectually entertained by short 
 addresses. 
 
 "The president, Henry L. Slote, made the opening address, 
 followed by Chief Justice Daly, Hon. Silas P. Dutcher, General 
 Charles Roome, David H. Knapp, Esq., Judge Curtis, Judge Gedney, 
 and Thomas D. Stetson, Esq., all received with marked approbation. 
 
 "After which the company were ushered into the large school- 
 room, which had been improvised into a semi-restaurant for the 
 occasion, where all seemed to enjoy with marked demonstration the 
 entertainment there provided. 
 
1880] MECHANICS AND TRADESMEN. 200, 
 
 " The instrumental music furnished was a pleasant feature of the 
 entertainment, interspersed as occasion permitted during the evening. 
 
 " The committee would respectfully conclude their report by 
 invoking Him (to whom we all look) to continue His blessing which 
 He has so bountifully supplied us with in this Society, for the youth 
 of our city, and for the aged and infirm of our membership and their 
 families." 
 
 Henry L. Slote, president, spoke substantially as follows : 
 
 " This Society has contemplated for the past twenty-five years 
 this removal, but did not arrive at any definite conclusion until 
 about ten years ago, when Thomas Jeremiah, an honored ex- 
 president, suggested the idea of establishing a building and sinking 
 fund, which was done, and Brother Jeremiah was made chairman 
 of the building and sinking fund committee at that time, and re- 
 mained its chairman up to the time of his death, some five years since. 
 
 " By judicious management that fund accumulated so, that in 
 the year 1877 it amounted to about $67,000. 
 
 "In November, 1874, Vice-President William Otis Munroe 
 offered the following resolution, which was adopted, and President 
 W. H. Gedney appointed the committee in accordance therewith : 
 
 "Resolved, That a committee of five members be appointed by 
 the president, together with the finance committee, who shall have 
 power to purchase suitable land for the erection of a building for 
 the use of the ' General Society of Mechanics and Tradesmen of the 
 City of New-York.' Said land, it was provided, should not be 
 south of Fourteenth street nor north of Forty-second street, and 
 between Seventh avenue on the west and Third avenue on the 
 east, and to cost not more than $200,000. And the proper officers 
 of the Society are hereby authorized and instructed, at their dis- 
 cretion, to execute the necessary papers to complete the purchase, 
 and provide for the payment thereof. 
 
2IO 
 
 GENERAL SOCIETY OF 
 
 [1876 
 
 " From that time until the committee purchased, there were 
 fifty-five pieces of property offered, ranging in price from $50,000 
 to $450,000. 
 
 "The library committee furnished a statement of the residences 
 of readers. Out of 5,100 of these, 3,000 were below Fourteenth 
 street ; 500 in Brooklyn, Williamsburgh, and Jersey City ; the rest 
 above Fourteenth street, and in Westchester Count)-. 
 
 " The committee decided to locate within the boundary of 
 Fourth avenue and Twenty-third street and Sixth avenue and Four- 
 teenth street. The committee made proposals for four plots of land 
 within this boundary, all of which were declined, and then decided 
 upon the plot No. 18 East Sixteenth street, which they purchased. 
 
 " The cost has been less than $80,000 ; which amount includes 
 the real estate, fitting up of the library, the school-room, the altera- 
 tions and additions to building, the furnishing, etc., complete as it 
 now is. 
 
 "The committee in charge of the purchase and reconstruction of 
 the new Hall have not disturbed, nor do they propose to disturb, 
 any of the permanent funds of the Society. 
 
 " Of the original members of the committee on new location, 
 three of them have passed away from amongst us, Brothers John 
 Palmer, George J. Byrd, and A. F. Ockershausen." 
 
 It was resolved that a committee of five be appointed to consider 
 the alterations in the charter and by-laws referred to in the presi- 
 dent's address. 
 
 At a meeting held May 1st, 1878, Brother John R. Voorhies 
 presented a report on the above subject, with alterations and 
 amendments, which received their first reading. 
 
 At a meeting held June 5th, 1878, the literary and scientific 
 committee, to whom had been referred the subject of compiling 
 the history of the Society, presented their report. The report was 
 
1880] MECHANICS AND TRADESMEN. 211 
 
 referred back to the committee, with power to employ the secretary 
 or some other person to compile the history of the Society. 
 
 At a meeting held November 6th, 1878, the new code of by-laws 
 was adopted. ( Vide Appendix P.) 
 
 A communication was received from Brother Daniel D. Wright, 
 declining a renomination for the office of treasurer, but expressing 
 great personal interest in the future prosperity of the Society, 
 saying : 
 
 " Retiring, finally, from the official position which I have so long 
 filled, it gives me great pleasure to announce that the Society was 
 never in sounder financial health than at the present time, and that 
 no bar to its progress exists in that quarter. All the securities that 
 were ever devoted to its current purposes remain intact and pro- 
 ducing, and its real estate pours forth a generous income in which 
 no default seems likely to occur. 
 
 "To insure its continued existence and increased usefulness, all 
 that is required on the part of those called to minister in its service, 
 is stern fidelity, combined with fair capacity and reasonable devo- 
 tion ; and those requisites to its success seem assured. No member 
 of the Society can fail to derive pleasure from the thought of its 
 present eligible domicile, and happy transit from a neighborhood 
 where by day it had become out of place and unfitting, and 
 where by night murky darkness, degradation, and immorality encir- 
 cled it, to a neighborhood especially fitting. But while the Society 
 dwells in the enjoyment of these things, let it pause to remem- 
 ber that the same description, in a great measure, once applied 
 to the old station in Chambers street, where many of us partook 
 of its literary treasures, and also to our late location, which we, not 
 long since, were all glad to leave. 
 
 " To perpetuate the present happy condition to all time, the 
 Society has only faithfully to continue to devote a generous part 
 
♦ 
 
 212 GENERAL SOCIETY OF [1876 
 
 of its yearly income to a sacred purpose, to remain untouched and 
 growing, that when in the far future the dark day comes to its 
 present felicitous position, it may be enabled, without falter, to keep 
 step to the music of this ever-marching and migrating metropolis, 
 'onward and upward,' even though it should ultimately cause the 
 Society to set up its rest, and to unfurl its banner upon Washington 
 Heights." 
 
 At a meeting held January 14th, 1879, tne treasurer presented 
 his annual report, from which it appeared that the receipts of the 
 Society for the past year (including a balance January 1st, 1878, 
 of $1,430.37) had been $84,660.70, and the disbursements, $76,713,61. 
 Balance, $7,947.09. With the means furnished by the building and 
 sinking fund committee, and by a mortgage at six per cent, interest, 
 given in the name of the Society for one-half the amount, the Hall- 
 garten mortgage on Mechanics' Hall was fully paid, leaving the 
 Society subject to a yearly outlay for interest of $1,200 against 
 $2,800, as heretofore. 
 
 The annual report of the finance committee stated its receipts to 
 have been $3,998; its disbursements, $3,870.91. Balance, $127.09. 
 
 The annual report of the committee on pensions showed its receipts 
 (including $1,492 on hand January 1st, 1878) to have been $8,292. 
 Its disbursements had been $7,590. Balance, $702. The pension 
 roll showed 1 2 members, 65 widows, and 7 children. The committee 
 thus dwelt upon the nature of its duties. 
 
 " The pension committee is almost coincident in its origin with 
 that of the Society. Its object and standing cannot be expressed in 
 more fitting words than those used by one of the presidents of our 
 Society, in an eloquent address, in which he says of this committee: 
 1 This I look upon as the committee of this Society, as if it grew 
 out of, and probably was the first committee. It is our almoner to 
 distribute the funds of the Society to indigent brothers, to the 
 
i88o] MECHANICS AND TRADESMEN. 213 
 
 widows and orphans of deceased members, that fund which they 
 themselves helped to accumulate, and I have no doubt that under 
 God's blessing this feature of our Society has done more to pro- 
 mote and aid in our prosperity than any other cause known 
 to us.' 
 
 " This, no doubt, expresses the importance attached to this com- 
 mittee by the Society, and your committee, therefore, feel highly 
 honored in having entrusted to their care the responsible duties 
 devolved upon them as its members, and they can express their 
 gratitude in no better way than by saying that they have endeavored 
 to dispense the fund committed to them to the best of their ability 
 and judgment, with an eye, on the one hand, to the interests of the 
 Society, and on the other to the relief of the wants of the unfort- 
 unate members, widows, and orphans placed under their control. 
 
 "When we look upon the list of pensioners, ever changing, yet 
 numerically the same, we are taught the uncertainty of all human 
 prosperity, and are deeply impressed with that which our Saviour 
 said : ' The poor ye have always with you.' 
 
 "What nobler object could this Society have than that so well 
 expressed in this motto, ' To dry the tear from misery's eye, to 
 succor the afflicted, and to save the sinking is our aim.' " 
 
 The annual report of the school committee showed its receipts 
 (including $1,241.17 on hand January 1st, 1878) to have been 
 $4,563.68. Its disbursements, including $2,360.50 for teachers' sala- 
 ries, and $1,114.83 for fitting up room, had been $4,191.09. The 
 committee reported the school to be in a gratifying condition of 
 usefulness. There were at present 325 males and 69 females on 
 the roll. The classes, during the past year, had numbered as follows : 
 Free-hand drawing, 166; mechanical, 77; architectural, 40; book- 
 keeping, 42. In the female department drawing from objects and 
 designing had chiefly received attention. 
 
214 
 
 GENERAL SOCIETY OF 
 
 [1876 
 
 The annual report of the library committee showed the receipts 
 from the Apprentices' Library to have been $12,204.22, including 
 $1,077.64 on hand January 1st, 1 878, and $10,000 received from 
 the treasurer. The disbursements had been $11,542.56. Balance, 
 $661.66. The receipts of the De Milt Library had been $300 from 
 the treasurer; the disbursements, $649.72. Due treasurer, $349.72. 
 The number of volumes in the library was reported to be 55,998. 
 The number of readers had been 7,806. The number of volumes 
 loaned had been 128,056. There had been some falling off from 
 the number of readers during the previous year, which was attrib- 
 uted to the interruption occasioned by the removal of the library. 
 The opening of the reading-room was adverted to. It was reported 
 to be supplied with most of the daily newspapers and the principal 
 current literary periodicals. There was a daily average attendance 
 of 66 readers. 
 
 The annual report of the literary and scientific committee 
 showed receipts (including a balance on hand, January 1st, 1878, of 
 $1,325.96, with $600 received from the treasurer) of $1,925.96. The 
 disbursements for lectures and the expenses had been $1,683.38. 
 Balance, $242.58. Lectures were delivered during the year by 
 Bayard Taylor, J. R. Hawley, Professor F. J. Sedgwick, William 
 Parsons, Rev. R. S. Storrs, General Edward E. Lee, and R. J. 
 Burdette. 
 
 The annual report of the building and sinking fund committee 
 showed the amount, January 1st, 1878, on hand ($32,215.29) with 
 the receipts to have been $35,134.37. The disbursements had been, 
 for the completion of Mechanics' Hall, $3,636.26; loan for current 
 expenses, $400; savings banks to pay mortgage, $1,400; United 
 States bonds to pay mortgage, $19,282.50; loss on sale of United 
 States bonds, $911.25. The amount of the fund January 1st, 1879, 
 $9,504.36. This included 3,000 Jersey City bonds ($105) $3,150; 
 
i88o] 
 
 MECHANICS AND TRADESMEN. 
 
 215 
 
 5,000 of the same bonds ($109) $5,450; deposit in savings banks, 
 $904.36. Total, as above, $9,504.36. 
 
 The building and sinking fund committee trusted that " it would 
 not be permitted to linger out a sickly existence, but would hereafter 
 be made efficient through generous and regular appropriations of the 
 Society." 
 
 The following officers were elected for the ensuing year : 
 
 John R. Voorhies, President. James J. Burnet, Treasurer. 
 Alexander Gaw, Vice-Pres. Thomas Earle, Secretary. 
 John Banta, 2d Vice-Pres. Enoch Stratton, Collector. 
 
 The installation ceremonies then took place in accordance with 
 the by-laws. 
 
 At a meeting held January 15th, 1879, the finance committee 
 
 made its annual report, as follows : 
 
 BALANCE ON HAND JANUARY 1ST, I 878. 
 
 With Treasurer, $1,430.37 
 
 Finance Committee 346.18 
 
 " Pension " 1,492.00 
 
 " School " 1,241 1 7 
 
 " Library " 1,042 98 
 
 " Literary and Scientific Committee, . . 1,325.96 
 " Building and Sinking Fund Committee, . 32,215 .29 
 
 $39.093 -95 
 
 Received by Treasurer, $83,230.33 
 
 " " Finance Committee, 3,651.82 
 
 " " Pension " 6,800.00 
 
 " " School " 3,322.51 
 
 " " Library " 11,426.58 
 
 " " Literary and Scientific Committee, 600 00 
 " " Building and Sinking Fund " 2,919.08 
 
 $111,950.32 
 
 Total, . . . $151,044.27 
 
6 GENERAL SOCIETY OF [i 
 
 EXPENDITURES. 
 
 By Treasurer $76, 713.61 
 
 " Finance Committee 3,870.91 
 
 " Pension " ' 7,590.00 
 
 " School " 4, 191 09 
 
 " Library " 12,157.62 
 
 " Literary and Scientific Committee, . . . 1,683 .38 
 
 " Building and Sinking Fund Committee, . . 25,630.01 
 
 $131,836 62 
 
 Balance, $19,207.65 
 
 ASSETS. 
 
 Amount with Treasurer $7,947 .09 
 
 " Finance Committee, 127 .09 
 
 " " Pension " 702.00 
 
 " " School " , ..... 372.59 
 
 " " Library " 3 1 1 . 94 
 
 " " Literary and Scientific Committee, 242 58 
 
 " " Building and Sinking Fund " . 9,504.36 
 
 $19,207.65 
 
 Real Estate Broadway and Park Place, . . . $300,000 00 
 " " " and Crosby street, . . 100,000 .00 
 
 " " Mechanics' Hall 80,000 .00 
 
 United States securities, 43,000.00 
 
 Mechanics' National Bank stock, par, .... 20,275 00 
 
 Books in Library, v . . . . 40,000 .00 
 
 Leasehold Chambers street 2,000 .00 
 
 Total $604,482.65 
 
 LIABILITIES. 
 
 Due Library Fund, $1,907.66 
 
 " De Milt Library, 5,000.00 
 
 " interest, 300.00 
 
 " bond and mortgage, . . . 20,000 .00 — $27,207 .66 
 
 Assets over liabilities $577,274 99 
 
i88o] 
 
 MECHANICS AND TRADESMEN 
 
 217 
 
 John R. Voorhies, Esq., the president-elect, delivered his inaug- 
 ural address. ( Vide Appendix.) 
 
 At a meeting- held May 7th, 1879, Oswald Spier, grandson of 
 Brother John Spier, was appointed to the first vacant scholarship in 
 Columbia College. 
 
 Some changes were made in the financial methods in 1879, occa- 
 sioned by the necessity which was felt for a strict and constant 
 watchfulness over the funds of the Society. These have been 
 referred to in the alterations of the by-laws heretofore mentioned. 
 Enlarged authority was given to the auditing committee soon to be 
 appointed for the whole year, to exercise a constant supervision over 
 all disbursements. 
 
 At a meeting held January 13th, 1880, the treasurer presented his 
 annual report, from which it appeared that the receipts for the year 
 past, from all sources, had been $73,926.56, while the disbursements 
 left a balance on hand of $14,920.17. The treasurer congratulated 
 the Society on its continued career of financial prosperity. 
 
 The annual report of the finance committee showed the appropria- 
 tion to have been $4,500; the drafts on the treasurer, $4,377.66. 
 Unexpended balance, $122.34. In consequence of the calling in 
 of the Government bonds held by the Society, and the necessity 
 of reinvestment at a lower rate of interest, there had been a con- 
 siderable reduction of income. Economy in expenditure was therefore 
 suggested to the several committees. 
 
 The annual report of the committee on pensions showed the 
 appropriation to have been $8,000; expenditures, $5,385.74. Unex- 
 pended balance, $2,614.26. The number of persons on the roll 
 were 11 members, 57 widows, and 7 children. Total, 75. The 
 inquiries of the committee justified them in the statement that there 
 were many persons on the roll whose circumstances were such as 
 to preclude the need of aid from the Society. Some of these, when 
 their attention was called to the matter, declined to receive further 
 
218 
 
 GENERAL SOCIETY OF 
 
 aid. All of this class, so far as ascertained, had been reported to 
 the Society, and their names removed from the roll. 
 
 The annual report of the school committee showed the appro- 
 priation to have been $3,500; the drafts on the treasurer, $3,143.11. 
 Unexpended balance, $356.89. It appeared from the report that 
 Mr. John C. Babcock had been appointed superintendent in the 
 place of Brother W. T. Peterson, deceased. Four new teachers had 
 been appointed for the classes. The school had been divided into 
 eight classes, viz. : three graded classes in free-hand drawing and 
 designing ; two classes in mechanical and machinery drawing ; and 
 one female class in free-hand drawing and designing. There had 
 been one class in book-keeping and penmanship. 
 
 The annual report of the library committee showed the appro- 
 priation to have been $10,000; the drafts on the treasurer, $9,784.16. 
 Unexpended balance, $215.84. The number of volumes in the library- 
 was 59,466. The number of readers of all classes had been 7,894. 
 The number of volumes loaned, 156,261. 
 
 The annual report of the literary and scientific committee showed 
 the appropriation to have been $2,000; the drafts on the treasurer, 
 $1,716.40. The committee specially mentioned the lectures gratu- 
 itously delivered on " Our Great Metropolis, its Growth, Misgovern- 
 ment, and Needs," by Mr. William Allen Butler, and on "The 
 Corporation, its Benefits and Evils as Benefactor and Monopolist," 
 by Mr. Simon Stern. It was recommended that both these lectures be 
 published for distribution among the members and friends of the Society. 
 
 The annual report of the building and sinking fund committee 
 showed the total amount to be $14,545.77. 
 
 The annual report of the auditing committee declared the books 
 of the Society to be intelligently kept; all the documents of the 
 Society safely preserved; and all the securities properly recorded and 
 deposited in the vaults of the Safe Deposit Company of New York, 
 as follows : 
 
1880] MECHANICS AND TRADESMEN, 21Q 
 
 United States bonds, 1 88 1, 6's, $10,000.00 
 
 " 20,000 00 
 
 " " 1891, " ... . 8,000.00 
 
 " " " 1907, 4's 5,000.00 
 
 Total United States bonds, par value, .... $43,000.00 
 
 Also eight hundred and eleven shares Mechanics' National Bank 
 stock, par value, $20,275. 
 
 There was a cash balance on deposit on the first of January, in 
 the Mechanics' National Bank of $13,363.47, and in the Dry Dock 
 Savings Bank, of $1,556.70. The total cash balance, January 1st, 
 1880, $14,920.17. There were, also, in the vaults of the Safety 
 Deposit Company, for the benefit of the building and sinking fund, 
 as follows : 
 
 Jersey City bonds, 1906, 7's $8,000 00 
 
 United States bonds, 1907, 4's, 5,000 .00 
 
 Total in trust for that fund, $13,000 .00 
 
 There was also cash on deposit to the credit of the fund in the 
 Dry Dock Savings Bank, $1,503.43, and in the Bowery Savings 
 Bank, $42.34, making the actual cash on hand, $1,545.; 7. 
 
 The following officers were elected for the ensuing year : 
 
 Alexander Gaw, President. James J. Burnet, Treasurer. 
 John Banta, Vice-President. Thomas Earle, Secretary. 
 John J. Tucker, 2d Vice-Pres. Enoch Stratton, Collector. 
 
 The president-elect then delivered his inaugural address. ( Vide 
 Appendix.) 
 
 At a meeting held January 21st, 1S80, the finance committee 
 reported on the financial state of the Society, as follows : 
 
220 GENERAL SOCIETY OF [1876 
 
 BALANCE ON HAND JANUARY 1ST, I 879. 
 
 With Treasurer, $7,947 .09 
 
 " Committees, 1 » 535 67 
 
 " Building and Sinking Fund Committee, 9,504.36 
 
 Received by Treasurer, 64,443 .80 
 
 " by Building and Sinking Fund Com- 
 mittee 5,641 . 41 
 
 $89,072 .33 
 
 EXPEND I TURES. 
 
 By Treasurer $59,006.39 
 
 " Building and Sinking Fund Committee, . 600 00 
 
 $59,606.39 
 
 Balance, $29,465.94 
 
 ASSETS. 
 
 Amount with Treasurer, $14,920 17 
 
 " " Building and Sinking Fund Com- 
 mittee, 14,545.77 
 
 Real estate Broadway and Park Place, . . . 300,000.00 
 
 " " " and Crosby street, . . 100,000.00 
 
 " Mechanics' Hall, 80,000 00 
 
 United States securities, 43,000.00 
 
 Mechanics' National Bank stock, 20,275 .00 
 
 Books in library, 40,000.00 
 
 Leasehold 12 Chambers street, 2,000 00 
 
 $614,740.94 
 
 LIABILITIES. 
 
 Due Library Fund, $1,907 .66 
 
 " De Milt Library, 5,000 00 
 
 " Interest, 300.00 
 
 Bond and mortgage Mechanics' Hall, . . . 20,000 .00 
 
 $27,207 66 
 
 Assets over liabilities, $587,533 28 
 
i88o] 
 
 MECHANICS AND TRADESMEN. 
 
 221 
 
 At a meeting held June 2d, 1880, the literary and scientific com- 
 mittee reported that the lectures delivered by Messrs. Butler and 
 Stern had been printed in accordance with a resolution of the Society. 
 
 The trustees of Columbia College about this time withdrew the 
 two free-scholarships in that institution, which the Society had 
 enjoyed for nearly half a century. The reasons for this were satis- 
 factory to all parties. The same action was pursued by the trustees 
 toward other societies which had enjoyed similar advantages. The 
 college would still be open to students recommended by the Society, 
 on easy terms. 
 
 At the annual meeting held January nth, 1 881, the treasurer 
 
 presented his annual report, as follows : 
 
 RECEIPTS. 
 
 Balance from last report, $14,920.17 
 
 Received from Chambers street property, . . 2,750.00 
 " " Broadway and Crosby street 
 
 property, 5,000 00 
 
 Received from Broadway and Park Place prop- 
 erty, . . . . . 24,100.00 
 
 Received from dividends Mechanics' National 
 
 Bank stock, 1,622.00 
 
 Received from interest on United States 1881 
 
 bond, 1,800.00 
 
 Received from interest on currency bond, . . 480 00 
 
 " " " " four percent, bond, 150.00 
 " " Knickerbocker Life Insurance 
 
 Company, 2 4-48 
 
 Received from memberships, 700.00 
 
 " " Library Committee, . . . . 1,250.62 
 
 School " .... 2 1 1. 5 1 
 
 " " Finance " .... 1 .00 
 
 " " interest Dry Dock Savings Bank, 36 84 
 
 $53,046.62 
 
222 
 
 GENERAL SOCIETY OF 
 
 [1876 
 
 . DISBURSEMENTS. 
 
 Paid Finance Committee drafts, $4,439 35 
 
 " Pension " " 5»7oi . 55 
 
 " School " " 3,013.07 
 
 " Library " " 9,988.12 
 
 " De Milt Library, Committee drafts, . . 280 44 
 
 " Literary and Scientific " " . . 1,411.45 
 " Building and Sinking Fund Committee 
 
 drafts, : 5,000.00 
 
 " Ground Rent 12 Chambers street, . 125 00 
 
 " salaries 1,022.00 
 
 " interest on mortgage Mechanics' Hall, . 1,200.00 
 
 " Safe Deposit Company 20.00 
 
 " printing lectures, 229.50 
 
 Balance, 20,616 . 14 
 
 $53,046.62 
 
 The building and sinking fund committee presented its annual 
 report, as follows : 
 
 RECEIPTS. 
 
 Balance January 1st, 1880 $14,545 77 
 
 From Society 5,000.00 
 
 " interest on Jersey City Bonds, . . . 560.00 
 
 " " " U. S. four per cent, bonds, 200.00 
 
 From interest on New York City revenue bonds, 139 73 
 
 " " Dry Dock Savings Bank, . . 35 .63 
 
 $20,481 . 13 
 
 ASSETS AT PAR VALUE. 
 
 One United States four per cent, bond, . . $5,000 00 
 
 " New York City revenue, " . . 5,000 .00 
 
 " Jersey City bond, No. 315, 3,000 .00 
 
 " 408, 3,000.00 
 
 " " " ". " 407, 1,000.00 
 
 " " " " "67, 1,000.00 
 
 Interest Dry Dock Savings Bank, .... 2,264.06 
 
 " Bowery Savings Bank, 217 .07 
 
 $20,481 13 
 
i88o] 
 
 MECHANICS AND TRADESMEN. 
 
 223 
 
 The auditing committee reported that they had examined the 
 books of the secretary and treasurer, respectively, and found that 
 they were kept in the usual form and manner. That they found 
 that the deeds and leases of the following real estate, to wit : 
 12 Chambers street, 238 Broadway, corner Park Place, 472 Broad- 
 way and its extension on Crosby street, and 18 East* Sixteenth 
 street, all owned or leased by the Society, are properly cared 
 for. 
 
 That they found the cash assets of the Society to be as follows : 
 
 Five United States bonds, due 1881, six per 
 
 cent, interest, par value, $25,000 .00 
 
 Four United States "Pacific" bonds, due 1898, 
 
 six per cent, interest, par value, .... 8,000 .00 
 One United States bond, due 1907, four per 
 
 cent, interest, par value, 5,000 00 
 
 One treasury receipt for United States bond 
 
 due, par value, 5,000 .00 
 
 One United States Trust Company receipt for 
 
 money deposited on call, two and one-half 
 
 per cent, 10,000 .00 
 
 Eight hundred and eleven shares Mechanics' 
 
 National Bank stock, par value, . . . . 20,775 .00 
 
 Cash on deposit in Mechanics' National Bank, . 5,092.32 
 
 " " " in Dry Dock Savings Bank, . 1,629 .66 
 
 " in the hands of the Treasurer, .... 3,893.66 
 
 Making the total cash assets, at their par value, 
 
 on the 31st December, 1880, $83,890.64 
 
 The bonds and securities above enumerated were recorded in the 
 name of the Society, and deposited in the vault of the Safe Deposit 
 Company of New York. 
 
 That they had examined and found to the credit of the building 
 and sinking fund of the Society the following cash assets : 
 
24 GENERAL SOCIETY OF [1876 
 
 Four Jersey City bonds, due in 1906, seven per 
 
 cent, interest, par value, $8,000.00 
 
 One United States bond, due in 1907, four per 
 
 cent, interest, par value, 5,000.00 
 
 One New York City revenue bond on call, 
 
 three and one half per cent, interest, par value, 5,000 00 
 Cash on deposit in Dry Dock Savings Bank, . 2,264 .06 
 " " " in Bowery Savings Bank, . . 217 07 
 Making the total amount held in trust for the 
 
 fund on the 3 1st Dec, 1880, at their par value, $20,481 13 
 
 The following officers were elected for the ensuing year : 
 
 John Banta, President. James J. Burnet, Treasurer. 
 
 John J. Tucker, Vice-President. Thomas Earle, Secretary. 
 
 Daniel Herbert, 2d Vice-Prcs. Enoch Stratton, Collector. 
 The annual report of the finance committee was as follows : 
 
 JANUARY 1ST, l88o. 
 
 With Treasurer, $14,920 .17 
 
 " Building and Sinking Fund Committee, . 14,545.77 
 Received by Treasurer during the year, . . 38,126.45 
 " " Building and Sinking Fund Com- 
 mittee, 5,935 .36 
 
 $73.527-75 
 
 DISBURSED BY TREASURER DURING THE YEAR. 
 
 For Finance Committee $4,439 .35 
 
 " Pension " 5, 701 55 
 
 " School " 3,013.07 
 
 " Library " 9,988 . 12 
 
 " De Milt Library 280.44 
 
 " Literary and Scientific Committee, . . . 1,411.45 
 
 " Building and Sinking Fund, " ... 5,000 .00 
 
 " All other claims, 2,596.50 
 
 $32,430.48 
 
 Balance, $41,097.27 
 
i88o] 
 
 MECHANICS AND TRADESMEN. 
 
 225 
 
 ASSETS. 
 
 Amount with Treasurer, $20,616.14 
 
 " " Building and Sinking Fund, . 20,481.13 
 
 Real estate, Broadway and Park Place, . . 300,000.00 
 
 " " " " Crosby street, . 125,000.00 
 
 " " Mechanics' Hall, 80,000 00 
 
 United States and other securities, .... 43,000 00 
 
 Mechanics' National Bank stock, at par, . . 20,275 00 
 
 Books in library, 40,000 00 
 
 Leasehold, No. 12 Chambers street, . . . 1,187 .50 
 
 $660,559.77 
 
 LIABILITIES. 
 
 Amount due Library Fund, $1,907.66 
 
 " " De Milt Library, 5,000.00 
 
 " " interest, 300.00 
 
 Bond and mortgage Mechanics' Hall, . . . 20,000.00 
 
 $27,207 .66 
 
 Balance, $633,352 . 1 1 
 
 John Banta, president-elect, delivered his inaugural address. 
 (Vide Appendix.) 
 
 The annals of the General Society of Mechanics and Tradesmen 
 of New-York are here closed. For a period of little less than one 
 hundred years it has been doing the work contemplated at the time 
 of its original institution. It has relieved the unfortunate poor, the 
 widow and the orphan. Fast as its financial resources permitted, it 
 has extended its usefulness by sustaining a library, reading-rooms, 
 and a school, all open without pecuniary charge, and dedicated to 
 the culture of the youthful operatives of the city. The library has 
 grown to considerable proportions, even when compared with more 
 distinguished collections of the kind throughout the country. It now 
 contains sixty thousand volumes, and the number is destined to 
 increase, and to amply supply the reading wants of working-boys and 
 
226 
 
 GENERAL SOCIETY OF 
 
 [1876 
 
 twirls, as well as those of members of the Society. All the best 
 popular periodicals of the clay are provided. While the Society's 
 school was needed it was carefully fostered and sustained, and the 
 work was continued until the adoption of an excellent public school 
 system rendered it no longer necessary. The Society then directed 
 its energies to the establishment of a special free school, in which 
 mechanical, architectural, and free-hand drawing should be taught. 
 This is still flourishing, and is particularly valuable to apprentices, 
 and to girls wishing to study object-drawing and designing. Free 
 scholarships in the University of the City of New- York are still 
 within the gift of the Society. The lecture courses for members and 
 their families are still continued. 
 
 The benevolent operations of the Society have never been 
 suspended. And so it has continued in its career of usefulness, 
 from the day of small things, when it met in an inn in the lower 
 part of the city, kept by Walter Heyer, until now it has, for the 
 present, found an abiding-place in its own handsome and com- 
 modious Hall. 
 
 New-York, with so much of whose best history the Society is 
 identified, now numbers one million and a quarter of inhabitants, 
 mainly an industrious and prosperous people. In spite of a consid- 
 erable foreign element, many of the old Knickerbocker traits are 
 still observable ; there is much of the old energy, industry, honesty, 
 and thrift. Public and private edifices give evidence of the skill and 
 abilities of New-York mechanics. Our merchants sustain a reputa- 
 tion for integrity and fair dealing ; our commercial transactions 
 extend to every quarter of the globe ; ere long New- York may be 
 found the business and the money center of the world. 
 
 We have a proud roll of membership. Our catalogue shows 
 the names of those who, in their day and generation, were foremost 
 in the ranks of good and true men. May those who occupy their 
 
1880] MECHANICS AND TRADESMEN. 227 
 
 places continue the work which was begun by them, and prove 
 worthy pf such an ancestry. 
 
 May the future of the General Society of Mechanics and Trades- 
 men be worthy of its honorable past ! That is at least secure, as 
 these pages will testify. 
 
 May the next historian of the Society find his task even richer 
 in suggestion and more glorious in its records ! 
 
APPENDIX A. 
 
 BY-LAWS AND ORDINANCES. 
 
 A Law concerning the meetings of the Society and the election of Officers. 
 
 BE IT ORDAINED, by the General Society of Mechanics and Tradesmen of the 
 City of New-York, That the annual meetings of this Society shall be held at the 
 dwelling-house of the late Mary Amory, in the sixth ward of the City of New- York, until 
 a more suitable place be provided. 
 
 And be it further ordained, That when the members are met as aforesaid, the 
 President (or in case of his absence, death, or removal from office), the Vice-President, or 
 in case of his absence, the second Vice-President, shall, before the hour of eleven a. m., 
 call the members to order, who shall thereupon proceed by ballot to the choice of their 
 officers for the ensuing year; and that such persons who may have a n jority of votes, 
 shall (by a committee of three, to be previously elected by the Society, to canvass and 
 estimate the same) be declared duly elected, and shall thereupon enter on the duties of 
 their respective offices accordingly. 
 
 Nevertheless, it is here to be understood, that when a new Treasurer is chosen, his 
 predecessor in office shall be allowed (not exceeding) thirty days, to adjust and settle all 
 such affairs of the Society as come within the duties of his office, previous to his delivering 
 his trust into the hands of his successor. 
 
 And be it further ordained, That it shall and may be lawful for this Society to meet 
 on the first Wednesday in every month, at half an hour after the setting of the sun, at the 
 place aforesaid, for the purpose of balloting for such persons who have been proposed, and 
 may wish to become members of this Society, and to initiate those who have been elected 
 members ; and also to do and transact all such other matters and things as the interest of 
 the Society shall from time to time require. 
 
232 
 
 GENERAL SOCIETY OF 
 
 And he it further ordained, That whenever seven members shall deem it expedient to 
 have a special meeting, the same shall be signified by them in writing to the President for 
 the time being, whose duty it shall be to call the same, by directing the Secretary to give 
 at least three days' notice in three of the public newspapers printed in this city. 
 
 And be it further ordained, That if any vacancies shall happen among the officers of 
 this Society, by death, resignation, or removal, such vacancies shall be filled for the 
 remainder of the year in which they may happen, by a special election for that purpose, 
 to be held in the same manner as the annual elections are ; that the time for such election 
 shall be at one of the stated meetings of the Society, not less than two, or more than three, 
 months after such vacancies shall or may happen; that one week's notice thereof shall be 
 given by order of the presiding President, in two or more of the public newspapers printed 
 in this city. 
 
 A Law to regulate the admission of such persons as may apply to become members of tlii- Society. 
 
 Be it ordained, by the General Society of Mechanics and Tradesmen of the City of 
 New-York, That every person who may be hereafter chosen a member of this Society 
 agreeable to the charter, the President, who may then fill the chair, shall, in such mode and 
 form as the Society shall direct, receive such person, and on his paying into the hands of 
 the Treasurer five dollars, for the purpose of establishing a fund, to be applied to such 
 purposes as the charter directs, shall thereupon insert his name in the Register of this 
 Society, and he shall be entitled to all the privileges and benefits arising therefrom. 
 
 And be it further ordained, That every person who may hereafter be elected a 
 member of this Society, shall, within three months thereafter, apply for the purpose of 
 being initiated; and in case any person so elected shall neglect to apply within the time 
 aforesaid, in order to be initiated, the election of every such person shall by such neglect 
 become void. 
 
 And be it further ordained, That every person who may hereafter be proposed to 
 become a member of this Society, and on whose election, upon counting the ballots or 
 balls, it shall appear that more than one-third were against his admission, such person 
 shall not within six months thereafter be again proposed for the purpose aforesaid. 
 
 And be it further ordained. That the art or trade of every person hereafter to be 
 proposed as a member of this Society, shall be entered by the Secretary on the minutes of 
 the meeting at which such proposition is made ; and the Society shall in no case proceed 
 to ballot for any person as a member until he is recommended by at least two members 
 speaking to his character, as it relates to industry, honesty, and sobriety, and unless one 
 of the persons who proposed him be present. 
 
 And be it further ordained, That all foreigners previous to their admission shall 
 become citizens of the United States ; and no person shall be admitted unless he resides 
 within the City and County of New-York, and shall have arrived at the age of twenty- 
 one years. 
 
 A Law to regulate the Monthly Contributions. 
 
 Be it ordained, by the General Society of Mechanics and Tradesmen of the City of 
 New-York, That every member of the Society shall pay into the hands of the Treasurer 
 
MECHANICS AND TRADESMEN 
 
 233 
 
 one-eighth of a dollar monthly, for the purpose of establishing a general fund, to be appro- 
 priated as the charter directs. 
 
 And be it further ordained, That if any member shall neglect or refuse to pay his 
 monthly contributions for six months successively, he shall be waited on by the Treasurer, 
 who shall give notice thereof to the Society as soon after as possible. If, in the opinion of 
 the Treasurer, he be in indigent circumstances, the Secretary shall then hand his name to 
 the overseers of the poor, who shall wait on the member so reported, to know the cause of 
 his delinquency, and if it appears (to their satisfaction, and to the Society, before whom the 
 overseers shall lay his case at the next stated meeting) that his circumstances would not 
 permit his paying his monthly contributions, then the Secretary shall note it in the Society 
 Book for their future consideration ; but if it appears that the deficiency arises from any 
 other cause, and that he, the said member, declines paying his monthly dues for three 
 months longer, then his name shall be struck off the register of this Society, and he be 
 expelled and debarred from any of the privileges belonging to the members thereof. 
 
 And be it further ordained, That if any member removes from this city, and does not 
 cause his monthly contributions to be paid in twelve months thereafter, the Treasurer shall 
 then report him to the Society, and his name shall be struck off the register, and he be 
 debarred the privileges belonging to the members thereof. 
 
 A Law to direct the appropriation of the funds of this Society. 
 
 Be it ordained, by the General Society of Mechanics and Tradesmen of the City of 
 New- York, That as it is a leading motive of this Society to relieve the distressed of its 
 members that may fall in want by sickness or other misfortunes, every such person having, 
 previous to such sickness or misfortune, been a regular member for the space of two years, 
 shall be entitled to receive such sum or sums as the Society shall direct, by an order, signed by 
 the President, or one of the Vice-Presidents, who may preside at the time the order is made. 
 
 And be it further ordained, That in the event of the death of any member of this 
 Society, the widow, orphan, or orphans of such member, shall be entitled to receive assist- 
 ance from the Society, agreeable to the same regulations by which members themselves 
 receive it. 
 
 And be it further ordained, That four members of this Society shall, at every annual 
 meeting, be elected as overseers of the indigent of this Society, whose business it shall be 
 to inspect into the circumstances of every member, or of the widow, orphan, or orphans 
 of any deceased member who may apply for relief, and report such cases in writing to the 
 Society for their consideration. 
 
 A Law respecting the Seal and Plate for Certificates of this Society. 
 
 Be it ordained, by the General Society of Mechanics and Tradesmen of the City of 
 New-York, That there shall be a seal provided by the Society, emblematical of its institu- 
 tion, with such device as shall be agreed on by the Society ; the same to be kept by the 
 Secretary, for the purpose of sealing all certificates of admission, and other transactions 
 whereunto it is proper a seal should be affixed, in order that the whole of its acts and pro- 
 ceedings may be regularly authenticated. 
 
234 
 
 GENERAL SOCIETY OF 
 
 Be it further ordained, That the seal of this Society shall not be affixed to any instru- 
 ment of writing, for any purpose whatsoever (except the certificate of admission), at any 
 other time or place than at a regular meeting of this Society. 
 
 Be it further ordained, That there shall be a plate engraved for the purpose of striking 
 off the certificates of admission ; that each member shall be entitled to a certificate, which 
 shall be presented to him by the Secretary, dated from the commencement of his member- 
 ship, free from any cost or expense, at any time not exceeding two months from the time 
 he was initiated. 
 
 A Law to ascertain the duties of the Treasurer. 
 Be it ordained, by the General Society of Mechanics and Tradesmen of the City of 
 New-York, Tliat it shall be the duty of the Treasurer, from time to time, to receive all the 
 initiation fees and collect all the monthly contributions ; and also, such donations that 
 may at any time be presented to the Society. He shall pay all specific orders drawn on 
 him by the Society and signed by the presiding President ; he shall suffer no unnecessary 
 delays in payment to the discredit of the Society ; he shall keep all the accounts relating 
 to this business, fair and accurate ; he shall at every quarterly meeting report a state of the 
 finances and funds, and subjoin his account thereunto, which shall be for the inspection of 
 the Society. 
 
 And be it further ordained, That whenever a Treasurer is elected, he shall, before he 
 enters on the duties of his office, give bond, with two sufficient sureties, in the sum of two 
 thousand dollars, for the faithful performance of the duties of his office. 
 
 And be it further ordained, That the Treasurer shall be allowed for his services, five 
 per cent, on all initiation fees, on all monthly contributions, and on all interest — which 
 five per cent, shall be considered as a full compensation for his services, and which it may 
 be lawful for him to retain in his hands. 
 
 A Law to ascertain the duties of the Secretary. 
 Be it ordained, by the General Society of Mechanics and Tradesmen of the City of 
 New-York, That it shall be the duty of the Secretary to attend every meeting of the 
 Society (except he be sick or out of town) ; he shall keep minutes of all their proceedings, 
 and regularly record the same ; he shall provide and keep a book wherein each member's 
 name shall be inserted, in their order, and in such manner that it may at first view appear 
 when each member was admitted, expelled, or when died ; which book shall be the register 
 of this Society. 
 
 And be it further ordained, That it shall be the duty of the Secretary to cause notice 
 to be given of the annual and quarterly meetings of this Society, in not more than three of 
 the public newspapers printed in this city, three days previous to each meeting. 
 
 And be it further ordained, That the Secretary shall be allowed for the aforesaid 
 services twenty dollars per annum. 
 
 A Law to ascertain the duty of the President in the absence or inability of the Secretary. 
 
 Be it ordained, by the General Society of Mechanics and Tradesmen of the City of 
 New-York, That in the absence or inability of the Secretary it shall be the duty of the 
 President for the time being to appoint a member to officiate in his place. 
 
MECHANICS AND TRADESMEN. 
 
 235 
 
 A Law to regulate the loaning of the money of this Society. 
 
 Be it ordained, by the General Society of Mechanics and Tradesmen of the City 
 of New-York, That the Society shall at every annual meeting elect, by ballot, a committee 
 of five members, whose duty it shall be to attend to the loaning of the money of this 
 Society. That when application is made to the Society for money, a majority of the 
 members of the committee on examining the property offered to be mortgaged, and finding 
 it agreeable to the regulations in the following clause, shall have power to loan the same. 
 
 And be it further ordained, That no money shall be loaned out by the Society, unless 
 the borrower lives (and the real property to be mortgaged be situated) within the City and 
 County of New- York ; and unless the real property offered to be mortgaged be twice the 
 value of the sum to be loaned. 
 
 And be it further ordained, That in case there should be more than one applicant 
 at the same time, for any sum that may be in the hands of the Treasurer, it is hereby 
 made the duty of the President to determine by lot which of the applicants shall have 
 the preference ; but the members of this Society shall have the preference of all other 
 applicants for any money to be loaned. 
 
 And be it further ordained, That on the first meeting after the loaning of any monies, 
 this committee shall report to the Society a regular account of their proceedings. 
 
 RULES OF ORDER. 
 
 1. On the appearance of a quorum the President shall take the chair, and the 
 members shall be called to order. 
 
 2. Immediately after the President shall have taken the chair, the minutes of the 
 preceding meeting shall be read by the Secretary, that any mistakes therein may be 
 corrected by the Society. 
 
 3. The President shall preserve order and decorum, and decide questions of order, 
 subject to an appeal to the Society. 
 
 4. The President shall not vote in any case, unless the Society be eqt lly divided. 
 
 5. When the Society adjourns, the members shall keep their seats until the President 
 leaves the chair. 
 
 6. Every member wishing to speak shall rise from his seat and address himself to the 
 President ; and, unless conscientiously scrupulous, shall be uncovered. 
 
 7. When two or more members rise at once, the President shall name the member 
 who is first to speak. 
 
 8. No member shall speak more than twice to the same question, until he shall have 
 obtained leave from the Society. 
 
 9. No motion shall be debated or put unless the same be seconded. When a motion 
 is seconded, it shall be stated by the President before debate, and every such motion shall 
 be reduced to writing, if the President or any five members desire it. 
 
 10. After a motion is stated by the President, it shall be deemed to be in possession 
 of the Society ; but may be withdrawn at any time before decision or amendment. 
 
236 
 
 GENERAL SOCIETY OF 
 
 11. When any question is under debate no motion shall be received, unless to amend 
 it or to postpone it to a certain day, for the previous question, or to adjourn. 
 
 12. The previous question, until it is decided, shall preclude all amendment and debate 
 of the main question; and shall be in this form — Shall the main question be now put ? 
 
 13. A motion to adjourn shall' be always in order, and shall be decided without 
 debate. 
 
 14. No member shall speak more than once upon a previous question. 
 
 15. Petitions, memorials, and other papers addressed to the Society, shall be presented 
 by the President, or by a member in his place. 
 
 16. Whilst the President is putting a question no member shall walk out of, or across, 
 the room ; nor when a member is speaking shall any one entertain private discourse, or 
 pass between him and the chair. 
 
 17. Every bill shall receive three several readings, previous to its being passed; the 
 second and third reading shall be at different meetings, unless the Society unanimously 
 direct otherwise. 
 
 18. All questions in the Society shall be put in the order they were moved; except 
 that in filling up blanks, the largest sum and longest time shall be first put. 
 
 19. When a bill passes the Society the President shall sign the same, with the date 
 thereof, at the foot of the bill, and the Secretary countersign it. 
 
 20. The order of the day shall have preference to any motion before the Society. 
 Passed the 4th day of April. 1798. 
 
 (attest.) 
 
 James Tylee, President. 
 Wm. Whitehead, Secr'y. 
 
 MEMBERS' NAMES. 
 
 N. B. — Those marked thus * are the names of deceased members. 
 
 Joseph Jadwin, 
 William Allen, 
 * Dennis M'Ready, 
 Anthony Post, 
 John Burger, 
 John Stagg, 
 Thomas Ivers, 
 William I. Elsworth, 
 Robert Hodge, 
 John Moore, 
 Joseph Cheeseman, 
 John Sidell, 
 James Brown, 
 John Goodeve, 
 Jacob I. Arden, 
 George Messerve, 
 
 David Man, 
 * Jacob Arden, 
 
 * Jacob Pozer, 
 Abraham Polhemus, 
 
 George Warner, 
 Gerardus Smith, 
 John Campbell, 
 James M'Cullen, 
 Abraham Russel, 
 Nicholas N. Anthony, 
 George Gosman, 
 George Lindsay, 
 Caleb Haviland, 
 James Tylee, 
 John Mills, 
 * Frederick Stymets, 
 Malcom M'Euen, 
 Edward Watkeys, 
 
 * John Cammerdener, 
 
 Walter Bicker, 
 William Bryar, 
 Thomas Allen, 
 Thomas Stevenson, 
 James Robinson, 
 Peter Cole, 
 Thomas Hazard, 
 Francis Childs, 
 Michael Brooks, 
 Jotham Post, 
 
 * Daniel Stanbury, 
 
 John Striker, 
 Frederick Resler, 
 
MECHANICS AND TRADESMEN. 
 
 237 
 
 William Wright, 
 Edward Patten, 
 Richard Cunningham, 
 Abraham Bloodgood, 
 Anthony Ogilvie, 
 John Burger, Jr., 
 Joseph Newton, 
 Richard Davis, 
 John Els worth, 
 Thomas Greenleaf, 
 Gardiner Baker, 
 Thomas Lefoy, 
 James Warner, 
 John Utt, 
 Stephen Smith, 
 Daniel Hitchcock, 
 Anthony Simmons, 
 Peter R. Maverick, 
 Jacob Sherred, 
 James Teller, 
 James Van Dyck, 
 Walter Degraw, 
 John M'Comb, Jr., 
 George Peek, 
 John Brower, 
 Thomas Bruen, 
 James Moore, 
 George Seal, 
 Andrew Morris, 
 James Byrne, 
 George Speth, 
 Ahasuerus Turk, 
 John Clitz, 
 Peter Bertine, 
 Thomas Timpson, 
 Seabury Champlin, 
 John Crolius, Jr. 
 Nathaniel Woodward, 
 Cornelius B. Sebring, 
 George Pick, 
 Benjamin Williamson, 
 James D. Bissett, 
 John Gilmore, 
 
 Gabriel Furman, 
 John Van Dyk, 
 Elbert Anderson, 
 John M'Bain, 
 Jabez Halsey, 
 Thomas Brown, 
 Alexander Peacock, 
 John Wright, 
 John Ming, 
 Aaron Howell, 
 Jacob Hallett, 
 * Daniel Ruckel, 
 Seth R. Kneeland, 
 Robert M'Dowel, 
 Robert Gosman, 
 William Foord, 
 Obadiah Helme, 
 James Culbertson, 
 Peter M'Eachan, 
 Daniel Tooker, 
 John Banks, 
 John Norman, 
 Andrew Wright, 
 Alexander Gibson, 
 Jacob Arnold, 
 James Hays, 
 Evert Bush, 
 Philip K. Lawrence, 
 John W. Hardenbrook, 
 Garret Walgrove, 
 Kamp Ayrs, 
 John Harrison, 
 John Minuse, 
 Edward Ming, 
 Leonard Rogers, 
 Henry Ackerman, 
 Cornelius Timpson, 
 Frederick Maybie, 
 Henry Burtsell, 
 Charles Warner, 
 John Patten, 
 John P. Roome, 
 Owen Jones, 
 
 * Josiah Furman, 
 Henry Ortly, 
 Jacob P. Roome, 
 Jeremiah Wool, 
 Abraham Brower, 
 Edward Day, 
 
 * George Stanton, Jr.. 
 Peter Garbrance, 
 Peter Amerman, 
 Israel Haviland, 
 Benjamin Benson, 
 Joseph Lyons, 
 John Miller, 
 John Fawpell, 
 James Brard, 
 
 John Day, 
 Adam Fink, 
 Alexander Fink, Jr., 
 John Post, 
 John Read, 
 
 Abel W. Hardenbrook, 
 Samuel Wright, 
 Robert Cocks, 
 
 * Jeremiah Wood, 
 Jonas Utt, 
 
 Wm. Gilbert Miller, 
 Samuel Burling, 
 Edward Wade, 
 Eleazer Little, 
 John Slii 'ill, 
 James Hallett, 
 John Peshine, 
 Charles Hedenberg, 
 John B. Dash, Jr., 
 Christopher Halsted, 
 Jacamiah Akerly, 
 Samuel L. Whitlock, 
 Timothy Nostrand, 
 James Weeks, 
 John Lent, 
 William Weeks, 
 
 * Henry Whitfield, 
 Theodorus Deforest, 
 
2 3 8 < 
 
 William Humphreys, 
 Robert Johnston, 
 Gilbert Brush, 
 James Scott, 
 Robert Brown, 
 James M'Cready, Jr., 
 Simeon A. Bayley, 
 
 * Garret Schanck, 
 William Dally, 
 Cornelius King, 
 Stephen Allen, 
 Andrew M'Cready, 
 Philip Dally, 
 David Baker, 
 James Woodruff, 
 Isaac Varian, 
 John Moffit, 
 Sampson A. Myers, 
 Daniel Van Voorhis, 
 
 * John Robertson, 
 John Waldron, 
 William H. Ireland, 
 Robert G. Giles, 
 John Rose, 
 William Rollinson, 
 William Kumbel, 
 Judah Myers, 
 Simon Van Antwerp, 
 Garret Cozine, 
 Mathias Valentine, 
 Abraham Child, 
 Benjamin Haight, 
 John Elliot, 
 William Brown, 
 Augustus Wright, 
 Peter Bourdet, Jr., 
 Stephen Hitchcock, 
 Richard Furman, 
 William Quick, 
 Garret De Bow, 
 Samuel Delamater, 
 Thomas Ferdon, 
 Anthony Brown, 
 
 NERAL SOCIETY 
 
 Peter Walker, 
 John Ashfield, 
 Albert Smith, 
 
 * Ahasuerus Turk, Jr.. 
 Samuel Machett, 
 Abraham Lazalere, 
 Nathaniel Harned, 
 Isaac Ketchell, 
 James Jinkins, 
 Elias Billington, 
 George Ritchie, 
 Philip Ruckel, 
 James Duffie, 
 Jacob Keyser, 
 William King, 
 Stephen Carpenter, 
 John Gould, 
 William Wendover, 
 George M'Koy, 
 William Rutledge, 
 John Bogart, 
 Francis Many, 
 John Morris, 
 Samuel Brown, 
 Henry Couenhoven, 
 James Ronalds, 
 William Wii.less, 
 Paul Van Der Voort, 
 William Wood, 
 Augustus Crygier, 
 Isaac Tor-Boss, 
 Mott Hicks, 
 
 Jonas Humbert, 
 Henry Mitchell, 
 Joel Post, 
 Jonas Mapes, 
 
 * James Aymar, Jr., 
 Nathaniel Browne, 
 Archibald MTntire, 
 Evert Duyckinck, 
 Christopher Gollow, 
 Matthew West, 
 Hazel Myers, 
 
 John Cheeseman, 
 Jacob Morris, 
 
 * JOSIAH G. PlERSON, 
 
 John Burt, 
 Abraham Labagh, 
 Peter H. Wendover, 
 John Brown, 
 Jacob Germond, 
 Andrew S. Norwood, 
 Nicholas Morris, 
 John Sproson, 
 Abraham C. Brower, 
 William Robinson, 
 Samuel St. John, 
 John J. Wilmurt, 
 Paul Gallaudat, 
 William Heyer, 
 Thomas Demilt, 
 Oliver Cromwell, 
 Frederick Pentz, 
 Thomas Garson, 
 William Peterson, 
 Benjamin Cady, 
 Thomas Smith, 
 John Garlock, 
 Nathaniel Hawxhurst, 
 Timothy Wood, 
 Theophelus Pirson, 
 Henry Sanders, 
 Michael Parker, 
 George Dally, 
 Oliver Showet, 
 David Skaats, 
 John P. Kaff, 
 Joel Davis, 
 
 Cornelius Crygier, Jr., 
 William Vincent, 
 Godfrey Kant, 
 
 * Rinier Skaats, Jr., 
 Daniel Ravo, 
 William Pers, 
 John Haskin, 
 William M'Kenny, 
 
MECHANICS AND TRADESMEN. 
 
 2 39 
 
 William P. Roome, 
 Nicholas Meade, 
 Reuben Bunn, 
 Duncan Phyfe, 
 Nathaniel Furman, 
 Andrew Durham, 
 Joseph Morrison, 
 Ware Branson, 
 Anthony Steenback, 
 Thomas B. Whitlock, 
 David Heckle, 
 Daniel Betts, 
 Ebenezar Stevens, 
 James Alner, 
 William Rowlenson, 
 William Peck, 
 William Barton, 
 Jabesh Pell, 
 Andrew Mercin, 
 Thomas Dodds, 
 John Leveridge, 
 Philip Lockwood, 
 Peter Conrey, 
 John Campbell, 
 James Egbert, 
 Christian Tupper, 
 Edward Meeks, 
 Harman Montanye, 
 James Riker, 
 Daniel Van Antwerp, 
 Henry Vandewater, 
 John Auchincloss, 
 Joseph Watkins, 
 Stephen R. Cooper, 
 Francis A. Marschalk, 
 Andrew Newel, 
 Charles Jos. Field, 
 Francis Cooper, 
 Lawrence Heyer, 
 James Bussing, 
 Silas Barber, 
 James Willet, 
 John Crygier, 
 
 Walter M'Bride, 
 Peter Sebring, 
 James Armstrong, 
 John I. Roome, 
 Thomas Tant, 
 James Van Duyne, 
 Richard Robertson, 
 John Connor, 
 John Cunningham, 
 Robert Provost, Jr., 
 David Mersereau, 
 Nicholas Carmer, 
 Robert Carter, 
 Michael White, 
 Michael Fach, 
 Hugh M'Dougall, 
 Henry Hillman, 
 Thomas Fardon, 
 Gerard I. Bancker, 
 Abijah Abbot, 
 Alexander Campbell, 
 Isaiah Valleau, 
 Abraham Van Gelder, 
 William Irvin, 
 John Burger, 
 Caleb Pell, 
 Jonas P. Eddo, 
 James Stewart, 
 Lewis Harway, 
 Isaac Van Dyck, 
 Lot Merkel, 
 Stephen Rudd, 
 Jacob Grim, 
 Joseph Board, 
 Thomas F. Kip, 
 Barant Deklyne, 
 Peter Vanderhoef, Jr., 
 Asa Stanton, 
 Abraham Rich, 
 * John M'Gowan, 
 Samuel Campbell, 
 Edward Sarles, 
 Ezekiel Robins, 
 
 Daniel Bowen, 
 Christian Nestill, 
 George Dieterich, 
 James Harrison, 
 John Hyde, 
 John Cummings, 
 Richard Moore, 
 James Bertine, 
 William Astrander, 
 John Van Houter, 
 John Ruckel, 
 Henry Simmons, 
 Benjamin Aycrigg, 
 George Shimeall, 
 Matthew Lattimore, 
 Thomas White, 
 Benjamin Stephens, 
 David Pearcelock, 
 Jeronemous AlstyneJt. 
 William Bussing, 
 William Ketcham, 
 Philip Arnold, 
 Nicholas Roberts, 
 Peter R. Sprainger, 
 Thomas Pryer, 
 Duncan M'Euen, 
 Wm. A. Hardenbrook, 
 Jacob Lorillard, 
 Leonard Warner, 
 John Vidi ro, 
 Simeon Deming, 
 George Ireland, 
 Thomas Whitlock, 
 Charles Craft, 
 John Campbell, 
 Francis Lynch, 
 Peter Valleau, 
 John Baldwin, 
 Ebenezer C. Kilborn, 
 William Ballard, 
 Samuel Borrowe, 
 Cornelius Brinkerhoff, 
 John West, 
 
240 
 
 GENERAL SOCIETY OF 
 
 Jacob Van Wagenan, Jr., 
 Abraham Kip, 
 Peter Coruth, 
 Benjamin Sullivan, 
 Isaac Kip, Jr., 
 George James Warner, 
 James Bayley, 
 Adam Pentz, 
 James Norris, 
 Charles Dobbs, 
 Cornelius Rutan, 
 Ephraim Baylis, 
 Abraham Fardon, 
 Reuben Odell, 
 John Parker, 
 William W. Galatian, 
 Napthalia Judah, 
 John Elting, 
 
 The last three persons 
 
 Peter C. Schuyler, 
 Elias Hatfield, 
 John W. Elsvvorth, 
 Joseph Dederer, 
 William Parker, 
 Bartholomew Skaats, 
 Edward Meeks, Sr., 
 John Forsyth, 
 William Frobisher, 
 Joseph Earl, 
 Benjamin Gai.lahar, 
 James Hallett, Jr., 
 Henry Monro Dobbs, 
 Charles Smith, 
 Thomas James, 
 William Whitehead, 
 Thomas Ryan, 
 John Buel, 
 
 whose names are recorded were i 
 
 Solomon Pancoast, 
 John Fitzpatrick, 
 Ezra Weeks, 
 Lewis Randolph, 
 Richard Chalk, 
 John Schanck, 
 Archibald Whaites, 
 Richard B. Davis, 
 George Collis, 
 George Arcularius, 
 Jacob Bierman, 
 Alexander Saunders, 
 Andrew Morrell, 
 Genrge Knox, 
 Kennith M'Kinizie, 
 Nicholas Lozier, 
 John Randall. 
 
 itiated May 2d, 1798. 
 
 APPENDIX B. 
 
 CORRESPONDENCE. 
 
 Providence, December 9, 1798. 
 
 To the General Society of Mechanics and Tradesmen. 
 
 Dear Sirs : The select committee of the Providence Association of Mechanics and 
 Manufacturers, desirous of expressing the sense of the Association, and ever happy in 
 communicating to their friends whatever may concern them, embrace the present oppor- 
 tunity of forwarding to you a revision of the by-laws, rules, and orders of our Association ; 
 also a certificate of membership, with an explanation thereof. Our desire of cultivating 
 that friendship and harmony which ought ever to exist between societies formed for such 
 benevolent and commendable purposes, makes us anxious to embrace every circumstance 
 
MECHANICS AND TRADESMEN 
 
 241 
 
 that may tend to keep us in your remembrance ; and however uninteresting to 
 your Society our communications may be, yet we are unwilling to be diverted from 
 our purpose on any occasion that ofters to present you with our most respectful con- 
 sideration. 
 
 We solicit your acceptance of the several enclosures, and of the assurance that the 
 best wishes of our Association accompany yours in the pursuit of the several objects in 
 which you may be engaged. 
 
 James Burrill, President. 
 
 At the meeting in February, the following reply was read and ordered to be for- 
 warded : 
 
 Mechanics' Hall, January 28th, 1799. 
 
 To James Burrill, Esq., President. 
 
 Dear Sir : The General Society of Mechanics and Tradesmen of the City of New- 
 York have duly received your esteemed favor of the 9th inst., with the several enclosures 
 therein mentioned, and return you their thanks for this new evidence of your friendship 
 and attention. 
 
 Since our last communication to you, no favorable circumstances bearing a distin- 
 guished relation to the progress of American arts and manufactures have occurred here 
 which we could deem of sufficient importance to impart to you. 
 
 Perhaps upon a general view it will be found that American manufactures have 
 rather lessened than increased among us, the attempts of many individuals have resulted 
 in ruin, and the few companies who have embarked their property in the establishment 
 of particular branches have successively, and with loss, relinquished their honorable 
 undertakings. 
 
 These failures may in general be attributed to the same source (foreign importation) 
 which has existed for many years past, and still continues to spread its baleful influences 
 among us — an influence highly unfavorable to mechanical improvement, nourishing a 
 spirit of dependence, defeating in a degree the purposes of our Revolution, md tarnishing 
 the luster of our national character. 
 
 It is a misfortune that a more general development of the true cause of all this evil 
 has not been made, in order to the application for such legislative aid as may render 
 successful the patriotic attempts of our citizens. 
 
 On the subject of American arts and manufactures your communication is altogether 
 silent. From this circumstance, and our own experience, we are led to infer that with you 
 (as with us) they are at present by no means in a flourishing state. If this, however, is not 
 the case, we shall be particularly happy in being undeceived. 
 
 Enclosed you will find a revised copy of our by-laws, with certificate of membership, 
 of which we beg your acceptance. 
 
 This letter was not forwarded, but the following was subsequently adopted in 
 its stead : 
 
242 
 
 GENERAL SOCIETY OF 
 
 Mechanics' Hall. April 3d, 1799. 
 
 James Burrill, Esq., President. 
 
 Dear Sir: The esteemed favor from your Association of the 9th December, 1798, 
 with the several enclosures therein mentioned, have been duly received, for which we return 
 you our thanks, and regret that unavoidable delays prevented our forwarding to you an 
 earlier answer. 
 
 This new evidence of your friendship is peculiarly gratifying to the General Society of 
 Mechanics and Tradesmen of the City of New-York. While it displays a spirit of extensive 
 liberality, it is well calculated to produce and perpetuate that harmony and affection which 
 ought to subsist between our respective societies, and will endear the remembrance of your 
 Association. To be informed of your prosperity will always give us pleasure. 
 
 We shall be happy in receiving any communications that you may honor us with, and 
 on every occasion that offers present you with such information relative to our Society 
 that we may deem of importance. 
 
 Enclosed you will find a revised copy of our by-laws and rules of order, together with 
 a certificate of membership, of which we beg your acceptance, with the assurance of our 
 sincere friendship. — In Society. 
 
 Peter H. Wendover, President. 
 
 APPENDIX C, 
 
 ADDRESS TO BE USED AT THE INITIATION OF MEMBERS. 
 
 Adopted December, 1S02. 
 
 Fellow Citizens : 
 
 You have been regularly admitted a member of this Society ; which mark of favor 
 with which our institution has honored you is the happy result of those flattering recom- 
 mendations which we have received of your character. Let sobriety, industry, integrity, 
 and uprightness of heart continue to be the ornaments of your name. 
 
 We now hail you brother! a delightful union, where the bond of friendship is 
 benevolence. To dry the tear from misery's eye, to succor the afflicted, and save the 
 sinking, is our present aim, and constituted an original and principal object with the 
 founders of our institution. You are about to join your efforts to those of your brothers 
 around you; a compliance with the tenor of our laws will entitle you to an equal par- 
 
MECHANICS AND TRADESMEN 
 
 243 
 
 ticipation of the privileges and benefits derived from this incorporation. May the interests, 
 harmony, and reputation of this General Association be ever dear to you. On its private 
 transactions be silent as the grave. 
 
 You will now inscribe your name on the, general register of this Society, in whose 
 behalf I tender you the right hand of fellowship. 
 
 A beautiful and touching address, and all the records of the Society show that it 
 meant all that it said, and it could not fail to impress him to whom it was spoken with the 
 benevolence, harmony, and moral benefits of the Association that welcomed him among 
 them. 
 
 "On its private transactions be silent as the grave." 
 
 This would, at first, seem to intimate that there were secret features in some of the 
 Society's transactions, but a careful reading of the minutes would seem to show the clause 
 above quoted referred to the aid that was offered to the needy, which should never be 
 trumpeted ; but, so far as possible, alms should be done in secret, and it was our Saviour's 
 injunction : " Let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth." 
 
 APPENDIX D, 
 
 BY-LAWS. 
 
 Chapter I. — A Law fixing the time and place of the Meetings of this Society. 
 
 § 1. Be it ordained by the General Society of Mechanics and Tradesmen of the 
 City of New- York, That all the meetings of this Society shall be held at Mechanics' Hall, 
 situated on Broadway, at the corner of Park Place, in the third ward of this city. 
 
 § 2. In addition to the annual meetings of this Society, to be held on the second 
 Tuesday in January in every year, regular meetings shall be held on the first Wednesday 
 in every month, at half an hour after sunset ; and the first Wednesday in March, June, 
 September, and December are hereby designated as quarterly meetings; and the first 
 Wednesday in April, May, July, August, October, November, January, and February as 
 monthly meetings of this Society. 
 
 § 3. Whenever seven members shall deem it expedient to have a special meeting, they 
 shall signify it in writing to the President, for the time being, who shall direct the Secretary 
 to notify the members accordingly. 
 
244 
 
 GENERAL SOCIETY OF 
 
 Chapter II. — A Law respecting the election of Officers. * 
 
 § i. Be it ordained by the General Society of Mechanics and Tradesmen of the City 
 of New-York, That at the quarterly meeting in December in every year, or as soon 
 thereafter as may be, six members shall be chosen by the Society, as inspectors of .the 
 annual election of officers; three of whom shall be designated to receive, canvass, and 
 estimate the votes given for President, first Vice-President, second Vice-President, 
 Treasurer, Secretary, and Collector; and three to receive, canvass, and estimate the votes 
 given for the Loaning Committee and Overseers of the Poor. 
 
 § 2. When a quorum of members are met on the morning of the anniversary, the 
 presiding officer for the time being shall, between the hours of ten and twelve o'clock a. if., 
 call them to order; when, after going through the ordinary business of the Society, they 
 shall proceed by ballot to the choice of their officers for the ensuing year : Provided 
 always, should it at any time happen that a quorum of members is not present at or before 
 eleven o'clock a. m., the opening of the poll for the election of officers shall not be 
 suspended beyond that hour. 
 
 § 3. The poll for election shall be opened and kept open not less than two hours, and 
 shall not be closed before one o'clock p. m., and the inspectors shall give notice of its 
 closing at least fifteen minutes preceding. Immediately on closing the poll they shall 
 proceed to canvass the votes, and on completing the same, shall regularly certify, under 
 their hands, the persons having a majority of votes; which certificate shall, provided a 
 quorum of members are present, be reported forthwith to the Society ; otherwise, deposited 
 with the Secretary and registered on the minutes. 
 
 § 4. All special elections for filling vacancies, occasioned by death, resignation, or 
 removal, shall be at a stated meeting of the Society, not less than two or more than three 
 months after such vacancies shall have happened, and the presiding officer shall cause the 
 members to be notified thereof, in the papers employed by this Society, at least one week 
 previous to the time of every such election ; any law to the contrary notwithstanding. 
 
 Chapter III. — A Law prescribing the duties of the Treasurer. 
 
 § 1. Be it ordained by the General Society of Mechanics and Tradesmen of the City 
 of New-York, That before the Treasurer enters upon the duties of his office, he shall give 
 bond to the Society, with two sufficient sureties, in the sum of two thousand dollars, for 
 the faithful performance of the trust reposed in him. 
 
 § 2. It shall be the duty of the Treasurer to receive all initiation fees, collect the rent 
 of the Hall, the interest on any money secured by bond and mortgage, the dividend from 
 the Mechanics' Bank on the stock held by the Society, and, from time to time, receive 
 such money as the Collector may have on hand ; and, generally, all moneys, except the 
 monthly contributions which are or may be due the Society. 
 
 He shall pay all specific orders drawn on him by the Society and signed by the 
 presiding officer. 
 
 He shall report at every quarterly meeting the state of the finances and funds, and 
 subjoin his own account thereto, for the inspection of the members ; and also such list of 
 delinquents as shall be furnished him by the Collector, particularly specifying the cause of 
 their delinquency. 
 
MECHANICS AND TRADESMEN. 245 
 
 He shall correctly keep the stock ledger and transfer book, for account of stock 
 created for building the Hall. 
 
 He shall furnish the Collector, from time to time, with the money necessary to 
 discharge the interest that may accrue and be. due on the said stock, and redeem such 
 part of it as shall or may be directed to be paid off. 
 
 He shall register, in a book to be kept for that particular purpose, the names of the 
 pensioners and the names and ages of their children, and shall pay, at stated periods, 
 their pensions as fixed by law. 
 
 § 3. The Treasurer shall receive, as a compensation for his services, a salary of thirty 
 dollars per annum. 
 
 § 4. The Society shall appoint annually a committee of three members to examine 
 the books of the Treasurer and Collector respectively, who shall report the result at the 
 next meeting of the Society thereafter. 
 
 § 5. When a new Treasurer is chosen, his predecessor in office shall be allowed thirty 
 days to adjust and settle his accounts, and other matters appertaining to the duties of 
 his office. 
 
 Chapter IV. — A Law prescribing the duties of the Secretary. 
 
 § 1. Be it ordained by the General Society of Mechanics and Tradesmen of the City 
 of New-York, That it shall be the duty of the Secretary to attend every meeting of the 
 Society, except prevented by sickness or absence from the city. 
 
 He shall keep minutes of their proceedings, and regularly record the same in a book 
 provided for the purpose. 
 
 He shall also keep a book, wherein each member's name shall be inserted in such 
 order and manner that it will appear when they were admitted, expelled, died, or with- 
 drew, as the case may be ; which book shall be the register of the Society. And further, 
 he shall keep a book similar to that directed to be kept by the Treasurer, wherein shall be 
 recorded the names of the widows and orphans who are pensioners to this institution. 
 
 He shall notify each person who has been regularly admitted a member of this Society 
 of such admission ; and in case of the election of any member not present to an office, he 
 shall also notify him of his election. 
 
 He shall cause public notice to be given of all the meetings of the Society in the fol- 
 lowing newspapers printed in this city, viz. : the " Daily Gazette," " Mercantile Advertiser," 
 " National Advocate," and " Columbian," at least three days previous to each meeting; or 
 in such other papers and in such other manner as the Society may direct. 
 
 § 2. The Secretary shall be allowed, for the performance of the said duties, an annual 
 salary of seventy-five dollars. 
 
 § 3. In the absence or inability of the Secretary, the presiding officer for the time 
 being shall appoint one of the members to officiate as Secretary pro tempore. 
 
 Chapter V. — A Law prescribing the duties of the Collector. 
 
 § 1. Be it ordained by the General Society of Mechanics and Tradesmen of the 
 City of New-York, That whenever a Collector is elected, before he enters on the duties of 
 his office, he shall give bond to the Society, with one sufficient surety, in the sum of two 
 hundred dollars. 
 
246 
 
 GENERAL SOCIETY OF 
 
 § 2. It shall be the duty of the Collector to call on all members residing in this city, 
 who may be two or more quarters in arrears, for their monthly dues, and on receiving the 
 same give receipts, if required. 
 
 He shall make quarterly returns to the Treasurer, in writing, of all delinquents who 
 are fifteen or more months in arrears, specifying particularly the cause or causes of their 
 delinquency. 
 
 He shall pay to the Treasurer, at least once in every quarter, all moneys by him 
 collected as aforesaid. 
 
 He shall keep an alphabetical list of the members, in a book ruled with columns for 
 each quarter, in such manner that it may be readily seen how many months each person 
 is in arrears for contributions. 
 
 He shall pay, when thereunto required by the Treasurer, the interest on the 
 unliquidated stock created for building the Hall. 
 
 He shall attend all the meetings of the Society in the capacity of door-keeper and 
 messenger, and shall suffer none except members to enter the Hall, during the time of 
 meeting, without permission of the Society. 
 
