We believe

sents a well-defined consensus of opinion. that it represents something for which our body stands. If the end for which the memorial and the resolution plead be granted, we think that a good deal of trouble might follow. The resolution is in a sense mandatory. It directs that any one who wishes to approach us may have his name entered on our list of ministers, and that puts upon us responsibility for that person's character. So with organizations. It seems to me, too, that as an act of courtesy, as an act of fellowship, this resolution provides for something which, in the nature of the case, is defective. It is in a way discriminating. We should have two lists. We should have our own list of churches and ministers, and we should present another list of churches and ministers permitted to stand with our own. At the risk of appearing somewhat dogmatic (I hope I am not, I do not wish to be), I want to say this, that, if the name “Unitarian," as we understand it and express it in our fellowship, must exclude, then let it exclude. I am willing to go any distance to welcome any man or body of men who want to come into our fellowship and take a position with us for truth and righteousness and love, for anything we work for as an end of human well being; but I see in this resolution only one of those sentimental utterances which I believe will create confusion, which will not bring about a hearty affiliation. In saying this, I again desire you to remember that I wish to put no obstacle in the way of what I call true and rational fellowship.

After further discussion by Mr. Dole, Rev. B. F. McDaniel, Rev. M. St. C. Wright, Rev. T. R. Slicer, and Rev. C. F. Russell, Mr. Slicer moved to lay the whole matter on the table.

The Committee on Elections reported through Mr. Gauld that the following persons were elected:

President, Samuel A. Eliot, D.D., Cambridge, Mass.; Vice-Presidents, Joseph W. Symonds, LL.D., Portland, Me. ; Samuel Hoar, Concord, Mass. ; John Harsen Rhoades, New York, N.Y.; Thomas J. Morris, Baltimore, Md.; George E. Adams, Chicago, Ill.; Horace Davis, LL.D., San Francisco, Cal.; Secretary, Charles E. St. John, Brookline, Mass.; Assistant Secretary, George W. Fox, Boston, Mass.; Treasurer, Francis H. Lincoln, Hingham, Mass.; Directors for New England States, Charles W. Clifford, New Bedford, Mass.; James Eells, Boston, Mass.; George Hutchinson, West Newton, Mass.; J. Edward Wright, Montpelier, Vt. ; Director for Middle and Southern States, Minot J. Savage, New York, N.Y.; Director for Western States and Pacific Coast, Mrs. Emma N. Delano, Chicago, Ill.

The CHAIR. Permit the chair to say in behalf of your officers and Directors that we appreciate your good will and cordial support.

Adjourned at 4.50 P.M.

WEDNESDAY MORNING.

The second session was called to order Wednesday, May

20, at 10 A.M., the President in the chair.

offered by Rev. A. M. Rihbany, of Toledo.

Prayer was

The President delivered his annual address (p. 5).

The report of the Secretary, Rev. C. E. St. John, was read (p. 12).

The following resolution was offered by Rev. F. S. C. Wicks, and, under suspension of the rules, was passed

Whereas, during the long course of twenty-five years, Rev. Howard N. Brown has served as a Director of this Association, and now retires from the board,—

Be it Resolved, That the members of the American Unitarian Association hereby record their grateful appreciation of this service, unprecedented in its length and unsurpassed in its fidelity and ability.

The report of the Treasurer, Francis H. Lincoln, was presented in printed form (p. 35).

Voted, That the Treasurer's report be accepted and placed on file.

The report of the Librarian, Rev. Louis C. Cornish, was read. After stating that during the past year two hundred and fifty-nine books and pamphlets have been added to the library, as well as 500 valuable engravings and photographs of Unitarian leaders, to be known as the John F. Butterick Collection, and that the library has been open regularly each week under the care of a paid attendant, Mr. Cornish called attention to the fact that whatever has come to the library during the past twelve months has been given without solicitation, and indicates a growing interest in the library movement. This has now grown to a point where the volunteer oversight is insufficient to meet its need, and it is recommended that the library be removed to a room on the lower floor known as the book-room, that an appropriation be given for the daily attendance of an experienced librarian, and that a library committee be appointed to oversee the work and to aid the librarian. The Association can never give from its funds or current income more than a meagre appropriation for library work; but the time ought to come when, either by subscription or

dow and maintain such a library as will be a worthy illustration of the principles of independent religious development for which we stand, and for a record of those lives which with great price have purchased us our freedom.

Voted, To receive and place on file the Librarian's report.

The following report of the Church Building Loan Fund was made by Mr. William T. Piper, Secretary:

The trustees of the Church Building Loan Fund submit the following report for the year ending April 30, 1903:

The capital of the fund now amounts to nearly $141,000. The following is a list of the loans that have been granted during the year:

Applications have been received for loans amounting to $44,500, in addition to those which have been granted. The conditions under which most of this money was asked were such that the trustees decided it would be unwise to make the loans, even if they had the power to do so under the rules prescribed by the Association. Two applications were under consideration at the close of

the year.

This year the instalments have been paid as they came due with unusual promptness, the number of societies regularly in arrears is much smaller, and several delinquents have paid off their notes.

The attention of those intending to apply for loans is called to the statement made in the report last year to the effect that a loan from this fund is a business transaction and that the obligations should be met in a business way. If this fact is kept in mind,

much friction will be avoided, and usefulness of the fund greatly increased.

Memorials of various persons who had bequeathed money to the American Unitarian Association were then read. Mr. Alfred Stone read the memorial on Miss Harriet O. Mack, Miss Esther C. Mack, and William Mack, Rev. J. W. Chadwick that on Henry W. Maxwell, and Rev. F. C. Williams that of Mrs. Mary Louise Ruggles.

The President asked that the names of Faulkner, Chandler, Glover, and others who had made bequests to the Association might be held in grateful remembrance.

Foreign visitors and delegates from allied organizations were then presented, and addresses were made by Rev. Alfred Altherr, St. Leonard's Church, Basle, Switzerland, (p. 28) Rev. Henry Williamson, of Dundee, Scotland, and Rev. Frank O. Hall, of New York.

Mr. SLICER. I moved this morning to lay upon the table the resolution offered with reference to changing the name of the Year Book. I did that to prevent what seemed to be a troublesome matter. At the suggestion of a number of men whose judgment I respect, I now move to take that matter from the table.

The motion was seconded.

The chairman of the Business Committee moved that the discussion of the subject be deferred till afternoon. It was voted to take the motion from the table in the after

noon.

Adjourned at I P.M.