CHAPTER XI THE AMERICAN VEGETARIAN SOCIETY THE American Vegetarian Society was organized May 15, 1850, by persons who believed in and practised a vegetarian method of life, induced by hygienic, religious, humanitarian or other motives. Many members of the Bible-Christian Church connected themselves with the Society. Accounts of meetings, banquets etc. held by this organization, taken from their literary organ, The American Vegetarian and Health Journal, are submitted herewith. PROCEEDINGS OF THE AMERICAN VEGETARIAN First Session: CONVENTION Agreeably to public notice, a Convention of Vegetarians and others friendly to the cause of Dietetic Reform, was held at Clinton Hall, New York, May 15, 1850. Notwithstanding the inclemency of the weather, there was a fair concourse assembled on the occasion. Soon after 10 o'clock a.m., Dr. William A. Alcott, of West Newton, Mass., called the meeting to order by nominating Dr. Joel Shew, of New York, as President pro-tem., and Mr. Joseph Wright, A.M., of Camden, N. J., as Secretary. On taking the chair, Doctor Shew called on the Rev. William Metcalfe, of Philadelphia, who read letters from a number of persons who could not be present. The objects of the Convention were stated by Rev. William Metcalfe. Some discussion followed and Mr. Jonathan Wright, of Philadelphia, gave his experience. Second Session: The Convention re-assembled at 3 o'clock p.m. On motion, the Preamble and Constitution were considered, consecutively, and after some remarks by P. P. Stewart, of Troy, objecting to the term "Vegetarian," which were replied to by Doctor Alcott and Doctor Nichols, both were finally adopted as follows: PREAMBLE.-Object: The object of this Association is to induce habits of abstinence from the flesh of animals as food, by the dissemination of information upon the subject, by means of verbal discussions, tracts, essays, lectures, exhibiting the many advantages of a physical, intellectual, and moral character, resulting from vegetarian habits of diet, and thus to secure through the association, example, and efforts of its members, the adoption of a principle which will tend essentially to true civilization, to universal brotherhood, and to the increase of human happiness generally. CONSTITUTION: This Society is constituted of a President; nine Vice-presidents; a Treasurer; a Corresponding Secretary; a Recording Secretary; and an unlimited number of members in America, and Honorary members abroad, who have signed the Declaration of the Society. DECLARATION: "I hereby declare that I have abstained from the Flesh of Animals as Food for one month and upwards; and that I desire to become a member of the Vegetarian Society; and to co-operate with that Body in promulgating the knowledge of the advantages of a Vegetarian Diet." MODE AND TERMS OF ADMISSION: Persons, male or female, desiring to become members, having abstained one month or upwards upon sending the above Declaration, duly signed, to the Corresponding Secretary, together with twenty-five cents, (free of postage) will be enrolled as members. The Annual Subscription of active members shall be one dollar; and the payment of twenty dollars at once shall constitute a Life Member of the Society. OFFICERS OF THE AMERICAN VEGETARIAN SOCIETY Dr. R. D. Mussey, Cincinnati, Ohio, 1850-51-52-53-54-55 Sylvester Graham, Northampton, Dr. David H. Prince, St. Louis, Mo., 1850 Joseph Wright, A.M., Camden, N. J., 1850 1850 William C. Chapin, Tiverton, R. I., 1850 Dr. T. R. Brown, Galveston, Texas, 1851 Waterbury, Vt., J. H. Hanaford, Esq., Newton Upper Falls, Mass., James Brooks, Esq., Frankford, Dr. R. T. Trall, New York, C. H. DeWolff, Esq., Oldtown, Maine, Harrodsburg, Ky., RECORDING SECRETARIES Dr. R. T. Trall, 15 Laight St., New York, 1850 Joseph Wright, A.M., Camden, N. J., 1851-52 Third Session: The convention met again at 7.30 o'clock in the evening, and Doctor Alcott, as President of the Vegetarian Society took the chair. The Constitution was read to the meeting, and an opportunity afforded for any who wished to sign it. Addresses were delivered by Doctor Alcott and Dr. Sylvester Graham. THE FIRST ANNIVERSARY OF THE AMERICAN VEGETARIAN SOCIETY The first Anniversary of the American Vegetarian Society was held in the Lecture room of the Chinese Museum, Philadelphia, on Wednesday, September 4, 1850, according to a resolution of the Society at its meeting held in New York on the 15th of May last. Dr. Wm. A. Alcott of Massachusetts, presided, and in the absence of the Secretary, Dr. R. T. Trall of New York, Joseph Wright A. M., of Camden, N. J., was appointed Secretary pro-tem. Morning, afternoon and evening sessions were held. Letters from members not present were read and an address from the English Vegetarian Society, Manchester, also read. Addresses of an interesting character were delivered by several speakers, members of the Society-Doctor Alcott, Lewis S. Hough, A. M., among others. On Thursday, the following day at 2 o'clock, Dr. Wm. A. Alcott announced the organization of the |