 § 3. For the faithful performance of the above duties the Collector shall be allowed 
 the following compensation : On all monthly contributions by him collected, ten per 
 cent. ; and for keeping the door of the Hall, each meeting which he shall attend, 
 seventy-five cents. 
 
 Chapter VI. — A Law authorizing the election of Overseers of the Poor and designating their duties. 
 
 § 1. Be it ordained by the General Society of Mechanics and Tradesmen of the City 
 of New- York, That four discreet and upright persons, members of this Society, shall be 
 elected at the annual meeting, as Overseers of the Poor or Indigent, who shall hold their 
 offices for one year, and until others are elected in their stead. 
 
 § 2. All applications made to this Society for relief, either personally or by petition, 
 shall be referred to the Overseers of the Poor. 
 
 § 3. It shall be the duty of the Overseers of the Poor to inspect into the circum- 
 stances of every member, or of the widow, orphan, or orphans of any deceased member, 
 who may apply for assistance. 
 
 They shall also inquire into the circumstances of each member who may plead 
 indigence as a cause for not paying his monthly contributions. 
 
 They shall visit, from time to time, the several pensioners of this Society, in order that 
 they may obtain a knowledge whether they are fit and proper objects of its bounty. 
 
 In all cases referred to them, or that may occur in the performance of their duty, 
 they shall report in writing to the Society a statement of facts, with their opinion thereon. 
 
 § 4. In cases where applications are made to the Overseers of the Poor during the 
 recess of the Society, by pensioners or others, and where petitions or applications have 
 been referred to them, and on examination it shall appear that the applicant or applicants 
 are entitled to relief by the By-Laws, and that the circumstances of the case are such as to 
 require immediate assistance, and will not admit of the delay necessary to make a formal 
 report thereof, then it shall and may be lawful for them to make a donation, not to exceed 
 
MECHANICS AND TRADESMEN 
 
 247 
 
 ten dollars to each applicant, for each and every month during the continuance of their 
 several necessities, and only during the recess of the Society. And they are hereby 
 authorized to draw upon the Treasurer for the money distributed in donations as aforesaid ; 
 provided, always, that they shall report in writing, at the next meeting thereafter, the 
 amount thus advanced by their order on the Treasurer, and the name and situation of the 
 person thus relieved ; whereupon the said amount shall be audited and allowed by the 
 Society. 
 
 Chapter VII. — A Law regulating the proposition of Candidates. 
 
 § 1. Be it ordained by the General Society of Mechanics and Tradesmen of the City 
 of New- York, That the art, or trade, of every person to be proposed as a member of this 
 Society shall be entered by the Secretary on the minutes of the meeting at which such 
 proposition is made ; and the Society shall in no case proceed to ballot for such person as 
 a member unless two of the brothers shall appear and vouch for his character, as it relates 
 to industry, honesty, and sobriety ; and also for his being a mechanic or tradesman ; nor 
 unless one of the vouchers be present. 
 
 Chapter VIII. — A Law regulating the Ceremony of the Initiation of Members. 
 
 § 1. Be it ordained by the General Society of Mechanics and Tradesmen of the City 
 of New-York, That every person who may hereafter be elected a member of this Society 
 shall, within three meetings thereafter, apply for the purpose of being initiated ; and in case 
 any person so elected shall neglect to apply within the time aforesaid, his election shall, by 
 such neglect, become void. 
 
 § 2. All members who are in waiting for the purpose of being initiated shall be regu- 
 larly introduced to the Society by two brothers, previously appointed by the President or 
 presiding officer, as masters of ceremonies for that evening. The masters of ceremonies, 
 when arrived at the door of the Hall, accompanied by the persons to be initiated, shall 
 give notice thereof by three distinct raps, which shall be answered by the President with 
 two strokes of his hammer ; the brothers at the same time will rise and uncover, while the 
 masters of ceremonies shall approach the chair and present the newly elected members. 
 The presiding officer will then address them as follows. [To be spokei- in the plural or 
 singular, as the case may require.] 
 
 " Fellow Citizens : 
 
 " You have been regularly admitted members of this Society. This mark of favor, 
 with which our institution has honored you, is the happy result of those nattering recom- 
 mendations we have received of your character. Let sobriety, industry, integrity, and 
 uprightness of heart continue the ornaments of your name. 
 
 " We now hail you brothers ! Delightful union, when the bond of friendship is 
 benevolence ! To dry the tear from misery's eye, to succor the afflicted, and to save the 
 sinking is our present aim, and constituted an original and principal object with the 
 founders of our institution. 
 
 " You are about to join your efforts to those of your brethren around you : a 
 compliance with the tenor of our laws will entitle you to an equal participation of those 
 
248 
 
 GENERAL SOCIETY OF 
 
 privileges and benefits derived from this incorporation. May the interests, harmony, and 
 reputation of this General Association be ever dear to you. 
 
 " You will now inscribe your names on the general register of this Society, in whose 
 behalf I tender you the right hand of fellowship." 
 
 Chapter IX. — A Law relative to the funds of this Society, and to regulate the contributions 
 
 of its members. 
 
 § i. Be it ordained by the General Society of Mechanics and Tradesmen of the City 
 of New-York, That each and every person who may be admitted a member of this Society 
 shall pay eight dollars as an initiation fee ; which payment shall be made to the Treasurer, 
 or in his absence to the Secretary, immediately after his being initiated. He shall also pay 
 to the Treasurer twelve dollars, in four equal yearly installments ; in default of which he 
 shall forfeit the sum paid as an initiation fee, together with his right to membership: 
 Provided, always, that each person admitted as aforesaid may, at the time of his initiation, 
 or at any other time during the above-mentioned period, pay the whole of the said sum ; 
 and on suph payment being made, shall be entitled to all the privileges and advantages 
 derived from this incorporation. 
 
 § 2. All persons being members of this Society at or before the passing of this ordi- 
 nance, and who have paid, by initiation fees and monthly contributions, the sum of twenty 
 dollars, shall be exempt from the payment of said contributions from and after the first day 
 of January, 1816. And those who have not paid, by initiation fees and contributions on 
 the first day of January aforesaid, the full sum of twenty dollars, shall be subject to the 
 payment of a monthly contribution of twelve and a half cents, until the payment thereof 
 shall amount to the said sum : Provided, always, that each and every person who are 
 members as aforesaid may, at discretion, pay the balance necessary to complete the 
 amount hereinbefore specified. 
 
 § 3. If any members, who are not exempted by this ordinance from the payment of 
 monthly contributions as aforesaid, shall neglect or refuse to pay the same for eighteen 
 months in succession (except such as may plead indigence as a reason for non-payment, 
 and whose plea may be allowed and sanctioned by the Society), they shall be expelled, 
 agreeably to the provisions of the Charter: Provided, however, that all members who may 
 have removed from the city shall be allowed a further extension of twelve months before 
 they shall be expelled as aforesaid. 
 
 Chapter X. — A Law to direct the appropriations of the funds, and fix the pensions of the 
 
 widows and orphans. 
 
 § 1. Be it ordained by the General Society of Mechanics and Tradesmen of the City 
 of New-York, That as it is the leading object of this Society to relieve the necessities of 
 unfortunate members, every such person, having complied with the provisions of the ninth 
 chapter of our by-laws, shall be entitled to receive such sums as the Society may from time 
 to time direct. 
 
 § 2. Whenever it shall appear to the satisfaction of the Overseers of the Poor that the 
 situation or circumstances of any member who has applied for relief is such that he will 
 require assistance more than one year, or during his natural life, it shall be their duty to 
 
s 
 
 MECHANICS AND TRADESMEN. 249 
 
 report to the Society, for their concurrence, a specific sum which, in their opinion, under 
 all the circumstances, ought to be granted as a yearly pension to such member ; which 
 pension, if concurred in by the Society, shall be paid by the Treasurer, in the same manner 
 and at the same periods that other pensions are paid. 
 
 § 3. In the event of the death of any member, being in indigent circumstances, his 
 widow, orphan, or orphans, shall be entitled to receive assistance agreeable to the fol- 
 lowing regulations : 
 
 1. All widows entered, or who may be entered, on the pension list, having no young 
 children, shall be allowed twenty-five dollars per annum. 
 
 2. All widows having children under the age of fourteen years shall be allowed the 
 sum of five dollars per annum for each child. 
 
 3. When a child whose mother is on the pension list shall arrive at the age of fourteen 
 years, the pension of the widow for such child shall cease from that day forward. 
 
 4. Every child having no parents living, and who shall be entered on the pension list, 
 shall be allowed the sum of fifteen dollars per annum until it shall arrive at the age of 
 fourteen years ; the said money to be paid the guardian of the child, or such other person 
 as the Overseers of the Poor shall approve. 
 
 Chapter XI. — A Law respecting the Seal, and Plate for Certificates of this Society. 
 
 § 1. Be it ordained by the General Society of Mechanics and Tradesmen of the City 
 of New-York, That there shall be a seal provided by the Society, emblematical of its 
 institution, with such device as shall be agreed on ; the same to be kept by the Secretary, 
 for the purpose of sealing all certificates of admission and other transactions whereunto it 
 is proper a seal should be affixed, in order that the whole of its acts and proceedings may 
 be regularly authenticated. 
 
 § 2. The seal of this Society shall not be affixed to any instrument of writing for any 
 purpose whatsoever, except certificates of admission, at any other time or place than at a 
 regular meeting of this Society. 
 
 § 3. There shall be a plate engraved for the purpose of striking off the certificates of 
 admission, and each member shall be entitled to one, which shall be prese^.ted him by the 
 Secretary, dated from the commencement of his membership. 
 
 Chapter XII. — A Law authorizing the election of a loaning committee, and regulating the 
 loaning the money of this Society. 
 
 § 1. Be it ordained by the General Society of Mechanics and Tradesmen of the City 
 of New-York, That the Society shall at every annual meeting elect, by ballot, a committee 
 of five members, whose duty it shall be to attend to the loaning of the money of this Society. 
 
 § 2. When application is made to the Society for money which may have been 
 directed to be put out on loan, a majority of the members of the committee, on examining 
 the property offered to be mortgaged, and finding it agreeable to the regulations in the 
 following section, shall have power to loan the same. 
 
 § 3. No money shall be loaned out by the Society unless the borrower lives, and the 
 property to be mortgaged be situated within the city and county of New-York, and unless 
 the property offered to be mortgaged be twice the value of the sum to be loaned. 
 
250 
 
 GENERAL SOCIETY OF 
 
 § 4. In case there should be more than one applicant at the same time for any sum » 
 to be loaned, it is hereby made the duty of the President to determine by lot which of the 
 applicants shall have the preference ; but the members of this Society shall have the 
 preference of all other applicants. 
 
 § 5. On the first meeting after the loaning of any moneys, the committee shall report 
 to the Society a regular account of their proceedings. 
 
 Chapter XIII. — A Law to direct the manner of issuing Certificates for the shares in the loan. 
 
 § 1. Be it ordained by the General Society of Mechanics and Tradesmen of the City 
 of New- York, That it shall be lawful for the President and Secretary, and they are hereby 
 directed, to issue certificates for the shares in the loan, in the presence and by consent of 
 the building committee, to such members as shall complete the payment of their shares 
 respectively to said committee, and to sign their names thereto as President and Secretary, 
 in the same manner as if it were done at a meeting and in the presence of the Society. 
 
 § 2. It shall be lawful for the Secretary to affix to each certificate so issued the 
 common seal of this Society, any by-law to the contrary notwithstanding. 
 
 Chapter XIV. — Rules of Order to be observed at the meetings of this Society. 
 
 1. On the appearance of a quorum, the President shall take the chair and the 
 members shall be called to order. 
 
 2. Immediately after the President shall have taken the chair, the minutes of the 
 preceding meeting shall be read by the Secretary, that any mistakes therein may be 
 corrected by the Society. 
 
 3. The President shall preserve order and decorum, and decide questions of order, 
 subject to an appeal to the Society. 
 
 4. The President shall not vote in any case, unless the Society be equally divided. 
 
 5. When the Society adjourns, the members shall Keep their seats until the President 
 leaves the chair. 
 
 6. Every member wishing to speak shall rise from his seat and address himself to the 
 President, and, unless conscientiously scrupulous, shall be uncovered. 
 
 7. When two or more members rise at once, the President shall name the member 
 who is first to speak. 
 
 8. No member shall speak more than twice to the same question until he shall have 
 obtained leave from the Society. 
 
 9. No motion shall be debated or put unless the same be seconded. When a motion 
 is seconded, it shall be stated by the President before debate, and every such motion shall 
 be reduced to writing, if the President or any five members desire it. 
 
 1 o. After a motion is stated by the President, it shall be deemed to be in possession 
 of the Society: but may be withdrawn at any time before decision or amendment. 
 
 11. When any question is under debate no motion shall be received, unless to amend 
 it, or to postpone it to a certain day, for the previous question, or to adjourn. 
 
 12. The previous question, until it is decided, shall preclude all amendment and debate 
 of the main question, and shall be in this form : Shall the main question be now put ? 
 
MECHANICS AND TRADESMEN 
 
 25 1 
 
 13. A motion to adjourn shall be always in order, and shall be decided without 
 debate. 
 
 14. No person shall speak more than once upon a previous question. 
 
 15. Petitions, memorials, and other papers addressed to the Society shall be presented 
 by the President, or by a member in his place. 
 
 16. Whilst the President is putting a question, no member shall walk out of or across 
 the room ; nor, when a member is speaking, shall any one entertain private discourse, or 
 pass between him and the chair. 
 
 17. Every bill shall receive three several readings previous to its being passed; the 
 second and third reading shall be at different meetings, unless the Society unanimously 
 direct otherwise. 
 
 18. All questions in the Society shall be put in the order they were moved, except that 
 in filling up blanks the largest sum and longest time shall be first put. 
 
 Chapter XV. — A Law enacting the revised Laws and repealing those heretofore enacted. 
 
 Be it ordained by the General Society of Mechanics and Tradesmen of the City of 
 New-York, That from and after the passing of this act the foregoing by-laws and ordi- 
 nances shall be considered, and they are hereby declared, the only legitimate by-laws of 
 this Society ; and further, that the by-laws heretofore enacted be and the same are hereby 
 repealed. 
 
 Passed in Society, Aug. 3d, i8r4. 
 
 Thomas R. Mercein, 
 Second Vice-President and presiding officer. 
 
 Attest: James Hopson, Secretary. 
 
 APPENDIX E. 
 
 AN ACT 
 
 To amend an Act, entitled "An Act relative to the General Society of Mechanics and Tradesmen of the 
 City of New-York," passed April 3d, 1811. Passed January 26th, 1821. 
 
 Whereas, the General Society of Mechanics and Tradesmen of the City of New- 
 York have, by memorial, set forth that, in their act of incorporation, passed on the third 
 day of April, 181 1, they are restricted from appropriating any part of the funds of the said 
 Society to any other purposes (excepting certain necessary and incidental expenses) than 
 
252 
 
 GENERAL SOCIETY OF 
 
 the support of indigent members of the said Society, or the widows and children of any 
 person having been a member, and having prayed for such an alteration or amendment 
 of the act of incorporation as may authorize them to appropriate a part of their funds to 
 the support of a School for the gratuitous education of children of deceased or indigent 
 members of the said Society, and also to the establishment of an Apprentices' Library, for 
 the use of the Apprentices of Mechanics in the City of New- York ; therefore, 
 
 1. Be it enacted by the people of the State of New- York, represented in Senate and 
 Assembly, That the General Society of Mechanics and Tradesmen of the City of New- 
 York be and they are hereby authorized and empowered to appropriate such part of their 
 funds as may by them be deemed expedient, to the establishment and maintenance of a 
 School for the education of the children of indigent or deceased members of the said 
 Society, and also to the establishment and support of an Apprentices' Library, for the use 
 of the Apprentices of Mechanics in the City of New- York, any restriction or limitation in 
 the act entitled "An Act relative to the General Society of Mechanics and Tradesmen of 
 the City of New-York," passed April 3d, 181 1, to the contrary notwithstanding. 
 
 2. And be it further enacted, That the Commissioners of School money for the City 
 and County of New-York shall, and they are hereby authorized and directed to, pay to the 
 Treasurer of the General Society of Mechanics and Tradesmen of the City of New- York, 
 annually from the Chamberlain of the said city, in pursuance to the fourth section of the 
 act entitled " An Act supplementary to the act entitled an act for the establishment 
 of common school," passed March 12th, 1813, such proportion of the said moneys as the 
 number of children gratuitously taught in the school so established by the said Society 
 shall bear to the whole number of children taught free of expense in the several other 
 schools of the City and County of New-York, which are, or hereafter may be, by law 
 entitled to a proportion of the moneys arising from the general school fund. 
 
 APPENDIX F. 
 
 BY-LAWS. 
 
 Adopted December 3D, 1823. 
 
 Chapter I. — A Law fixing the time and place of the meetings of this Society. 
 
 § 1. Be it ordained by the General Society of Mechanics and Tradesmen of the City 
 of New-York, That all the meetings of this Society shall be held at the Mechanics' 
 Institution in Chambers street. 
 
MECHANICS AND TRADESMEN. 
 
 253 
 
 § 2. In addition to the annual meetings of this Society, to be held on the second 
 Tuesday in January, in every year, regular meetings shall be held on the first Wednesday 
 in every month, at an hour after sunset; and the first Wednesday in March, June, 
 September, and December are hereby designated as quarterly meetings, and the first 
 Wednesday in April, May, July, August, October, November, January, and February as 
 monthly meetings of this Society. 
 
 § 3. Whenever seven members shall deem it expedient to have a special meeting, they 
 shall signify it in writing to the President for the time being, who shall direct the Secretary 
 to notify the members accordingly. 
 
 Chapter II. — A Law respecting the Election of Officers. 
 
 § 1. Be it ordained by the General Society of Mechanics and Tradesmen of the City 
 of New-York, That at the quarterly meeting in December in every year, or as soon 
 thereafter as may be, six members shall be chosen by the Society, as inspectors of the annual 
 election of officers ; three of whom shall be designated to receive, canvass, and estimate 
 the votes given for President, first Vice-President, second Vice-President, Treasurer, 
 Secretary, Collector, and Door-keeper, and three to receive, canvass, and estimate the 
 votes given for the Finance and Loaning Committee, and Almoners of the Society. 
 
 § 2. When a quorum of members are met on the morning of the anniversary, the 
 presiding officer for the time being shall, between the hours of ten and twelve o'clock a. m., 
 call them to order : when, after going through the ordinary business of the Society, they 
 shall proceed by ballot to the choice of their officers for the ensuing year: Provided 
 always, should it at any time happen that a quorum of members is not present at or before 
 eleven o'clock a. m.. the opening of the poll for the election of officers shall not be sus- 
 pended beyond that hour. 
 
 § 3. The poll for election shall be opened and kept open not less than two hours, and 
 shall not be closed before one o'clock p. m., and the inspectors shall give notice of its 
 closing at least fifteen minutes preceding. Immediately on closing the poll they shall 
 proceed to canvass the votes, and on completing the same shall regularly certify, under 
 their hands, the persons having a majority of votes; which certificates shall, provided a 
 quorum of members are present, be reported forthwith to the Society; otherwise, deposited 
 with the Secretary, and registered on the minutes : Provided, however, that no member 
 whose dues remain unpaid for more than twelve months (unless he shall have been 
 exempted from the payment thereof by a resolution of the Society) shall be allowed to 
 vote at any such election. 
 
 § 4. All special elections for filling vacancies occasioned by death, resignation, or 
 removal shall be at a stated meeting of the Society, not less than two, or more than three, 
 months after such vacancies shall have happened ; and the presiding officer shall cause the 
 members to be notified thereof, in the papers employed by this Society, at least one week 
 previous to the time of every such election, any law to the contrary notwithstanding. 
 
 Chapter III. — A Law prescribing the duties of the President and Vice-Presidents. 
 § 1. Be it ordained by the General Society of Mechanics and Tradesmen of the City 
 of New-York, That it shall be the duty of the President to preside at all meetings of the 
 
254 
 
 GENERAL SOCIETY OF 
 
 Society; to preserve decorum and decide all questions of order, subject, however, to an 
 appeal to the Society; he shall not vote in any case, unless the Society be equally 
 divided. 
 
 § 2. In case of the absence of the President, the first Vice-President shall preside r and 
 perform all the duties of the President ; and in case of the absence of both the President 
 and the first Vice-President, the second Vice-President shall in like manner preside and 
 perform the said duties; and in the event of all the said officers being absent, the Society 
 (a quorum being present) shall appoint a President pro tempore, who shall perform all the 
 duties incident to the office. 
 
 § 3. The President of the Society shall be ex officio a member of the School Com- 
 mittee; the first Vice-President ex officio a member of the Library Committee ; and the 
 second Vice-President ex officio a member of the Finance and Loaning Committee. 
 
 Chapter IV. — A Law prescribing the duties of the Treasurer. 
 
 § 1. Be it ordained by the General Society of Mechanics and Tradesmen of the 
 City of New-York, That before the Treasurer enters upon the duties of his office he shall 
 give a bond to the Society, with two sufficient sureties, in the sum of two thousand dollars, 
 for the faithful performance of the trust reposed in him. 
 
 § 2. It shall be the duty of the Treasurer to receive all initiation fees, collect the rents 
 of the Hall and Mechanics' Institution, the interest of any money secured by bond and 
 mortgage, the dividend from the Mechanics' Bank on the stock held by the Society, and, 
 from time to time, receive such money as the Collector may have on hand, and generally 
 all moneys owing to the Society. 
 
 He shall pay all specific orders drawn on him by a resolution of the Society, and 
 signed by the presiding officer — also the quarterly drafts of the School, Library, and 
 Finance and Loaning Committees, and Almoners of the Society. 
 
 He shall register, in a book to be kept for that purpose, the names of the pensioners 
 and the names and ages of their children ; and shall pay, at stated periods, their pensions 
 as fixed by law. 
 
 He shall report at every quarterly meeting the state of the finances and funds, and 
 subjoin his own account thereto for the inspection of the members ; and also such list of 
 delinquents as shall be furnished him by the Collector, particularly specifying the cause of 
 their delinquency, and for his services he shall be allowed a compensation of fifty dollars 
 per annum. 
 
 § 3. The Society shall appoint annually a committee of three members to examine the 
 books of the Treasurer and Collector respectively, who shall report the result at the next 
 meeting of the Society thereafter. 
 
 § 4. When a new Treasurer is chosen, his predecessor in office shall be allowed twenty 
 days to adjust and settle his accounts and other matters appertaining to the duties of his 
 office. 
 
 Chapter V. — A Law prescribing the duties of the Secretary. 
 
 § 1. Be it ordained by the General Society of Mechanics and Tradesmen of the 
 City of New- York, That it shall be the duty of the Secretary to attend every meeting of 
 the Society, except prevented by sickness, or absence from the city. 
 
MECHANICS AND TRADESMEN 
 
 255 
 
 He shall keep minutes of their proceedings, and regularly record the same in a book 
 provided for the purpose, together with all reports made to the Society, and shall also file 
 and number all original papers, resolutions, and other documents. 
 
 He shall also keep a book, wherein each member's name and occupation shall be 
 inserted, in such order and manner that it will appear when they were admitted, expelled, 
 died, or withdrew, as the case may be ; which book shall be the register of the Society. 
 And, further, he shall keep a book similar to that directed to be kept by the Treasurer, 
 wherein shall be recorded the names of the widows and orphans who are pensioners to this 
 institution. 
 
 He shall notify forthwith each person who has been regularly admitted a member of 
 this Society of such admission, and in case of the election of any member not present to 
 an office, he shall also notify him of his election. 
 
 When committees are appointed, it shall be his duty to give notice to the member 
 first named on the committee, with a written copy of the resolution, matter, or thing 
 referred, and the names of the other members of the committee. 
 
 When motions are made and seconded, he shall record the names of those members 
 « by whom they are made and seconded. 
 
 He shall cause public notice to be given of all the meetings of the Society, in such 
 papers and in such manner as the Society may direct. 
 
 § 3. In the absence or inability of the Secretary, the presiding officer for the time 
 being shall appoint one of the members to officiate as Secretary pro tempore. 
 
 § 4. The Secretary shall be allowed for his services an annual salary of fifty dollars. 
 
 Chapter VI. — A Law prescribing the duties of the Collector. 
 
 § 1. Be it ordained by the General Society of Mechanics and Tradesmen of the City 
 of New-York, That whenever a Collector is elected, before he enters on the duties of his 
 office, he shall give a bond to the Society, with one sufficient surety, in the sum of two 
 hundred dollars. 
 
 § 2. It shall be the duty of the Collector to call on all members residing in this city, 
 who may be in arrears, for their dues, and on receiving the same give recei, ts, if required. 
 
 He shall make quarterly returns to the Treasurer, in writing, of all delinquents who 
 are twelve or more months in arrears, specifying particularly the cause or causes of their 
 delinquency. 
 
 He shall pay to the Treasurer, at least once in every quarter, all moneys by him 
 collected as aforesaid. 
 
 He shall keep an alphabetical list of the members, in a book ruled with columns 
 for each quarter, in such manner that it may be readily seen how many months each 
 person is in arrears for contributions. 
 
 § 3. For the faithful performance of the above duties the Collector shall be allowed 
 ten per cent, on all moneys collected by him and paid to the Treasurer. 
 
 Chapter VII. — Duties of the Door-keeper and Messenger. 
 
 § 1. Be it ordained by the General Society of Mechanics and Tradesmen of the City 
 of New-York, That the Door-keeper shall attend all the meetings of the Society, and shall 
 
256 
 
 GENERAL SOCIETY OF 
 
 suffer no person except members to enter the Hall during the time of meeting without » 
 the permission of the Society ; he shall deliver to members elect the notices prepared 
 by and handed to him by the Secretary, informing them of their election. 
 
 He shall at all times have the Hall ready and prepared for the meetings of the 
 Society, and as a compensation therefor shall be allowed to occupy so much of the 
 basement story of the Mechanics' Institution as the committee of expenditures and loans 
 may prescribe, and shall also receive seventy-five cents for each meeting of the Society 
 which he attends. 
 
 Chapter VIII. — A Law authorizing the election of Almoners and designating their duties. 
 
 § i. Be it ordainkd by the General Society of Mechanics and Tradesmen of the City 
 of New- York, That four members of this Society shall be elected at the annual meeting as 
 Almoners, who shall hold their offices for one year, and until others are elected in their 
 place. 
 
 § 2. All applications made to this Society for relief, either personally or by petition, 
 shall be referred to the Almoners. 
 
 § 3. It shall be the duty of the Almoners to inquire into the circumstances of every 
 member, or of the widow, orphan, or orphans of any deceased member who may apply 
 for assistance. 
 
 They shall also inquire into the circumstances of each member who may plead 
 indigence as a cause for not paying his monthly or annual dues. 
 
 They shall visit from time to time the several pensioners of this Society, in order that 
 they may obtain a knowledge whether they are fit and proper objects of its bounty. 
 
 In all cases referred to them, or that may occur in the performance of their 
 duty, they shall report in writing to the Society a statement of facts, with their opinion 
 thereon. 
 
 § 4. In cases when applications are made to the Almoners, during the recess of the 
 Society, by pensioners or others, and where petitions or applications have been referred 
 to them, and on examination it shall appear that the applicant or applicants are entitled 
 to relief by the By-Laws, and that the circumstances of the case are such as to require 
 immediate assistance, and will not admit of the delay necessary to make a formal report 
 thereof, then it shall and may be lawful for them to make a donation, not to exceed 
 ten dollars, to each applicant, for each and every month during the continuance of their 
 several necessities, and only during the recess of the Society : Provided, always, that 
 they shall report in writing, at the next meeting thereafter, the amount thus advanced 
 and the name and situation of the person thus relieved. 
 
 Chapter IX. — A Law relative to the Mechanics' School and Apprentices' Library. 
 
 Whereas this Society, duly impressed with the importance of education in early 
 life, did, by a resolution passed November, 1820, 
 
 Resolve to establish a school for the gratuitous education, in whole or in part, of 
 the children of deceased or other members whose situation required it, and for that 
 purpose applied to the Legislature for an amendment to the charter, authorizing the 
 
MECHANICS AND TRADESMEN 
 
 257 
 
 expenditure of money for that object, and also for the establishment of a Library for the 
 use of Apprentices of Mechanics in this City, which was accordingly granted by the 
 act passed 26th January, 182 1. Therefore, 
 
 § 1. Be it ordained by the General Society of Mechanics and Tradesmen of the City 
 of New-York, That this Society do maintain and support a School and Library for the 
 purposes aforesaid, and that the same be kept in the Mechanics' Institution in Chambers 
 street. 
 
 § 2. That the President (or, in his absence, the officer presiding) shall, at the meeting 
 of the Society, held in February of each year, nominate, and, with the consent of the 
 Society, appoint twelve members to constitute the School Committee, to serve one year, 
 and until others are appointed in their place. 
 
 It shall be the duty of the said committee to judge of the qualifications of, and to 
 employ and discharge teachers, to examine and decide upon the claims and determine the 
 terms of admission into the school of those children who may be proposed for entrance ; 
 to visit the school at least monthly ; to make rules and regulations for its government, and 
 generally to superintend its concerns. It shall also be the duty of the committee, at least 
 once in each year (and whenever thereunto required by a resolution of the Society), to 
 present a statement, exhibiting the situation of the school, and all such matters connected 
 therewith as will enable the Society to form a just estimate of the same. 
 
 § 3. It shall be the duty of the President, or, in his absence, the officer presiding at 
 the time and manner aforesaid, also to nominate, and, with the consent of the Society, 
 appoint six members, to constitute the Library Committee, to serve for-one year, and until 
 others are appointed in their place. It shall be the duty of the said committee to take 
 charge of and generally to superintend the concerns of the library ; to employ and discharge 
 librarians ; to establish rules and regulations for the good government of the library ; to 
 make a detailed report to the Society annually, exhibiting the actual situation of the 
 library, a catalogue of the books therein, and the number lost or missing ; the number of 
 accounts open with readers during the year, and such other information as will enable the 
 Society to judge of the progress of, and the benefits derived from, the insti ation. 
 
 Chapter X. — A Law regulating the proposition of Candidates. 
 
 § 1. Be it ordained by the General Society of Mechanics and Tradesmen of the City 
 of New-York, That the art or trade of every person to be proposed as a member of this 
 Society shall be entered by the Secretary on the minutes of the meeting at which such 
 proposition is made ; and the Society shall in no case proceed to ballot for such person as 
 a member unless two of the brothers shall have previously vouched for his character, as it 
 relates to industry, honesty, and sobriety ; and also for his being a mechanic or trades- 
 man, and a citizen of the United States. 
 
 Chapter XI. — A Law regulating the Ceremony of the Initiation of Members. 
 
 § 1. Be it ordained by the General Society of Mechanics and Tradesmen of the City 
 of New-York, That every person who may hereafter be elected a member of this Society 
 
2 5 8 
 
 GENERAL SOCIETY OF 
 
 shall, within three meetings thereafter, apply for the purpose of being initiated ; and in case 
 any person so elected shall neglect to apply within the time aforesaid, his election shall, by 
 such neglect, become void. 
 
 § 2. All members who are in waiting for the purpose of being initiated shall be 
 regularly introduced to the Society by two brothers, previously appointed by the President 
 or presiding officer as masters of ceremonies for that evening. The masters of ceremonies, 
 when arrived at the door of the Hall, accompanied by the person or persons to be initiated, 
 shall give notice thereof by three distinct raps, which shall be answered by the President 
 with two strokes of his hammer ; the brothers at the same time will rise and uncover, 
 while the masters of ceremonies shall approach the chair, and present the newly elected 
 member or members. The presiding officer will then address them as follows. [To be 
 spoken in the plural or singular, as the case may require.] 
 
 " Fellow Citizens : 
 
 " You have been regularly admitted members of this Society. This mark of favor with 
 which our institution has honored you is the happy result of those flattering recommenda- 
 tions we have received of your character. Let sobriety, industry, integrity, and upright- 
 ness of heart continue the ornaments of your name. 
 
 " We now hail you brothers ! Delightful union, when the bond of friendship is 
 benevolence ! To dry the tear from misery's eye, to succor the afflicted, and to confer 
 the blessings of education upon the children of poor or deceased members, whose situation 
 may render the aid of the Society requisite, is our present aim, and constituted a principal 
 object with the foupders of this institution. 
 
 " You are now about to join your efforts to those of your brethren around you ; a 
 compliance with the tenor of our laws will entitle you to an equal participation of the 
 privileges and benefits derived from this incorporation. ^lay the interests, harmony, and 
 reputation of this General Association be ever dear to you. . 
 
 " You will inscribe your names on the general register of this Society, in whose behalf 
 I tender you the right hand of fellowship." 
 
 CHAPTER XII. — A Law relative to the Funds of this Society, and to regulate the contributions 
 
 of its members. 
 
 § i. Be it ordained by the General Society of Mechanics and Tradesmen of the City 
 of New-York, That each person admitted a member of this Society shall pay as an 
 initiation fee ten dollars, to be paid to the Treasurer, or, in his absence, to the Secretary, 
 immediately after his being initiated, and he shall also pay to the Treasurer twelve dollars, 
 in three equal annual installments ; and in default thereof he shall forfeit the sum paid as 
 an initiation fee and his right of membership : Provided, however, that if any person 
 admitted as aforesaid shall pay to the Treasurer or Secretary, at the time of his becoming 
 a member, the sum of twenty dollars, he shall be exempt from all future payments, and be 
 entitled to all the privileges and advantages derived from this incorporation. 
 
 § 2. If any members, who are not exempted by this ordinance from the payment of 
 monthly or annual contributions, shall neglect or refuse to pay the same for eighteen 
 months in succession (except such as may plead indigence as a reason for non-payment, 
 
MECHANICS AND TRADESMEN. 
 
 259 
 
 and whose plea may be allowed and sanctioned by the Society), they shall be expelled 
 agreeably to the provisions of the Charter : Provided, however, that all members who may 
 have removed from the city shall be allowed a further extension of twelve months before 
 they shall be expelled as aforesaid. 
 
 § 3. All members who have not paid the sum of twenty dollars shall continue to pay 
 the monthly or annual dues which were prescribed by the by-laws in force at the time of 
 their admission. 
 
 Chapter XIII. — A Law to direct the Appropriations of the Funds and fix the Pensions of 
 
 the Widows and Orphans. 
 
 § 1. Be it ordained by the General Society of Mechanics and Tradesmen of the City 
 of New-York, That as it is the leading object of this Society to relieve the necessities of 
 unfortunate members, every such person, having complied with the provisions of the 
 twelfth chapter of our by-laws, shall be entitled to receive such sums as the Society may 
 from time to time direct. 
 
 § 2. Whenever it shall appear to the satisfaction of the almoners that the situation or 
 circumstances of any member who has applied for relief is such that he will require 
 assistance more than one year, or during his natural life, it shall be their duty to report to 
 the Society, for their concurrence, a specific sum, which, in their opinion, under all the 
 circumstances, ought to be granted as a yearly pension to such member ; which pension, if 
 concurred in by the Society, shall be paid by the Treasurer in the same manner and at the 
 same periods that other pensions are paid. 
 
 § 3. In the event of the death of any member, being in indigent circumstances, his 
 widow, orphan, or orphans shall be entitled to receive assistance agreeable to the following 
 regulations : 
 
 1. All widows entered or who may be entered on the pension list, having no young 
 children, shall be allowed twenty-five dollars per annum. 
 
 2. All widows having children under the age of fourteen years shall be allowed the 
 sum of five dollars per annum for each child. 
 
 3. W T hen a child, whose mother is on the pension list, shall arrive to the age of four- 
 teen years, the pension of the widow for such child shall cease from that day forward. 
 
 4. Every child having no parents living, and who shall be entered on the pension list, 
 shall be allowed the sum of fifteen dollars per annum until it shall arrive at the age of 
 fourteen years ; the said money to be paid to the guardian of the child, or such other 
 person as the almoners shall approve. 
 
 Chapter XIV. — A Law respecting the Seal and Plate for Certificates of this Society. 
 
 ■ § 1. Be it ordained by the General Society of Mechanics and Tradesmen of the City 
 of New- York, That there shall be a seal provided by the Society, emblematical of its 
 institution, with such device as shall be agreed on ; the same to be kept by the Secretary, 
 for the purpose of sealing all certificates of admission and other transactions whereunto it 
 is proper a seal should be affixed, in order that the whole of its acts and proceedings may 
 be regularly authenticated. 
 
260 
 
 GENERAL SOCIETY OF 
 
 § 2. The seal of the Society shall not be affixed to any instrument of writing, for any 
 purpose whatsoever (except certificates of admission and the application for the common 
 school money for the school), at any other time or place than at a regular meeting of this 
 Society. 
 
 § 3. The plate for the certificates of membership shall be kept by the Secretary of this 
 Society, and each member shall be entitled to a certificate (on the payment of one dollar), 
 dated from the time of his initiation. 
 
 Chapter XV. — A Law authorizing the election of a Finance and Loaning Committee, and 
 
 prescribing their duties. 
 
 § 1. Beit ordained by the General Society of Mechanics and Tradesmen of the 
 City of New- York, That the Society shall, at every annual meeting, elect by ballot a com- 
 mittee of four members, to constitute a Finance and Loaning Committee. 
 
 § 2. When application is made to the Society for money which may have been directed 
 to be put out on loan, a majority of the members of the committee, on examining the 
 property offered to be mortgaged, and finding it agreeable to the regulations in the fol- 
 lowing section, shall have power to loan the same. ' 
 
 § 3. No money shall be loaned out by the Society unless the borrower lives, and the 
 property to be mortgaged be situated within the city and county of New- York, and unless 
 the property offered to be mortgaged be twice the value of the sum to be loaned. 
 
 § 4. In case there should be more than one ajjplicant at the same time for any sum 
 to be loaned, it is hereby made the duty of the President to determine by lot which of the 
 applicants shall have the preference; but the members of this Society shall have the 
 preference of all other applicants. 
 
 § 5. On the first meeting after the loaning of any moneys, the committee shall report 
 to the Society a regular account of their proceedings. 
 
 § 6. All the repairs to the Mechanics' Institution and Mechanics' Hall shall be done 
 under the direction and by the order of the said committee, and no expenditure shall be 
 made for account of the Society (except the specific appropriations to the Almoners of the 
 Poor, the Library and School Committees, and the payment of pensions) but through the 
 medium of the Finance and Loaning Committee, who are to account for the same in the 
 manner prescribed in chapter sixteen. 
 
 CHAPTER XVI. — A Law relative to the Lxpcnditures of the Society. 
 
 Whereas, the ability of this institution to succor the afflicted and to educate the 
 children of poor or deceased members materially depends upon an economical expenditure 
 of its funds and the prompt accountability of those to whom they are confided; therefore, 
 § 1. Be it ordained by the General Society of Mechanics and Tradesmen of the City 
 of New-York, That at the meeting in February of each year, or if, from any cause, a meet- 
 ing should not be held, then at the next meeting thereafter, appropriations for the current 
 year shall be made of such sums as may then be deemed sufficient, and within the means 
 . of the treasury, for the Almoners of the Society, the School and Library Committees, and 
 the Finance and Loaning Committee, to be by the said committees drawn from the treas- 
 ury quarterly ; and the Treasurer is hereby authorized to pay the said drafts, with the 
 exceptions hereinafter mentioned. 
 
MECHANICS AND TRADESMEN 
 
 § 2. That it shall be the duty of the Almoners of this Society, the School, Library, 
 and the Finance and Loaning Committees, and they are hereby required, to report to the 
 Society quarterly — to wit, at the meetings held in May, August, November, and February 
 of each year — an account of their receipts and expenditures for the preceding quarter, and 
 the vouchers for all moneys paid by them ; and in default thereof the Treasurer is hereby 
 prohibited from paying their drafts for any subsequent quarter until the accounts and 
 vouchers are rendered ; said accounts and vouchers to be delivered to the Treasurer, to be 
 filed and regularly entered into his books. 
 
 § 3. That the Treasurer shall not pay any bills or orders, except as above mentioned, 
 unless so directed by a vote of the Society : Provided, however, that nothing herein con- 
 tained shall prevent the Treasurer from paying the pensions due by the Society. 
 
 Chapter XVII. — Rules of order to be observed at the meetings of this Society. 
 
 1. On the appearance of a quorum the President shall take the chair, and the 
 members shall be called to order. 
 
 2. Immediately after the President shall have taken the chair the minutes of the 
 preceding meeting shall be read by the Secretary, that any mistakes therein may be 
 corrected by the Society. 
 
 3. When the Society adjourns, the members shall keep their seats until the President 
 leaves the chair. 
 
 4. Every member wishing to speak shall rise from his seat and address himself to the 
 President, and, unless conscientiously scrupulous, shall be uncovered. 
 
 5. When two or more members rise at once, the President shall name the member 
 who is first to speak. 
 
 6. No member shall speak more than twice to the same question until he shall have 
 obtained leave from the Society. 
 
 7. No motion shall be debated or put unless the same be seconded. When a motion 
 is seconded it shall be stated by the President before debate, and every such motion shall 
 be reduced to writing if the President or any five members desire it. 
 
 8. After a motion is stated by the President it shall be deemed to b • in possession of 
 the Society, but may be withdrawn at any time before decision 01 amendment. 
 
 9. When any question is under debate, no motion shall be received unless to amend 
 it or to postpone it to a certain day, for the previous question, or to adjourn. 
 
 10. The previous question, until it is decided, shall preclude all amendment and 
 debate of the main question ; and shall be in this form : Shall the main question now 
 be put ? 
 
 11. A motion to adjourn shall be always in order, and shall be decided without 
 debate. 
 
 12. No member shall speak more than once upon a previous question. 
 
 13. Petitions, memorials, and other papers addressed to the Society, shall be presented 
 by the President, or by a member in his place. 
 
 14. Whilst the President is putting a question no member shall walk out of or across 
 the room, nor when a member is speaking shall any one entertain private discourse or pass 
 between him and the chair. 
 
262 
 
 GEXERAL SOCIETY OF 
 
 15. Even- bill shall receive three several readings previous to its being passed : the 
 second and third reading shall be at different meetings, unless the Society unanimously 
 direct otherwise. 
 
 16. All questions in the Society shall be put in the order they were moved, except 
 that in filling up blanks the largest siim and longest time shall be first put. 
 
 Chapter XVIII. — A Law repealing the By-Laws heretofore passed. 
 
 Be it ordained by the General Society of Mechanics and Tradesmen of the City of 
 New- York, That from and after the first day of January next, all by-laws, rules, and regu- 
 lations heretofore ordained be and the same are hereby repealed. 
 
 Passed in Society. December 3d, 1823. 
 
 John Sctphen, 
 Second Vice-President and presiding officer. 
 
 Attest : James Hopson, Secretary. 
 
 APPENDIX G. 
 
 BY-LAWS. 
 
 Chapter I. — A Law fixing the time and place of the Meetings of this Society. 
 
 § 1. Be it ordained by the General Society of Mechanics and Tradesmen of the City 
 of New- York. That the meetings of this Society shall be held at the Mechanics' Institution 
 
 in Crosby street 
 
 § 2. In addition to the annual meetings of this Society, to be held on the second 
 Tuesday in January, in even - year, regular meetings shall be held on the first Wednesday 
 in every month, at an hour after sunset; and the first Wednesday in March, June, Septem- 
 ber, and December are hereby designated as quarterly meetings, and the first Wednesday 
 in April, May, July, August, October, November, January, and February as monthly 
 meetings, of this Society. . v 
 
 § 3. Whenever seven members shall deem it expedient to have a special meeting 
 they shall signify it in writing to the President for the time being, who shall direct the 
 Secretary to notify the members accordingly. 
 
 Chapter II. — A Law respecting the Election of Officers. 
 
 § 1. Be it ordained by the General Society of Mechanics and Tradesmen of the City 
 of New-York. That at the quarterly meeting in December in every year, or as soon there- 
 
MECHANICS AND TRADESMEN 
 
 263 
 
 after as may be, six members shall be chosen by the Society, as inspectors of the annual 
 election of officers ; three of whom shall be designated to receive, canvass, and estimate 
 the votes given for President, First Vice-President, Second Vice-President, Treasurer, 
 Secretary, Collector, and Door-keeper, and three to receive, canvass, and estimate the 
 votes given for the Finance Committee and Almoners of the Society. 
 
 § 2. When a quorum of members are met on the morning of the anniversary, the 
 presiding officer for the time being shall, between the hours of ten and twelve o'clock 
 a. m., call them to order ; when, after going through the ordinary business of the Society, 
 they shall proceed by ballot to the choice of their officers for the ensuing year : Pro- 
 vided always, should it at any time happen that a quorum of members is not present 
 at or before eleven o'clock a. m., the opening of the poll for the election of officers shall 
 not be suspended beyond that hour. 
 
 § 3. The poll for election shall be opened and kept open not less than two hours, 
 and shall not be closed before one o'clock p. m.; and the inspectors shall give notice 
 of its closing at least fifteen minutes preceding. Immediately on closing the poll they 
 shall proceed to canvass the votes, and, on completing the same, shall regularly certify 
 under their hands the persons having a majority of votes ; which certificate shall, pro- 
 vided a quorum of members are present, be reported forthwith to the Society ; otherwise, 
 deposited with the Secretary, and registered on the minutes. 
 
 § 4. Special elections for filling vacancies, occasioned by death, resignation, or 
 removal, shall be at a stated meeting of the Society, not less than two nor more than 
 three months after such vacancies shall have happened ; and the presiding officer shall 
 cause the members to be notified thereof, in the papers employed by this Society, at least 
 one week previous to the time of such election. 
 
 Chapter III. — A Law prescribing the Duties of the President and Vice-Presidents. 
 
 § 1. Be it ordained by the General Society of Mechanics and Tradesmen of the City 
 of New- York, That it shall be the duty of the President to preside at all meetings of the 
 Society ; to preserve decorum, and decide all questions of order, subject, however, to an 
 appeal to the Society. He shall not vote in any case, unless the Society be equally 
 divided. 
 
 § 2. In case of the absence of the President, the first Vice-President shall preside and 
 perform the duties of the President ; and in case of the absence of both the President and 
 the first Vice-President, the second Vice-President shall in like manner preside and perform 
 the said duties ; and in the event of all the said officers being absent, the Society (a 
 quorum being present) shall appoint a President pro te7tipore, who shall perform all the 
 duties incident to the office. 
 
 § 3. The President of the Society shall be ex officio a member of the School Com- 
 mittee ; the first Vice-President ex officio a member of the Library Committee ; and the 
 second Vice-President ex officio a member of the Finance Committee. 
 
 Chapter IV. — A Law prescribing the Duties of the Treasurer. 
 
 § 1. Be it ordained by the General Society of Mechanics and Tradesmen of the City 
 of New- York, That before the Treasurer enters upon the duties of his office, he shall 
 
264 
 
 GENERAL SOCIETY OF 
 
 annually give a bond to the Society, with two sufficient sureties, in a sum not less than 
 two thousand dollars, for the faithful performance of the trust reposed in him. 
 
 § 2. It shall be the duty of the Treasurer to collect the rents of the Mechanics' Hall 
 and of the building in Chambers street, the interest of any money secured by bond and 
 mortgage, the dividend from the Mechanics' Bank on the stock held by the Society, the 
 initiation fees, and generally all moneys owing to the Society. 
 
 He shall pay all specific orders drawn on him by a resolution of the Society, and 
 signed by the presiding officer ; also the quarterly drafts of the School, Library, and Finance 
 Committees and Almoners of the Society, in conformity with the provisions of the 15th 
 chapter of the by-laws. 
 
 He shall report at every quarterly meeting the state of the finances and funds, and 
 subjoin his own account thereto, for the inspection of the members ; and also such list of 
 delinquents as shall be furnished him by the Collector, particularly specifying the cause of 
 their delinquency. And for his services he shall be allowed a compensation of fifty dollars 
 per annum. 
 
 § 3. The Society shall appoint annually a committee of three members to examine the 
 books of the Treasurer, Secretary, and Collector, respectively, who shall report the result 
 at the next regular meeting of the Society thereafter. 
 
 § 4. When a new Treasurer is chosen, his predecessor in office shall be allowed twenty 
 days to adjust and settle his accounts, and other matters appertaining to the duties of his 
 office. 
 
 In the absence of the Treasurer, the presiding officer shall appoint a Treasurer pro 
 
 tempore. 
 
 Chapter V. — A Law prescribing the Duties of the Secretary. 
 
 § 1. Be it ordained by the General Society of Mechanics and Tradesmen of the City 
 of New- York, That it shall be the duty of the Secretary to attend every meeting of the 
 Society, except prevented by sickness, or absence from the city. 
 
 § 2. He shall keep minutes of their proceedings, and regularly record the same, 
 together with all reports made to the Society, in a book provided for the purpose ; and 
 shall also file and number all original papers, resolutions, and other documents. And when 
 reporting the minutes of the preceding meeting, he shall read them as then written in the 
 book of minutes. 
 
 He shall also keep a book wherein each member's name and occupation shall be 
 inserted, in such order and manner that it will appear when he was admitted, expelled, died, 
 or withdrew, as the case may be; which book shall be the general register of the Society. 
 
 He shall notify forthwith each person who has been elected a member of this Society 
 of such election ; and in case of the election of any member not present to an office, he 
 shall also notify him of his election. 
 
 When committees are appointed, it shall be his duty to give notice to the member first 
 named on the committee, with a written copy of the resolution, matter, or thing referred, 
 and the names of the other members of the committee. 
 
 When motions are made and seconded, he shall record the names of those members 
 by whom they are made and seconded. 
 
MECHANICS AND TRADESMEN 
 
 265 
 
 He shall cause public notice to be given of all the meetings of the Society, by one 
 insertion in as many of the daily papers of the city as the Society shall direct, on the day 
 on which the meeting takes place ; provided the papers do not charge over five dollars per 
 annum for advertisements. 
 
 § 3. In the absence or inability of the Secretary, the presiding officer shall appoint one 
 of the members to officiate as Secretary pro tempore. 
 
 § 4. The Secretary shall be allowed for his services an annual salary of fifty dollars. 
 
 Chapter VI.— A Law prescribing the Duties of the Collector. 
 
 § 1. Be it ordained by the General Society of Mechanics and Tradesmen of the City 
 of New-York, That whenever a Collector is elected, before he enters on the duties of his 
 office, he shall give a bond to the Society, with one sufficient surety, in the sum of two 
 hundred dollars. 
 
 § 2. It shall be the duty of the Collector to call on all members residing in this city, 
 who may be in arrears for their dues, and, on receiving the same, give receipts if required. 
 
 He shall make quarterly returns to the Treasurer, in writing, of all delinquents who 
 are twelve or more months in arrears, specifying particularly the cause or causes of their 
 delinquency. 
 
 He shall pay to the Treasurer, at least once in every quarter, all moneys by him 
 collected as aforesaid. 
 
 He shall keep an alphabetical list of the members, in a book ruled with columns 
 for each quarter, in such manner that it may be readily seen how many months each 
 person is in arrears for contributions. 
 
 § 3. For the faithful performance of the above duties the Collector shall be allowed 
 ten per cent, on all moneys collected by him and paid to the Treasurer. 
 
 Chapter VII. — A Law prescribing the Duties of the Door-keeper and Messenger. 
 
 § 1. Be it ordained by the General Society of Mechanics and Tradesmen of the 
 City of New- York, That the Door-keeper shall attend all the meetings of the Society, and 
 shall suffer no person except members to eriter the hall during the time of meeting without 
 the permission of the Society. He shall deliver to members elect the notices prepared and 
 handed to him by the Secretary, informing them of their election. 
 
 He shall at all times have the Hall ready and prepared for the meetings of the Society, 
 and as a compensation therefor shall be allowed two dollars for each meeting of the 
 Society which he attends. 
 
 Chapter VIII. — A Law authorizing the Election of Almoners, and designating their Duties. 
 
 § 1. Be it ordained by the General Society of Mechanics and Tradesmen of the City 
 of New-York, that four members of this Society shall be elected at the annual meeting 
 as Almoners, who shall hold their office for one year, and until others are elected in their 
 place. 
 
 § 2. All applications made to this Society for relief, either personally or by petition, 
 shall be referred to the Almoners. 
 
266 
 
 GENERAL SOCIETY OF 
 
 § 3. It shall be the duty of the Almoners to inquire into the circumstances of every » 
 member, or of the widow, orphan, or orphans of any deceased member who may apply for 
 
 assistance. 
 
 They shall register in a book, to be kept for that purpose, the names of the pensioners 
 and the names and ages of their children, and shall pay at stated periods their pensions as 
 fixed by law. 
 
 They shall also inquire into the circumstances of each member who may plead 
 indigence as a cause for not paying his monthly or annual dues. 
 
 They shall visit, from time to time, the several pensioners of this Society, in order 
 that they may obtain a knowledge whether they are fit and proper objects of its bounty. 
 
 In all cases referred to them, or that may occur in the performance of their duty, 
 they shall report in writing to the Society a statement of facts, with their opinion thereon. 
 
 § 4. In cases when applications are made to the Almoners, during the recess of the 
 Society, by pensioners or others, and where petitions or applications have been referred to 
 them, and on examination it shall appear that the applicant or applicants are entitled to 
 relief by the by-laws, and that the circumstances of the case are such as to require imme- 
 diate assistance, and will not admit of the delay necessary to make a formal report thereof, 
 then it shall and may be lawful for them to make a don'ation not to exceed ten dollars to 
 each applicant, for each and every month during the continuance of their several neces- 
 sities, and only during the recess of the Society : Provided, always, that they shall report 
 in writing, at the next meeting thereafter, the amount thus advanced, and the name and 
 situation of the person thus relieved. 
 
 Chapter IX. — A Law relative to the Mechanics' School and Apprentices' Library. 
 
 Whereas, this Society, duly impressed with the importance of education in early life, 
 did by a resolution, passed November, 1820, 
 
 Resolve to establish a school for the gratuitous education, in whole or in part, of the 
 children of deceased or other members, whose situation required it, and for that purpose 
 applied to the Legislature for an amendment to the Charter, authorizing the expenditure 
 of money for that object; and also for the establishment of a library for the use of 
 apprentices of mechanics in this city, which was accordingly granted by the act passed 
 26th January, 1821, and continued in force by^ the act of February, 1833. Therefore, 
 
 § 1. Be it ordained by the General Society of Mechanics and Tradesmen of the City 
 of New-York, That this Society do maintain and support a school and library, for the 
 purposes aforesaid, and that the same be kept in the Mechanics' Institution in Crosby street. 
 
 § 2. That the President (or, in his absence, the officer presiding) shall, at the meeting 
 of the Society held in February of each year, nominate and, with the consent of the 
 Society, appoint twelve members to constitute the School Committee, to serve one year, 
 and until others are appointed in their place. 
 
 It shall be the duty of the said committee to judge of the qualifications of and to 
 employ and discharge teachers, to examine and decide upon the claims and determine the 
 terms of admission into the school of those children who may be proposed for entrance; 
 
MECHANICS AND TRADESMEN 
 
 267 
 
 to visit the school at least monthly ; to make rules and regulations for its government, and 
 generally to superintend its concerns. It shall also be the duty of the committee, at least 
 once in each year (and whenever thereunto required by a resolution of the Society), to 
 present a statement, exhibiting the situation of .the school, and all such matters connected 
 therewith as will enable the Society to form a just estimate of the same. 
 
 § 3. It shall be the duty of the President (or, in his absence, the officer presiding), at 
 the time and manner aforesaid, also to nominate and, with the consent of the Society, 
 appoint twelve members, to constitute the Library Committee, to serve for one year, and 
 until others are appointed in their place. 
 
 It shall be the duty of the said committee to take charge of and generally to super- 
 intend the concerns of the library and reading-rooms; to employ and discharge Librarians; 
 to establish rules and regulations for the good government of the library and reading- 
 rooms ; to make a detailed report to the Society annually, exhibiting the actual situation 
 of the library, a catalogue of the books therein, and the number lost or missing; the 
 number of accounts open with readers during the year, and such other information as will 
 enable the Society to judge of the progress of and the benefits derived from the institution. 
 
 Chapter X. — A Law regulating the Proposition of Candidates. 
 
 § 1. Be it ordained by the General Society of Mechanics and Tradesmen of the City 
 of New-York, That the art or trade of every person to be proposed as a member of this 
 Society shall be entered by the Secretary on the minutes of the meeting at which such 
 proposition is made; and the Society shall in no case proceed to ballot for such person as 
 a member unless four of the brothers shall have previously vouched for his character, at 
 the time of his being proposed, as it relates to industry, honesty, and sobriety ; and also 
 for his being a mechanic or tradesman, and a citizen of the United States. 
 
 § 2. Every person admitted a member of this Society shall pay to the Treasurer, 
 immediately after his initiation, the sum of thirty dollars. 
 
 Chapter XI. — A Law regulating the Ceremony of the Initiation of Members. 
 
 § 1. Be it ordained by the General Society of Mechanics and Trade -men of the City 
 of New-York, That every person who may hereafter be elected a member of this Society 
 shall, within three regular meetings thereafter, apply for the purpose of being initiated; 
 and in case any person so elected shall neglect to apply within the time aforesaid, his 
 election shall, by such neglect, become void. 
 
 § 2. All persons who are in waiting for the purpose of being initiated shall be regu- 
 larly introduced to the Society by two brothers previously appointed by the President, or 
 presiding officer, as masters of ceremonies for that evening. The masters of ceremonies, 
 when arrived at the door of the Hall, accompanied by the person or persons to be initiated, 
 shall give notice thereof by three distinct raps, which shall be answered by the President 
 with two strokes of his hammer ; the brothers at the same time will rise, while the masters 
 of ceremonies shall approach the chair, and present the newly elected member or members. 
 The presiding officer will then address them as follows. [To be spoken in the plural or 
 singular, as the case may require.] 
 
268 
 
 GENERAL SOCIETY OF 
 
 " Fellow Citizens : - 
 
 " In accordance with the usages of our institution, you have been elected members of 
 the General Society of Mechanics and Tradesmen of the City of New-York. This mark 
 of favor, conferred upon you by our association, is the result of the satisfactory testimonials 
 we have received of your characters. May sobriety, industry, and integrity ever be the 
 ornaments of your names. 
 
 " The advantages resulting from a union for mutual benefit must be manifest to every 
 reflecting mind. To relieve the unfortunate, the widow, and the oqman, was the primary 
 object of the founders of this incorporation. With the increase of its means, its usefulness 
 has been extended by the establishment of a school, in which the children of poor or 
 deceased members, whose situation renders our assistance necessary, may be gratuitously 
 educated ; and also of a library and reading-rooms, designed to elevate the characters and 
 improve the minds of the apprentices of the mechanics of our city. 
 
 " Your aid will be expected in advancing the objects of the institution ; and as our 
 laws guarantee to you all its benefits and privileges, so at all times endeavor to promote 
 the harmony, advance the interests, and guard the reputation of this General Association. 
 
 " We now hail you brothers ! A delightful union, where the bond of friendship is 
 benevolence. 
 
 " You will inscribe your names on the general register of the institution, in whose 
 behalf I tender you the right hand of fellowship." 
 
 Chapter XII. — A Law to direct the appropriations of the Funds, and fix the Pensions of the 
 
 Widows and Orphans. 
 
 § i. Be it ordained by the General Society of Mechanics and Tradesmen of the City 
 of New- York, That as it is the leading object of this Society to relieve the necessities of 
 unfortunate members, all such persons, having complied with die provisions of the Charter 
 and By-Laws, shall be entitled to receive such sums as the Society may from time to 
 time direct. 
 
 § 2. Whenever it shall appear to the satisfaction of the Almoners that the situation or 
 circumstances of any member who has applied for relief is such that he will require 
 assistance more than one year, or during his natural life, it shall be their duty to report to 
 the Society, for their concurrence, a specific sum, which, in their opinion, under all the 
 circumstances, ought to be granted as a yearly pension to such member ; which pension, if 
 concurred in by the Society, shall be paid by the Almoners, in the same manner and at the 
 same periods that other pensions are paid. 
 
 § 3. In the event of the death of any member, being in indigent circumstances, his 
 widow, orphan, or orphans shall be entitled to receive assistance agreeably to the following 
 regulations : 
 
 1. All widows entered or who may be entered on the pension list shall be allowed 
 twenty-five dollars per annum. 
 
 2. All widows havings children under the age of fourteen years shall be allowed the 
 sum of five dollars per annum for each child. 
 
 3. When a child whose mother is on the pension list shall arrive at the age of fourteen 
 years, the pension of the widow for such child shall cease from that day forward. 
 
MECHANICS AND TRADESMEN. 
 
 269 
 
 4. Every child, having no parents living, and who shall he entered on the pension list, 
 shall be allowed the sum of fifteen dollars per annum, until it shall arrive at the age of 
 fourteen years, the said money to be paid to the guardian of the child or such other person 
 as the Almoners shall approve. 
 
 5. The rules relative to pensioners shall be so construed as not to debar non-residents 
 from receiving pensions. 
 
 Chapter XIII. — A Law respecting the Seal and Plate for Certificates of this Society. 
 
 § 1. Be it ordained by the General Society of Mechanics and Tradesmen of the City 
 of New- York, That there shall be a seal provided by the Society, emblematical of its 
 institution, with such device as shall be agreed on ; the same to be kept by the Secretary 
 for the puqDose of sealing all certificates of admission, and other transactions whereunto 
 it is proper a seal should bs affixed, in order that the whole of its acts and proceedings may 
 be regularly authenticated. 
 
 § 2. The seal of the Society shall not be affixed to any instrument of writing, for any 
 purpose whatsoever (except certificates of admission, and the application for the common 
 school money, for the school), at any other time or place than at a regular meeting of this 
 Society. 
 
 § 3. The plate for the certificates of membership shall be kept by the Secretary of this 
 Society, and each member shall be entitled to a certificate (on the payment of one dollar 
 to the Secretary), dated from the time of his initiation. 
 
 Chapter XIV. — A Law authorizing the Election of a Finance Committee, and prescribing their Duties. 
 
 § 1. Be it ordained by the General Society of Mechanics and Tradesmen of the City 
 of New- York, That the Society shall, at every annual meeting, elect by ballot a committee 
 of four members to constitute a finance committee. 
 
 § 2. When application is made to the Society for money which may have been directed 
 to be put out on loan, a majority of the members of the committee, on examining the 
 property offered to be mortgaged, and finding it agreeable to the regulations of the follow- 
 ing section, shall have power to loan the same. 
 
 § 3. No money shall be loaned out by the Society, unless the borrower lives, and the 
 property to be mortgaged be situated, within the city and county of New- York ; and unless 
 the property offered to be mortgaged be twice the value of the sum to be loaned. 
 
 § 4. On the first meeting of the Society after the loaning of any moneys, the com- 
 mittee shall report a regular account of their proceedings. 
 
 § 5. All the repairs to Mechanics' Hall, to the building in Chambers street, and to the 
 Mechanics' Institution in Crosby street, shall be done under the direction of the said 
 committee. 
 
 Chapter XV. — A Law relative to the Expenditures of this Society. 
 
 Whereas, the ability of this institution to succor the afflicted and to educate the 
 children of poor or deceased members materially depends upon an economical expendi- 
 ture of its funds, and the prompt accountability of those to whom they are confided, 
 Therefore, 
 
270 
 
 GENERAL SOCIETY OF 
 
 § 1. Be it ordained by the General Society of Mechanics and Tradesmen of the City 
 of New-York, That at the meeting in February of each year, or if from any cause a 
 meeting should not be held, then at the next meeting thereafter, appropriations for the 
 current year shall be made, of such sums as may then be deemed sufficient, and within the 
 means of the Treasury, for the Almoners of the Society, the School and Library Com- 
 mittees, and the Finance Committee, to be by the said committees drawn from the Treasury 
 quarterly ; and the Treasurer is hereby authorized to pay the said drafts, with the exceptions 
 hereinafter mentioned. 
 
 § 2. That it shall be the duty of the Almoners of this Society, the School, Library, 
 and the Finance Committees, and they are hereby required, to report to the Society 
 quarterly, to wit, at the meetings held in May, August, November, and February of each 
 year, an account of their receipts and expenditures for the preceding quarter, and the 
 vouchers for all moneys paid by them ; and in default thereof, the Treasurer is hereby pro- 
 hibited from paying their draft, for any subsequent quarter, until the accounts and vouchers 
 are rendered. Said accounts and vouchers to be delivered to the Treasurer, to be filed and 
 regularly entered into his books. 
 
 § 3. That the Treasurer shall not pay any bills or orders, except as above mentioned, 
 unless so directed by a vote of the Society. 
 
 Chapter XVI. — Rules of Order to be observed at the Meetings of this Society. 
 
 1. On the appearance of a quorum, the President shall take the chair and the 
 members shall be called to order. 
 
 2. Immediately after the President shall have taken the chair the minutes of the 
 preceding meeting shall be read by the Secretary, that any mistakes therein may be 
 corrected by the Society. 
 
 3. When the Society adjourns, the members shall keep their seats until the President 
 leaves the chair. 
 
 4. Every member wishing to speak shall rise from his seat and address himself to the 
 President; and, unless conscientiously scrupulous, shall be uncovered. 
 
 5. When two or more members rise at once the President shall name the member who 
 is first to speak. 
 
 6. No member shall speak more than twice to the same question until he shall have 
 obtained leave from the Society. 
 
 7. No motion shall be debated or put unless the same be seconded. When a motion 
 is seconded it shall be stated by the President before debate, and every such motion shall 
 be reduced to writing if the President or any five members desire it. 
 
 8. After a motion is stated by the President it shall be deemed to be in possession of 
 the Society, but may be withdrawn at any time before decision or amendment. 
 
 9. When any question is under debate no motion shall be received, unless to amend 
 it or to postpone it to a certain day, for the previous question, or to adjourn. 
 
 10. The previous question, until it is decided, shall preclude all amendment and 
 debate of the main question, and shall be in this form: Shall the main question now 
 be put ? 
 
MECHANICS AND TRADESMEN. 
 
 271 
 
 11. A motion to adjourn shall be always in order, and shall be decided without 
 debate. 
 
 12. No member shall speak more than once upon a previous question. 
 
 13. Petitions, memorials, and other papers. addressed to the Society shall be presented 
 by the President, or by a member in his place. 
 
 14. Whilst the President is putting a question, no member shall walk out of or across 
 the room; nor, when a member is speaking, shall any one entertain private discourse, or 
 pass between him and the chair. 
 
 15. Every bill shall receive three several readings previous to its being passed. The 
 second and third reading shall be at different meetings unless the Society unanimously 
 direct otherwise. 
 
 16. All questions in the Society shall be put in the order they were moved, except 
 that in filling up blanks the largest sum and longest time shall be first put. 
 
 APPENDIX H, 
 
 Chapter XVII. — A Law authorizing the appointment of a Committee for promoting and disseminating 
 Literary and Scientific Knowledge, and describing their duties. 
 
 Whereas, by an act to renew and amend an act entitled "An Ac" relative to the 
 General Society of Mechanics and Tradesmen of the City of New-York," passed April 3d, 
 181 1, passed February 8th, 1833, it is provided that the Society shall set apart as a 
 distinct and separate fund one-third of the initiation fee so received, which, together 
 with such donations or bequests as may from time to time be made for that purpose, 
 they shall appropriate exclusively for promoting and disseminating literary and scientific 
 knowledge. Therefore, 
 
 § 1. Be it ordained by the General Society of Mechanics and Tradesmen of the City 
 of New- York, That the money and effects of the literary fund be hereafter known as the 
 "Fund for Promoting and Disseminating Literary and Scientific Knowledge," which, 
 together with such amounts as may in future be received for that purpose, shall be held 
 and disposed of as herein directed. 
 
 § 2. That the President, or, in his absence, the presiding officer, shall, at the meeting 
 of the Society held in February of each year, nominate, and, with the consent of the 
 
272 
 
 GENERAL SOCIETY OF 
 
 Society, appoint twelve members, to constitute the committee for promoting and dissemi- » 
 nating literary and scientific knowledge, to serve one year, or until others are appointed in 
 their place. It shall be the duty of said committee to take charge of such moneys and 
 effects as now or hereafter may belong to the fund for promoting and disseminating 
 literary and scientific knowledge, and to invest, expend, or otherwise dispose of the same 
 as, in their opinion, may best promote the object for which it was intended ; to procure 
 suitable apparatus, and engage from time to time such persons as they may think 
 advisable to assist them in establishing and continuing lectures or other modes of 
 imparting knowledge, under such regulations as they may deem expedient; and to report 
 quarterly to the Society, in writing, an account of their proceeding, the state of the 
 treasury, and such other subjects as, in their opinion, may be useful or beneficial. 
 
 APPENDIX I. 
 
 AN ACT 
 
 To enable the General Society of Mechanics and Tradesmen of the City of New-York to extend 
 the benefits of their School and Library. Passed February 7th, 1842. 
 
 The people of the State of New-York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact 
 as follows : 
 
 1. The General Society of Mechanics and Tradesmen in the City of New-York is 
 hereby authorized to receive pay for instruction in the school established by them from 
 pupils other than those children of deceased and indigent members who are now entitled 
 to gratuitous instruction. The profits derived from such payments shall be applied to the 
 support and improvement of the library and reading-room established by the Society for 
 the use of apprentices and others. 
 
 2. The Society is authorized to establish and hold a separate fund for the support of 
 the Apprentices' Library and Reading-room, and to receive and hold any donation, 
 devise, or bequest for the purposes of such fund, which shall be held and applied by the 
 Society as in trust for these special purposes, and not to be applied or diverted to other 
 objects : Provided, that said fund so held in trust shall not, at any time, exceed the sum 
 of ten thousand dollars. 
 
 3. The Society may provide, by proper by-laws, for the investment and management 
 of the said fund, and in their discretion for the admission of donors or subscribers other 
 than members of the Society to a participation in the direction and use of the library. 
 
 4. This act shall take effect immediately. 
 
MECHANICS AND TRADESMEN. 
 
 273 
 
 APPENDIX J, 
 
 ADDRESS OF M. M. NOAH, ESQ., 
 
 Upon the Re-opening of the Library and Reading-room, September 23d, 1850. 
 
 Ladies and Gentlemen: Thirty years have elapsed since, at the request of the 
 Directors of this Institution, I delivered a discourse on the opening of the Apprentices' 
 Library; and I now perform the pleasing duty of again addressing you on the re-opening 
 of the Institution under new and important improvements, thankful to Providence for 
 having so long spared us to witness the beneficial results of an Institution established for 
 the use of our youths, destined to learn the mechanical arts of our city. Thirty years is 
 a long period in the history of our country ; — how many millions have been added to 
 our population, how many States have been incorporated in the Union, how many vast 
 improvements have been made in Science and the Arts, and what rapid strides our country 
 has made to power, wealth, and greatness! Nor does the picture end here: we find, at 
 the termination of thirty years, that our States and Territories reach from the Atlantic 
 to the Pacific, that a mighty empire is springing up in distant regions, where but a few 
 generations ago the wild Indians of the Sandwich Islands and the cannibals of Feejee roved 
 in unrestrained freedom, unknown to the civilized world ; and on the spot where Captain 
 Cook fell, pierced by their javelins, we find American ships riding at anchor, and the 
 American flag floating over the blue waters of the Pacific. A thousand sail of ships and 
 a hundred and fifty thousand citizens are at this moment in California, said to be the 
 Ophir of Scripture, and gold is flowing from that section of the Union b rich and rapid 
 currents. Oregon, once the boundary of the Northwest coast, and the neighborhood of the 
 Arctic region, is a territory of the United States. A railroad is projected from the United 
 States to the Pacific, and a ship-canal will soon be in the progress of completion, to unite the 
 two great oceans, through the lake of Nicaragua. Since our last discourse the ocean and 
 rivers have been covered with our steamers, and wherever they go they carry with them the 
 evidence of our enterprise and genius, industry, and wealth ; we compete with the world in 
 the great variety, beauty, and texture of our manufactures ; and the skill and ingenuity of 
 our mechanics are the themes of admiration and commendation in every direction ; and 
 we are grappling with the venerable experience and mighty power of mother England, to 
 arrive at the same perfection in the mechanical arts which she has achieved, and we have 
 succeeded in accomplishing in a few years what she has required centuries to perform. 
 
 How are we to account for the rapid progress of our country in arts, civilization, 
 literature, commerce, and science ? By our free institutions, by the equality of our laws, 
 
274 
 
 GENERAL SOCIETY OF 
 
 by the adaptation of a self-government to the wants and wishes of the community, by the 
 progress of freedom, by the acknowledgments of the rights of man, and above all, by that 
 free education which visits all alike, from the cottage to the palace, and places mankind on 
 an equality in all that relates to genius and intellect. Here is the great secret of our 
 success ; we have no titled ranks, no hereditary power, no labor by the many to supply the 
 wants of the few ; each man is for himself, and the energy of each combined constitutes 
 the wealth and power, the genius, resources, and permanency of the republic. Who would 
 lightly part with this heritage of freedom ? What American would be willing to exchange 
 his rights as a citizen of the New World for all that the Old World can offer in exchange ? 
 Our path is onward — is rapidly progressive; and while we are true to our faith as a 
 nation and our integrity as a people — while industry, intelligence, temperance, and virtue 
 are our guides — nothing can impede our march to greatness and power, nothing can 
 prevent our becoming the first nation on the habitable globe. 
 
