Official Minutes of the Nineteenth Convention of the North American Gymnastic Union.
held in Philadelphia, PA., on July [*translator note: June] 17, 18, 19 and 20, 1900.
Milwaukee, Wis.
Published by the FREIDENKER PUBLISHING CO.
1900.
(Second page intentionally left blank.)
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Nineteenth Convention of the North American Gymnastic Union, held in Philadelphia, PA., on July[*translator note: June] 17, 18, 19 and 20, 1900.
First Day.
Philadelphia, Sunday, June 17, 1900.
Morning Session.
The Speaker of the National Executive Committee Franklin Vonnegut opened the 19th Convention at 10:20am on June 17 in the hall of the Philadelphia gymnastic society with the following address:
Turners! This year’s Convention is of special significance – it marks the end of the half century since the gymnastic societies in the United States were united in one organization. Only a few of those who attended the gymnastic fest and the convention that took place in this city fifty years ago can still remember the past events or are able to participate in the current convention and the gymnastic fest afterwards. Today, it is very appropriate to honor the tireless and self-sacrificing endeavors of the energetic men and women who often risked their lives fighting for their ideals. Involuntarily, the question arises whether the current circumstances in the Gymnastic Union would be condoned by those champions for freedom and justice.
Whatever different viewpoints we consider while deliberating this question it is clear to anyone willing to see it that many things
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that were desired back then are still waiting their resolution and that, owing to the constant changes in our views, there is still so much to be accomplished. The Turner will continue to devote his fresh spirit to progress and, in a close and true relationship with similar minded individuals, will aim to create satisfactory conditions. The better the understanding of conflicts is the more rigorous the push will be and the stronger the growth in numbers of the Union. In the annual report you have before you, the National Executive Committee tried to identify some of the reasons for the continued decrease in membership. The National Executive Committee worked very hard to live up to the trust bestowed upon it when it was elected for this honorable and filled with responsibilities office – and, indeed, it was no small task. If, at a quick glance, it should appear that the last Executive Committee can hardly measure up to its predecessor I would like you to consider that Indianapolis could also deliver better results after twenty years experience. In addition, let us also bear in mind that, because of the general unsettled situation, the current conditions in the Gymnastic Union are such that interest in gymnastics is not foremost. May the spirit of this Convention be free and forward thinking and be brought by the delegates to their gymnastic societies with gusto. May it thus speed up the desired change that will bring a renewed and more productive work in all members of the North American Gymnastic Union.
I would like to point out the various matters that were thoroughly discussed in our annual report and need to be resolved by this Convention.
You have before you the printed copy of the report which explains the National Executive Committee’s standpoint regarding the Gymnastic Teachers Seminar. We would like to express our undivided support of the school’s Board of Trustees in its difficult work because we firmly believe that the Board always strived to fulfill its duties. The National Executive Committee acknowledges the productive work of the Board as well. The factual alienation is caused merely by the different interpretations or, rather, the complete lack of rules in the irregular cases. We hope that a satisfying solution would be achieved through an appropriate resolution and Turner Dr. Pfister will represent the Gymnastic Teachers Seminar while Director
Dapprich acts as the delegate of the German American Teachers Seminar at the Convention as we asked the institute to send a representative to demonstrate their standpoint in the correct light. Therefore, we ask that Mr. Dapprich be granted a seat and an advisory vote in the sessions.
In addition, we are honored
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to submit to you, in accordance with a decision of the previous national convention, a draft of the desired revision of the statutes and the principle requirements and we recommend those for your benevolent consideration and possible approval. Also, we ask you to approve our recommendations regarding the gymnastic fest schedule and other issues. In addition, the National Executive Committee reports about its management of Union business and we hope the Convention will appreciate the meticulous way in which the corresponding secretary and the treasurer conducted these affairs. I believe it appropriate to give praise to the members of the Executive Committee and especially the corresponding secretary and the treasurer for their loyal fulfillment of duties”.
