564 



FOREST AND STREAM. 



[June 16, 1892. 



NEW YORK STATE ASSOCIATION. 



Foe many years it has been the rule that the delibera- 

 tions relative to game protection (if there were any such 

 deliberations at all) were minor and meaningless incidents 

 of the annual conventions of the New York State Associa- 

 tion for the Protection of Fish and Game. This may not 

 be said of the convention of 1892, for last Monday even- 

 ing the delegates considered a scheme of reorganization; 

 and took action which marks the beginning of a new 

 era in the history of the Association as a game and fish 

 protective body. 



In a convention of sportsmen of the State, last February 

 in Syracuse, a committee of five were named to present 

 to the State Association in its June meeting, suggestions 

 for increasing the efficiency of the organization. The 

 members of the committee were: Messsrs. F. J. Amsden 

 of Rochester, D. H. Brace of Syracuse. Eobt. B. Lawrence 

 of New York, Chas. B. Reynolds of Forest and Stream 

 and J. S. Van Cleef of Poughkeepsie. Their report which 

 had been very carefully prepared after consideration of 

 the problem by each member of the committee and after 

 frequent consultations, embodied nothing less than 

 the recommended adoption of a new constitution. The 

 report was most cordially received last Monday night, 

 and just what such a reception meant can be fully appre- 

 ciated only by those who were there and sweltered in the 

 hot, crowded and altogether uncomfortable hall. The 

 spokesman of the committee was Gen. D. H. Bruce, who 

 was presented by Chairman Gates as "the apostle and high 

 priest of game protection in this State." This characteri- 

 zation was not only just but most felicitous on this occa- 

 sion, for it was wholly due to the impulse first given by the 

 pen of Gen. Bruce, through his letters in Forest and 

 Stream, that the February meeting was convened, and 

 the movement was started which has now been crowned 

 with success, Gen. Bruce was given an unfeigned wel- 

 come, and his reading of the report was listened to with 

 the closest attention, and at its conclusion heartily ap- 

 plauded. 



Mr. Walter S. MacGregor, of the Onondaga Anglers' 

 Association, then read the text of the constitution, and 

 moved the adoption of the committee's report and of the 

 constitution. His own society, said Mr. MacGregor, had 

 demonstrated what might be done by a union of men 

 determined that the fish laws should be enforced ; and 

 what the Onondaga anglers had done in their local field 

 might be accomplished in every county of New York if 

 the sportsmen of the State were united in such an organ- 

 zation as the one now possible under the new constitution. 

 The motion was seconded by Mr. W. L. Gavitt, of the 

 Lyons Fish and Game Protective Association and was 

 adopted unanimously and with a ring of applause. 



A nominating committee of five, for naming the pres- 

 ident and vice-president of the Association, reported at an 

 adjourned meeting, Tuesday, the names of Mr. Charles 

 B Revnolds of Forest and Stream, for President and 

 Mr. W. S. Kimball of Rochester, for Vice-President, and 

 they were elected. Mr. John B. Sage of Buffalo was ap- 

 pointed by the president as the secretary-treasurer pro 

 tern. Syracuse was selected as the place of meeting of 

 the Executive Committee in October. 



The maximum limit of the salary of the secretary -treas- 

 urer, and the amount of his bond were referred to the 

 Executive Committee with power, and to them was left 

 also the selection of the place for the first winter meet- 

 ing. 



The report of the committee of five, and the new con- 

 stitution aB finally adopted, follow: 



The Committee's Report. 



To the Officers and Members of the New Yortc State As- 

 sociation for the Protection of Fish and Game: 



Gentlemen — At a convention of men interested in the 

 preservation of fish, game and forest, held in the city of 

 Syracuse in February of the present year — said convention 

 having the sanction of regularity under a call issued by 

 the president of your Association — a committee was ap- 

 pointed pursuant to a resolution unanimously adopted, 

 and empowered to confer with the State Association with 

 a view of so centralizing thought and action among sports- 

 men as to create an influence so powerful that their 

 wishes will have at least some weight in the framing and 

 passage of wholesome game laws by the Legislature. It 

 is unnecessary in this convention to discuss the desira- 

 bility of adopting such measures as will accomplish the 

 objects and purposes for which this Association was 

 organized in 1859. Every delegate feels the need of such 

 action. The large attendance and great earnestness of 

 the February convention showed the deep interest in the 

 subject which prevailed throughout the State. 



