Texas State Association of Architects

16 THE SOUTHERN CHAPTER, A. I. A.

Southern States in regard to laws controlling the practice of architecture, and it is necessary that we now appoint a time to give these gentlemen a hearing, and I move that three o'clock to-morrow evening be set as the time for this conference.

Which motion was unanimously carried.

At this point Mr. Bassett read an address from Mr. Hubner, editor of ''The Southern Architect," who was unavoidably prevented from attending:

GREETING OF THE SOUTHERN ARCHITECT.

To the Members of the Southern Chapter of the American Institute of Architects in Annual Session at Birmingham, Alabama:

GENTLEMEN: No profession is more thoroughly identified with the material progress of this section of our country, or more instrumental in developing a taste for the beautiful in Art, than the men who honor the profession of Architecture. No part of our great Republic has cause to be prouder of its representative architects than the South. Along with the wonderful progress of the Southern States since the war, in material prosperity and industrial growth, wealth and power, there has been apparent an encouraging development of the art-taste among our people in its architectural side. This finds expression in numerous grand public buildings and handsome private residences; and this practical art-taste has been promoted and fostered by educated and experienced architects in our midst, whose wholesome influences and whose respect for the classic models of their art, have largely contributed in suppressing the vulgar and bizarre, and in bringing about among our people the good taste increasingly expressing itself to-day in the architectural appearance of our towns and cities, in public edifices and private residences, as well as in the tasteful homes of our suburban and rural districts.

In view of these facts it is certainly a gratifying spectacle to see, gathered in this renowned and prosperous city, a body of men who are co-workers in this grand work, who worthily represent their noble profession, and to whose labor, zeal, fidelity and culture, the remarkable development of the art-taste of the New South, already alluded to, is largely due.

The organization of the Southern Chapter of the American Institute of Architects was a happy thought of those who conceived it, and the results thereof have proved the wisdom of their conception, and its practical value to the profession in the South. All honor is due to the founders and promoters of this Chapter, and they will be held in grateful remembrance as long as the beneficial influences of this organization shall exist.

Beginning with a few zealous members, and under many disadvan-

THE SOUTHERN CHAPTER, A. I A. 17

tages, the Chapter has grown and strengthened and expanded its sphere of usefulness. Nor will it cease its wholesome growth until its sphere shall embrace this entire section, and in its membership shall be found the name of every reputable architect in the South. Its objects and purposes are well-known to all. The measures to be discussed and the actions to be enforced are all intended to conserve the best interests of the profession, and of the public; to elevate the profession to the high plane it is entitled to and to keep it there, and to engender and promote the fraternity and harmorty so necessary to every organization, and whose effects are so well expressed in the old adage, "in union there is strength."

Proud of its position as the official organ and literary representative of this Chapter, "The Southern Architect" will leave nothing undone that would foster and advance the objects and purposes of this body. Its management feels the responsibility of its position, but also its opportunities for good works in a noble cause. Its constant aim shall be to do its duty, and to promote whatsoever is true and good and beautiful. To do this to the best advantage, the good-will and practical cooperation of every present and prospective member of the Chapter is necessary. Surely we will not be mistaken iu the hope that this goodwill and practical co-operation will be given us now, and in still larger and increasing measure as time goes on.

As your organ and representative in literature, we greet you, and heartily wish all the members of the Chapter, and the profession everywhere, health, prosperity and success during the new year!

The President : 'The next thing in order will be the appointment of a committee to examine the Treasurer's books, and I appoint Messrs. Lind and James M. Maddox on that committee, and request that they make their report to-morrow morning.

The President: The next thing in order will be the appointment of the usual Nominating committees, and I will appoint Messrs. Helmich, Woodruff and Wood as one of these committees, and Mess. C. Wheelock, Smith and Burke as the other committee, with the request that they report at the afternoon session to-morrow.

At the suggestion of Mr. Goodrich, Mr. Bassett, representing ''The Southern Architect," made explanation of engravings to be published, and recommended that pen and ink Perspectives, of any sizes, should be submitted from which to have the cuts made, and that they were usually reduced to 6 x 9 inches in size.

After a discussion participated in by quite a number of the

18 THE SOUTHERN CHAPTER, A.I.A.

architects regarding the position that ''The Southern Architect" sustains to this Chapter, the members were earnestly requested to contribute to its columns and illustrations.

A discussion by several of the members brought out the fact that the By-Laws do not state specificaliy what should be considered as unprofessional conduct, and that preferring charges against a member for making drawings at a reduced price could be construed as a matter of opinion, and therefore further, as a matter of persecution: and that said By-Laws cannot be changed or amended except by publishing the fact at least thirty days before voting upon such a change; and in consideration of the desirability to have specific regulations regarding this and other points that were mentioned; upon motion of Mr. L. F. Goodrich a committee of three was appointed to revise the Constitution and By-Laws, and at as early date as possible, to have the Secretary send a copy of same to each Fellow (at least thirty days before our next annual meeting) and to give full notice that the same will be changed at that meeting. Which motion was unanimously carried, and the Chair appointed Messrs. Morgan, Lind and H. Wheelock, on said Committee.

On motion of Mr. D. A. Helmich the Conventmn adjourned till ten o'clock to-morrow morning.

SECOND DAY--MORNING SESSION.

The President: Before proceeding with the business before the Convention I wish to state that the hospitality of Berry Bros. has been tendered the architects present and that carriages will be in waiting when this meeting adjourns for dinner for a drive about the city.

On the motion of Mr. Lind it was determined that we will adjourn at 12.30 to accept the invitation so kindly tendered by Messrs. Berry Bros.

The President: Mr. Lind has a paper to read before this Convention on the "Relation of the Architectural Profession to the Public;" he will now read that paper.

RELATION OF THE ARCHITECTURAT PROFESSION TO THE PUBLIC.

Mr. President and Gentlemen:

When in the course of human events it becomes necessary for societies to hold annual conventions, it seems equally necessary that some-