The Treasurer begs to add that he has made great efforts to collect the dues from each member and society, in a business-like manner, without giving offense. However, it has been necessary to drop thirty-four members for refusal to pay, in response to repeated notice and draft. A number who have not paid have been continued on the list because of the drought and poverty, and a few by reason of long absences from the State and the United States. The promptness with which most of the medical societies of the State have paid their dues, and continued in affiliation, promises much to all of us who are anxious for an organized and united profession in Texas. The Treasurer regrets that an increase of more than $500 in expenses during the past year has left a smaller cash balance than at the last annual report. Dr. West moved that the report be received and referred to same committee as Secretary's. Carried. Dr. Cantrell presiding, the President, Dr. S. C. Red, then read his annual message and recommendations as follows: RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE PRESIDENT. Fellow Members of the Association: You doubtless recall that, about four months ago, you received a card from me inviting suggestions as to what, in your opinion, would be for the best interests of the Association. A generous response was given to this request, and from it I gain a fairly definite idea as to what the members want. Far and away above all other matters, the Constitution receives the most attention. Varied and diverse views are expressed concerning it, but with one accord they all sound a note of harmony. Nearly every one says, "Do nothing that will create discord in the Association." With such a universal feeling of concession, I feel assured, when the subject comes up for disposal, at this meeting, that no difficulty will be found in coming to a satisfactory conclusion. The next most noticed, in these replies, is really a criticism of the officers. Quite a large number suggested that our Association be conducted on more business-like methods. They seem to think that the sessions should be conducted according to the program, and not to allow one session to encroach upon the other. In response to this, I wish to say that it shall be my earnest endeavor to conduct the affairs of this meeting "strictly according to business methods." If it is conducted too strictly, I invite suggestions. You may expect, then, to have the sessions called exactly on time, even if there is but one member present. The By-Laws will be diligently enforced, so do not think it is anything personal if you are called down. of my The next subject in point of numbers, claiming the attention correspondents, was advice of various kinds concerning politics in this Association. The most of them, in discussing the subject, wanted all matters political disposed of by a House of Delegates, as provided for in the new constitution. Some two or three did not think the members wanted to be disturbed by political affairs, having come for scientific work, and that by leaving such matters alone, they would see them attended to. Whether they are political Tom Sawyers or professional humorists I do not know. Quite a number, that did me the honor to reply, had no suggestion to make. They were either indifferent or well satisfied with present conditions. The cost of membership, in the opinion of some, is too high. Others think we should have a death benefit, as in some secret orders. Some give the Osteopaths and masseurs a rap. Then again, quarantine, educational and health matters are discussed. Amendments to our present State laws, occupation tax, and membership are subjects touched upon. Some few want a journal, run by the Association. Others want more attention paid to social functions, assigning as a reason that part of the cause for many attending is the opportunity to visit such affairs. One correspondent suggested a clinic at each meeting by some eminent member of the profession. Another suggested that a bureau of information be furnished by the Committee of Arrangements. This would contribute much to the comfort of the members and should be adopted as the custom of each meeting. The above by no means covers all the suggestions offered, but gives a general view of the trend of most of them. It simply goes to show that in an Association like this there are many wants to supply. Most of them come for the scientific work. Others come for various reasons-political excitement, social functions, a rest, pleasant companions, new scenes and a general good time. No single one gets all he wants, but there is enough of every kind to be a drawing card for all, even to the big city doctor, for sometimes he is there with "an ax to grind." Now, possibly, I might interest you for a moment in what may foster very materially the attendance at our meetings, viz.: Form a legion of honor by giving to each member that has attended ten consecutive meetings a badge or medal of appropriate design. This medal could be selected by a committee of three, appointed by the President, to report at the next meeting. The attendance of the members could be determined by the regis tration books, kept at each meeting, that now doubtless are in the hands of the proper officers. If they have not been carefully preserved, the date of counting should begin from that time at which attendance could be definitely determined by the Secretary, Treasurer and President, acting as a committee. There are those that feel disposed to laugh at decorations of this kind, but men in all times have been pleased by such, and those of our profession that are members of the A. M. A. are proud to wear its buttons in the lapel of their coats. And I doubt not but that some such procedure would act in like manner in this instance. There is still another subject well worth the attention of the Association, viz.: a permanent home. There are several cogent reasons why such a move should not be made, the most important of which would be a loss, in a great measure, of the social features of the meetings. It is but natural to suppose that where the body would meet permanently