 Our city, too, the Empire City of the Empire State — the commercial emporium of the 
 nation — has undergone many great changes within thirty years — many within your recol- 
 lection. From thirty-five thousand inhabitants, which was the population of our city at 
 the period when the General Society of Mechanics and Tradesmen was first incorporated 
 — say the 14th of March, 1792, — we have increased nearly to half a million; when the 
 boundaries of our city at that time scarcely extended beyond Chambers street, we have 
 marched steadily onward, making Greenwich village part of our city, and carrying our 
 improvements almost within reach of the ancient Dutch village of Harlem. Brooklyn, 
 then a small village, is now a splendid city, spreading its broad arms toward the Narrows 
 to the south, and extending on the north through Williamsburg, a prosperous town, and 
 almost connecting by its links Newtown and Flushing. The face of everything has 
 changed in our city. The old Dutch houses, built of brick imported by our ancestors from 
 Amsterdam, have all vanished, and stately houses, splendid stores, and ponderous ware- 
 houses have sprung up in their place. Spacious hotels, magnificent private houses, great 
 public institutions, ships of immense tonnage, steam foundries, river-boats, and everything 
 denoting a wealthy, prosperous, and enterprising people, have swelled the rank and 
 importance of our metropolis, giving employment, comfort, and wealth to thousands. 
 
 To whom do we owe these great and important improvements ? What has led to 
 this rapid and prosperous current, which is carrying us ahead of all our sister States and 
 cities ? Our commerce on the one hand, and the enterprise and laborious industry of our 
 mechanics on the other. Shall we not do something for the sons of these mechanics who 
 are nobly treading in the footsteps of their fathers ? The time has arrived when it has 
 become apparent that the destinies of our country are finally to be placed under the 
 control of the mechanics and laboring men of the Union. The liberal professions, so-called, 
 by which is meant law, physic, and theology, are crowded beyond the wants of the com- 
 munity, and the supply exceeds the demand. The sons of wealthy men will find it 
 necessary, as the sons of the needy, to learn some branch of the mechanic arts, to place 
 themselves within the sphere of their influence, and to give to that interest the confidence 
 to which it is entitled. Well-educated mechanics will fill our legislatures and the halls 
 of Congress ; their numerical strength will accumulate until they are able to command the 
 highest stations in the Government. When that period arrives, as it surely will, in what 
 
MECHANICS AND TRADESMEN. 
 
 275 
 
 are we to confide — in what will be our guarantee for the safety of the country ? I answer, 
 in the education and intelligence of this class of our citizens. 
 
 The President of the United States was a mechanic — an apprentice boy, as many of our 
 hearers have been ; true, in after-life he studied law, and was a successful practitioner, but 
 he carried into that study, and into that practice, and into that high station which he now 
 adorns, the elements of patient industry, hard study, economical habits, and persevering 
 labor, acquired when he was an apprentice. Should not this important fact stimulate us to 
 aid the apprentice in educating himself, in strengthening his mind, and enlarging his 
 sphere of usefulness ; that, though he may enter upon the great theater of an active life 
 with hands which may be hard by labor, his head may be clear, his purposes honest, and 
 his heart in the right place. 
 
 It is our duty, therefore, to place this Mechanics' Society and this Apprentices' 
 Library among the great and benevolent institutions of our city, and give to it that high 
 rank which it truly merits. To the poor we give food and raiment ; to the widow a home ; 
 to the blind and insane an asylum ; but to the apprentice we give the means of education, 
 the light of intellect, the power to govern himself and to govern others. We place him at 
 the base of the pedestal, from which, step by step, he may advance to the highest honors 
 which our country offers. We owe it to the apprentice, we owe it to ourselves, and to our 
 safety. A little reflection on our condition in life will show us the necessity of using every 
 effort to strengthen and improve our minds. Man comes into the world much more 
 helpless, and continues in that state much longer, than any other animal ; without the 
 care of parents he would perish ; without the aid of their experience and instruction he 
 must be deplorably ignorant. He is so framed as to be compelled to follow reason as his 
 guide ; whereas all other animals have a guide in their constitution and in their instinct. 
 Let us philosophize on this for a few moments. 
 
 No animal but man wants clothing ; nature has provided in this respect for the brute 
 creation ; man must furnish this indispensable necessity for himself. No animal but man 
 requires preparation for his food ; his grain must be ground, his bread baked, and his meat 
 cooked, and he must find salt as an important preservative. No climate yields spontane- 
 ously sufficient food for men, yet every climate can supply the wants >f other animals. 
 Instinct only carries the brute creation to what may be required ; instinct carries men as 
 far, and vanity carries them farther. The swallow builds its nest with mortar, and the crow 
 with sticks ; man first erects a hut, then a palace. Man, from his reason, is enabled to do 
 more than other animals ; he can raise plants and gather fruits and seeds ; he can convert 
 these fruits and seeds into bread and wine ; he can manufacture silk, wool, and flax ; he 
 can smelt minerals and produce metals ; he can do many things for his comfort and con- 
 venience by the use of his reason ; and without cultivating his mind, reason will run wild. 
 Reason, therefore, is the highest gift which Providence has bestowed upon man. It is 
 given to him in place of instinct, to lead him to the chief felicity which nature is capable 
 of enjoying. The desire, therefore, of knowledge is a divine impulse, and we must assist 
 each other to acquire it by all the means in our power. 
 
 A library, judiciously selected, is the Garden of Eden, in which is planted the tree of 
 useful knowledge, the fruit of which is life, not death. We have that library here; we planted 
 that little branch, which has grown into a goodly tree, fair to the eye, and we must water 
 
276 
 
 GENERAL SOCIETY OF 
 
 it by our liberality, until it bears golden fruit pleasant to the taste. This is peculiarly a 
 benevolent institution. If a poor, little ragged apprentice boy feels disposed to drink 
 deep at the Pierian Spring, where is he to go to slake his thirst ? He can have access to 
 no private library ; if he enters the Society Library, which is a noble institution, he will 
 be told that none but subscribers have liberty to read, or to take home books to read. 
 If he wanders into the valuable library, established through the munificence of the late 
 Mr. Astor, he will be told that there is no provision in the bequest which can embrace his 
 case ; he looks around with a sigh, and beholds splendidly bound books, many of which 
 may never be opened ; gilded lattices and cushioned seats ; he sees the rich and well 
 educated enjoying the intellectual banquet ; but, alas ! he who is in the search of knowl- 
 edge is not an invited guest. He has only the inheritance of rags ; his mind is clear, his 
 intellect bright, his desire to learn and improve is intense, but his hands are black from 
 labor, and his dress coarse from poverty. 
 
 There is still, however, balm in Gilead for the poor apprentice boy ; he has not been 
 forgotten ; there are hearts which have felt for his forlorn position, and hands which have 
 been stretched forth for his relief. He can enter here as proudly as those who enter 
 other libraries ; there is no rude janitor who will thrust him forth to live and die in 
 ignorance; here he is a welcome guest, his presence is desired, he takes his seat and enjoys 
 the rich repast spread before him. Here are voyages and travels, books of fiction, wit and 
 humor, always the first to whet the appetite for reading ; then the rich stores of history are 
 open to him, beginning always with the history of his own country. He reads what 
 Rome and Greece were in their palmy days. He is familiar with events in England, 
 from the time of William the Gonqueror ; he knows all about France and Spain, from the 
 time of the Goths and Vandals ; he is familiar with the history of the world. On this 
 foundation he builds his superstructure ; he slides insensibly into a course of bcllts-lcttres 
 and polite literature ; he becomes familiar with the fine arts ; he studies mathematics, the 
 greatest of all studies to make man acquainted w ith himself, and to deduce effects from 
 causes; he studies architecture, machinery, and the practical details of all mechanical 
 pursuits ; he is acquainted w ith the institutions of his country, and his own rights as a 
 freeman ; and when he is out of his time, he steps forw ard as accomplished a gentleman 
 as many who have taken their degrees at Oxford and at Eton ; and if his country or his 
 State require his services in public stations, he can take his seat in the Assembly, in 
 Congress, or in the Cabinet, with all good, sound, common sense — more available to 
 that service than the attainments of the bar, the pulpit, or the materia medica. 
 
 This, gentlemen, is the work of the founders of the Apprentices' Library; it has already 
 sent forth its able men, and will continue to qualify others for the important part which 
 they have to sustain through life. But more aid is wanted ; there are more shelves to fill ; 
 all the new publications of the age — an age w onderful for its improvements — should be 
 procured for this library, if means can be found to accomplish an end so desirable. Let 
 us see what has been already accomplished by those who have preceded us, and we may 
 from the past be able to calculate the prospects for the future. 
 
 For thirty-five years, that is to say, from the year 1785 to 1820, the operations of the 
 Mechanics' Society were confined chiefly to benevolent objects, the relief of its indigent 
 members, their widows and orphans; and in 1820 the school and library were established. 
 
MECHANICS AND TRADESMEN. 277 
 
 The object of the school was to relieve the less fortunate mechanics fram what they deemed 
 the humiliation of sending their children to a charity school, by having them educated in 
 the same school with pay scholars, the knowledge of pay and free scholars being confined 
 to the members of the School Committee. This practice, delicate and proper in itself, is 
 still maintained. The school improved rapidly, and is now, I am pleased to state, in a 
 flourishing condition, and ranks as high as any in the city. It has been sustained at 
 considerable cost to the Society, receiving from the public only the usual allowance for the 
 numbers of free scholars taught, and has about five hundred scholars, and about twenty 
 teachers, each department, male and female, arranged into seven classes, taught in separate 
 class-rooms. The library was established at the same time, receiving small contributions 
 of books and money from our fellow-citizens, and was opened at the time I have before 
 stated, in the old Free School building, at the corner of Chatham street and Tryon Row. 
 The new building in Chambers street was erected in the following year. In 1832 the 
 Society was enabled to purchase the high school building in Crosby street, to accomplish 
 which some aid was received, say five thousand dollars, chiefly from our own members ; 
 and that, with about one thousand dollars received from the late Mechanic and Scientific 
 Institution, and six hundred dollars from private donations, is all that was received in 
 aid of the important improvements. In 1845 the lot on Broadway was purchased, 
 and an entrance made for the accommodation of the young ladies, and also to the 
 lecture-room. 
 
 The income of the Society not being sufficient to sustain the heavy expenditure for 
 the school and library, together with the pensions for the widows and orphans, it has been 
 deemed expedient to rent the lecture-room, since the entrance from Broadway has been 
 opened ; and now, from this source, and the liberal bequests from the family of the late 
 Mr. Demilt, the Society has been enabled to complete the necessary alterations, by 
 removing the library to another part of the hall, also, with a pleasant access to Broadway, 
 both to the library and reading-room. The cost of supporting the library presses heavily 
 on the Society, and the wear of books is much greater than in other libraries, as one 
 thousand eight hundred persons read on an average thirty volumes annually ; that is to 
 say, that fourteen thousand volumes would be loaned nearly four times a year. Esti- 
 mating rent of rooms, and other outlays for thirty years, the sum total expended by the 
 Society would exceed fifty thousand dollars. 
 
 The substantial benefits conferred by this library on mechanics are generally admitted. 
 Some of our most active, intelligent, and wealthy citizens owe much of their early 
 improvement directly to this library. It is, as I have said, the only institution accessible 
 to this class of readers. Looking, therefore, to the great increase of the apprentices and 
 mechanics of this city, and the prospective increase of the city itself, this Society should 
 possess the means of establishing a branch of the library on each side of the city, so as 
 to be accessible to the workshops which are springing up in every direction for miles 
 on the borders of our rivers. To accomplish this most important movement, application 
 should be made to the Legislature of the State for that aid which has been for so many 
 years liberally offered to our literary institutions. The munificent donations to our colleges 
 and schools amount to a sum honorable to the State and to the great cause of educa- 
 tion. Some of our collegiate institutions have received upward of one hundred thousand 
 
278 
 
 GENERAL SOCIETY OF 
 
 dollars from the State, and all more or less have participated in its bounty. We do not 
 complain of this liberality, when our colleges send forth educated gentlemen of family and 
 fortune, but we want something to be done for the poor children of this city — of that city 
 into which all the trade and commerce of the State is received, sold, and the net pro- 
 ceeds returned to every town and village of the State. 
 
 We shall be told that our noble free schools will accomplish this desirable result, 
 but they do not ; part of their great work is left undone. A boy is apprenticed at thirteen 
 or fourteen years of age ; there ends his education, his time belongs to his employer, and 
 from that moment he must commence to educate himself, by employing his leisure time 
 in improving his mind in reading the best authors, in acquiring knowledge of the world, 
 its literature, arts, and improvements. That can only be accomplished in the Apprentices' 
 Library. Surely such an institution is worthy the patronage of our State, and I feel 
 confident will receive it annually if application is properly made, and the Legislature 
 becomes familiar with all the benefits of this institution. Our free schools afford the 
 elements of an education ; in them the rough iron is shaped and beaten out, here it is 
 polished and finished. The great mass of the American people can do but two things for 
 their children — give them an education and give them a trade. With these two great 
 gifts they may send them out on the great ocean of the world; they are their sails and 
 rudder. A father may give a fortune to his son, and he may soon waste it all ; but he 
 never can lose that fortune which the labor of his hands acquires. A fortune may be soon 
 expended in folly, extravagance, and vice, but a thorough knowledge of the mechanical 
 arts cannot be lost or wasted; it is centered in the head and the hands, and cannot be lost 
 or traded away ; it is a sure investment for the industrious and the temperate against 
 idleness and want. 
 
 I have long urged wealthy parents to throw aside false pride, and make their sons 
 mechanics instead of lawyers, physicians, and divines ; the bar is crowded and unprofitable, 
 medicine is also overstocked with practitioners, and the pulpit has many laborious and 
 poorly paid pastors. If we improve hereafter as rapidly as we heretofore have done, these 
 professions and pursuits will be simplified, and we shall find that every man can be his own 
 lawyer, his own doctor, and, in his own domestic circle, with that great and good book, the 
 Bible, he can become his, in part, own preacher ; but a knowledge of the mechanical arts, 
 steadily and industriously carried out, must in this great and increasing country be forever 
 the source of profit and the true road to independence. This library, therefore, is the 
 great platform on which a high moral and intellectual character may be formed. When 
 the labor of the day is over, instead of the apprentice scouring the streets, visiting bar- 
 rooms or theaters, mingling with idle, vicious companions, he takes his seat in this library, 
 with a rich intellectual repast before him, or, being privileged to take a book home with 
 him, he trims his lamp and reads aloud to his little brothers and sisters, scattering the good 
 seeds among them, to take root hereafter. To-night he invites himself to pass the evening 
 with the elegant Addison, to-morrow night he spends with Goldsmith, or Doctor Johnson, or 
 Smollett, or Gibbon, the society of eminent and illustrious men, whom it is his pride to know 
 from the rich emanations of their genius. If he wishes to travel, he sets out with Anson 
 and Captain Cook, and makes a voyage around the world ; if he is fond of antiquities, he 
 visits with Denne, Shaw, Pocock, and others, the magnificent ruins of Thebes and Mem- 
 
MECHANICS AND TRADESMEN. 279 
 
 phis, the Pyramids of" Egypt, and the cities of Pharaoh — he crosses the Red Sea, over 
 which the Israelites passed, and he gazes in imagination on Mount Sinai, where the great 
 and divine law was given to the world, which even at this day is our guide to happiness. 
 If his spirits flag, he enlivens them with the .rich wit of Don Quixote, or the humors of 
 Gil Bias ; if he would like to dip a little in fiction, he takes up that delightful Robinson 
 Crusoe ; or if he desires to wander in oriental climes, he peruses that charming compilation, 
 the Arabian Nights, and walks through Grand Cairo with Haroun al Raschid. In severe 
 and serious studies he learns from practical chemists how to mix colors ; he pores over 
 Watt and Lardner to ascertain the formation and working of the steam-engine ; and if he 
 wishes to know how the liberties of his own country have been acquired, he reads of 
 the battles of Lexington, Bunker Hill, and Saratoga. 
 
 You have, gentlemen, by your liberality, your benevolence, your good feeling, taken 
 the poor, probably the ragged apprentice, by the hand, and, through the medium of the 
 library which you have established, have introduced him to the familiar acquaintance of 
 the great men who have adorned the world and the age in which they lived, by their genius 
 and talent. The apprentice thus employed at night, reads until sleep places its leaden 
 fingers on his eyelids, he sinks into a calm, refreshing slumber, and awakens at the dawn 
 of day refreshed and invigorated, with his head clear, his mind calm and ready for the 
 day's occupation. "Just as the twig is bent the tree inclines." We lead 011 the boy by 
 degrees until reading and study become a passion with him, and when in later times, as 
 he advances to character and fortune, he looks back to the days of his apprenticeship 
 and his nights of study with pride and satisfaction, he honors to the last hour of his 
 existence the benevolent founders of this institution. Persevere, then, gentlemen, in the 
 good work which you have commenced and have so long cherished ; and when you have 
 something to bequeath, when the sands of life have run out, remember in your wills this 
 excellent, valued institution, and have your names recorded among its best of benefactors. 
 
 APPENDIX K. 
 
 SOME MEMORIALS OF THE LATE WILLIAM WOOD, ESQ. 
 
 At a meeting of the General Society of Mechanics and Tradesmen of the City of 
 New-York, held on the 2d of September, 1857^ the Secretary called the attention of the 
 Society to the accounts in the newspapers of the decease of William Wood, Esq., of 
 Canandaigua, a well-known and greatly esteemed citizen, who was the founder of the first 
 
28o 
 
 GENERAL SOCIETY OF 
 
 Apprentices' Library in the world, and who had taken an active and efficient part in the 
 establishment of the Apprentices' Library of this city. Mr. Wood was not a member of 
 our Society, but, from the circumstance above mentioned, the Secretary thought the 
 Society might desire to place in their minutes some expressions of their respect for his 
 memory. A series of resolutions we're moved by Brother Joseph P. Simpson, which, after 
 some discussion, were referred to the Library Committee. The following is their 
 
 REPORT. 
 
 The Library Committee, having had under consideration certain resolutions ex- 
 pressive of the respect of the Society for the late William Wood, Esq., of Canandaigua, 
 moved by Brother Joseph P. Simpson, at a meeting held on the 2d of September last, and 
 referred to them, would respectfully report : 
 
 That, so far as your committee could judge from remarks made by several of the 
 brothers at the time the resolutions were under consideration, there appeared to be a 
 general feeling among the members that some expression of thankfulness was eminently 
 due and proper for the services rendered by Mr. Wood in the establishment of the 
 Apprentices' Library, as well as on several subsequent occasions; and also of respect for 
 his memory as a philanthropist, whose labors have been greatly beneficial to the com- 
 munity. But there were doubts in the minds of several of the brothers, whether the 
 resolutions did not attribute to him credit for originating our library that more properly 
 was due to others, and particularly to deceased members of our Society. Such being the 
 case, your committee have thought that the duty committed to them would be best 
 performed by ascertaining as far as possible, and reporting, the facts and circumstances 
 connected with the inception and establishment of the library. These having taken place 
 many years ago, the particulars were not within the personal recollection of any of the 
 present members of the committee, and consequently some delay has occurred in searching 
 them out. 
 
 They now, however, beg leave to submit the following : 
 
 They find, in the minutes of a meeting of the Society, held on the 17th of March, 
 1 81 9, the following : 
 
 "Ordered, that Thomas R. Mercein, Francis Cooper, and John Slidell be, and they 
 are hereby appointed to inquire whether any, and if any, what arrangements can be made 
 for the education of children of indigent members." 
 
 During all the remainder of the year 1819, there was not a quorum of members 
 present at any time of meeting of the Society, and consequently no business was 
 transacted until the meeting of January nth, 1820, and the committee did not report until 
 the meeting of March 1st, 1820. Very few of the papers and documents of the Society of 
 a date prior to the year 1822 have been preserved, but fortunately this report is among the 
 number. It is without date, but from other parts of the minutes of that meeting it was 
 unquestionably then submitted. It contains the first mention of the Apprentices' Library 
 to be found on our records. After strongly recommending the establishment of a school, 
 it proceeds as follows : 
 
MECHANICS AND TRADESMEN 
 
 28l 
 
 " Intimately connected with the plan for the education of the children, as above sug- 
 gested, is another, from which, if properly conducted, results equally beneficial will doubt- 
 lessly follow ; to wit, the establishment of a library for the use of the apprentices of mechanics 
 generally. Your committee were not specially required by the resolution that occasioned 
 this report to offer any suggestions on this subject ; but, relying on the indulgence of their 
 brothers, and convinced of the importance of the measure, they beg leave to offer those 
 considerations which have presented themselves with irresistible force to their minds. 
 
 " It is estimated that of the whole male population of this city at least six thousand 
 are mechanics, most of whom have from one to four apprentices, who are generally the 
 children of those parents whose situation in life have rendered them unable (however 
 willing) to afford that education and instruction required to render them useful and 
 efficient members of society ; hence -every means that can be devised to further the 
 improvement and advance the knowledge of such ought eagerly to be seized, in order to 
 remedy, as far as practicable, the privation suffered in their early years, and which, in the 
 opinion of your committee, cannot be more effectually promoted than by affording to all 
 who are desirous of improving themselves the means by which to attain that object ; to 
 wit, the gratuitous reading of elementary, moral, religious, and miscellaneous books, and 
 such others as may have a tendency to promote them in their several avocations. 
 
 " It might well be considered an act of supererogation were your committee to 
 attempt to show the advantages resulting from the general diffusion of knowledge among 
 so numerous and important a portion of their fellow-citizens as the mechanics of this 
 city, as there are, doubtless, but few who hear this report who have not frequently, too 
 frequently, experienced the want of information on many points connected even with their 
 ordinary avocations, without reference to the high intellectual gratification enjoyed by 
 those who have had greater advantages. 
 
 " The liberality which distinguishes the citizens of New- York is a sure guarantee that 
 an appeal to them, in behalf of this library, would result in the donation of all the books 
 that would be required, except, perhaps, a few in the higher branches of architecture and 
 mathematics, and which could only be obtained by importation from England. 
 
 " In the event of establishing a school, the same rooms could contaiu the library (as 
 the books would be, of course, locked up in cases), and the teacher might devote one or 
 two evenings in a week for the delivery and reception of books — which would save the 
 expense of a librarian, and thus all the great advantages above adverted to might be 
 afforded at a very inconsiderable expense. 
 
 " Connected with these plans, a school for the accommodation of apprentices during 
 three or four months in the winter might also be established, and conducted in a manner 
 far better calculated to advance them in their education than the practice now in common 
 use. As it would not be necessary to mature a plan for this purpose before next winter, 
 and as the committee have already trespassed on the patience of the Society, we defer all 
 further details on this subject to some future occasion. 
 
 " All of which is respectfully submitted. Thomas R. Mercein, 
 
 Francis Cooper, 
 John Slidell." 
 
282 
 
 GENERAL SOCIETY OF 
 
 The committee also submitted some resolutions, the last two of which are as follows : 
 
 "Resolved, That a Library Committee, consisting of Thomas R. Mercein, Francis 
 Cooper, John Slidell, Anthony Steinback, John J. Labagh, Elbert Anderson, Abraham 
 Van Nest, Jacob Lorillard, and Abraham Bloodgood, be and are hereby appointed to 
 take all requisite measures to establish a library for the use of the apprentices of the 
 mechanics of this city, on the plan suggested in the report just read ; and that said 
 committee be authorized to publish an appropriate address to the inhabitants of this 
 city, stating their object, and soliciting the donation of books, in order to carry the 
 same into effect. 
 
 " Resolved, That a committee, consisting of Thomas R. Mercein, Francis Cooper, 
 John Slidell, Anthony Steinback, Elbert Anderson, Abraham Van Nest, Jacob Lorillard, 
 and Abraham Bloodgood, be and are hereby appointed to digest and report a plan for 
 tuition (during the winter evenings) of the apprentices of mechanics who are, or may be, 
 members of this institution specially, and also to report on the expediency and feasibility 
 of extending the plan so as to embrace the apprentices of mechanics generally." 
 
 The resolutions were adopted, but the report was referred back to the committee, and 
 again presented at a meeting of April 6th, 1820, when full authority was given them to 
 establish both a school and library. 
 
 Your committee also find, among the papers of the Library Committee, the following 
 letter, addressed by Brother Thomas R. Mercein to Mr. Wood. It appears to have been 
 sent by Mr. Wood to the committee of 1820, and has been copied on their minutes : 
 
 New-York, 4th March, 1820. 
 Sir : Although 1 have not the honor of a personal acquaintance with you, I am 
 emboldened to address some inquiries to you in relation to the establishment of the library 
 for apprentices, lately established in Boston ; because I am persuaded that the same 
 enlarged and liberal views that induced you to take a leading part in the Boston institu- 
 tion will prompt you to afford the benefit of your advice toward a similar one in this city. 
 The Mechanics' Society of this city (a wealthy and respectable institution) have taken the 
 thing up very spiritedly, and have appointed a committee (of which I am chairman) to 
 digest and report a plan for carrying the project into immediate effect. Hence our 
 committee are very anxious to obtain all and every information in their power ; and, from 
 a conversation I had with Mr. Lang, I am persuaded that I could not make a more 
 suitable application than to Mr. Wood. Perhaps it would be more advisable, instead of 
 making any inquiries of you, to beg that you will, in your own way, give us all the 
 information of which you are possessed as to a proper constitution for the library, and 
 indeed all the details, if your convenience will permit. A copy of any printed documents, 
 blanks, &c, &c, which you may have executed, will be very acceptable, and may be sent 
 by mail. We should be glad to avail ourselves of your experience in this matter, and if 
 you see anything in the plan you have so lately organized, please mention it. In a word, 
 we wish to act promptly but efficiently, and hence are desirous to obtain all possible 
 
MECHANICS AND TRADESMEN 
 
 283 
 
 informatiom connected with a subject which we are persuaded will, if properly managed, 
 result in effecting as great an amount of good as any institution ever instituted in this city. 
 
 Yours very respectfully, 
 
 Thomas R. Mercein. 
 
 From an indorsement on the back of this letter, in the handwriting of Mr. Wood, it 
 appears that it was answered on the 8th of March, 1820, and on the fly-leaf is the follow- 
 ing memorandum, also by his hand: 
 
 "Memo. — After receiving this letter, went to New-York to assist the work of 
 effecting a mechanics' apprentices' library ; gave three or four months to the object ; 
 induced all persons I knew (was introduced to many) also to give either old or new 
 books ; wrote in many papers in favor of the scheme, and deposited the same at Kirk & 
 Mercein's bookstore, Wall St.; received from Thomas R. Mercein one thousand printed 
 certificates, and went in person to nearly as many mechanics' shops and manufactories, 
 and induced the ' boss ' then and there to sign them, inserting the names of the appren- 
 tices; had but one refusal — that by Mr. C , in Pearl street; 740 lads drew volumes on 
 
 the opening of the library, 25th November, 1820. I then founded the Merchants' Clerks 
 Library, Clinton Hall ; called the first meeting at the Tontine Coffee-House, and gave the 
 first volume ; worked at that institution some four to six months previous. I had the sole 
 honor to found and originate the Merchants' Clerks and Mechanics' Libraries in Boston ; 
 those in New-York came next, and so on, to New Orleans, to Montreal." 
 
 These are all the data your committee have been able to discover on our records, 
 from which to form an opinion relative to Mr. Wood's participation in the establishment 
 of the library. 
 
 The following statement forms part of a notice of Mr. Wood, in " Ballou's Pictorial," 
 of September 9th, 1857, as well as in other papers about the same date, and the fact 
 appears to be unquestioned, viz. : 
 
 " The Apprentices' Library of Boston was the first he originated. This was inaugurated 
 with more than usual ceremony, on the evening of February 22d, 1820, in the old State 
 House : Theodore Lyman, Jr., delivering an address, and the keys of the library being 
 given up in form, by Mr. Wood, to Benjamin Russell, the President of the Massachusetts 
 Charitable Mechanics' Association. 
 
 From the foregoing papers it appears that the first institution of the kind in this 
 country, and perhaps in the world, was the Apprentices' Library of Boston ; that it was 
 originated by Mr. Wood, and that its organization was completed on February 22d, 1820. 
 
 2. That a committee of our Society, in a report, presented March 1st, 1820, 
 recommended the establishment of an Apprentices' Library in this city. 
 
 3. That Brother Mercein, chairman of the committee, wrote to Mr. Wood, on the 
 4th of March, 1820, asking information relative to the mode of conducting such an 
 institution. 
 
284 
 
 GENERAL SOCIETY OF 
 
 4. That Mr. Wood subsequently came to this city, and for several months took an 
 active and efficient part in the establishment of our library. 
 
 These are all the facts that your committee have been able to discover relative to the 
 question: "To whom is due the credit of having first suggested the establishment of an 
 Apprentices' Library in this city ? '* They do not appear to settle the question definitely, 
 but the weight of their testimony is adverse to the supposition that it is due directly to Mr. 
 Wood. If, then, he originated our institution, as well as that in Boston, — as your com- 
 mittee learn from those who were acquainted with him, as well as from several of his 
 letters in their possession, that he uniformly claimed to have done, — it would appear to 
 have been in some indirect way, perhaps during the early stages of the latter, or through 
 the accounts of its inauguration, published in the newspapers of the day. Mr. Wood 
 continued to take a lively interest in the library as long as he lived. Some instances of 
 this are recorded in the minutes of the Library Committee, of which we will only notice 
 the most recent. We find, by reference to the minutes of the committee, that in 1844, 
 after ascertaining by inquiry of the Library Committee that such a donation would be 
 acceptable, he presented five hundred New Testaments, to be distributed among the 
 readers. A little later he presented four hundred and seventy-five more Testaments, and 
 also a sum of money, in relation to which he writes as follows : 
 
 Canandaigua, Feb. 17th, 1844. 
 Esteemed Sir: I am much obliged by your favor of the 12th inst. Its contents are 
 very gratifying. I now send on the Mechanics' Exchange Bank for $38.25,10 buy, at the 
 Society Bible House 475 Testaments, same as the last, which will amount to $33.25. 
 The five dollars over I beg, sir, you will do me the favor to deposit in the savings-bank, 
 for the reader at your institution who may gain it under the following plan (to induce 
 them to read a little more than they otherwise might), viz.: Every apprentice who has 
 read the Testament throughout by the 1 5th of May next, to draw a lot in the library, for 
 the $5.00 which is offered to the fortunate one as a premium for his industry, &c, in 
 acquiring knowledge from the " Book of Life." I pray you, sir, to excuse (this, perhaps, 
 you may think a whim), but I have and do still feel such a deep interest in the well-being 
 of your institution that I could not help its showing itself in this way. Be pleased to offer 
 my respects to your worthy government, and receive the same from, Sir, 
 
 Your obliged friend, 
 (Signed,) . William Wood. 
 
 To Isaac Fryer, See., &c, New -York. 
 
 These books were received, and fifty-one of the readers having complied with the 
 conditions, drew lots for the money. A full account of the drawing was sent to 
 Mr. Wood. 
 
 In October, 1848, the following letter was received from him by the committee : 
 
 Canandaigua, Oct. 14th, 1848. 
 Esteemed Sir : I have been thinking some time past that I would make bold to say 
 that I have an aged portrait of the writer, myself, which, if you thought advisable to 
 
MECHANICS AND TRADESMEN 
 
 285 
 
 receive, I shall be pleased to offer to the (your) institution, to be placed in the most 
 humble position within the walls of the library in Crosby street. 
 
 The following are the circumstances which put it into my possession : 
 Previous to the opening of the library in 1820, two apprentices to a portrait painter, 
 of about sixteen and twenty years of age, applied to me to obtain them the privilege of 
 drawing books with the other apprentices, which power I received from one of its early 
 friends, Thomas R. Mercein, Esq. They expressed great gratification, and called after- 
 wards and requested I would allow them to paint my head. After some hesitation I gave 
 leave. It has been in my possession some twenty-eight years. It has received some 
 severe usage during my absence. The frame is made from fragments of a very ancient 
 frame, carved in the olden style, containing formerly one of Copley's some century since. 
 Any artist of your city can put the painting all right again. If, esteemed sir, after due 
 consideration, your government should honor it with due acceptance, it shall be at once 
 sent to New- York. 
 
 Waiting the favor of an early answer, 
 
 I remain your obedient servant, 
 
 William Wood. 
 
 To the President of the Mechanics' Apprentices' Library, 
 
 Crosby Street, New- York. 
 
 The chairman of the committee replied to this letter, informing Mr. Wood that it 
 would afford the committee great satisfaction to receive the portrait, which was accordingly 
 sent, and the receipt of it acknowledged. Soon after the following communication was 
 received from him : 
 
 Highwood, 17th Nov., 1848. 
 My Dear Sir : I have received your very acceptable letter, accompanying the box 
 for Mr. Greig, who is an old acquaintance and friend. My son Gracie takes charge of 
 it, and all will go as you desire. I return you and Mr. and Mrs. Greig my wife's and 
 my hearty thanks for your joint remembrance of me. We reciprocate fully your kindness. 
 I write from home, and have nothing of interest to communicate. 
 
 Being always respectfully and truly yours, 
 
 James G. King. 
 
 W. Wood, Esq. 
 
 On the back of this is the following : 
 
 Canandaigua, Dec. 4th, 1848. 
 Esteemed Sir : I am gratified to learn from your polite letter of 30th ult., that the 
 portrait is received by the government of the Mechanics' Apprentices' Library in so kind a 
 spirit. I have no wishes to have it glitter in a golden frame, the one which encloses it 
 being quite an original, as is (considering all the circumstances) the painting ; and, dear 
 sir, it will be esteemed a favor, if you will not allow it to occupy a conspicuous place, but 
 one of retirement. Is it possible to affix my most esteemed friend " Mercein's " letter to 
 the back or front of the frame, so that it can show his early zeal in the cause, that we may 
 go along together, as we did on many a day thirty years since ? Is there no portrait of 
 
286 
 
 GENERAL SOCIETY OF 
 
 him that might grace your institution ? Surely his memory claims a mark of veneration. 
 I write these lines on the letter of Mr. King, because I think it may please you to learn he 
 calls you a friend. I met his honored father fifty years ago in London, who was also a 
 friend ; his upright sons have continued their friendship to this hour. 
 
 Farewell, kind sir. 
 
 Wm. Wood. 
 
 To James S. Greig, Esq., New- York. 
 
 The portrait, when it came into the hands of the committee, was of a circular form, 
 but little larger than the size of the head. It was afterward inserted into a piece of 
 canvas, of the size ordinarily used for portraits, and some additions made to it, after which 
 it was framed, and now hangs in the library. It is thought by those who knew Mr. Wood 
 to be an excellent likeness. 
 
 APPENDIX L. 
 
 THE PRESENTATION OF THE BATTLE -FLAGS. 
 Reply of Rev. Francis Vinton, D. D. 
 
 Trinity Church, New-York, February 17th, 1862. 
 Wm. Van Norden, Secretary. 
 
 My Dear Sir : Inclosed I hand you, at your request, a copy of the prayer made by 
 me at the presentation of colors to the Serrell Regiment of Engineers, at the headquarters 
 of the National Guard, on Thursday, January 23d. 
 
 Very truly, 
 
 Francis Vinton. 
 
 " O Almighty God! Creator of all men, Governor of Nations, without whom nothing 
 is strong, nothing is holy, Thou art the protector of all those who trust in Thee. Let the 
 shield of Thy omnipotent care be extended over the United States of America, to defend 
 the Constitution, and to perfect the union of the people. Give wisdom to the President, 
 and to all who are in authority, to devise means whereby peace may again bless our whole 
 country. Inspire the people with a spirit to think and to do that which is right. Thou 
 hast proclaimed war through the land. Thou hast waked up the mighty men, and we 
 
MECHANICS AND TRADESMEN. 
 
 287 
 
 have seen the men of war draw near and come up at the summons to uphold the laws. 
 The people are beating their ploughshares into swords, and their pruning-hooks into 
 spears. A loving patriotism has yielded the pride and treasure of the family to protect 
 the State. A religious loyalty has animated and nerved society to offer whatever is valued 
 in social desire to reinforce the Government of the United States as a Divine Institution 
 ordained of God for good. Heavenly Father ! bless and prosper the courage and piety 
 that has thus been displayed. Defend those who with their lives in their hands maintain 
 the cause of our country. 
 
 " Send thy benediction on the venerable Society of Mechanics and Tradesmen, who 
 have evinced their loyalty this day in providing these colors to the New-York Volunteer 
 Engineer Regiment. Especially bless these banners, that they may be the ensigns 
 of victory. 
 
 " Be Thou the ruler and guide of all the regiments of the army, and the guardian of 
 this one, that they may so pass through the perils of this life as to accomplish Thy will, 
 and fail not of everlasting salvation. 
 
 " O God ! bring peace in our time, and to this end allay passion, pride, and prejudice. 
 Be especially with us to-day, and evermore bow the hearts of all in obedience to duty as 
 Christians and fellow-citizens, as loyalists and patriots, as sinners saved through a common 
 salvation in Jesus Christ, to whom with the Father and the Holy Ghost be praise now and 
 forever. Amen. 
 
 THE BLESSING. 
 
 " The peace of God, which passeth all understanding, keep your hearts and minds in 
 the knowledge and love of God and of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord ; and the blessing 
 of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, be amongst you and remain 
 with you always. Amen." 
 
 REPLY OF BROTHER JOSEPH HOXIE. 
 
 New-York, February 27th, 1862. 
 
 To Wm. Van Norden, Esq., Secy. 
 
 Dear Sir: Yours of the 6th inst., inclosing copy of the resolution passed at a 
 meeting of the General Society of Mechanics and Tradesmen, held on the 5th inst., 
 thanking me for what they are pleased to represent "my most acceptable and spirited 
 speech," delivered on the occasion of the flag presentation to the Volunteer Engineer 
 Regiment on the 23d of January, " and requesting a copy of the same," was duly 
 received. 
 
 I thank the Society for their favorable opinion of the brief address, but cannot 
 comply with their request for a copy. It is hard to make a copy when there is no 
 original. I never wrote a speech. I suppose I said something of the composition of the 
 regiment and the character of its gallant officers, thanking them for what they had 
 already done, and what I was sure they would do in the future. I hope I did not forget 
 
288 
 
 GENERAL SOCIETY OF 
 
 to allude to the fact that the chairman of your committee (Brother Farnham) has given 
 two sons to his country. I am sure I did not forget the martyrs of the Seventh Regiment 
 — Winthrop at Big Bethel, Farnham at Manassas, and Alden at Ball's Bluff — all 
 baptized in blood on the battle-field, fighting for their country and its flag, and I shall not 
 forgive myself if I failed to allude to the character and services of the National Guard, in 
 whose armory we were assembled. I know of no military organization possessing more 
 moral worth or devoted patriotism ; they left all the endearments of home for the 
 privations of the camp, and repaired promptly to the Capital when it was threatened, and 
 the only time when it has been in danger. I know the estimation in which their services 
 were held by the first captain of the age — noble Scott, who thanked them for their timely 
 assistance. I think our citizens have not done justice to this gallant corps', which, for 
 drill and discipline, are second only to the graduates of West Point. 
 
 With great respect, your obedient servant, 
 
 Joseph Hoxie. 
 
 LETTER FROM COLONEL E. W. SERRELL. 
 
 Headquarters Volunteer Engineers, 
 
 Hilton Head, February 16th, 1862. 
 
 My Dear Friends: I have just learned from New- York that up to the 5th inst. you 
 had not received any reply to two letters you had written to me lately. This is strange 
 indeed, and I beg that you will not impute it to any neglect of mine, as I have duly 
 answered all your communications, and only regret they have not been many more. 
 
 We have not yet received the beautiful stand of colors that your Society presented to 
 us; but when they do come, rest assured that they will be held most sacred. We are all 
 looking for them, that they may be borne in the advance when the next movement is 
 made. 
 
 To you of the committee who have exerted yourselves so much in our behalf our 
 grateful acknowledgments are due. Officers and men unite in thanking you most heartily, 
 and to the General Society of Mechanics and Tradesmen of the City of New-York we 
 shall ever feel that we are indebted for a magnificent gift, that will be our pride to possess 
 and duty to preserve. 
 
 " To Construct and Defend " is our object, and our effort shall be to secure the 
 interests of society and the integrity of our glorious Union. 
 
 Very respectfully, 
 
 Your obedient servant, 
 
 E. W. Serrell, 
 Colonel Volunteer Engineers. 
 
 To Geo. W. Farnham, L. W. Stevens, J. Van Norden, 
 
 Committee. 
 
MECHANICS AND TRADESMEN 
 
 289 
 
 APPENDIX M. 
 
 RECEPTION OF THE FIRST NEW-YORK VOLUNTEER ENGINEER 
 
 REGIMENT. 
 
 The committee appointed by the Society, June 8th, to make arrangements for the 
 Society to receive the First New-York Volunteer Engineer Regiment on their return to 
 the city, respectfully report : 
 
 That immediately after their appointment they opened a correspondence with 
 Brother Brigadier-General James F. Hall, informing him of the desire of the Society to 
 give him and his gallant regiment a fitting reception and hearty welcome on their return 
 to the city, and requested the General to give us the best information he could as to the 
 time of their expected arrival, so that the wishes of the Society might be carried out. 
 
 The committee were informed, in reply, that it was expected that the regiment would 
 be mustered out of service in a few days, and that as soon as the precise clay of their 
 departure was known, it would be communicated to the committee by telegraph. 
 
 No further intelligence on the subject was received by the committee until the morning 
 of the 3d of July, when a letter was received from General Hall, stating that he, with a 
 detachment of nine hundred of his men, were on board of a transport in Chesapeake Bay, 
 awaiting transportation from Baltimore to New-York. 
 
 The committee, during that day, were active in making inquiries in the proper quarters 
 to learn whether the regiment were en route from Baltimore, but could gai" no information 
 when they would arrive ; it appeared afterward the telegram that had been sent by General 
 Hall of their being on the route had miscarried, and did not reach its destination until the 
 following Monday. 
 
 Under the uncertainty of the case, the committee made an arrangement with Colonel 
 Colyer, of the Soldiers' Home, to furnish the officers and men with suitable quarters and 
 entertainment, and instructing him to furnish, in addition to the rations generously placed 
 at his disposal by the State authorities, all the delicacies of the season, and everything 
 necessary to the comfort of officers and men. 
 
 Late in the afternoon of Saturday, the 3d of July, the regiment were accidentally met 
 by one of the committee on their line of march through Broadway, and escorted to the 
 quarters provided for them ; the services of several patriotic ladies were brought into 
 requisition. Colonel Colyer carried out the wishes of the committee very satisfactorily, 
 in providing a substantial meal, and such fruits and other delicacies as the market afforded, 
 that were spread before the brave men, and showed them that they were welcome back to 
 
290 
 
 GENERAL SOCIETY OF 
 
 their homes, and that the Society appreciated their service and toil in the cause of our 
 common country ; these attentions on behalf of the Society were continued for several days, 
 until the regiment were paid off and disbanded. Colonel Colyer has received the thanks 
 of the committee for his valuable services, without which the committee would have been 
 very much embarrassed. 
 
 At the July meeting of the Society, General Hall made his appearance among us. 
 He received an enthusiastic and cordial greeting from the members present, and after an 
 appropriate welcome from the President on behalf of the Society, and a happy response 
 from General Hall, the Society adjourned to give an opportunity for the members person- 
 ally to exchange greetings with our returned brother. The minutes of the July meeting of 
 the Society give a full account of this interesting interview. Before leaving, General Hall 
 stated he would be pleased to return to the custody of the Society, on the following 
 afternoon, the flags which were presented to the regiment by the Society, in 186 1. An 
 arrangement was accordingly made to have the ceremony come off at the Seventh Regiment 
 Armory (which spacious room had, by the kindness of Colonel Emmons Clark, been 
 placed at the disposal of the Society for the occasion), at four o'clock on Thursday, 
 July 6th, of which notice was given to the absent members through the daily papers. 
 
 At the time appointed the Society assembled at the Armory. The regiment 
 appeared and formed a hollow square around the platform, and the following interesting 
 exercises took place, interspersed with music by Grafulla's band. The stand of colors, 
 consisting of regimental and national flags, and the two guide colors, were brought forward 
 and returned to the Society by General Hall, in a patriotic and appropriate speech. They 
 were received on the part of the Society by the President, with an appropriate response, 
 thanking the officers and men for the credit they had done the Society by their noble 
 conduct during the war, and the heroism with which they had sustained these colors, 
 never having- in one instance dishonored them, but always borne them on to victory. 
 Brother Joseph Hoxie then made some very feeling remarks, having been an eye-witness 
 to some of the hardships and dangers suffered by the regiment. 
 
 The ceremonies were concluded by an eloquent and patriotic speech from Brother 
 Wm. D. Murphy. The whole proceedings seemed to give satisfaction and pleasure to the 
 audience assembled, as testified by their frequent applause. 
 
 After the presentation ceremonies the Society formed in procession; the regiment 
 also formed in line, and under their military escort the Society, with the returned colors, 
 marched through Astor Place to Broadway, and down Broadway to the Society's hall, and 
 deposited the colors in the library rooms. It is hoped the Society will make some suitable 
 provision for the proper preservation and display of these mementos of our national 
 conflict, which has now become a portion of the history of the age, and they would, 
 therefore, recommend that a suitable case in which to place the returned flags be procured 
 and placed in some conspicuous part of the library or meeting-room. 
 
 The committee further report that of the $1,000 which the Society appropriated, 
 they have expended the sum of $525.70, as per accompanying voucher, leaving the 
 balance, amounting to $474.30, in the treasury. 
 
 The committee would recommend for adoption the following resolutions: 
 
MECHANICS AND TRADESMEN. 
 
 29I 
 
 Resolved, That the thanks of the Society are hereby tendered to Colonel Emmons 
 Clark, Seventh Regiment, N. G., for the use of the armory of his regiment on the occasion 
 of the reception of the First New- York Volunteer Engineer Regiment. 
 
 Resolved, That the Finance Committee be and are hereby instructed to procure a 
 suitable case for the proper preservation and display of the flags received from the First 
 New-York Volunteer Engineer Regiment, and place the same in a conspicuous situation 
 in some part of the hall of the Society. 
 
 All of which is respectfully submitted on behalf of the committee. 
 
 Noah Worrall, 
 
 September 6, 1865. Chairman. 
 
 APPENDIX N. 
 
 BY-LAWS. 
 Article I. — Meetings. 
 
 § 1. The meetings of this Society shall be held at the Mechanics' Hall. An annual 
 meeting shall be held on the second Tuesday in January, at three o'clock p. m., and regu- 
 lar meetings shall be held on the first Wednesday in every month of May, June, July, 
 August, and September, at eight o'clock p. m.; and of every month of October, November, 
 December, January, February, March, and April, at half-past seven o'clock p. M. Twenty- 
 five members shall be considered a quorum. 
 
 § 2. Whenever seven members shall deem it expedient to have a special meeting, 
 they shall signify the same in writing to the President for the time being, who shall direct 
 the Secretary to notify the members accordingly. 
 
 Article II. — Elections. 
 
 § 1. At the regular meeting in December in every year, or as soon thereafter as may 
 be, three members shall be chosen by the Society, as inspectors of the annual election of 
 officers, to receive, canvass, and estimate the votes given for President, First Vice- 
 President, Second Vice-President, Treasurer, Secretary, and Collector. 
 
292 
 
 GENERAL SOCIETY OF 
 
 § 2. When a quorum of members are present on the day of the annual meeting, the 
 presiding officer for the time being shall, between the hours of three and four o'clock p. m., 
 call the meeting to order ; when, after going through the ordinary business of the Society, 
 they shall proceed by ballot to the choice of officers for the ensuing year: Provided, 
 always, should it at any time happen that a quorum of members be not present at orbeibre 
 four o'clock p. m.j the opening of the poll for the election of officers shall not be suspended 
 beyond that hour. 
 
 § 3. The poll for election shall be closed at seven o'clock p. m., and the inspectors 
 shall give notice of its closing at least fifteen minutes preceding. Immediately on closing 
 the poll, they shall proceed to canvass the votes, and on completing the same, shall regu- 
 larly certify, under their hands, the persons having the greatest number of votes; which 
 certificate, provided a quorum of members be present, shall forthwith be reported to the 
 Society, otherwise deposited with the Secretary, and registered on the minutes. 
 
 § 4. Special elections for filling vacancies shall be at a stated meeting of the Society, 
 not more than two months after such vacancies shall have happened ; and the presiding 
 officer shall cause the members to be notified thereof in the papers employed by the Society, 
 at least one week previous to the time of such election. 
 
 Article III. — The President and Vice-Presidents. 
 
 § 1. It shall be the duty of the President to preside at all meetings of the Society ; to 
 preserve decorum, and decide all questions of order, subject, however, to an appeal to the 
 Society. He shall not vote on any question or motion, unless the Society be equally 
 divided. 
 
 § 2. In case of the absence of the President, the First Vice-President shall preside, 
 and perform the duties of the President ; and in case of the absence of both the President 
 and the First Vice-President, the Second Vice-President shall in like manner preside, and 
 perform the said duties; and in the event of all the said officers being absent, the Society 
 (a quorum being present) shall appoint a President pro tempore, who shall perform all the 
 duties incident to the office. 
 
 § 3. The President of the Society shall be ex-officio a member of the School Com- 
 mittee, and of the Committee for Promoting and Disseminating Literary and Scientific 
 Knowledge; the First Vice-President ex-officio a member of the Library Committee; and 
 the Second Vice-President and Treasurer ex-officio members of the Finance Committee. 
 
 § 4. The President is authorized and empowered to vote on the stock held by this 
 Society in the Mechanics' National Bank of the City of New-York, at all elections for 
 directors of said bank. 
 
 Article IV. — The Treasurer. 
 
 § 1. Before the Treasurer enters upon the duties of his office, he shall annually give a 
 bond to the Society, with two sufficient sureties, in a sum not less than five thousand 
 dollars, for the faithful performance of the trust reposed in him, which bond shall be 
 deposited with the Finance Committee. 
 
 § 2. It shall be the duty of the Treasurer to receive and safely keep all deeds, mort- 
 gages, or any titles to property belonging to the Society ; also certificates of stock, and 
 
MECHANICS AND TRADESMEN 
 
 293 
 
 such evidences of debt as may be received for the benefit of the Society ; to collect the 
 rents, the interest of any money secured by bond and mortgage, the dividends on the stock 
 held by the Society, the initiation fees, and generally all moneys owing to the Society, the 
 collection of which is not otherwise provided for. 
 
 § 3. All moneys received by the Treasurer for or 011 account of the Society shall be 
 deposited by him, in the name of the Society, in such bank or banks as may be designated 
 for that purpose in the manner following. And it is hereby made the duty of the Finance 
 Committee, with the approval of the President of the Society, to designate from time to 
 time, as said committee may deem advisable, some bank or banks in the city of New-York, 
 in which said moneys shall be deposited by him : Provided, always, that the Society may 
 at any time instruct said committee and President, or otherwise direct them, relative to the 
 matter. 
 
 § 4. The Treasurer shall pay the quarterly drafts of the several Standing Committees, 
 the salaries of the officers of the Society, and also all specific orders drawn on him in pur- 
 suance of any resolution of the Society. But no moneys of the Society shall be drawn 
 from any bank in which the same may be deposited, except on a check signed by him as 
 Treasurer, and countersigned by the President of the Society, said check being made pay- 
 able to the order of the person or persons to whom it is to be paid. 
 
 § 5. He shall keep, in suitable books, separate accounts with every piece of property, 
 and with all stock owned by the Society, with every committee or fund, and with every 
 individual or firm that may be at any time indebted to the Society. Said accounts shall be 
 written up and posted on or before every quarterly meeting of the Society. Said books 
 shall be kept in the iron safe of the Society, and shall at all suitable times be accessible to 
 any officer of the Society, and to the chairman of each of the Standing Committees. He 
 shall be authorized to employ some suitable person to assist him in keeping said books, at 
 an expense not exceeding one hundred dollars per annum. 
 
 § 6. He shall report at the regular meetings in the months of January, April, July, and 
 October, the state of the finances and funds, and subjoin his own account thereto, for the 
 inspection of the members. He shall report annually, at the regular meeting in January, 
 a full account of all moneys received and disbursed by him from the first day of January 
 to the thirty-first day of December, inclusive, of the year preceding, with a statement of the 
 financial condition of the Society ; and for his services he shall be allowed a compensation 
 of three hundred dollars per annum. 
 
 § 7. The Society shall appoint annually a committee of three members, to examine 
 the books of the Treasurer and Secretary respectively, who shall report the result at the 
 next regular meeting of the Society thereafter. 
 
 § 8. When a new Treasurer is chosen, his predecessor in office shall be allowed 
 twenty days to adjust and settle his accounts and other matters appertaining to the duties 
 of his office. 
 
 In the absence of the Treasurer the presiding officer shall appoint a Treasurer 
 pro tempore. 
 
 Article V. — The Secretary. 
 
 § 1. It shall be the duty of the Secretary to attend every meeting of the Society, 
 except when prevented by sickness or absence from the city. 
 
2 9 4 
 
 GENERAL SOCIETY OF 
 
 He shall keep minutes of their proceedings, and regularly record the same in a book 
 provided for the purpose. 
 
 He shall also record copies of all reports made to the Society, in a book provided for that 
 purpose ; and shall file and number all original papers, resolutions, and other documents ; 
 and when reporting the minutes of the preceding meeting, he shall read them as then 
 written in the book of minutes. 
 
 He shall also keep a book wherein each member's name and occupation shall be in- 
 serted, in such order and manner that it will appear when he was admitted, expelled, died, 
 or withdrew, as the case may be, which book shall be the General Register of the Society. 
 
 He shall notify, without delay, each person elected a member of the Society of such 
 election ; and on the election of any member to an office, shall give him due notice thereof. 
 
 When any committee has been appointed, he shall furnish to the member first named 
 thereon a written list of the names of the several members appointed to constitute the 
 same, and a copy of the resolution, matter, or thing referred to them. 
 
 When motions are made and seconded, he shall record the names of those members 
 by whom they are made. 
 
 He shall cause due public notice to be given of all the meetings of the Society in 
 such of the daily papers of the city as the Society may direct. 
 
 He shall be allowed for his services five hundred dollars per annum. 
 
 § 2. The seal of the Society shall be kept by the Secretary, and used for the purpose 
 of sealing all certificates of admission, and such other papers as the Society may direct, by 
 resolution, to be executed under their seal. 
 
 § 3. The plate for the certificates of membership shall be kept by the Secretary, and 
 each member shall be entitled to a certificate, dated from the time of his initiation, on the 
 payment of one dollar to the Secretary, to be by him paid to the Treasurer. 
 
 § 4. The books in which the minutes, reports, &c, of the Society are recorded, and 
 all books, papers, &c, appertaining to the office and duty of Secretary, shall be kept by 
 him in the iron safe of the Society, and shall not be taken from his possession ; but any 
 member may, at all suitable times, have liberty to examine and make extracts from them 
 at the place where they are kept. 
 
 § 5. In the absence or inability of the Secretary, the presiding officer shall appoint 
 one of the members to officiate as Secretary pro tempore. 
 
 Article VI. — The Door-keeper. 
 
 A Door-keeper shall be appointed by the President, who shall attend all the meetings 
 of the Society, and shall suffer no person except members to enter the hall during the time 
 of meeting, without the permission of the Society. 
 
 He shall at all times have the hall ready and prepared for the meetings of the Society ; 
 and, as a compensation, shall be allowed four dollars for each meeting of the Society 
 which he attends. 
 
 Article VII. — Standing Committees. 
 
 § 1. The Standing Committees of the Society shall be a Finance Committee, a Com- 
 mittee on Pensions, a School Committee, a Library Committee, and a Committee for 
 
MECHANICS AND TRADESMEN. 
 
 295 
 
 Promoting and Disseminating Literary and Scientific Knowledge. No individual shall be 
 a member of more than one of the Standing Committees at the same time. 
 
 § 2. The President (or in his absence the officer presiding) shall, at the meeting of the 
 Society held in February of each year, nominate, and, with the consent of the Society, 
 appoint five members to constitute the Finance Committee ; eight to constitute the Com- 
 mittee on Pensions ; twelve to constitute the School Committee ; twelve to constitute the 
 Library Committee, and twelve to constitute the Committee for Promoting and Dissemi- 
 nating Literary and Scientific Knowledge; all of whom shall serve one year, and until 
 others are appointed in their place. 
 
 § 3. At the meeting in February of each year, or if from any cause such meeting 
 should not be held, then at the next meeting thereafter, appropriations for the current year 
 shall be made, of such sums as may then be deemed sufficient, and within the means of the 
 Treasury, for the Finance Committee, the Committee on Pensions, the School Committee, 
 the Library Committee, and the Literary and Scientific Committee, to be by the said com- 
 mittees drawn from the Treasury quarterly ; and the Treasurer is hereby authorized to pay 
 the said drafts. 
 
 § 4. The several Standing Committees shall each pay the salaries or wages of the 
 persons employed in, and the other necessary expenses of, the departments under their 
 charge, respectively. 
 
 § 5. It shall be the duty of the Finance Committee, the Committee on Pensions, the 
 School, Library, and Literary and Scientific Committees, and they are hereby required 
 to report to the Society quarterly, to wit, at the meetings held in January, April, July, and 
 October of each year, an account of their receipts and expenditures during the preceding 
 quarter, and the vouchers for all moneys paid by them. 
 
 Said committees shall also severally make, at the regular meeting of the Society in 
 January, a full report of their receipts and expenditures, and of their transactions during 
 the year ending on the 31st day of December preceding, stating therein the actual condi- 
 tion of their respective departments, and all such matters as may be necessary to enable 
 the Society to form an accurate judgment of the results of their operations. Said annual 
 reports, together with the annual report of the Treasurer, shall be referred to the Finance 
 Committee, which committee shall prepare and report to the Society at the regular meeting 
 in February next ensuing, a statement of the financial condition of the Society, with 
 estimates of the probable receipts into and demands upon the Treasury during the ensuing 
 year ; and shall also embody in said statement such of the matters from the annual reports 
 of the several committees as they may deem suitable for publication. Said statement shall 
 be printed for the use of the members. 
 
 Article VIII. — The Finance Committee. 
 
 The Finance Committee shall take charge of all buildings and lands belonging to the 
 Society, and direct and superintend all ordinary and necessary repairs. They shall report 
 from time to time to the Society such other repairs and improvements as they may deem 
 expedient to be made, with estimates of the expense, and direct and superintend the same 
 
296 
 
 GENERAL SOCIETY OF 
 
 when ordered by the Society. They shall audit and pay all bills for the ordinary and 
 
 necessary expenses of the Society. 
 
 Article IX. — The Committee on Pensions. 
 
 § 1. All applications made to this Society for relief, either personally or by petition, 
 shall be referred to the Committee on Pensions. 
 
 It shall be the duty of the said committee to inquire into the circumstances of every 
 member, or of the widow, orphan, or orphans of any deceased member, who may apply for 
 
 assistance. 
 
 § 2. Whenever it shall appear to the satisfaction of the committee that the situation or 
 circumstances of any member who has applied for relief is such that he will require assist- 
 ance more than one year, or during his natural life, it shall be their duty to report to the 
 Society, for their concurrence, a specific sum, which, in their opinion, under all the circum- 
 stances, ought to be granted as a yearly pension to such member ; which pension, if con- 
 curred in by the Society, shall be paid by them in the same manner and at the same 
 periods that other pensions are paid. 
 
 They shall register in a book, to be kept for that purpose, the names of the pen- 
 sioners and the names and ages of their children ; and shall pay at stated periods their 
 pension as fixed by law. 
 
 § 3. In the event of the death of any member, being in indigent circumstances, his 
 widow, orphan, or oqihans shall be entitled to receive assistance agreeably to the following 
 regulations : 
 
 1. All widows on the pension list shall be allowed fifty-two dollars per annum, so 
 long as, in the judgment of the committee or of the Society, their circumstances are such 
 as to require the aid of the Society. 
 
 2. All widows, being pensioners, and having children under the age of fourteen years, 
 shall be allowed the sum of twenty dollars per annum for each child; which allowance 
 may be continued, if deemed necessary by the committee, although the widow may have 
 again married. 
 
 3. When a child, whose mother is on the pension list, shall arrive at the age of 
 fourteen years, the pension of the widow for such child shall cease. 
 
 4. Every child having no parents living, and who shall be entered on the pension list, 
 shall be allowed the sum of forty dollars per annum, until it shall arrive at the age of 
 fourteen years ; the said money to be paid to the guardian of the child, or such other 
 person as the committee shall approve. 
 
 5. The rules relative to pensioners shall be so construed as not to debar non-residents 
 from receiving pensions. 
 
 6. No arrearages of pensions shall be paid for a longer period than one year. 
 
 § 4. The Committee on Pensions shall inquire, at least once in each year, into the 
 circumstances of the several pensioners of the Society, in order that they may obtain a 
 knowledge whether they are proper objects of its bounty. 
 
 § 5. When, during the recess of the Society, applications are made to the committee, 
 by pensioners or others, either for relief or for funeral expenses of a deceased brother, his 
 
MECHANICS AND TRADESMEN. 
 
 widow, or orphan children under fourteen years of age ; or, when such applications have 
 been referred to them, it shall be their duty to make careful investigation of the circum- 
 stances of the person or persons by whom, or in whose behalf, the applications have been 
 made; and if it shall appear that the applicants are entitled to relief, and the circumstances 
 are such as will not admit of the delay necessary to make a formal report thereof to the 
 Society, then it shall be lawful for them to make a donation of relief of a sum not to exceed 
 ten dollars, or towards funeral expenses of a sum not to exceed forty dollars, in each case. 
 And it shall be their further duty to report to the Society, at its next meeting thereafter, the 
 amount of every such donation, with the names and circumstances of the several persons 
 to whom and in whose behalf they were made. 
 
 § 6. The office for the quarterly payment of the pensioners of the Society shall be in 
 some appropriate room in the Mechanics' Hall. 
 
 § 7. The committee shall report annually in the month of January, to the Society, the 
 names of the persons relieved, and the amount paid to each, which report shall be read in 
 detail whenever so made to the Society. 
 
 Article X. — The School Committee. 
 
 It shall be the duty of the School Committee to take charge of, and generally to 
 superintend, the concerns of the school, to judge of the qualifications of, and to employ 
 and discharge teachers or other persons engaged in it; to decide upon the terms of 
 admission into it, to make rules and regulations for its government, and to visit it at least 
 once in each month. 
 
 Article XI. — The Library Committee. 
 
 § 1. It shall be the duty of the Library Committee to take charge of, and generally to 
 superintend the concerns of the i\pprentices' and De Milt Libraries and Reading-rooms ; 
 to employ and discharge Librarians ; to establish rules and regulations for the good 
 government of the Libraries and Reading-rooms. 
 
 § 2 The members of the Society, the widows and minor childr a of deceased 
 members, and the teachers in its schools, shall be allowed the privileges of the library, 
 under the same regulations as those established by the committee for apprentices. The 
 same privileges shall also be extended to females employed, as apprentices or otherwise, 
 by mechanics or tradesmen in their business, on the presentation of a proper certificate. 
 
 Article XII. — The Literary and Scientific Committee. 
 
 Such appropriations as may be made to the Committee for Promoting and Dis- 
 seminating Literary and Scientific Knowledge, shall be applied by that committee for 
 promoting and disseminating literary and scientific knowledge, for the procuring apparatus, 
 and the employing suitable persons to deliver public lectures, or for imparting knowledge 
 by such other modes as the committee shall judge most suitable to promote the objects 
 of the Society, in the moral and intellectual improvement of its members, and those 
 connected with its School and Library. 
 
298 
 
 GENERAL SOCIETY OF 
 
 Article XIII.— The Library Fund. 
 
 § 1. All donations, devises, and bequests which may be made to the Society for the 
 use, maintenance and extension of the Apprentices' Library and Reading-rooms (unless 
 otherwise directed by the parties making them), together with such sum or sums of money, 
 or such property as the Society may' from time to time designate for that purpose, shall 
 constitute a separate and permanent fund for the said purpose, to be called the " Library 
 Fund "; and the interest or income thereof, alone, shall be applied for the use, maintenance, 
 and extension of the said Library and Reading-rooms, and in such manner as may from 
 time to time be directed by a vote of the Society. 
 
 § 2. It shall be the duty of the Finance Committee to take charge of said fund, and 
 from time to time, as they may be directed by a vote of the Society, invest the same, and 
 all contributions and appropriations therefor, in good and sufficient security. And the 
 interest and income arising therefrom shall be drawn annually by the Treasurer of the 
 Society, and appropriated and applied for the use, maintenance, and extension of the 
 before-named Library and Reading-rooms, in such manner as may from time to time be 
 directed by a vote of the Society. And it is hereby made the duty of the aforesaid 
 committee to lay before the Society, annually, in the month of January (or oftener, if so 
 required to do by a vote of the Society), a separate and exact report of the condition of 
 said fund, setting forth, in a particular manner, the amount thereof, the income arising 
 therefrom, and the nature of the securities in which the same may be invested. 
 
 § 3. Subscribers to the funds of the said Apprentices' Library and Reading-rooms to 
 the amount of twenty-five dollars at one tim'e, shall be entitled to the same privileges as 
 members of this Society in the use of said Library and Reading-rooms. 
 
 Article XIV. — Sale of Real Estate. 
 
 Whenever a resolution to sell any real estate belonging to the Society shall be moved, 
 it shall lie on the table until the next regular meeting, or a special meeting, should such 
 be called; and it shall be the duty of the Secretary, at least three days previous to said 
 meeting, to send to each member residing in this city and its vicinity, whose place of 
 residence he can ascertain, a written or printed notice that such resolution has been 
 moved. 
 
 Article XV. — Admission and Initiation. 
 
 § 1 . The art or trade of every person proposed as a member of this Society shall be 
 entered by the Secretary on the minutes of the meeting at which such proposition is made ; 
 and the Society shall in no case proceed to ballot for such person as a member, unless four 
 of the brothers shall have previously vouched for his character at the time of his being 
 proposed, as it relates to industry, honesty, and sobriety ; and also for his being a mechanic 
 or tradesman, and a citizen of the United States. The votes of two-thirds of the members 
 present at any meeting of the Society shall be necessary for his admission. 
 
 § 2. Every person elected a member of this Society shall, within three regular meet- 
 ings thereafter, apply for the purpose of being initiated; and in case any person so elected 
 shall neglect to apply within the time aforesaid, his election shall, by such neglect, become 
 void. 
 
MECHANICS AND 
 
 TRADESMEN 
 
 § 3. Every person admitted a member of this Society shall pay to the Treasurer, 
 immediately after his initiation, the sum of fifty dollars. 
 
 § 4. All persons who are in waiting for the purpose of being initiated shall be regu- 
 larly introduced to the Society by two brothers,- previously appointed by the President or 
 presiding officer as Masters of Ceremonies for that evening. The Masters of Ceremonies, 
 when arrived at the door of the hall, accompanied by the person or persons to be initiated, 
 shall give notice thereof by three distinct raps, which shall be answered by the President 
 with two strokes of his hammer ; the brothers at the same time will rise, while the 
 Masters of Ceremonies shall approach the chair, and present the newly elected member or 
 members. The presiding officer will then address them as follows. [To be spoken in the 
 plural or singular, as the case may require.] 
 
 Fellow Citizens : 
 
 In accordance with our usages, you have been elected members of this incorporation. 
 This is the result of the testimonial which we have received of your character. Let 
 sobriety, industry, and integrity continue to be the ornaments of your names. 
 
 To relieve the unfortunate, the widow, and the orphan, was the primary and 
 commendable object of the founders of this association. Its usefulness has since been 
 extended by the establishment of a Library and Reading-rooms, with a school for the 
 instruction and improvement of the apprentices of our city. 
 
 It is expected that you will lend your aid to these laudable purposes, and promote, 
 with your brethren, the honor and welfare of the institution. 
 
 We welcome you as brothers ! A delightful union, where the bond of friendship is 
 benevolence. 
 
 You will now inscribe your names on the general register of the Society, in whose 
 behalf I tender you the right hand of fellowship. 
 
 Article XVI. — Rules of Order to be observed at the Meetings of this Society. 
 
 1. On the appearance of a quorum, the President shall take the chair, and call the 
 meeting to order. 
 
 2. The minutes of the preceding meeting shall then be read by the Secretary, that any 
 mistakes therein may be corrected by the Society. 
 
 3. When the Society adjourns, the members shall keep their seats until the President 
 leaves the chair. 
 
 4. Every member wishing to speak shall rise from his seat, and address himself to the 
 President. 
 
 5. When two or more members rise at once, the President shall name the member 
 who is entitled to the floor. 
 
 6. No member shall speak more than twice to the same question, until he shall have 
 obtained leave from the Society. 
 
 7. No motion shall be debated or put unless the same be seconded. When a motion 
 is seconded it shall be stated by the President before debate, and every such motion shall 
 be reduced to writing, if the President or any three members desire it. 
 
30o 
 
 GENERAL SOCIETY OF 
 
 8. After a motion is stated by the President, it shall be deemed to be in possession of 
 the Society, but may be withdrawn at any time before decision or amendment. 
 
 9. When a question is under debate no motion shall be received, but to adjourn, to 
 lie on the table, for the previous question, to postpone, to commit or to amend ; which 
 several motions shall have precedence in the prder they stand arranged ; and the motion 
 for adjournment shall always be in order, and decided without debate. 
 
 10. The previous question shall be in this form : Shall the main question be now put ? 
 It shall only be admitted when demanded by a majority of the members present, and its 
 effect shall be to put an end to all debate and bring the Society to a direct vote upon 
 amendments reported by a committee, if any. upon pending amendments, and then upon 
 the main question. 
 
 1 1. Petitions, memorials, and other papers, addressed to the Society, shall be presented 
 by the President, or by a member in his place. 
 
 1 2. While the President is putting a question, no member shall walk out of or across the 
 room ; nor, when a member is speaking, shall any one entertain private discourse, or pass 
 between him and the chair. 
 
 13. Every proposed alteration or amendment of the By-laws shall receive three 
 several readings previous to its being passed. The second and third readings shall be at 
 different meetings, unless the Society unanimously direct otherwise. 
 
 14. In filling up blanks, the largest sum and longest time shall be first put. 
 
 All By-laws of the Society in force previous to this date, and not included in the 
 sixteen articles now adopted, are hereby repealed. 
 
 STANDING RESOLUTION. 
 
 The Finance Committee, at a meeting held in January, i860, in pursuance of then 
 recent amendments of the By-laws, adopted the following resolution, which was reported 
 to the Society at its meeting of the 18th of the same month, viz. : 
 
 Resolved, That all money received by the Treasurer, for and on account of this 
 Society, be deposited by him in the " Mechanics' Bank," in the name of the Society, and 
 that the Chairman request the President of the Society to give his consent to said 
 arrangement. 
 
 The President, from the chair, verbally gave his consent to the arrangement of the 
 Finance Committee in pursuance of the By-laws. — See Mix. 7. Fol. 62. 
 
MECHANICS AND TRADESMEN 
 
 30I 
 
 APPENDIX O. 
 
 AN ACT 
 
 To amend an Act entitled "An Act to renew and amend an Act entitled 'An Act relative to the General 
 Society of Mechanics and Tradesmen of the City of New-York,' passed April first, eighteen hundred 
 and fifty-six." Passed March 4th, 1872. 
 
 The People of the State of New- York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact 
 as follows : 
 
 § 1. The second section of an act, entitled "An Act to renew and amend an Act 
 entitled ' An Act relative to the General Society of Mechanics and Tradesmen of the City 
 of New-York,' passed April 1st, eighteen hundred and fifty-six," is hereby amended so as 
 to read as follows: "Sec. 2. The said corporation is hereby authorized and empowered 
 to hold real and personal estate to an amount which shall not, at any one time, exceed 
 in value the sum of fifteen hundred thousand dollars." 
 
 § 2. Any citizen of the United States, who is now or who may hereafter become a 
 member of said corporation, shall be entitled to all its privileges, and be eligible to any of 
 its offices. 
 
 § 3. This Act shall take effect immediately. 
 
 APPENDIX P, 
 
 ADDRESS 
 
 Delivered by Edwin Dobbs, Esq., President, at the first meeting of the Society, held in Mechanics' Hall, 
 No. 18 East Sixteenth street, January 2d, 1878. 
 
 When the delegates from the thirteen colonies first met in Congress, and resolved that 
 
 by right we should and ought to be a free and independent people, that marked an epoch 
 
 in the history of the Great Republic ; again, when rebellion against the laws of our country 
 
 lifted its armed hand, a million of freemen arose in their might, and swore that the Union 
 * 
 
302 
 
 GENERAL SOCIETY OF 
 
 must and shall be preserved, and rebellion must be put down, whatever the consequences ; 
 that marked an epoch in our country's history ; and so to-night marks an epoch in the 
 history of this Society. 
 
