lob Correspondence. [jan. 



of the by-laws? What chance is there for a member to become a "Fellow" 

 except through dead men's shoes, and who likes to wait for such advance- 

 ment? A "Fellow" can only be retired by his own desire, Article 1, Sec- 

 tion 3. No one can blame any of the "Fellows" for desiring to remain in 

 that class, even though some may take no active part in ornithology and 

 its branches today. The present grades in the membership of the Union, 

 are unsatisfactory and undemocratic. Acting in conjunction with other 

 members of the A. O. U., I forwarded proposed changes in the A. O. U. 

 by-laws, to the last meeting of the Union. I had the support and en- 

 dorsement of two "Fellows," as required by Article 8. I have not been 

 informed in an official way by any officer of the Union, what action, if any, 

 was taken, nor have we seen any mention of the subject in the columns of 

 the official organ, 'The Auk.' 



The A. O. U. was supposed to be an organization for the "Advancement 

 of its members in ornithological science." A large percentage have been 

 taken into the Union merely for the payment of their $3.00 dues, and not 

 with any idea of strengthening the Club scientifically. There are other 

 societies where this class of members can do more good than in the A. O. U. 

 Some of the most active workers today in the various ornithological 

 branches are not, and will not, become members of the A. O. U. on account 

 of the class distinction, and star chamber methods of conducting the busi- 

 ness of the Union. Let us have the needed changes in the by-laws, and let 

 all class of members express their views and desires through the columns 

 of the several ornithological journals. Let us hear from the "Fellows" 

 in a broad-minded way, just how much they have the interests of the A. O. U. 

 at heart. Above all, let us have a democratic organization, equal rights to 

 all, special privileges to none. If, after a fair fight, we cannot get our de- 

 sired changes, let those who are dissatisfied with the present by-laws and 

 way of management, withdraw from the A. O. U., and give their support to 

 some organization who will offer us the cooperation of then organization. 



H. H. Bailey. 



Newport News, Virginia, 

 November 25th, 1914. 



[As Mr. Bailey asks for comment upon his letter and as some of his state- 

 ments are evidently the result of misinformation or misunderstanding we 

 take this opportunity to state our views on the matter. 



As we understand him he presents three claims. 1st, That the A. O. U. 

 offers no inducement to new members. 2nd. That there is no definite 

 standard for the advancement of members and that the results of the elec- 

 tions to advanced classes of membership as presented in the current list 

 of members are unsatisfactory. 3rd, That all classes should be abolished 

 resulting in one grade of membership for all. 



Taking up these points seriatim: 



1st. The A. O. U. at its annual meetings offers opportunities for orni- 