A. L. Weise from the Philadelphia gymnastic society was elected a temporary Chair of the Convention by acclamation.
Weise thanked for the trust invested in him and expressed his hope the session would run smoothly and closed with a “Good health” to the Gymnastic Union.
Noah Guter from Newark, N. J., was elected temporary First Secretary of minutes by acclamation.
Louis F. Schuck from Philadelphia was elected Assistant Secretary.
Upon a request by Louis Weide from Turner district „New York” the Speaker appointed the following committee for the examination of the mandates:
Jacob Heintz, Turner district „New York“;
H. Lieber, „ „Indiana“;
H. Huhn, „ „Wisconsin“;
P. W. Roder, „ „New Jersey”;
F. Bertsch, “ “Ohio”.
Next, fest president H. D. Auer welcomed the delegates on behalf of the Philadelphia gymnastic society.
Next, the following telegram was read:
To the 19th Convention of the North American Gymnastic Union, care of Turner Franklin Vonnegut, 429 – 435 N. 6. Str., Philadelphia, Pa.
Good health! I wish and hope that the sessions may be led by a true Turner spirit and would accomplish much in matters re physical exercises and intellectual activities.
With a triple “Good health” and warm Turner greetings, signed below
C. Retzer, member of the Chicago gymnastic society (former long-time assistant secretary in the St. Louis National Executive Committee).
The following telegram was read:
Denver, Colo., June 16, 1900.
North American Gymnastic Union, Gymnasium, 436 N. 6th St.
Congratulations for the golden anniversary and “Good health” to the Convention.
East Denver Gymnastic Union.
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National Executive Committee secretary Theo. Stempfel read the annual report of the Committee. The report was applauded by the delegates.
The Chair introduced a delegation from the United Singers of Brooklyn: Julius Frenkel, F.
Beck and Daniel Fröschhauer. They brought a golden laurel wreath as a gift for the Gymnastic Union. Mr. Beck pointed out the close connections of the Turners and Singers and expressed his hope that the friendly relationship may never break.
Speaker Weise accepted the gift and thanked warmly.
On this occasion, Mr. Frenkel recited the following poem:
The Turners and Singers
Both celebrate their golden anniversary this year.
And where people are fresh, joyful, upright and free, The Singers are happy to be
And sing “Te Deum”.
A half century has gone by,
However, the happy spirit still reigns here, Among the young and the old.
It’s not politics for us, Gymnastics, song and music Hold us together.
You take care of the body, you take care of the spirit, Whereas we mostly take care of our throats,
However, what we all enjoy
Is our camaraderie – may we never lose it.
Let us strengthen our friendly union now, In honor of all that is German.
And before we depart from here,
Our singers from Brooklyn want to give you this wreath.
May the society that wins the prize with their skills Guard it faithfully!
And if fate is merciful to us
We will gather again in twenty-five years.
Because the Committee for the Examination of the Mandates had not finished its work, motion was granted to adjourn until 2 pm.
Noah Guter, temporary secretary.
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Afternoon Session.
The session was re-opened at 2 o’clock. The minutes from the morning session were approved as read.
The Committee for the Examination of the Mandates reported as follows:
To the 19th Convention of the North American Gymnastic Union.
Good health!
The signed below Committee for Mandates reports that the districts are represented with 240 delegates. The list of Turner districts and delegates is below:
Turner district „New York“, 23 votes. Delegates names: Adam Schöning, Jacob Heintz, E.
Weber, Otto Held, Louis Weide, Fritz Krimmel, Carl Staiber, Hermann Seibert, G. Schweppendick, Louis Trenn, Chs. Albertin, H. Kellner, John Heinemann, Chs. Heβ, Eugen Gabriel, Georg Speyer, Reinhardt Vaupel, August Eckels.
Turner district „Indiana“, 18 votes. Delegates names: Emil Watzenborn, Henry Victor, Max Stern, Edward Witte, Georg A. Schmidt, Henry Luther, Valentin Uhrig, Gustav Berkes, Peter Scherer, A. Siefermann, Charles Huch, Victor Kalteyer, Robert Westphal, Sr., Otto Schmidt, Hermann Hein, Oscar E. Ruther, Hermann Lieber, Henry Müller.