 A long while ago, as measured by our lives, in the year 1785, our fathers founded or 
 instituted this Society, and laid deep down its foundations on the rock of benevolence, and 
 to-day it stands as a monument of their wisdom and goodness, and is spreading knowledge 
 and usefulness all over our city. 
 
 But this is not the subject we intend to discuss to-night. We propose to speak a few- 
 words on the profession we represent — the mechanic. We do not intend to discuss the 
 question in its technical sense or bearing, but in its practical sense ; in other words, as we 
 all use it and understand it — to construct. 
 
 When the Creator of the universe first called our planet into existence, geologists tell 
 us it was a ball of burning matter; as the material gradually burned out from exhaustion, 
 the surface cooled and formed a crust which we call granite rock, and which marks the 
 first epoch in its history ; from thence, until the alluvial appears, the Divine Architect, and 
 we say it with reverence, for he planned it, and by mechanical means he constructed it, 
 by the laws which he made, by water, by fire, and the decay of vegetable and animal 
 matter, until he had fully prepared and fitted it up for the habitation of him whom he 
 created in his own image, and endowed with reasoning power, the last, the acme of his 
 creation, and to whom every living thing was placed in subjection. Now, of course, we 
 all believe that God could have called from naught this beautiful globe which we call 
 earth, but he chose to show to his creatures, by his laws, which we call Nature's laws, 
 guided by his hand, a lesson for us to learn. Have you ever noticed the peculiar 
 formation of our own city ? The primitive or base rock on which a part of our island 
 stands belongs to the earlier creation. The rock begins about Tenth street, on the back- 
 bone of the island, and from thence runs north to the upper end ; all below the first-men- 
 tioned point was made by deposits of water, granulated stones, softened by water, and 
 crushed by abrasion and ground against each other, the product of which we call sand. 
 Now, all this was produced by mechanical laws ; and so we might go on and exhaust the 
 little time we have left. We will let this suffice for the present. 
 
 Have you ever examined the human body stripped of its natural covering, and seen 
 the mechanical skill displayed in its creation ; the numbers of little nerves so sensitive to 
 the touch, the little veins that course all through the body, the great arterial rivers that 
 flow to all parts of the system, the tendons, the muscles that control and move the body, 
 the heart which pumps about twenty-eight pounds of blood every one and three-quarter 
 minutes, and throws to all parts of the body the life of man, and never rests for a moment 
 till death ensues ? It shows the wisdom and skill, the handiwork of his Creator. Truly, 
 we are fearfully and wonderfully made ; and turn where we will, we cannot close our eyes 
 to the fact, that the whole creation, whether of animate or inanimate matter, bears on its 
 face the impress of a great and good Being, who formed it for good, wise, and holy pur- 
 poses. I said man was the acme of creation, because he was endowed with reason, and 
 he is the only animal born into the world without covering, showing that, endowed as he 
 was, it was decreed that he should make use of the reason which God had given him, and 
 improve the privileges which surrounded him. * 
 
MECHANICS AND TRADESMEN 
 
 303 
 
 The first occupation of man was probably agricultural, and the implements he made 
 use of were of wood, to break up and till the soil, probably soon followed with implements 
 of stone, and afterward of metal, as we read. Tubal Cain was a worker in this material, 
 the first mechanic mentioned in history. 
 
 As the population of the earth increased, the wants of the people increased, and we 
 read of building cities; and finally Noah, at the command of God, built the ark. Now, 
 this was all the work of mechanics ; all the progress made in the world, during the first 
 two thousand years of its history, as given by Moses, from Adam down, was through the 
 labor and skill of the mechanic ; and we think we do not arrogate to ourselves too much 
 when we say down to the present day. 
 
 When God said that by labor man should earn his bread, we believe it was a blessing, 
 instead of a curse ; for it is only by the use of the powers which he gave us are we enabled 
 to develop the organs of the body. If we do not use our limbs, they become paralyzed ; 
 if our mind is not cultivated, it becomes dull and stupid ; if the soil is not cultivated, it 
 brings forth weeds ; and the same law holds good all over the universe. 
 
 We said, a few moments ago, that all the progress made in the world was made by 
 mechanics, and we believe it true. The whole world is filled with the history of the past, 
 accumulated by the industry and skill of the mechanic ; the mound-builders of the West, 
 the ruins of Central America — true, many of them rude in their construction ; but, turn to 
 the eastern hemisphere, and see the ruins of temples, even yet grand in their ruin, in 
 Nineveh, in Egypt, in Greece, in Italy, and also in many parts of Asia j and to-day are 
 being unearthed the evidences of the skill of the mechanic of the past, where the history 
 of nations long since extinct are being made known to the world by characters written in 
 stone, and that are now being deciphered. 
 
 Galileo, who discovered that the earth revolved around the sun, was a mechanic, 
 afterward an astronomer. Columbus was said to have worked at a mechanical business, 
 afterward a navigator. Guttenberg was a printer, and the first who usefully applied it, as 
 also its inventor. Fulton, who first applied steam as a motive power on water, was a 
 mechanic. Franklin, who brought the lightning from the clouds, was a mechanic. 
 Stephenson, who made the iron-horse that moves us in safety fifty miles an hour, on iron 
 and steel rails, was a mechanic ; and Morse, who was the first to apply electricity as a 
 printing power, we believe was a mechanic ; and, in fact, all great discoverers of anything 
 useful for man were mechanics ; and, while we would not speak disparagingly of the fine 
 arts, for they have done a great deal to beautify and embellish, and make life pleasant, at 
 the same time, for all things that make life agreeable, no art, no science, no literature, 
 ever has or ever can do the good for man that mechanism has done. 
 
 Brothers, are you not proud of your profession ? Has any other profession ever 
 developed anything compared to ours ? Search the records of the past. History is 
 silent ; nothing found. But while the world shall last, the monuments of the skill of the 
 mechanic will stand, until the voice of the archangel shall be heard that time shall be no 
 more. 
 
 And now, brothers, we owe a duty to ourselves, to our children, to the young men of 
 our country (Americans), many of whom have been falsely educated. Instead of giving 
 
304 
 
 GENERAL 
 
 SOCIETY 
 
 O F 
 
 them a good sound English education, as our fathers gave us, we have given them collegi- 
 ate educations. We must make professors of law, of music, of physic, of surgery, and so 
 on; all well in its way, but let us make mechanics of ours. We don't need any free 
 colleges to make mechanics, or female normal schools to make good wives. The idea has 
 sprung up within the last thirty years that labor is not honorable ; our boys don't wish to 
 learn trades. We have been compelled to depend upon the foreign material, and hence 
 the combinations, the unions, and the strikes, etc., which are entirely foreign to our 
 country ; for here we are all sovereigns, not subjects, and every man, according to his skill, 
 in ordinary times, is able to obtain employment, and receive a sufficient remuneration for 
 his services. 
 
 We should thank God, and take fresh courage, that we are mechanics ; and when the 
 time has arrived for us to take our departure, we may look back over the past, and feel 
 that we have not lived in vain ; that we have left an heritage to our children that labor is 
 honorable and the hands undefiled. 
 
 And in the words of the motto of our Society, " By hammer and hand all arts do 
 stand." 
 
 And so say we. 
 
 § i. All meetings of this Society shall be held at Mechanics' Hall. The annual 
 meetings shall be held on the second Tuesday in January, at 3 o'clok p. m.; and regular 
 meetings shall be held on the third Wednesday in January, and the first Wednesdays in 
 February, March, April, October, November, and December, at half-past seven o'clock 
 p. m., and on the first Wednesdays in May, June, and September, at 8 o'clock p. m. 
 
 § 2. Twenty-five members shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. 
 
 § 3. Whenever seven members shall deem it expedient to have a special meeting, they 
 shall signify the same in writing to the President, specifying the purpose thereof, who shall 
 thereupon direct the Secretary to call such special meeting, and to notify the members of 
 the time and objects of said meeting. No business shall be considered or transacted at such 
 meeting, except such as may have been specified in said call and in the notice to members. 
 
 § 4. When the first Wednesday in any month occurs on a legal holiday, the meeting 
 shall take place on the Wednesday following. 
 
 APPENDIX 
 
 BY-LAWS. 
 
 Article I. 
 
MECHANICS AND TRADESMEN. 
 
 305 
 
 Article II. — Elections. 
 
 § 1. At the regular meeting in December, or as soon thereafter as may be, three 
 members shall be chosen by the Society as inspectors of election, to receive, canvass, and 
 estimate the votes given for President, Vice-President, Second Vice-President, Treasurer, 
 Secretary, and Collector, at the next annual election. 
 
 § 2. When a quorum of members are present on the day of the annual meeting, the 
 presiding officer shall, between the hours of three and four o'clock p. M., call the meeting • 
 to order; when, after transacting the ordinary business of the Society, they shall proceed 
 by ballot to the choice of officers for the ensuing year; provided, always, should it at any 
 time happen that a quorum of members be not present at of before four o'clock p. m., the 
 opening of the poll for the election of officers shall not be suspended beyond that hour. 
 
 § 3. The poll for election shall be closed at seven o'clock p. m., and the inspectors 
 shall give notice of its closing at least fifteen minutes preceding. Immediately on closing 
 the poll they shall proceed to canvass the votes, and on completing the same, shall certify 
 over their signatures the persons having the greatest number of votes ; which certificate, 
 provided a quorum of members be present, shall forthwith be reported to the Society; 
 and upon it appearing by such certificate that the balloting has resulted in a lawful choice 
 of officers of the Society for the ensuing year, it shall be the duty of the Society to forth- 
 with proceed to the installation of the several officers elect, in the following order and 
 manner, to wit : 
 
 1. The President. 
 
 2. The Vice-President and Second Vice-President. 
 
 3. The Treasurer and Secretary. 
 
 4. All other officers-elect who may be present. 
 
 The installation ceremonies shall be conducted by the presiding officer, assisted by at 
 least two ex-presidents or other members of the Society, whom he shall appoint for said 
 purpose, and shall consist of — 
 
 1. Presentation of the officer or officers-elect to the installing officer by his aids. 
 
 2. Announcement by the presiding officer of the duties and resp^ isibilities con- 
 nected with the position to which the brother awaiting installation has been chosen. 
 
 3. Acceptance of the official position, with its duties and responsibilities, by the 
 officer-elect. 
 
 4. Imposition by the presiding officer of the obligations of the position upon the 
 officer-elect, and also his investment with the powers appertaining thereto. 
 
 5. Formal declaration by the presiding officer of the installation of the brother into 
 his official position, and escort of the installed officer to his chair by the aids of installation. 
 
 During the installation ceremonies the brothers will stand, and no brother will enter 
 or leave the hall. Upon the conclusion of the installation of all the officers-elect who 
 may be present, the installing officer will vacate the chair, surrender the gavel to the newly 
 installed President, and present him to the assembled brothers. 
 
 In the event of a quorum of members not being present on the completion of the 
 canvass of the election, then the certificate of the inspectors shall be deposited with the 
 Secretary, and registered on the minutes. 
 
306 
 
 GENERAL SOCIETY OF 
 
 § 4. Special elections, for filling vacancies, shall be held in the same manner, at a 
 regular meeting of the Society, not more than two regular meetings after such vacancies 
 shall have occurred, and the presiding officer shall direct the Secretary to notify the mem- 
 bers thereof at least one week previous to the time of such election. 
 
 Article III. — The President and Vice-Presidents. 
 
 § i. It shall be the duty of the President to preside at all meetings of the Society; 
 to preserve order, and decide all questions, subject, however, to an appeal to the Society. 
 He shall not vote on any question unless the Society be equally divided. 
 
 § 2. In case of the absence of the President, the Vice-President shall preside, and 
 perform the duties of the President ; and in case of the absence of both the President and 
 the Vice-President, the Second Vice-President shall in like manner preside, and perform 
 the said duties; and in the event of all the said officers being absent, the Society shall 
 appoint a President pro tempore, who shall perform all the duties incident to the office. 
 
 § 3. The President of the Society shall be ex-officio a member of the School Com- 
 mittee, and of the Committee for Promoting and Disseminating Literary and Scientific 
 Knowledge; the Vice-President ex-officio a member of the Library Committee j and the 
 Second Vice-President ex-officio a member of the Finance Committee. 
 
 § 4. The President is authorized and empowered to vote in the name of the Society 
 on any corporate stock owned or held by it, at all elections for Trustees or Directors of 
 any such corporation. 
 
 Article IV. — The Treasurer. 
 
 § 1. Before the Treasurer enters upon the duties of his office, he shall annually give a 
 bond to the Society, with two approved sureties, in a sum not less than twenty thousand 
 dollars, for the faithful performance of the trust reposed in him, which bond shall be 
 deposited with the Finance Committee. 
 
 § 2. It shall be the duty of the Treasurer to receive and safely keep, in such manner 
 as shall be directed by the Society, all deeds, mortgages, or any titles to property belonging 
 to the Society ; also, certificates of stock, bonds, and all other evidences of debt, as may 
 be received for the benefit of the Society; to collect the rents, the interest of any money 
 secured by bond and mortgage, the dividends on the stock held by the Society, the initia- 
 tion fees, and generally all moneys owing to the Society, the collection of which is not 
 otherwise provided for. 
 
 § 3. All moneys received by the Treasurer for or on account of the Society shall be 
 deposited by him in the name of the Society, with his signature and that of the President, 
 in such bank or Trust Company as may be designated for that purpose by the Finance 
 Committee, with the approval, in writing, of the President of the Society ; provided, 
 always, that the Society may at any time instruct said committee and President, or 
 otherwise direct them relative thereto. 
 
 § 4. The Treasurer shall pay quarterly the salaries of the Secretary, Treasurer, and 
 Door-keeper, also all bills that may be ordered paid by the Society, and all specific orders 
 drawn on him in pursuance of any resolution of the Society, and likewise pay out of their 
 respective annual appropriations all drafts issued and all bills incurred for legitimate 
 
MECHANICS AND TRADESMEN 
 
 307 
 
 expenditures by the several standing committees, upon being presented to him, duly 
 certified by the Chairman and Secretary of the committee. But no money of the Society 
 shall be drawn from any bank or trust company in which the same may be deposited, 
 except on a check signed by him as Treasurer, and countersigned by the President of the 
 Society, said check being made payable to the order of the person or persons to whom it 
 is to be paid. 
 
 § 5. He shall keep, in suitable books, separate accounts with every piece of property, 
 and with all stock and other securities owned by the Society, with every committee or fund, 
 and with every individual or firm that may be at any time indebted to the Society. Said 
 accounts shall be written up and posted on or before every quarterly meeting of the 
 Society. Said books shall be kept in the safe of the Society, at Mechanics' Hall, and shall 
 at all suitable times be accessible to any officer of the Society, and to the Chairman of each 
 of the standing committees. He shall be ex-ojficio a member of the Finance Committee, 
 and also ex-officio a member and the Treasurer of the Building and Sinking Fund Committee. 
 
 § 6. He shall report at the annual meeting in the month of January, and quarterly 
 thereafter at regular meetings, the amounts paid on account of the several standing 
 committees, the state of the finances and funds, and subjoin his own account thereto, for 
 the inspection of the members. He shall report at the annual meeting in January a full 
 account of all moneys received and disbursed by him, from all sources and for what 
 purposes, from the first day of January to the thirty-first day of December, inclusive, of the 
 year preceding, with a statement of the financial condition of the Society; and for his 
 services he shall be allowed a compensation of five hundred dollars per annum, payable 
 quarterly. 
 
 § 7. The Society shall appoint annually, at the regular meeting in December, a 
 committee of three members, as an Auditing Committee for the ensuing year, to examine 
 the books of the Treasurer and Secretary respectively, also all deeds, bonds, certificates of 
 stock, and other evidences of debt in their possession and belonging to the Society, who shall 
 report the result at the next annual meeting of the society; also all reports, with the 
 accompanying vouchers, from any officer or committee pertaining to the receipt or dis- 
 bursement of moneys, shall be referred to said committee for examination and report 
 thereon. 
 
 § 8. When a new Treasurer is chosen, his predecessor in office shall be allowed twenty 
 days to adjust and settle his accounts, and other matters appertaining to the duties of his 
 office. 
 
 In the absence of the Treasurer, the presiding officer shall appoint a Treasurer pro 
 tempore. 
 
 Article V. — The Secretary. 
 
 § 1. It shall be the duty of the Secretary to attend every meeting of the Society, and 
 in his absence or inability to act, the presiding officer shall appoint one of the members to 
 officiate as Secretary pro tempore. 
 
 He shall keep minutes of all proceedings, and correctly record the same in a book 
 provided for the purpose. 
 
308 
 
 GENERAL SOCIETY OF 
 
 He shall also record copies of all reports made to the Society, in a book provided for 
 that purpose; and shall file and number all original papers, resolutions, and other 
 documents. 
 
 He shall also keep a book wherein each member's name and occupation shall be 
 inserted, in such order and manner that it will appear when admitted, expelled, died, or 
 withdrawn, which book shall be the General Register of the Society. 
 
 He shall notify, without delay, each person elected a member of the Society of such 
 election ; and on the election of any member to an office, shall give him due notice 
 thereof. 
 
 When any committee has been appointed, he shall furnish to the member first named 
 thereon a written list of the names of the several members appointed to constitute the 
 same, and a copy of the resolution or subject referred to them. 
 
 When a motion is made and seconded, he shall record the name of the member by 
 whom it is made. 
 
 He shall cause due notice to be given to the members of all the meetings of the 
 Society in such manner as the Society may direct. 
 
 He shall be allowed for his services five hundred dollars per annum, payable 
 quarterly. ■ 
 
 § 2. The seal of the Society shall be kept by the Secretary, and used for the purpose 
 of sealing all certificates of admission, and such other papers as the Society may direct, by 
 resolution, to be executed under their seal. 
 
 § 3. The plate for the certificates of membership shall be kept by the Secretary, and 
 each member shall be entitled to a certificate, dated from the time of his initiation, on the 
 payment of one dollar to the Secretary, to be by him paid to the Treasurer. 
 
 § 4. All books, reports, documents, papers, &c, appertaining to the office and duty of 
 Secretary, shall be kept by him in the safe of the Society, and shall not be taken from his 
 possession ; but any member may, at all suitable times, have liberty to examine and make 
 extracts from them at the place where they are kept. 
 
 Article VI. — The Door-keeper. 
 
 A Door-keeper shall be appointed by the President, who shall attend all the meetings 
 of the Society, and during the session shall permit no persons, except members, to enter 
 the meeting-room without the consent of the presiding officer ; and he shall receive for his 
 services two dollars for each meeting of the Society which he attends. 
 
 Article VII. — Standing Committees. 
 
 § 1. The Standing Committees of the Society shall be a Finance Committee, a Com- 
 mittee on Pensions, a School Committee, a Library Committee, a Committee for Promoting 
 and Disseminating Literary and Scientific Knowledge, and a Building and Sinking Fund 
 Committee. 
 
 § 2. No member shall serve on more than one of the Standing Committees at the 
 same time, except as provided in these by-laws. 
 
MECHANICS AND TRADESMEN. 3O9 
 
 § 3. The President (or, in his absence, the officer presiding) shall, at the annual 
 meeting of the Society, nominate, and, with the consent of the Society, appoint five 
 members to constitute the Finance Committee ; eight to constitute the Committee on 
 Pensions; twelve to constitute the School Committee ; twelve to constitute the Library 
 Committee ; twelve to constitute the Committee for Promoting and Disseminating Literary 
 and Scientific Knowledge, and four to constitute the Building and Sinking Fund Com- 
 mittee; all of whom shall serve one year, and until others are appointed in their places. 
 
 § 4. At the regular meeting in January of each year, or if, from any cause, such meet- 
 ing should not be held, then at the next meeting thereafter, appropriations for the current 
 year shall be made of such sums as may then be deemed sufficient for the payment of their 
 legitimate and authorized expenditures, and within the means of the Treasury, for the 
 Finance Committee, the Committee on Pensions, the School Committee, the Library 
 Committee, the Committee for Promoting and Disseminating Literary and Scientific 
 Knowledge, and the Building and Sinking Fund Committee, which amounts so appropri- 
 ated shall be set apart, and so much thereof as may be necessary, used by the Treasurer 
 for the payment of the bills received by him from the respective several Standing Commit- 
 tees entitled to such appropriations. 
 
 § 5. It shall be the duty of the Finance Committee, the Committee on Pensions, the 
 School Committee, the Library Committee, the Committee for Promoting and Disseminat- 
 ing Literary and Scientific Knowledge, and the Building and Sinking Fund Committee, 
 and they are hereby required, to report to the Society, at the annual meeting in January, 
 and quarterly thereafter, an account of their receipts and expenditures during the pre- 
 ceding quarter. 
 
 Said committees shall also severally make, at the annual meeting of the Society 
 in January, a full report of their receipts and expenditures, and of their transactions 
 during the year ending on the 31st day of December preceding, stating therein the actual 
 condition of their respective departments, and all such matters as may be necessary to 
 enable the Society to form an accurate judgment of the results of their operations. Said 
 annual reports, or a copy thereof, together with a copy of the annual report of the 
 Treasurer, shall be referred to the Finance Committee, which committee shall prepare and 
 report to the Society, at the regular meeting next ensuing, a statement of the financial 
 condition of the Society, with estimates of the probable receipts into and demands upon 
 the Treasury during the ensuing year ; and shall also embody in said statement such of the 
 matters from the annual reports of the several committees as they may deem suitable for 
 publication. Said statement shall be printed for the use of the members. 
 
 § 6. All moneys received by any officer, committee, or member, for or on account of 
 the Society, shall be forthwith paid to the Treasurer of the Society, taking his receipt 
 therefor. 
 
 Article VIII. — The Finance Committee. 
 
 The Finance Committee shall take charge of all buildings and lands belonging to 
 the Society, and shall appropriate, subject to the approval of the Society, so much of 
 Mechanics' Hall to each of the several Standing Committees as may be necessary for 
 the proper discharge of their respective duties and trusts. They shall cause the property 
 
GENERAL SOCIETY OF 
 
 of the Society to be properly insured, and direct and superintend all ordinary repairs 
 and inexpensive necessary alterations thereto, and shall report such extraordinary repairs 
 and improvements as they may deem expedient to be made, with estimates of the expense 
 thereof, and, when approved by the Society, they shall direct and superintend the same. 
 
 They shall procure all necessary supplies for the general use of the Society, and for the 
 heating, lighting, and cleaning of Mechanics' Hall, and shall audit all bills incurred for 
 their legitimate and necessary expenses, transmitting the same, duly certified, to the 
 Treasurer of the Society for payment. 
 
 Article IX. — The Committee on Pensions. 
 
 § i. All applications made to this Society for relief, either personally or by petition, 
 shall be referred to the Committee on Pensions. 
 
 It shall be the duty of the said committee to inquire into the circumstances of every 
 member, or of the widow, orphan, or orphans of any deceased member who may apply for 
 
 assistance. 
 
 § 2. Whenever it shall appear to the satisfaction of the committee that the situation 
 or circumstances of any member who has applied for relief is such that he will require 
 assistance more than one year, or during his natural life, it shall be their duty to report 
 to the Society, for its concurrence, a specific sum, which, in their opinion, ought to be 
 granted as a yearly pension to such member ; which pension, if concurred in by the 
 Society, shall be paid by them in the same manner and at the same periods that other 
 pensions are paid. 
 
 They shall register in a book, to be kept for that purpose, the names of the pen- 
 sioners and the names and ages of their children, and shall pay at stated periods their 
 pensions as herein provided. 
 
 § 3. The widow, orphan, or orphans of any member, being in indigent circumstances, 
 shall be entitled to receive assistance agreeably to the following regulations : 
 
 1. All widows on the pension list shall be allowed fifty-two dollars per annum, so 
 long as, in the judgment of the committee, or of the Society, their circumstances are such 
 as to require the aid of the Society. 
 
 2. All widows, being pensioners, and having children under the age of fourteen years, 
 shall be allowed the sum of twenty dollars per annum for each child ; which allowance 
 may be continued, if deemed necessary by the committee, although the widow may have 
 again married. 
 
 3. When a child, whose mother is on the pension list, shall arrive at the age of 
 fourteen years, the pension of the widow for such child shall cease. 
 
 4. Every child having no parents living, and who shall be entered on the pension 
 list, shall be allowed the sum of forty dollars per annum, until it shall arrive at the age 
 of fourteen years ; the said money to be paid to the guardian of the child, or such other 
 person as the committee shall approve. 
 
 5. No arrearages of pensions shall be paid for a longer period than one year. 
 
 § 4. The Committee on Pensions shall investigate and report thereon, at least once 
 in each year, into the circumstances of the several pensioners of the Society, in order 
 
MECHANICS AND TRADESMEN 
 
 that they may obtain a knowledge whether they are proper objects of its bounty, and 
 should so continue. 
 
 § 5. When, during the recess of the Society, applications are made to the committee, 
 by pensioners or others, either for relief or for funeral expenses of a deceased brother, his 
 widow, or orphan children under fourteen years of age ; or when such applications have 
 been referred to them, it shall be their duty to make careful investigation of the circum- 
 stances of the person or persons by whom, or in whose behalf the applications have been 
 made; and if it shall appear that the applicants are entitled to relief, and the circumstances 
 are such as will not admit of the delay necessary to make a formal report thereof to the 
 Society, then it shall be lawful for them to make a donation of relief of a sum not to exceed 
 twenty dollars in any month for each cas%, or toward funeral expenses of a sum not to 
 exceed one hundred dollars in each case. And it shall be their further duty to report to 
 the Society, at its next meeting thereafter, the amount of every such donation, with the 
 names and circumstances of the several persons to whom and in whose behalf they were 
 made. 
 
 § 6. The office for the quarterly payment of the pensioners of the Society shall be in 
 some appropriate room in Mechanics' Hall. 
 
 § 7. The committee shall report, at the annual meeting, to the Society the names of 
 all persons relieved, and the amount paid to each, which report shall be read in detail 
 whenever so made to the Society. 
 
 § 8. The committee will transmit to the Treasurer of the Society for payment all bills 
 incurred by them, duly audited and certified to by their Chairman and Secretary. 
 
 Article X. — The School Committee. 
 
 § 1. It shall be the duty of the School Committee to take charge of, and to superin- 
 tend the interests of the school ; to judge the qualifications of, and to employ and dis- 
 charge teachers or other persons therein engaged ; to make rules and regulations for the 
 admission of scholars and the government of the school, and to cause the school to be 
 visited at each session by one or more members of the committee. 
 
 § 2. Members of the Society, minor children of members, or of deceased members, 
 apprentices, journeymen mechanics, artisans, females employed at any legitimate business, 
 and unemployed persons under sixteen years of age, shall be entitled to the gratuitous 
 privileges of the school, under such rules and regulations as may be established by the 
 committee, and approved by the Society. 
 
 § 3. All bills for expenditures incurred by the committee shall be duly audited and 
 certified to by the Chairman and Secretary, and transmitted to the Treasurer of the 
 Society for payment. 
 
 Article XI. — The Library Committee. 
 
 § 1. It shall be the duty of the Library Committee to take charge of, and to superin- 
 tend, the Apprentices' and De Milt Libraries and the Reading Rooms, and to establish 
 rules and regulations for the government thereof ; to employ and discharge the Librarian 
 and other persons therein engaged; to supply the Libraries and Reading Rooms with such 
 
312 
 
 GENERAL SOCIETY OF 
 
 publications as may be deemed suitable, also the necessary stationery, printing, and binding 
 within the amount of their appropriation, and to visit the Libraries and Reading Rooms 
 each day when open, by one or more of its members. 
 
 § 2. The members of the Society, their wives, and their minor children, the widows 
 and minor children of deceased members, persons under twenty-one years of age employed 
 as apprentices, journeymen mechanics, artisans, teachers employed in the schools of the 
 Society, males under sixteen years of age employed at any legitimate business, and all 
 females likewise so employed, shall be entitled to the free privileges of the Library and 
 Reading Rooms, under such rules and regulations as may be established by the committee 
 and approved by the Society. 
 
 § 3. The committee will transmit to the Treasurer of the Society, for payment, all bills 
 incurred by it, duly audited and certified to by the Chairman and Secretary. 
 
 Article XII. — The Literary and Scientific Committee. 
 
 § 1. Such appropriations as may be made to the Committee for Promoting and Dis- 
 seminating Literary and Scientific Knowledge, shall be applied by the committee for the 
 procuring of suitable persons to deliver lectures or readings, or for imparting knowledge by 
 such other modes as the committee shall judge most suitable to promote the objects of the 
 Society in the moral and intellectual improvement of its members and their families. 
 
 § 2. All bills incurred by the committee shall be duly audited, and transmitted to the 
 Treasurer of the Society for payment, certified to by the Chairman and Secretary. 
 
 Article XIII. — Building and Sinking Fund Committee. 
 
 It shall be the duty of the Building and Sinking Fund Committee to receive all 
 appropriations, donations, or bequests to the Building and Sinking Fund that may be 
 made by the Society, its members, or other persons, securely and promptly investing the 
 same in the name and subject to the order of the Society, in such manner and in such 
 securities as the Society may direct or approve, stating in detail in their quarterly and 
 annual reports the amount of such fund, the manner of its investment, and any receipts or 
 disbursements on account thereof since the previous report. 
 
 Article XIV. — The Library Fund. 
 
 § 1. All donations, devises, and bequests which may be made to the Society for the 
 use, maintenance, and extension of the Apprentices' Library and Reading Rooms (unless 
 otherwise directed by the parties making them), together with such sum or sums of money, 
 or such property as the Society may from time to time designate for that purpose, shall 
 constitute a separate and permanent fund for the said purposes, to be called the " Library 
 Fund " ; and the interest or income thereof, alone, shall be applied for the use, maintenance, 
 and extension of the said Library and Reading Rooms, and in such manner as may from 
 time to time be directed by a vote of the Society. 
 
 § 2. It shall be the duty of the Treasurer to take charge of said fund, and from time 
 to time, as he may be directed by a vote of the Society, invest the same, and all contribu- 
 
MECHANICS AND TRADESMEN 
 
 313 
 
 tions and appropriations therefor, in good and sufficient security. And the interest and 
 income arising therefrom shall be drawn annually by him, and appropriated and applied 
 for the use, maintenance, and extension of the before-named Library and Reading Rooms, in 
 such manner as may from to time be directed by a vote of the Society. And it is 
 hereby made his duty to lay before the Society, at the annual meeting (or oftener, if so re- 
 quired to do by a vote of the Society), a separate and exact report of the condition of said 
 fund, setting forth, in a particular manner, the amount thereof, the income arising there- 
 from, and the nature of the securities in which the same may be invested. 
 
 Article XV. — Transfer of Real or Personal Estate. 
 
 Whenever a resolution' to sell, mortgage, or lease any real estate belonging to the 
 Society, or to sell or transfer any of its personal property (exceeding in value the sum of 
 five thousand dollars), shall be regularly brought before the Society, it shall lie on the 
 table until the next regular meeting, or a special meeting, should such be called ; and it 
 shall be the duty of the Secretary, at least three days previous to said meeting, to send to 
 each member, whose place of residence he can ascertain, a written or printed notice that 
 such resolution has been moved. 
 
 Article XVI. — Removal of Officers and Members of Committees. 
 
 Any officer of the Society, or member of any committee, who willfully or persistently 
 neglects to perform or discharge the duties appertaining to his position, or, while acting as 
 such officer or member of committee, shall be guilty of conduct disgraceful or unbecoming 
 to his position, or disreputable to his associates or the Society, may be removed as such 
 officer or member of committee by a three-fourths vote of the members present at any 
 regular meeting of the Society, provided charges duly specifying the offense alleged 
 against the officer or member of committee shall be preferred in writing by one or more 
 members of the Society, at a regular meeting thereof, a copy of which charges shall be 
 served upon the officer or member of committee so charged, at least twelve days previous 
 to the Society taking any action thereon providing for his removal, and which shall be 
 done only after an opportunity for defense has been afforded the officer or member of 
 committee so charged. 
 
 Article XVII. — Admission and Initiation. 
 
 § 1. The art or trade of every person proposed as a member of this Society shall be 
 entered by the Secretary on the minutes of the meeting at which such proposition is 
 made ; all propositions for membership shall be made at a regular meeting, and balloted 
 for at the next regular meeting; and the Society shall in no case proceed to ballot for 
 such person as a member unless four brothers shall have previously vouched for his" 
 character at the time of his being proposed, as it relates to industry, honesty, and sobriety ; 
 and also for his being a mechanic or tradesman, and a citizen of the United States. The 
 votes of two-thirds of the members present at any meeting of the Society shall be necessary 
 for his admission. 
 
3H 
 
 GENERAL SOCIETY OF 
 
 § 2. Every person elected a member of this Society shall, within three regular meet- 
 ings thereafter, apply for the purpose of being initiated; and in case any person so elected 
 shall neglect to apply within the time aforesaid, his election shall, by such neglect, become 
 void. 
 
 § 3. Every person admitted a member of this Society shall pay to the Treasurer, 
 upon his initiation, the sum of fifty dollars, and affix his signature to the General Register 
 
 of the Society. 
 
 § 4. All persons who are in waiting for the purpose of being initiated shall be intro- 
 duced to the Society by two brothers, previously appointed by the President or presiding 
 officer as masters of ceremonies for that evening. The masters of ceremonies will announce 
 their approach at the door of the hall by three distinct raps, which shall be answered by 
 the President with two strokes of his gavel ; the brothers will thereupon rise, while the 
 masters of ceremonies present the member or members elect to the presiding officer for 
 initiation, who will then address them as follows : 
 
 " Fellow Citizens : 
 
 " In accordance with our charier you have been elected a member of this incorpora- 
 tion, the General Society of Mechanics and Tradesmen of the City of New-York. This is 
 the result of the testimonial which we have received of your character. Let sobriety, 
 industry, and integrity continue to be the ornaments of your name. 
 
 " To relieve the unfortunate, the widow, and the orphan, was the primary and com- 
 mendable object of the founders of this association. Its usefulness has since been extended 
 by the establishment of a library and reading-rooms, with a school for the instruction and 
 improvement of the apprentices and others of our city. 
 
 "It is expected that you will lend your aid to these laudable purposes, and promote, 
 with your brethren, the honor and welfare of the institution. 
 
 " We welcome you as a brother! A delightful union, where the bond of friendship is 
 benevolence. 
 
 " You will now inscribe your name on the General Register of the Society, in whose 
 behalf I tender you the right hand of fellowship." 
 
 Article XVIII. 
 
 These by-laws, or any part thereof, may be suspended at any regular meeting of the 
 Society by the unanimous consent of the members present, but such suspension shall not 
 continue in force beyond the commencement of the next regular meeting ; they may also 
 be altered, amended, or repealed at any regular meeting of the Society, provided that two- 
 thirds of the members present vote in favor thereof, and provided also that such proposed 
 alterations, amendments, or repeal have been duly proposed in writing at a previous regu- 
 lar meeting, and have had three readings before the Society, the second and third readings 
 of which shall be at different meetings. 
 
 All previous by-laws of the Society are hereby repealed. 
 
MECHANICS AND TRADESMEN. 
 
 315 
 
 Order of Business and Rules of Order to be observed at the meetings of the Society. 
 
 1. The President shall take the chair at the appointed time, and call the meeting to 
 order, and, a quorum being present, the business shall proceed in the following order : 
 
 1. Reading the minutes. 
 
 2. Reading of communications to the Society. 
 
 3. Balloting for members. 
 
 4. Proposition of candidates. 
 
 5. Reports from the Treasurer. 
 
 6. Reports from the Secretary. 
 
 7. Reports from Standing Committees. 
 
 8. Reports from Special Committees. 
 
 9. Initiation of members. 
 
 10. Unfinished business. 
 
 11. Motions for the benefit of the Society. 
 
 2. Every member wishing to speak shall rise from his seat and address himself to the 
 President. 
 
 3. When two or more members rise at once, the President shall name the member 
 who is entitled to the floor. 
 
 4. No member shall speak more than twice to the same question, if objected to, 
 unless he shall have obtained permission from the Society. 
 
 5. No motion shall be debated or put unless the same be seconded. When a motion 
 in seconded it shall be stated by the President before debate, and every such motion shall 
 be reduced to writing, if the President or any member desire it. 
 
 6. All reports from committees shall be in writing, and signed by the Chairman and 
 Secretary thereof, but nothing herein shall prevent a minority of a committee from pre- 
 senting a report, which may be read and considered after the majority report has been 
 read. 
 
 7. After a motion is stated by the President, it shall be in possession of the Society ; 
 but may be withdrawn, by consent of the Society, at any time before decision or amend- 
 ment. 
 
 8. When a question is under debate no motion shall be received but to adjourn, to 
 lie on the table, the previous question, to postpone, to commit, or to amend ; which 
 several motions shall have precedence in the order here specified. The motion for adjourn- 
 ment shall always be in order, and decided without debate. 
 
 9. The previous question shall be in this form : Shall the main question be now put ? 
 It shall be admitted only when demanded by five or more of the members present, and its 
 effect shall be to put an end to all debate, and bring the Society to a direct vote upon 
 amendments reported by a committee, if any, upon pending amendments, and then upon 
 the main question. 
 
 10. Petitions, memorials, and other papers addressed to the Society, shall be presented 
 by the President, or by any member. 
 
3l6 GENERAL SOCIETY OF 
 
 1 1. While the President is putting a question no member shall walk out of, or across, 
 the room ; nor when a member is speaking shall any one entertain private discourse, or 
 pass between him and the Chair. 
 
 12. In filling up blanks, the largest sum and the longest time shall be first put. 
 
 APPENDIX R, 
 
 INAUGURAL ADDRESS OF PRESIDENT JOHN P. MOORE. 
 
 January 12th, 1847. 
 
 Brothers : I feel at a loss for words adequate to the expression of my feelings to you 
 for the many favors I have received and the renewed manifestation of your confidence in 
 me, but sincerely do I thank you. 
 
 In contemplating the history of our Society, its rise and progress, we have cause to 
 be proud of the elevated position to which it has attained. It should be our endeavor 
 to preserve its present, and, as far as practicable, promote its future usefulness. 
 
 " To us much as has been given, 
 Of us much will be required." 
 
 I would, therefore, respectfully call your attention to our present large indebtedness. 
 By the Treasurer's last quarterly report our debt amounts to $26,500 ; the interest on this 
 sum is $1,590, which, in any event, must be provided for. A part of this debt was 
 incurred during the past year for the purchase of the property on Broadway, to afford us 
 an entrance from that street to our lecture-room and school. We have also altered, 
 enlarged, and added to our rooms, and now we have ample accommodation for all our 
 present wants. At our last anniversary it was truly remarked that we have many and 
 important interests confided to our care ; to relieve the necessities of our unfortunate 
 brothers, the widow, and the orphan, is our primary duty ; the next in importance is our 
 duty to our school and library. 
 
 Brothers, I would wish now to see our funds so managed that a part of our income 
 might be applied annually either toward a sinking fund, or in part payment of our debt, 
 that we may hereafter be the better enabled to add to the comforts of our poor, to raise the 
 
MECHANICS AND TRADESMEN. 
 
 317 
 
 standard of learning in our school, affording the advantage of a thorough education, at a 
 cheaper rate to the children of members, and to the increase of our library and the 
 extension of its sphere of usefulness. 
 
 I have deemed it my duty at this time to call your attention to our condition, in 
 order that your wisdom may be directed as to the best method by which our debt may be 
 liquidated. 
 
 It also appears to me to be necessary that a change should be made in the time at 
 which our annual reports from committees are received ; say in the month of January, 
 instead of February ; that they then be referred to the Committee on Finance, or to a 
 special committee to examine and report the state of our funds, and what amount, in their 
 opinion (with a view to a wise economy in our expenditures and the payment of our 
 debt), should be appropriated for the uses of the year. 
 
 I offer these suggestions for your consideration, indulging the hope that the various 
 trusts confided to us may be transmitted to our successors in an improved condition, or at 
 least unimpaired. 
 
 Brothers, I shall endeavor to discharge my duties to meet the approbation of my 
 conscience and your approval. Should I, at any time, fail to meet your just expectations, 
 I assure you it will be through an error of judgment, and not of intention. 
 
 INAUGURAL ADDRESS OF PRESIDENT EARLE. 
 
 Delivered February 4TH, 1857. 
 
 With your permission I will now call your attention to the present state of our 
 association, and also take the liberty of offering a few suggestions, which, if adopted, will, 
 in my opinion, be beneficial to our interests, and enable us to enlarge our sphere of 
 usefulness. 
 
 From the annual reports of our committees we cannot but congratulate ourselves that 
 our Society, in a financial point of view, is all that any of us could ha\ e hoped for. Our 
 property has enhanced in value until we find ourselves in the possession of a capital of at 
 least $250,000, — a large sum, — the income from which, if properly managed, may be 
 productive of much good. 
 
 And while the amount of our capital has increased, the number of inhabitants of the 
 city has also largely increased; so that to-day we are situated in the midst of a community 
 of nearly three-quarters of a million of people, of which the working-classes form a large 
 majority. 
 
 It is true that the number of our members has not increased in proportion to the - 
 increase of the number of mechanics around us, and certainly not to the extent that we 
 had reason to expect, in view of the benefits to be derived from membership with us. 
 This subject, I hope, will receive your attention, and such consideration as you may think 
 its importance demands. Allow me also to state, that although our increase has been 
 
3i8 
 
 GENERAL SOCIETY OF 
 
 small, yet we register a long list of names, good men in the community, whose reputation 
 for ability and energy is such as, if called into action, would enable this Society to take a 
 high stand, and extend its usefulness to a degree more commensurate with its means and 
 the wants of the mechanic interests. 
 
 Some of our brothers have, indeed, bestowed much time and labor, and shown much 
 interest and ability, in furthering the objects of our Society, and they deserve our thanks 
 as well as the thanks of the community; it would be well if the same spirit that actuates 
 them could be generally diffused among us. 
 
 The Society, through the Committee on Pensions, continue in their good work : the 
 calls made by the unfortunate, in their affliction, are never made in vain, and the committee 
 stand ready to hear and respond, knowing that the Society have the ability and the will 
 fully to carry out, in a liberal spirit, this important feature of our association. 
 
 From the report of our School Committee it will be seen that, from combined causes, 
 the number of pupils in our school, and of course the amount of receipts for tuition, has 
 considerably diminished; and the committee lay this important matter before the Society 
 for its serious consideration. For many years we have pointed to this school with peculiar 
 satisfaction, as one of the means by which we have done good. There the children of the 
 rich and the poor meet together and upon equal terms — the child of the poor or deceased 
 brother takes his place in the same class, with the same privileges, and contends for the 
 same premiums as the child of the most favored among us; not as a charity scholar, but 
 with uplifted head, in the enjoyment of his rights, as the child of a brother in the Mechan- 
 ics' Society — a. beautiful feature in the management of our school, admired by all. Many 
 a one has there received an excellent education, which is now carrying him with honor and 
 profit through the world. 
 
 I would also advert to the fact that a large number of members of the Society, 
 myself among the number, have been enabled to educate our children in this school on 
 very favorable terms. An excellent education is there secured for them ; with the com- 
 fortable reflection to us, that although reverses may overtake us, yet the school is still 
 there, and our children can enjoy all its benefits. I know that you will give this subject 
 your careful attention, and cannot but hope that you will be able to adopt such measures 
 as will place the school in a satisfactory position. 
 
 It is certainly very desirable that the school should pay its way — by this I mean that 
 its receipts for tuition should pay all its expenditures. If it does this, it is of great benefit 
 to us — it educates our children, helps us to carry out the objects of our association, and 
 gives us a position in the community that we could not have without it. If it does cost 
 us something — that is, if the receipts do not equal the expenditures — it is only in the 
 same position as the other departments of our Society. All will be right if we can only 
 realize that we are fulfilling our mission. Let us endeavor to make it emphatically a 
 school for the children of mechanics, and of so high an order that it will commend itself 
 to the whole community. 
 
 It has been said, that since the Free Academy has been in operation, it has had an 
 effect unfavorable to our school. It is required of those asking admission to that institu- 
 tion that they should have been pupils in a ward school for at least one year previous to 
 
MECHANICS AND TRADESMEN. 3I9 
 
 making that application. Now, it seems to me that that part of the law should apply to 
 our school, so far as our gratuitous scholars are concerned. And if it does not already, 
 that an application to the Legislature would, without doubt, procure such an enactment 
 as would place those scholars upon an equal footing with those taught in the ward schools. 
 Besides, the Society has two scholarships in Columbia College, and four in the New- York 
 University ; and I have no doubt that we can procure scholarships enough in those two 
 institutions to enable us to hold out as great inducements to our boys as the ward schools 
 possibly can to theirs. Let it be known that a boy in our school, by good conduct and 
 application to his studies, can insure himself an education in Columbia College or the 
 New-York University, and it will be seen that the Mechanics' Society's school in that 
 respect will stand in a better position than even the ward schools. 
 
 But you must let it be known far and wide. Everybody knows the relation of the 
 ward schools to the Free Academy ; let everybody know all the advantages to be derived 
 from a connection with our school. A second-rate school will not sustain itself. If our 
 school is not of the very highest order, let us make it so. Let us have the very best 
 teachers that the country affords — we will be compelled to pay thejjrice — but it seems to 
 me that we can safely do so, if we can obtain those whose character and reputation will 
 guarantee success. 
 
 The Apprentices' Library, with its reading-room, is in good order and successful 
 operation ; it is very desirable, however, that the number of its readers should be increased, 
 for we all know that its benefits are participated in by a very small proportion of those for 
 whom it was intended. The influence of that library should be felt in every workshop in 
 this city. And here allow me to call your attention to a class of operatives for whom no 
 provision of this kind has ever been made — I allude to the large number of females 
 engaged in the various employments connected with the mechanic and manufacturing 
 interests of our city. We can, at very little expense, provide the means of intellectual 
 improvement to them, and it is very desirable that we should do so. I am satisfied that it 
 is clearly within the legitimate objects of our association, and do not hesitate to recom- 
 mend that our library be at once thrown open to female operatives, upon the same 
 conditions as it now is to apprentices. I hold in my hand the Report of the Apprentices' 
 Library Company of Philadelphia, for the year ending March 13th, 1855. I suppose that 
 there was one published since, but I have not seen it. Both boys and girls have access 
 to that library, and the report states that the number of volumes is about 15,700. 
 
 Of books loaned during the year, to 1,750 boys, .... 21,942 
 " " " 1,791 girls, .... 24,163 
 
 Total, 46,105 volumes to 3,541 readers. 
 
 The report also says : " Especially is it gratifying to us to inform the Company, and 
 the friends of the library everywhere, that the girls' department continues fully to realize 
 the most sanguine anticipations of its founders ; the number of this interesting class of our 
 readers continues to increase, while their deportment gives unmistakable evidence of the 
 value they place upon their privileges." It appears to me that any argument that can be 
 
320 
 
 GENERAL SOCIETY OF 
 
 advanced in favor of providing the means of intellectual improvement to boys applies with 
 equal force in favor of the same provision for girls. I ask you to refer this matter to the 
 appropriate committee. 
 
 The Demilt Library, bequeathed to us by Brother Demilt, and enlarged and 
 improved by the bequests of his two sisters, has not yet been as productive as the 
 benevolent donors anticipated. Knowing the liberality of our deceased brother, we 
 hazard nothing in saying that if he had known the effect of the proviso, " that it 
 should forever be a pay library," that clause would never have been inserted in his will. 
 The Society, through the Library Committee, has used its endeavors to make this library 
 available, but those endeavors have thus far proved unsuccessful. The catalogue of 
 books which it now presents is a very valuable one. It is true that there is very little of 
 light literature on its shelves, and therefore might not be very attractive to many readers ; 
 but to the mechanic, to the student, to the searcher after knowledge, it cannot but be 
 highly prized. This department of our library should be better known, and I am 
 satisfied that there are numbers in our city who would hail with joy the information 
 that such a library exists, and that they can have access to it. 
 
 Our Literary and Scientific Committee continues to furnish the annual course of 
 popular lectures; and, so far as I have been able to ascertain, they have proved 
 instructive and entertaining to those who have been able to listen to them. I would, 
 however, ask whether an improvement would not result from opening a correspondence 
 much earlier in the year than has been customary, say as early as the month of April, 
 with men of talent, in order that lectures may be procured upon such subjects as the 
 committee might deem most profitable to us, and most in accordance with the objects of 
 our institution. A course of lectures in each year, on subjects connected with science and 
 the mechanic arts, for the benefit of the readers of the library and the larger scholars of 
 the school, would certainly prove beneficial. 
 
 Some of the members of the Society have suggested the propriety of our establishing 
 classes for the instruction of apprentices, journeymen, and others, in those branches of 
 science best adapted to enable them to rise in the several occupations toward which they 
 have chosen to direct their energies and attention. I fully concur with those brothers 
 that this is a subject well worthy the attention of the Society. It is within our appro- 
 priate sphere, and its object is to instruct the mind and elevate the character of the 
 working-man. We might have classes in Natural Philosophy, Mathematics, Drawing 
 (particularly Architectural and Mechanical Drawing), Chemistry, Surveying, the first 
 principles of Book-keeping, and perhaps some others. I am satisfied that if this subject 
 is taken hold of with energy we will be fully repaid for all the time, labor, and money 
 it will cost, in the benefits that will be enjoyed by those who participate; and that it 
 will prove a source of great satisfaction to the whole Society, and of advantage to the 
 community. 
 
 In connection with these classes, the Demilt Library may be brought into requisition. 
 Many of the books already there would be very valuable to the members of those classes, 
 and render them much assistance in the prosecution of their studies ; and such other works 
 can, from time to time, be added as would be desirable for those classes. And in this 
 way that library would be made a valuable auxiliary to the Society's operations. 
 
MECHANICS AND TRADESMEN 
 
 321 
 
 We should use means to make our institution better known. It is almost lost and 
 forgotten in this great city. We should publish ourselves more; let every mechanic's 
 shop, every manufactory, and every warehouse, through the medium of circulars, etc., 
 know that there is a Spciety, with its school, its library, and its lectures, accessible to 
 almost every one ; that its objects are to inform the mind and elevate the characters of the 
 working-classes, and that it has the ability to carry out its objects. I would make this 
 Society the grand rallying-point for the workers of the community. I would* have every 
 working-man feel that he has an interest here ; and, in order to carry out this idea, I 
 would suggest that a committee be appointed to prepare and publish a pamphlet, 
 setting forth our position, our objects, and the advantages to be derived from membership 
 with us. 
 
 A committee have now in charge the selection of a new location for a hall. They 
 have presented several lots to the Society for its consideration ; and at the last meeting 
 the Society requested the committee to ascertain whether the lot on Broadway, adjoining 
 this property, can be obtained, and if so, at what price. J suppose we will all agree that 
 this Society should build a hall, such as the mechanics of the city can point to with 
 pleasure, — a substantial building, correct in its architectural proportions, well suited to the 
 uses to which it is dedicated, and worthy of the General Society of Mechanics and Trades- 
 men of the City of New- York. But where shall it be located ? That is a question which, 
 it appears to me, will require all the wisdom we possess to answer satisfactorily. Where 
 is the best spot for us to locate, in order to'carry out the objects of the association? The 
 most central, the most accessible, and the most convenient for those for whom it is 
 designed. We should also have an eye to a profitable investment, if we purchase lots; 
 but that should be only a secondary consideration. Our first and highest aim should be 
 to benefit our Society now — the working-classes now. Some of our brothers think we 
 should go to the upper part of the city, so fast being built up for residences, that it will 
 soon be, and in fact already is, difficult to obtain six or eight lots together in any desirable 
 location, and that the rise in the value of property will certainly make it a profitable 
 investment. Others think that, for the present, Fourteenth street is the utmost limit we 
 should think of ; while others again are of the opinion that the very heart of the city, as 
 well as the very center of workshops, manufactories, and the residences of mechanics, is in 
 Broadway, between Canal and Bleecker streets; in other words, that our present location 
 is the very best we can have. They think that no other can unite all the advantages of 
 this, especially when we take into consideration the various departments of our Society. 
 Now, in view of these differences of opinion, it appears to me that we should decide, first 
 of all, for what purposes we want a building ; what accommodations does the School 
 Committee require ; the Library Committee ; the Literary and Scientific Committee, and 
 what other rooms are needed ; and then procure plans, to enable us to ascertain whether 
 such a building can be erected here ; and, if it is thought desirable to remove from here, 
 what should be the shape and size of such a lot as we require. Something, also, should be 
 inquired about the cost of such building in this and other locations ; whether it is desirable 
 to purchase a corner lot, at the larger price, and also how much more it would cost to 
 erect a building on a corner than in the block ; and also any other information that may 
 be necessary for us, in order that we may act judiciously in the matter. If you think well 
 
322 
 
 GENERAL SOCIETY OF 
 
 of this suggestion, I trust that you will refer it to the committee already appointed, or to 
 some other, in order that we may have all the light possible before we take any action 
 upon the subject. 
 
 There is an error into which we, as a Society, are very likely to fall. It arises from 
 the circumstances in which we have all been placed — an old habit that fits us very closely 
 — we have been compelled to put it on and wear it all our business lives. I allude to the 
 ever-recurring questions, Will our outlays bring a good return in interest ? — Will they bring 
 a profitable return in dollars and cents? In business we work for an object — it is to 
 maintain ourselves and make money. In our Society we also have an object in view, 
 which is to do good, and for that we work. Our motto must not be, " Our constant care 
 is to increase our store." I grant it that in making an investment we should be careful 
 that our capital is not diminished, and that we should have an eye to the investment being 
 a profitable one. All our outlays should be judicious, and made with the utmost care, 
 that the property intrusted to us is strictly guarded from waste, and that it is made to 
 yield as much as possible ; but I do not think it well that this Society should add any of 
 its income to its capital. No, I would be careful to keep the capital safe and entire, but 
 would, with all care, prudence, and good management, spend the income, every dollar of 
 it, for the benefit of our Society and the advancement of its legitimate objects. And 
 looking at the amount of our capital, at the ability and energy our members possess, at 
 the wants of the community all around us, — yes, looking from every point of view at the 
 position in which Providence has placed us, — I feel warranted in saying, and am sure that 
 you will agree with me when I do say, the mission of the General Society of Mechanics 
 and Tradesmen is to all the working-classes ; and that it is our duty and our privilege, if 
 we will only embrace it, to extend the means to benefit and bless every individual of the 
 industrial, working portion of the community around us. 
 
 INAUGURAL ADDRESS OF PRESIDENT IRA HUTCHINSON. 
 
 Delivered February 3D, 1S58. 
 
 Following the example of my respected predecessors, and in accordance with a sense 
 of obligation, I shall attempt to express my views in relation to our duties as members of an 
 educational and benevolent institution ; and present also for your consideration such sug- 
 gestions as I deem most essential for the maintenance, perfection, and perpetuation of the 
 great principles which form the basis and objects of this Association — that of aiding 
 and protecting the mechanic, rendering assistance to his widow and orphans, educating 
 the children of members (freely, when the necessity requires), and promoting and diffusing 
 literary and scientific knowledge among the industrial classes, especially among the 
 apprentices of mechanics in the city of New-York. 
 
 Concerning the details of these praiseworthy objects but little need be said, as you 
 are all familiar with their operations, and know well the great good already accom- 
 
MECHANICS AND TRADESMEN. 
 
 323 
 
 plished through the influence and perseverance of this Society. But I feel it incumbent 
 upon me to call your attention, particularly, to the great importance of adopting some plan 
 that will give to the apprentice a more thorough mechanical knowledge in connection with 
 art and science, with special reference to the elevation of the industrial classes to a position 
 higher in the estimation of mankind. 
 
 The rising generation require our united efforts in behalf of their morals and in behalf 
 of their industrial qualifications ; for they are soon to take our places in all the relations 
 of life, and upon their education and development depends the future of this noble 
 institution, and upon them will depend the future of this glorious country. 
 
 The progress of philanthropy in our city, in the formation of benevolent and literary 
 associations, and the great munificence of one of our members, in the erection and dedica- 
 tion of the splendid edifice known as the Cooper Institute, to art and science, together with 
 the large increase in libraries and reading-rooms (far surpassing our own), on plans exten- 
 sive and truly magnificent, and the establishment of public free schools in our midst, are, 
 altogether, comprising enterprise and efforts which render our feeble enterprises compara- 
 tively insignificant and ineffectual ! 
 
 To maintain our acquired high position and influence against such powerful combina- 
 tions, efforts, and liberalities, it will require all our energies, ingenuity, talents, and means : 
 especially if we desire still to bear the palm that has so long crowned the success of 
 this Society. 
 
 There is no disguising the fact that others have entered the field in which this Society 
 has so long labored with honor and praise, and that they are working it on a more 
 extensive and gigantic scale. 
 
 This, however, should not intimidate us, nor retard our efforts, although it may seem 
 to conflict with the plans which have afforded this Association so much satisfaction — and 
 plans, too, which have proved so effectual in the earlier period of this Society. 
 
 Nor is it a cause for our regrets that the people of this city and State have com- 
 menced the great work of education and the emancipation of ignorance from the minds 
 of the poorer classes of its inhabitants. 
 
 It seems to me that it would not be considered too great an assumption, on the part 
 of this Society, to claim much credit for the large additional force (in the cause of benev- 
 olence and education) for its early and commendable example in these beneficial causes — 
 causes that not only concern our city and our State, but our whole country. 
 
 In view of our inactive condition, and the decrease in the addition of members, the 
 decrease in the number of readers to our libraries, the decrease of pupils in our school, and 
 the increase of expenses attending the various departments of the Society, and the increase 
 of other philanthropic associations in the city (many of which are under the fostering care 
 of the State), it seems to me that there has been no time in the history of this Society that 
 has required more sagacity, more wisdom, and more determination on the part of its 
 members, than the present period. 
 
 In directing our course wisely at this important juncture, in the affairs of the Society, it 
 will not only save it from insignificance and final extinction, but it will be the means of ele- 
 vating it to a position first among the benevolent and educational institutions of the world. 
 
324 
 
 GENERAL SOCIETY OF 
 
 Through the advantages of steam and electricity New- York has become the heart of 
 the nation. Consequently, whatever is pulsated in this city is reverberated throughout the 
 length and breadth of our country. 
 
 And should she begin the great work of uniting science with labor, through which the 
 industrial classes might be elevated and honored, New-York will become the heart of the 
 world. 
 
 Is it not important, then, that we should lay the foundation of an institution to be 
 devoted to art and science in connection with all the industrial pursuits of this advanced 
 age of civilization ? as upon the education and the elevation of the laborer devolves the 
 continuation of this republic, and upon the continuation of this republic may depend the 
 freedom of all mankind ! 
 
 There are unmistakable signs in the political horizon of this country, of a sad depart- 
 ure from the principles laid down by our forefathers. Washington's test for governmental, 
 State, and municipal officials was — is he capable, is he honest? But nowadays we hear 
 the questions asked : What will he give for the office, or will he divide the spoils ? or, 
 which is the same thing, Will he favor this or the other monopoly, or favor the movement 
 of some despotic design to crush the honest laborer ? 
 
 Thus, honesty, integrity, and justice, it seems, no longer deserve merit in politics, nor, 
 I regret to say, in ordinary transactions of this enlightened age ; consequently, confidence 
 among men is destroyed, and our country is rapidly plunging into monopolies, aristocracies, 
 frauds, bribery, and malfeasance in office. Such is the condition and such the tendency of 
 this country, that the distance from where we now stand to despotism is much shorter 
 than we would care to have measured out to us, as it might point to the short period in 
 which the apprentice boys, who now frequent our libraries, will be called upon to fight 
 over again the battles of freedom in America. 
 
 The thought that this nation is rapidly tending toward a monarchy, in less than a 
 century of its existence, is to me a sad contemplation. This tendency is the result of 
 speculation, or artificial means resorted to in order to acquire what is considered an 
 honorable position in society — that is, a closer proximity to the aristocrat. To show the 
 extent and magnitude of the speculative condition and tendency of the people of this 
 country, I extract from a circular issued by a respectable commercial agency in this city 
 the following : 
 
 " We beg your reference to the following table, giving such particulars as may be of 
 some interest. It has been gotten up in great haste, necessarily, but we have avoided no 
 pains or expense to make it accurate. In the large cities we have, in three-fourths of the 
 cases, the statements of the parties themselves. In some recent cases of failure no exhibits 
 have as yet been prepared. In all instances where these statements were not to be had, 
 we have put a careful estimate upon each case, our own records furnishing us data by which 
 we could more nearly approximate it than by any other method. 
 
 "We have not included such houses as suspended for a short time, and resumed 
 payment ; nor such as, during the panic, had partial or even general extension, where it 
 has been upon short time ; nor have we included the losses by the failures of banks or 
 railroads. 
 
MECHANICS AND TRADESMEN. 
 
 325 
 
 " These returns omit California, our arrangements for that State not yet being as 
 perfect as elsewhere. 
 
 " It will be seen that the number of firms in the United States (California excepted), 
 by our records — and they embrace all but a class of small retailers in the larger cities — is 
 204,061 ; or, estimating the population at 25,000,000, that there is a store to every 123 of 
 our inhabitants, or to every 25 families. 
 
 " There has been lost by 337 swindling and absconding debtors, $5,222,500, and by 
 512 firms which will pay nothing, their losses and confidential debts absorbing everything, 
 $20,309,000. There are 3,839 concerns owing $197,080,500, and they are such cases as 
 usually average 40 to 50 cents; and there are 435 houses owing $77,189,000, which will 
 pay in full if the times ahead prove to be ordinarily prosperous. 
 
 " The total amount of the liabilities of the 5,123 failures is put down at $299,801,000." 
 
 These statistics require no comments. Figures tell their own stories and the true 
 results, and in this case they show most conclusively the tendency of the American people. 
 Speculators lay the foundation for monopolies, and monopolies thrive best under mon- 
 archies. And out of speculations, monopolies, and monarchies, have grown the system of 
 aristocracies, which has plunged the nations of the past into crime and degradation. And 
 it is the condition of nearly all nations on the face of the globe but our own, and this 
 country is almost within the grasp of a despotic power. 
 
 The question whether this country shall continue to be governed by the principles of 
 republicanism, or pass into the hands of oligarchies and despots, will sooner or later be 
 contested in this country, and it is being agitated even now. The accumulation of gold in 
 the hands of the few, and land monopolies and the slavery question, is virtually the hideous 
 form of despotism. 
 
 The power of gold and the slavery question constituted the elements which caused the 
 downfall of Greece and Rome ; and the same elements and causes will determine the ultimate 
 of these United States, and, upon the turn which these questions take, will lead either to 
 the attainment of pure democratic principles or the final overthrow of this republic. 
 
 With your indulgence, I will glance still further at the condition and tendency of our 
 country at large, that we may the more accurately determine what are our duties, as con- 
 tributors and sustainers, to the principles which constituted the basis of the American 
 Government. 
 
 As a nation, we are passing through a commercial and financial crisis unprecedented 
 in its magnitude and most destructive in its consequences. The banker, the merchant, 
 the broker, and the speculator, have been swept off the stage of action, and now lie 
 buried beneath promises unfulfilled and obligations undischarged. 
 
 The mechanic, the manufacturer, and the agriculturist, being closely associated with 
 these classes, and by them by far too much controlled, have been obliged to submit to 
 losses, and in many cases ruin. Consequently, the laborer has been thrown out of 
 employment, and his family reduced to hunger, cold, and beggary. The poor orphan 
 girl has been thrown upon the cold charities and selfishness of society, and perchance 
 driven to despair and suicide, by viewing on the one hand starvation, and on the other 
 disgrace and degradation. 
 
326 
 
 GENERAL SOCIETY OF 
 
 Thus, our streets are filled with the unemployed, begging for work and bread ; and 
 our city is infested with organized banditti, for plunder and rapine; our citizens and 
 strangers are unsafe in their properly, and their lives, by day and by night, are in 
 jeopardy. 
 
 This is the sad picture and the sad condition of society in which we dwell. And, too, 
 at a time when knowledge is more universally diffused ; and at a time when the light of 
 science shines more brilliantly upon our paths than it ever before shone upon any period 
 in the history of the world ! And, too, in a country that abounds in natural resources and 
 natural wealth sufficient for all our needs, and a climate favorable to all our wants and com- 
 forts. Nature also sends forth her enchanting melodies, and her smiles in fragrant flowers, 
 to cheer and invite us to Justice, Fraternity, Harmony, and Love. But, alas for man ! 
 notwithstanding these privileges and divine blessings, mankind live and dwell in discord, 
 enmity, selfishness, and crime. 
 
 And why is it ? Is there no cause ? Yes, a cause broad, deep, and cankerous ! The 
 evils of misery and degradation of mankind arise from the simple fact that labor is 
 disreputable. The history of the past proclaims, and the experience of the present 
 confirms, that to labor and to earn our bread by the sweat of the brow is discreditable — a 
 reproach, a disgrace, and a stigma upon every man, woman, or child, according to the 
 false standard or aristocratical judgment of the world. 
 
 Hence, the rising generation resort to every device — yes, and every vice — to avoid 
 the God-like principle of labor. 
 
 This standard, by which mankind are judged, originated with monarchs, kings, and 
 queens, — the despots and usurpers of the rights of man, in the dark ages of the past, — 
 and it is a standard that is being perfected and peq^etuated by every speculator, 
 monopolizer, and aristocrat of every town, city, State, and nation of the world. 
 
 The desire of riches, for aristocratical and selfish purposes, induces the American 
 people to embark in all the various forms of speculations v. hich now infest society. Hence 
 it is that all the avenues, from the producer to the consumer, are hedged in and blocked 
 up with speculators and monopolizers, with an object of extorting something from both, 
 whereby they may enrich themselves, and gain power and dominion over the producer 
 and tyrannize over the consumer. 
 
 This system is wide-spread and deep-rooted, and constitutes the basis of all despotic 
 forms of governments; and it is a system that has destroyed every spark of humanity in 
 the Old World, and this system is wide-spreading and deep-rooting in this new republic ! 
 
 The result of monopolies in the past have been to deprive the producers of their just 
 rights, and the same results must be realized from the same causes in the future — results, 
 too, that have never failed to enrich still more the wealthy, and plunge the poor still 
 deeper in poverty, and, finally, serfdom and slavery. 
 
 This is the history of the past, in unmistakable language ; and, as time rolls on, it will 
 prove the history of the future and the ultimate of this nation. 
 
 Since the acquisition and discovery of gold in California, speculations have received 
 an impetus never before realized in this country, and its effects upon the morals of the 
 American people are prominently manifested. 
 
MECHANICS AND TRADESMEN, 
 
 327 
 
 As in all other countries, so in ours. The substitution of gold for labor has ever been, 
 and will ever be, demoralizing, degenerating, and degrading in its tendency upon both 
 men and nations. 
 
 This is signally proved and unmistakably set forth in all history, both sacred and 
 profane. 
 
 The effects of a great abundance of gold in times of peace is to reduce the people to 
 idleness and profligacy, and in times of war to bind the nation in bondage and slavery. 
 
 The history of Greece bears abundant testimony of the truthfulness of this assertion. 
 The democracy of the Athenians was sustained and promoted just so long as industry was 
 esteemed honorable and essential for the preservation of health, strength, and purity of 
 mankind, and an indispensable qualification and guarantee of power, strength, and influ- 
 ence of a nation. But at last, notwithstanding the warning and eloquence of Demos- 
 thenes, and the dignity with which Lycurgus and Solon crowned the laborer, she succumbed 
 to the fictitious value attached to gold, through which grew out a system of usury, specu- 
 lations, and monopolies which resulted in enslaving her people, from which Athens 
 degenerated, and the Athenians fell an easy prey to a despotic power. 
 
 We have seen the effects of gold in other nations nearer our own country, and in our 
 own time; and also the degenerating effects of a feudal system of land-monopolies and 
 landlords. And England felt it, in the last allied war, in her feeble efforts before Sebas- 
 topol. Her efforts in that attempt plainly indicated that aristocrats make feeble soldiers, 
 as well as bad examples ! 
 
 The effects of a golden harvest and a golden mania is unmistakably manifested in the 
 present condition of Spain and Mexico. 
 
 As it has been, and is, with other nations, so will it be with ours ere long, unless we 
 retrace our steps and restore dignity to labor. 
 
 It has been shown that the American people are favored beyond measure as to 
 climate, natural resources, and natural wealth ; and that Nature sends forth her beauties 
 to gratify, her harmonies to cheer, and her bounties to supply our needs. Besides, we live 
 under a constitution which proclaims that " all men are created equal ; that they are 
 endowed by their Creator with certain inherent and inalienable rights : that among these 
 are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness." Thus, as a people, we have every blessing 
 that man could ask for, and every inducement to urge us to fraternity, happiness, and 
 justice. Instead of which we live in enmity and hatred toward each other in the pursuits 
 of life, and end our days in selfishness and in sorrow. 
 
 Why is it thus ? Has civilization proved a failure, and the elective franchise of a free 
 people inadequate for the distribution of justice? No; the golden power in this country 
 is producing the same results as in a monarchy, viz., extreme wealth, extreme poverty, 
 extreme slavery, extreme crime, and extreme degradation ! Can it be that the golden 
 idol, before which nations bow with reverence and men worship and adore, will always* 
 sway the destinies of men and nations ? And will it ever be that this nation will descend 
 so low in the scale of justice and humanity as to establish the false standard of aristo- 
 cratical judgment — a judgment without truth, without principles, without justice, or 
 fraternal feelings ; surrounded with judges, made up of a class who produce nothing but 
 
328 
 
 GENERAL SOCIETY OF 
 
 disease — and a disease, too, contagious in its nature, malignant in its character, and most 
 destructive in its results ? 
 
 It is a disease that moulds our children into bankers, money changers, brokers, 
 speculators, monopolizers, lawyers, and aristocrats — all of which are incompatible with a 
 pure democracy. And more, it is converting our most gifted youth into gamblers, thieves, 
 and robbers, and making of our most beautiful young women prostitutes and worthless 
 outlaws. 
 
 This disease arises from the simple fact that labor is disreputable and aristocracies 
 honorable. This disease is taking fast hold of the American people, and, unless checked 
 and finally subdued, this republic will ere long be numbered among the despots of the 
 world ! 
 
 The only salvation for this republic is in the education and the elevation of the 
 laborer. Bring around the young industrial classes the light of science, and a greater 
 knowledge of themselves as physical, intellectual, and immortal beings, and their relation 
 to nature and to God, and we shall be saved. 
 
 Educate the laborer in science and in art, and their application to industry, and 
 develop their higher faculties in accordance with the principles of nature, and man will 
 ere long comprehend that true wealth, true greatness, and true goodness does not consist 
 in gold, in bonds and mortgages, bank stocks, and houses — but that it does consist in 
 knowledge of eternal principles, of universal justice, virtue, and heaven-born wisdom. Oh, 
 that the American people would raise themselves above the corrupting influences of gold 
 and selfishness, and take their stand firmly upon the Rock of Ages — Labor, and the prin- 
 ciples of Nature and Nature's God ! Then would this nation be a republic indeed, and 
 this country would become the garden of the world, and this people an example for all 
 mankind. 
 
 The aristocratical standard, by which mankind are judged, consigns to poverty and 
 degradation those upon whom we depend for our daily food ; and the manufacturer who 
 forms the fabrics that cover our bodies, and the mechanic who builds our ships, steam- 
 boats, locomotives, and builds our houses, that protect us from the storm ; and prints and 
 binds our books, and furnishes us with newspapers ; and constructs the telescopes, through 
 which we gaze and behold the mysteries and wonders of God's power, goodness, and love. 
 Yes, these students of Nature, these imitators of the Eternal Producer, and the appren- 
 tices of the All-wise Mechanic — these true worshipers of the Divine Father — are, 
 according to the standard of the world, denominated " common," and unfit to associate 
 with the so-called higher classes, even in this boasted land of republicanism. The rights 
 of the laborer, and the distribution of justice, are becoming the all-absorbing topics of this 
 enlightened age. And they are topics that concern us individually, socially, and politically. 
 And upon the decision of these topics depend our highest privileges, and upon them depends 
 the freedom of the world. 
 
 This Society has done much toward removing the prejudices and disadvantages 
 under which the mechanics of this city have labored. But the great work of redeeming 
 the laborer from frowns, and his elevation to a standard commensurate with their just 
 rights, have scarcely yet begun. 
 
MECHANICS AND TRADESMEN 
 
 329 
 
 The great increase in the population of this city, and the increasing wants of the 
 mechanic, in order to keep pace with the rapid progress in the knowledge of science and 
 art, require of us corresponding efforts in ways and means, so that the light of this knowl- 
 edge may shine advantageously upon the paths of the apprentice, and manifest itself in 
 the true mechanic. 
 
 The rapid advances which are now being made in the perfection of art, and in the 
 wonderful discoveries in the use of electricity in connection with the powers of steam, are 
 producing great changes in the affairs of men, and must, ultimately, in the affairs of 
 nations. 
 
