150 THE BEE-KEEPERS' REVIEW 



number of letters asking for prices on carlots, which shows an awakening 

 interest along this line. In the sale of honey 1 did not succeed in establishing 

 the plan I desired, but in order to do something I did the best I could and tried 

 to bring buyer and consumer closer together through correspondence. I have 

 letters stating where this effort has lieen instrumental in selling several carloads 

 of honey, and when we can get selling agencies established there is no reason 

 why we cannot direct the shipment of a good many cars annually. This should 

 be done not with an idea of getting into the honey business from a business 

 standpoint, but with the idea of establishing agencies which will be under the 

 direct control of the Association. To do this we must incorporate, and I have 

 advice from a prominent Detroit attorney stating that we can incorporate as a 

 Co-Operative Association without capital if we wish, and still be enabled to do 

 business along the lines we are attempting. 



With reference to the sale of bee supplies, I am frank to say that I do 

 not feel this should be undertaken to any extent, excepting by the establishment 

 of co-operative agencies through the different National Branches, wherever a 

 Branch is incorporated or is in a position to finance its purchases. Then if it 

 will turn over its purchasing to the National Association (and this is done by 

 a number of Branches) the added power placed in the hands of the National in 

 this way should enable it to get the very best prices and the very best service. 

 This should be done without thought of profit but with the desire to serve, 

 and I feel that the only true co-operative plan to handle this business is for 

 these local Branches to charge the regular retail price, go out after the business 

 the same as a profit concern, and then distribute the profits back to the stock- 

 holders or members after paying a reasonable interest on th,e capital stock, 

 these profits to be distributed according to the amount of bu^siness done by the 

 member with the Association. One of the dangers which faces the National at 

 this time is the possible attempt it may make to do too many things, and to 

 accomplish too much with the means it has. The members should be patient as 

 long as we are making growth and advancement, for the more members we 

 have the greater good can we accomplish for each member, and it seems to me 

 that the best method of obtaining this growth is by assisting every National 

 Branch and striving all together to build up the membership through the cir- 

 culation of the Bee-Keepees' Review, the National's official organ. 



Please remember when I say this that I am not talking" from a personal 

 motive, because the Review belongs to you, and you as delegates representing 

 your members who have sent you here, have absolute power to say who rules 

 the Review, who shall be your officers, and what your policy shall be. In no 

 other way with our membership so scattered can each individual member be so 

 trul}'- represented as by the plan of having you come here with full power to 

 vote on these questions, for them. Let me assure you that the entire respon- 

 sibility of this Association rests today on your shoulders, and what you decide 

 at this meeting will determine the policies of the Association the coming year. 

 If I, as your Secretary, have not been following the work along the lines you 

 feel is advisable, then I shall expect you to tell me so and to point out the 

 things you would like to have done. Whether I am your Secretary next year, 

 or not, which will depend on your vote at this meeting, I assure you that the 

 Association has my support and I shall gladly turn over to my successor every- 

 thing possible to help him in his work and offer such advice as it may be possible 

 for me to give him. Personally I feel that the Association is greater than any 

 individual and that it must be considered at all times ahead of an officer. 



The above report I present to you for your careful and earnest consideration. 



jMoved bv ^Tr. Dittrich, deleoate, of Indiana Branch, that the 

 Secretary \s report be acce])ted and placed on file. Seconded and car- 

 ried. 



Following- the,. Secretary's report came a vigorous discussion by 

 the delegates with reference to the powers of the directors to enter 

 into the purchase of the Rkview for the Association. 