Turner district „St. Louis“, 42 votes. Delegates names: Hugo Münch, Rudolf Bollinger, G.
Rückoldt, C. Pfeiffer, Henry Troll, William Ahrens, Arnold Saxer, Joseph Delabar, Chas. Sommer, L.
Dieckmann, William Metzler, Max Hempel, J. A. Cremer, R. Weber, Albert Häseler, W. A. Stecher, Hans Ballin, Dr. Carl Bark, F. Beyer, Francis P. Becker.
Turner district „New England“, 26 votes. Delegates names: Carl Herzog, Carl Eberhard, Matin Moll, Christ. Eberhard, Hermann Straube, Henry Richter, Louis Steinhardt, D. Sievers, Carl
Günther, Fritz Knorr, Henry Lein, Christ. Neubauer, A. Weber, Georg Reutter, Bernahrd Mueller, Hermann Dietzmann, Fritz Jahn, M. Conrad, Andreas Schricker, Emil Scheer, John Rustler.
Turner district „Wisconsin“, 20 votes. Delegates names: H. H. Forkmann, Osc. Löbel, Osc.
Huhn, G. Burghardt, H. Huhn, Emil Wallber, G. Brosius, T. Gmeinhardt, G. B. Wild, F. B. Huchting, Paul Stoltenburg, Max Wolter, Theo. Fritz, Jacob Kehrein, F. Pfister.
Turner district “Chicago”, 31 votes. Delegates names: Paul Böttcher, Paul Schmidt, Fritz Engelhardt, Otto Greubel, Samuel Rautenberg, Julius Vahlteich, Adolph Meiβner, Georg Landau, Henry Hartung, Thomas Clausen, Oscar Sputh, Rud. Weidemann, Richard Wassermann, John Kölling, Chs. Klein, Fritz Czolbe.
Turner district „Philadelphia“, 22 votes. Delegates names: A. L. Weise, Louis Holler, August Arnold, Dr. G. H. L. Haar, Julius Herre, Jr., Richard Pertuch, H. A. Oelschläger, F. A.
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Finkeldey, Albert F. Helbling, Louis Grotz, Jr., H. Dähnert, Emil J. Maurer, Werner Bretz, A. Rüβ, Henry Kiesling, H. Hofferbert, A. Eckardt, H. D. Auer, Hans Götz, Dr. D. M. F. Krogh, F. O. Ebel, Louis F. Schuck.
Turner district „New Jersey“, 15 votes. Delegates names: Noah Guter, Adolph Spiller, P.
W. Roder, William Krause, Eugen Grünberg, Aug. Bodler, John Buhl, Gustav Barthdorff, August Günther, Richard Wigand, Conrad Schneider, Jos. Funk, Dr. A. Fischer, Henry Stüble, Chs.
Fuhrmeister.
Turner district „Central New York“, 3 votes. Delegates names: Henry Schneider, A. Mayer, H. Stahl.
Turner district „Pittsburgh“, 35 votes. Delegates names: H. C. Blödel, Th. Lamb, August Buchholz, Jacob Burg, Georg Lange, Adam Döhla, Wenzel Böhm, Carl Heinrichs, Louis Volz, Gottfried Stöhr, J. G. Ehmann, W. Kaiser, Firtz Koch, Chs. Young, G. Traut, Hermann Schuster, Fritz
Eilers, Albert Berg, Chs. Hermann, Helwig Lange, C. Burg, John Siebert, Ernst Herklotz, W. Seng, C. A. Brühl, John Krämer.
Turner district „Missouri Valley“, 5 votes. Delegates names: Philip Andres, J. C. Heuler, A.
Heibel, John Wallruff, Franz Mann.
Turner district „Minnesota“, 4 votes. Delegates names: Julius C. Hermann, W. Pfänder, Henry J. Hadlich, W. Müller.