 The laborer should be crowned with a knowledge of art and science. This is the 
 great work for the coming generation, and a work that angels and God require at our 
 hands. Institutions for the education and elevation of the industrial classes, by uniting 
 science with the various productive interests of our country, is the field in which we 
 should, as a Society, enter with all our energies, talents, and means. It is a field that as 
 yet not a plow nor a spade has broken ground in this city. 
 
 There is no class of men, nor any association, so abundantly qualified in means and 
 abilities as the Mechanics and Tradesmen's Society of the City of New-York ; and there is 
 no class of men among the inquirers into the principles of nature that the world can look 
 to with more assurance for usefulness than to the true mechanic ; and to no class among 
 the rising generation could our efforts be more advantageously applied than to the 
 apprentice in the accomplishment of this great work. 
 
 Shall we go forth, then, and pluck the flower which is already within our reach, or 
 shall we remain in our present state of inactivity, and see others grasp it, and bear it 
 triumphantly over our heads ? There will be a Mechanics' Polytechnic School estab- 
 lished in the city of New- York, and it depends on the immediate action of this Society 
 whether it, or some other association, shall receive the honor of laying its foundation. 
 
 A Mechanics' Polytechnic Institution in the city of New- York would be to the me- 
 chanical interest of the United States what West Point Academy is to the American Army. 
 
 When we consider the great diminution of apprentices among the American youth, 
 there is evidently a serious cause and a radical error. And it undoubtedly consists in the 
 slavish system, now in use, whereby the apprentice is forced to resort, in order to obtain 
 some little insight into the various trades and occupations of mechanics of New-York. 
 
 Few there are, I fear, among mechanics who pursue their vocation with much, if any, 
 reference to principles. Such instances must be rare, indeed, when the paramount object 
 of the American people, in all their pursuits in life, is to wealth, ease, and aristocracies. 
 Hence, the mechanic pursues his occupation for pecuniary gains, without reference to 
 science or thinking. I apprehend that the true mechanic should study and know more of 
 the principles of nature than other class in society or among men. 
 
 The mechanic, therefore, when taking an apprentice, does so with special reference 
 to pecuniary gains, forgetting, in his anxious pursuit after riches, that his apprentice is 
 entitled to care, and to be educated in the principles of the trade in view. 
 
 I feel justified in asserting that apprentices can never acquire a knowledge of the 
 science of mechanics under the present slavish system of learning trades. Besides, it 
 
33Q 
 
 GENERAL SOCIETY OF 
 
 deters the more intelligent portion of the rising generation from attempting it. Conse- 
 quently, few, if any, Americans, are now found among the apprentice boys, from the fact 
 that parents are unwilling that their children should be bound out to toil and hardship, for 
 the little insight they obtain of the principles of mechanics. 
 
 This needs the serious attention of all, especially of the true mechanic, who knows 
 the wants and needs of the apprentice, in order to prepare him to enter understandingly 
 the great productive pursuits of our country. 
 
 If it be necessary to establish rules and boundaries whereby to test the qualifications 
 and attainments of the lawyer, the doctor, and the ecclesiastic, is it not also essential and 
 necessary that there should be some standard whereby the public might know of the 
 qualifications of the mechanic who builds our ships, steamboats, locomotives, and bridges, 
 upon the construction of which frequently depend our lives ? 
 
 There are very many in the city of New- York and elsewhere who would gladly avail 
 themselves of an institution such as already referred to, in order to give their children a 
 mechanical education, and a greater proficiency in art and science. 
 
 Is it not a disgrace to New- York that the juvenile delinquent should be better 
 provided with educational privileges and better cared for than the honest apprentice ? 
 
 Yisit the institution on Blackwell's Island, erected for the juvenile delinquents of our 
 State, and contrast their advantages (except as to the privileges of their liberty) with the 
 honest apprentice, and it seems to me that hearts as hard as adamant would quail for the 
 negligence and thoughtlessness of the American people in behalf of the young, and in 
 reference to rewarding the industrious and the virtuous according to their merits. 
 
 As I walked through that institution for the juvenile delinquents, on the island 
 referred to, and inspected its workshops, school-rooms, and play-grounds, I realized 
 feelings of sadness and joy indescribable. The thought that our State authorities had 
 begun the great work of redemption of the young criminal was to me a source of gieat 
 joy. But the thought that how much better it would be for our State to provide institu- 
 tions for the prevention of crime and for the instruction of the rising industrial classes in 
 the various industrial pursuits, and in science and in art, than to be at the expense of pro- 
 viding for them after having degraded themselves, not only in the eyes of society, but in 
 their own estimation, from which doubtless they would never outgrow, was to me a 
 source of sad contemplation. Could the children of poor and degraded parents be sent to 
 institutions like the one to which reference has been made, before committing crimes, how 
 much better it would be for our city and State — for it would be the means of saving 
 thousands from becoming thieves and robbers, and thousands from prostitution and 
 infamy. 
 
 I refer to the Institution for Juvenile Delinquents as a model institution — not only as 
 an institution for the young criminal, but as a model for an institution for the prevention 
 of crime. 
 
 It affords me great pleasure to know that some of the members of this Society have 
 been prominent in perfecting the plans of that institution, as well as other institutions on 
 the islands, and, I believe, still hold prominent positions in the administration of their 
 affairs. 
 
MECHANICS AND TRADESMEN 
 
 331 
 
 There is much information to be obtained in passing through the institutions of 
 our city on the adjacent islands. Besides, it is a treat rarely met with, for any having 
 one drop of human blood in their veins, to know that there is one spot on the face of the 
 globe of real humanity. 
 
 Retracing the progress of the past, to fhe days of Washington and of Franklin, we 
 find the germ of this noble institution — The Mechanics and Tradesmen's Society; a 
 society that has watched over and guarded the interest of the mechanic, while engaged in 
 building up and beautifying this vast metropolis ; a society ever ready to extend a helping 
 hand to a brother in times of revulsions and commercial disasters, as in times of prosperity ; 
 a society engaged in promoting and disseminating literary and scientific knowledge among 
 the industrial classes; a society that has been upheld and sustained by some of New- 
 York's most esteemed and distinguished citizens; a society in the enjoyment of wealth 
 and influence that challenges our whole country. Such is our Society ! 
 
 The arrangements into the various committees which compose its executive branches, 
 and the benefits resulting from those departments, bear ample testimony of the sagacity 
 of the founders of the institution, and the wisdom of those members who have been instru- 
 mental in the perfection of those plans and the promotion of its objects. 
 
 To relieve the unfortunate, the widow, and the orphan, were the primary objects of 
 the founders of this Society. Such is the language, and such are the promises, made to 
 every mechanic and tradesman who enters the fraternal bond of this benevolent institution. 
 And it must be a proud satisfaction to every member of the Society to know that this 
 promise is sacredly kept and faithfully fulfilled to every indigent member while life 
 remains in the external form ; and when it departs, his last remains are removed by the 
 Society (if the necessity requires) to his last place of rest ! 
 
 In remembrance of the departed brother, and in consequence of this pledge, the 
 widow is kindly and respectfully considered by the Committee on Pensions, and the 
 Society, through them, aids her in her wants and cheers her in her misfortunes. The 
 orphans also appear, bearing the pledge to the lamented father, and they, too, are aided in 
 their temporal wants; and means were provided to give them a free education when there 
 were few, if any, opportunities in the city whereby they might cultiva' i their intellectual 
 faculties. 
 
 These were the laudable purposes that brought this great and noble institution into 
 being; and the results which have grown out of the harmonious labors of the committee 
 having this department in charge is conclusive evidence of its adaptation to the purposes 
 for which it was designed. 
 
 This department has proved a blessing to the indigent members, their widows, and 
 their orphans, and a well-merited honor to the Society. 
 
 It appears from the annual report of the Pension Committee that there were, during 
 the past year, ninety persons who were the recipients of the Society's pecuniary favors. 
 
 The appropriation to this department, as appears from the Treasurer's report, was 
 $3,400. 
 
 The department represented by the Literary and Scientific Committee has contributed 
 much to our pleasure, and, I trust, much to our knowledge. 
 
332 
 
 GENERAL SOCIETY OF 
 
 To make this department truly instructing, popular, and beneficial to the Society and 
 to the public, much care and attention will be required. Some complaints have been 
 made in reference to this department. There are some among us who consider this 
 department quite inefficient, considering the amount annually appropriated to defray its 
 expenses. I am inclined, however, to be charitable in reference to those who have in 
 charge this branch of the Society, knowing that the committees have labored under many 
 disadvantages, the most prominent of which is in not having a suitable and commodious 
 lecture-room of our own. 
 
 A large and attractive lecture-room is, in my opinion, indispensable for the success 
 and efficiency of this useful and interesting department. 
 
 Had the Society a large hall, our lectures could be made very attractive, and the 
 Mechanics' Hall would become as attractive and notorious in usefulness as it is now in 
 nonsense. 
 
 If this could be realized, the expenses attending this department might be wholly 
 defrayed by the sale of tickets to all non-members. 
 
 This circumstance alone would induce others to join the Society for the privileges of 
 the lectures, providing the lectures can be made popular. To accomplish this, no second- 
 rate lecturer should ever be employed. Give the public to understand that, whenever the 
 Mechanics and Tradesmen's Society advertise a lecture, it will be a sure guarantee for 
 an intellectual entertainment, and we should never fail to dispose of tickets sufficiently to 
 defray the expenses attending the lecture. 
 
 Attain this point in our lecturing department, and it will prove one of the most useful 
 and interesting of the Society's efforts. The usual appropriation to this department is five 
 hundred dollars per annum. 
 
 The Library department I approach with much personal feeling in behalf of its well- 
 being and future success as a library, and its* influence on the minds of that class of the 
 rising generation whom it was designed to benefit. 
 
 Ten years ago, this very period, I had the honor of being appointed on the committee 
 having charge of this department. And I have ever felt a deep interest in its enlargement 
 and prominence as a library in our great city. And it is a department which it has been 
 truly said I more particularly represent. 
 
 1 1 affords me great pleasure, as a member of the Library Committee in the past, to 
 acknowledge the liberality and kind attention on the part of the Society in behalf of that 
 branch of this Institution. 
 
 The Society has ever been ready and willing to meet promptly all the demands of the 
 Library Committee for all purposes calculated to improve the library and promote the 
 interests of its readers. 
 
 In this department, as well as in the literary and scientific, there is much need of 
 improvement. There is a lack of room for the proper display of books, and commodious 
 and attractive reading-rooms. Besides, there is great need of a picture gallery, which 
 should contain a general assortment of mechanical drawings. Had the library department 
 a gallery of art, it would afford means of attracting a greater number of visitors to our 
 reading-rooms, and the means of largely increasing the readers of our libraries, especially 
 
MECHANICS AND TRADESMEN 
 
 333 
 
 the De Milt. The books in the De Milt library are well adapted for a reference library, 
 and as such it might be made very attractive. The expense attending our libraries and 
 reading-rooms, considering the small number of readers, is quite an item, leaving but a 
 small amount for new books out of the annual appropriation ; whereas, if it was more 
 attractively presented to the public, with increased facilities, it might be made in part self- 
 sustaining. If this happy result could be attained with the annual liberal appropriation 
 of the Society, it might and ought to be the most influential library in our city; especially 
 because of the plan which has been adopted in relation to that part of our library known 
 as the De Milt, of making it an attractive reference library for mechanical and scientific 
 purposes. 
 
 In relation to the Library department, I beg the liberty of presenting a suggestion to 
 your favorable notice. And should it receive your favorable consideration and approval, 
 it will, in my opinion, not only bring the library and reading-rooms into greater notice and 
 usefulness, but it will also be the means, ultimately, of largely increasing the members of 
 the Society. 
 
 The suggestion is: for the Society to invite the formation of a Journeyman and 
 Apprentice's Library Association, by granting them privileges to the library and reading- 
 rooms, and the use of our lecture-room, allowing them to elect their own officers, etc., to 
 be under the supervision of the Library Committee. 
 
 This would give to our libraries, reading-rooms, and Society a greater impetus than 
 it has ever had from any other source whatever. This association, if properly fostered by 
 the Society, would be constantly preparing new members to the general association. With- 
 out some new source of influx, this Society will dwindle away, and ere long be numbered 
 among the institutions of the past. 
 
 I hear a universal complaint that our Society is doing nothing. But the difficulty is, 
 we have nothing to do. We have ploughed and harrowed our ground until the soil is 
 beginning to lose its vitality, and the laborers, in consequence, are becoming disheartened 
 for the want of some new element to feed upon. This is the true condition of the Society ; 
 and without some new element of a progressive nature, it will rapidly decay and finally 
 terminate its existence in a struggle for the spoils. 
 
 It appears from the Annual Report of the Library Committee, that there are 1,473 
 readers in both libraries, 155 less than the previous year. The number of volumes in both 
 libaries is 18,961, — 15,966 in the Apprentices', and 2, 995 in the De Milt Library. 
 
 The appropriation for this department for the past year was $2,000. 
 
 The expenses attending the libraries, exclusive of rent, is about $800 per annum. 
 
 The next and last department, although not by any means the least, is the Society's 
 School. 
 
 The conception and establishment of the department represented by the School Com- 
 mittee was truly a noble thought and a noble deed, not only as a prominent means of 
 increasing the members of the Society, but as a beneficial effort in behalf of their children, 
 in placing within their reach the means to improve their mental and intellectual capacities. 
 
 Considering the period in which the Society established its school, it certainly was 
 an enterprise and a charity worthy of our country's highest admiration. 
 
334 
 
 GENERAL SOCIETY OF 
 
 It may be truly said that this Society planted the acorn that has given birth to the 
 expansive and flourishing oak under which the children of this great city sit and cultivate 
 and develop their nobler faculties. 
 
 The public free schools of this city and State constitute a tree of knowledge such as 
 the world never before looked upon. Under its branches are gathered together the children 
 of the rich and the poor, breathing the same atmosphere, occupying the same seats, and 
 drinking from the same great fountain of free and equal knowledge. 
 
 From a report of the Superintendent of Public Schools, recently made to the Legisla- 
 ture of this State, we learn the gratifying fact that there are 832,735 children who attend 
 the public schools, and taught by 12,452 male and 19,111 female teachers. 
 
 The number of volumes in the libraries in these schools now number 1,377,923. 
 What an example this presents to every State in our Union and every nation of our 
 globe ! 
 
 I noticed, also, in the report recently made by the Board of Education of this city, 
 that there are 277 schools that come within their jurisdiction, which are classed as 
 follows: Free Academy, 1; normal schools, 3; normal school for colored persons, 1; 
 grammar schools ' for boys, 47 ; grammar schools for girls, 47 ; primary schools, 99 ; 
 colored ward and primary schools, 14; evening schools, 34; evening schools for colored 
 persons, 2; corporate asylum schools, 26 ; corporate asylum schools for colored persons, 3. 
 
 What a contrast, compared with the opportunities when this Society first established 
 their school mainly for the members' children ! The establishment of free schools in our 
 city and State is worthy of a thanksgiving and general rejoicing ; not only on account of 
 the advantages the city and State will derive from them, but also on account of the 
 influence this system of education will have and exert upon our whole country. It is 
 through the influence of such institutions for the education and elevation of the poorer 
 classes, under the fostering care of States and General Government, that this nation will 
 be sustained as a republic and saved from a despotic power. 
 
 With such educational institutions, and the elevation of the laborer to a position of 
 dignity and honor, this country will ultimately be governed by the purest principles of 
 democracy. And without such institutions, and the elevation of the laborer to dignity 
 and respect, this republic will cease to exist, and ultimate in the basest despotism the sun 
 ever shone upon. 
 
 From the annual report of the School Committee we leam the following results : 
 Whole number of pupils, 274 — 1 1 1 boys, 163 girls ; of this number there are ten girls and 
 eight boys on the free-list. 
 
 Decrease of pupils in the school during the past year, 132. The appropriation for 
 the past year, according to the Treasurer's report, was $2,663.88. 
 
 It is very evident, from the committee's report, that our school is rapidly declining in 
 scholars, and consequently in receipts. And it is not at all astonishing that it is so, 
 amidst such powerful combinations and natural causes. 
 
 To attempt to sustain our school on its present plan would (in my opinion) be as 
 futile as to attempt to compete against steam with horse-power, or to use steam in com- 
 peting with electricity in the rapid transmission of thought. 
 
MECHANICS AND TRADESMEN. 
 
 335 
 
 I am well aware of the hazardous position I occupy in relation to the favorite depart- 
 ment represented by the School Committee, and I have not taken it without carefully 
 considering the true interest of the Society, the true interest of the apprentice, and the true 
 interest of the mechanic. 
 
 It is maintained that our school constitutes the right arm of the Society, and the 
 principal means of the increase of its members, and without our school there would be no 
 inducement for others to join it. That it has been a prominent source through which our 
 Society has been enlarged, and that our school has been a source of knowledge to the 
 children of the Society's members and others, none can deny. But if the more liberal 
 views of the citizens of our State have supplanted it, we cannot deny also but that our 
 school has lost its potency, and it must, of necessity, bear the same relation to that enlarged 
 thought that the acorn bears to the oak. And, as it is an unchangeable law in nature that 
 the decay of the acorn is in proportion to the growth and expansion of the oak, so must it 
 be with our public free schools if we attain more and more toward pure democratic 
 principles ; and they are as sure to supersede our pay-school, if we follow in their track, as 
 the oak is to supersede the acorn. 
 
 If this right arm of ours has become palsied and is beginning to wither, would it not 
 be better to amputate it before it diseases our whole body ? 
 
 I would not, however, recommend immediate amputation, for I trust that on examina- 
 tion we shall find the disease as yet on the surface, and unless proud-flesh has too deep a 
 hold, this arm of ours may be galvanized into new life and new form, which will yet 
 render lasting benefits to the industrial interests of our whole country. 
 
 In order that we may understand more fully the true condition and tendency not only 
 of our school, but all the interests of the Society, I would recommend the renewal of the 
 proposition of our elder brother, offered not long since, to appoint a committee of thirteen, 
 to take into consideration the entire interests of the Society, in connection with its duties 
 to the rising generation, and its duties as contributors and sustainers of this glorious 
 republic. 
 
 I would, however, make one suggestion in reference to our school — a suggestion 
 which I deem of the utmost importance to the Society, to the apprentice and mechanical 
 interest of our city, and as an example for our country at large. This suggestion is for this 
 Society to begin at once to lay the foundation for a Polytechnic School, to which reference 
 has already been made. This, of course, would supersede our present plan of a school, as 
 it will require a different course of instruction. 
 
 The establishment of a polytechnic institution for educational purposes is in manifest 
 obedience to a demand of the most general interest of the present age. 
 
 In all civilized countries the prosecution of industrial pursuits, in some one of their 
 multiform phases, constitutes the prime business of man. Whether we regard his opera- 
 tions as an agricultural producer, as a manufacturer or artisan, as a merchant or a factor — " 
 or, finally, as an engineer or architect, adapting his work to the wants common or peculiar 
 of all the rest — still, how different soever the respective modes, they nevertheless concur 
 in contributing to the advancement of the great business of life. 
 
33^ GENERAL SOCIETY OF 
 
 PRODUCTIVE INDUSTRY. 
 
 From a report and description of the Polytechnic institutions of Europe, which report 
 I have in my possession, I copy the following in relation to the French, who are considered 
 the most proficient in art, science, and philosophy, to which the French people are mainly 
 indebted to their Polytechnic institutions : 
 
 The oldest organization bearing the appellation of Polytechnic is an institution of 
 world-wide celebrity, the Ecole Polytechnique, now the ficole Imperiale Polytechnique, of 
 Paris, established near the close of the last century by a few accomplished and zealous 
 professors of the mathematical and physical sciences, under the fostering care of the French 
 Government, an especial favorite with the first Emperor Napoleon, from whom it received 
 the most watchful consideration so long as his ever appreciative sagacity could be made 
 available to its growth and usefulness. It soon came to be, and indeed has been, for 
 the last half-century, undoubtedly, in certain respects, the first school of science in the 
 world. 
 
 The following are some of the prominent branches taught in that institution : 
 
 Analysis, Mechanics, Descriptive Geometry, Transformation of Motion, General 
 Physics, General Ghemistry, Chemical Manipulations, Natural History applied to Indus- 
 try, Mineralogy and Geology, Physical Geography, Working of Mines, Steam-Engines, 
 Common Roads, Railways, Construction of Bridges, Theory of Stone-cutting, Architec- 
 tural Drawing, Industrial Physics, Applied Mechanics, Machines, Drawing, Analytical 
 Chemistry, Industrial Chemistry, Architecture, General Metallurgy of Iron, Technology, 
 Hydraulic Works, Design Work. 
 
 Shape our plans for the accomplishment of a school like this, and we shall soon have 
 a Mechanics' School, de facto, which our city so much requires and our apprentices and 
 mechanics so much need, and our public free schools will not interfere with our operations, 
 nor retard our progress. 
 
 I am aware that some of our members are in favor of continuing our school, or con- 
 verting it into a young ladies' high school. It cannot be expected, therefore, of those 
 who have their hearts fixed on such a system, that they will favor the idea of a Polytech- 
 nic School. But I would inquire of those members, what the Mechanics' Society have to 
 do with a young ladies' fashionable high school ? 
 
 It is said, by a prominent member of the Society and a prominent member of the 
 School Committee, that the name "mechanic" is very much against our success in the 
 business, not a charity, of a young ladies' school. And his reasoning and conclusions are 
 undoubtedly correct ; if so, it amounts to positive evidence that we are, as well as our 
 country, traveling from or endeavoring to separate from the great principles which formed 
 the basis of our Association, that of elevating the laboring mechanic. 
 
 The philanthropic women of the city should come together also, and lay the founda- 
 tion for a Young Ladies' Industrial School, on a similar plan as suggested, in reference to 
 a Mechanics' Polytechnic Institution for young men. 
 
MECHANICS AND TRADESMEN, 337 
 
 As to a young ladies' fashionable high school, we have too many already, and so high 
 that good common sense seldom, if ever, reaches them. 
 
 It is high time that the industrial girls should have an institution in which they might 
 be educated, in connection with a knowledge of art, which would prepare them for useful 
 and honorable lives, instead of night-walkers in our streets and inmates of the corrupting 
 dens of our city. In this suggestion, a great field is opened for the philanthropist, and 
 our Society could not do a nobler act than to induce the wives and daughters of its 
 members to embark in the glorious undertaking of establishing on a large scale a female 
 school, in which the poor girls of our city might be educated and instructed in the various 
 arts, through which they would be enabled to obtain an honorable and comfortable 
 subsistence. 
 
 As with very rich men, so with rich societies, without enterprise (which is rarely pos- 
 sessed by either), they do the least for the country and the least for humanity. 
 
 Considering the means and the talents of this Society, it is less known than any other 
 association in the world. 
 
 There are other associations, with little or no means, and some of them engaged in 
 similar pursuits as our own, which are acquiring a prominency in our city, and, from 
 present appearances, are destined ultimately to excel our efforts, and our Society will be 
 left far in the background, notwithstanding our resources and capabilities. 
 
 Some of these institutions are presenting the public with far more attractive lectures, 
 and attract far more attention without means, or, rather, without money, than we do with 
 money. Why is it ? 
 
 It is because their labor and their energy is by far the better capital to them than our 
 Society's money is to them without energy. And their labor and energy will do far more 
 for the rising generation and the country than will our accumulation of gold and houses. 
 
 We hear of other associations and societies celebrating their anniversaries, and see 
 glowing accounts of their orations and festivities, but not a word from the Mechanics and 
 Tradesmen's Society. 
 
 In reference to this neglected branch of the Society, I would recommend that we 
 also celebrate its anniversary with an oration and such other festivities is the members, in 
 their wisdom, may think proper. 
 
 I am confident that there is no society in the city of New- York that is better 
 entitled, and more worthy of a conspicuous place in the hearts of the people, taking into 
 consideration its antiquity and objects, than the Mechanics and Tradesmen's. 
 
 The subject of removal up-town, and the erection of an edifice suitable for the pur- 
 poses of the Society, and the sale of the Park Place house, have occupied some portion of 
 our thoughts, and been the means of some action on the part of the Society during the 
 past year. But, since the explosion of the speculative bubble of this country and on the . 
 continent of Europe, those questions have again settled down to their original quietude — 
 and, from present appearances, there to remain for some time to come. 
 
 The last indication on the part of the Society seemed to favor the proposition to 
 again lease the Park Place property, and to purchase the adjoining lot on Broadway; 
 although no action was had in reference to this purchase, but, from the interchange of 
 
338 
 
 GENERAL SOCIETY OF 
 
 ideas among the members, it seemed to favor this idea — and from that I gather this 
 inferential conclusion. 
 
 The adjoining lot, together with what we now have, would make fifty feet on Broad- 
 way, extending one hundred feet to where it unites with the Society's original lot of one 
 hundred feet square on Crosby street-. This additional lot would afford the Society room 
 on Broadway for quite a conspicuous front, if they thought proper to build where we now 
 are, and the one hundred feet square in the rear would afford quite a commodious lecture- 
 room, besides greater facilities for our libraries, reading-rooms, and picture galleries, and 
 school, should the Society think proper to commence laying the foundation for a 
 Polytechnic Institution. 
 
 In a financial point of view, it seems to me that the Society should purchase the lot 
 adjoining, if it can be had at a fair valuation. This would add (in my opinion) very much 
 to the value of our present property. 
 
 There are many advantages which seem to favor our present location, providing we 
 can purchase the adjoining lot on Broadway. The width of the city at this point, in con- 
 nection with the various stage routes and railroads, makes it now, and will be for some 
 time to come, a very central location. 
 
 An attractive lecture-room on the Crosby street lot at this locality could be made to 
 net the Society more money (besides having it occasionally for its own purposes) than it 
 now does, and from sources far more congenial to our feelings, and vastly more com- 
 patible with the objects and interests- of the Society. These are our conclusions with 
 reference to availability, economy, and income. 
 
 But these views do not cover all that might be said, nor all we should desire and aim 
 to attain, nor what the mechanics of New- York richly deserve. And should the citizens of 
 this city consider their obligations to the mechanic, they would convey to them Madison 
 Square, or some other plot of ground equally eligible for our purposes and the interest of 
 the rising industrial classes, and contribute largely toward defraying the expenses of erect- 
 ing a temple to be dedicated to art and science, with special reference to the ele-cation of 
 the laborer. 
 
 I mean by this that we should not think of removing up-town with limited ideas nor 
 with contracted views. The mechanics of New- York are entitled to an edifice equal to 
 any in the world ; and the apprentices and the productive interest of the city demand 
 that this temple should be embellished with all the most approved apparatus for the 
 experimental demonstration of the various sciences (and their application to the productive 
 pursuits of the country), and crowned with an observatory and telescope unequaled by 
 any now in use. 
 
 To accomplish this, the Society have only to resolve to do it, and what we lack in 
 talents and means will be made up, I have no doubt, by the citizens of New- York. There 
 are many talented, enterprising men and women in this city who are waiting to embark in 
 this noble enterprise. Accomplish this, and it will be the pride and honor of our city and 
 our whole country. And the Mechanics and Tradesmen's Society of the city of New-York 
 will rear a monument as lasting as history, and as sacred as humanity ! Shall we not, 
 
MECHANICS AND TRADESMEN. 
 
 339 
 
 when nature invites us, and all heaven calls to us, to begin the great work of man's 
 redemption ! 
 
 One thought relative to the principle that should govern us in our deliberations, and I 
 shall leave these suggestions for your consideration and wisdom. The principle to which I 
 refer is order; and it is a principle that reigns throughout the universe. Yes, could we 
 mount the wings of infinity, and be carried back into the depths of the past, or could we 
 be borne away through the interminable series of eternity into the bosom of the future, 
 there we should behold order. Here we behold it in the mineral, in the vegetable, and in 
 the formation of the animal, and in the physical structure of man ; and we feel it in 
 hunger and in thirst, in respiration and in the pulsation of the heart ; and we see it in life 
 and in death ; and, by the aid of the telescope, we behold it in the stars, in the revolving 
 of -planets, revolving of suns and systems of suns (that light up the vault of heaven), 
 developing harmony, evolving truth, and conveying love to all ! 
 
 Thus be it with us. 
 
 INAUGURAL ADDRESS OF PRESIDENT JOHN WIGHT. 
 Delivered January 8th, 1861. 
 
 Brothers : For the honor you have conferred upon me, in electing me to the 
 position I am now about to occupy, I return you my sincere thanks. I can pretend to 
 but little experience in the duties of the office, but I have the honor and welfare of the 
 Society at heart, and can promise you that I shall earnestly endeavor to promote them. 
 
 Among those who have preceded me it has been customary, on taking the chair, to 
 offer some suggestions relative to the condition and operations of the Society ; and while 
 the present occasion, perhaps, requires no extended remarks, I do not feel at liberty 
 to omit the custom. 
 
 The annual reports have shown you that the labors of the various committees during 
 the past year have been attended, in the main, with reasonable success, and that the 
 Society is in a highly prosperous condition. Our finances have been managed with care, 
 and we have the satisfaction of knowing that many aged brothers, widows, and orphans 
 have been rendered more comfortable by the ministrations of our Pension Committee. 
 
 The classes under the direction of the School Committee, for the instruction of 
 apprentices in drawing, mathematics, and other branches of learning connected with the 
 mechanic arts, are but a new undertaking, and the committee have not yet had time to 
 acquire the experience necessary to render them all that we desire. But some advance has 
 been made. In the classes first established there are two hundred and ninety-seven pupils,- 
 who have made good progress, and other classes are about to be established. We have, 
 therefore, no cause to be discouraged, but, on the contrary, may reasonably hope that this 
 school will soon become a prominent and useful feature in our operations. 
 
34o 
 
 GENERAL SOCIETY OF 
 
 The library is in a highly satisfactory condition. During the last five or six years the 
 number of volumes and of readers has been much increased, the books are generally in 
 good order, additional accommodations have been provided for readers, the appearance of 
 the rooms has been improved, and the attendance during the evening is generally large. 
 We have reason, therefore, to congratulate ourselves that the fostering aid of the Society 
 has been usefully applied. 
 
 The want of a suitable lecture-room of our own is a serious disadvantage ; but the 
 lectures have usually been well attended, and appear to afford satisfaction to the families 
 of the members, which is, perhaps, the best evidence of the judicious manner in which the 
 duties of the Literary and Scientific Committee have been performed. 
 
 Among the events which have occurred during the past year, the memories of our 
 brothers who have passed away demand at least the tribute of passing notice. Their 
 number has been greater than usual. Fifteen are recorded on our minutes, and probably 
 there are others of whom we have not heard. Among the former was our late President, 
 the only instance in which our Society has lost its presiding officer by death. 
 
 In turning our attention from the past to the future, and considering what may be the 
 objects of our attention during the coming year, I have nothing new to propose. Let me 
 rather urge upon you the importance of zeal and energy in the pursuit of those objects in 
 which we are already engaged. Our new school enterprise needs careful and judicious 
 management. It opens before us an important field of usefulness, and it is to be hoped 
 that the committee to whom it is entrusted, and to some of whom it owes its origin, will 
 give it that persevering attention which the Society has a right to expect, and the fruits of 
 which will be their abundant reward. 
 
 Our library we may now regard with just pride. Its organization and working appear 
 to be excellent, and we hopefully anticipate the time when the Society shall be in a 
 condition to supply the means of still further extending its usefulness. I may here remark 
 that there is a mode of doing this, which, in my opinion, will more readily promote the 
 objects of the institution than, perhaps, any other; and that is the establishment of 
 reading-rooms in different parts of the city. The city is now so large, that the distance 
 from different points to any central one is a serious inconvenience to those who cannot 
 afford to ride, and no doubt deters very many from availing themselves of the privileges 
 we have here provided for them. 
 
 This is by no means a new plan. It has been fully tried by the Mercantile Library 
 Association, and has been attended with no considerable trouble or difficulty. That 
 institution sends daily, from its library in Astor Place to its room in Liberty street, such 
 books as are called for, and the arrangement has proved highly advantageous. One of 
 these rooms might be located on the east side of the city, perhaps in Grand or Houston 
 street; another on the north side, near Fourteenth or Twenty-third street; and a third in 
 some central position ; but perhaps two would suffice for a time. I need not enter upon 
 the details of this plan, as the committee, with the experience of others before them, will 
 easily carry it into operation. The cost, I think, would not exceed six or seven hundred 
 dollars. 
 
MECHANICS AND TRADESMEN 
 
 341 
 
 In relation to the duties of the Literary and Scientific Committee, I shall make but a 
 single suggestion, which is that, in my opinion, our lectures should be of a higher and 
 more instructive character than has been usual for some years past. But perhaps we 
 cannot be satisfied in this particular until we have a suitable lecture-room of our own. 
 
 Two subjects remain to which I desire to call your attention. One has already been 
 referred to the Finance Committee, relative to the occupancy of these rooms. Upon the 
 discontinuance of our school, the Society granted to the former principals the use of the 
 rooms during its pleasure. We then supposed that this privilege would be desired only 
 until the principals should have had time to organize schools of their own. 
 
 The male school was discontinued soon after, but the female department has occupied 
 the rooms and used the furniture, books, stove, and piano for a period of nearly two years. 
 It is proper, therefore, that we should consider whether we can safely permit our rooms to 
 be used for any purposes except those of the Society, or such as will yield us an income, 
 which may be employed for the purposes authorized by our charter. 
 
 Now, as I understand the charter, our'present practice is directly at variance with its 
 provisions. Section vm. (page 10) enacts that, "in case the Society shall at anytime 
 apply its moneys except as therein provided, said corporation shall cease." But, as this 
 subject has been referred to a committee, it is unnecessary to consider it further at 
 present. 
 
 The other subject to which I refer, is the selection of a new site for our institution. 
 This has heretofore occupied our attention, and in regard to it there has been some diver- 
 sity of opinion ; some of our members preferring a location in the upper part of the city, 
 while others are opposed to one higher up than Fourteenth street, and a third party think 
 it better to remain where we are. Should the subject be again brought before us, we shall, 
 perhaps, more easily arrive at a satisfactory conclusion if we first determine what sort of 
 building the purposes of the Society require. We may then discover that a smaller plot 
 than several of those we have had under consideration would be sufficient, and can better 
 determine upon its size and shape. Among our wants must be enumerated a lecture- 
 room large enough to accommodate, say, fifteen hundred people, a smaller room for the 
 meetings of the Society, a library-room of sufficient size to provide for t'^e gradual increase 
 of the library, with adjoining reading-rooms, a large room for the general exercises of the 
 school, with contiguous class-rooms, a few committee-rooms and offices, and, perhaps, 
 accommodations for a janitor. By thus definitely ascertaining in advance what are our 
 wants, we shall be better able to combine economy and convenience in the choice of a 
 location. 
 
 With these remarks, and earnestly hoping that we may continue in those harmonious 
 and friendly relations which have rendered our past intercourse so agreeable, and that our 
 noble Society may continue to grow in prosperity and usefulness, I now proceed to the 
 discharge of the duties you have assigned me. 
 
342 
 
 GENERAL SOCIETY OF 
 
 INAUGURAL ADDRESS OF PRESIDENT NOAH WORRALL. 
 
 Delivered January 14TH, 1862. 
 
 Before taking my seat, permit me to say that I enter upon the duties of the honorable 
 position to which you have this evening assigned me, with great diffidence. This chair has 
 been filled for more than three-quarters of a century past by some of the best and wisest 
 men our city could produce, and, while I follow in their steps, I fear you may be disap- 
 pointed in my not reaching the standard of my illustrious predecessors ; but, having the 
 advantage of a beaten track to guide me, I hope by your kind indulgence in some measure 
 to succeed. 
 
 I do not find it necessary to enter into a detailed statement of the affairs of the 
 Society. They are laid before you in annual statements of your committees, and a 
 condensed and full report of the Finance Committee, which will be printed and circulated 
 at the next meeting. I heartily congratulate you on the height of prosperity to which our 
 Society has attained. By the prudent foresight of those who in bygone years have had the 
 management of the affairs of the Society, and by the blessing of a kind Providence on these 
 efforts, the Society is not only unembarrassed with any debt, but has a constantly increasing 
 surplus fund, which, it is to be hoped, may be invested as wisely and prudently as have been 
 the former investments of the Society, so that its power for usefulness may be each year 
 increasing. 
 
 The Pension Committee will find the claims upon them to be constantly increasing, and 
 1 hope by your liberality they will never be obliged to reject a worthy applicant entitled to 
 relief, but by increased liberality, according to the means of the Society, they may com- 
 fort and cheer the unfortunate and destitute aged members, their widows and orphans. 
 
 The School Committee are doing a good work. Thoy are Denefiting a class in whose 
 welfare this Society has ever taken special interest; they are furnishing the apprentices with 
 the opportunities of obtaining instruction and information which they cannot procure 
 elsewhere, and fitting them for usefulness and making them intelligent mechanics. 
 
 If I may judge by the attendance and the sentiment expressed by the members, I 
 should say the lectures under the Literary and Scientific Committee have given satisfaction, 
 and that it is a source of enjoyment and instruction that the Society are not disposed to 
 dispense with at present, and the announcement of the extension of the course will give 
 pleasure to the Society. 
 
 The Library, the most notable feature of our Society, if I may be permitted to venture 
 an opinion, has been conducted with success the past year. A considerable addition has 
 been made to the catalogue of books, and there has been added to its readers the female 
 operative — a class to whom its benefits can not be over-rated. The readers of the Library 
 were never as numerous, and they are daily increasing. 
 
 I would be happy to see the Society located in an edifice better adapted to its wants 
 and more worthy of the name and means of the Society, but in the present state of 
 affairs I have no recommendation to make. 
 
MECHANICS AND TRADESMEN. 
 
 343 
 
 I thank you, gentlemen, for the honor you have done me, and it shall be my highest 
 ambition to perform the duties of the office to which you have elected me to your satisfac- 
 tion, and I hope the year upon which we enter may be one of continued prosperity and 
 success to the Society and to you all individually. 
 
 INAUGURAL ADDRESS OF PRESIDENT MATTHIAS BLOODGOOD. 
 
 Delivered January 13TH, 1863. 
 
 Brothers : In accepting the position of your presiding officer, with which you have 
 honored me, it is proper that I should return you my thanks, — a position that has been so 
 ably filled, for many years past, by others of our worthy brethren. While I can scarcely lay 
 claim to the ability of many who have preceded me, I assure you that I shall devote to 
 your interests my best endeavors, and shall rely upon your kind indulgence for any short- 
 comings in the satisfactory discharge of the duties appertaining to my new office. 
 
 As custom has made it incumbent upon the President-elect to lay before the Society 
 his views upon entering on his duties, the following remarks have suggested themselves to 
 my mind : 
 
 History tells us that in all ages the best men of their respective times have been 
 planning and laboring for the establishment of institutions for their personal benefit and 
 that of their posterity. The rule still holds good ; and those noble-minded men of their 
 own day and generation, our elder brothers, who founded this institution of ours, will long 
 be remembered with gratitude and love. They foresaw the comfort and blessings that 
 would accrue to the unfortunate of our profession by their actions; they laid the founda- 
 tions deep and strong ; and we now sit beneath the roof of the goodly superstructure. 
 Over seventy years ago they associated themselves together under the name of the 
 General Society of Mechanics and Tradesmen of the City of New-York, including in its 
 membership all our various artisans. Their first care was to minister to the physical wants 
 of its unfortunate members. Its history has been one of brotherly love and kindness, and 
 its operations have been carefully attended. Increasing means have brought increased 
 liberality, and I trust that this, our first great duty, will be faithfully and religiously ful- 
 filled. Judging the future by the past, I have no fears for the result. 
 
 As the means of the Society increased, its members sought further the moral culture 
 of their children and the apprentices confided to their care, by the establishment of a daily 
 school — a want at the time greatly felt, and which their action fully met, the school hav- 
 ing been one of the best in our city. A few years since its use was superseded by the 
 rapid increase of our public schools, and it was discontinued, having performed its mission.* 
 The school for architectural, free-hand, and machine drawing has since been founded, 
 increasing in its interests and the numbers of its pupils. It promises to be of great service 
 to the youth of our city and an honor to the Society, and I recommend it heartily to your 
 fostering care. 
 
344 
 
 GENERAL SOCIETY OF 
 
 With the daily school was also founded the nucleus of the Apprentices' Library, 
 designed to furnish gratuitously suitable reading matter to the apprentices of our city, the 
 members of the Society and their families. Through the donations of friends, added to the 
 liberality of the Society, we have been able largely to increase the numbers of its volumes, 
 and to extend its benefits to others than apprentices and members. The books have been 
 selected with great care for their intrinsic worth, and they have been read during the past 
 year by more than twenty-nine hundred readers, and their number is annually increasing. 
 The accommodations provided by the Society for the library are now insufficient, the 
 shelves are filled to their capacity, and we have many volumes for whicli we have no shelf- 
 room. I recommend to your early consideration the want of sufficient space, so that 
 ample room may be furnished for its accommodation, equal to what are considered its 
 prospective usefulness. 
 
 That branch of the Society's operations in charge of the Literary and Scientific Com- 
 mittee, who have the care of furnishing to the members and their families a course of 
 lectures during the winter season, has become deservedly popular; they have gathered a 
 larger concourse of our members than usually meet together, giving all an opportunity of 
 improving their acquaintance with each other, and at the same time while away an agree- 
 able hour in making additions to our stock of literary and scientific knowledge, or in 
 listening to a piece of eloquence from the lips of some finished orator. The value of such 
 influences upon the mature years of manhood, and especially upon the developing 
 intellects of the young, cannot be too highly estimated. 
 
 And now, in conclusion, let me again return to you my kind acknowledgments for 
 your flattering preference, and let us remember that we stand the responsible representa- 
 tives of our elder brethren, the founders of this institution. To those who are to come 
 after us, let us remember that, as by their acts we judge our predecessors, so shall they 
 judge us. It behooves us to take care that in our hands the trust sees no harm; that, as 
 we have received ic in the fullness of its usefulness and prosperity, so may we hand it 
 down unimpaired to our successors, that they may call us worthy representatives of the 
 most worthy founders. 
 
 So may it be ! 
 
 INAUGURAL ADDRESS OF PRESIDENT GEORGE R. JACKSON. 
 Delivered January 12th, 1S64. 
 
 Brethren ok the Mechanics' Society : In assuming the duties of your presiding 
 officer, 1 feel my inability to satisfy all ; but, with an earnest desire to act impartially, I 
 throw myself on your kindness — and, should I err, consider it from the head, not 
 the heart. 
 
 I think the members of the Society must have marked the improved tone of fraternal 
 feeling which has prevailed during the past year, which is alike honorable to yourselves 
 and reflects credit on the impartial administration of my worthy predecessor. We should 
 
MECHANICS AND TRADESMEN. 
 
 345 
 
 exert every effort to make our meetings harmonious, which tends to increase the interest 
 of the members in our welfare, and we should avoid all unnecessary and acrimonious 
 debates, which only tend to lessen the same. When we look around and see so many of 
 our members who have passed the meridian of life, whose locks are whitened with the 
 snows of many winters, and we hear our worthy Secretary record from time to time the 
 exit of one of our brethren, it should remind us of the unerring flight of time. So let us 
 spend the evening of our days in acts of brotherly kindness — and if we can lighten the 
 burden of any of our brethren, let us do it cheerfully. 
 
 It has become a custom for the presiding officer to present his views upon assuming 
 the chair. The able reports of my predecessors have taken so wide a range, there is little 
 left for me to comment on. From the peculiar organization of our Society, there is little 
 for the President to do, except preside at your meetings. 
 
 The committees, when full, consist of forty-nine members — a much larger number 
 than the average attendance of our members at the general meeting — and the duties are 
 so divided that they do not interfere with each other. By this wise provision the general 
 meeting is relieved of a great amount of work. I need not remind you of the faithful 
 performance of the duties of your Pension Committee ; their reports from time to time 
 attest their industry and fidelity. 
 
 The report of your Library Committee is encouraging. Increased facilities for extend- 
 ing information to the young we should foster with a liberal hand. The unwritten history 
 of the Apprentices' Library would make a wonderful volume. I greatly rejoice in the 
 increased interest taken in our evening drawing-schools. This is one of our most laudable 
 efforts. May the instructions received there be the means of elevating the youthful 
 mechanics of our country, for there is a great want of skillful and intelligent mechanics, 
 and in some branches of business they have to depend entirely on our foreign population. 
 I cheerfully endorse the recommendations of the School Committee in having a series of 
 familiar lectures on mechanism, chemistry, and other subjects for the benefit of the appren- 
 tices of our city, and recommend it to be carried into effect at an early day. 
 
 The important duties of the Finance Committee have been conducted with prudence 
 and economy. Upon the faithful discharge of the duties of this committee depends, in a 
 great measure, the prosperity of our Society. 
 
 The lectures furnished by the Literary and Scientific Committee have been very 
 successful, and the increased attendance has attested their popularity. 
 
 In the form of initiation to new members the following language occurs: " A school 
 has been established in which may be educated the children of poor and deceased 
 members, whose condition renders our assistance necessary." As the school has been 
 discontinued, I would recommend the above paragraph be stricken out, and evening 
 drawing-school inserted, which would read thus : " A library and reading-room, also an 
 evening drawing-school have been added, designed to improve and elevate the character 
 of the apprentices of our city." 
 
 I would also recommend the foundation of a museum of models, mechanical inven- 
 tions, and objects of natural curiosity, which would be of great interest to the young. It 
 would cost the Society nothing. Every member could contribute something toward it, 
 
346 
 
 GENERAL SOCIETY OF 
 
 and our young men, as they grow up and prosper, would remember and contribute toward 
 an institution from which they have received so many advantages. 
 
 I would also recommend an alteration in the notices to members of the time of meet- 
 ing. One hour after sunset is indefinite, and we do not observe it. There should be a 
 specified hour. 
 
 The Treasurer reports our finances in a flourishing condition, notwithstanding the 
 extra expense of altering the library-room. We have added to our funds between five and 
 six thousand dollars. For more detailed statements I refer you to the printed reports, 
 which will be ready by our next regular meeting. 
 
 In conclusion, brethren, I would recommend generous appropriations to all our 
 committees, as they are the best judges of their wants, and, from my personal observations, 
 their only strife is to insure the prosperity of our Society. 
 
 I thank you, brethren, for your kindness and good-will in elevating me to this 
 honorable office, and I will use my best endeavors to preserve the harmonious and 
 brotherly feeling which should at all times prevail. 
 
 INAUGURAL ADDRESS OF PRESIDENT JOHN T. CONOVER. 
 Delivered January 9m, 1866. 
 
 Brethren of the General Society of Mechanics and Tradesmen : 
 
 I return you my hearty and sincere thanks for the honor that you have conferred on 
 me by electing me as the President of this ancient and honorable institution, and as your 
 presiding officer for the ensuing year. I appreciate very highly the distinction that you 
 have conferred on me, and shall endeavor to merit your confidence by an impartial and 
 faithful performance of the duties of your presiding officer. It shall be my earnest effort 
 to facilitate the discharge of business, to preserve decorum and harmony ; and I trust 
 that I may rely on you to help and sustain me in accomplishing these objects, and, if I 
 should commit any errors, to treat them with forbearance and indulgence, believing that 
 they come from the head and not the heart. You all know very well that it is no part 
 of mine to make a speech, so I shall not detain you with any lengthy remarks. The 
 organization and the workings of this Society are so systematized and plain, the reports of 
 the committees so regular and thorough, that each and all of the members attending here 
 know all of the details and the business of the Society just as well and as correctly as your 
 officers. In fact, I think any member on the floor has more power than the presiding 
 officer; for, according to the by-laws, all he has to do is to preserve order and vote when 
 there shall be a tie, which occurs very seldom. 
 
 From the annual reports which you have heard read, we certainly can congratulate 
 ourselves that our Society, in a financial point of view, is in a prosperous condition. 
 And here let me say, that although somewhat late, yet as this is the first annual meeting 
 and election which we have held since war in our midst has ceased and peace has been 
 
MECHANICS AND TRADESMEN. 
 
 347 
 
 proclaimed through all the length and breadth of our land, that we, as a Society, might 
 offer up our humble thanks to the Supreme Ruler of the Universe for the many and con- 
 tinued benefits which we, as a Society, have received at His hands, and after the long and 
 destructive war that we have gone through, we are enabled by His blessing to sit down in 
 peace and prosperity under our old and well-tried flag. 
 
 The report of the Finance Committee, to whom is entrusted the charge of the build- 
 ings and lands of the Society, shows that they look well to the interests of the Society. 
 
 The report of the Committee on Pensions shows that they have performed their 
 duties of benevolence and mercy with zeal and fidelity, and that this useful and important 
 branch of the Society has been entrusted to good and competent hands. 
 
 The report of the School Committee shows that they have made a decided advance, 
 and that they are steadily improving. I should like to impress on this committee the 
 importance of the work that they have under their charge, and the various branches and the 
 almost unlimited extent of usefulness to which it can be extended, with pride to the Society 
 and certain benefit to the city ; and so long as they show that they are improving, they 
 need not feel afraid but that the Society will support them in their laudable undertakings. 
 
 The report of your Library Committee shows a continued and a large increase of the 
 numbers of its readers. These have increased so much that, notwithstanding the large 
 and munificent appropriation of the Society to this successful and popular branch of their 
 usefulness, the committee feel that it will be almost impossible for the Society, with justice 
 to itself and the wants of its other committees, to furnish books enough to keep up to the 
 demand of its readers. It would take 40,000 additional volumes at present to place the 
 ratio of readers and books on the same footing that they were five years ago; and this 
 committee, without having any mature plan, or any design at present of trying or asking 
 anything of this kind, feel that if the readers still keep increasing, that they may have to 
 try and raise the means of increasing the number of the books from some outside source. 
 
 The Literary and Scientific Committee have given us their usual course of lectures, 
 and the crowded rooms and the attention which has been paid to them are the best proofs 
 of their success. But I would ask this committee whether or not a course might be got 
 up every year on subjects connected with science and the mechanic arts, to which the 
 readers of the library and the scholars might be admitted ? This is for them to think of. 
 
 The present edition of the by-laws is very imperfect; many alterations and 
 additions have been made since they were printed, so that new members, and but very 
 few of the older ones, hardly know what the by-laws are. They are scattered through the 
 minute-book for the past ten years, and if anything should happen to that book we would 
 not have any copy of them. I would suggest to the Society the propriety of having them 
 collected and a new edition printed. 
 
 One other subject and I have done — and this is an important one: that is, whether 
 this is the proper place for our institution, and when will be the time to move. Whatever 
 I may say will only be my own views, flung out so as to set some more of you to thinking 
 and to agitate the question. 
 
 I think that, with the march of business upward, that this place will soon be wanted 
 for business purposes; and, when it is wanted, then will be the time for us to move, if it 
 
348 
 
 GENERAL SOCIETY OF 
 
 should be this or the next year. I think we should sell this place, and keep the Park 
 Place property as an investment and for an income. Let business keep moving and 
 shifting as much as it may, Broadway, around the Park, will always bring high rents for 
 offices. As to where we should locate, that is a more difficult point to decide. We have 
 two conflicting interests to satisfy. While our members are going up town, so that Thirty- 
 fourth street would not be too far for them, our readers and scholars are taking, partly, their 
 places down-town — so that what was once their residence is now the factory, the shop, 
 and, in some cases, the tenement. These factories and shops supply the great bulk of our 
 readers and scholars. Between these two interests my judgment has always been the 
 neighborhood of Fourteenth street and Union Square. I would not recommend the 
 Society to go in the market and purchase at the present high prices, but I would have 
 them think where will be the most suitable location, and whenever there is a suitable 
 piece of property in the market to be ready and purchase it. Wherever you may purchase, 
 you must remember that the building will cost as much in an out-of-the-way location as in 
 a good one ; the difference is in the cost of the ground, and as an investment the best 
 location always has the preference. 
 
 Whenever and wherever you may build, I never want to see this Society build until 
 they have made up their minds to erect a building that will be the pride of the mechanics, 
 an ornament to the city, and a monument of the mechanical genius and skill of the nine- 
 teenth century. 
 
 Again, brethren, I thank you for the favor you have conferred on me; and I trust — 
 and it shall be my aim — to so conduct myself in my official capacity that I shall carry 
 with me your confidence, respect, and esteem. 
 
 INAUGURAL ADDRESS OF PRESIDENT WADE B. WORRALL. 
 
 Delivered January 8th, 1867. 
 
 I have considered that the address from the newly installed President is one which 
 would come with a better grace" from your retiring officer. A review of the workings of 
 the Society during that officer's administration seems to be looked for, and recommenda- 
 tions are usually offered which his experience should suggest — an experience which he 
 has gained in his official routine. The incoming officer has yet to go through two of 
 the important committees, and not until he shall have gone through those can the address, 
 which the precedents of the last six or seven years lead you to look for, be made 
 with a full appreciation of all its bearings. Some of my older friends have advised me 
 to break through the custom, and my inclinations would lead me to the same conclusion, 
 only for the opportunity it affords me to thank you for the distinguished mark of your 
 confidence, and to assure you how deeply sensible I am of the honor you have conferred 
 upon me. When I consider the long line of honored names that have graced this seat, 
 I almost shrink from assuming the duties which your kindness has imposed upon me. 
 Had you, brothers, entertained the same diffidence in respect to my ability to succeed 
 
MECHANICS AND TRADESMEN. 
 
 349 
 
 them, you would have been entertained with a speech from some brother more competent 
 to address you on this occasion. Here let me bespeak a continuance of the kind feeling 
 which has placed me here — bear with my short-comings. I shall endeavor to do my best, 
 and with your forbearance we trust for a pleasant and successful administration. 
 
 The reports have been presented, and it has been a proud gratification to hear each of 
 the committees, among whom the different interests are allotted, successively report the 
 flourishing condition of the offices committed to their respective charges. I don't propose 
 to go into a detail of their operations, for the whole will be spread before you as soon 
 as the Finance Committee can collate them. 
 
 How little dreamed the men of '85 that the small and humble affair of their creation, 
 a simple society of mechanics organized in a small community not larger than many of the 
 suburban places which now modestly rejoice in the designation of a village, banded 
 together simply for mutual relief in case sickness should interfere with the prosecution 
 of their daily toil or when death should overtake them — that means would be insured 
 for their decent interment. How little dreamed they, in their small beginnings, of the 
 superstructure that was to rise on the foundation that their hands were then laying. 
 How little they probably imagined that upon that base would rise an institution which, 
 while distributing thousands where they scarcely hoped for hundreds for the objects 
 they had in view — that its beneficence was to be extended to such a large portion 
 of the young and rising community, both by means of its school and, its still more 
 extended sphere of usefulness to the community at large, by means of its library. With 
 what satisfaction they would have contemplated the social gathering at our lectures ! 
 
 It is still our primary object to relieve those having a claim upon our accumulated 
 resources, but let it be borne in mind, in apportioning our funds, that we have assumed 
 the same obligation to the apprentice and working-classes of this city as we have to 
 ourselves. I don't believe there is a member present or absent who would abate one 
 cent from the pittance allowed to the orphan, or anything from the prescribed allow- 
 ance to the widow, or from the dues of the pensioner; but let us remember that, 
 after providing for these, our trust is sacred to the other objects named in our 
 charter, our by-laws, and in our initiatory charge. In proportion to the amount 
 paid in by each individual member, there is probably no society extant that so 
 liberally provides for its legitimate objects of relief. But the prosperity of the society, 
 as I understand, was largely in consequence of taking in other objects than the re- 
 ception of its members. Its changes of location from time to time, necessitated by the 
 accommodation required for the school and the library, have resulted in our present 
 financial prosperity. Surely our giving thus far has not impoverished us. Shall we 
 not go on in the course that Providence has so kindly prospered us in, and, in the 
 spirit and language spoken to each of us from this desk, let it continue to be the 
 primary and commendable object of our association to relieve the unfortunate, the widow,- 
 and the orphan. , 
 
35o 
 
 GENERAL SOCIETY OF 
 
 INAUGURAL ADDRESS OF PRESIDENT WILSON SMALL. 
 
 Delivered Fkiskuary 51 h, 186S. 
 
 In 1792, when the Mechanics and Tradesmen's Society was incorporated, the City of 
 New-York contained a population of 45,000, and the valuation of the real and personal 
 estate did not exceed $18,000,000. 
 
 In 1867, the population of the city exceeded one million, and the real and personal 
 property $736,988,058, and the amount raised by tax, $16,950,767.88, nearly equal to the 
 whole valuation of 1792. 
 
 Notwithstanding the great suffering and want that we witness among the mechanics 
 and operatives of our city, we have the satisfaction of knowing that a spirit of frugality 
 governs a very large portion. Our saving-banks exhibit the fact of 350,000 depositors 
 and the amount of $77,000,000 on deposit. 
 
 The number of dwellings in our city exceed 53,000, and their value is estimated at 
 ,000,000. 
 
 By the census of i860, our city exhibits a larger manufacturing product than any 
 other city in the Union, and more than any State, except New- York, Massachusetts, and 
 Pennsylvania. In 1867, we had 4,837 manufacturing establishments, with 97,314 opera- 
 tives and $73,104,245 capital invested. As a further evidence of the advancement and 
 importance of our city, it will be found that during the year 1865 there arrived at this port 
 4,662 vessels from foreign ports, and 7,972 coastwise, making a total of 12,634. 
 
 The foreign imports amounted to $224,742,419.00; exports, including $30,000,000 
 of specie, $208,630,282.00, and the receipts for customs, $101,772,905.94. 
 
 The following synopsis will give a comparative view of the workings of the four prin- 
 cipal libraries in our city : 
 
 The Mercantile Library contains 81,124 volumes, and the number delivered to read- 
 ers during the year was 178,218 volumes. 
 
 The New-York Society Library contains 52,000 volumes; number taken out 32,642. 
 Their annual receipts for 1866 were $5,91.3.61, and their yearly assessments were $10.00 
 each. 
 
 The Astor Library was incorporated January 18, 1849, and endowed by John Jacob 
 Astor with $400,000, and since by his son, Wm. B. Astor, with an additional amount of 
 $300,000, making $700,000. Number of books in library, 145,000; number of books 
 read, 44,966, and whole number of readers, 19,540. 
 
 The Mechanics' Society Library contains 33,532 volumes. Add to which the Demilt 
 Library, 4,028 volumes, and you have a total of 37,560 volumes. There are about 4,000 
 male readers and 2,344 female readers, making a total of 6,344 readers, and the number 
 of volumes given out during the year, 1 17,385. 
 
 The income of the Society for the last year amounted to $33,417.89, and the expend- 
 iture amounted to $24,742.44; leaving a balance of $8,665.35. The assets of the 
 Society, $401,397.09; liabilities, $7,507.66; assets over liabilities, $393,889.43. 
 
MECHANICS AND TRADESMEN 
 
 351 
 
 By the report of the School Committee, you will observe there are on register 356 
 pupils, and the evidence of their success and improvement you have had an opportunity 
 of examining, in the several specimens placed before you this evening for inspection. 
 
 The Committee on Pensions report the number of pensioners, 95, and they have paid 
 out the sum of $5,774.52. This noble beneficence could not be placed in more efficient 
 hands than the committee having that noble charity in charge, and I embrace the present 
 opportunity to express my warmest acknowledgement to the committee and its members, 
 individually, for the prompt and efficient manner in which they have discharged the 
 responsible duties committed to them. If there is anything in life that will endear and 
 ennoble a man, it is his devotion to relieving the necessities of his fellow-man. 
 
 In conclusion, I would recommend that this Society appoint a committee of eight or 
 ten to investigate and present some plan by which mechanics' sons and others may be 
 induced to learn the mechanical trades ; any one carrying on a mechanical business knows 
 the lack of workmen of our own teaching or training, and the obstacles intended to prevent 
 boys learning trades. In the first place, if a master-mechanic has a son he wishes to learn 
 his business, the first step for him to pursue is, he must get his son recommended by his 
 journeymen. If he does not comply they will force him to do so by a strike. How one 
 of any spirit can allow himself lo be humiliated in this way is almost impossible to con- 
 ceive ; but such is the fact. 
 
 Now, I think this Society should take some steps to further the interests of the rising 
 generation in what I consider some of the most respectable avocations in life — mechanic 
 arts. I would recommend leaving the terms of apprenticeship to the discretion of the 
 masters in the different branches ; and when a boy has served a proper time faithfully, and 
 is of good moral character, his employer should give him a certificate of such services 
 addressed to the proper committee of this Society, before whom he should pass an exam- 
 ination ; and, if this prove satisfactory, he should receive a diploma, signed by the Presi- 
 dent and Secretary with the seal of the Mechanics' Society, and, in extraordinary cases of 
 merit, some other testimonial. This would act as a stimulant for boys to serve their time 
 faithfully, as this certificate would be of great service to them in after-life as masters or 
 journeymen, and at the same time elevate our Society in the eyes of th j people. 
 
 As this Society is intended to elevate the mechanic arts, I think that this is a measure 
 which should command our serious attention at this time, and be referred to a committee 
 composed of the different trades. 
 
 As the matter now stands, our own sons are debarred from learning trades unless we 
 (the masters) submit their names to our own journeymen for their approval. 
 
352 
 
 GENERAL SOCIETY OF 
 
 INAUGURAL ADDRESS OF PRESIDENT CORNELIUS H. DELAMATER. 
 
 Delivered February 3D, 1869. 
 
 In the year 1785 — eighty-four years ago — only two years after the evacuation of this 
 city by the British, we have evidence in our possession of the existence of our Society. In 
 1792 the original charter was obtained from the Legislature. It expired by its own 
 limitation in 181 1, and was then renewed to 1833. Up to that period the objects of the 
 Society were entirely benevolent, being for the relief of members in sickness, and of their 
 widows and orphans. It appears from the records that the means for these purposes were 
 sufficiently provided and applied. In 1821 the charter was amended to allow of the 
 establishment of a school for the education of children of poor or deceased members, and 
 a library for the use of apprentices. In 1833 the charter was renewed and amended so as 
 to provide that one-third of all moneys received by initiation fees should be kept in a dis- 
 tinct and exclusive fund, for the purpose of disseminating literary and scientific knowledge; 
 also that all bequests or donations for this purpose should be kept sacred for it. 
 
 In 1842 the charter was again amended, to allow its then school to be a pay-school 
 for those who could afford to pay, and to allow of the establishment of a separate fund for 
 the support of the Apprentices' Library and reading-rooms. In 1856 the charter was 
 again amended, and extended to the year 1890. This act allows the Society to hold real and 
 personal estate not exceeding in value, at any one time, the sum of $500,000. Previously 
 we had the right to hold only to the value of $200,000 of such property. I would here 
 recommend that, as our property now probably exceeds $500,000 in value, an application 
 be made to the Legislature, this winter, to extend our right to hold property to such an 
 amount as the Society may see fit to ask. In i860 the charter was again amended so as 
 to confirm our titles to our real estate. 
 
 Having thus briefly stated our legislative history, in the belief that the members 
 would not object to having their memories refreshed thereby, I will now venture to go 
 over the historical ground again — this time briefly, as to our real estate. The first meet- 
 ings of our Society, that we have any record of, were held at the public house of Walter 
 Hyer, in November, 1785, in what was then called King street, now Pine street. It 
 afterward met in various places under rent, probably, for seventeen years, until, in 1802, it 
 purchased the ground which it now owns, at the corner of Robinson street (now Park 
 Place) and Broadway, of Richard Varick and others, for the sum of $6,325. This lot is 
 27.6 by 98.3 feet. We have been offered this year, by a responsible party, a rental for it 
 of $20,000 per annum, free of taxes, which would establish its value to-day at about 
 $300,000. In the next year after the purchase of this property, a new hall, called 
 Mechanics' Hall, was erected on it by the Society, at a cost of about $23,000, making the 
 whole cost of ground and building at that time about $29,000. We have now owned this 
 property sixty-seven years. It has always paid good interest on its increasing valuations, 
 and it is probable that it would sell for the large sum that I have previously named, 
 although it is estimated in our financial statements at only $200,000.* I believe the 
 
 * This property is now leased to the New-York ing sidewalks in repair. This property was assessed, 
 Central Railroad Company until May 1st, 1870, the in 1868, at $150,000. 
 tenants paying all taxes and Croton rents, and keep- 
 
MECHANICS AND TRADESMEN. 
 
 353 
 
 Society occupied a portion of it for their own purposes until 1821. In that year we leased 
 from the corporation of the city the ground we now hold in Chambers street, near 
 Chatham, the lease of which is for sixty years, at a ground rent of $125 a year; it expires 
 in 1881, twelve years hence. These premises have 92 feet front, and average 33 feet in 
 depth. There are no covenants for renewal. At the time it was leased it was improved 
 by the Society at a cost of $7,000. It was occupied by the Society with its school and 
 library eleven years, and it now rents for $2,000 a year. It is leased at that rate to Mr. 
 John B. Snook, until May 1, 1870. Mr. Snook pays all taxes and Croton rents. About 
 a year previous to the leasing of this property the school and library went into existence. 
 
 In 1832 the property on Crosby street, where our present library and school are 
 situated, was bought (together with some school apparatus, valued at $1,000) for the sum 
 of $20,000, with the high-school building on it, the same building, with some additions, 
 that we now occupy. It consists of four full lots of ground, each 25 x 100 feet. This 
 property, thus bought thirty-seven years ago, with our property on Broadway, since added, 
 is worth not less, perhaps, to-day, than $200,000, although in our financial reports it is esti- 
 mated at only $100,000. In 1846 we bought, for $9,000, the lot on Broadway, which is the 
 key to the value of our Crosby street property ; it is 16 feet 8 inches wide by 100 feet deep. 
 
 I find on the records that our Society, in 1833, estimated itself as worth only $70,000 
 over its debts. From 1833 to the present time the Society has not added to its real estate. 
 It has, however, during all this period, improved its opportunities to do good with its 
 means. It is a most remarkable example of success, financially to itself, and beneficially 
 to hundreds and hundreds whom it has fed with the bread of the body, and to tens of 
 thousands whom it has fed with food for the brain. During many of these years, especially 
 during the early and middle portions of them, the Society was often in debt : but, thanks 
 to the able Finance Committees of the past, and to the liberality and energy of the mem- 
 bers, from such embarrassments it always emerged without more than healthy travail and 
 trial. From these facts let us take hope and courage for the future, and believe, as those 
 believed who have gone before, that we have a field, before us for expansion, corresponding 
 with the records of the past. If it should be that our enterprises of the future should out- 
 run some time our receipts, let us have confidence, and trust that the men who succeed 
 those who have done well, can do as well and better. Let us not believe that we are 
 degenerate. I would not be understood, however, as about to advocate or suggest 
 improvements which shall be deemed extravagant. We have found that to be a good 
 proverb which says, " It is wise to make haste slowly." 
 
 Our Society has five committees, each necessary, and having a most important 
 mission. If the full possibility which is open to each committee were realized, it is almost 
 impossible to say which would perform the most important work. It is probably true that 
 the good works of these committees do all run together so, that neither can do its full 
 duty without the hearty cooperation of the others. As in the old fable of the rebellion of 
 the works of the clock, it can be easily proven that each part must do its work faithfully, 
 to enable the dial to appear to the credit of all. 
 
 The Pension Committee show, by their report, that in their field of operations they 
 are faithful to the beneficiaries, the Society, and themselves ; they are careful in their 
 reports, and the Society always responds with alacrity to their suggestions. This com- 
 
354 
 
 GENERAL SOCIETY OF 
 
 mittee has little or no direct connection with the business of the other committees, but it 
 always sympathizes with them and recognizes their claims. 
 
 The School Committee, while it shows good work done, evidently can do much more. 
 The number of pupils reported is large — some 460. The amount expended would seem 
 to be inadequate to properly meet the- needs of these. I beg leave to attract the attention 
 of the Society to the need of more means in this field, and to suggest to a future committee 
 the wisdom of having a head preceptor to the school, who should have accountability for 
 his department, as a principal in other schools has ; also that better entrances, better 
 apparatus, etc., be provided. I would beg the School Committees of former years not to 
 understand me as criticising their work unfavorably, for it has been well done; I only 
 mean to suggest a liberality from the Society, which they have not aspired to, but which 
 the wisdom of the Society may possibly accord. AVould it not be possible to put this 
 school on the basis of the old school — that is, make it so good that pay-scholars would 
 seek it and help it — as perhaps pay-scholars by day, and both pay and free-scholars by 
 night ? At present the pupils of the school are not necessarily apprentices, or even readers 
 from our library ; they are not required to present any testimonials of place or character, 
 and are taken from any who apply. The effect of this promiscuous entertainment gives us 
 great numbers of scholars, and causes our school to become a sort of primary school for 
 the Cooper Institute. The members of the School Committee have been obliged to recog- 
 nize this as a fact. It certainly ill-becomes this General Society of the Mechanics and 
 Tradesmen of the great City of New-York, venerable in years and strong in purse, to 
 occupy so inferior a position. Can we not have a school for apprentices of mechanics, 
 which it shall be a credit to finish from, instead of to pass through ? Would it not be 
 better for us, at whatever cost, to employ the best talent, and teach such limited numbers 
 only as we could teach well ? Might we not, by employing teachers of superior talent, 
 establish such a reputation in the special branches which we seek to teach, as would 
 induce a class of pupils to seek our school, who would be willing and able to pay for such 
 advantages amounts which would go so far toward defraying the expenses as to obviate 
 the necessity of much larger appropriations than at present ? I would recommend, at all 
 events, that only apprentices of mechanics be admitted to our school free, in order that it 
 may be distinguished as a school for mechanics' apprentices. I shall revert again to this 
 subject of the school before I have done. 
 
 The Literary and Scientific Committee have, during this present season, given the 
 Society a course of Lectures, which have been highly appreciated, and I am sure that their 
 labors have been cheerfully performed. It has often been suggested that some lectures 
 each year to mechanics and their apprentices, as was the original intent of the Lecture 
 Fund, would be acceptable to the parties referred to, and to the Society as well. It now, 
 since the establishing of a school for apprentices, instead of the old school, appears to be a 
 necessity that the Literary and Scientific Committee should assist the School Committee, 
 by furnishing, especially to the pupils of this school, Lectures on Natural Philosophy, 
 Chemistry, Drawing, Arts, Ancient and Modern Physiology, etc. ; lectures, not stilted and 
 beyond comprehension, but familiar and popular, calculated to arrest attention and excite 
 inquiry. To such lectures, would it not be well that every reader in the library, male and 
 female, of proper habits, should receive tickets of admission ? A lecture most desirable to 
 
MECHANICS AND TRADESMEN. 
 
 355 
 
 be given to young people would be, in my judgment, on reading ; how to read, and what 
 to read. 
 
 For several years past the subject of the removal of our library up town has been 
 agitated. Opinions have differed as to locations, and the prudence of our venturing upon 
 this step. The recent action of the Society in leasing the premises on the ground floor of 
 this building for five years, has placed us in almost a necessity for remaining here during 
 the pendency of this lease, for we probably cannot sell this property during that time, and 
 should we desire to do so, would find it almost impossible to rent the premises we have 
 retained for our school and library at a satisfactory price. These considerations lead to the 
 inquiry as to whether there will ever be more need of our library and school anywhere in 
 this great city, than just here, where it now is. Examinations of our books will show that 
 nine-tenths of our readers and scholars live below Fourteenth street, and that three-fourths 
 live below Houston street. Is it probable this population in these localities will ever be 
 less ? Is it not probable it will be greater ? If this is true, and if it is true that we are 
 likely to use these premises for years to come, shall we not consider if we are employing 
 them now to the best advantage ? The library floor is well utilized. I think the floor 
 above is not, and that it can be turned to much better account. The school-room over 
 the library is higher in the ceiling than the library. It has two wings, the same as the 
 library. The room is 50 feet by 100. It is susceptible of being made to have a Broad- 
 way entrance, by means of a stair-way, which may lead from the long passage or hall 
 leading to the library. I mean the passage where our pictures hang. I am persuaded that 
 such an entrance can be made to this floor as will be good enough for anybody. The only 
 entrance to this fine floor is now by Crosby street, a bad street at night for respectable boys 
 to have to pass through, and impracticable for any other audience. I would recommend this 
 subject to the consideration of the Society, and trust they may take action on it at an early day. 
 
 Let me call attention to the fact of the sparseness of our embellishments, both in the 
 school and library, and the profitable nature of such things. Of busts, we have scarcely 
 any, and the pictures on our walls are very few and not very fine. We have all seen the 
 eager attention with which, poor and few as they are, they are regarded by the boys and 
 girls who frequent the library. Last summer I visited in Toronto a Lyeum, where every 
 vacant space in halls and lecture-room was filled with a bust. I had no idea there were 
 so many in the world, and learned then that there was a large field from which to 
 select busts. Is it not the duty of this society of mechanics, if they are able, to honor the 
 great men of their profession by owning and exhibiting the busts of as many of them as 
 they can find appropriate room for ? I mean the busts of such men as Galileo, Sir Isaac 
 Newton, Sir Christopher Wren, James Watt, John Fitch, Robert Fulton, Richard M. Hoe, 
 John Ericsson, and their compeers. To look at these images of great men inspires the 
 young and interests the old. On our library floor we have room for many busts and more 
 pictures, and if we should make a Broadway entrance to the present school-room, that 
 room could be garnished with them in such a manner that a dull lecture could be endured 
 there by the interest for the eye which the walls would afford. If the Society should see 
 fit to undertake these embellishments and alterations, I venture to say, our members would 
 visit its rooms more frequently, bringing their friends with them, and taking more pride and 
 interest in our institution than ever. 
 
