Part 23 (1/2)
but the poor fellow choked up, and could say no more.
His heart was full, and the great tears rolled down his cheeks.
”Never mind it, Tony; here is the record-book,” said Fred Harper, taking it from the library case.
Tony wiped away his tears, and seated himself at the foot of the table, where a small desk had been placed for the use of the clerk.
”Mr. Chairman,” said Charles Hardy.
Frank nodded to him to indicate that he had the floor.
”I move that a committee of three be appointed to draft and report a const.i.tution for the club.”
”Second the motion,” added Sam Harper.
The motion prevailed. Charles Hardy, Tony Weston, and Fred Harper were nominated ”at large,” and chosen to serve on this committee. Leaving the hall, they retired to the boat-room for deliberation; but the const.i.tution had already been prepared by Frank and Charles, with the a.s.sistance of Captain Sedley. To make the business look more important and dignified, Charles insisted on remaining out a few moments, during which time they talked over the matter with Uncle Ben.
When they returned, the const.i.tution was duly reported, and adopted article by article.
Perhaps my young readers would not readily appreciate the moral of my story without reading this important doc.u.ment; therefore I add, in full, the
CONSt.i.tUTION.
ARTICLE I.
This a.s.sociation shall be called the Zephyr Boat Club.
ARTICLE II.
The objects of the a.s.sociation shall be the instruction and amus.e.m.e.nt of the members, and the acquiring of good morals, good manners, and good habits in general.
ARTICLE III.
The officers of the club shall consist of a c.o.xswain, as president, and a clerk.
ARTICLE IV.
It shall be the duty of the c.o.xswain to command the boat, to preside at the meetings of the club, and to exercise a general supervision over its affairs. He shall hold his office for two weeks.
ARTICLE V.
The clerk shall keep a record of the meetings, and of all business pertaining to the club, and shall hold his office for four weeks.
ARTICLE VI.
No member of this club shall use profane language at any time. No member shall neglect his school, or his duties at home. No member shall use vulgar or indecent language. No member shall provoke a quarrel with another person, but shall do all he can to prevent fighting and unkindly feelings one towards another. No member shall use tobacco, or ardent spirits as a beverage, in any form. All members shall obey the c.o.xswain while in the boat. Any member offending against either of the requirements of this article shall be liable to suspension, and if incorrigible, to expulsion from the club.
ARTICLE VII.