Tnis committee has devoted much time and thought to 

 the subject committed to it, and has come to the unani- 

 mous conclusion that it is possible to effect the reform 

 which is so much desired through the instrumentality of 

 your Association. 



But it is respectfully suggested that some changes 

 should be made in the Association's plan of organization 

 and government if it would exert the power it ought to 

 exercise. We ask your indulgence if we plainly state 

 some facts, and give some reasons why certain changes 

 are necessary. For many years past, the chief interest 

 exhibited in the annual conventions has been in the tourn- 

 aments. The business or legislative sessions were more 

 formal than influential in their character, and carried 

 little or no force before the public. This was not because 

 there were not earnest, able men in the councils of the 

 Association, but rather because a spirit of indifference 

 prevailed among the many, whose chief interest was in 

 the field sports. 



Probably never before was such general interest mani- 

 fested in the subject of protection as now. People are 

 beginning to realize that unless something is speedily 

 done which will surely end the devastation which seri- 

 ously threatens the entire destruction of forests, fish and 

 game, this country is very soon to become barren of 

 them. If associations organized for their protection fail 

 to discharge the duties they voluntarily assume, who 

 shall or will act in their places? What the times demand, 

 is better organization, more activity, more earnestness on 

 the part of the public, particularly so on the part of 

 those who have a particular fondness for nature and for 

 her gifts to those who love the rod and the gun. The roll 

 of this Association contains the names of many men who 

 in other years conscientiously maintained it as a public 

 necessity, and who gave it influence and power at a time 

 when its purposes were not popular. They foresaw the 



existing condition of things, and if their admonitions had 

 been heeded and their efforts continued by their succes- 

 sors, a few men having only selfish purposes would not 

 now control legislation as against many thousands of the 

 true sons of Izaak Walton. The "Gould bill" of last 

 winter was massacred by men who cared but little for, ii 

 they did not wholly disregard, the public interest. The 

 power which a thorough organization of the sportsmen 

 of the State could have exerted was not present to help 

 the faithful few who were compelled to stand aside while 

 the bill was manipulated by such influences as greed 

 creates and inspires. 



It is all important that the devotees of the rod and gun, 

 and the forests, the admirers of song birds and the friends 

 of propagation of fish and game, should manage to act as 

 a unit in an effort to procure proper legislation. Ifc is 

 time to rise above personal influences or desires in con- 

 sidering the greatest good for the greatest number. 

 Sportsmen should speak through a well organized State 

 Association, where minorities should bear out the first 

 principle of a republic by permitting the majority to 

 rule. Unless they are willing to lay individual prefer- 

 ences aside in obedience to the will of the majority, it 

 would be useless to spend any time in making an effort 

 to increase the efficiency of your organization. The 

 compact must be solid if it would be effective. If so 

 made, it would become invincible. 



THE NEW ORGANIZATION. 



The committee has deemed it best to submit the form 

 of a new Constitution of the Association, which may be 

 epitomized as follows: 



The plan of re-organization recognizes and makes ample 

 provision for the two purposes of the Association— game 

 protection and trap-shooting. In the practical conduct of 

 the Association each one of these interests is given its 

 own place, but the two are kept entirely separate. Pro- 

 vision is made for the fullest activity in each, but neither 

 one is permitted to conflict with the other. Two meet- 

 ings are provided for annually, one in the winter for game 

 protection interests only, and one in the summer for trap- 

 shooting and other competitions. 



The summer tournament is retained in all essential 

 details as now conducted. The provisions suggested 

 relative to it involve no radical changes of practice, but 

 incorporate into the constitution what have come to be 

 the unwritten rules with respect to the conditions of hold- 

 ing the "State Shoot." The management of the Associa- 

 tion tournament is entrusted to one of the local clubs, to 

 be named from year to year. This club is given full 

 charge of the meeting, assumes the financial responsibility 

 and reaps the profit or bears the loss. The present mode 

 of selecting the place, time and club remains unchanged. 

 Clubs are entitled to representation by five delegates. 

 The officers of the managing club are made ex-officio the 

 officers of the tournament and the tournament conven- 

 tion. 



THE WINTER MEETING. 



The annual winter meeting for game protection inter- 

 ests is set for a fixed date in January of each year. The 

 business of this meeting is restricted to the game protec- 

 tive purposes of the Association only. Clubs are entitled 

 to representation by five delegates. 



THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. 



