Organization of Journalism. 2t2t journalism in all its branches ; to obtain for journalists, as journalists, formal and definite professional standing ; and to promote and serve in every possible way the interests of the profession of the Press. (^) The constitution provides for the inclusion of all classes associated with the Press, from proprietors to pupils, in one or other of the five following classes, namely, members, fellows, associates, pupil associates, and honorary members. The history of the Institute may be conveniently epitomized in associa- tion with the general gatherings which have taken place as follows : — 1884. Birmingham. Formation Conference, convened from Manchester, held in October. National Association of Journalists formed with Mr H. Flint, of Manchester, as the first President. i886. London. Second Conference held in February. Sir Alfi^ernon Borthwick, Bart., M.P., of London, (Morning Post,) elected second President. 1887. Leeds. Third Conference held in February. Sir A. • Borthwick re-elected President. 1888. Newcastle-on-Tyne. Fourth Conference held in Feb- ruary. Mr H. Gilzean Reid, of Birmingham and Middlesbrough, (North Eastern Daily Gazette,) elected third President. z888. Bristol. Special Conference held in September to dis- cuss the conversion of the Association into an Institute of Journalists. 1889. London. Conversion of the old Association to the Insti- tute confirmed at the Mansion House in March, and the Lord Mayor (Sir James Whitehead, Bart.), elected the first honorary member. Petition subsequently presented to Her Majesty in Council for the incorporation of the Institute. 1889. Manchester. First Annual Conference of the Institute in October. Sir Thomas Sowler, Kt. , of Manchester, (Manchester Courier,) appointed President-Elect. Mr H. G. Reid's term of ofiSce extended pending the decision of the Privy Council as to the charter. 1890. On February 8th the Queen in Council granted the petition of the Institute of Journalists for a Charter of Incorporation. After little more than five years of work, the journalists of England — and their brethren in Scotland and Ireland are rapidly joining them — have been converted from an inorganized body to a chartered incorporation which en- 2. The practical work done by the Institute has thus been sum- marized : (i) An undertaking obtained from the Inspector-General 3
