Texas State Association of Architects Minutes and Proceedings

your energy and acknowledged integrity, will, I think command success in the city to which you are going, and the elegant buildings which you have erected in ____ will remind your friends of you as well as attest the perfection in the profession of architecture. With my best wishes for your prosperity, I am, sir, very truly."

I merely introduce this for a purpose, as you will see in the following:

Gentlemen, I hope there is not one within the sound of my voice but that is entitled to and worthy of all that is embodied in the above short communication. If so, we have right here good material for a foundation, well laid, to erect therein an association of fellows that would be an honor to any state as soon as it became generally known. Therefore it behooves us to look well to the material, and all interests concerned, and so conduct ourselves in our daily practice as to become worthy of and command the respect of the community, and the confidence of our clients as well as all fellows. We expect to show in our plans and designs, ability, to insure success in our profession,

But what is ability worth without integrity? Hence we must practice strict integrity as well as exhibit science or ability in our plans and designs, before we can expect to become successful in our and worthy members of this our adopted and honored profession.

Not many months ago I overheard an architect make the following remark in connection with the architects of Texas: "I consider Mr. ______ the squarest and fairest architect that is practicing the profession is this state." A brother architect asked the question, "Is he more so than Mr ____?" The reply was, "Yes, I think he is." At another time I happened to hear the following from another architect: "We, Mr ____ and myself have been practicing in ________ (stating the time and place, and it takes to figures to write the time), and he has never crossed my track once." At another time I saw a little written by a gentleman that is acknowledged to be one of the shining lights of country: "In the law," when he said in recommendation of one, "he is an exemplary man." All three referring to the one and same party.

Gentlemen, if this architect is entitled to the honor herein bestowed and we, as a collective body are not, it behooves us to so practice our profession as, to if possible become the peer of him who has received the above [?], which I consider are coming from the source they did. We cannot individually expect to be recognized as great architects but I do say, for I believe it,that we can conduct ourselves in the practice of our profession to become worthy of and respected as honorable upright and I might say with emphasis, gentlemen.

What are we to do to accomplish this, I will tell you what I think: first, turn over a few leaves. And I will right here state that I do not set myself up as a leader or educator; far from it; as I do not claim to be endowed with the proper ability, but with my long practice I have learned some things from observation as well as experience during these many years that some of us much less in years have not, thereby may gain some little knowledge by sifting out the good, if there be any.

I would recommend that all should abandon the following as far as possible, severe criticism, selfishness, jealousy or envy, deceit or deception, and I might go on and go on and enumerate but it would be superfluous. Rather than criticize a brother architect who has failed to up to our standard or views in architecture, extend to him our sympathy if he is in any way worthy. If not, say as little as possible.

Be as unselfish as it is good policy and extend the same courtesy to our brother as we would wish him to us. Never be jealous or envious of one because he has out reached us and secured a good job we wished for, if he secured it squarely and honorably; and above all do not use deceit or deception with our clients and in our plans, [?] in order to secure a [fat?] or paying job. Stand firmly by every pledge we make to them and execute them faitfully to the best of our ability and then we will be honored as well as respected by this our association and those we serve. We will be in condition to serve each and every part of this our great state, so

that should there ever arise another demand similar to the one of recent date at our capital our government will not feel that they must import experts, but will call upon our president to appoint a committee of one or more as the case demands.

I was much pleased when I saw the Dallas News take up the cue in behalf of our association and I feel we ought to both individually and collectively extend our hearty thanks for the part it performed as I believe it has its weight with the heads at the capital; I was much pleased also to see two of our association selected to serve on the committee. In all honor to Mr Harrod of New Orleans whom I have known long and favorably and know him to be high-toned gentleman and well worthy of the trust, would say if it is possible for us honorably to make it his first and last visit in like capacity.

To accomplish this I think we should abandon some things that have been practiced. Never entertain a client that we know has previously employed another architect until he has settled with and discharged him.