That the will of the Association, as expressed in its 

 winter meeting, may be carried into effect, an executive 

 committee has been provided. One member of the com- 

 mittee is elected from each club by the club. The com- 

 mittee has practical control of all the interests of the As- 

 sociation as a game protective body. It is the permanent, 

 continuous, active, working force of the organization; 

 supports or opposes legislation, assists local clubs to en- 

 force the laws7 organizes new clubs, disseminates infor- 

 mation respecting fish and game, and forestry, and is 

 charged with the general advancement of the purposes 

 of the Association and the interests of the sportsmen of 

 the State. The executive committee controls the finances. 

 It meets four times a year, It directs the work of the 

 secretary-treasurer. 



THE SECRETARY- TREASURER. 



So soon as the Association shall earnestly and actively 

 undertake the practical accomplishment of its objects, a 

 large amount of clerical service will be involved. No one, 

 however enthusiastic, can be expected to do this work 

 gratuitously and do it well. To secure satisfactory ser- 

 vice provision must be made for its adequate recompense. 

 In the plan now under consideration the two offices of 

 secretary and treasurer have been combined in that of a 

 paid secretary-treasurer, appointed by the executive 

 committee, subject to its control and holding office dur- 

 ing its pleasure. 



MEMBERSHIP. 



The Association, under the new constitution, will be 

 composed of clubs and individuals. 



Individuals are associate members. They are entitled 

 to one delegate for every 25 associates, or a major part 

 thereof, appointed by the president. The age limit for 

 admission of associates is 18 years. 



Membership imposes upon clubs and individuals cer- 

 tain obligations, as set forth in Section 5 of Article III. : 



Sec 5. Membership In the New York State Association for the 

 Protection of Fish and Game shall carry with it an obligation on 

 the part of the clubs and individuals to obey the letter and spirit 

 of all frame and fish laws, and to encourage by personal conduct 

 and influence a public regard for game and fish protection. All 

 members, whether clubs or individuals, shall be pledged to a 

 hearty support of any legislation regarding fish and game ap- 

 proved at an annual winter convention. 



If by this broadening of its field the Association shall 

 enroll under its banners an army of individual sportsmen, 

 enlisted in its support, and pledged to a high standard of 

 sportsmanship, it will have added an important factor of 

 strength and influence. 



With this brief outline of the proposed plan of organi- 

 zation of the Association, we submit the constitution. 

 Respectfully, C. B. Reynolds, Chairman, 



D. H. Bruce, 

 F. J. Amsden, 

 J. S. Van Cleef, 

 Robert B. Lawrence, 



Committee. 



The New Constitution. 



ART. I.— NAME. 

 The name of this Association shall be the New York State Associa- 

 tion for the Protection of Fish and Game. 



ART. II— OBJECTS. 

 Sec. 1. The objects of this Association shall be: To procure the en- 

 actment of suitable laws for the protection and preservation of 

 birds, quadrupeds and fishes; to promote the observance of such 

 laws; to conserve and foster the game and fish supply; to pre- 

 serve the forests; and to encourage a high standard of field sports- 

 manship. 



Sec. 2. The further objects of this Association shall be the promo- 

 tion of kindly intercourse and generous emulation among sportsmen 

 by competitions in trap-shootiag, fly-casting and other sports. 



ART. HE. — MEMBERSHIP. 



Sec. 1. This Association shall be composed of clubs and individuals. 

 The term "club" when used in this constitution shall be construed 

 to mean also "society," "league" or "association. " 



Sac. 2. Any club duly organized for the purposes named in Art. II. 

 shall be eligible to membership in this Association. Any individual 

 more than eighteen years of age, a resident of New York, shall be 

 eligible to associate membership. 



Sec 3. A club or individual seeking membership shall mail to the 

 secretary-treasurer an application on application blank "A" or "B" 

 hereto annexed, together with the dues for the current fiscal year. 

 Such application shall be acted upon by the Executive Committee. 

 It shall require the affirmative vote of two-thirds of the members 

 present to elect. 



Sec 4. Associate members shall be entitled to all the privileges of 

 the Association, but no associate member shall be entitled to vote 

 unless he be a delegate. The president of the Association shall ap- 

 point as a delegate one associate member from every twenty-five 

 associate members or major part thereof. 



Sec. 5. Membership in the New York State Association for the 

 Protection of Fish and Game shall carry with it an obligation on the 

 paro of the clubs and individuals to obey the letter and spirit of all 

 game and fish laws, and to encourage by personal conduct and influ- 

 ence a public regard for game and fish protection. All members, 

 whether clubs or individuals, shall be pledged to a hearty support of 

 any legislation regarding fish and game approved at an annual 

 winter convention. 



