AFFAIRS OF THE ASSOCIATION.
Members of the Association have doubtless observed that no index to Volume I. of The Quarterly has yet been published. This is no oversight, and is much regretted by the Publication Committee. It is due simply to the fact that up to this time no satisfactory arrangement for indexing has been made. The index will, however, be printed and distributed as early as possible, and it would be well on this account for any one in possession of the volume to delay binding in the meantime. Those who understand the amount of work involved in attending to the publication of The Quarterly and other matter issued by the Association, and the demands upon the time of those responsible for it, together with the inadequacy of the Association's income to provide sufficient clerical help, will know how to excuse this annoying failure to bring out the index on time. The Committee is fully aware of the necessity for an index in this age when time is so precious to the investigator, and is resolved that the index for Volume II. shall go out with the last number of that volume.
In this number appear the reports of the treasurer and librarian. The necessary expenditure involved in organizing the Association has been considerable, and it will be possible hereafter to publish much more historical matter with the same income. It is hoped, however, that the available means of the Association will increase constantly. Not until it can begin the work of copying the public and ecclesiastical archives in Mexico can its members claim that it has fairly entered the field which it should cultivate. This can not be until the treasurer can show larger receipts.
The library has begun well and already has grown into a collection of no little value—of much greater, in fact, than the number of volumes and pamphlets would indicate. The gifts of rare materials for Texas history to the Association have been considerable, and a good deal more has been promised. The collection may be expected to show more rapid growth for the year just begun.
In the death of Ex-Governor Roberts, the Association has lost a faithful friend and supporter. Though his age prevented him from working as actively for it as some younger members, none showed a deeper interest in its welfare or was more desirous of serving it by all possible means. His last signature was affixed to the circular announcing the second annual meeting. He cherished fondly the hope of the perpetuation and success of the Association. Could he himself have named the way in which his friends might best show their respect for his memory, he would doubtless have suggested such action on their part as would secure the realization of this hope.
Among the more valuable recent gifts to the library of the Association are, a pamphlet by Ashbel Smith, entitled Reminiscences of the Texas Republic, 43 presented by Hon. Beauregard Bryan, of Brenham; MS. copies of the original report of Postmaster-General John Rice Jones, to the first Congress of the Republic, and several other official papers of the Postmaster-General, presented by James H. Jones, Esq., of Austin; a collection of MSS., including military correspondence during the first half of the year 1863, and general orders, issued mainly in April and May, 1865, by Gen. Wm. Steele, presented by his daughter, Miss Lily Steele, of San Antonio; a scrap book, with various old Texas newspaper clippings, presented by the widow of Col. J. K. Holland, of Austin; and an interesting old book, entitled Memorias de la insigne Academia Asnal, presented by Dr. M. B. Porter, of the State University.
The second annual meeting of the Association was held at the University building, Austin, June 16th and 17th. The meeting was opened with the address on the life and services of Ex-Governor Roberts, by Hon. Dudley G. Wooten, which appears in this number of The Quarterly, as do papers which were read by Ex-Gov. F. R. Lubbock, Dr. V. O. King, Judge John C. Townes, and Mrs. Dora Fowler Arthur. Professor Garrison read a paper on Rutersville College, by Mrs. Julia Lee Sinks: while others, on the old fort at Anahuac, by Mrs. Adèle B. Looscan; the Pease Administration, by Judge Z. T. Fulmore; and Enduring Laws of the Republic, by Judge C. W. Raines, were read by title. The paper by Mrs. Looscan is also to be found in this number.
At the meeting of the Council, the price of single numbers of The Quarterly was fixed at fifty cents, and Mr. L. G. Bugbee was elected business manager for 1898-99.
It was resolved to take steps towards securing recognition for the Association from the State. 44
Drawing for terms on the Council, in accordance with the constitution, took place, with the following results: Of the Fellows, Judge Z. T. Fulmore drew the term ending in 1900, Judge C. W. Raines that ending in 1899, and Ex-Gov. F. R. Lubbock that ending in 1898. The drawing for the members gave them respectively terms ending as follows: Capt. M. M. Kenney, in 1902; Mrs. Bride Neill Taylor, in 1901; Dr. Rufus C. Burleson, in 1900; Prof. R. L. Batts, in 1899; and Mrs. Dora Fowler Arthur, in 1898.
The following nominations were made for the year 1898-9: Dudley G. Wooten, President; Guy M. Bryan, First Vice President; William Corner, Second Vice President; Julia Lee Sinks, Third Vice President; F. R. Lubbock, Fourth Vice President; L. G. Bugbee, Corresponding Secretary and Treasurer.
About one hundred new members were recommended for election.
At the meeting of the Fellows, Judge Seth Shepard, of Washington, D. C., and Capt. M. M. Kenney and Prof. R. L. Batts, of Austin, were elected to membership in that body.
The Association, at its business meeting, elected the officers nominated by the Council, and filled the vacancies on the Council by electing Prof. R. L. Batts for the Fellowship term ending in 1901; Hon. Beauregard Bryan, of Brenham, for the membership term ending in 1903, and Mrs. Dora Fowler Arthur for the unexpired membership term of Prof. Batts, ending in 1899.
The Association has now completed the first year of its existence, and enters with a hopeful outlook upon the second. The results of the year's experience are highly encouraging. Historical interest has increased throughout Texas, the Association has attracted notice in almost every State in the Union, if not for what it is actually doing, at least for what it aims to do, and its membership now approximates five hundred. If it can secure, as it hopes, the proper recognition from the State, its future is assured.
44. This work will be in charge of a committee, to be announced later by the President of the Association.
How to cite:
"AFFAIRS OF THE ASSOCIATION.", Volume 002, Number 1, Southwestern Historical Quarterly Online, Page 103 - 115. http://www.tsha.utexas.edu/publications/journals/shq/online/v002/n1/back_11.html
[Accessed Sun Mar 21 0:08:35 CDT 2010]