it would be quite a tax on the city to furnish annually such receptions as we have been accustomed to under the present arrangement. Neither could we expect to secure the local membership obtained by meeting from place to place. There are some advantages, however, in a home that can not be secured otherwise, viz.: the opportunity to establish a pathological exhibit, the securing of a medical library, the construction of facilities for holding clinics by eminent members of the profession. Heretofore, although recommended time and again, the Association has seen fit not to establish a journal. This would then, in a measure, show to the average member some tangible evidence of return for annual dues. Several plans might be suggested as to how this matter could be worked out, one of which could be to set aside a certain per cent. of the annual dues, provided they are kept on the present standard, until they reach such a sum as to warrant the construction of a building, at some central city, where ample facilities in the way of transportation and hotel accommodations exist. There are other, and probably better, methods that would suggest themselves than this. It is open to discussion. I leave the subject with you, and bespeak for it your attentive consideration. The President further thinks that it would be desirable for this Association to assume all costs of defending its members against malpractice suits; that is, suits where the ground of action arose during the membership of the party sued. The cost of such suits could very readily be borne by this Association and the security engendered thereby would, in a great measure, go to cement the union of its members. Thanking you for your indulgence, I am, Yours truly, S. C. RED, Dr. M. M. Smith moved that recommendations be received and referred to a committee of three. The motion carried, and the Chair appointed Drs. M. M. Smith, Taylor Hudson and J. D. Osborn. President Red presiding, Dr. J. N. McCormack, of Bowling Green, Ky., delivered an address on "Medical Organization." Dr. M. M. Smith moved that a rising vote of thanks be extended to Dr. McCormack. Carried. DR. SHROPSHIRE: I move that Dr. McCormack's address be published and a copy be sent to every doctor in Texas, as I deem it one of the finest works we could read on this important subject, and in that way we will have time to read it carefully and it will do good missionary work toward stimulating organization throughout the State. Motion carried. Dr. McCormack decided it was best not to have the address published.-EDITOR. Dr. John T. Moore then read the following resolution: RESOLUTION ADOPTED AT PRELIMINARY MEETING OF THE TEXAS STATE MEDICAL ASSOCIATION, APRIL 27, 1903. Be it resolved, That this meeting endorses without alteration or qualification the plan of reorganization embracing County and State Associations as outlined by the Committee on Reorganization of the American Medical Association, and that the chairman of the committee be instructed to present this resolution to the State Association in session. DR. J. C. LOGGINS: I move that we adopt the plan of reoganization of the American Medical Association, and that the paper of Dr. McCormack be referred to a committee of delegates, who have to report at a later meeting, in order to get it before you. DR. H. A. WEST: In order to obviate any confusion, as several committees have been mentioned, I move an amendment that the representatives from the various affiliated societies get together and name their representative upon the provisional House of Delegates, to whom the question of the revision of the Constitution and By-Laws has been referred. That they make this selection during the recess and be ready to report the names immediately after dinner. DR. M. M. SMITH: If the motion is before the house, and before the report is accepted, I would like to amend, or offer as a substitute, that this report from the committee from the West Texas Association be referred to this committee, and further that its members be present at their deliberations. DR. OSBORN: One man cannot do the work of five. DR. RUSS: If the doctor's motion prevails only four of the committee will be added to your provisional House of Delegates, the fifth being already a member. These four, as I understand it, will be present in a purely advisory capacity, and, since they have all carefully studied the reorganization problem, I believe that their views on the subject are well worth hearing. DR. JAMES ORR: It seems to me that any committee would have a right to be present, and the idea of the West Texas, or any other locality interested, would have a right to be present and vote on the different questions. If we are going to go over this majority and minority report again and again, and as we have adopted the Association plan, let us notify anybody that we want to be present. DR. T. J. BELL: I favor the motion, because I think the other proposition is irregular. This House of Delegates is composed of men from the different county societies and, as Dr. Orr has said, we have the right and privilege to ask anybody to be present that we want before us in the House of Delegates; any one has the privilege to come before them that wishes. DR. CANTRELL: I think you misunderstand Dr. West. He requests that the different delegates from the different associations that have representatives here, get together and see who is going to represent them in the temporary House of Delegates. Motion as amended was then adopted. Dr. H. A. West then offered the following resolution: According to a resolution of Dr. Shropshire, at the last meeting of the Association, the matter of revision of Constitution and By-Laws was to be referred to a committee consisting of one delegate from each affiliated society, so that it will be unnecessary to constitute a special committee, or Provisional House of Delegates, for that purpose, I move that this committee be now organized and the matter referred to them. The resolution being duly seconded and carried, the following provisional House of Delegates was appointed: North Texas-Dr. C. E. Cantrell, Greenville. |