356 
 
 GENERAL SOCIETY OF 
 
 While it cannot be said that our Society of late years has shown much enterprise, it 
 has shown an enterprising spirit in its desires to undertake an up-town location, which, of 
 course, would involve debt, risk, and labor. When the Society shall decide upon this move- 
 ment, it will doubtless be a successful one ; but I have thought that while an up-town 
 location might be a successful speculation, and an improvement upon it be something grand 
 and beautiful to look upon, and be convenient for the members to visit, that it might be 
 inconvenient to the most of the 7,000 readers we have had on our books in this building ; 
 and I have thought that as to improve our present home to its fullest extent, is not to fix 
 the Society here forever, since it only proposes that we should do our work well in the 
 field before us, and not speculatively in a future, which will always be open before us as 
 broadly as now. 
 
 It will be seen from the report of the Finance Committee, that they have estimated 
 the receipts of next year to fall short of the expenditures about $600. In their estimates 
 of receipts, however, they have omitted the premium on gold, which last year was 
 $1,018.47, and is probably as certain to be received this year; estimated initiation fees to 
 be $250 less, and omitted usual receipts in library, $1,284.02, which makes a total of 
 $2,552.49 reasonably to be counted on, and would leave a surplus of nearly $2,000, 
 instead of a deficiency, as stated in the report. 
 
 Again permit me to review the property of the Society as to its values and conditions. 
 
 The Park Place property is leased to the New-York Central Railroad Company at 
 $12,500 per year; the lease expires May 1st, 1870. 
 
 The Chambers street property is leased to J. B. Snook, at $2,000 per year; the lease 
 expires May 1st, 1870. Our ground lease expires 1881, twelve years hence. 
 
 The ground floor of our Crosby street and Broadway property is leased to Messrs. 
 Hackes & Forchheimer, at $8,000 a year, for five years from next May ; the lease expires 
 May 1st, 1874, we paying all taxes and assessments. 
 
 We have insurance as follows : 
 
 On Park Place property, $20,000 ; on Crosby street and Broadway, $20,000 ; on 
 Chambers street, $5,000 ; on Books, etc., in Library, $20,000; on School property, $1,500. 
 
 The report of our Finance Committee for the year presents a valuation of our assets, 
 which was made out some years ago, and has not been of late revised or " reconstructed." 
 It thus, perhaps, presents to us a too modest view of our own worth. I venture, therefore, 
 to submit my own estimates, which will be approved or disapproved by the judgments of 
 those who hear me, as to them may seem good, they being only the opinion of an 
 individual, viz.: 
 
 Assets. 
 
 Real Estate, Park Place, . 
 
 " " Crosby street and Broadway, 
 811 shares, Mechanics' Bank stock, . 
 
 U. S. Bonds, 
 
 Furniture, ..... 
 Books in Libraries, .... 
 Leasehold, 12 Chambers street, 
 
 Finance Committee. 
 $200,000 
 100,000 
 20,275 
 43,000 
 1,000 
 35,000 
 
 4,000 
 
 Individual. 
 $300,000 .00 
 150,000.00 
 
 26 .357 -5° 
 47,300.00 
 1,000.00 
 50,000 .00 
 12,000.00 
 
 $403,275 $586,657.50 
 
MECHANICS AND TRADESMEN. 
 
 357 
 
 My object in presenting these comparisons of value is not to impugn the safe valuations 
 previously made, but to induce the members of the Society to think of our means in what 
 is probably their truer light. 
 
 Our Society has a noble old age. Let it not be said that it lives in the past or the 
 present only, but that it has a vision of the future ; that it has a living, aspiring soul, not 
 one only half alive or apathetic. The golden age is before, not behind us ; our past in 
 experience and means and fame is with us still. We have it all to use for the days which 
 are before us. We cannot doubt that the fields are fuller of harvest and promise for this 
 Society than when it was young and weak, and that we shall not mortgage our strength 
 to indolence. 
 
 INAUGURAL ADDRESS OF PRESIDENT ADOLPHUS F. OCKERSHAUSEN. 
 
 Delivered February 3D, 1870. 
 
 Brothers : As the Society has been conducted the past few years, and the steady, 
 uniform, conservative action of all its operations, I am at a loss what to say to you upon 
 this occasion, and ask your indulgence, if I refer to matters of a very commonplace 
 nature. 
 
 At our meeting, one year ago, your President, Brother Delamater, in his remarks, 
 gave you a history of the Society, from the time of its organization in 1785 to the present 
 period, reviewing its progressive steps, from its feeble beginning to its present flourishing 
 and prosperous condition. He reminded us of what the Society had done in times past, 
 being originally founded as a benevolent society, for the relief of its members in sickness, 
 and the care of their widows and orphans, which, I am proud to say, has continued to be 
 one of its leading objects to the present day. Then, some years later, the establishment of 
 a school for the education of the children of the members, and a library for the use of 
 apprentices of the city, and then the disseminating of literary and scientific knowledge 
 through courses of lectures to the members and their families; and astly, the establish- 
 ment of a school in the evening for the free instruction of mechanics and apprentices in 
 free-hand, architectural and mechanical drawing, etc. I would here mention that book- 
 keeping has been added to the instruction given this season. 
 
 He also gave you a history of the financial affairs, from the first operations in 1802, 
 when they purchased the property, comer of Broadway and Park Place, for the sum of 
 $6,325, until the present time, when the property of the Society could be valued at over 
 one-half million of dollars. All of which showed that the affairs of the Society had been 
 ever carried on prudently and carefully, and in a conservative manner. And that we had. 
 also made progress in the advancement of the original object of the formation of the 
 Society. This is what the Society had accomplished in the past. We have now to do 
 with the present and the future. 
 
 The first idea presented would be, do we occupy that position in this city which we 
 ought to, considering the means we now enjoy and the opportunities for increased useful- 
 ness constantly presented ? 
 
358 
 
 GENERAL SOCIETY OF 
 
 There appears to be a feeling on the part of many members of our Society that we 
 are hardly occupying that position, and that we ought to be doing more for the rising 
 generation of mechanics and apprentices of our city. If these views are correct, what 
 means shall we adopt to attain our proper position ? 
 
 All the business operations of our. Society are carried on through the Standing Com- 
 mittees that are appointed from year to year, namely: Finance, Pension, School, Library, 
 and Literary and Scientific. These committees know the wants of their several depart- 
 ments, and by giving the subject of increased usefulness a consideration it might result in 
 great benefit to our Society. 
 
 The Finance Committee, who have charge of the property and the financial affairs of 
 the Society, and who have also the subject of removal from the present locality to some 
 more eligible situation farther up town, and all other matters pertaining to the welfare of 
 the Society in a financial point of view, might they not present to the Society some plan 
 whereby we might be brought more prominently before the public, and our usefulness 
 thereby increased ? 
 
 Our Pension Committee, who are the faithful almoners of the Society, and whose 
 duties are of a practical nature, we could not look to them so readily for suggestions of 
 plans for future usefulness. The School Committee are now doing a good work in the 
 way of improvement of the minds of the apprentices and young mechanics. By care- 
 fully considering these matters I think they will find that they have not yet reached the 
 limit of what they may yet accomplish ; it is a wide field they occupy, and should be cul- 
 tivated more than ever before. The term of the school might be extended a month or so 
 longer; more efficient teachers employed, and other means adopted, so that when our 
 scholars leave us they may be more fully accomplished in their branch of instruction. A 
 few lectures might be given them, in connection with the readers of the library, on science, 
 mechanics, and matters appertaining to the studies they pursue ; and might not some of 
 our old members address them occasionally on subjects connected with their own trades, 
 and of their own early training as apprentices, and the ways and means they have followed 
 since in reaching the position they now occupy ? It might be an incentive to them to 
 follow in the same path. 
 
 This subject is worthy the consideration of the Literary and Scientific Committee also, 
 and by a joint cooperation, much good might be accomplished with little ouday. The 
 Literary and Scientific Committee might take into consideration the propriety of granting 
 a certificate or diploma to be given to any mechanic or apprentice for improvements 
 invented by him, or great proficiency in any branch of mechanical trade. The position and 
 standing of our Society is so high that such certificate or diploma would be of great service 
 to the recipient to whom it should be awarded. 
 
 Our Library Committee should not be overlooked in this matter of " increased useful- 
 ness." More time spent in the Library by the members of the Committee, especially in 
 the evenings, might give the members of that Committee some new ideas of what could be 
 done for the improvement of the Library, and also the minds of its readers. A word of ad- 
 vice as to the selection of books to be read might be of lasting benefit. Well do I remem- 
 ber, when a boy, of myself getting such advice from one of the members of the Library 
 
MECHANICS AND TRADESMEN. 
 
 359 
 
 Committee of that clay, and which, I am satisfied, has ever been of great service to me, 
 although given nearly forty years ago. 
 
 I would like to call the attention of the members to what appears to be a want of 
 sociality or cordialness of feeling among the members of our Society, and which results, not 
 from unfriendliness among the members, but' more from the want of a personal introduction. 
 
 A new member is elected and initiated ; he attends a few meetings, and then appears 
 to have lost his interest in the Society. I think this might be obviated by the members 
 introducing to one another all the new and old members who are yet unacquainted. We 
 have a comfortable reading-room, where the members can meet at any time, and I have no 
 doubt that if our members would frequent this room more, our social intercourse would be 
 much improved, and the interests of our Society enlarged. Will not our members pay a 
 little attention to this want ? 
 
 By reference to the report of the Finance Committee, you will perceive that our 
 expenditures for the past year have absorbed the balance on hand January ist, 1869, of 
 $4,032 21-100, and also a debt incurred and yet unpaid of $2,000, making the amount 
 actually expended over the receipts above $6,000 for the year; $5,000 of this amount was 
 expended in repairs and alterations on the buildings. 
 
 Our actual receipts, or net income, for the past year were in round numbers about 
 $25,100, to which add the $4,000 in hands of the Treasurer on ist of January, 1869, and 
 $5,500 borrowed of Mechanics' Bank, makes the total $34,600. The disbursements 
 amount to the same sum, $34,600. This includes the payment of $3,500 on account of 
 the loan from the Mechanics' Bank, leaving the actual net outlay of the Society, for 
 expenses and appropriations to the Committees, $31,100. 
 
 The estimate of receipts for the coming year is $34,200, being an excess over last year 
 of about $9,000. This is made up by an increase of rent from the Park Place property of 
 $5,500; from Mechanics' Hall, $3,000; and from Chambers street property, $900. 
 
 The estimate of disbursements amounts to $26,485, being about $4,600 less than the 
 past year, and leaving an estimated surplus on the income of the year of about $7,700, 
 showing a most gratifying and prosperous condition of the financial affairs of the Society. 
 
 With our property corner of Park Place and Broadway leased for a term of years, at 
 the increased rent anticipated by the Finance Committee, and an increase also on the lease- 
 hold property in Chambers street, would give the Society an increased and permanent 
 income of some $9,000 a year beyond what we have been receiving for the past few years, 
 and enable the Society to extend its usefulness to a much greater extent than ever before. 
 
 Brothers, the General Society of Mechanics and Tradesmen of the City of New- York 
 has a bright future before it ; and if we press forward and take hold of, and properly use, 
 the ways and means placed in our hands, it would take its proper rank as the first in this 
 city for its usefulness to the mechanic and apprentice, and occupy such a position in this 
 community as its founders could never have anticipated, and of which we ourselves could 
 be justly proud. May these anticipations be speedily realized, I presume is the wish of 
 you all. 
 
360 
 
 GENERAL SOCIETY OF 
 
 INAUGURAL ADDRESS OF PRESIDENT WILLIAM H. GEDNEY. 
 Delivered February 4TH, 1874. 
 
 Brothers : It has been the custom heretofore, with our presiding officers, on 
 assuming their positions, to address their fellow-members upon topics of interest to our 
 Society, and, in a measure, those topics have become a part of its history. 
 
 I shall, therefore, to a limited extent, follow in the path of my " illustrious prede- 
 cessors." 
 
 I enter upon my duties, as presiding officer of the Society for the ensuing year, with 
 diffidence, conscious of my own incompetency to discharge its duties so as to fully meet 
 your expectations. 
 
 Parliamentary rules, which are of necessity arbitrary, should be applied and enforced 
 only with calmness, and to harmonize conflicting opinions. 
 
 Favored with your forbearance and indulgent support, I trust I shall be able to 
 discharge this, as well as other duties, so as in some measure to merit your approbation. 
 
 I do not propose to enter largely into the examination of any of the statistics of our 
 institution at this time, but shall be content to notice a very few. 
 
 I shall refer you to the reports of the several committees, when published, for more 
 full and complete accounts of the practical workings of our Society, which, I assure you, 
 will be both creditable and satisfactory. 
 
 Mutual protection and financial benefit was the watchword of the few honorable and 
 worthy men who originated and organized our Society. And what has it not accom- 
 plished since ? 
 
 The noble men of our race, succeeding one another almost through one entire 
 century, fully three generations, to the present time, have built up an institution second to 
 none of its kind in this or any other country on the face of the globe. 
 
 Many, very many, have had cause to pronounce it blessed. I think I but express 
 the sentiments of my brethren when I say we are proud of our institution and its 
 workings. 
 
 Its library, with its 50,000 volumes of choice reading matter, and its 7,000 readers, 
 are subjects of honest pride. 
 
 It is also an " almoner," with a great heart, distributing annually upward of $7,000, 
 through a committee of gentlemen, with whose superiors, in point of ability and activity, 
 no other society was ever blessed. 
 
 Its school is of incalculable benefit to the youth, and particularly to the apprentices, 
 of our city ; an average of about 250 pupils being in attendance every evening during the 
 term. These are instructed by a competent corps of teachers, in mechanical, architectural, 
 object and free-hand drawing, and in writing and book-keeping. Some of these branches 
 are not taught in our common day and evening schools. 
 
 We may, therefore, be assured that our school is doing a great and good work 
 among a class in our city who would not be reached and benefited in any other manner. 
 
MECHANICS AND TRADESMEN 
 
 Through the agency of our Literary and Scientific Committee, and by no other 
 agency, has the public become somewhat acquainted with our Society. And as fast as the 
 people learn of our good works, they are willing to, and do accord " honor to whom honor 
 is due." Our lectures are a source of very great intellectual enjoyment and moral influ- 
 ence ; that they are much appreciated by an intelligent class of our community the large 
 audiences fully attest. 
 
 Our committees have all shown themselves to be composed of workmen that need not 
 be ashamed ; and, while I would draw no invidious comparisons, I must be pardoned for 
 particularizing the Pension Committee, who, " being in labors abundant," have " acquitted 
 themselves like men." 
 
 Need I say to my brethren, forget not the aged and infirm, and the unfortunate of our 
 membership ? Perhaps not. But still, those of us who are in the morning or meridian 
 of life, and are actively engaged in our daily avocations, are very apt to forget the less 
 favored. Gentle reminders are occasionally necessary. 
 
 It is a pleasure to us, when in health, to have our old friends visit us ; but what a 
 consolation it is to greet them when we are sick and feeble. 
 
 One word about our much talked of change of location. I think the time has come 
 when none of us desire to remain much longer where we now are. 
 
 But the difficulty seems to be just here, and this question is invariably put forth, 
 " Where shall we go ? " My answer to that is, raise a committee, or empower the present 
 one, from our body, to purchase a site, and locate our new home; and having accom- 
 plished that, let them report to us what they have done, and let us go thither. 
 
 In conclusion, I may express the hope that our encouraging and brilliant career in the 
 past may be supplemented in the future by ever-increasing social, intellectual, and moral 
 profit to each of us, as, with steadfastness of purpose and earnestness of soul, we seek 
 to emulate the example of Him who, when on earth, went about doing good. 
 
 INAUGURAL ADDRESS OF PRESIDENT WM. OTIS MUNROE. 
 Delivered February 3D, 1875. 
 
 Brothers : An examination of our proceedings for past years has called my attention 
 to a custom of fonner Presidents, to inaugurate their official relations with the Society by a 
 brief reference to our history, position, and prospects. I am at a loss to determine, at this 
 time, which of these points should be most prominently brought before your consideration. 
 
 Our position among the great associations of to-day is well defined. The little organi- 
 zation of 1785 has become a great power in our Metropolitan Society of 1875. Its pros- 
 perity has kept pace with the marvelous growth of our great city. Its efficiency, though 
 not so great as we hope for at a future day, is a subject of congratulation. Its system of 
 instruction by classes, aided by those powerful adjuncts of education, the Public Library 
 and Public Lectures, is comprehensive enough to be in keeping with the spirit of the age. 
 
362 
 
 GENERAL SOCIETY OF 
 
 Recognizing the relations of skilled handicraft to the prosperity of a nation, our Society, 
 among an industrious and free people, has done its part to assert and maintain the dignity 
 of labor. 
 
 The report of the Finance Committee exhibits the material prosperity of the Society, 
 and it is entirely unnecessary for me to recall the figures and statistics in this brief address, 
 although it may not be out of place to ask ourselves whether our work is as effective as it 
 should be with such a fund at our command. 
 
 The purposes of our organization are too well known to make it necessary for me to 
 allude to them, unless it be to urge upon you an increased effort to carry them out accord- 
 ing to the letter and spirit of our history. What we have done in the past, and the satis- 
 faction our good works have given us, should be an incentive to more zealous endeavors 
 during future years. Our Society is to-day recognized by the community as a civilizing 
 and cultivating force, and it is our duty to see to it, that it shall continue to strengthen its 
 position and influence among the educational institutions of our city and of our time. 
 
 The several reports submitted for your consideration, at this time, contain matter that 
 may, perhaps, be suggestive of such modification as our previously adopted systems may 
 require, in order to make our work as effective as the advancing wants of our city may de- 
 mand of us, or as may be productive of a more successful accomplishment of those ends 
 and purposes with which we long ago set out. 
 
 It is not my purpose, however, at the moment of assuming this official relation, to urge 
 any plan other than that heretofore pursued, or to suggest changes in any of our depart- 
 ments of usefulness. At the same time, I shall reserve to myself the privilege of recom- 
 mending, from time to time, as opportunity may permit or occasion suggest, whatever may 
 appear proper to be done to keep our Society in the path of progress, and to give such 
 direction to its efforts as shall make it, emphatically, a powerful agent in the advancement 
 of art, science, and morals. 
 
 Brothers, our society is strong in a membership selected from the most active and 
 intelligent men of this our beloved city ; we are rich in this world's goods ; our councils 
 are distinguished by harmony and good feeling; we have every reason to feel proud of our 
 antecedents, as shown in our history ; we rejoice that we have been enabled to do much 
 good in the past; we feel that we have traveled in the right direction to accomplish good, 
 and that our charities have not been stinted. Then let us encourage each other ; let us 
 animate one another by the remembrance of an honorable past — by the confidence in our 
 own present strength — by our dearest hopes of a bright future, let us resolve here to take 
 such counsel together, that the generations which are to come after us may command our 
 zeal and spirit, as we, to-day, give credit to the noble men of the past, who did their 
 utmost to start us on our way. 
 
 And now, brothers, let me thank you for the honor you have been pleased to confer 
 upon me. Appreciating highly, as I ought to appreciate, the honor of being called upon 
 to preside over your deliberations, and sensible of the dignity which my predecessors have 
 conferred upon this office, I will endeavor, to the utmost of my ability, to deserve the 
 confidence you have reposed in me. 
 
 Finally, my brothers, may the present year be one of pleasure and profit to us all — 
 may our schools continue to be as efficient as they have been — may our libraries be as 
 
MECHANICS AND TRADESMEN. 
 
 363 
 
 well attended — our literary and scientific course as popular and as instructive — our 
 charities as abundant as the wants of those having claims upon our benevolence — and let 
 us feel that our highest aim should be to secure to our ancient and honorable Society the 
 approbation of the wise, the earnest, and the good, by our unceasing efforts to promote 
 the welfare and happiness of those we represent, and the growing generation who are 
 looking to us for guidance and assistance. While such are the objects we have in view, 
 we may rely with confidence upon the blessing of the Author of all good — the God and 
 Father of us all. 
 
 INAUGURAL ADDRESS OF PRESIDENT HAVILAH M. SMITH. 
 
 Delivered February 2D, 1876. 
 
 Brothers : It has become somewhat the custom for the President of this Society, 
 when entering on his duties, to make a few remarks on the history, standing, and prospects 
 of the Society. 
 
 In the year 1785, nine years after the Declaration of Independence, the founders of 
 this Society, feeling the need of mutual alliance, — as only those who have passed through 
 some such great struggle could, — assembled and associated themselves together for mutual 
 protection and assistance, under the name and title of the " General Society of Mechanics 
 and Tradesmen of the City of New-York," the primary object of which was, at the time of 
 organization, to relieve the widows and orphans of deceased members. This object has 
 been carefully retained and nurtured, and, under the care of our present committee, is the 
 just pride of, and still remains the primary and first object of our association. 
 
 The Society was first incorporated in the year 1792, and the charter has since been 
 amended, from time to time, to comply with the progressive requirements of the Society. 
 About 1820, after making the first purchase of real estate (at the corner of Broadway and 
 Park Place) for a more permanent home, its usefulness was further extended by establish- 
 ing a school for the education of the children of its members, and a liVvary for the benefit 
 of the apprentices of our city. The school supplied a great want at that time, in not only 
 educating the children of the members of this Society, but also in furnishing teachers for 
 other schools. 
 
 Since the establishment of the present public school system, the day-school is no 
 longer needed; but we have continued to supply the great want of a practical drawing- 
 school for the apprentices of our city; and from' the progress now made, your School 
 Committee will doubtless be able to make an exhibition, at the close of the session, of 
 which the Society may well feel proud. 
 
 The library, from the time it was established until about the year 1846, was kept open 
 in the evening only. It then contained about 17,000 volumes, and had about 1,600 
 readers; we now have, as per last report, about 52,700 volumes, and between six and 
 seven thousand readers. 
 
 In 1862, the free use of our library was extended to female operatives, with most 
 gratifying results. 
 
364 
 
 GENERAL SOCIETY OF 
 
 Brothers, I would earnestly recommend for your consideration the propriety of 
 further extending this privilege of the free use of the library to the journeymen mechanics 
 and artisans of our city. 
 
 Our Literary and Scientific Committee, by the careful and judicious management of 
 the appropriations from the funds intrusted to their care, and their selections of subjects 
 and lecturers, for the instruction and entertainment of the members of the Society and their 
 families, have merited the approval of the members of the Society. 
 
 Brothers, a separate fund has been created and set apart for the purpose of obtaining 
 a new and more suitable location and building for the use of the Society, and in which we 
 might feel we had a permanent home, and one worthy the noble character of the trust 
 bequeathed to us by the founders of this venerable Society. 
 
 We have now in that fund, as per report just rendered, $47,244.44. With a prospect 
 of but little expense being required on our buildings, and a careful expenditure by the 
 several committees, may we not hope to add full ten thousand dollars to our Building and 
 Sinking Fund the present year? 
 
 In this connection, if I may be allowed to refer to it, much has been said about the 
 rise in value of property, which has, from time to time, been offered to this Society ; but 
 we must not forget, at the same time, the rise in value of our own property as well. I see, 
 by a report of 1843, the Society had at that time under consideration the propriety of sell- 
 ing the Broadway and Park Place property for the sum of $54,000, the rent of which was 
 at that time $3,000 per annum; for this same property we now receive $24,100 per 
 annum ground rent, free from taxes and assessments, which would place the amount at 
 about eight times what it was worth at that time, thirty-three years ago, or something over 
 $400,000, we having received the rental in the meantime. 
 
 Brothers, let us not lament over any errors of the past, but, believing that the Great 
 Ruler of events will reward all good works, let us press forward for the future. 
 
 I would recommend the continuance of the Committee on Location, and hope that a 
 site may be selected during the present financial crisis. 
 
 The location once decided, so as to unite the action of the members of the Society, I 
 think the ways and means will be sure to follow. 
 
 In conclusion, brothers, I thank you for the confidence you have placed in me in 
 electing me to this honorable position. I feel my incompetency to fill the position as I 
 would like to see it filled, and beg your indulgence and your assistance in all our 
 deliberations. 
 
 INAUGURAL ADDRESS OF PRESIDENT EDWIN DOBBS. 
 
 Delivered February jth, 1S77. 
 
 Brothers: Shortly after the War of Independence, in the year 1785, nearly a 
 century ago, a few hard-working sons of toil met together in a room, then about the 
 center of the city, but now far down town, and organized themselves into a Society for the 
 care of their indigent and worn-out brothers, and the widows and orphans of deceased 
 
MECHANICS AND TRADESMEN, 
 
 365 
 
 members. Thus, brothers, was the foundation of our Society laid, the corner-stone of 
 which was benevolence. That same spirit has been the motive power from that time to 
 this, all along through the generations of men who have composed its membership, and 
 will, I trust, continue as long as our country shall exist. In the year 1792, the Society 
 having largely increased in members and in means, it was deemed best to apply for and 
 obtain a charter, which was granted March 14th, of the same year, the capital being limited 
 to an amount not exceeding $50,000, and the charter to continue until the year 1812. 
 
 In the year 181 1 the Society again applied for a renewal and extension of their 
 charter, and also an amendment, whereby they were authorized to increase their capital to 
 an amount not exceeding $200,000, which was also granted April 3d, 181 1. The Society 
 continued to act under this charter until the year 182 1, when, governed by the same spirit 
 that inspired and animated the founders of this Society, they resolved that the children of 
 indigent or deceased brothers should also have an opportunity to receive at least a 
 common-school education. They again applied to the Legislature for an amendment to 
 the preceding act, which not only granted the privilege, but also authorized them to 
 establish a library for the use of the apprentices of our city. I would here state, for the 
 information of our young members, that at this time the means of acquiring a common- 
 school education were exceedingly limited, particularly to the humbler classes of society. 
 The Public School Society had very few schools, and many of the children of those days 
 had but a few months of schooling. Hence the solicitude of the members that their 
 children should have the opportunity of at least a common-school education, to fit them to 
 hold higher positions in life. 
 
 I have thus briefly passed over the early history of our Society, bringing us down to 
 the beginning of the system, which has continued, with a few exceptions, to the present 
 time. In looking over the report of the School Committee of March 3d, 1858, a very able 
 and carefully drawn document, I was deeply impressed with the following brief extract : 
 "The circumstances by which the school was surrounded have changed; the public 
 schools have greatly increased in numbers and improved in character ; many of them are 
 now superior, or at least equal, to the best private schools ; parents no longer deem it 
 derogatory to their children to participate in the advantages of th~se free institutions, 
 which they are so largely taxed to support and maintain. The Mechanics' School is no 
 longer a necessity; it has fulfilled its mission; its work is done; for nearly forty years we 
 have cherished and sustained it, an honor to our Society, a blessing to its members and 
 their children, as well as a most important public benefit." 
 
 Shortly after this, the school for the instruction in the ordinary branches of an English 
 education ceased. I was also forcibly struck with the sadness which seemed to prevail 
 all through the report, in the fact that the committee were compelled to recommend its 
 dissolution. 
 
 We have in our Society, as you are aware, six Standing Committees : 
 
 1 st. The Finance Committee, to whom are intrusted the charge of all buildings, 
 lands, etc., belonging to the Society. 
 
 2d. A Pension Committee, who have in charge the care of ail indigent members 
 applying for assistance, and the widows and orphans of those deceased. 
 
366 
 
 GENERAL SOCIETY OF 
 
 3d. A School Committee, whose duty it is to take charge of and superintend the 
 architectural, mechanical, and free-hand drawing classes, employ teachers, etc. 
 
 4th. A Library Committee, who take charge of the Apprentices' and De Milt 
 Libraries and Reading-rooms, and establish rules and regulations for the government of 
 the same. 
 
 5th. A Literary and Scientific Committee, for promoting and disseminating literary 
 and scientific knowledge. 
 
 6th. You have also a Sinking Fund Committee, which I believe is now classed as a 
 Standing Committee, to whom is committed a trust which, I am happy to say, is being 
 largely increased every year. 
 
 In looking over the report of the Finance Committee, I see that the gross amount of 
 assets, as stated by them, amounts to $597,196.20, which, I think, even in these times of 
 depreciated values, is far too little, and, in my judgment, should be at least $700,000. 
 
 The report of the Library Committee, down to September 1st, 1876, gives the number 
 of volumes in the Apprentices' and De Milt Libraries as 55,635; number added during 
 the year, 3,843; number of readers, 7,417; number of books circulated, 147,010. As 
 compared with 1866, the number of volumes then was 33,700; in 1856 there was 
 contained in both libraries, 17,246; readers, 1,936; books circulated, 36,987. This I 
 look upon as a most marked and gratifying success; and the library to-day, in all its 
 appointments, seems to be everything that the Society should desire or expect. 
 
 The Pension Committee report a large increase in the number of applications for 
 % relief, produced, no doubt, by the present depression in all kinds of industries. This, 
 brothers, I look upon as the committee of the Society — as if it grew out of, and probably 
 was, the first committee. It is our almoner to distribute the funds of the Society to 
 broken-down and indigent brothers, to the widows and orphans of deceased members, that 
 which they themselves have helped to accumulate; and I have no doubt that, under 
 God's blessing, this feature of our Society has done more to promote and aid in our pros- 
 perity than any other cause known to us. Brothers, we must look after the poor — these 
 we have always with us. 
 
 The School Committee report an average attendance of 284. I have not been able 
 to inform myself thoroughly in relation to this committee ; but there are taught, by a com- 
 petent corps of teachers, classes in architectural, mechanical, and free-hand drawing ; there 
 has also lately been organized a class of females, who are instructed in free-hand drawing, 
 which I fully recommend and indorse, but at the same time I believe that the founders of 
 our Society meant to encourage a system of education wherein the mechanic particularly 
 should have the advantage; and while free-hand drawing is well, at the same time I would 
 recommend that it should be ignored as much as possible, and all the male scholars be 
 instructed in architectural and mechanical drawing, and that the instruction shall be so 
 thorough and practical that they may be fitted to pass from the school sufficiently educated 
 to seek their own livelihood. 
 
 The Literary and Scientific Committee have continued their best efforts to furnish 
 such a course of lectures as would interest and instruct the members and their families ; at 
 
MECHANICS AND TRADESMEN, 
 
 367 
 
 the same time, I believe that they labor under a great disadvantage in not having a suit- 
 able hall belonging to the Society. This committee is doing a good work, and our lectures 
 have become an institution among us, and are doing a great deal to bring the Society 
 prominently before the public. 
 
 And now, brothers, in conclusion, I would say, that I believe this Society is the most 
 perfect, in all its organizations, of any now existing. It is the most practical and thorough 
 in its committees and in all its details. Why ? Because it was founded by mechanics, 
 practical men, who, by experience, had learned the reason why ; they then put the same in 
 operation, and, be it said, for we are proud of it, that of all the many thousands of dollars 
 that have passed through the hands of its officers and committees, not one single cent (so 
 far as the records show) has ever been pilfered from its treasury — a glorious record. 
 
 The year just closed has been a memorable one, long to be remembered for its many 
 financial distresses ; all kinds of business interests paralyzed, and thousands of unemployed 
 workingmen idle ; yet, notwithstanding all this, the reports of all the committees give us 
 great cause for congratulation. The finances of the Society, and every interest connected 
 with us, are in a healthy and flourishing condition, and the Society was never in a more 
 prosperous condition, in all its branches, than to day. 
 
 I think we have much to be thankful for. It is not yet one hundred years since our 
 Society was organized. It had a very small beginning ; but see what it has accomplished! 
 From a small nucleus of membership it has grown to be a mighty power. Its membership 
 now numbers some eight hundred. It has enrolled on its books of membership names of 
 the best men who have resided in our city — men who have lived honored lives and passed 
 away to their account. Generation after generation has passed away, and the good that 
 they have done, and the good that we are now doing, is written in the book of life. 
 
 God's blessing has attended the Society from its earliest beginning, because it was 
 founded on love, and God is Love. Go on, then, brothers, in this noble work in which 
 you are engaged, and His blessing will continue with you to the end. 
 
 INAUGURAL ADDRESS OF PRESIDENT HENRY L. SLOTE. 
 Delivered February 6th, 1878. 
 
 Brothers : I have hesitated as to what course to pursue on entering upon my duties 
 as President of this Society; whether to follow in the steps of my predecessors, or to omit 
 altogether the customary inaugural address. 
 
 But while I feel that almost every subject, of interest to the Society, has been ably 
 discussed in the addresses of those who have preceded me, yet I cannot refrain from 
 offering a few suggestions that have presented themselves to my mind. 
 
 For information as to the practical workings of the Society during the past year, I 
 shall refer you to the reports of the several committees. It will not be necessary for me to 
 enter into any analysis of them ; they are in themselves a complete history of the work 
 done in the several departments. 
 
368 
 
 GENERAL SOCIETY OF 
 
 They show continued prosperity of the Society ; and while we cannot but deplore the 
 great depression in business, we have great cause for thankfulness that a kind Providence 
 has thrown over us a protecting hand, so that we have suffered no diminution of our 
 resources ; consequently the committees have been able to carry on their good work as 
 in the past. 
 
 But I think it only just that especial attention be directed to the work of the Finance 
 Committee. Our thanks are due them for their faithfulness, zeal, and energy in superin- 
 tending the alterations of this building and preparing it for our use. 
 
 This building, so complete in all its appointments, so convenient, and so well adapted 
 to the uses of the Society, attests the ability and labor (often onerous) which that committee 
 devoted to the work. 
 
 It has been my privilege to have access to the De Milt Library, wherein are deposited 
 all the published documents and reports connected with the early history of this Society. 
 
 The perusal of these papers has given me great satisfaction, and I have obtained 
 much valuable information as to the organization of the Society and the difficulties 
 encountered by the early members, and their efforts to place the institution on a firm 
 basis. To their struggles and perseverance in times of adversity we owe much of our 
 prosperity. 
 
 The initiatory steps have been taken to compile a complete history of the Society, 
 from its foundation to the present time. The want of such a history has long been felt. 
 
 I am confident that the parties to whom the subject has been referred will do it 
 ample justice. 
 
 It is to be hoped that when we celebrate our Centennial, a few years hence, we shall 
 have published a record worthy of the Society and its founders. 
 
 Of the many topics discussed by members of the Society during the past twenty 
 years, there has been none of greater importance than the one relating to a new location 
 and a new building. 
 
 As long ago as February, 1857, the President, in his inaugural address, in alluding to 
 the question of a new building, says : " But where shall it be located ? That is the 
 question which, it appears to me, will require all the wisdom we possess to answer satis- 
 factorily. Where is the best spot to locate in order to carry out the objects of the 
 association ? The most central, the most accessible, and the most convenient for those 
 for whom it is designed," etc., etc. 
 
 Brothers, these questions have all been answered, and I believe in a satisfactory man- 
 ner, and now the matter of a new location is settled. 
 
 I congratulate you on the settlement of this important matter, and that we have 
 obtained this building, so well adapted to our wants. Central and easy of access, and 
 that, too, at an expense less than eighty thousand dollars ($80,000), which sum covers the 
 cost of removal and the expense of fitting up the library and school-room. 
 
 The permanent fund of the Society has not been interfered with, and the several 
 committees have been able to continue their usefulness without being crippled in their 
 resources. 
 
 While it would have been very gratifying to the members of the Society to have had 
 
MECHANICS AND TRADESMEN. 
 
 369 
 
 a building more commanding in appearance and more emblematic of the Society, I think 
 we have acted prudently, as we should, with the trust confided to us. 
 
 At some future day, when times are more prosperous, and the Society has become 
 sufficiently strong, we may erect a building which shall properly represent the Society. 
 
 I would recommend that proper steps be taken to have the Charter amended, so that 
 the election of officers may take place on the second Tuesday in December, instead ot 
 January, as is now the case. 
 
 The officers can then be installed in January, the committees can be named, and 
 thus have charge of the whole business for the year ending December 31st. 
 
 As the Charter now provides for the election on the second Tuesday in January, and 
 as the By-Laws provide that the committees shall be appointed in February, it follows 
 that the reports of the committees for the year ending December 31st represent only eleven 
 months of their own work. The Second Vice-President is ex-officio a member of the 
 Finance Committee, and is therefore a member of the committee whose term expires in 
 February, and also of the new committee appointed at the February meeting, and when 
 the Second Vice-President is promoted to be Vice-President he still acts with the old com- 
 mittee until the new committee is appointed, so that during the month of January two 
 persons are acting as members of the committee by virtue of their office of Second Vice- 
 President. 
 
 Before I decided to recommend an amendment to the Charter, I gave the matter 
 very serious consideration, and tried to discover some feasible plan by which the difficulties 
 might be removed without amending the Charter, hoping that an amendment to the By- 
 Laws would be sufficient. 
 
 But, after a careful examination of the whole subject, I can see no way out of the 
 difficulty by amending the By-Laws only. 
 
 Article II. of the Charter provides for an election of officers on the second Tuesday in 
 January, and further provides that said officers shall hold office until their successors are 
 elected ; consequently it is not possible for us to provide By-Laws for postponing the time 
 when the officers shall enter upon their duties until February. 
 
 They are the officers of the Society, to all intents and purposes, ti s moment the vote 
 is declared. 
 
 The matter of a formal installation, while it is very proper, and may confer dignity on 
 the position, cannot in any manner change the terms of office as fixed by the Charter. 
 
 Article VII., Section 2, of the By-Laws, provides that the Standing Committees shall 
 be appointed at the meeting in February, and hold office for one year. 
 
 Section 5, Article VII., also provides that the committees shall severally make, at the 
 regular meeting in January, a full report of their transactions during the year ending • 
 December 31st. The only way to make the term of office of the several committees accord - 
 with their reports would be by an amendment to the By-Laws, changing the date in Sec- 
 tion 5, Article VII., from December 31st to January 31st. 
 
 But that would not remove the difficulty I have alluded to in relation to the ex-officio 
 members of the Finance Committee. 
 
 These are some of my reasons for recommending an amendment of the Charter. 
 
370 
 
 GENERAL SOCIETY OF 
 
 I am not aware that any difficulty has ever occurred, owing to the state of things I 
 have called your attention to ; still I am confident that it is our duty to guard against any 
 embarrassment which may possibly arise in the future. 
 
 Having now called your attention to the subject, I leave it to the members of the 
 Society to dispose of as they, in their wisdom, may deem for the best interests of the 
 Society. 
 
 I would also recommend that we adopt suitable forms for the installation of the 
 officers of the Society. 
 
 It will be necessary to amend our By-Laws, as provided for in the Charter, Article II., 
 to fix the place of election and meetings in this building, although recently covered by 
 resolution. No doubt other changes may be required in consequence of the change in our 
 location. 
 
 As my attention is called to any subject necessary for your consideration, I shall 
 submit the same to you the first opportunity. 
 
 During the past month the Society removed to this new location, and the occasion 
 was duly celebrated by appropriate exercises. 
 
 A reception was held on Tuesday evening, January 22d, 1878, from 7 to 10. 
 
 Addresses were made by several eminent gentlemen, and we were honored by the 
 presence of many distinguished citizens, among whom were representatives of the several 
 departments of the Municipal Government, and also of the leading business interests 
 of the city. 
 
 Thanking you, brothers, for the honor conferred upon me in electing me to the , 
 position you have, I shall say, in conclusion, that we have now fairly entered upon our 
 work in the new building, and I believe that, favored by an overruling Providence, we 
 shall continue with the beneficent work we have so long been doing for the young of this 
 great city, and that a field of even greater usefulness is now open to us. 
 
 INAUGURAL ADDRESS OF PRESIDENT JOHN R. VOORHIS. 
 Delivered January 14TH, 1879. 
 
 Brothers : In entering upon an assumption of the serious duties and grave 
 responsibilities appertaining to the important and distinguished office of President of 
 this ancient and most honorable Society, to which position, by your kindness and 
 partiality, I have this day been elevated, I feel privileged to embrace the opportunity 
 (with your permission) of indulging in a few remarks, that I trust may be considered 
 as» apropos to the occasion and its attendant circumstances. 
 
 First, I most sincerely and gratefully thank you for the several honors you have, from 
 time to time, so kindly bestowed on me, and especially do I, with all my heart, tender you, 
 each and all, my warmest and most earnest thanks for the additional token of confidence 
 and respect you have, this day, so generously conferred on me, and which I fondly trust 
 no act of mine, in word or deed, may ever give you cause for regret. 
 
MECHANICS AND TRADESMEN. 
 
 371 
 
 I also desire to express my pleasure at^your happy choice of so competent and 
 worthy a corps of associate officers to assist and aid in the care and administration of the 
 various interests of the Society, whose merits and qualifications are too favorably known to 
 you all to require any mention by my lips, their faithful record in the past forming a 
 sufficient guaranty as to what may be expected of them in the future. 
 
 Several of my worthy predecessors, in entering upon their official duties, have 
 interested the Society by very able and instructive addresses, many of them replete with 
 information of an historical character, full of reminiscences of the glorious past ; others 
 abounding in most valuable and gratifying statistics of the time being, with an analytical 
 examination and elucidation of the component parts of the organization ; while still other 
 addresses infused fresh zeal and awakened new enthusiasm by their inspiring delineations 
 of the glorious achievements and the grand results in store for the future of our blessed 
 organization. 
 
 As a perfect history of the Society, from its earliest date to the present time, complete 
 in all details of interest, is in a careful process of preparation by an authorized and talented 
 official, I think it would not only be in poor taste, but quite presumptuous for me to make 
 any effort to further enlighten you upon the past records of the Society, as also any attempt 
 on my part to follow in the lines of thought that I have delineated as characteristic of the 
 addresses of my esteemed predecessors, would, I fear, result in a failure, alike uninteresting 
 to my hearers as it would be humiliating to the speaker. I will, therefore, content myself 
 by briefly calling your attention to some plain, and, I trust, practical thoughts on our 
 Society as it is to-day, and what may be done to further promote its usefulness. 
 
 Our last annual meeting found the Society at that time but recently removed into its 
 present head-quarters, and it was very properly a question of considerable anxiety to many 
 members whether the interests of the libraries and schools would be endangered or not by 
 the change in their location. I am pleased to believe that their usefulness and benefits have 
 not been in the least impaired, and that, being now well furnished and firmly established, 
 there is much to congratulate ourselves upon in their prospects for the future ; and there is 
 also, in all respects, so far as I am able to learn, a general acquiescence in the wisdom of 
 the purchase of the property now occupied by the Society, and its adaptation to the pur- 
 poses of a Mechanics' Hall, with its many increased conveniences and facilities for the 
 members of the Society and its numerous beneficiaries. 
 
 In this connection, I desire to call your attention to the comparatively unenjoyed 
 advantages of the Members' Reading-room, so eligibly located, elegantly and conveniently 
 furnished, and bountifully supplied (as may be needed) with choice reading matter, and 
 which affords so inviting a rendezvous to our many members, that I trust they will liberally 
 avail themselves of its privileges in their hours of leisure, which may be done with advan- 
 tage both to the Society and visiting members. 
 
 By the various annual reports of the several officers and committees which have this 
 day been submitted, it is gratifying to learn of the continued well-being and increasingly 
 prosperous condition of the Society in its several departments, and their various spheres of 
 interest and usefulness, thereby truly reflecting, I am justified in saying, great credit upon 
 the ability and efficiency of your faithful officials for the year just closed. 
 
372 
 
 GENERAL SOCIETY OF 
 
 The past year has been quite marked, in comparison with former years, in the known 
 decease of a much larger number of our worthy associates than usual — ten members 
 having been duly chronicled as terminating their earthly career ; in which fact, sad and 
 sorrowful as it was to all, was solemnly recognized the hand of an overruling Providence. 
 
 We have, however, much cause for thankfulness in the manifestation of an unusual 
 desire on the part of many of our esteemed fellow-citizens to be enrolled as associates — 
 twenty-six having been adjudged worthy, and regularly admitted to fellowship during the 
 past year, a number far in excess of that of any similar period of time for several 
 years past. 
 
 I would respectfully call your attention to the very unreliable list of members (as 
 relates to their existence or decease as they appear upon the published rolls of member- 
 ship), which, notwithstanding the best efforts on the part of your officials to keep them- 
 selves conversant with the circumstances thereof, I am well satisfied is quite inaccurate in 
 very many cases ; and I would suggest that suitable measures be taken, at an early day, to 
 secure a reliable correction thereof, by a reference of the work to some designated official, 
 or to one of the Standing Committees, or to a committee to be specially created for the 
 purpose, as your judgment may lead you to determine. 
 
 Your finances, thanks to an able, energetic, and conservative Committee of Finance, 
 are in a very healthy and prosperous condition ; and, while on the subject, I feel that I 
 would be derelict in a duty, if I failed to pay an honestly deserved tribute to the integrity, 
 efficiency, and faithfulness at all times displayed in his official action by our late worthy- 
 Treasurer, Brother Daniel D. Wright, who, at his own request, and to the great regret of 
 all, voluntarily retires from his honorable and trusted position, with the coveted and well- 
 merited title of, " Well done, good and faithful servant." May heaven's choicest blessings 
 ever be and abide with him. 
 
 Our noble band of brothers, who have, for so many, many years past, in season and 
 out of season, faithfully represented the primary objects of our organization in the per- 
 formance of their duties as members of your Pension Committee, have earned a debt of 
 gratitude that can never be paid, by the sacrifices made of their many home comforts and 
 domestic pleasures, in the performance of their arduous labors, succoring the needy, 
 relieving the sick, comforting the afflicted, and burying the dead, all of which they kindly 
 and thoroughly attended to, in the name of, and to the honor and credit of the Society. 
 And, I assure you, it is with much sorrow and very great reluctance that I am compelled, 
 owing to positive and absolute requests to that effect, to relieve so many of the members 
 of the Pension Committee of the past year from a continuation of their services in the 
 same capacity for the present year. 
 
 The committee having charge of your schools have diligently and successfully 
 administered the important trusts confided to their care, and at no time in the history 
 of the Society, since the adoption of the present system of supplying gratuitous education 
 in the various branches embraced in the schools, has a more worthy and interesting class 
 of pupils filled the school-rooms than do so to-day, affording much encouragement to the 
 friends of education, with great hopes of lasting future benefits, not only to the pupils, but 
 likewise to the entire community. And especially with pride do I invoke your attention 
 
MECHANICS AND TRADESMEN. 
 
 373 
 
 to the gratifying success attendant upon the school for females, — applications for admission 
 to which are far in excess of its capacities, — the attendance being good, and the studies 
 diligently observed, with very promising results. 
 
 The imperfect ventilation to the rooms for males, or main hall, which at first 
 prevailed, has been a subject of considerable anxiety and much study, on the part of the 
 proper officials, during the past year. But I am pleased to state, that this serious 
 objection has been skillfully treated, and in the main removed. If, however, any further 
 difficulty should be found to exist in that direction, I would most earnestly recommend 
 that prompt and effective measures be taken to remove the same, as far as it is possible 
 to do so. 
 
 The establishment of a Public Reading-room in Mechanics' Hall, the past year, 
 under the auspices of your Library Committee, has been attended with very gratifying 
 results, and constitutes an important feature in the labors of the committee, who are also 
 to be commended for the zeal manifested in their work at all times, and for the rapid and 
 successful transfer of the property in their charge, from the late to the present location of 
 the library, and the prompt preparation made for the re-issue of books, etc. 
 
 I most heartily approve of the recent extension and enlargement of the privileges of 
 the libraries, especially so to the several classes of industrious fellow-beings who have 
 heretofore been deprived of their gratuitous use and benefits. 
 
 In order that no unnecessary restrictions may exist to the free circulation of the 
 libraries, and that the conditions of the De Milt bequest may be complied with on the 
 part of the Society, I would respectfully recommend that the resolutions adopted by the 
 Society, October 7th, 1873, in relation to said bequest, be so amended as to authorize and 
 direct the Library Committee to pay a small stated sum per annum, from the amount 
 appropriated for the Apprentices' Library to the fund for the De Milt Library, and also 
 make such other modifications to the said resolutions as may seem wise and necessary to 
 accomplish the purpose before named. 
 
 I also desire to call your attention to the reported indebtedness of the fund for the 
 maintenance of the De Milt Library, occasioned, I am informed, chiefly by the unavoid- 
 able expenses attendant upon the removal and adaptation of the old, and the construction 
 of the requisite additional book-cases for the use of the library. I would recommend that 
 a temporary loan be made to the De Milt fund in anticipation of its established income, in 
 order that said indebtedness may be promptly liquidated, and also I would suggest that 
 the committee be directed to purchase no more books on account of said library until all 
 existing debts and loans made on account thereof are paid in full. 
 
 The Committee, charged by the Society with the duty of Promoting and Dissemina- 
 ting Literary and Scientific Knowledge, have presented for the present season a goodly 
 array of subjects and lectures, intended for the edification of the Society and its friends; 
 and while it cannot be truly said that in all cases they have been of the highest order of 
 literature, nor yet of the most scientific research or character, the lectures have been thus 
 far well attended, patiently listened to, sharply though justly criticised, and liberally paid 
 for by the Society ; and, in thus candidly expressing myself, I intend to cast no unpleasant 
 reflections on the efforts of the committee, for I am fully convinced that, in the discharge 
 
374 
 
 GENERAL SOCIETY OF 
 
 of the duties assigned to them, they have exercised their best judgment, and been actuated 
 solely by a desire to carry out the purposes and comply with the desires of the Society. 
 Yet, I think the committee will acknowledge an occasional disappointment even to their 
 own expectations in the result of their efforts. Let us hope that experience may teach us 
 wisdom in this direction as well as in all others, and that we may profit thereby. There 
 are none perfect — no, not one. 
 
 In connection with the subject of the annual lectures, it has frequently occurred to 
 me that some improvements might be made in the matter of providing eligible seats 
 thereat to the members of the Society and their families. I would respectfully suggest 
 for your consideration that a necessary number of the alternate rows of seats be reserved 
 up to a given time, say five minutes preceding the commencement of a lecture, for the 
 exclusive use of members and their families, who would be provided with special tickets 
 therefor; and it might also be further provided that the seats so reserved should be 
 assigned by lot to the several members of the Society during the lecture course, or for any 
 portion thereof, as might be deemed most advisable. If some such arrangement could be 
 perfected, it would obviate the necessity, now so frequently resorted to by the membership, 
 of an attendance at the lecture hall thirty to forty minutes prior to the commencement of 
 a lecture, in order that an eligible sitting may be obtained, while at the same time no 
 injustice would be done to the friends of the Society, who are always welcome, and would 
 have at their command an equal number of desirable sittings, receiving them on the same 
 conditions as at present, of " first come, first served." May I not ask, also, that the special 
 invitations extended by the committee to past and present officials of the Society to occupy 
 seats on the platform on the occasion of our lectures be more generally responded to in 
 the future than heretofore, it being not only due to the committee as a courteous recogni- 
 tion of the invitation, but also to the credit of the Society — for if any representation of the 
 organization is to take place on such occasions it should be well done, by a creditable 
 display of numbers. 
 
 And now, in referring briefly in the last, though not in the least place, to the 
 operations of the Building and Sinking Fund Committee, it is with pleasure I express my 
 veneration and regard for that worthy departed brother, whose wisdom and deep 
 solicitude for the enduring welfare of the Society led him to propose the creation of that 
 fund, through whose agency and its skillful management, by an able and faithful committee, 
 the Society was enabled so successfully to accomplish the long and oft-expressed desire of 
 so many of its members, that a more appropriate location and a suitable building for a 
 head-quarters be provided for the Society and the great work it has in hand ; and I trust 
 our efforts will not rest here, but that we will continue to foster and enlarge this worthy 
 feature of our Society, until it shall be its privilege and duty to occupy a location, with a 
 building thereon inferior in its design, construction, and adaptation to its purposes and 
 needs to no other in America, from and through which it will diffuse in every direction its 
 benefits to all the industrious and producing classes of this vast city, taking its proper 
 position, and receiving the deserved recognition of " the leading Society of the great 
 metropolis." 
 
 During the past year several important amendments have been made to the By-Laws- 
 of the Society, after a protracted discussion and mature consideration thereof ; and 
 
MECHANICS AND TRADESMEN. 375 
 
 although in some of the proposed changes there was naturally a difference of opinion as to 
 their advisability, on the whole I hope the results will prove satisfactory to the member- 
 ship generally, and I have no hesitation in saying that the By-Laws of the Society, as they 
 exist to-day, have my most hearty approval, and will receive at my hand, I trust, a wise 
 and liberal interpretation, as I doubt not they will from the members an earnest support, 
 notwithstanding the known and established reputation of the Society for its general 
 opposition to all radical changes in its organization, laws, or usages. 
 
 Brothers, changes in this world are necessary and imperative, and constantly taking 
 place, being wisely ordained by the Creator of all things as a proof of man's inferiority to 
 his Maker; for when man can create an imperishable object, or produce a literally perfect 
 specimen of his handiwork, whether it be the result of his mental or physical labor, which 
 will require no change, improvement, or addition for all futurity, then he can safely lay 
 claim to have arrived at a state of perfection heretofore unknown, and to be endowed, like 
 his Creator, with the power of immortality. 
 
 I earnestly desire that the several members of the various committees that may, this 
 evening, be appointed by the Society, will zealously endeavor to be present at all its 
 meetings, in order that they may become the better acquainted with its needs and desires, 
 and thereby act intelligently on all the subjects referred to them, as the success of any 
 organization depends materially upon the attention given and the interest shown in its 
 affairs in all its details, by the various officers and working committees thereof. 
 
 My worthy predecessor very properly called your attention to the incongruities 
 arising from the period appointed by the charter of the Society as the time for holding the 
 annual meeting, and the provision of the late By-Laws, designating the time of appoint- 
 ment of the various Standing Committees, resulting in a confusion and embarrassment at 
 times, that it was desirable to obviate, if possible. This difficulty has been partially, if not 
 entirely remedied by the amended By-Laws; but, in this connection, I have a thought to 
 suggest for your future consideration, in the leisure moments you may have between the 
 present time and when it may become necessary to again apply for a further extension of 
 the privileges conferred upon this incorporation by the charter it holds from the people of 
 the State of New-York, and that is, in view of the change and separ- ion annually, to a 
 greater or lesser extent, of the several Standing Committees — in the midst, as it were, of 
 their work of a season, by which it devolves upon one body of members to inaugurate, 
 and another (their successors) to carry out or complete a system or plan of work with 
 which both parties may not be in perfect unison and accord. I refer more especially to 
 the School and Library Committees, and the Committee for Promoting and Disseminating 
 Literary and Scientific Knowledge. In the case of each of these committees, the work for 
 their respective customary terms or natural seasons is arranged for and carried forward 
 by the members of those committees of different years, as thus : These said committees for 
 the present year will enter upon their several duties with a policy and system for their 
 guidance and control in existence as established by their predecessors, and whether in 
 harmony with their views or not, they cannot wisely change the same, if they would, for 
 months in the future. 
 
 Would it not be well, therefore, to change, in a proper and lawful manner, the date of 
 the annual meeting from January to June or July, when a more natural beginning and 
 
376 
 
 GENERAL SOCIETY OF 
 
 ending of the seasons of work of the Society would seem to be ? I leave the subject to 
 your careful consideration. 
 
 In conclusion, permit me to congratulate the Society upon the present year, being the 
 first in its history, of the absolute freedom (to all entitled to participate therein) of the 
 privileges and advantages of acquiring knowledge and education through its schools and 
 libraries and reading-rooms. 
 
 Boys and girls, men and women, old and young, with simply the badge of industry 
 on their breast, may now freely enjoy, to their hearts' content, the benefits and pleasures to 
 be had from most excellent and well-managed schools, well supplied and ever-growing 
 libraries and reading-rooms, and all without money and without price. 
 
 Brothers, rejoice and be glad, for ye know not what good ye do. 
 
 Finally, I beseech you all to sustain me in my humble efforts to promote the interests 
 and welfare of this grand and noble Society, kindly overlooking my short-comings and 
 pardoning my errors, ever remembering " that to err is human, to forgive divine." 
 
 INAUGURAL ADDRESS OF PRESIDENT ALEXANDER GAW. 
 Delivered January 13TH, 1880. 
 
 Brothers : In a review of the past, and carefully looking over what has been said to 
 this Society by those who have so recently preceded me in the position which, by your 
 kindness, I have this day the honor to occupy, there is little room left whereby I can intro- 
 duce to you an improvement that would advance the interest and welfare of this Institution 
 better than to suggest a careful perusal of the wise and correct views of my predecessors ; 
 containing, as they do, all the advisement necessary appertaining to each department of 
 this Society. 
 
 THE FINANCE COMMITTEE. 
 
 In their annual report you will find, by a reference to it, a correct financial statement 
 of all that comes under their supervision and care. 
 
 I would recommend, in consequence of a large amount of bonds held by the Society 
 being called in by the General Government, although a reinvestment of the same has been 
 made, at a reduced rate of interest, thereby materially decreasing the income of die Society, 
 it behooves us that economy should be exercised in all the different departments. 
 
 THE COMMITTEE ON PENSIONS. 
 
 By untiring diligence to their duty, they have fully given, in their Annual Report, a 
 strict account of their doings, showing that they have thoroughly investigated the condition 
 and circumstances of each applicant and pensioner, relieving and supplying the wants of 
 the sick and needy brother, the widows and orphans of deceased members. This, then, was 
 the primary and commendable object of the founders of this association. Brothers, to do 
 good and distribute, forget not, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased. 
 
MECHANICS AND TRADESMEN. 
 
 377 
 
 THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE, 
 
 In their Annual Report, give a full and satisfactory account of an improvement in 
 each branch of the School intrusted to their care and direction, showing that its progress 
 will reach a standard of excellence exceeding any of previous years. 
 
 Having employed competent teachers for the Architectural, Mechanical, and Free 
 Hand Drawing Classes, likewise the Writing and Book-keeping Class (as usual this Class 
 is composed chiefly of young men employed in counting-houses), I regret to say, there are 
 few mechanic apprentices. 
 
 The Female Drawing Classes are well attended by an industrious and select class of 
 pupils, under the tuition of a lady teacher, competent for the position, the instruction being 
 of two kinds — drawing from ornament and casts. 
 
 A reference to the Committee's Report will give the particulars as to the number of 
 scholars in each department. 
 
 THE LIBRARY COMMITTEE. 
 
 In their Annual Report the following satisfactory result is given, showing with what 
 care the books contained in the Libraries have been loaned out to the various readers : The 
 whole number of volumes in the Apprentices' and De Milt Libraries August 30th, 1879, 
 57,462 ; number of readers for the season, 7,894, of whom 3,371 were boys, 3,601 were 
 girls, 661 were journeymen, sales-ladies, and teachers; 261 to members and their families, 
 being 88 more than last year. 
 
 Number of volumes used for the season, 156,261, all which have been returned but 27, 
 being the smallest number ever reported lost. 
 
 The Reading-Room of the Library is attended by a class of readers, averaging daily 
 95, or 28,634 for the season. 
 
 THE LITERARY AND SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE 
 
 Have proved themselves equal to the trust confided to them. The subjects selected 
 for the course this season are instructive and interesting, affording the members and their 
 families the pleasure of hearing some of our most talented men in Lectures and Readings. 
 This sufficiently compensates the Society for the outlay so freely granted the committee for 
 such purposes, and gives to all a lively interest to be present on each occasion, filling the 
 hall with an attentive and intelligent audience. 
 
 THE BUILDING AND SINKING FUND COMMITTEE, 
 
 Always looking after the present and future welfare of the Society, adding yearly to 
 the Sinking Fund the surplus the Society has to spare. This in due time will reach the 
 required object, and eventually build up the future greatness of this Institution, on a new 
 location, with a new hall of sufficient dimensions that will answer all our purposes. 
 
 THE AUDITING COMMITTEE. 
 
 Their reported examination of the different accounts, for the past year, furnishes the 
 Society a complete and satisfactory result, proving how faithful and careful the financial 
 condition of the Society stands, and is accounted for. 
 
378 
 
 GENERAL SOCIETY OF 
 
 Brothers, in conclusion, I sincerely thank you for this honorable token of your 
 kindness, believing and trusting that you will extend to me that support which is so requi- 
 site and necessary for me to ask. Continuing in this hope, I shall use my utmost endeavor 
 to discharge the responsible duty appertaining to the office of President of this honorable 
 Society, which has been so providentially blessed, guided, as it has been, by the wise coun- 
 sel of its members. Jointly let us continue to do our duty as brothers, like the founders 
 of the Institution, and God will bless us and sustain us to carry on the good work com- 
 mitted to our careful and just direction. 
 
 INAUGURAL ADDRESS OF PRESIDENT JOHN BANTA. 
 Delivered January iith, 1881. 
 
 Brothers : Another year of grace has just passed away, and what I hope will be still 
 another to us all has just begun, and by your kind favor I have been called upon during 
 its continuance to preside over our Society. 
 
 In thanking you for this honor, I must also express our common thanks for the con- 
 tinuance of renewed prosperity and activity in almost every branch of trade, business, and 
 manufacture in our country and city, which so nearly affects the welfare of every one of us. 
 
 The first thing which should occupy the thoughts of all good men, on crossing the 
 threshold of a new year, is the consideration of the manner in which their influence and 
 power of doing further good can be most extended and enlarged, and their usefulness and 
 respect in the eyes of their fellow-men most increased. 
 
 Now, so let it be with us, and let these matters have our serious attention at this time 
 in our Society. 
 
 How can we best carry out, in the broadest spirit, its intended aims and usefulness, 
 and do the most good to the greatest number of all those entitled to receive benefit from 
 us ? Let us try and briefly make a few suggestions toward answering this question. 
 
 Now, it is a common saying that Americans have no grandfathers, but, however this 
 may be, it certainly does not apply to us, for if we look at the original act of our incorpo- 
 ration of March 14th, 1792, we will find, that one hundred and sixty-five mechanics and 
 tradesmen of this city are represented as having associated themselves together under the 
 style of the General Society of Mechanics and Tradesmen of the City of New-York. At 
 that time, from an examination of the best authorities upon the subject, it will be found that 
 the population of the City of New- York was something under forty thousand. By the 
 recent census, taken last year, under direction of the Federal authorities, its present popu- 
 lation is about one million two hundred and fifteen thousand. In this same proportion of 
 increase, for I do not think that in the progress of invention and skilled labor that the 
 number falling within our definition of mechanics and tradesmen has diminished propor- 
 tionately, but has rather increased, consequently our Society should number about five 
 thousand members ; but what will you say when I remind you that instead of this, our 
 
MECHANICS AND TRADESMEN. 
 
 379 
 
 total number at present is only about seven hundred. Instead of having, in eighty-eight 
 years, kept pace with and increased, like our population, about thirty-fold, it has only risen 
 from one hundred and sixty-five to about seven hundred. In the ten years just passed, 
 the initiations and deaths reported have been as follows : 
 
 Initiations. Deaths reported. 
 
 23 
 
 16 
 
 *5 
 
 14 
 
 14 
 
 1 1 
 
 18 
 
 17 
 
 26 
 
 16 
 
 14 
 
 10 
 
 9 
 
 5 
 
 26 
 
 
 14 
 
 18 
 
 14 
 
 10 
 
 1871 
 1872 
 
 1873 
 1874 
 
 1875 
 
 1876 
 
 1877 
 1878 
 
 1879 
 
 1880 
 
 A total of 173 initiations and 130 deaths, leaving an apparent gain of only 43 ; but as 
 it is not believed that all the deaths have been reported, the real gain is probably under 
 this last figure. 
 
 So we see that the trouble is not that we have not had enough grandfathers, but that 
 the grandfathers have not had enough grandchildren. 
 
 Can we, in this great metropolis of the western world, be considered as fulfilling our 
 mission, when out of the tens of thousands in our million and a quarter of people, of those 
 who are proud in the true dignity of labor to call themselves mechanics and tradesmen 
 (that is, men skilled in a trade), we can only muster on our membership roll about seven 
 hundred. 
 
 Are we exerting sufficient energy ? Are we all heartily at work ? Are we keenly and 
 positively alive to the importance of increasing our membership, and thereby making our 
 influence more widespread ? Are we opening up the store-house of knowledge and infor- 
 mation in our library ? Are we diffusing the magic of instruction in ( ir schools ? 
 
 We often notice, in these days, business firms, with the word " Limited " after their 
 names, but our Society was evidently not intended to be one of that class, for our pre- 
 decessors in the trusts confided by the Legislature of this State, you will observe, were 
 incorporated as " The General Society of Mechanics and Tradesmen." There is nothing 
 " Limited," or special, or peculiar about us ; we are the "general" society, that is, the society 
 for all. The very last clause of our original charter is to the effect, that it was a " public 
 act," and was to be " construed in all Courts and places benignly and favorably, for every 
 beneficial purpose therein intended." 
 
 Having put our hands to the plow, let us not turn back ; let us not be content with 
 letting well-enough alone. 
 
 Let every one of us strive to increase our membership, and to bring within our ranks 
 all those, especially of the younger men, who, by industrious habits and good character, 
 are qualified to be received among us. Let us make personal effort to accomplish this great 
 
3 8o 
 
 GENERAL SOCIETY OF 
 
 result. Those of us who have numbers in our employ, others of us who have many friends 
 and acquaintances, can surely, with a little individual and united effort, double or even 
 treble our membership within a comparatively short time. If there are any obstacles in the 
 way, let us consider what can be done to remove them, remembering that, " whatsoever 
 thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might." 
 
 Turning once more to that old charter's text — there is nothing like sticking to the 
 text — we find that the act is entitled "An Act to incorporate the Society of Mechanics 
 and Tradesmen of the City of New-York, for charitable purposes" ; to enable our incorpo- 
 rators and their successors " more beneficently to carry into effect their charitable inten- 
 tions " ; and, that our Society was formed " for the laudable purposes of protecting and 
 supporting such of our brethren as, by sickness or accident, may stand in need of assist- 
 ance, and for the relief of the widows and orphans of those who may die leaving little or 
 no property for their support" ; and again we read further on, that certain things were 
 to be done, " to the end that the funds of the said corporation may never be diverted to 
 any other than the charitable purposes for which the institution has been expressly made 
 and created." 
 
 I am, of course, well aware that the Legislature subsequently passed acts in our 
 interest, extending our power to use the funds for the establishment, support, and main- 
 tenance of our School and Lib rary, but I call your particular attention to what was the 
 original intent and object in the formation of our organization. 
 
 Now, these charitable and benevolent puqioses, it seems to me, should be ever upper- 
 most in our minds, in considering how we may best fulfill our duties and responsibilities in 
 connection with our Society. 
 
 The difficult task which our able and painstaking Pension Committee has undertaken, 
 in looking after the many deserving cases of misfortune and necessity arising from sickness, 
 accident, or death, which come to their attention, has been self-sacrificingly and kindly per- 
 formed by them. They deserve all praise, and while thanking them, we cannot but stop to 
 inquire after this first reminder of the intentions of our predecessors, whether or not, we 
 cannot do still more in this same direction. This noble branch of our work appeals to the 
 hearts and sympathies of every one of us. With no feeling but of the humblest gratitude 
 for the good fortune with which so many of us have been blessed, let us remember that 
 even as God has increased our store, so should we remember the poor, the sick, and the 
 needy of our brothers and their families. 
 
 In the consideration of these matters, I am sure that each and every one of you has 
 but the same disposition as myself, and that is, to do all we can in the way of suggestion, 
 assistance, and such actual work as may be necessary under our present, and, in many 
 respects, excellent system, to assist our indigent members and their families. 
 
 The annual reports of our different Standing Committees, the Finance, School, 
 Library, Pension, Literary and Scientific and Building and Sinking Fund Committees, and 
 of our Treasurer, will be presented with the usual carefulness and completeness of detail, 
 relating to their various offices. I shall not refer to them now at any length, as they will 
 be printed and distributed for more thorough examination among all that may desire them. 
 They show the results of earnest and circumspect labor on the part of those of our brothers 
 specially engaged upon them, and will be well worthy of being read and preserved. 
 
MECHANICS AND TRADESMEN. 
 
 Brothers, it is gratifying to know that the financial affairs of the Society are in a 
 healthy condition, and that during the past year no disaster to, or shrinkage of its income 
 of consequence has occurred, but the Society is steadily adding to its permanent fund. It 
 is proper that your attention should be again called to the desirability of changing the 
 date of our annual election, and the time of appointing our several committees, to some 
 time in the month of December, so that these events may happen and the new officers be 
 installed in office for the ensuing year before our fiscal and calendar years begin. By 
 making such a change, considerable embarrassment would be removed. 
 
 I would refer to a subject in which we all take a pardonable pride, and that is, the his- 
 tory of our Society, which, as most of you are doubtless already aware, was, under a reso- 
 lution offered and passed about three years ago, referred to the Literary and Scientific 
 Committee to take into consideration the advisability of having the history of the Society 
 written from its formation. That committee afterward, under authority given to them, 
 employed our secretary to write such a history, who, having completed it, has read the 
 manuscript before a committee selected for that purpose from the Literary and Scientific 
 Committee, and, I understand, it gives general satisfaction to all who have heard it read ; 
 so much so, that they desire to have it printed and bound in a fitting manner. I would be 
 happy to indorse such favorable action as you may think proper to take in this matter. 
 
 Brothers, let us heartily resolve to do all in our power and means to push forward and 
 extend the grand opportunities before us of enlarging the usefulness, welfare, and benefi- 
 cence of our ancient and yet ever-young Society, so that when we come to give place to 
 those who are destined to succeed us in our trusts, we may have the consciousness that 
 we have not done those things which we ought not to have done, but that we have indeed 
 done, one and all of us, all those good works which we ought to have done. 
 
 APPENDIX S. 
 
 CHARTER 
 
 Of the General Society of Mechanics and Tradesmen of the City of New-York. Passed April 3d, 181 1. 
 
 Whereas, The Society of Mechanics and Tradesmen of the City of New-York, by 
 their memorial presented to this Legislature, have set forth and represented that the act 
 passed the 14th of March, 1792, by which said Society was constituted a body corporate 
 and politic, will, on the first Monday of April, which will be in the year of our Lord 1812, 
 
382 
 
 GENERAL SOCIETY OF 
 
 expire and cease by its own limitation ; and whereas, said Society, by their memorial, have 
 prayed for a renewal and extension of the term of their incorporation, and likewise to have 
 the charter so amended as to enable them to conduct their affairs with prudence, safety, 
 and propriety ; therefore, 
 
 1. Be it enacted by the People of the State of New-York, represented in Senate 
 and Assembly, That John I. Labagh, Jacob Lorillard, Peter Sharpe, John Slidell, James 
 Hopson, Philip Arnold, and their present associates, and all persons being mechanics or 
 tradesmen, and resident within the city and county of New- York, who hereafter shall be 
 members of the said Society, shall be, and hereby are ordained, constituted and declared 
 to be one body, corporate and politic, in fact and in name, by the name of " The General 
 Society of Mechanics and Tradesmen of the City of New-York," until the first Monday in 
 April, one thousand eight hundred and thirty-three ; and that by that name they and their 
 successors, for the term aforesaid, shall and may have succession, and shall be persons in 
 law capable of suing and being sued, pleading and being impleaded, answering and being 
 answered unto, defending and being defended, in all courts and places whatsoever, in all 
 manner of action and actions, suits, complaints, matters, and causes whatsoever ; and that 
 they and their successors may have a common seal, and may change and alter the same at 
 their pleasure; and, also, that they and their successors, by the name of "The General 
 Society of Mechanics and Tradesmen of the City of New- York," shall be in law capable 
 of purchasing, holding, and conveying any estate, real or personal, for the public use of 
 the said corporation : Provided, that the lands, tenements, and hereditaments, which it 
 shall be lawful for the said corporation to hold, shall be only such as shall be requisite for 
 the purpose of erecting a house or hall thereon in which to meet and transact the business 
 of the said corporation, or such as shall have been bona JiJe mortgaged to it by way of 
 security, or conveyed to it in satisfaction of debts previously contracted in the course of its 
 business, or purchased at sales on judgments which shall have been obtained for such 
 debts : And provided, also, that the amount of the real and personal estate which the said 
 corporation are hereby enabled to hold shall not at any one time exceed the sum of two 
 hundred thousand dollars. 
 
