might have helped others by his presence- -so selfish is the heart of man-besides, such notions will disappear as he becomes interested in the regular work. It is history, that the members who indulge most freely in censorious criticism, who are disgusted with everything, and periodically resign their membership, only to be nursed back to reason by some earnest worker, are those whose smile-lit faces seldom brighten the place of meeting. It costs but a little more effort or time to attend than it does to remain away and criticise, while the recompense is more satisfactory to all concerned. 66 Primarily, then, let him make a pledge—a sacred pledge—and keep it. Cancel other engagements, postpone business trips, go when he can't just as well as not; go when there's nothing to draw gastronomically, when there's no "fight on or slate made; go to fraternize with other members, to "drive dull care away," to be put in good humor; go to help lift and to get lifted out of the rut; to get broader notions, more liberal views, to grow more sympathetic, more generous, greater-hearted. Numbers count. A full house is an inspiration. Empty seats are a mockery. His presence gives color, adds tone-he can and should go. Quite likely he will be asked to do something. It's easy to be a sponge, but who wants to absorb always? When the roll is called he prefers to be counted one instead of zero. There is no better way to increase the power and influence of his association than by cheerfully performing any work assigned him. One feels mean to make excuses, and is happier with his sleeves rolled up," than trying to shift work. There are papers to write -he can do his best; there are new members to secure he is a good solicitor; there is committee work-he has excellent judgment; there are programs to arrange-his taste is exquisite. If he is invited to take an official position, the idea of incompetency never enters his head. Nothing will be required of him too hard for his best effort. Cheerful service is infectious. One earnest worker can inoculate a whole association. How inspiring when the member doesn't growl and sulk because the work is uncongenial, nor refuse to act because he can't have his own way! How helpful when he squarely opposes "ring-rule" and bossism, and lends his support to a policy conserving the good of all! The idea is, that development is above selfishness, and substantial growth does not pay homage to spoils. There is much he can do when the association is not in session. The organization needs the help of each member as a voice-on the street, in the office, at the club, during the social call. Nothing wakes up a sleepy association better than making it a frequent topic of conversation. Nothing keeps up the interest to white heat better than " talking up "the work. It isn't necessary to observe flaws, to be over nice, or draw fine lines; better be stone blind to the whims and failings of others and look for virtue and good deeds with the microscope of love. Better hunt for stars in a dark night than try to find spots on the glorious All can say good things about the association-its workits members-and no one can measure the increased power and influence therefrom. sun. And then each one can be a gentleman in action as well as by word of mouth. Conduct excites admiration or disgust as it is good or bad. By being a Chesterfield in manners, one can give dignity and grace to the association, or by indecent behavior make his membership an offensive nuisance and a bar to progress. Gentleness is like gravity, subtle, irresistible, immeasurable. Multiply a gentleman by fifty and you have for a product an association which may be properly taken as the standard of measurement. In a true gentleman ordinary courtesies sparkle like rubies, kind words have the odor of sweet incense, and a forgiving spirit rests upon us like a holy benediction. The nobleness that lies in others, sleeping but not dead, will rise in majesty to meet his own." 66 Á gentleman will refrain from malicious personal attacks in the session and vicious backbiting outside. His business will be conducted with such fairness, that it excites the admiration of all and makes him a more potent factor in the organization. With him honor is above profit and character more than reputation. He is a member for more than one meeting, and doing business for more than today. Life has its tomorrows with their influences, actions and results; there are futures to be provided for and none but fools live simply for the present. "Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap." Sow a kind word and you reap a friend; a generous deed and you, harvest a brother. Sow a foul thought and you reap remorse, a bitter word and you glean hatred, a mean action and you gather thorns. What we want to make our association more powerful and influential is not fine speeches with beautiful metaphors, high sounding phrases, and striking climaxes; not the development of our social relations by sumptuous banquets and finely rendered literary programs; not legislation against rebate with all its attendant evils; not a perfect organization containing wheel within a wheel," calculated to develop perpetual motion; but what we need is MEN! Men of thought, heart and deed. Clean, honest, manly men. Wanted, MEN. The President-The presentation of the Calef loving cup will now be made to the successful competitor. Maj. Ashbrook has been selected to present the cup, and it will be received by Mr. Mason, on behalf of the recipient, who cannot be present. Maj. Ashbrook-Mr. Chairman and gentlemen: The performance of the duty assigned to me would be altogether delightful if I were not unprepared for it. A distinguished member of this association, who is always listened to with pleasure, was expected to be present and make the presentation. Early in the evening, he having failed to arrive, I was very earnestly pressed into the duty. My expression of regret is not a mere formality. I regret that I am not able to measure up to the requirements of a ceremony like this. Although it may be repeated yearly, it ought always to be to us solemn and beautiful. This cup is not simply a sign of distinction given to the successful contestant. It is a constant message to us of charity and of loving kindness. The voice of the donor will continue to speak through it for years. On every occasion like this, in imagination, it is passed from brother to brother, being extended by the right hand, and received by the right hand; and, as we look each other in the eyes, we renew our devotion, our loyalty to each other. Much has been said of the fraternal character of this general movement which culminated in the National Association; but sometimes words, by their repetition, lose their force and meaning. Is it not possible-is it a mere theory, an ideal, beyond attainment is it not possible that we should love each other? Our interests are diverse. We work on separate lines, but they all converge. We are all soldiers in a great and noble cause; and, as was so well said by one of the previous speakers this evening (Mr. Ayers), our individual interests and ambitions are lost in the glory of the great institutions which we seek to promote. Let us be ever mindful of the injunction; but not of that alone. It was in the mind of the gentleman who presented this cup to the association that it should in some way contribute to the development of an insurance literature. We are not here to commend ourselves, but it is within the limits of propriety and |