Sec. 6. Honorary members may be elected at any winter meeting 

 by unanimous ballot. They shall be exempt from the payment of 

 dues, and shall have no vote. 



ART. IV.-MEETINGS. 

 Sec. 1. Winter Convention. There shall be a winter convention of 

 the Association on the second Thursday of January of each year. Such 

 convention shall be held for action relative to the objects named in 

 Sec. 1 of Art. II. only. The place of meeting shall be determined at 

 the preceding winter convention. A special meeting of the Associ- 

 ation or of the Executive Committee for these objects may be called 

 by the president at any time, and shall be called by him on the writ- 

 ten request of five members, and due notice of such meeting shall be 

 mailed to the president of each club at least fifteen days before the 

 date fixed for it. 



Sec. 2. Summer Convention. There shall be an annual summer 

 convention of the Association for the objects named in Sec. 2 of Art. 

 II. The place and time of meeting shall be determined at the pre- 

 ceding summer convention. A special meeting for the same objects 

 may be called by the tournament president, and shall be called by 

 him on the written request of five members, and due notice of such 

 meeting shall be mailed to the president of each club at least fifteen 

 days before the date fixed for it. 



The management of the summer convention shall be intrusted to 

 one of the constituent clubs, chosen by ballot from year to year in 

 the preceding summer convention. Such club shall conduct the 

 meeting under the Rules and Regulations hereto annexed. The 

 financial control, expenses, liabilities and proflts or losses of the meet- 

 ing shall vest in such club. No funds of the Association shall be ex- 

 pended nor liability created for a summer meeting. 



Sec. 3. Special Meetings. At a special meeting no business shall 

 be transacted other than that specified in the call. 



Sec. 4. Representation in Winter Convention. In any meeting 

 named in Section 1 of this article each constituent club shall be en- 

 titled to representation by five delegates. Each delegate from the 

 associate members shall cast one vote. 



Sec. 5. Representation in Summer Conventioji. In any meeting 

 named in Section 2 of this article each club shall be entitled to rep- 

 resentation by five delegates. Delegates from the associate members 

 shall have no vote. 



Sec. 6. No club whose dues are unpaid shall be entitled to repre- 

 sentation in any meeting. No delegate shall represent more than 

 one club. 



Sec. 7. No delegate from a club shall participate in a meeting until 

 he shall have filed with the secretary his credentials signed by the 

 president or secretary of such club. 



Sec. 8. Quorum. Delegates representing ten clubs present at any 

 regular or special meeting of the Association and seven delegates 

 present at any meeting of the Executive Committee shall constitute 

 a quorum for the transaction of business. A smaller number pres- 

 ent at any regular or special meeting of the Association or of the 

 Executive Committee respectively may adjourn to any specified day. 



Sec. 9. Any meeting may be, on motion, adjourned from time to 

 time. 



ART. V.-OFFICERS. 



Sec. 1. The officers of this Association shall be a president, a vice- 

 president, a secretary-treasurer and an executive committee; also a 

 tournament president, vice-president, recording secretary, corre- 

 sponding secretary and treasurer. 



Sec 2. The first election of officers except as provided in Sections 3 

 and 4 of this Article, shall be held by ballot immediately upon the 

 adoption of this Constitution; and the officers then chosen shall hold 

 office until their successors shall have been elected. Thereafter the 

 president and vice-president shall be elected by ballot at the annual 

 winter meeting. 



Sec 3. Secretary-Treasurer. A secretary-treasurer pro tern, shall 

 be appointed by the president elected at this meeting and shall serve 

 without remuneration until his successor shall have been appointed, 

 and shall not be required to give a bond. Thereafter the secretary- 

 treasurer shall be appointed by the executive committee and shall 

 hold office at the pleasur of such committee. 



Sec 4. The president, the vice-president, the recording secretary, 

 the corresponding secretary and the treasurer of the club, under 

 whose management a summer meeting shall be held, shall be ex- 

 officio the tournament officers respectively for the current tourna- 

 ment year. 



Sec 5. All officers except the secretary-treasurer shall serve with- 

 out pay. The salary of the secretary-treasurer shall be fixed by the 

 Executive Committee, but shall not exceed $— per annum. 



Sec. 6. Any vacancy in any of the offices may be filled at any 

 meeting of the Association or of the Executive Committee. 