 2. And be it further enacted, That the officers of the said corporation shall be a Presi- 
 dent, Vice-President, and a Second Vice-President, a Treasurer, Secretary, and Collector, 
 who shall hold their offices for one year, and shall be citizens of this State, and be elected 
 the second Tuesday in January in every year, at such time of the day and at such place 
 in the City of New-York as shall be fixed and ascertained by the By-Laws of the said 
 corporation ; that all elections of the said officers, or any of them, shall be by ballot ; and 
 such person who shall have at any election the greatest number of votes given at such 
 election as President shall be President ; and in like manner the person who shall have the 
 greatest number of votes as Vice-President shall be Vice-President ; and in like manner 
 the person who shall have the greatest number of votes for Second Vice-President shall be 
 Second Vice-President ; and in like manner the person who shall have the greatest number 
 of votes as Treasurer shall be Treasurer ; and in like manner the person who shall have 
 the greatest number of votes as Secretary shall be Secretary ; and in like manner the per- 
 
MECHANICS AND TRADESMEN, 
 
 383 
 
 son who shall have the greatest number of votes as Collector shall be Collector. And the 
 said officers shall hold their respective offices for one year, and until others shall be 
 chosen in their places : that if any vacancies shall happen among the said officers by 
 death, resignation, or removal, such vacancies shall be filled, for the remainder of the year 
 in which they may happen, by a special election for that purpose, to be held in the same 
 manner as the annual elections are made, at such times and places as shall be provided for 
 and determined by the By-Laws of the said corporation. That John I. Labagh shall be 
 the President of the said corporation, Jacob Lorillard Vice-President, and Peter Sharpe 
 Second Vice-President, John Slidell Treasurer, James Hopson the Secretary, and Philip 
 Arnold the Collector thereof, who shall hold their offices respectively until the second 
 Tuesday in January next, and until others shall be chosen in their places. 
 
 3. And be it further enacted, That in case it should at any time happen that an 
 election of officers should not be made on any day when, pursuant to this act, it ought to 
 have been made, the said corporation shall not, for that cause, be deemed to be dissolved ; 
 but it shall and may be lawful on any other day to hold and make an election of officers, 
 in such manner as shall have been regulated by the laws and ordinances of the said cor- 
 porations. 
 
 4. And be it further enacted, That all elections and all meetings of the said corpora- 
 tion shall be made and held in a place certain, to be fixed and determined by the By-Laws 
 of said corporation; and that all such elections and meetings of the said corporation, so 
 to be held as aforesaid, twenty-five members thereof, including the President (or, in his 
 absence, the Vice-President, or, in his absence, the Second Vice-President; and, in case 
 of the absence of the officers aforesaid, a chairman shall be chosen to preside at such 
 meetings), shall be considered a quorum of the said corporation, and shall have full power 
 to do and transact all the business thereof. 
 
 5. And be it further enacted, That the said corporation, and their successors, shall 
 have full power to make and prescribe such* by-laws, rules, ordinances, and regulations as 
 to them, from time to time, shall appear needful and proper, touching the management and 
 disposition of their stock, property, estate, and effects, for the purposes aforesaid; and 
 touching the meetings of the said Society, both special and ordinar, , except the second 
 Tuesday in January in every year, which is hereby declared to be the annual meeting of 
 the Society, and touching the duties and conduct of the officers of the said corporation, 
 and touching the election of officers, and all such other matters as appertain to the busi- 
 ness, ends, or purposes for which said corporation is by this act instituted, and for no other 
 purposes whatsoever : Provided, that such by-laws, rules, and regulations be not repugnant 
 to the Constitution or the laws of the United States, or of this State. 
 
 6. And be it further enacted, That all persons, citizens of the United States, being 
 mechanics and tradesmen, and resident within the City and County of New-York, desiring 
 to become members of the said corporation, shall be proposed by at least two members 
 one meeting previous to his or their election, which shall be by ballot, and determined by 
 two-thirds of the members present at such election ; that then he or they so elected, on 
 paying into the hands of the Treasurer such sum as the corporation by their By-Laws 
 shall direct, provided the same shall not exceed the sum of ten dollars, shall have his or 
 
384 
 
 GENERAL SOCIETY OF 
 
 their names inserted in the General Register, and shall be entitled to all the privileges and 
 benefits arising therefrom. 
 
 7. And be it further enacted, That the said Society shall have full power and authority 
 to expel disorderly members ; that is to say, if any member shall be convicted of any noto- 
 rious, scandalous, wicked practice, such members shall be expelled the Society ; and any 
 member refusing or neglecting, for eighteen months, to pay his monthly dues, shall, on 
 conviction thereof, be expelled the Society ; and all members thus expelled shall forfeit all 
 right and title to the benefits arising from the Society : Provided, nevertheless, that three- 
 fourths of the members present shall be required to vote for the expulsion of a member ; 
 and provided always, that whenever a charge is brought against a member he shall be 
 thereof notified in writing and requested to appear to answer to the complaint exhibited 
 against him, at the then next monthly meeting of the Society; and any member who shall 
 be convicted as aforesaid, refusing or neglecting to attend when duly notified, shall be 
 expelled the Society. 
 
 8. And be it further enacted, That in case the aforesaid Society shall at any time 
 appropriate or apply its moneys or funds, or any part thereof, except so much thereof as 
 may be necessary for the repairs of any buildings which may belong to the said corpora- 
 tion, or for the payment of the Treasurer or Secretary thereof, or for other charges 
 expressly incidental to the management of the funds thereof, or for the payment of the 
 debts of the said corporation, to any use other than the support of indigent members of 
 the said corporation, or the widows or children of any person having been a member 
 thereof, and shall be thereof convicted by due course of law, that thenceforth the said cor- 
 poration shall cease, and the real and personal estate whereof it may then be seized and 
 possessed, shall then vest in the people of this State. 
 
 9. And be it further enacted, That this act be and is hereby declared to be a public 
 act, and that the same shall be construed, in all courts and places, benignly and favorably 
 for every beneficial purpose therein contained. 
 
 10. And be it further enacted, That the act, entitled "An act to incorporate the 
 Society of Mechanics and Tradesmen of the City of New-York, for charitable purposes," 
 passed 14th March, 1792, be, and the same is hereby repealed. 
 
 AN ACT 
 
 To renew and amend an Act, entitled "An Act relative to the General Society of Mechanics and 
 Tradesmen of the City of New-York." Passed April 1st, 1856. 
 
 The People of the State of New-York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact 
 as follows : 
 
 § 1. The act entitled "An Act relative to the General Society of Mechanics and 
 Tradesmen of the City of New-York," passed April third, eighteen hundred and eleven, as 
 amended by the several acts relating to said Society, subsequently enacted, is hereby 
 
MECHANICS AND TRADESMEN. 
 
 385 
 
 renewed and extended to the first Monday in April, in the year one thousand eight hun- 
 dred and ninety. 
 
 § 2. The first section of the act incorporating the said Society, passed April third, 
 a. d. one thousand eight hundred and eleven, is hereby amended, and the said corpora- 
 tion are hereby authorized and enabled to hold an amount of real and personal estate, 
 which shall not at any one time exceed the sum of five hundred thousand dollars. 
 
 § 3. The third section of the act passed February eighteenth, one thousand eight 
 hundred and thirty-three, entitled "An Act to renew and amend an act entitled 'An Act 
 relative to the General Society of Mechanics and Tradesmen of the City of New- York,'" 
 passed April third, one thousand eight hundred and eleven, is hereby amended, so as to 
 read as follows, viz. : 
 
 The initiation fee for the admission of a member of said Society shall be such sum as 
 the said corporation shall direct, provided it be not more than fifty dollars ; and the said 
 Society may set apart and appropriate, in their discretion, any portion of their funds, 
 together with such donations or bequests as may from time to time be made for that pur- 
 pose, toward the promotion and diffusion of literary and scientific knowledge. 
 
 § 4. This act shall take effect immediately after its passage, and the Legislature may, 
 at any time thereafter, alter, modify, or repeal the same. 
 
 AN ACT 
 
 To Confirm the Title of Certain Real Estate Belonging to the General Society of Mechanics and 
 Tradesmen of the City of New- York. Passed April 12th, i860. 
 
 The People of the State of New-York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact 
 as follows : 
 
 p 
 
 1. The title of the lands, tenements, and hereditaments, lawfully owned and held by 
 the General Society of Mechanics and Tradesmen of the City of New-York, according to 
 the provisions of the act of its incorporation, passed March fourteenth, seventeen hundred 
 and ninety-two, now owned and held by the corporation bearing the same name and title, 
 created by the act passed April third, eighteen hundred and eleven, and renewed and 
 amended by the several acts subsequently enacted, is hereby vested and confirmed in the 
 said " The General Society of Mechanics and Tradesmen of the City of New-York," their 
 successors and assigns. 
 
 2. Nothing whatsoever in this act contained shall be constructed to impair, alter, or 
 modify the right, title, interest, or lien of any person or persons of, in, or to the said lands, 
 tenements, or hereditaments lawfully created or acquired prior to the enactment of 
 this act. 
 
 3. This act shall take effect immediately. 
 
386 GENERAL SOCIETY OF 
 
 AN ACT 
 
 To amend Chapter one hundred and thirteen of the Laws of eighteen hundred and eleven, entitled 
 "An Act relative to the General Society of Mechanics and Tradesmen of the City of New- York." 
 Passed April 30th, 1881. 
 
 The Pecple of the State of New- York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact 
 as follows : 
 
 § 1. Section two of Chapter one hundred and thirteen of the Laws of eighteen hun- 
 dred and eleven, entitled "An Act relative to the General Society of Mechanics and Trades- 
 men of the City of New-York," is hereby amended to read as follows : 
 
 § 2. The officers of the said corporation shall be a President, Vice-President, and a 
 Second Vice-President, a Treasurer, Secretary, and Collector, who shall hold their offices 
 for one year from the first day of January first ensuing after their election, and shall be elected 
 on the first Wednesday in December in every year, at such time of the day and at such 
 place in the City of New- York as shall be fixed by the By-Laws of the said corporation ; 
 that all elections of the said officers, or any of them, shall be by ballot, and such person 
 who shall have at any election the greatest number of votes given at such election for 
 President shall be President ; and in like manner the person who shall have the greatest 
 number of votes for Vice-President shall be Vice-President; and in like manner the per- 
 son who shall have the greatest number of votes for Second Vice-President shall be Second 
 Vice-President ; and in a like manner the person who shall have the greatest number of 
 votes for Treasurer shall be Treasurer ; and in like manner the person who shall have the 
 greatest number of votes for Secretary shall be Secretary ; and in like manner the person 
 who shall have the greatest number of votes for Collector shall be Collector ; and the said 
 officers shall hold their respective offices for one year, and until others shall be chosen in 
 their places; that if any vacancies shall happen among the said officers by death, resigna- 
 tion, or removal, such vacancies shall be filled for the remainder of the year in which they 
 may happen by a special election for that purpose, to be called and held in the same man- 
 ner as the annual elections. The first annual election after the passage of this act shall be 
 held on the first Wednesday in December, eighteen hundred and eighty-one. 
 
 § 3. All acts or parts of acts inconsistent with the provisions of this act are hereby 
 repealed. 
 
 § 4. This act shall take effect immediately. 
 
 State of New-York, ) 
 Office of Secretary of State, } ss ' 
 
 I have compared the preceding with the original law on file in this office, and do 
 hereby certify that the same is a correct transcript therefrom, and of the whole of said 
 original law. 
 
 Given under my hand and the seal of office of the Secretary of State, at the City of 
 Albany, this third day of May, in the year one thousand eight hundred and eighty-one. 
 
 Anson S. Wood, 
 Deputy Secretary of State. 
 
MECHANICS AND TRADESMEN. 
 
 387 
 
 BY-LAWS. 
 Adopted October 5th, 1881. 
 Article I. 
 
 § 1. All meetings of this Society shajl be held at Mechanics' Hall. The annual 
 meeting shall be held on the second Tuesday in January, at 8 o'clock p. m., and regular 
 meetings shall be held on the first Wednesday in each month (except the months of 
 January, July, and August) at 8 o'clock p. m. 
 
 § 2. Twenty-five members shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. 
 
 § 3. Whenever seven members shall deem it expedient to have a special meeting, they 
 shall signify the same in writing to the President, specifying the purpose thereof, who shall 
 thereupon direct the Secretary to call such special meeting, and to notify the members of 
 the time and objects thereof. No business shall be considered or transacted at sucli meet- 
 ing, or at any other special meeting, except such as may have been specified in the call 
 for such meeting. 
 
 § 4. When the first Wednesday in any month occurs on a legal holiday, the meeting 
 shall take place on the Wednesday following. 
 
 Article II. — Elections. 
 
 § 1. At the regular meeting in November, or as soon thereafter as may be, three 
 members shall be appointed by the presiding officer as inspectors of election, to receive, 
 canvass, and estimate the votes given for President, Vice-President, Second Vice-President, 
 Treasurer, Secretary, and Collector, at the next annual election. 
 
 § 2. The poll for election shall be opened at 4 o'clock p. m., on the day of the regular 
 meeting in December, and closed at 7 o'clock p. m., and the inspectors shall give notice of 
 its closing at least fifteen minutes preceding. Immediately on closing the poll they shall 
 proceed to canvass the votes, and, on completing the same, shall certify over their signa- 
 tures the result of such canvass, which certificate, provided a quorum of members be 
 present, shall be reported to the Society at its meeting held that evening, and upon its 
 appearing by such certificate that the balloting has resulted in a lawful choice of officers of 
 the Society for the ensuing year, it shall be the duty of the presiding officer to qualify the 
 several officers elect, in the following order and manner, to wit : 
 
 1. The President. 
 
 2. The Vice-President and Second Vice-President. 
 
 3. The Treasurer and Secretary. 
 
 4. All other officers elect who may be present. 
 
 The presiding officer shall be assisted by two ex-presidents, or other members of the 
 Society, whom he shall appoint for such purpose, and the ceremonies shall consist of — 
 
 1. Presentation of the officer or officers elect to the presiding officer, who will instruct 
 him or them in their several duties. 
 
 2. Acceptance of the official position, with its duties and responsibilities, by the officer 
 elect. 
 
 3. The presiding officer shall then declare that the officers thus qualified shall assume 
 their several positions, and commence the discharge of their official duties on the first day 
 of January, next ensuing. 
 
3 88 
 
 GENERAL SOCIETY OF 
 
 4. During the ceremonies the brothers will stand, and no brother will enter or leave 
 the Hall. 
 
 § 3. In the event of no quorum being present at the December meeting, the certifi- 
 cates of the inspectors shall be deposited with the Secretary, who shall immediately notify 
 the officers elect, and request their written assent, which, with the certificate, shall be 
 registered on the minutes, and the said officers who assent to their election shall assume 
 and enter upon the discharge of their several duties on the first day of January, next ensu- 
 ing, the same as if they had been formally qualified, with the exception of the Treasurer, 
 who shall not enter upon the discharge of his duties until his bond has been accepted by 
 the Society. 
 
 § 4. Special elections for filling vacancies shall be held in the same manner as are the 
 annual elections, and on the day of a regular meeting of the Society not more than two 
 regular meetings after such vacancies shall have occurred, and the Secretary shall notify 
 the members thereof at least one week previous to the time of such election. 
 
 Article III. — The President and Vice-Presidents. 
 
 § 1. It shall be the duty of the President to preside at all meetings of the Society; to 
 preserve order and decide all questions, subject, however, to an appeal to the Society. He 
 shall not vote on any question unless the Society be equally divided. 
 
 § 2. In the absence of the President, the Vice-President shall preside and perform the 
 duties of the President ; and, in the absence of both the President and the Vice-President, 
 the Second Vice-President shall in like manner preside and perform the said duties ; and 
 in the event of all the said officers being absent, the Society shall appoint a President pro 
 tempore, who shall perform all the duties incident to the office. 
 
 § 3. The President of the Society shall be ex officio a member of the School Com- 
 mittee and of the Committee for Promoting and Disseminating Literary and Scientific 
 Knowledge ; the Vice-President ex officio a member of the Library Committee ; and the 
 Second Vice-President ex officio a member of the Finance Committee. 
 
 § 4. The President is authorized and empowered to vote in the name of the Society 
 on any corporate stock owned or held by it at all elections for trustees or directors of any 
 such coq)oration. 
 
 Article IV. — The Treasurer. 
 
 § 1. Before the Treasurer enters upon the duties of his office, he shall annually give a 
 bond to the Society, with two approved sureties, in a sum not less than twenty thousand 
 dollars, for the faithful performance of the trust reposed in him, which bond shall be 
 deposited with the Finance Committee. 
 
 § 2. It shall be the duty of the Treasurer to receive and safely keep, in such manner 
 as shall be directed by the Society, all deeds, mortgages, or any titles to property belong- 
 ing to the Society ; also certificates of stock, bonds, and all other evidences of debt, as 
 may be received for the benefit of the Society ; to collect the rents, the interest of any 
 money secured by bond and mortgage, the dividends on the stock held by the Society, the 
 
ME CHANICS AND TRADESMEN. 
 
 389 
 
 initiation fees, and generally all moneys due the Society, the collection of which is not 
 otherwise provided for. 
 
 § 3. All moneys received by the Treasurer for or on account of the Society shall be 
 deposited by him in the name of the Society, with his signature and that of the President, 
 in such bank or trust company as may be designated for that purpose by the Finance 
 Committee, with the approval in writing of the President of the Society ; provided, always, 
 that the Society may at any time instruct said committee and President, or otherwise direct 
 them relative thereto. 
 
 § 4. The Treasurer shall pay quarterly the salaries of the Secretary, Treasurer, and 
 Door-keeper, also all bills that may be ordered paid by the Society, and all specific orders 
 drawn on him in pursuance of any resolution of the Society, and likewise pay out of 
 their respective annual appropriations all drafts issued and all bills incurred for legitimate 
 expenditures by the several Standing Committees, upon being presented to him, duly cer- 
 tified by the Chairman and Secretary of the Committee. But no money of the Society 
 shall be drawn from any bank or trust company in which the same may be deposited, 
 except on a check signed by him as Treasurer, and countersigned by the President of the 
 Society, said check being made payable to the order of the person or persons to whom it is 
 to be paid, except the pensioners and employes of the Society, who, as well as all bills not 
 exceeding ten dollars each, may be paid in money, the same to be drawn by check to the 
 order of the Treasurer, and countersigned by the President of the Society. 
 
 § 5. He shall keep, in suitable books, separate accounts with every piece of property, 
 and with all stock and other securities owned by the Society, with every committee or 
 fund, and with every individual or firm that may be at any time indebted to the Society. 
 Said accounts shall be written up and posted on or before every quarterly meeting of the 
 Society. Said books shall be kept in the safe of the Society, at Mechanics' Hall, and shall 
 at all suitable times be accessible to any officer of the Society, and to the Chairman of 
 each of the Standing Committees. He shall also be ex officio a member of the Finance 
 Committee, and also ex officio a member and the Treasurer of the Building and Sinking 
 Fund Committee. 
 
 § 6. He shall report at the annual meeting in January, and q arterly thereafter at 
 regular meetings, the amounts paid on account of the several Standing Committees, the 
 state of the finances and funds, and subjoin his own account thereto, for the inspection of 
 the members. He shall also report at the annual meeting in January a full account of all 
 moneys received and disbursed by him, from all sources and for what purposes, from 
 the first day of January to the thirty-first day of December, inclusive, of the year preced- 
 ing, with a statement of the financial condition of the Society ; and for his services he 
 shall be allowed a compensation of seven hundred and fifty dollars per annum, payable 
 quarterly. 
 
 § 7. He shall surrender to his successor at the annual meeting in January, or as soon 
 thereafter as he shall be qualified to act as Treasurer, all moneys, bonds, mortgages, and 
 other properties in his possession belonging to the Society. 
 
 In the absence of the Treasurer, the presiding officer shall appoint a Treasurer pro 
 tempore. 
 
39° 
 
 GENERAL SOCIETY OF 
 
 Article V. — The Secretary. 
 
 § i. It shall be the duty of the Secretary to attend every meeting of the Society, and 
 in his absence or inability to act, the presiding officer shall appoint one of the members as 
 Secretary pro tempore. 
 
 He shall keep minutes of all proceedings, and correctly record the same in a book 
 provided for the purpose. 
 
 He shall also record copies of all reports made to the Society, in a book provided 
 for that purpose ; and shall file and number all original papers, resolutions, and other 
 documents. 
 
 He shall also keep a book wherein each member's name and occupation shall be 
 inserted, in such order and manner that it will appear when admitted, expelled, died, or 
 withdrawn, which book shall be the General Register of the Society. 
 
 He shall notify, without delay, each person elected a member of the Society, of such 
 election ; and on the election of any member to an office shall give him due notice thereof. 
 
 When any committee has been appointed, he shall furnish to the member first named 
 thereon a written list of the names of the several members appointed to constitute the 
 same, and a copy of the resolution or subject referred to them. 
 
 When a motion is made and seconded, he shall record the name of the member by 
 whom it is made. 
 
 He shall cause due notice to be given to the members of all the meetings of the 
 Society. 
 
 He shall be allowed for his services five hundred dollars per annum, payable quar- 
 terly. 
 
 § 2. The seal of the Society shall be kept by the Secretary, and used for the purpose 
 of sealing all certificates of admission, and such other papers as the Society may direct, 
 by resolution, to be executed under their seal. 
 
 § 3. The plates for the certificates of membership shall be kept by the Secretary, and 
 eacli member shall be entitled to a certificate, dated from the time of his initiation. 
 
 § 4. All books, reports, documents, papers, etc., appertaining to the office and duty of 
 Secretary, shall be kept by him in the safe of the Society, and shall not be taken from his 
 possession ; but any member may, at all suitable times, have liberty to examine and make 
 extracts from them at the place where they are kept. 
 
 Article VI. — The Door-keeper. 
 
 A Door-keeper shall be appointed by the President, who shall attend all the meetings 
 of the Society, and during the sessions shall permit no person, except a member, to enter 
 the meeting-room without the consent of the presiding officer, and he shall receive for his 
 services three dollars for each meeting of the Society which he attends. 
 
 Article VII. — Standing Committees. 
 
 § 1 . The Standing Committees of the Society shall be a Finance Committee, a Com- 
 mittee on Pensions, a School Committee, a Library Committee, a Committee for Promot- 
 
MECHANICS AND TRADESMEN, 
 
 39 1 
 
 ing and Disseminating Literary and Scientific Knowledge, a Building and Sinking Fund 
 Committee, and an Auditing Committee. 
 
 § 2. No member shall serve on more than one of the Standing Committees at the 
 same time, except as provided in these By-Laws. 
 
 § 3. The President (or, in his absence, the officer presiding) shall, at the annual meet- 
 ing of the Society, or as soon thereafter as possible, nominate, and, with the consent of the 
 Society, appoint five members to constitute the Finance Committee ; eight to constitute 
 the Committee on Pensions ; twelve to constitute the School Committee ; twelve to con- 
 stitute the Library Committee; twelve to constitute the Committee for Promoting and Dis- 
 seminating Literary and Scientific Knowledge; four to constitute the Building and Sinking 
 Fund Committee; and three to constitute the Auditing Committee, all of whom shall 
 serve one year, and until others are appointed in their places. 
 
 § 4. At the annual meeting in January of each year, or if from any cause such meet- 
 ing should not be held, then at the next meeting thereafter, appropriations for the current 
 year shall be made of such sums as may then be deemed sufficient for the payment of their 
 legitimate and authorized expenditures, and within the means of the Treasury, for the 
 Finance Committee, the Committee on Pensions, the School Committee, the Library Com- 
 mittee, the Committee for Promoting and Disseminating Literary and Scientific Knowl- 
 edge, and the Building and Sinking Fund Committee, which amounts so appropriated shall 
 be set apart and, so much thereof as may be necessary, used by the Treasurer for the pay- 
 ment of the bills received by him for the respective several Standing Committees entitled 
 to such appropriations. 
 
 § 5. It shall be the duty of the Finance Committee, the Committee on Pensions, the 
 School Committee, the Library Committee, the Committee for Promoting and Dissemi- 
 nating Literary and Scientific Knowledge, and the Building and Sinking Fund Committee, 
 and they are hereby required, to report to the Society at the annual meeting in January, 
 and quarterly thereafter, an account of their receipts and expenditures during the preced- 
 ing quarter. 
 
 Said committees shall also severally make, at the annual meeting of the Society in Janu- 
 ary, a full report of their receipts and expenditures and of their transactions during the 
 year ending on the thirty-first day of December preceding, stating therein the actual con- 
 dition of their respective departments, and all such matters as may be necessary to enable 
 the Society to form an accurate judgment of the results of their operations. Said annual 
 reports, or a copy thereof, together with a copy of the annual report of the Treasurer, 
 shall be referred to the Finance Committee, which committee shall prepare and report to 
 the Society, at the regular meeting next ensuing, a statement of the financial condition of 
 the Society, with estimates of the probable receipts into and demands upon the Treasury 
 during the ensuing year; and shall embody in said statement such of the matters from the 
 annual reports of the several committees as they may deem suitable for publication. Said" 
 statement shall be printed for the use of the members. 
 
 § 6. All moneys received by any officer, committee, or member, for or on account of 
 the Society, shall be forthwith paid to the Treasurer of the Society. 
 
39 2 
 
 GENERAL SOCIETY OF 
 
 Article VIII. — The Finance Committee. 
 
 § i. The Finance Committee shall take charge of all buildings and lands belonging 
 to the Society, and shall appropriate, subject to the approval of the Society, so much of 
 Mechanics' Hall to each of the several Standing Committees as may be necessary for the 
 proper discharge of their respective duties and trusts. They shall cause the property of 
 the Society to be properly insured, and direct and superintend all ordinary repairs and 
 inexpensive necessary alterations thereto, and shall report such extraordinary repairs and 
 improvements as they may deem expedient to be made, with estimates of the expense 
 thereof, and, when approved by the Society, they shall direct and superintend the same. 
 
 They shall procure all necessary supplies for the general use of the Society, and for 
 the heating, lighting, and cleaning of Mechanics' Hall, and shall audit all bills incurred for 
 their legitimate and necessary expenses, transmitting the same, duly certified by the Chair- 
 man and Secretary, to the Treasurer of the Society for payment. 
 
 § 2. They shall have power to invest from the current funds of the Society such 
 amounts as they may elect in United States, New-York State, and City bonds, and shall, 
 at the next regular meeting of the Society, make full report of such investments. 
 
 § 3. They shall submit at the annual meeting in January a statement of the probable 
 receipts and expenditures of the Society for the ensuing year. 
 
 Article IX. — The Committee on Pensions. 
 
 § 1. All applications made to this Society for relief, either personally or by petition, 
 shall be referred to the Committee on Pensions. 
 
 It shall be the duty of the said committee to inquire into the circumstances of every 
 member, or of the widow, orphan, or orphans of any deceased member who may apply for 
 assistance. 
 
 § 2. Whenever it shall appear to the satisfaction of the committee that the situation 
 or circumstances of any member who has applied for relief is such that he will require 
 assistance for more than one year, or during his natural life, it shall be their duty to report 
 to the Society, for its concurrence, a specific sum, which, in their opinion, ought to be 
 granted as a yearly pension to such member; which pension, if concurred in by the 
 Society, shall be paid by them in the same manner and at the same periods that other 
 pensions are paid. 
 
 They shall register in a book, to be kept for that purpose, the names of the pen- 
 sioners, and the names and ages of their children, and shall pay at stated periods their 
 pensions as herein provided, except, when on investigation it shall appear to be actually 
 necessary for the welfare of the pensioner or his family, the amount of the same may be 
 paid in such installments and manner as the committee may deem most judicious. 
 
 § 3. The widow, orphan, or orphans of any member, being in indigent circumstances, 
 shall be entitled to receive assistance agreeably to the following regulations : 
 
 1. All widows on the pension list shall be allowed fifty-two dollars per annum, so 
 long as, in the judgment of the committee, or of the Society, their circumstances are such 
 as to require the aid of the Society. 
 
> 
 
 MECHANICS AND TRADESMEN, 393 
 
 2. All widows, being pensioners, and having children under the age of fifteen years, 
 shall be allowed the sum of twenty dollars per annum foe each child, which allowance may 
 be continued, if deemed necessary by the committee, although the widow may have again 
 married. 
 
 3. When a child, whose mother is on the pension list, shall arrive at the age of 
 fifteen years, the pension of the widow for such child shall cease. 
 
 4. Every child having no parents living, and who shall be entered on the pension list, 
 shall be allowed the sum of forty dollars per annum, until it shall arrive at the age of 
 sixteen years ; the said money to be paid to the guardian of the child, or such other 
 person as the committee shall approve. 
 
 5. No arrearages of pensions shall be paid for a longer period than one year. 
 
 § 4. The Committee on Pensions shall investigate and report thereon, at least once in 
 each year, into the circumstances of the several pensioners of the Society, in order that 
 they may obtain a knowledge whether they are proper objects of its bounty, and should 
 so continue. 
 
 § 5. When, during the recess of the Society, applications are made to the committee, 
 by pensioners or others, either for relief or for funeral expenses of a deceased brother, his 
 widow, or orphan children, or when such applications have been referred to them, it shall 
 be their duty to make careful investigation of the circumstances of the person or persons 
 by whom or in whose behalf the applications have been made ; and if it shall appear that 
 the applicants are entitled to relief, and the circumstances are such as will not admit of the 
 delay necessary to make a formal report thereof to the Society, then it shall be lawful for 
 them to make a donation of relief of a sum not to exceed twenty dollars in any month for 
 each case, or toward funeral expenses of a sum not to exceed one hundred dollars in each 
 case. And it shall be their further duty to report to the Society, at its next meeting 
 thereafter, the amount of every such donation, with the names and circumstances of the 
 several persons to whom and in whose behalf they were made. 
 
 § 6. The office for the quarterly payment of the pensioners of the Society shall be in 
 some appropriate room in Mechanics' Hall. 
 
 § 7. The committee shall report (at the annual meeting) to th Society the names of 
 all persons relieved, and the amount paid to each, which report shall be read in detail. 
 
 § 8. The committee will transmit to the Treasurer of the Society for payment all bills 
 incurred by them, duly audited and certified by their Chairman and Secretary. 
 
 § 9. The Pension Committee shall have the management and control of the burial 
 plot at Cypress Hills Cemetery belonging to this Society. 
 
 They shall permit the interment therein upon their decease, and upon application 
 therefor, of any member, or member's wife, widow, or minor children. 
 
 Article X. — The School Committee. 
 
 § 1. It shall be the duty of the School Committee to take charge of, and to super- 
 intend the interests of the school ; to judge the qualifications of, and to employ and 
 discharge teachers or other persons therein engaged ; to make rules and regulations for 
 
394 
 
 GENERAL SOCIETY OF 
 
 the admission of scholars and the government of the school, and to cause the school to be 
 visited at each session by one or more members of the committee. 
 
 § 2. Members of the Society, minor children of members, or of deceased members, 
 apprentices, journeymen mechanics, artisans, females employed at any legitimate business, 
 and unemployed persons under sixteen years of age, shall be entitled to the gratuitous 
 privileges of the school, under such rules and regulations as may be established by the 
 committee and approved by the Society. 
 
 § 3. All bills for expenditures incurred by the committee shall be duly audited and 
 certified by the Chairman and Secretary, and transmitted to the Treasurer of the Society 
 for payment. 
 
 Article XL — The Library Committee. 
 
 § 1. It shall be the duty of the Library Committee to take charge of, and to superin- 
 tend the Apprentices' and De Milt Libraries and the reading-rooms, and to establish 
 rules and regulations for the government thereof ; to employ and discharge the Librarian 
 and other persons therein engaged ; to supply the libraries and reading-rooms with such 
 publications as may be deemed suitable, also the necessary stationery, printing, and bind- 
 ing, within the amount of their appropriation, and to visit the libraries and reading-rooms 
 each day when open, by one or more of its members. 
 
 § 2. The members of the Society, their wives and children, the widows and children 
 of deceased members, persons employed as apprentices, journeymen mechanics, draughts- 
 men, artisans, teachers employed in the schools of the Society, males under eighteen years 
 of age employed at any legitimate business, and all females likewise so employed, shall be 
 entitled to the free privileges of the library and reading-rooms, under such rules and regu- 
 lations as may be established by the committee and approved by the Society. 
 
 § 3. The committee will transmit to the Treasurer of the Society, for payment, all 
 bills incurred by it, duly audited and certified by the Chairman and Secretary. 
 
 Article XII. — The Literary and Scientific Committee. 
 
 § 1. Such appropriations as may be made to the Committee for Promoting and 
 Disseminating Literary and Scientific Knowledge shall be applied by the committee for 
 the procuring of suitable persons to deliver lectures or readings, or for imparting knowledge 
 by such other modes as the committee shall judge most suitable to promote the objects of 
 the Society in the moral and intellectual improvement of its members and their families. 
 
 § 2. All bills incurred by the committee shall be duly audited and transmitted to the 
 Treasurer of the Society for payment, certified by the Chairman and Secretary. 
 
 Article XIII. — Building and Sinking Fund Committee. 
 
 It shall be the duty of the Building and Sinking Fund Committee to receive all 
 appropriations, donations, or bequests to the Building and Sinking Fund that may be 
 made by the Society, its members or other persons, securely and promptly investing the 
 same in the name and subject to the order of the Society, in such a manner and in such 
 securities as the Society may direct or approve, stating in detail, in their quarterly and 
 
MECHANICS AND TRADESMEN 
 
 395 
 
 annual reports, the amount of such fund, the manner of its investment, and any receipts or 
 disbursements on account thereof since the previous report. 
 
 Article XIV. — Auditing Committee. 
 
 § i. It shall be the duty of the Auditing Committee, immediately after their appoint- 
 ment, to examine the books and accounts of the Treasurer and Secretary, also the deeds 
 and leases of property, bonds, securities, certificates of stock, money on deposit, and all 
 other evidences of property belonging to the Society, and they shall make a full and 
 detailed report of the result of such examination at the next meeting of the Society. 
 
 § 2. All reports, with the accompanying vouchers, from any officer or committee per- 
 taining to the receipt or disbursement of moneys, shall be referred to said committee for 
 examination and report thereon. 
 
 § 3. Any bills for necessary expenses incurred by this committee shall be certified by 
 the Chairman and Secretary, and transmitted to the Finance Committee for payment. 
 
 Article XV. — The Library Fund. 
 
 § 1. All donations, devises, and bequests, which may be made to the Society for the 
 use, maintenance, and extension of the Apprentices' Library and Reading-rooms (unless 
 otherwise directed by the parties making them), together with such sum or sums of money, 
 or such property as the Society may from time to time designate for that purpose, shall 
 constitute a separate and permanent fund for the said purpose, to be called the "Library 
 Fund" : and the interest or income thereof, alone, shall be applied for the use, maintenance, 
 and extension of the said library and reading-rooms, and in such manner as may from time 
 to time be directed by a vote of the Society. 
 
 § 2. It shall be the duty of the Treasurer to take charge of said fund, and from time 
 to time, as he may be directed by a vote of the Society, invest the same, and all contribu- 
 tions and appropriations therefor, in good and sufficient security. And the interest and 
 income arising therefrom shall be annually appropriated and applied for the use, mainte- 
 nance, and extension of the before named Library and Reading-rooms, in such manner as 
 may from time to time be directed by a vote of the Society. And t is hereby made his 
 duty to lay before the Society, at the annual meeting (or oftener, if so required to do by a 
 vote of the Society), a separate and exact report of the condition of said fund, setting 
 forth, in a particular manner, the amount thereof, the income arising therefrom, and the 
 nature of the securities in which the same may be invested. 
 
 Article XVI. — Transfer of Real or Personal Estate. 
 
 Whenever a resolution to sell, mortgage, or lease any real estate belonging to the 
 Society, or to sell or transfer any of its personal property (exceeding in value the sum -of 
 five thousand dollars), shall be regularly brought before the Society, it shall lie on the table 
 till the next regular meeting, or a special meeting, should such be called ; and it shall be 
 the duty of the Secretary, at least three days previous to said meeting, to send to each 
 member, whose place of residence he can ascertain, a written or printed notice that such 
 resolution has been moved. 
 
39 6 
 
 GENERAL SOCIETY OF 
 
 Article XVII. — Removal of Officers and Members of Committees. 
 
 Any officer of the Society, or member of any committee, who willfully or persistently 
 neglects to perform or discharge the duties appertaining to his position, or while acting as 
 such officer or member of committee shall be guilty of conduct disgraceful or unbecoming 
 to his position, or disreputable to his associates or the Society, may be removed as such 
 officer or member of committee by a three-fourths vote of the members present at any 
 regular meeting of the Society, provided charges duly specifying the offense alleged against 
 the officer or member of committee shall be preferred in writing by one or more members 
 of the Society, at a regular meeting thereof, a copy of which charges shall be served upon 
 the officer or member of committee so charged at least twelve days previous to the Society 
 taking any action thereon, providing for his removal, and which shall be done only after 
 an opportunity for defense has been afforded the officer or member of committee so 
 charged. 
 
 Article XVIII. — Admission and Initiation. 
 
 § i. The art or trade of every person proposed as a member of this Society shall be 
 entered by the Secretary on the minutes of the meeting at which such proposition is made. 
 All propositions for membership shall be made at a regular meeting, and balloted for at 
 the next regular meeting; and the Society shall in no case proceed to ballot for such person 
 as a member unless four brothers shall have previously vouched for his character at the 
 time of his being proposed, as it relates to industry, honesty, and sobriety ; and also for 
 his being a mechanic or tradesman, and a citizen of the United States. The votes of two- 
 thirds of the members present at any meeting of the Society shall be necessary for his 
 admission. 
 
 § 2. Every person elected a member of this Society shall, within three regular meet- 
 ings thereafter, apply for the purpose of being initiated ; and in case any person so 
 elected shall neglect to apply within the time aforesaid, his election shall, by such neglect, 
 become void. 
 
 § 3. Every person admitted a member of this Society shall pay to the Treasurer, upon 
 his initiation, the sum of fifty dollars, and affix his signature to the General Register of the 
 Society. 
 
 § 4. All persons who are in waiting for the purpose of being initiated shall be intro- 
 duced to the Society by two brothers, previously appointed by the President or presiding 
 officer as Masters of Ceremonies for that evening. The Masters of Ceremonies will 
 announce their approach at the door of the hall by three distinct raps, which will be 
 answered by the President with two strokes of his gavel ; the brothers will thereupon 
 rise, while the Masters of Ceremonies present the member or members elect to the 
 presiding officer for initiation, who will then address them as follows : 
 
 Fellow-Citizens : 
 
 In accordance with our charter, you have been elected a member of this incorpora- 
 tion, the General Society of Mechanics and Tradesmen of the City of New-York. This 
 
MECHANICS AND TRADESMEN. 
 
 397 
 
 is the result of the testimonial which we have received of your character. Let sobriety, 
 industry, and integrity continue to be the ornaments of your name. 
 
 To relieve the unfortunate, the widow, and the orphan, was the primary and com- 
 mendable object of the founders of this association. Its usefulness has since been 
 extended by the establishment of a Library and Reading-rooms, with a school for the 
 instruction and improvement of the apprentices and others of our city. 
 
 It is expected that you will lend your aid to these laudable purposes, and promote 
 with your brethren the honor and welfare of the institution. 
 
 We welcome you as a brother ! a delightful union where the bond of friendship is 
 benevolence. 
 
 You will now inscribe your name on the General Register of the Society, in whose 
 behalf I tender you the right hand of fellowship. 
 
 Article XIX. 
 
 These By-Laws, or any part thereof, may be suspended at any regular meeting of the 
 Society by the unanimous consent of the members present, but such suspension shall not 
 continue in force beyond the commencement of the next regular meeting ; they may also 
 be altered, amended, or repealed at any regular meeting of the Society, provided that two- 
 thirds of the members present vote in favor thereof, and provided also that such proposed 
 alterations, amendments, or repeal have been duly proposed in writing at a previous regular 
 meeting. 
 
 All previous By-Laws of the Society are hereby repealed. 
 These By-Laws shall take effect immediately. 
 
 ORDER OF BUSINESS AND RULES OF ORDER. 
 
 First. The President shall take the chair at the appointed time, and call the meeting to 
 order, and, a quorum being present, the business shall proceed in the following order : 
 
 1. Reading the Minutes. 
 
 2. Reading of Communications to the Society. 
 
 3. Balloting for Members. 
 
 4. Proposition of Candidates. 
 
 5. Initiation of Members. 
 
 6. Reports from the Treasurer. 
 
 7. Reports from the Secretary. 
 
 8. Reports from Standing Committees. 
 
 9. Reports from Special Committees. 
 
 10. Unfinished business. 
 
 11. Motions for the benefit of the Society. 
 
 Second. Every member wishing to speak shall rise and address the President. 
 
 Third. When two or more members rise at once, the President shall name the mem- 
 ber who is entitled to the floor. 
 
 Fourth. No member shall speak more than twice to the same question, if objected to, 
 unless he shall have obtained permission from the Society. 
 
398 
 
 GENERAL SOCIETY OF 
 
 Fifth. No motion shall be debated or put unless the same be seconded. When a 
 motion is seconded, it shall be stated by the President before debate, and every such 
 motion shall be reduced to writing, if the President or any member desire it. 
 
 Sixth. All reports from committees shall be in writing, and signed by the Chairman 
 and Secretary thereof, but nothing herein shall prevent a minority of a committee from pre- 
 senting a report, which may be read and considered after the majority report has been 
 read. 
 
 Seventh. After a motion is stated by the President, it shall be in possession of the 
 Society; but it may be withdrawn, by consent of the Society, at any time before decision 
 or amendment. 
 
 Eighth. When a question is under debate no motion shall be received but to adjourn, 
 to lie on the table, the previous question, to postpone, to commit, or to amend ; which 
 several motions shall have precedence in the order here specified. The motion for adjourn- 
 ment shall always be in order, and decided without debate. 
 
 Ninth. The previous question shall be in this form : Shall the main question be now 
 put ? It shall only be admitted when demanded by five or more of the members present, 
 and its effect shall be to put an end to all debate, and bring the Society to a direct vote. 
 
 Tenth. While the President is putting a question no member shall walk out of or 
 across the room ; nor when a member is speaking shall any one entertain private discourse, 
 or pass between him and the chair. 
 
 Eleventh. In filling up blanks, the largest sum and longest time shall be put first. 
 
 NAMES OF THE MEMBERS 
 
 Of the General Society of Mechanics and Tradesmen of the City of New- York, from the institution of 
 the Society in the year 1785, to the 31st of October, 1881. 
 
 ♦Allen, William 
 *Arden, Jacob J. 
 *Arden, Jacob 
 •Anderson, Elbert 
 ♦Ackerman, Henry 
 ♦Amerman, Peter 
 ♦Allen, Stephen 
 ♦Aymar, James, Jr. 
 ♦Alner, James 
 ♦Auchincloss, John 
 ♦Armstrong, James 
 ♦Abbott, Abijah 
 ♦Arnold, Ph. 
 
 (Deceased Members marked thus:*) 
 
 1786 ♦Arcularius, Geo. 1798 
 ♦Alstine, Abraham 
 ♦Anderson, Andrew 1799 
 
 1791 *Adriance, Samuel P. 1801 
 
 1792 ♦Arcularius, Philip I. 
 ♦Abrahams, Moses 
 •Anderson, Elbert, Jr. 
 ♦Anthony, John P. 
 ♦Arden, Thomas S. * 1801 
 
 1793 ♦Allen, Stephen 1803 
 •Ackerman, John 
 •Allison, Michael 
 
 1795 •Armstrong, John 
 
 ♦Armstrong, William 
 ♦Ash, William 1810 
 ♦Arrovvsmith, Edward 
 ♦Ames, Charles 
 ♦Arcularius, Andrew M. 
 ♦Allison, Peter 
 ♦Ackerman, John 
 ♦Arcularius, Henry 1818 
 Arrowsmith, Geo. 1820 
 ♦Adams, William 1821 
 ♦Andrew, Henry 
 Ayres, William 1822 
 1804 ♦Allender, William N. 
 
MECHANICS AND TRADESMEN 
 
 399 
 
 *Adams, David 
 
 *Asten, Thomas 1823 
 
 Abbot, Michael 1824 
 *Arcularius, P. I., Jr. 1825 
 
 Ackerman, Henry 
 ♦Arnoux, Anthony 1826 
 ♦Anderson, Henry 1828 
 
 Agnew, Cornelius 
 *Aims, Peter 1829 
 *Althouse, Sam'l B. 1830 
 ♦Applegate, Matthew R. 
 *Applegate, Elijah 
 *Ackerman, Lawrence 183 i 
 ♦Alley, Saul 
 ♦Arnoux, Gabriel A. 
 *Aikman, Robert 1832 
 
 Anderson, John 1833 
 * Airman, Hugh 1835 
 
 Ackerman, Ab'm I 
 
 (Mason.) ) 
 
 Ackerman, Ab'm i 
 
 ♦Addison, Thomas 1836 
 
 Adams, Nathaniel E. 
 
 Atkinson, Samuel 1837 
 
 Ackerman, John R. 
 ♦Adams, William 
 
 Avis, William T. 
 
 Andariese, John 
 ♦Allen, John T. 
 ♦Avery, Elisha L. 1838 
 ♦Acker, Jacob 1840 
 
 Aeby, Rudolph 1841 
 ♦Andrews, Loring 1846 
 
 Ayres, Albert 
 ♦Amerman, John W. 
 
 Adams, Joseph A. 1847 
 
 Allen, John 
 ♦Archer, Isaac H. 
 
 Alvord, Corydon A. 1848 
 
 Allison, Michael, Jr. 
 ♦Aitken, John 1849 
 
 Arthur, William C. 1850 
 ♦Alvord, Alonzo A. 185 1 
 
 Ash, Joseph H. 1852 
 
 Allee, Joseph B. 
 
 Anderton, Ralph L. 1853 
 
 Appleton, Wm. H. 1857 
 
 Arthur, William H. 
 Andrews, Wm. D. 1865 
 Althause, John J. 
 Andruss, Ab'm A. 1866 
 Ayres, Abram 1871 
 Andruss, Charles 
 Andruss, Henry 1872 
 Anthony, Henry T. 1875 
 Adams, Walter W. 1876 
 Adams, Henry 1877 
 Anderson, Edmund 1878 
 Alexander, Geo. W. 
 Abendroth, John 1879 
 Andruss, Norman 1881 
 
 ♦Bryar, William 1788 
 
 ♦Brooks, Michael 1789 
 
 ♦Bloodgood, Ab'm 1790 
 
 ♦Baker, Gardiner 1791 
 
 ♦Brower, John 
 
 ♦Byrne, James 
 
 ♦Bertine, Peter 
 
 ♦Bissett, James D. 
 
 ♦Browne, Thomas 
 
 ♦Bush, Evert 1792 
 
 ♦Benson, Benjamin 
 
 ♦Burling, Samuel 
 
 ♦Brush, Gilbert 1792 
 
 ♦Brown, Robert 
 
 ♦Bordett, Peter, Jr. 
 
 ♦Brown, Anthony 
 
 ♦Bogart, John 
 
 ♦Browne, Nathaniel 
 
 ♦Brown, John 
 
 ♦Bunn, Reuben 
 
 ♦Barton, William 
 
 ♦Bussing, James 1793 
 
 ♦Barber, Silas 
 
 ♦Bancker, Gerard 
 
 ♦Burger, John 1794 
 
 ♦Bertine, James 1795 
 
 ♦Bussing, William 
 
 ♦Baldwin, John 1796 
 
 ♦Brinkerhoff, Corns. 
 
 ♦Badgley, James 
 
 ♦Buel, John 1797 
 
 ♦Bierman, Jacob 1798 
 
 ♦Batchelor, John 1800 
 
 ♦Buckmaster, George 
 ♦Burras, George G. 
 ♦Bussing, John 
 ♦Ball, John T. 1801 
 ♦Brower, David A. 
 ♦Baehr, Daniel 
 ♦Brower, James 
 ♦Brower, John D. 
 ♦Barker, Joshua 
 ♦Boscawen, John 
 ♦Berrian, Cornelius P. 
 ♦Bell, James 1802 
 ♦Bruen, Matthias 
 ♦Brown, Christian 
 ♦Bogart, Adrian A. 
 ♦Brower, Jacob 1803 
 ♦Baker, Daniel 
 ♦Berdan, David 
 ♦Bogert, Peter 
 ♦Brower, Nicholas 
 ♦Brooks, James 1804 
 ♦Blossom, Elisha 
 ♦Braynin, George 
 ♦Burtis, Arthur 
 ♦Bain, John W., Jr. 
 ♦Bloodgood, John 1805 
 ♦Blake, Robert 
 ♦Bradford, William 
 ♦Berrian, Richard P. 
 ♦Bind, Charles 
 ♦Butler, Amos 1810 
 ♦Bolton, Thomas 
 ♦Barker, Joshua, Jr. 
 ♦Boston, Robert 
 ♦Benedict, James 18 10 
 ♦Barker, Stephen 
 ♦Baker, John 
 ♦Brown, John D. 
 ♦Browne, Charles 
 ♦Brooks, Reuben 
 ♦Buloid, Robert 
 ♦Birdsall, Benjamin M." 
 ♦Butler, William 
 ♦Barkley, James 
 ♦Brower, John L. 
 ♦Bedient, John 
 ♦Bakewell, William 
 
4oo 
 
 GENERAL SOCIETY OF 
 
 *Bro\vn, George W. 
 •Brooks, Thomas 1814 
 *Berrien, Daniel 1821 
 *Burk, John 
 
 •Burling, Lancas'r S. 1822 
 *Barnum, Ira 
 *Bruce, John M. 
 •Burtis, William A. 1824 
 •Baxter, Peter 
 
 Baldwin, G. M. 
 
 Beadel, Joseph W. 1825 
 •Barnes, Samuel S. 1827 
 •Blackledge, Adam 
 
 Brower, James 
 •Bookhout, John 1828 
 •Burnett, Benjamin 
 •Bussing, Thomas 
 •Brown, Isaac 
 •Beadel, Moses 1829 
 •Barnes, Joseph N. 
 •Brewster, Joseph 
 •Baker, Anson 1830 
 •Bingle, Richard H. 
 
 Bunce, Henry 
 •Bartlett, Caleb 
 •Betts, James E. 1831 
 
 Briggs, Edward F. 
 
 Bicknall, Isaac I. 183 1 
 
 Braine, Daniel 
 *Budd, John 
 •Bunting, Jacob P. 
 •Bowne, Thomas P. 1832 
 •Barnes, William H. 
 •Birdsall, Benjamin 
 •Bruce, George 
 •Bogert, Peter J. 
 •Brooks, Daniel 1833 
 •Banning, Alpheus 1835 
 •Boyce, Gerardus 
 •Bunting, John A. 
 •Brant, Randolph 
 •Benedict, Samuel W. 
 •Bennet, David L. 
 •Brundage, James H. 
 •Baldwin, Cyrus 
 
 Berrian, James 
 •Browning, William 
 
 Black, John 
 
 Bensel, James B. 1836 
 •Balmer, Walter 1837 
 
 Brooks, George 
 •Brooks, William 
 
 Bartlett, John 
 
 Brush, Benjamin D. 
 •Belloni, Louis J. 
 *Berry, Martin R. 1838 
 •Bayles, Daniel S. 
 •Brown, Brittain M. 
 
 Butler, John 
 
 Burns, Thomas J. 
 
 Burns, Martin 
 
 Brown, William 
 
 Bishop, Joseph 
 
 Brown, Edgar M. 1839 
 
 Berrian, Augustus F. 
 
 Bradford, Richard J. 
 
 Brown, Alexander 1840 
 
 Blauvelt, Rich'd D. 1840 
 
 Boggs, William G. 
 
 Bradley, William C. 
 
 Bloodgood, Matthias 1841 
 
 Brewster, Joseph B. 
 •Bell, Joseph T. 
 
 Baldwin, Moses G. 
 
 Bull, Reuben C. 1842 
 
 Bartlett, Thomas 1843 
 •Brady, William V. 1844 
 
 Bogert, Gilbert J. 1845 
 
 Buckley, John 
 
 Bogart, Anderson 
 •Byrdsall, Fitz Wm. 1846 
 
 Buchan, James 
 •Brown, Charles P. 
 
 Bullard, John, Jr. 
 •Blunt, Orison 1847 
 
 Bunting, Charles T. 
 
 Bouton, Lewis S. 
 
 Bowman, Samuel S. 
 •Baker, Charles 
 
 Bogardus, William 
 •Baker, Daniel 
 
 Browne, George B. 1848 
 •Brown, John T. 
 
 Birkbeck, George, Jr. 
 
 •Brady, Archibald C. 
 •Black, Job L. 1849 
 
 •bonnel, mahlon 
 •Bosch, Bernard 
 
 Bloodgood, Freeman 
 
 Belknap, Joseph 1850 
 •Booth, Samuel 
 
 Boardman, John- 
 Bradford, Nathaniel G. 
 •Browning, Theo. 1851 
 
 Barlow, Edward 
 
 Bull, John B. 
 
 Bucknam, Ezra 1852 
 •Beals, Horace 1852 
 
 Burr, Henry A. 1853 
 •Bartholomew, Fred. H. 
 
 Burke, John 1854 
 •Brisley, William J. 1855 
 •Byrd, George J. 
 
 Bremmer, Andrew A. 
 •Brown, Joshua 1856 
 
 Brien, Timothy 1857 
 
 Bogert, Albert G. 
 
 Bogert, Jacob C. 1859 
 
 Burnet, James J. 
 •Brant, John C. 
 
 Berrien, Wm. E. 1861 
 
 BlLLERWELL, GEO. B. 
 
 Bogart, Philip E. 1863 
 
 Boyd, Harkness 
 •Brooks, Elisha 
 
 Blackeney, Wm. E. 
 
 Bogert, James 1865 
 
 Bogardus, Abraham 
 
 Bliss, John E. 
 
 Bruce, David Wolfe 
 •Boyle, John C. 
 
 Blackledge, Benj. 
 
 Burras, William H. 
 •Brown, E. D. 1867 
 
 Beatiy, Robert 1869 
 •Burnham, Manly A. 
 
 Budd, John J. 
 
 Brown, Jacob S. 1870 
 
 Bird, James D. 
 
 Burtnett, Henry B. 1871 
 
 Banta, John 
 
MECHANICS AND TRADESMEN 
 
 40I 
 
 Baxter, Geo. L. 1872 
 
 Bracher, Thos. W. 1874 
 
 Boyce, Daniel D. 
 
 Bloodgood, And'wD. 1875 
 
 Burnet, Gilbert J. 
 
 Bogert, John G. 
 
 Barrett, Oliver 1875 
 
 Brown, John J. 1876 
 *Brennan, William 
 
 Bloodgood, Wm. E. 1877 
 
 Borkel, John 
 
 Bessey, Henry 1878 
 
 Brown, John H. 
 
 Bowes, Charles M. 1880 
 
 Blackledge, Chas. E. 
 
 Burkhard, Thomas 
 
 Brown, Alex., Jr. 1881 
 * Campbell, John 1786 
 *Cammerdener, John 1787 
 *Cole, Peter 1789 
 ♦Cunningham, Rich'd 1790 
 *Champlin, Seabury 1 791 
 *Crolius, John 
 *culbertson, james 1792 
 *Cox, Robert 
 *covenhoven, henry 
 ♦Crygier, Augustus 
 *Cheeseman, John 
 *Cromwell, Oliver 
 *Crygier, Cornelius, Jr. 
 ♦Conrey, Peter 
 *Campbell, John (2d) 
 *Cooper, Francis 1793 
 *Conner, John 
 ♦Cunningham, David 
 *Carmer, Nicholas 
 •Carter, Robert 
 ♦Campbell, Alex. 
 *Chalk, Richard 1797 
 ♦Campbell, John 1798 
 *Collis, George 
 ♦Crygier, John C. 1799 
 *Colles, Richard 
 *Colles, John 1800 
 ♦Corning, Amos 
 *Cullum, George 1801 
 ♦Cheetham, James 1801 
 
 *Candell, Thomas 
 ♦Crolius, Clarkson 1802 
 •Christian, Chas. 1803 
 ♦Chapman, John 
 ♦Cameron, John 
 ♦Carpenter, Jacob 
 *Clark, Samuel 1804 
 ♦coddington, isaac 
 ♦Curtis, Robert 
 *Clark, Benjamin 
 ♦Craig, Hector 
 ♦Cornell, Thomas 1805 
 ♦Carter, Adolph 1806 
 ♦Crawley, Dewsbury 18 10 
 ♦couenhoven, christian 
 ♦Cox, William 
 *Chapple, Anthony 
 ♦Corse, Israel 
 ♦Coddington, Moses 
 ♦Crow, John 
 ♦Carter, William M. 
 ♦Cheeseman, Joseph 
 ♦Cruikshank, William 
 ♦Conry, John 
 ♦Conklin, George 
 ♦Clark, Allen 
 
 Crolius, William I. 
 
 Clark, Samuel 
 ♦Colvill, John 181 1 
 
 ♦Conover, Stephen 1821 
 ♦Constantine, Thos. 
 ♦Cole, Peter W. 
 ♦Carroll, Matthew 
 ♦Clark, Oliver L. 
 ♦Camerden, Henry 
 ♦Cross, Isaac 1822 
 ♦Cheeseman, Wm. 
 
 Cole, John 
 
 Conklin, John 1824 
 ♦Casilear, John 1824 
 ♦Corey, John H. 
 
 Cisco, Peter F. 1825 
 ♦Cooper, Benjamin 
 ♦Clover, Lewis P. 
 ♦Chapman, Darius 1826 
 ♦Chandler, Adoniram 
 ♦Coates, Edward 
 
 ♦Cargill, Abraham 1827 
 ♦Clayton, Edwin B. 
 ♦Curtis, Joseph 1828 
 ♦Cox, Jameson 
 
 Chandler, Dimond 1829 
 ♦Cornell, George 1830 
 •Conner, James 
 
 Cortelyou, Peter C. 
 
 Cox, Jacob D. 1831 
 ♦Conely, William S. 
 
 Campbell, James 
 ♦Chalmers, James 
 •Colgate, William 
 ♦Costar, Henry 
 ♦Conner, Thomas 
 ♦Collins, Benj. S. 1832 
 •Comstock, E. D. 
 
 Crawford, John 
 
 Carter, Samuel 
 ♦Chardavoyne, Thos. C. 
 ♦Carman, Richard F. 
 
 Clapp, Henry W. 
 •Clannon, Simon 1833 
 
 Condit, Calvin 
 •Cummings, James 
 ♦Cox, Charles 1835 
 
 Cort, Nicholas 
 •Coles, Thomas 
 ♦Clussman, Charles L. 
 
 Coit, William A. 1836 
 
 Crane, Thomas 
 
 Conklin, William 
 
 Crosi.i', Ransom 1836 
 •Campbell, Freeman 
 •Conroy, Thomas G. 
 ♦Colwell, Townsend 
 •Cummings, Moody 1837 
 ♦cumberson, ethelbert 
 
 Camp, Ozias 
 
 Cole, Barnet 
 
 Cooper, Peter 
 
 Craig, Joseph 183$ 
 •Cogswell, Horace 
 ♦Carnley, Thomas 1839 
 
 Chase, Matthew H. 
 
 Conklin, Cornelius 
 
 Cutter, Stephen 
 
402 
 
 GENERAL SOCIETY OF 
 
 Camp, B. P. 1840 
 
 Chatellier, John 
 ♦Cobb, Lyman 1841 
 
 Curr, James 
 *conover, gustavus a. 
 
 Craighead, Robert 1842 
 
 Coger, Daniel 
 
 Cooper, Obadiah 
 
 Copland, James 1843 
 
 Corlies, John B. 1846 
 •Curtis, William H. 
 
 Curtis, George A. 
 •Coles, Cornelius 
 •Catterfield, William F. 
 *Chalmers, Thomas 1847 
 
 Currier, Nathaniel 
 •Coger, John, Jr. 
 
 Cumming, John P. 
 
 Cape, John J. 1848 
 
 Crane, Jacob B. 1850 
 
 Crane, William 
 
 Cunningham, Francis 
 •Cunningham, William 
 
 Castree, John 
 
 Cunningham, James 1851 
 •Collis, William E. 1851 
 
 Conover, John T. 
 
 Christy, Thomas 1853 
 
 Clark, James 1854 
 *Chatterton, S. S. 1855 
 
 Church, Andrew B. 
 
 Craigie, Hugh H. 1856 
 
 Colt, Amos H. 
 
 Cornell, Birdsall 1857 
 
 Connor, John C. 1859 
 
 Collamore, Ebenezer 
 
 Caun, John i860 
 
 Chambers, John H. 
 
 Crommelin, Edward 1861 
 
 Clawson, John M. 
 
 Coddington, Geo. F. 1863 
 
 Connolly, William 1865 
 
 Coryell, Miers 
 •Cory, William H. 
 •Carson, John C. 
 
 Combes, Richard Carman 
 
 Cornell, Ludlum 
 
 Calkin, Hervey C. 1866 
 Coar, John 
 
 Case, Lewis R. 1867 
 Crow, Langstaff N. 
 Cutter, James H. 1868 
 Colwell, Joseph 1870 
 Cheney, Nathaniel 
 Cochran, Samuel 
 Christie, Wm. H. 1871 
 Case, Jesse G. 1872 
 Cunningham, R. A. 1873 
 Cochran, John S. 1874 
 Chrystal, John 
 Cory, Enos W. 1875 
 Chapman, Henry R. 1876 
 Campbell, Andrew J. 1878 
 Collins, William 1879 
 Conover, Alonzo E. 
 Coger, John J. 1879 
 Christie, Robert 1880 
 Culgin, Guy 
 
 •Davis, Richard 1790 
 *De Grauve, Walter 1791 
 •Day, Edward 1792 
 •Day, John 
 •Dash, John B., Jr. 
 •Deforest, Theodore 
 •Dally, William 
 •Duffie, James 
 •Duyckinck, Evert 
 *Demilt, Thomas 
 •Durham, Andrew 
 •Dodds, Thomas 
 •Dobbs, Charles 1796 
 •Davis, Richard B. 1797 
 •Davis, William A. 1798 
 •Davis, Matthew L. 1799 
 •De Groodt, Samuel 1800 
 •Donaldson, Wm. 1801 
 •Duyckinck, Chris. 
 •Driskel, Jacob 
 •Dando, Stephen 1803 
 •Dingee, Robert 
 •Disbrow, John 
 •doolittle, elkanah 1804 
 •Devoe, Charles 
 •Degrove, Robert C. 1805 
 
 •Dodge, Robert 
 •Dixey, John 1810 
 •Duvall, William 
 •Duvall, Joseph 
 •Delano, Jesse 
 •Del Vecchio, Joseph 
 •Dougherty, John 1820 
 •Delapierre, Barth'w 
 •Depew, Joseph 182 1 
 
 •Dodge, Hosea 1822 
 •Degrove, Quincy C. 1824 
 
 Dubois, James 1825 
 •De Milt, Benjamin 1826 
 •Dall, Christopher H. 
 •Dimon, John 
 •Durando, Paul M. P. 1827 
 •Dow, John M. 
 
 Durbrow, Joseph 
 •Deming, Barzillai 
 *De Camp, Abraham 1828 
 •Day, Mahlon 1829 
 •Dean, William E. 1830 
 
 Demarest, David N. 
 •Downing, Benjamin i S3 1 
 
 Dod, Ezra K. 
 •Dean, Enoch 
 •Day, John 
 •Day, William 
 
 Dunkly, Leonard 
 •Dieterich, Daniel 1832 
 
 Douglass, Arnold 
 •Doremus, Jacob I. 
 
 Dimond, Isaac M. 
 •Day, Jacob G. 1833 
 
 Dodd, John M. 
 
 Doughty, Albert H. 
 
 Daily, James 1834 
 •Dye, Clarkson 1835 
 •De Lamater, John 
 
 Downing, Elias M. 1836 
 •Dunham, Henry R. 
 
 Dawson, Jacob H. 
 •Day, Samuel S. 1837 
 •Drake, Theodore 
 •Dunbar, Samuel 
 
 Dick, Archibald 
 
 Dymock, William 
 
MECHANICS AND TRADESMEN. 
 
 403 
 
 •Duncan, Francis 
 
 Douglass, John 1838 
 *Davis, Ezra P. 
 
 De Forest, Gerardus 
 
 Demarest, Wm. H. 1839 
 
 Davies, John M. 1841 
 
 Dudley, Gilman 1844 
 
 Derby, Freeman 
 
 Dunham, John B. 1846 
 
 Dorrian, William 
 
 DeLamater,Corn'sH. 1848 
 *Dufour, Thomas 1850 
 
 Davids, Thaddeus 
 
 Drinker, John 
 
 Duncan, Francis 1852 
 *Denike, Abraham 
 *Del Vecchio, James R. 
 
 Devoe, Daniel M. 
 
 Dubois, Henry 1853 
 *Denman, Ashael A. 1854 
 
 Dederick, Zechariah 
 
 Dickinson, John B. 1855 
 
 Dougherty, William 
 
 Davis, Jesse J. 
 *Doscher, Claus 1856 
 
 Donald, William J. 1859 
 
 Downey, John 
 
 Dobbs, Edwin 
 
 Darrah, Robert L. 
 
 Dunkin, John T. 1864 
 *Dimond, William 1866 
 *Doyle, Cornelius 
 
 Dimond, James G. 
 
 Draddy, Daniel 
 
 Dodd, John M., Jr. 1868 
 
 Dickinson, Abisha S. 1870 
 
 David, William P. 
 
 Dollinger, Geo. T. 1873 
 
 Deeves, Richard 1874 
 
 Deane, Royal E. 1875 
 
 Dunham, Kimble 
 
 Dunham, Lewis 
 
 Doremus, John C. 
 
 Drew, John N. 1878 
 
 Daly, Charles P. 1878 
 
 Doane, Francis W. 
 
 Downey, John R. 1880 
 
 Drew, Orrin H. 
 
 Demarest, John i 88 1 
 
 *Elsworth, John 1791 
 
 *Elliot, John 1792 
 *Egbert, James 
 
 *Eddo, Jonas P. 1794 
 
 *Elsworth, John W. 1796 
 
 *Everit, William 1802 
 
 *Earle, Thomas 1810 
 *Embury, Peter 
 
 *Englehart, Geo. 181 i 
 
 *Ervin, Richard 1812 
 
 *Eckford, Henry 1S20 
 
 Edgar, John 1821 
 
 *Elder, William 1823 
 •Egerton, Abraham S. 
 
 *Earle, Samuel 1824 
 *Ebbets, James 
 
 *Elmer, Charles 1825 
 
 *Everson, John D. 1830 
 
 Erben, Henry 183 i 
 
 Edgerton, Abel T. 
 *Eichell, George 
 
 *Elmendorf, Alfred 1834 
 
 Ellis, Richmond 1835 
 *Earle, John L. 
 *Everdell, William 
 
 Estling, William T. 1836 
 
 *Everit, Valentine 1837 
 
 Elder, Robert 1838 
 
 Emmons, John A. 
 
 ♦Edmonds, F. W. 1839 
 
 Egan, David D. 
 
 Edwards, Thomas 1840 
 
 Edsall, James 
 
 Elsworth, John 1843 
 
 *Endicott, George 1845 
 
 Earle, Thomas 1846 
 
 Eldredge, N. T. 1848 
 
 Esler, Henry 
 
 ♦Evans, Lemuel G. 1852 
 
 Ebbitt, William 1853 
 
 Esterbrook, Wm. P. 1859 
 
 Eidlitz, Marc i860 
 •Edwards, John 
 
 Englis, John 1861 
 
 Englis, John, Jr. 1868 
 
 Eidlitz, Leopold 
 
 1870 
 
 Edwards, Rich'd T. 
 
 1872 
 
 Ely, William H. 
 
 1874 
 
 Earle, Daniel D. 
 
 
 Ellin, Robert 
 
 1875 
 
 Earle, Frank H. 
 
 1881 
 
 •Furman, Gabriel 
 
 1791 
 
 *FURMAN, JOSIAH 
 
 1792 
 
 •Fawpel, John 
 *Fink, Adam 
 *Fink, Alexander, Jr. 
 *Furman, Richard 
 *Ferdon, Thomas 
 •Fach, Michael 1793 
 •Fardon, Thomas 
 •Fardon, Abraham 1796 
 *Forsyth, John 1797 
 *Frobisher, William 
 *Fitzpatrick, John 
 *Forman, George 1798 
 *Furman, Job 1800 
 •Ff.nton, Peter 
 *Furman, John 1801 
 *Forbus, Peter 1802 
 *Forbes, William G. 
 *Freelon, Abraham 
 *Ford, Lewis 1804 
 *Fletcher, Daniel B. 
 *Foote, Thomas 
 •Fleet, Simon 1805 
 •Fairchild, Thomas 1810 
 *Forman, Aaron 
 •Frank, Jacob 
 •Freeman, Isaac R. 
 •Ford, John 
 •Finch, Nathaniel 
 
 Ferdon, John S. 1821 
 
 •Fuller, Benjamin 1824 
 
 •Fuller, Robert 1825 
 
 •Fleming, S. B. 1826 
 
 Forster, Isaac 
 
 Faulkner, James C. 
 •Fowler, Theodore 1827 
 •Frasse, Henry F. 
 *Farrington, Benjamin 
 
 Farnham, Charles 1828 
 •Fanshaw, Daniel 1829 
 
404 
 
 GENERAL SOCIETY OF 
 
 *Felt, David 1830 
 
 Fisher, Albert 1831 
 
 Fardon, William 1832 
 *Fosdick, Richard B. 
 
 Flandrow, John T. 
 
 •Foster, John 1833 
 
 Fisher, Evander D. 
 •Ficket, Francis 
 
 Fordham, Austin S. 1834 
 
 Ferris, John H. 
 
 ♦Freeman, Lorrain 1835 
 
 Fryer, Isaac 1837 
 
 Freeman, Erastus 
 
 Frisby, William 1839 
 
 Francis, Daniel 
 
 *Firth, John 1840 
 
 Fish, Orlando 1841 
 *Ford Isaac 
 
 •Farnham, Geo. W. 1844 
 
 *Frazee, Abraham 1845 
 
 Furbush, S. B. 1846 
 Frost, Samuel 
 
 Fowler, Abraham 1848 
 
 *Franklin, Geo. H. 1849 
 
 *Fox, Edward 1850 
 •Flender, John P. 
 
 Ford, Patrick. 185 i 
 
 •Farr, William 1852 
 
 *Freeborn, Wm. A. 1856 
 
 •Fisher, John T. 1857 
 
 Ford, George W. 1859 
 •Furbush, Silas S. 
 Farmer, John W. 
 Felter, Abraham J. 
 
 Felter, John J. 1863 
 
 Fulton, George 1864 
 
 Farrin, Oliver A. 1865 
 
 Ferguson, William 1866 
 Floyd, James R. 
 
 Fernbach, Henry 1870 
 
 Felter, Joseph W. 187 i 
 
 Farrington, Jos. T. 1874 
 
 Frith, Joseph R. 1875 
 Felter, Jacob A. 
 Ferdon, Samuel B. 
 
 Fay, Patrick H. 1876 
 
 Fitch, Thomas J. 1881 
 
 •Goodeve, John 1786 
 •Greenleaf, Thos. 1791 
 •Gosman, Robert 
 •Gibson, Alexander 1792 
 •Giles, Robert G. 
 •Gould', John 
 •Gallaudet, Paul 
 •Garson, Thomas 
 •Garlock, John 
 *Grim, Jacob 1794 
 •Gardiner, Michael 1800 
 •Giltzow, William 1801 
 •Graff, John 
 •Gardner, Hiram 1802 
 •Gaines, George W. 
 •Grant, Richard 1803 
 •Gunton, Mark 1803 
 •Gibson, James 1804 
 •Gedney, Robert 1806 
 •goodheart, george 1807 
 •Garnsey, Levi 1810 
 •Gould, Stephen 
 •Greenard, Nevinson 
 •Gantz, Francis, Jr. 
 •Gardiner, Timothy 
 •Guion, Isaac 
 •Geib, John 
 •Geib, John, Jr. 
 •Godby, Robert L. 
 •Galbraith, Allen 
 •Gilchrist, Robert 
 •Gardner, John F. 
 
 •Gantz, John J. 1814 
 
 guillaudeu, emile l82i 
 
 •Gumbs, Edward 1823 
 
 •Gillelan, John 1825 
 
 Gray, John, Jr. 
 
 •Geer, Seth 1829 
 
 •Greig, James S. 1830 
 
 Guyon, Henry G. 1831 
 
 Garretson, Jas B. 1832 
 
 Gilbert, John S. 
 
 •Gantz, John Irwin 1833 
 
 Gurnee, Benjamin 
 
 Griffin, Charles 
 
 •Gorsuch, Robert 1834 
 
 Gillespie, James 
 
 Griffith, Evan 1836 
 Gedney, Sylvanus 1837 
 Gowney, James 
 Grinnell, Benton 
 •Gassner, John B. 
 Gore, Amos 
 
 Giles, John S. 1838 
 Grant, James 
 Gardiner, Thomas 
 Godine, Francis 1838 
 Griffiths, William 1839 
 
 •Gilbert, Joshua T. 
 Graff, John A. 1841 
 Gale, William 
 
 •Gibney, Michael 1842 
 Gaw, Alexander 
 
 •Glasier, Nathaniel S. 
 Glasier, Russell W. 1848 
 Gettey, Robert P. 
 