Turner district „Upper Mississippi“, 15 votes. Delegates names: Ed. Lischer, C. Müller, W.
Reuter, G. Donald, H. H. Schröder, Julius Feeht, M. Ingwerson.
Turner district „Rocky Mountain“, 6 votes. Delegates names: Christian Schäfer, Frank H.
Kaub, Adolph Schirmer, Anton Voβ, Albin Schmidt.
Turner district „New Orleans“, 1 vote. Delegate‘s name: Emil Dapprich.
Turner district „Central Illinois“, 7 votes. Delegates names: Julius Dietrich, Ernst G.
Kuβwurm, Christ Keil.
Turner district „Pacific“, 10 votes. Delegates names: H. C. F. Stahl.
Turner district „Connecticut“, 11 votes. Delegates names: Wundrock, Stein, Leupold, Sambraus, Krämer, Kemnitzer, Lepper, Bieber, Dr. H. Arnold, Köhler.
Turner district „Lake Erie“, 12 votes. Delegates names: Louis Uhl, Henry Yoe, Ernst Wüsthoff, Chr. Haase, Ad. Ehrenberg, O. Kähler, Dr. Karl Zapp, Otto Janson, J. Seidenspinner, Franz Dreyer.
Turner district „West New York“, 8 votes. Delegates names: W. Mirbach, J. Meinhardt, F.
Micko, H. Kirchner, Leonard Deutsch, Richard Meller, Philipp Jung, W. Heydweiler.
Turner district „Ohio“, 10 votes. Delegates names:
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Friedrich Bertsch, G. F. Dieterle, R. C. Georgi, B. Fröhlich, L. Schneider, W. Riedlin, A. H. Bode, G.
A. Schneider, Chs. Kuhl.
Turner district „Florida“, 1 vote. Delegate‘s name: Charles Köhne.
Turner district „South Central“, 4 votes. Delegates names: John Domini.
Turner district „Kansas“, 11 votes. Delegates names: Otto Kühne, Samuel Forter, Otto Wendelburg, Th. Kästner, Chs. Hänne, H. A. Hohn.
Turner district „South California“, 5 votes. Delegates names: Carl Roβ und Carl Graner (Peoria).
Not represented are: the „South Atlantic“ Turner district, entitled to 1 vote, the „North Pacific” Turner district, with 1 vote , the „Upper Rocky Mountain“ Turner district, with 1 vote and the „South Dakota“ Turner district, entitled to 1 vote.
Upon the request of the National German American Teacher Seminar supported by the National Executive Committee, we recommend the Convention grant Turner Emil Dapprich a seat and an advisory vote in the any issues pertaining to the school.
Turner greetings,
The Committee: Jacob Heintz, H. Lieber, Heinrich Huhn, Friedrich Bertsch, P. W. Roder.
The report was approved as read.
The National Executive Committee was represented by:
Franklin Vonnegut, First Speaker.
Armin Bohn, Second Speaker.
Theod. Stempfel, First Secretary.
Albert Krull.
Albert Metzger, Treasurer.
Philipp Rappaport.
Technical Committee:
Henry Suder, Curt Toll, Hugo Fischer.
Upon a request by G. Donald the Speaker appointed a committee of five delegates to submit nominations for the permanent convention officials: Carl Eberhard, Boston; G.
Schweppendick, New York; Dr. G. H. L. Haar, Philadelphia; J. C. Hermann, Minnesota and J. R.
Bollinger, St. Louis.
The Speaker appointed the following committee for rules of business: F. Pfister, Milwaukee; H. Münch, St. Louis; G. Donald, Davenport.
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The following telegram was read:
New York, June 16, 1900.
To the Speaker of the North American Gymnastic Union.
Good health!
At the last regular monthly meeting of the Melrose gymnastic society in New York City, Borough of the Bronx, the speaker was instructed to convey heartfelt and sincere congratulations to the North American Gymnastic Union for its 50th anniversary.
