e
dollars. Again, sir, the Committee has recommended for the monthly
assessment the ridiculously small sum of twenty-five cents. I think
it ought to be a dollar."

"Mr. President, I should like to ask the gentleman his reason," said
Henry Fairbanks, Chairman of the Finance Committee. "Why should we
tax the members to such an extent, when the sums reported are
sufficient to defray the ordinary expenses of the Society, and to
leave a small surplus besides?"

"Mr. President," returned Fletcher, "I will answer the gentleman. We
don't want to throw open the Society to every one that can raise a
dollar. We want to have an exclusive society."

"Mr. President," said Oscar Vincent, rising, "I should like to ask
the gentleman for how many he is speaking. He certainly is not
speaking for me. I don't want the Society to be exclusive. There
are not many who can afford to pay the exorbitant sums which he
desires fixed for admission fee and for monthly assessments, and I
for one am not willing to exclude any good fellow who desires to
become one of us, but does not boast as heavy a purse as the
gentleman who has just spoken."

These remarks of Oscar were greeted with applause, general enough to
show that the opinions of nearly all were with him.

"Mr. President," said Henry Fairbanks, "though I am opposed to the
gentleman's suggestion, (does he offer it as an amendment?) I have no
possible objection to his individually paying the increased rates
which he recommends, and I am sure the Treasurer will gladly receive
them."

Laughter and applause greeted this hit, and Fletcher once more arose,
somewhat vexed at the reception of his suggestion.

"I don't choose--" he commenced.

"The gentleman will address the chair," interrupted the President.

"Mr. President, I don't choose to pay more than the other members,
though I can do it without inconvenience. But, as I said, I don't
believe in being too democratic. I am not in favor of admitting
anybody and everybody into the Society."

"Mr. President," said James Hooper, "I congratulate the gentleman on
the flourishing state of his finances. For my own part, I am not
ashamed to say that I cannot afford to pay a dollar a month
assessment, and, were it required, I should be obliged to offer my
resignation."

"So much the better," thought Fitzgerald, for, as Hooper was poor,
and went coarsely clothed, he looked down upon him. Fortunately for
himself he did not give utter