 •Grosz, Michael 185 i 
 
 •Genin, John N. 1856 
 Gedney, William H. 1859 
 Goodwin, Charles T. 
 Gallier, John 
 Gregory, Robert A. i860 
 Grant, Alexander 1862 
 Gridley, Edward 1863 
 
 •Grosz, Frederick H. 
 Goodwin, Franklin 1864 
 Guy, Pierre A. 1865 
 Gourlay, George C. 1866 
 Gregory, James 1868 
 Grant, Donald 1871 
 Garden, C. Henry 1872 
 Germond, Wellington 
 Green, John E. 
 Gray, William H. 1873 
 Galloway, Charles 1874 
 Guidet, Charles 1875 
 Geoghegan, Stephen J. 
 Galbraith, John 1878 
 Gillies, James 1879 
 Goodrich, Leroy L. 
 Gillies, John 1881 
 
 •Hodge, Robert 1786 
 
 •Hopson, William 
 
 *Haviland, Caleb 
 
MECHANICS AND TRADESMEN. 
 
 405 
 
 *Hitchcock, Daniel 1791 
 *Howell, Aaron 
 *Helme, Obadiah 1791 
 *Harrison, John 1792 
 *Hallet, James 
 *Halstead, Christopher 
 *Haight, Benjamin 
 *Hyer, William 
 *Haff, John P. 
 *Heckle, David 
 *Haskins, John 
 ♦Harway, Lewis 1794 
 *Hyde, John 
 
 *Hardenbrook, W. A. 1796 
 *Hatfield, Elias 
 *Hallet, James, Jr. 1797 
 *Hyer, John 1799 
 
 * Hoghland, William 1800 
 
 * Hazard, Thomas 
 *Halsey, Jacob 
 *Heiser, Henry 
 *Hyslop, John 1801 
 *Howe, Brigham 
 *Hunt, James 
 ♦Hopson, James 
 *Hartell, Adam 
 *Haines, Abraham 1802 
 ♦Hinton, Thomas 
 *Haws, George 
 *Hopper, John, Jr. 
 *Haight, Gilbert 
 *Hoffman, Cornelius 
 *Hinton, John W. 1803 
 *Hoffman, Tobias 
 *Hunt, John 
 
 *Hartel, Christian 
 *Helms, John E. 
 ♦Herttell, William 
 *Hustace, Stephen 
 *Hannis, Thomas 1805 
 ♦Haviland, Elias 
 ♦Harned, Jonathan 1810 
 *Higgins, Edward 18 10 
 *Hatch, Isaac 
 *Holland, John I. 
 *Halstead, Pearson 
 *Harper, Samuel B. 
 
 *Harsin, George, Jr. 
 *Hutchins, Samuel 
 *Haynes, Thomas 
 *Hewitt,John 
 *Hitchcock, Edward 
 ♦Hattrick, Peter 
 ♦Humbert, Jonas, Jr. 
 ♦Havemeyer, F. C. 
 *Hunn, John 1812 
 *Higgins, William 1814 
 *Hunter, William T. 1818 
 ♦Hart, Joseph C. 1820 
 
 *H0WE, JEDEDIAH 1821 
 HlGGINS, AMASA 
 
 *Hart, Benjamin F. 
 ♦Humbert, Jonas 1822 
 *Higgins, William F. 1823 
 *Hazlett, John 
 *Henry, Philip 
 *Hillman, William 
 
 Holmes, Nath'l B. 1824 
 ♦Hirley, James 
 *Haight, Nicholas 
 *Heister, Andrew 1826 
 
 Hageman, Daniel 
 
 Halsey, Luther 
 *Halsey, David 
 
 Harsell, William 
 *Hopper, Thomas 1827 
 
 Hall, Francis 1828 
 * Harriott, James 
 
 Howe, John M. 
 
 Hale, Thomas 1829 
 
 Harrison, Thomas 
 *Hannah, George 
 
 Hopkins, Pine 1829 
 
 Hatfield, Elias 1830 
 *Hoe, Robert 
 ♦Hagar, William 1831 
 *Haight, John G. 
 
 Henderson, Robert 
 *Hoxie, Joseph 
 *Howe Thomas 
 *Hallsted, Benjamin 
 
 Haynes, Henry 
 *Harper, James 
 
 Hendricks, Aaron V. 1832 
 
 *Hoyt, Seymour 
 
 Humbert, Charles H. 
 *Harrison, John 
 ♦Hartell, Christian 
 
 Higgins, John, Jr. 1833 
 *Hill, Joseph 
 
 Hurlick, Thomas C. 
 
 Hidden, Enoch 
 
 Harker, Abel 1835 
 
 Hoe, Richard M. 
 
 Hogg, George 1835 
 *Hinton, William 1837 
 
 Humbert, William B. 
 * Hyatt, John W. 
 *Harlow, John 
 ♦Harriott, Smith 1838 
 *Hyde, Zen as 
 
 Hall, Archibald 
 *Hillsburgh, Charles 
 
 Holmes, Charles M. 
 
 Hurry, William 
 
 Howe, James L. 1839 
 
 Harris, John 
 
 Haley, Thomas 1840 
 *Hall, William 
 ♦Hall, Adam 1841 
 
 Howell, Melzar 
 
 Harkness, James 1842 
 
 Hoe, Robert 1844 
 ♦Henry, Robert 1846 
 
 Hogg, Peter 
 
 How,, John W. 
 ♦Hutchinson, Ira 1847 
 ♦Hoyt, Azor 1848 
 ♦Hatfield, Robert G. 
 ♦Herring, Silas C. 
 ♦Hatfield, Amos F. 
 ♦Houghton, Edwin 
 
 Hall, Charles 
 
 Houghton, Elijah 
 
 Harrison, George 1850 
 ♦Hughes, Jasper W. 
 
 Hicks, William S. 185 i 
 
 Hennion, David 1852 
 
 Hall, James F. 
 ♦Haring, Abraham 1853 
 
 Hardly, James 
 
406 
 
 GENERAL SOCIETY OF 
 
 *Hoe, James C. 1854 
 Hutton, Andrew 
 Hurlbut, Henry A. 
 Howell, John S. 
 Helme, James 1855 
 Huson, Robert 1857 
 Hay, Allen 
 
 Henry, John T. 1858 
 Hoyt, Mark 1859 
 Hoagland, John E. 1862 
 
 *Hawley, Oscar F. 1863 
 Herbert, Daniel 
 Harris, James 
 Hoe, Alfred C. 1864 
 Hathaway, Fred S. 1865 
 Hewlett, Joseph 
 Hays, John 
 
 •Harrison, Thomas 
 Harrison, Joseph G. 
 Hannah, William C. 
 Heiden, John 
 Haggart, James 1866 
 Hendrix, Isaac 
 Howell, Daniel 1867 
 Hilyard, George D. 1868 
 
 •Hidden, Edward S. 
 
 •Heckman, Charles 
 Hoe, Peter S. 1870 
 Hoe, Stephen S. 
 Hamel, James 
 Herring, Frank O. 
 Howell, Henry M. 1871 
 Hall, Charles 1872 
 Hicks, Benjamin 1873 
 Hennessy, Dennis 1874 
 Heath, J. A. 1875 
 Hand, William H. 
 Haigh, Hartley 1876 
 Hyslop, John 1877 
 Harkinson, Robert 1878 
 Hull, Samuel G. 
 Hay, James W. 
 Hume, Charles E. 
 Hayes, George 
 Haight, Joseph 1880 
 Harrison, Michael 
 Hamilton, John M. 1881 
 
 Hepburn, David 
 
 *Ivers, Thomas 1786 
 •Ireland, William H. 1792 
 
 •Irwin, William 1794 
 
 •Ireland, George 1796 
 
 •Isaacs, Isaac A. 1810 
 
 •Ivers, Beach 183 1 
 
 Ivers, Alfred 1838 
 
 •Ingalls, Henry T. 1840 
 
 Ingram, James 1852 
 
 Isaacs, Gustavus 187 i 
 
 •Jones, Owen 1792 
 
 •Judah, Napthali 1796 
 
 •James, Thomas 1797 
 
 •Jagger, Jehiel 1801 
 
 •Jarvis, Timothy 1802 
 
 •Jesup, Benjamin 1803 
 •James, George 
 
 •Jacobus, Nicholas A. 
 •Johnson, Benjamin 1810 
 •Johnson, John P. 
 •Johnson, James Q. 
 •Jacobs, Philip 
 •Jarvis, Noah 1817 
 *Judd, Samuel 1821 
 
 Johnson, John 
 
 Jarvis, James 
 
 Johnson, Jonathan K. 1822 
 •Jones, Anthony W. 1824 
 •Jacobus, Cornelius C. 
 
 Jones, Anthony 
 
 Judson, Amos 
 
 Juel, Joseph 1826 
 
 Jones, Robert 
 
 Johnson, Joel 
 •Jones, William 
 
 Jones, Henry 1828 
 
 Jones, William 1832 
 
 Jacobs, Angel t 1834 
 
 Jackson, William 1836 
 •Jackson, Nathan H. 
 •Jeremiah, Thomas 1837 
 
 Jones, Clement 
 •Jacobus, David 1839 
 
 Jones, James M. 1841 
 •Jessup, Samuel 1844 
 •Joyce, Samuel 1846 
 
 Johnson, James B. 
 •Jackson, George R. 1847 
 
 Jackson, James L. • 
 •Jamison, Joseph 1848 
 
 Johnson, George 
 •Johnstone, James 1849 
 
 Jennings, William T. 
 
 Jeremiah, George A. 1850 
 
 Joyce, William 
 
 Jarvis, Jonathan 1851 
 
 James, Samuel M. 1854 
 
 Jacobus, Nicholas 
 
 Judson, Benjamin F. 1856 
 
 Jackson, William H. 1859 
 
 Jackson, Peter H. 1868 
 •James, John H. 1870 
 
 Jardine, David 
 
 Jackson, George H. 1875 
 
 Jackson, John B. 
 
 Johnson, William M. 1878 
 
 Jeffers, Joseph 1879 
 •Kneeland, Seth R. 1791 
 •Kumbel, William 1792 
 •Keyser, Jacob 
 •King, William M. 
 •Kant, Godfree 
 •Ketch am, William 1795 
 •Kilborn, Eben C. 1796' 
 •Kip, Abraham 
 •Kip, Isaac, Jr. 
 •Knox, George 1798 
 *Knapp, Benjamin S. 1802 
 •Kidney, Richard 
 •Kimball, Joseph 
 •Knapp, Eli 1810 
 •Kevan, William 
 •Kumbel, William 1812 
 •Kirk, Thomas 1820 
 •Knapp, Shepherd 1821 
 •Kain, Francis 
 •Kevan, Samuel 1827 
 •Kingsland, Stephen* 1833 
 •Knox, Alexander 1837 
 
 Katen, Lewis 1838 
 •Keyser, John 
 •Knapp, Jeremiah L. 1840 
 •Kingsland, Ambrose C. 
 
MECHANICS AND TRADESMEN. 
 
 Keen, Joseph 1840 
 
 King, George W. 1841 
 
 Keyser, John 1844 
 Keeler, Matthew 
 
 *Kellogg, Joseph W. 1846 
 
 Kipp, Quinby 1847 
 
 Kelly, James 1848 
 
 Kattenhorn, Henry 1850 
 
 ♦Kennedy, John A. 
 
 Kerr, Thomas 1853 
 Kirkman, John 
 
 Kydd, Samuel 1854 
 
 *King, Adelmour W. 1855 
 
 Keilly, Matthew 1859 
 Kennedy, De Lancy 
 
 Kennedy, Thomas 1863 
 
 Keyser, John 1864 
 
 Kitchen, Geo. H. 1865 
 
 Kane, Matthew 1866 
 King, C. Volney 
 
 Knox, Alexander 1867 
 
 Knox, Charles 1870 
 
 Klaber, Simon 1871 
 
 Kitson, John W. 1875 
 
 Koos, Gustavus A. 1880 
 
 *Lindsay, George 1786 
 
 *Le Foy, Thomas 1791 
 
 *Lyons, Joseph 1792 
 
 •Little, Eliezer 
 
 *Lazalieur, Abraham 
 
 *Labagh, Abraham 
 
 *Leveridge, John 
 
 *Lockwood, Philip 
 
 *Lattimore, Matth. 1795 
 
 *Lorillard, Jacob 1796 
 
 ♦Lynch, Francis 
 
 ♦Lozier, Nicholas 1798 
 
 ♦Lang, John 1799 
 
 *Labagh, John I. 
 
 ♦Lebrun, Marin 1800 
 
 ♦Lathrop, Joseph 1800 
 
 ♦Lorton, Lewis 1801 
 
 ♦Lent, James W. 
 
 ♦Lawrence, R. P. 
 
 ♦Lownds, Thomas 1802 
 
 ♦Leonard, Jacob 
 
 ♦Lamaire, John 1803 
 
 ♦Lawrence, Silas 
 ♦Lamplin, George 1804 
 ♦Lagear, John 
 ♦Luff, John N. 1807 
 
 Lyon, David 18 10 
 
 ♦Lowber, Michael 
 ♦Lazarus, Eleazar S. 
 ♦Ludlow, Ezra 
 ♦Lorillard, Peter 181 i 
 ♦Lee, Gideon 1812 
 *Lucas, Isaac 1820 
 ♦Luqueer, Francis T. 1821 
 
 Lowerre, Benjamin 
 
 Littell, Hugh 1822 
 ♦Looker, Benjamin 
 
 Lawrence, John 1823 
 
 Lennon, James 
 
 Lord, Joseph N. 
 ♦Lowerre, Sam'l W. 1824 
 ♦Lozier, John 
 
 Logan, Adam 1827 
 ♦Lockwood, Andrew 1828 
 ♦Labagh, Forsyth 
 
 Lyons, Richard 183 i 
 ♦Little, Thomas B. 
 ♦Lane, John 1832 
 ♦Lawrence, Alex. 1835 
 ♦Lee, Daniel 
 ♦Lippincott, Thomas 
 
 Ludlow, Matthias 1836 
 ♦Leake, Hewlett P. 1837 
 
 Leonard, Henry 1838 
 ♦Louderback, David 1839 
 
 Little, Andrew 1839 
 ♦Ludwig, Henry 1840 
 
 Leggat, William • 1841 
 ♦Leupp, Charles M. 1842 
 
 Lowe, William 
 
 Lowerre, Geo. W. 1843 
 
 Lane, Park H. 1844 
 
 Lintz, William 1845 
 
 Lovett, Robert 1846 
 
 Ludlum, Nicholas 
 
 Loveland, Hanford 1847 
 
 Lewis, Isaac 1848 
 
 Ladd, William F. 1849 
 ♦Little, Edward C. 
 
 Libby, James S. 
 
 Leask, Henry G. 185 1 
 
 Logan, Joseph 1852 
 
 ♦Litton, James 1853 
 
 ♦Lauder, James 1854 
 
 ♦Livesey, Starkie 1855 
 
 Laimreer, Wm., Jr. 1856 
 
 Longnecker, Geo.W. 1859 
 
 Lewis, Charles V. 1865 
 
 Laimbeer, John 1866 
 Larrabee, Henry L. 
 
 Le Gallez, P. G. 1869 
 
 Leonard, Elijah P. 1870 
 
 ♦Lester, Joseph W. 1870 
 
 Lloyd, Robert B. 1872 
 
 Lowden, Samuel 1873 
 
 Livingston, Levi L. 1874 
 
 Lithgow, George W. 1875 
 Loutrel, Cyrus H. 
 
 Lienau, Detlif 1876 
 
 Livingston, Wm. 1877 
 Lindsay, William A. 
 
 Levy, Samuel 1880 
 
 ♦M'Ready, Dennis 1786 
 
 ♦Messerve, George 
 
 ♦Man, David 
 
 ♦M'Cullen, James 1786 
 ♦Mills, John 
 ♦M'Euen, Malcom 
 
 ♦M'Comb, John, Jr. 1791 
 ♦Morris, Andrew 
 ♦M'Dowel, Robert 
 
 ♦Mini ^e, John 1792 
 
 ♦Ming, Edward 
 ♦Maybie, Frederick 
 ♦Miller, John 
 ♦Miller, William G. 
 ♦M'Cready, James, Jr. 
 ♦M'Cready, Andrew 
 ♦Moffit, John 
 ♦Myers, Sampson A. 
 ♦Morris, John 
 ♦Mapes, Jonas 
 ♦Myers, Hazel 
 •Morris, Jacob 
 ♦M'Kinney, William 
 ♦Morrison, Joseph 
 
4o8 
 
 GENERAL SOCIETY OF 
 
 •Mercein, Andrew 
 *Meeks, Edward 
 *montanye, harman 
 •Marschalk, F. A. 1793 
 •M'Gowan, John 1794 
 M'Euen, Duncan 1796 
 * Morrell, Andrew 1798 
 'Mackenzie, Kenneth 
 •Manolt, George 1799 
 ♦Marshall, Joseph 
 *Miller, John D. 1800 
 •Meeks, Joseph 1801 
 *M'Cready, Thomas 
 *Morss, John, Jr. 
 *M'Comb, Isaac 
 *Meads, John 
 *Mildeberger, Chris. 1803 
 *Minuse, George 
 •Merrell, William 
 •Munson, Reuben 1803 
 •M'Keen, William, Jr. 
 *Mercein, Thomas R. 
 *Mount, Gilbert S. 
 •Mott, William 
 *Martinot, Genest 
 *Mills, Timothy 1804 
 •Mandeville, William 
 *Myer, Lawrence 
 •Morgan, James 
 *Minard, Isaac 1805 
 •Mix, Nathan 
 •Mesier, Peter A. 1810 
 •M'Queen, Robert 
 •Murray, Andrew 
 •Maverick, Samuel 
 •Mott, Jacob C. 
 •M'Dermut, Robert 
 •Morris, John 
 •Mann, Asa 
 
 •MlLDEBERGER, JOHN 
 
 •Melvin, James A. 
 •Mabbatt, Samuel 
 •M'Lean, Charles 
 •Morris, Sylvester 
 •M'Ginnis, Hugh 
 •M'Cready, George 
 •M'Cready, Benjamin 
 
 •McCormick, Hugh 181 i 
 •Mott, Jordan 1814 
 •Mercein, Wm. A. 1820 
 •Muir, Alexander M. 
 •Maybie, Abm. P. 1821 
 •Meinell, James 
 •Mather, George 
 
 Marsh, Evert 
 •M'Cartee, Peter, Jr. 
 •Martin, James S. 
 •Mount, Richard E. 
 •Mount, Timothy 
 
 Moore, James A. 1822 
 •Masterton, Alexander 
 •Megarey, Henry I. 
 
 Mount, Joseph 
 •Mead, Nathaniel 
 
 Marsh, Benjamin 
 •Mapes, Charles 1823 
 
 M'Lean, Cornelius 
 •M'Kenney, William 
 *Murphy, William D. 
 •Mason, William 1824 
 •Morrison, John Clitz 
 •Miller, William H. 
 
 M'Bride, Abraham 
 
 Mundy, Edward N. 1825 
 •Miller, Ebenezer A. 1826 
 
 Maginnis, Edward 1827 
 •Moore, James T. 
 
 M'Dougall, Allen 
 •M'Cully, Samuel 1828 
 
 Macy, Izaiah 
 •Moore, John P. 
 
 Mann, Edward P. 1830 
 •Mapes, James J. 1831 
 •Metcalf, Charles 
 
 Marshall, Jonathan 
 
 Madan, Abraham 
 •Matthews, John C. 1832 
 
 Moffat, John L. 
 •Martin, Samuel 1833 
 •Miner, George N. 1834 
 
 Mumby, Robert 
 •Magwire, George 1835 
 
 Mercer, Ambrose 
 •Morris, James 1836 
 
 Mersereau, John W. 
 •Moffat, John 
 •McBurney, Alexander 
 
 Miller, William P. 1837 
 
 McBurney, Thomas 
 
 McKee, Joseph 1837 
 •Moses, Lorenzo 
 
 Mailler, William M. 
 
 Maujer, Daniel 
 
 McCutchen, William M. 
 •Mason, John 
 
 Moore, William 1838 
 
 M'Carty, Alexander 
 •Mott, Jordan L. 
 •Morgan, Enoch 
 •McCutchen, Hugh 
 •McDonald, R. A. 1839 
 
 Magill, Andrew W. 
 •McCullough, James 
 
 Maxwell, John T. B. 
 •Mills, Abner 
 
 Maas, Harman 1 84 1 
 
 Myer, John 
 
 McNair, William 1842 
 
 Mackey, William 
 
 Munson, James 
 
 Marshall, Robert 
 
 Moore, Michael, Jr. 1843 
 •McElrath, Thomas 1844 
 
 Metzgar, Christian 
 •Macvey, Ammon 1845 
 •Mills, John 
 
 Maycock, Samuel 
 •Mead, Walter 1847 
 
 Mather, Andrew 
 
 Mix, Isaac, Jr. 1849 
 
 Morgans, Morgan 
 
 McDonald, Alexander 
 
 Morrison, David 1850 
 •Mason, Charles J. 
 •Mason, William 
 
 Moller, William 1851 
 •Moller, Peter 
 •Mills, Andrew 
 
 Mealio, Lewis 
 
 Miller, James 185 i 
 
 ♦M'Clellan, Robert 
 
MECHANICS AND TRADESMEN 
 
 •Meeks, Joseph W. 1852 
 Merritt, Edward 
 Mangam, Darius R. 
 Mills, George 
 
 *M'Clellan, William 1854 
 Miles, William 
 
 *M'Kenzie, Alex. 1855 
 Moore, Henry, Jr. 1858 
 Morrison. James 1859 
 Morrison, James (2d) 
 Murphy, James 
 McCollum, John 
 McGlensey, John 
 Miller, William C. 
 Mount, Joseph E. 1861 
 Muir, James 1862 
 Mackenzie, Wash'n 1863 
 Munroe, William O. 
 Maurer, Charles L. 1865 
 Mein, Robert 
 Masterton, John M. 
 Murtaugh, James 
 
 •McAuliffe, John 
 McLaren, John 1867 
 Morgan, John W. 1868 
 McReynolds, Anth'y 1870 
 
 •Mickens, George T. 
 Moffitt, John M. 187 i 
 Mowton, Charles C. 
 McCullough, Samuel 
 Mackey, Alexander 1872 
 M'Alpin, David H. 1873 
 McMaster, James 
 Mathewson, Andrew J. 
 Mossman, John M. 1874 
 Mark, Jacob 1875 
 McDonald, Jos. A. 1876 
 McCormick, Peter 
 Masterton, John H. 1876 
 Myers, August 1877 
 Mills, Abner B. 1878 
 McKibben, George 
 McKenney, James 
 Miller, Edward 1879 
 Mark, John W. 
 Maverick, Brewster 
 Mead, Theodore H. 188 i 
 
 Moore, John F. 
 
 Mackey, Oscar T. 
 
 ♦Norman, John 1792 
 •Nostrand, Timothy 
 
 *Newel, Andrew 1793 
 
 •Norris, James 1796 
 
 •Nicoll, Alexander 18 10 
 
 *Noah, Mordecai M. 182 1 
 
 Nutt, Joseph 1828 
 
 ♦Nichols, Sillick 183 i 
 ♦Norwood, John L. 
 
 •Naylor, Peter 1834 
 
 Nichols, John 1837 
 
 ♦Nelson, Richard 1839 
 
 Nash, James 1847 
 
 *Nesbitt, George F. 1852 
 
 Norris, John S. 1854 
 
 Noble, James 
 
 Neeves, James 1855 
 
 •Nichol, John 1861 
 
 Nicholson, John 1862 
 
 *Nowlan, Henry H. 1866 
 
 New, Tobias 
 
 Nichols, John H. 1871 
 
 Nichols, George D. 
 
 Nesbit, Franklin P. 1874 
 
 Nason, Alfred 1880 
 
 •Ogilvie, Anthony 1790 
 
 *Odell, Reuben 1796 
 
 *Oakley, James 1800 
 
 *Ogden, Joseph 1803 
 
 *Ogden, Benjamin 1803 
 
 •Olmstead, James 1820 
 
 *Ockershausen, A. 1821 
 
 *Oatwell, Joseph 1836 
 ♦Osborne, Samuel 
 
 Oliver, Samuel 
 
 *Oakley, Robert S. 1839 
 
 Owen, Ora 1845 
 
 Oakley, William B. 1846 
 •ockershausen, a. f. 
 
 Odell, Lawrence 1853 
 
 •Ogden, Moses H. 1854 
 
 Ogden, Charles R. 1855 
 
 *Onderdonk, Levi 1857 
 
 •Oakley, William F. 1859 
 
 O'Brien, Peter T. 1864 
 
 •Ormiston, Thomas 1865 
 O'Brien, William S. 1874 
 Oliver, William H. 1878 
 
 •Pozer, Jacob 1786 
 
 ♦Post, Jotham 1789 
 
 •Peck, George 179 i 
 
 •Patten, John 1792 
 •Post, John 
 
 •Peshine, John 
 •Post, Joel 
 •Pierson, Josiah G. 
 •Pentz, Frederick 
 •Peterson, William 
 •Pirson, Theophilus 
 •Parker, Michael 
 •Pers, William 
 •Phyfe, Duncan 
 •Pell, Jabesh 
 •Provoost, Robert 1793 
 •Pryer, Thomas 1796 
 •Parker, Jan 
 •Parker, William 
 •Pancoast, Solomon 
 •Price, Joseph 1800 
 •Parker, George 1801 
 •Peterson, Jacob 1802 
 •Page, Samuel L., Jr. 
 •Post, John 
 •Pittman, George W. 
 •Purdy, Samuel H. 
 
 •Pennell, Hayes 1804 
 •Powers, George 1807 
 •Piek e, William 1810 
 •Plum, Isaac 
 •Parisen, Philip 
 
 •Patterson, Alexander 
 •Parkhurst, Jabez 
 ♦Peck, William 1814 
 •Peckwell, Francis 1820 
 •Pardessus, Rene 
 •Pye, William 
 •Parker, Miln 1821 
 •Price, Thompson 
 •Pier, Sylvester 
 •Peckwell, Henry W. 1822 
 •Provoost, Robert, Jr. 
 •Peterson, Garret 1824 
 
GENERAL SOCIETY OF 
 
 4IO 
 
 •Pancoast, Stacy 1825 
 ♦Perego, Ira 
 •Parker, John 
 
 Phvfe, James 1826 
 •PHYFE, John, Jr. 
 
 Pye, Simeon 
 
 Peckham, Clark 1828 
 •Pollard, Calvin 
 •Paulding, George 
 
 Peck, William H. 1829 
 
 Priestly, John 183 i 
 
 Parsons, Joseph 
 
 Patten, Richard 1832 
 •Pollard, Otis 1833 
 •Phillips, Nathaniel R. 
 •Parker, Shivers 
 •polhamus, eldred 
 
 Phillips, James 1833 
 •Peterson, Richard E. 
 •Phyfe, Robert 1834 
 •Phyfe, William F. 
 
 Phayre, John 
 •Palmer, John 1835 
 
 Peck, John B. 1836 
 •Price, George J. 
 •Pattison, Robert 1837 
 •Prichet, Edward K. 
 
 Philips, Samuel 1838 
 
 Pearson, William C. 
 
 Phillips, Edward 
 
 Platt, Charles T. 
 
 Pettigrew, John 1839 
 
 Parker, Samuel 1840 
 •Purdy, Emery 
 
 Pitt, Charles 1841 
 
 Pinckney, Thompson 
 
 Post, Samuel L. 
 
 Parr, John 1842 
 
 Paulson, Leonard 1843 
 
 Palen, George 1845 
 •Palen, James 
 
 Pierson, Daniel B. 1846 
 
 Perine, William 1847 
 
 Patterson, Ariel 
 ♦Price, David W. 
 
 Perry, Hiram P. 
 
 Place, Robert S. 1848 
 
 Perley, Charles 1849 
 •Philbin, Stephen 1850 
 •Palmer, William T. 
 Poillon, Richard 
 •Poillon, Cornelius C. 
 •Parker, Charles 185 i 
 Pearson, Samuel 
 Price, Joseph M. 
 Parker, John C. 1852 
 Phelps, William 1853 
 Parker, Joseph N. 1854 
 Parker, Andrew J. 
 Pell, Abijah 1856 
 * Peterson, William T. 
 Parry, Henry 1863 
 Pringle, James 1864 
 Parker, Charles R. 
 Patterson, Sam'l P. 1865 
 Power, Patrick H. 1866 
 Peek, Eben 1870 
 Powell, Robert B. 1874 
 Potter, Charles W. 1879 
 Price, Alfred B. 
 Quinn, Joseph P. 1859 
 •Russel, Abraham 1786 
 •Resler, Frederick 1790 
 •Ruckel, Daniel 1791 
 *Read, John 1792 
 •Robertson, John 
 •Rollinson, William 
 •Ruckel, Philip 
 •Rutledge, William 
 •Ronalds, James 
 *Ravo, Daniel 
 •Roome, William P. 
 
 •Riker, James 
 
 •Roome, John I. 1793 
 
 •Rich, Abraham 1794 
 •Robins, Ezekiel 
 
 •Ruckel, John 1795 
 
 •Rutan, Cornelius 1796 
 
 •Rvans, Thomas 1797 
 •Randolph, Lewis 
 
 ♦Randell, John 1798 
 
 •Roome, Nicholas 1800 
 
 •Reed, Stephen 1802 
 
 •Reed, Matthews 1803 
 
 •Ruckel, Jasper 
 •Repose, John 
 •Renney, David 
 •Riley, Thomas 1804 
 •Raynor, David 
 •Ruckel, Jasper E. 1805 
 •Rich, Thomas L. 1810 
 •Ronalds, Thomas A. 
 •Rich, Thomas 
 •Richards, Thomas 
 •Ross, William 
 *Robinson, John 
 •Rodman, John 
 •Riley, Joseph 
 •Roe, Gilbert 
 •Rezeau, Jacob 1812 
 •Redmon, Samuel 1820 
 
 Ridgway, Thomas 1821 
 
 Rankin, Montgomery 
 •Rich, Abraham B. 
 
 Rich, Thomas, Jr. 1822 
 
 Reed, Matthew 
 
 Rikeman, Cornelius 
 
 Rogers, John 
 •Roome, Samuel 1823 
 
 Robinson, James 1824 
 
 Ring, Zebedee 
 
 Ruckel, John, Jr. 
 •ResoEgine, Wm. D. 1825 
 
 Robins, William 
 
 Robb, Eliakim 1826 
 •Riker, John I. 1827 
 •Ridley, John 
 •Ruckel, Samuel 
 ♦Riley, Asher 1828 
 
 Ross, Azariah 
 
 Ross, Noah B. 
 
 Russell, James 1829 
 
 Redfield, Wm. C. 1830 
 • Rr.MU k. John 
 ♦Ricard, George 1831 
 
 Roberts, Nathan 1832 
 •Ringgold, Benjamin 
 
 Robertson, William 1832 
 ♦Roe, Sylvester 1833 
 ♦Rose, Elihu 1834 
 
 Ransom, Jonathan H. 1835 
 
MECHANICS AND TRADESMEN. 
 
 411 
 
 Robins, William 
 Robertson, Hy. P. 1836 
 Ruggles, Robert B. 
 ♦Robinson, Jas. A. 1837 
 Ramee, Victor M. 
 Ring, Moses 
 Ryerson, John B. 
 Rohr, John 
 
 •Raymond, Ezra F. 1838 
 Revere, Edward 1839 
 Ridabock, Jacob H. 
 
 *Roome, Peter 
 
 *Rice, Michael 
 Raynor, Hiram 1840 
 Rogers, James E. 1841 
 
 ♦Redman, Chas. H. 
 Raymond, Lewis 1844 
 Rockwell, Sam'l D. 1845 
 Roberts, Edward J. 1847 
 
 *Riker, John C. 
 Robertson, James 1848 
 Raynor, Nathan 
 
 ♦Roberts, Robert 
 
 •Rodman, George T. 1849 
 Roome, Martin R. 185 1 
 
 ♦Roome, John L. 
 Randall, John 1852 
 
 ♦Rogers, Ogden M. 
 Roux, Alexandre 1853 
 Rafferty, William 
 
 ♦Ryerson, Hy. W. 1854 
 Ross, Alexander M. 
 Rowe, John W. 1856 
 
 ♦Rich, Stephen 1857 
 Robinson, Edward 1859 
 Riceman, John J. 1863 
 Reid, John Wyatt 1864 
 Richmond, Edward J. 
 Ryan, Michael 1866 
 
 ♦Rowell, Warren 1867 
 Roach, John 
 
 Raynor, Samuel 1868 
 Rowland, William 
 Rutter, Robert 
 Rowland, Thomas F. 1869 
 Russell, John 1871 
 Rogers, John H. 1872 
 
 Roome, Charles 1873 
 Rowe, Anthony O. 
 Roach, Garrett 1874 
 Robinson, Andrew J. 1876 
 Reton, George 1877 
 Robinson, Geo. H. 1878 
 
 •Stagg, John 1786 
 
 ♦Smith, Gerardus 
 
 •Stymets, Frederick 
 
 ♦Stevenson, Thomas 1789 
 
 •Stanbury, Daniel 
 
 ♦Striker, John 1790 
 
 ♦Smith, Stephen 1791 
 
 •Simmons, Anthony 
 
 •Sherred, Jacob 
 
 •Speth, George 
 
 •Sebring, Cornelius B. 
 
 •Stanton. Geo., Jr. 1792 
 
 ♦Slidell, John 
 
 •Schanck, Garret 
 
 ♦Shourt, Oliver 
 
 ♦Steenbeck, Anthony 
 
 •St. John, Samuel 
 
 •Skaats, David 
 
 •Smyth, Thomas 
 
 ♦Skaats, Rineir, Jr. 
 
 ♦Stevens, Ebenezer 
 
 ♦Sebring, Peter 1793 
 
 ♦Stuart, James 1794 
 Slidell, John. Jr. 1794 
 
 ♦Sarles, Edward 
 
 ♦Simmons, Henry 1795 
 
 •Sprainger, Peter R. 
 
 ♦Sullivan, Benjamin 1796 
 
 ♦Schuyler, Peter C. 
 
 •Skaats, Barth'w 1797 
 
 ♦Smith, Charles 
 
 •Saunders, Alex. 1798 
 
 •Stephens, John, Jr. 1799 
 
 •Sylvester, Reuben 1800 
 
 •Skaats, Jacob 
 
 ♦Sharpe, Peter 
 
 ♦Slidell, Thomas 1801 
 
 •Shanewolf, Frederick 
 
 •Shelburg, Joseph 
 
 ♦Slidell, John H. 1802 
 
 •Slote, Peter 
 
 •Smith, Thaddeus 
 •Stephenson, James 
 •Sickels, Garret 1803 
 ♦Sanford, John 
 ♦Speir, Robert 
 •Smith, Joseph 
 •Stephens, Stephen 
 •Sterling, James 
 •Sitcher, Andrew 
 •Stanton, Jasper 
 •Scudder, Asa 
 •Sinclair, George 
 •Smith, Frederic 
 •Skellorn, George W. 1804 
 •Stone, Robert 
 ♦Smith, John B. 
 ♦Sage, Harris 
 ♦Sickels, William 1804 
 ♦Smith, Daniel D. 
 •Seaman, William 1805 
 ♦Sergeant, Ezra 1810 
 *Seymour, Jonathan 
 *Sturdevant, Eliph't 1810 
 ♦Stratton, Latham 
 •Smith, Edward 
 ♦Slack, Richard W. 
 ♦Stollenwerck, L. A. 
 •Southwick, Henry C. 
 •Stollenwerck, James 
 •Stephens, Benjamin 
 •Slawson, Nathaniel 
 •Sayre, Nathan 
 •Seixas, Benjamin 
 •Sherwood, Isaac 
 •Stokes, Thomas 
 •Sterling, Robert 
 •Spier, James 
 •Skaats, Abraham 18 12 
 •Smith, George B. 1813 
 
 Snyder, Peter 1820 
 ♦Sutphen, John 
 ♦Smith, Haziel 
 •Smith, James 1821 
 
 Starr, Charles 
 
 Scudder, David B. 1822 
 
 Stout, John W. 
 •Smith, Jacob 
 
412 
 
 GENERAL SOCIETY OF 
 
 •Steen, John 
 ♦Simpson, Joseph P. 
 *Spies, Henry 
 * Stout, Jacob B. 1823 
 
 Slater, George 
 *Shipman, William B. 
 *schureman, nicholas 
 *Southard, Henry 
 
 Smith, John M. 1824 
 
 Sullivan, Sylvester 
 *Surre, Andrew 
 *Stuyvesant, Peter 
 *Sigison, William 
 •Sherry, David 
 ♦Storms, Henry 1825 
 •Sibell, John F. 1826 
 
 Smith, Stephen 
 •Smith, George E. 1827 
 
 Stout, Jonathan 
 
 Spencer, William 1828 
 
 Smith, Morgan L. 1829 
 
 Shepard, John 
 *Stoneall, James C. 1830 
 
 Simonson, John 1831 
 
 Stewart, Alexander 
 "Sperling, John G. 
 •Smith, Robert C. 
 'Stevens, Linus W. 
 
 Stanley, Joseph C. 
 
 Swain, James P. 
 
 Smith, Michael 
 'Sawin, Silas W. 
 
 Scott, James 
 
 Smith, Charles 
 ■ Schoals, Francis P. 1832 
 
 Stevens, Andrew 
 "Stuart, Alexander 1833 
 
 Speir, John 
 
 Stuart, Robert L. 
 'Skaden, Joseph C. 
 
 Sumner, Palmer 1834 
 'Smith, Robert 1835 
 'Smith, John S. 
 'Storms, Peter 
 •Simms, Thomas 
 'Stewart, John 
 
 Smith, George 
 
 •Smith, Edwin 
 
 •Smith, Matthew 1836 
 
 Smith, Daniel B. 
 
 Southack, John W. 
 •Spofford, Paul 1837 
 •scudder, ephraim 
 
 Sweet, William H. 
 
 Stout, Richard 
 •Stacy, Elbridge G. 1837 
 
 Struthers, James 
 
 Stratton, Robert M. 
 
 somerville, william 
 
 Shortland, Thomas 
 
 Smith, John 1838 
 •schmelzel, george j. 
 
 Simonson, Cornelius 
 
 Seely, Peter 1839 
 
 Stubbs, Samuel N. 
 
 Sinclair, John 
 •Scatcherd, Frederick S. 
 •Sands, Daniel H. 
 
 Suydam, James H. 1840 
 
 Sturdivant, William 
 
 Smith, Isaac P. 1841 
 •Scott, William 
 •Shaw, Anthony P. 
 
 Smith, Charles W. 
 
 Simonson, Isaac 
 •Simons, Louis 1842 
 •Smith, Ezra 
 
 Smith, James R. 1845 
 *Smith, Washington 
 
 Smith, Thomas C. 1846 
 
 Stodart, Adam 
 
 Staats, John 
 
 Smith, John M. S. 
 
 Sneckner, John 
 
 Searles, Hamilton R. 
 
 Simonson, Jeremiah 
 
 Sneeden, Samuel 1847 
 
 Syms, William J. 
 
 Sands, Alfred B. 
 •Smith, John F. 1848 
 
 Stephens, James 
 •Schultz, Alexander H. 
 
 Shiels, Robert 1849 
 
 Small, Wilson 
 
 •Scudder, Linus 
 Smith, George G. 1849 
 Stephens, Cornelius 
 Simpson, Andrew 1850 
 Short, John 
 
 Smith, Merrit 185 i 
 
 Sears, Herman B. 
 
 Stratton, Enoch 
 •Smith, Sheldon 1852 
 
 Smith, J. Marston 
 
 Schoonmaker, Samuel 
 
 Sigler, Horace V. 
 
 Sutherland, James 1853 
 •Stewart, James 1854 
 
 Snook, John B. 
 
 Sneden, Samuel 
 
 Stearns, John G. 
 
 Semon, John G. 1855 
 •Stewart, Wm. R. 1856 
 
 Sproulls, Samuel E. 
 
 Stewart, John t 1857 
 
 Sherwood, William 1859 
 
 Smith, Havilah M. 
 
 Stetson, Thomas D. i860 
 
 Sniffin, John 1862 
 
 Slote, Daniel 1863 
 
 Sniffin, Elisha 1864 
 
 Slote, Henry L. 
 
 Steinway, Albert 1865 
 
 Stults, John Van Ness 
 
 Smith, Edward 1866 
 
 Smith, William 1867 
 
 Schneider, Henry 
 
 Smith, Joseph 
 
 Sperry, John 
 •Smith, Wesley 1868 
 
 Steers, Henry 
 •Shand, Peter 
 
 Smith, Lucius A. 1870 
 
 Sidman, John E. 
 
 Smull, Thomas L. 187 i 
 •Smith, Edmund A. 1871 
 
 Spear, Alfred W. 
 
 Smith, William C. 
 
 Sinclair, John 1872 
 
 Scoble, Henry M. 
 
 Shaler, Alexander 1873 
 
MECHANICS AND TRADESMEN. 
 
 413 
 
 See, Amos L. 1874 
 Starr, Ira 1875 
 Slade, William G. 1876 
 Shortland, Stephen F. 
 Swayne, Joseph W. 1877 
 Sharpe, James 1878 
 Salters, John W. 
 Sommerville, James 
 Scott, John 
 
 Seaman, Selah D. 188 i 
 *Tylee, James 1786 
 ♦Teller, James 1791 
 ♦Turk, Ahasuerus 
 *Timpson, Thomas 
 *Tooker, Daniel 1792 
 *Timpson, Cornelius 
 ♦Turk, Ahasuerus, Jr. 
 *Torboss, Isaac 
 *Tant, Thomas 1793 
 *Tremper, Michael 1800 
 *Tallman, Harmanus 
 ♦Turner, John 1801 
 ♦Taylor, Thomas 1802 
 *Tute, Joseph 
 ♦Tylee, Edward 
 •Train, Daniel N. 1803 
 ♦Turcot, Peter D. 
 ♦Tylee, Benjamin 
 ♦Towsend, Silvanus S. 
 ♦Thompson, G., Jr. 
 ♦Thorn, Isaac 
 ♦Tilton, William 18 10 
 ♦Thompson, Samuel 
 ♦Turner, William 
 ♦Taylor, Oliver H. 1810 
 ♦Thorp, John B. 
 ♦Taylor, Jeremiah B. 
 ♦Tonnele, John 
 ♦Thomas, Thomas 
 
 Thomson, Samuel 18 19 
 ♦Tucker, Gideon 1820 
 
 Tait, John 
 
 Timpson, Thomas, Jr. 182 1 
 ♦Truss, Christian 1822 
 ♦Thompson, Martin E. 
 ♦Trulock, Joseph 
 ♦Thomas, Elias 1823 
 
 Tappen, Charles B. 1824 
 ♦Teller, James 
 
 Ten Eyck, Richard 
 ♦Totten, John C. 
 ♦Torboss; Luke 
 ♦Turnier, Daniel 
 ♦Thorne, Thomas W. 1825 
 ♦Tebbetts, John G. 
 ♦Thorp, George B. 1827 
 ♦Thorn, Abia B. 
 ♦Timpson, Charles W. 
 
 Thompson, John 
 ♦Tillotson, Gardiner 1828 
 
 Turnbull, Adam W. 
 
 Towt, John W. 1830 
 ♦Tucker, John C. 
 ♦Trotter, Jonathan 
 ♦Tylee, Daniel E. 
 ♦Townsend, Robt., Jr. 1 83 1 
 
 Taylor, James 
 ♦Tallman, John 
 ♦Taylor, Charles 
 *Tucker, Joseph 
 
 Tuers, Richard 1832 
 
 Tuthill, William 1833 
 ♦Torboss, John V. 1834 
 ♦Tappen, George, Jr. 
 ♦Tucker, William 1835 
 
 Treadwell, F. C. 1836 
 
 Thompson, John 
 ♦Titus, Henry W. 
 ♦Tait, John, Jr. 
 
 Thomas, Cornelius W. 
 
 Thomas, Augustus , 
 
 Tallman, George D. 
 ♦Tileston, Thomas 1837 
 
 Tilyou, John V. 
 
 Thorne, Jonathan 
 ♦Taylor, Joseph R. 1838 
 
 Thresher, Minard S. 
 
 Tompkins, T. 1839 
 
 Thomes, John 
 ♦Turnure, Abraham 1841 
 
 Thompson, Major 1842 
 ♦Trickey, Samuel 
 ♦Thompson, Abm. G. 1843 
 
 Trench, Joseph 
 
 Thurston, Henry 1846 
 
 ♦Tryon, Edmund W. 1848 
 Trussell, Richard 
 Treadwell, Henry R. 
 Taff, Henry 1849 
 
 ♦Taylor, Robert 
 Taft, John H. 1850 
 
 ♦Tucker, Moses 
 
 *Thum, Richard 185 i 
 Thorn, L. Mortimer 1852 
 
 ♦Tribit, Samuel 1853 
 Taylor, John 1854 
 Tomson, Samuel 1855 
 Taff, David J. 1S56 
 Tate, Isaac E. 1S57 
 Taylor, Francis 1859 
 
 ♦Taylor, Lawrence 1863 
 Treadwell, John R. 
 
 ♦Taylor, Henry F. 1864 
 Theall, Horace 1866 
 Taylor, James R. 1866 
 Thompson, Charles F. 
 Tucker, John J. 1868 
 Taylor, James 
 Thompson, John 
 Tripler, Thomas E. 1870 
 Taylor, Richard 1872 
 Thrall, William H. 1874 
 Tucker, Stephen D. 1876 
 Tucker, Francis C. 1880 
 
 *Utt, John 1791 
 
 ♦Underhill, Peter 1810 
 Und rhill, Alpheus 1863 
 
 ♦Van Dyck, James 1791 
 
 ♦Van Voorhis, Daniel 1792 
 
 ♦Valentine, Matthias 
 
 ♦Van Dervoort, Paul 
 
 ♦Vincent, William 
 
 *Van Antwerp, D. 
 
 *Van Duyne, James 1793 
 
 ♦Vallence, Isaiah 
 
 ♦Van Gelder, A. 
 
 ♦Van Dyck, Isaac 1794 
 
 ♦Vanderhoof, P., Jr. 
 
 ♦Van Wagenen, J., Jr. 1796 
 
 ♦Valleau, Peter 
 
 *Van Winkle, Jacob 1800 
 
4H 
 
 GENERAL SOCIETY OF 
 
 •Van Kleeck, John L. 1802 
 •Van Nest, Abraham 1803 
 •Varian, Jacob 
 ♦Vanderburgh, Robert 
 •VanDervoort, Jacob 1804 
 •Vreeland, John 1810 
 •Vail, William 
 ♦Vandewater, William 
 •Van Nest, George 182 1 
 •Voorhis, John 1822 
 •Van Pelt, Peter 1824 
 Van Zandt, Garret 1827 
 Van Boskerck, Abraham 
 •Van De Water. V. 1827 
 Van Boskerck, John 
 •Van Norden, James 1828 
 •Vanderpool, Robert 
 •Van Norden, Wm. 1835 
 Vandenbergh. James 
 •Van Brunt, Elisha 1836 
 •Veitch, Andrew 1837 
 vandervoort, david 1 839 
 Van Voorhies, Isaac 1842 
 •Valentine, Rich'dC. 1845 
 ♦Voorhies, Robert C. 1849 
 •Voorhis, Abraham 1850 
 Voorhis, John R. i860 
 Van Nostrand, G. 1863 
 Veitch. Thomas 1864 
 Vanvelsor, Alonzo 1865 
 Vanderbilt, W. W. 1868 
 Van Idersty.\e,P., Jr. 1870 
 Vaughan, E. S. 1875 
 Van Tine, Thomas H. 1879 
 VanHouten,Erskine 1881 
 •Warner, George 1786 
 ♦Watkeys, Edward 1787 
 •Wright, William 1790 
 •Warner, James 1791 
 •Wright, Andrew 1792 
 •Warner, Charles 
 ♦Wright, Samuel 
 ♦Wood, Jeremiah 
 •Wade, Edward 
 ♦Weeks, William 
 ♦Whitfield, Henry 
 ♦Waldron, John 
 
 ♦Wright, Augustus 
 •Wendover, William 
 •Wood, William 
 ♦West, Matthew 
 •Wendover, Peter H. 
 ♦Wilmurt, John I. 
 •Wood, Timothy 1792 
 ♦Watkins, Joseph 1793 
 •Willet, James 
 •White, Michael 
 ♦White, Thomas 1795 
 ♦West, John 1796 
 •Warner, George James 
 •Whitehead, William 1797 
 •Weeks, Ezra 
 ♦Whaites, Archibald 
 ♦Williams, Thomas 1798 
 •Waldron,William I. 1799 
 •Warner, Elijah 
 •Westfield, John 
 •Wilson, William 
 ♦Warner, Everardus 
 •West, John 1800 
 ♦Westerfield, John 1801 
 ♦Woodward, John 
 ♦Wentworth, Joseph 1S02 
 •Wood, James 
 •Weeden, Jonathan 
 •Warts, Henry 
 •Winans, Isaac P. 
 ♦wooley, gerardus 1803 
 •Walker, John 
 •Wayland, Seth 
 •Weyman, William 
 ♦Whitfield, George 
 ♦Wheeler, John 
 ♦Williams, Elam 
 ♦Wenman, Evert 
 ♦Watson, Benjamin 1804 
 ♦Wood, Abner 1805 
 ♦White, Christian 1806 
 ♦Williams, David R. 1807 
 ♦Welling, William 1810 
 Waldron, John V. 
 ♦Watts, Charles 1810 
 ♦Waite, George N. 
 ♦Warner, Leonard 1810 
 
 •Wiley, Alexander T. 
 ♦Wiley, Thomas 
 *Waterbury, Henry 
 ♦Wallace, James 
 ♦Wright, John 
 ♦Waite, Robert 
 ♦Warner, Jeremiah 
 ♦Woodruff, Thomas T. 
 
 Warner, Cornelius 
 •Wunnenberg, Francis 
 •Warner, Abraham 182 i 
 •Woolcocks, Thomas 
 ♦Whitemore, John 1822 
 •Waldron, Benjamin A. 
 •Willcocks, Lewis 
 •Webb, Isaac 1823 
 •Worrall, Henry 
 
 Waldron, Victor B. 
 
 Wardell, Jacob 
 
 Ward, Henry 
 •Wright, Richard 
 
 Williams, John H. 1824 
 
 Walworth, Thomas P. 
 ♦Wenman, Uzziah 
 
 Wilson, James 
 
 Wendover, William H. 
 
 Wheeler, William F. 
 ♦Wilson, Robert G. 
 
 Waldron, John D. 1825 
 ♦Westerfield, William 
 
 Ware, Daniel 
 ♦Woram, William 
 ♦Whaley, Thomas 1827 
 •Watson, Thomas L. 
 
 Westervelt, James 
 •Wemmell, Peter 
 •Weeks, John A. 1828 
 •Warner, Samuel B. 
 •Wells, James N. 1828 
 
 Willis, William 1828 
 
 Wilmarth, Phil. C. 1829 
 •Wetsell, George 1830 
 
 Ward, Uzal P. 183 1 
 
 Wood, Thomas R. 
 •Wines, Salem 
 
 West, Joseph 
 ♦Westervelt. Jacob A. 
 
MECHANICS AND TRADESMEN. 
 
 415 
 
 •Waydell, John 
 •Waters, Charles 1832 
 •Whitney, Samuel 
 
 *WlNESHIP, EBENEZER 
 
 *woodruff, philetus h. 
 ♦Woodward, Wash'n 1833 
 * Winant, Richard B. 
 *Winant, Daniel M. 
 •West, Daniel 
 
 Wright, Finley 1835 
 
 WebBj James 
 *Whitehead, Isaac P. 
 * Willett, Jonathan 
 •Walker, Robert 
 
 Wyckoff, John N. 
 
 Welsh, Alexander 
 
 W atkins, James Y. 1S36 
 
 Wilson, John 
 •Williams, Thomas 
 •Winterton, William 
 
 Wilson, William 1837 
 •Walter, James R. 
 
 Winant, Samuel 
 
 Webb, Samuel 1838 
 •Ward, Sylvanus S. 
 •Wallace, Thomas 
 
 Wilson, James S. 
 
 Wilmarth, William M. 
 
 Wheelock, Charles 
 •Williams, Frederick W. 
 
 Walton, Elisha L. 1839 
 
 Woodruff, Amos 
 
 Weeks, Abraham 1839 
 
 Whitlock, Andrew 
 * Walker, David 
 •wotherspoon, james 
 •Worrall, Noah 
 •Wight, John 1840 
 
 Way, Thomas P. 
 
 •West, Stephen W. 
 •Woodruff, Oliver 
 
 Watson, William A. 184 1 
 
 Webb, William H. 
 
 Whigam, John S. 
 •Walker, Edward 1842 
 
 White, John T. 1843 
 •Waugh, James L. 1844 
 •Williams, Samuel T. 
 
 Wickham, D. H. 1845 
 
 Webb, John B. 1846 
 
 Walton, Isaac 1847 
 
 Westerfield, William 
 
 Wood, Jacob 1848 
 
 Woolley, James 
 
 W r atkins, John L. 1849 
 
 Westervelt, A. J. 1850 
 
 Westervelt, Daniel D. 
 •Ward, James B. 
 
 Williamson, John 
 •Walker, William A. 185 1 
 
 Wright, George W. 
 •Wright, James 
 
 Waller, Josiah A. 1852 
 •Worcester, Horatio 
 
 Wright, John 
 
 West, William 1852 
 
 Winans, Henry H. 1853 
 •Worley, Nathan 
 •Warts, Peter B. 
 * Wells, James N., Jr. 1854 
 
 Worrall, Wade B. 
 
 Webb, George 
 
 Wellstood, John G. 1855 
 •Windt, John 1856 
 
 Wilmurt, Thomas A. 
 
 Waydell, John H. 
 
 Wight, Franklin 1859 
 
 Wilson, Henry 
 
 Whitlock, Charles 1861 
 Walker, David 1864 
 Warden, Jacob S. 
 Wescott, Charles S. 1865 
 •White, Glover M. 
 Warner, Henry R. 
 Wright, Daniel D. 
 Watson, George D. 1867 
 Wilson, Peter M. 
 Wilson, Henry 1869 
 •Waydell, William A. 
 Webb, Edward D. 1870 
 Wilson, John 1871 
 Wotherspoon, Henry H. 
 Wandell, John C. 
 White, N. Glover 1872 
 Walker, George W. 1873 
 Whitefield, George 
 Woodruff, Val. S. 1877 
 Wright, Stephen 1878 
 Welch, Peter A. 1879 
 Whitelegge, James H. 
 Warren, Edmund A. 188 1 
 •Yonge, John 1801 
 •Youle, George 1803 
 •Young, Stephen B. 1810 
 •Young, Stephen 
 Young, Peter 181 2 
 
 •Young, Paoli 1822 
 •Young, Evert B. 1829 
 Young, George 1831 
 Yout e, Adam W. 183 i 
 •Youle, George W. 1837 
 •Young, William W. 1839 
 Youngs, David L. 1845 
 Youngs, Joshua 1868 
 Yung, Frederick 1869 
 Yost, Charles A. 1873 
 
416 
 
 GENERAL SOCIETY. 
 
 LIST OF PRESIDENTS FROM THE COMMENCEMENT OF THE SOCIETY 
 
 TO 1881. 
 
 CHAIRMEN. 
 
 1785 *Robert Boyd. 
 
 1786 "Robert Boyd. 
 
 1787 "John Campbell. 
 
 1788 *John Campbell. 
 
 1789 * Anthony Post. 
 
 1790 *John Stagg. 
 
 1 79 1 *Jotham Post. 
 
 PRESIDENTS. 
 
 1792 *Robert Boyd. 
 
 1793 * Anthony Post. 
 
 1794 *john stagg. 
 
 1795 "Gabriel Furman. 
 
 1796 *Jacob Sherred. 
 
 1797 *Seabury Champlin. 
 
 1798 *James Tylee. 
 
 1799 *P. H. Wendover. 
 
 1800 *Daniel Hitchcock. 
 
 1801 *Jacob Sherred. 
 
 1802 "Abraham Labagh. 
 
 1803 *James Warner. 
 
 1804 *John Slidell. 
 
 1805 "Francis Cooper. 
 
 1806 "Augustus Wright. 
 
 1807 "William G. Miller. 
 
 1808 "Alex. Campbell. 
 
 1809 "Stephen Allen. 
 
 1810 "George Ireland. 
 
 181 1 *John I. Labagh. 
 
 1812 "Jacob Lorillard. 
 
 1813 "Peter Sharpe. 
 
 1 8 14 "Jonas Mapes. 
 
 815 "Abraham Van Nest. 
 
 816 "Thomas Taylor. 
 
 817 "Joseph Smith. 
 
 818 "John McComb. 
 
 819 "P. H. Wendover. 
 
 820 "Gideon Lee. 
 
 821 *Elam Williams. 
 
 822 *Wm. Mandeville. 
 
 823 "John W. Hinton. 
 
 824 "John Lang. 
 
 825 *john sutphen. 
 
 826 "Thomas Richards. 
 
 827 "Thomas R. Mercein. 
 
 828 "Richard E. Mount. 
 
 829 "Andrew Sitcher. 
 
 830 "Stephen B. Young. 
 
 831 "Brigham Howe. 
 
 832 "Benjamin De Milt. 
 
 833 "Philip Henry. 
 
 S34 "Edwin B. Clayton. 
 
 835 *Adoniram Chandler 
 
 836 "Thos. Const antine. 
 [837 "Shepherd Knapp. 
 
 838 "Anson Baker. 
 
 839 "Cornel's C. Jacobus. 
 
 840 *E. D. Comstock. 
 
 841 "Samuel Roome. 
 
 842 "Linus W. Stevens. 
 1843 "James Van Norden. 
 [844 "Shivers Parker. 
 [845 "J. A. Westervelt. 
 
 1846 *T. C. Chardavoyne. 
 
 1847 "John P. Moore. 
 [848 James Phyfe. 
 
 849 "Frs. W. Edmonds. 
 
 850 "Sylvanus S. Ward. 
 
 851 "Isaac Fryer. 
 
 852 "Henry T. Ingalls. 
 
 853 John T. B. Maxwell. 
 
 854 "Thomas Jeremiah. 
 
 855 "James Morris. 
 
 856 "Charles M. Leupp. 
 
 857 Thomas Earle. 
 
 858 "Ira Hutchinson. 
 
 859 "Geo. W. Farnham. 
 
 860 "John A. Bunting. 
 •Thomas Jeremiah. 
 
 861 "John Wight. 
 
 862 "Noah Worrall. 
 
 863 Matth's Bloodgood. 
 
 864 *George R. Jackson. 
 
 865 "George F. Nesbitt. 
 
 866 "John T. Conover. 
 
 867 Wade B. Worrall. 
 
 868 Wilson Small. 
 
 869 C. H. Delamater. 
 
 870 *A. F. OCKERSHAUSEN. 
 
 871 "George J. Byrd. 
 
 872 James J. Burnet. 
 
 873 Henry Wilson. 
 
 [874 William H. Gedney. 
 
 875 Wm. Otis Munroe. 
 
 876 Havilah M. Smith. 
 
 877 Edwin Dobbs. 
 1878 Henry L. Slote. 
 [879 John R. Voorhis. 
 [880 Alexander Gaw. 
 1881 John Banta. 
 
INDEX. 
 
 Abbott, J. S. C, lecture by, 124. 
 Adams, William, lecture by, 118, 136. 
 Agassiz, Louis, lecture by, 116. 
 American ensign first exhibited, 32. 
 American industry, attention of the Society 
 
 first directed to, 12. 
 Anderson, T. D., lecture by, 144. 
 Anticell, lecture by, 116. 
 Aorson, Aaron, dinner at his tavern, 18. 
 Armitage, Rev. Dr., lecture by, 142. 
 Armitage, William E., Society's scholar in 
 
 Columbia College, 107. 
 Arrington, A. A., lecture by, 109. 
 
 Bank charter, proposition for, 49; organiza- 
 tion of bank, 50 ; banking in New-York, 
 51; sale of Society's shares in 1813, 56; 
 value of, 93. 
 
 Barber, Professor, lecture by, 93. 
 
 Bartlett and Welford, donation to library, 
 104. 
 
 Bean, Miss Mary Y., proposal of, 135. 
 Bedford, Dr., lecture by, 109. 
 Beecher, Henry Ward, lecture by, 119, 136. 
 Bellows, H. W., lecture by, 133. 
 Benjamin, Park, lectures by, 120, 124, 136. 
 Bethune, Rev. D., lecture by, 116, 124, 136. 
 Bloodgood, Matthias, inaugural address of, 343. 
 Boyd, G. W., lecture by, 136. 
 
 Boyd, Robert, Chairman of the General Com- 
 mittee, 9. 
 
 Brace, C. L., lecture by, 124. 
 
 Bragg, Isaac, resignation of, 106. 
 
 Broadway property, purchase of, 108. 
 
 Brooklyn Association of Mechanics and Trad- 
 ers, donation to, 181. 
 
 Browning, John A., scholar in Columbia Col- 
 lege, 175. 
 
 Bunting, John A., death of, 138. 
 
 By-laws and ordinance, 231, 243. 
 
 By-laws of 1798, 231. 
 
 By-laws of 1866, 243. 
 
 By-laws of 188 1, 387. 
 
 Cardin's tavern, dinner at, 28. 
 
 Certificate of membership, first, 11. 
 
 Chandler, C. F., lecture by, 172. 
 
 Chapin, E. H., lecture by, 120, 149, 165, 167. 
 
 Charter, amended, 1833, 85. 
 
 Charter, first, of the Society, 22. 
 
 Charter of 181 1, 381. 
 
 Clarke, F. M., lecture by, 144, 149. 
 
 Classical Department established in school, 
 
 US- 
 Columbia. College, communication from, 197 ; 
 
 withdraws scholarships, 221. 
 Committee, Literary and Scientific, provided 
 
 for, 91. 
 
4i8 
 
 INDEX. 
 
 Conklin, lecture by, 165. 
 
 Conover, John T., inaugural address of, 346. 
 
 Cordova, De, T., lecture by, 184, 196. 
 
 Comings, Rev. Dr., lecture by, 139. 
 
 Cox, S. S., lecture by, 172. 
 
 Cozzens, Frederick S., lecture by, 143. 
 
 Crosby street property purchased, 83. 
 
 Curtis, George W., lecture by, 167, 176, 181. 
 
 Davis, Matthew L., oration by, 30. 
 Deems, Charles F., lecture by, 181. 
 Delamater, Cornelius H., inaugural address 
 of, 352. 
 
 De Milt, Benjamin, bequest of his library, 107, 
 
 186, 188. 
 De Milt, Misses, bequests of, 117. 
 Dewey, Orville, lectures by, 98. 
 Dinner of the Society in 1789, 14. 
 Dobbs, Edwin, inaugural address of, 364. 
 Doremus, R. O., lectures by, 120. 
 Du Chaillu, P., lecture by, 167. 
 Duncan, Charles, lectures by, 98. 
 Dunken, Mr., lecture by, 93. 
 Dutcher, J. C, lectures by, 139, 150, 156. 
 
 Earle, Thomas, inaugural address of, 317. 
 Education, measures taken to promote, 56. 
 Evarts, William M., address of, 143. 
 Ewer, Rev. F. C, lecture by, 142, 156, 162, 165. 
 
 Fiction in the library, action on, 74. 
 
 First New- York Volunteers, reception of, 155. 
 
 Flags presented to Engineer Regiment, 142, 
 
 151, 157, 286. 
 Foss, H. I., lecture by, 149. 
 Fourth of July observed by the Society, 30. 
 Franklin, Benjamin, death of, 32. 
 
 Gallaher, H. M., lecture by, 196. 
 
 Gaw, Alexander, inaugural address of, 376. 
 
 Geclney, William H., inaugural address of, 360. 
 
 General Society, petition to the Legislature 
 for incorporation, 16; correspondence with 
 affiliated societies, 17; incorporation, 22; 
 declines political cooperation, 29; determines 
 a plan for purchasing real estate, 29; pur- 
 chases land of Mr. Bancker, 31 ; delinquency 
 of members in monthly payments, 35 ; new 
 
 era of prosperity, 59 ; qualification for mem- 
 bership, 69. 
 Gerard, I. W., lecture by, 139, 141, 142, 144, 
 150. 
 
 Gilmore, J. R., lecture by, 156. 
 Glidon, W. R., lectures by, 109. 
 Godwin, M., engraves first certificate of mem- 
 bership, 1 1. 
 Gough, John B., lectures by, 162, 167, 181. 
 Greeley, Horace, lectures by, 119. 
 Griscom, John, lectures by, 98. 
 
 Hagany, I. B., lecture by, 136. 
 Hale, lecture by, 124. 
 Hall, A. Oakey, lectures by, 136. 
 Hall, Gen. James F., letter from, 153. 
 Hall, new, on E. 16th St., 201 ; dedication of, 
 208. 
 
 Hare, G. S., lectures by, 139, 142. 
 
 Harte, Bret, lecture by, 184. 
 
 Harvey, Mr., lectures by, 93. 
 
 Hatfield, Amos F., donation of, 168. 
 
 Hewlett, S. M., lectures by, 156, 162. 
 
 Hicks, W. W., lecture by, 156. 
 
 Holland, Dr. J. G., lectures by, 139, 142, 150. 
 
 Iloxie, Hon. Joseph, 143. 
 
 Humane Society, cooperation with, 49. 
 
 Hutchinson, Ira, inaugural address, 322. 
 
 Incorporators of the Society, 22. 
 Indigent, overseers of, first appointed, 17. 
 
 Jackson, Francis D., scholar in Columbia Col- 
 lege, 197. 
 
 Jackson, George R., inaugural address of, 344. 
 Jeremiah, Thomas, proposes sinking fund, 
 173 ; death of, 181. 
 
 Kecse, John, lectures by, 98. 
 
 King, Charles, lecture by, 119. 
 
 King, T." Starr, lectures by, 118, 120, 124, 
 
 I33> ! 3 6 - 
 Knapp, Col., lectures by, 93. 
 
 Land litigation adjusted, 76. 
 
 Land, negotiation for purchase of, 40. 
 
 Lasscll, Prof., lectures by, 118. 
 
INDEX. 
 
 419 
 
 Library Committee first appointed, 59 ; estab- 
 lishment of library, 60 ; its want of progress, 
 105. 
 
 Library, opened daily, 124. 
 Liquor, paying for, 21. 
 Litigation, measures to prevent, 18. 
 Little, Michael, hall leased to, 45. 
 Livingstone, Edward, letter from, 44. 
 Lord, John, lectures by, 118. 
 Lorillard, Peter, bequest of, 161. 
 Lottery, adventure of the Society in, 18. 
 
 " Mechanics and Tradesmen," meaning of 
 
 phrase, 186. 
 Mechanics' Bank, charter of, 125. 
 Mechanics, General Committee of, 9 ; first 
 
 meeting, 9. 
 
 Mechanics' Hall, plans for building, 41 ; dedi- 
 cation of, 42 ; cost of, 45 ; lease to A. Mar- 
 celline, 49. 
 
 Mechanics' Institute of New- York, 105. 
 
 Members, list of, 1798, 236. 
 
 Members, list of, 1881, 398. 
 
 Milburn, W. H., lecture by, 141. 
 
 Miller, William G., dispute with, adjusted, 82. 
 
 Mingins, G. J., lecture by, 176, 181. 
 
 Mitchell, David, lecture by, 176. 
 
 Mitchell, Prof., lectures by, 119, 136. 
 
 Moore, J. P., inaugural address of, 317. 
 
 Munroe, Wm. Oris, inaugural address of, 361. 
 
 Murdock, James, lecture by, 176, 181. 
 
 New-York in 1783, 8. 
 New- York University, scholarship in, 100. 
 Noah, Mordecai M., address by, 68 ; lectures 
 by, 93, 116. 
 
 Ockershausen, Adolphus F., inaugural address 
 of, 357- 
 
 Ormiston, William, lecture by, 184. 
 Osgood, Samuel, lecture by, 120. 
 
 Park Place property, purchase of, 28. 
 Park Place property, sale of, 137 ; sale an- 
 nulled, 137. 
 Paton, Mr., teacher of drawing, 136. 
 Pendleton, W. H., lecture by, 139. 
 Pensioners of the Society, 164. 
 
 Phillips, Wendell, lectures by, 165, 172. 
 Pierpont, John, lecture by, 1 19. 
 Pipes, not to be smoked at the early meet- 
 ings, 10. 
 
 Plummer, Rev. Dr., lecture by, 139. 
 
 Poillon, R. and E. C, presentation by, 168. 
 
 Potter, H. C, lecture by, 196. 
 
 Priestley, Rev. James, lecture by, 156. 
 
 Providence Society of Mechanics and Manu- 
 facturers, 27. 
 
 Provost, Robert, first elected collector, 57 ; 
 death of, 1 19. 
 
 Raymond, H. J., lecture by, 120. 
 Reading-room, opening of, 161. 
 Reed, Prof., lecture by, 124. 
 Regimental colors, 153. 
 Renwick, Prof, lecture by, 92. 
 Richards, W. C, lectures by, 184, 196. 
 Roberts, Charles, lecture by, 196. 
 
 Schenck, Noah D., lecture by, 172. 
 
 School and library building, erected, 67 ; cere- 
 monies at the opening of the new building, 
 68. 
 
 School, deficit in revenue of, 133. 
 
 School for girls, separate, established, 72. 
 
 School, measures for establishment of, 65. 
 
 Schroeder, J. F., lecture by, 119. 
 
 Sedgwick, Theo., lectures by, 136, 184. 
 
 Seventh regiment, thanks to, 143. 
 
 Silliman, Professor, 1 :tures by, 120, 134. 
 
 Simpson, Bishop, lecture by, 156. 
 
 Sinking fund proposed, 173. 
 
 Slote, H. L., proposed change of location, 183; 
 inaugural address of, 367. 
 
 Small, Wilson, inaugural address of, 350. 
 
 Smith, Havilah M., inaugural address of, 363. 
 
 Southgate, Rev. Dr., lectures by, 139, 141. 
 
 Spring, Rev. Dr., lecture by, 93. 
 
 Starr, A. A., lecture by, 197. 
 
 Starr, Charles, thanks voted to, 69. 
 
 Stetson, Mr., teacher of drawing, 136. 
 
 Stevens, Edward D., scholar in Columbia Col- 
 lege, 99. 
 
 Stone, corner, of first Mechanics' Hall, 42. 
 Storrs, R. S., lecture by, 156. 
 
420 
 
 LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS. 
 
 Stryker, Peter, lecture by, 181. 
 Subscribers to High School stock, 83. 
 
 Tablet of the old hall, 168. 
 Talmadge, F. A., donation of, 109. 
 Taylor, Bayard, lectures by, 139, 196. 
 Thompson, Dr. John, lecture by, 136. 
 Thompson, John R., lecture by, 139, 165. 
 Thompson, Rev. R. H., lecture by, 165. 
 Torrey, Prof. John, lectures by, 95. 
 Trickey, John, scholar in Columbia College, 
 120. 
 
 University of New- York, loan to, 86. 
 
 Vandenhoff, George, lectures by, 167, 172. 
 Vandenhoff, Mrs. George, reading by, 172. 
 Van Norden, William, death of, 174. 
 Vinton, Alexander, lecture by, 124. 
 Vinton, Francis, prayer of, 143. 
 
 Volunteer engineer regiment, 140, 289. 
 Voorhis, John R., inaugural address of, 370. 
 
 Warnock, F. H., lectures by, 181, 184. 
 Washington, George, death of, 351. 
 Washington Monument Association, 109. 
 Waydell, John H., presentation of model, 168. 
 Whipple, Edwin P., lecture by, 120. 
 Wight, John, inaugural address of, 339. 
 Willets, A. A., lectures by, 134, 135, 136, 139, 
 
 141, 144, 149, 156. 
 Williams, Frederick W., death of, 178. 
 Williams, S. Wells, lecture by, 109. 
 Winthrop, Benjamin R., donation of, 129. 
 Wood, William, his donation, 105 ; death of, 
 
 130; memorial of, 279. 
 World's Fair in London, delegates to, 1 18. 
 Worrall, Wade B., inaugural address of, 348. 
 
 Youmans, Prof. L., lectures by, 167, 181. 
 
 LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS. 
 
 Certificate of Membership adopted in 1786 facing title. 
 
 Certificate of Membership subsequently used Appendix. 
 
 Society's Building, cor. Park Place and Broadway 37 
 
 Tablet put up, 1802 42 
 
 First Seal of the Society 62 
 
 School Building of Society, from 1821 to 1858 63 
 
 Society's Building, 30-36 Crosby street 80 
 
 Society's Building, 472 Broadway 101 
 
 Society's new Building, cor. Broadway and Park Place 131 
 
 Society's new Building, 18 East 1 6th street 169 
 
 Interior of Library in 18 East 16th street 192