OF CONVENTIONS.

of a learned and pious bishop. He was enjoying himself with some friends, and they were all laughing at some jest, when the servant announced a certain pompous dean. “Put on a wise face, boys," said the prelate, "for here is a fool coming!" If there be no fools, however, among your party, enjoy yourselves in any innocent way, without stint. Like the bridegroom, who was asked during the marriage ceremony, if he took that woman to wife, you came there on purpose.'

VI. Of Conventions.

A convention is an assemblage of delegates, for the purpose of carrying out the views of constituents, and is gifted with powers over that of an ordinary meeting. It is the legislature of a party; and, consequently, is governed by the same rules of action, or very nearly, as any other legislative body. The strictest application of rules is necessary, in order to preserve decorum during its discussions, and dignity in its action.

The call

A convention may be called, either by some committee gifted with the power, or by invitation of the leading friends of a particular cause or measure. should contain some general directions as to the mode of electing delegates.

The night before the meeting of the convention, it is usual for the friends of particular men or measures, among its delegates, to hold a caucus, in order to devise the plan of action necessary to secure the success of the man, or measures, they prefer. Here they discuss acts and views with a freedom which cannot be permitted in open convention, and agree upon their common ground on the following day. Part of their proceedings will

leak out, in spite of all precaution; but care should be taken to admit none but those who are friendly, in order that as much secresy may be attained, as the nature of the case will admit.

There are always two sets of officers in a conventiontemporary and permanent. The first is merely for the purpose of conducting the business preparatory to organization. The possession of the permanent president, is often a matter of great importance when there are two parties in a convention. If the temporary president appoints the committee which is to nominate permanent officers, it may be important to gain him. In that case there is a struggle who shall nominate first, and sometimes there are several nominations for temporary chair

man.

To avoid this indecent competition, it is usual to give the delegation from each county, district, or township, the right to name one member of the committee on permanent organization. Until the permanent officers have been chosen, and have taken their seats, none but preliminary business is to be transacted.

The whole machinery of a convention is much like that of one of the houses of legislature. But a convention for a political or social purpose, never formally goes into committee of the whole. When there is an interval, and the main body is waiting for the report of a committee, or after the business is done, and previous to adjournment, it is customary to call on various prominent men to address the convention, which thus goes into quasi-committee, without the formality of a motion.

Frequently, the permanent chairman of a convention is chosen, on account of his wealth or position; but the custom is a bad one. A convention is essentially a business convocation; the time of its members is more or

less valuable; and no chairman should be installed unless he is familiar with the duties of his position, and capable of conducting affairs with promptness, dignity, and force.

It is a custom to give the thanks of the convention to its officers, just previous to adjournment. In that case, the member who makes the motion, puts, himself, the question upon its adoption, and declares the result.

PART II.

FORMS OF CONSTITUTIONS.

A CONSTITUTION is the formal written agreement mak ing the fundamental law which binds the parties who associate. In the preparation of this, useless words should be avoided. Most of these documents are a mass of verbiage.

It is not uncommon to insert articles imposing on the president the duty of presiding; on the vicepresident, that of supplying his place; on the secretary, of recording the proceedings, and so on, as though the very names of the officers did not express their functions. In the following forms, which, either as they stand or by careful adaptation, will be found to hit almost any case, all this is avoided.

The constitution, after having been adopted, should be engrossed in a blank book, and signed by the members. Amendments or alterations should be entered in the same book, with the date of their adoption, in the shape of a copy from the minutes; and a side-note inserted in the margin of the constitution, opposite the article amended, showing on what page the amendment may be found.

I. Lyceums or Institutes.

PREAMBLE.—Whereas, experience has shown that knowledge can be more readily acquired by combination of effort than singly, we, whose names are hereunto annexed, have agreed to form an association to be known as [here insert title], and for its better government, do hereby establish the following constitution:

ARTICLE I.-The name, style, and title of this association shall be [ here insert name ], and its objects shall be the increase and diffusion of knowledge among its members.

ARTICLE II.-1. The officers of this association shall consist of a president, two vice-presidents, a corresponding secretary, a recording secretary, a treasurer, a librarian, and a curator, who shall be elected annually on [here insert time of election and mode, whether by open voice or by ballot].

2. The said officers shall hold their offices until their successors shall have been elected; and their powers and duties shall be similar to those of like officers in like associations.

ARTICLE III.-There shall be appointed by the presi dent, immediately after his election, by and with the consent of the association, the following standing committees, to consist of five members each, namely: on finance, library, museum, lectures, and printing, who shall perform such duties and take charge of such business as may be assigned to them by vote of the association.

ARTICLE IV.—1. Any person residing within [here state limits, who is above the age of twenty-one years,