To the Members of the Executive Committee of the Chicago Peace Society:
For three years the Chicago Peace Society has been inactive.
When in Washington some months ago I conferred with Mr. Arthur D. Call, Secretary of the American Peace Society, concerning the future plans for branch organizations, and was then informed that present sentiment is adverse to reopening the local societies. Under these conditions I cannot well see how the Chicago Peace Society can be revived at an early day. My own opinion is that such a course is not at all feasible.
This letter is now being written to the members of our board to secure the opinion of each individually on the matters suggested by the enclosed [Questionnaire].
First, of course, should any effort now be made to revive our society; if you vote affirmatively on this question, what steps do you suggest should be taken? If you vote in the negative, what do you advise me to do in reference to the disposal of the society's funds, effects and records? For the purpose of securing, if possible, a definite expression of opinion I have added two or three further questions, which I will thank you to answer, or, if you prefer, will you not submit any other suggestions you may favor.
The effects of the society now in storage consist of fourteen bookcase sections, one sectional filing cabinet, one typewriter table and eight chairs. The library consists of six sections full of books including one set of The American Journal of International Law (mostly bound), several bound volumes of The Advocate of Peace, three or four other sets of reports of various conferences, and one shelf full of general peace literature. There are also a dozen or more files of letters and accounts, and perhaps another dozen bundles of letters, accounts, etc.
Should all the furniture and effects of the society be sold I believe that there would be a balance on deposit in the Corn Exchange National Bank of $200.00, more or less. [page 2]
Will you be so kind as to advise me as promptly as you can of your views by filling out and returning me the [Questionnaire] in the enclosed stamped envelope. I shall be guided by the opinion of the majority of the Board of Directors. Should it be deemed advisable to plan for the revival of the work of the society, I shall, of course, call a meeting of the Board at an early day; if on the other hand it is decided finally to discontinue, I shall dispose of the furniture and effects of the society, turning them into money and depositing the proceeds in the bank, and then, as soon as I am able, I shall make a further report to the members of the board and ask proper authority to dispose of whatever funds there may be.
Thanking you for your early attention,
Yours very sincerely,
June 13th, 1921.
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