350 Royal Irish Academy. 



The Secretary stated that, at the last meeting of the Academy, 

 when the Scrutineers' return was handed in, a question arose in 

 respect of the election of one of the Candidates for Memhership, in 

 whose case there was a large numher of "neutral ballots." There 

 being some doubt as to the construction of the 7th section of 

 Chapter II. of the By-Laws, when read with the 2nd and 

 3rd sections, with regard to the e:ffect of " neutral ballots," no 

 declaration was made in respect of this Candidate, and the question 

 was referred to Council, who directed that a legal opinion should be 

 obtained thereon, which accordingly was done, and Mr. Matheson, 

 Q.C., has given his opinion that such "neutral ballots" should not 

 be counted in the number of votes "in respect of " a Candidate. 



The Yice-President in the Chair stated that he concurred in 

 this construction of the By-Law, and accordingly declared 



Me. Felix Cae.bea.t 



to be duly elected a member of the Academy. 



The Academy having resumed the consideration of the re- 

 commendation of Council as to the alteration of By-Laws, Chapter 

 II.:— 



The Secretary (Rev. Dr. Bernard) moved, and Mr. Brenan 

 seconded : — 



' ' That before considering the details of the proposed alterations 

 in the By-Laws, and the date at which they shall become 

 Law, the Academy now proceed to discuss recommendation 

 of the Council as to alteration of By-Laws (Chapter II.), 

 relative to the election of Members, in so far as the 

 following general principles are concerned : — 



" (1) The election of Members once a year only : 



"(2) The preparation by the Council of a select list 

 of Candidates for Membership to be sub- 

 mitted to the Academy on the fourth Monday 

 in February : 



