The Conservative (Lovecraft)/July 1915/An Open Letter
An Open Letter.
Fellow-amateurs:--
In order that the members of the United may know where I stand upon some of the main questions now before them, I shall take advantage of this opportunity to state briefly my views.
First, I wish it clearly understood that I heartily endorse and approve the movement now well under way to enlist the interest and co-operation of English teachers all over the United States in the works of the Association. Our present Executive, Miss Hepner, and our able Critic, Mr. Moe, both have done much hard work in this direction, and results are already apparent. I look for a great enlargement of the work of the association by reason of this new and very promising field, which is rich in recruiting material. I hope to see a local branch of the United in every High School of the country. Our association should do more constructive work along these lines. Our official organ should contain articles on story writing and other branches of literary endeavor, written by well known and competent instructors. I believe that such men would gladly furnish such articles without cost after they were informed of the objects we were trying to accomplish. I certainly think that we ought to emphasize the literary features rather than the political and social.
I favour the proposed amendment to the constitution providing for the monthly publication of the official organ, believing that much better results will be obtained and greater interest aroused through a monthly publication than a bi-monthly. The official organ is the tie that binds the members together, and by drawing that tie closer and more frequently we must surely bring the members into closer relations with each other and the work of the association.
I also favour the proposed amendment raising the dues to one dollar per year for applicants as well as for other members, as that is a necessary corollary to the previous amendment for a monthly official organ. This change will increase the expense of publication very materially and as our only sure source of revenue is from dues, it must be plain that the dues will have to be increased.
Let's stretch hands across the seas to those kindred spirits who seek our friendship, by amending the constitution so that we can admit foreign members. Proposed amendment number five also has my support, to place upon the honorary roll all inactive ex-presidents.
Just a word on the question of consolidation. My views upon this subject have become pretty well known by this time, but it may be well to repeat them here. I am firmly opposed to the consolidation of the United with any other organization, and do not consider this matter deserves much attention at this time. I don't think there ever was a real sentiment for consolidation within the United with any other organization, and do not consider this was a real sentiment for consolidation within the United, but the propaganda has been kept alive largely by those whose greatest efforts have been spent in behalf of the National. Our association is too busy doing things worth while to pause and exhaust its energies upon a dead issue. I have no unkind feelings toward those who favour this matter, and especially do I disclaim any hostility toward the National as an organization, but I cannot see any good reason for the proposed union. Let's all turn in and give our best licks for our own favourite association.
Thanking those members who have persistently urged my candidacy, and assuring them and all the other members of my sincere desire to merit their further confidence and esteem,
I beg to remain, Fraternally yours,
Leo Fritter.