I am extremely happy to do this now and at the same time express on behalf of the Melrose gymnastic society the hope that the North American Gymnastic Union will stay true to the principles of gymnastic culture in the future, that its members, as American citizens, will hold high, foster and preserve the German language and the German American Turner will always be at the forefront in the fight for freedom and equality, truth and human rights!
With a handshake and a Turner greeting,
Arnold Dulon, Speaker of the Melrose gymnastic society.
Edw. F. W. Lührmann, Corresponding Secretary.
The Committee for Permanent Organization submitted the following report:
To the Convention of the North American Gymnastic Union.
Good health! The Committee for Permanent Organization was structured by electing Carl Eberhard for Chair and G. H. Haar for Secretary. The Committee nominates the following:
For First Speaker: Louis Weide, New York and Otto Greubel, Chicago.
For Second Speaker: Aug. H. Bode from Ohio and Louis Holler from Philadelphia.
For First Secretary: Noah Guter from New Jersey.
For Assistant Secretaries: L. F. Schuck from Philadelphia and Georg B. Wild from Wisconsin.
For honorary speakers: Heinrich Huhn, Milwaukee; Jacob Heintz, New York: W. Pfänder, New Ulm; H. Lieber, Indianapolis; F. Bertsch, Cincinnati; Christ. Müller, Davenport; Heinrich Müller, Louisville; Carl Köhne, Gotha.
Signed,
C. Eberhard, Chair.
G. H. L. Haar, Secretary.
C. J. Hermann.
Gustav Schweppendick.
J. B. Bollinger.
The report was acknowledged and a vote was conducted. The result for First Speaker:
Weide received 199 ballots, Greubel received 145.
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Vote for the First Speaker:
District Name. Votes. Weide. Greubel.
New York 23 23 -
Indiana 18 9 9
St. Louis 42 42 -
New England 26 8 18
Wisconsin 20 6 14
Chicago 31 - 31
Philadelphia 22 17 5
New Jersey 15 12 3
Central New York 3 3 -
Pittsburgh 35 3 32
Missouri Valley 5 4 1
Minnesota 4 3 1
Upper Mississippi 14 12 2
Rocky Mountain 6 6 -
New Orleans 1 - 1
Central Illinois 7 3 4
Pacific 10 - 10
Connecticut 11 11 -
South Atlantic 1 - -
Lake Erie 12 12 -
West New York 8 - 8
Ohio 10 10 -
South Dakota 1 - -
Florida 1 - 1
South Central 4 4 -
North Pacific 1 - -
South California 5 - 5
Kansas 11 11 -
Upper Rocky Mountain 1 - -
Total: 348 199 145
Louis Holler was elected Second Speaker with 206½ votes. Bode received 137½ votes.
Vote for the Second Speaker:
District Name. Votes. Bode. Holler.
New York 23 - 23
Indiana 18 18 -
St. Louis 42 24 18
New England 26 - 26
Wisconsin 20 3 17
Chicago 31 - 31
Philadelphia 22 1 21
New Jersey 15 3 12
Central New York 3 3 -
Pittsburgh 35 24 11
Missouri Valley 5 5 -
Minnesota 4 - 4
Upper Mississippi 14 7 7
Rocky Mountain 6 - 6
New Orleans 1 1 -
Central Illinois 7 7 -
Pacific 10 - 10
Connecticut 11 6 5
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South Atlantic 1 - -
Lake Erie 12 - 12
West New York 8 8 -
Ohio 10 9 1
South Dakota 1 - -
Florida 1 1 -
South Central 4 4 -
North Pacific 1 - -
South California 5 2 ½ 2 ½
Kansas 11 11 -
Upper Rocky Mountain 1 - -
Total: 348 137 ½ 206 ½
Noah Guter was elected First Secretary and L. F. Schuck and George P. Wild were elected assistant secretaries per acclamation.
The honorary speakers were also appointed by acclamation.
As he took his seat, Speaker Weide thanked for the honor bestowed upon his district.
The session greeted him with a triple „Good health!“.
H. Huhn and J. Heintz thanked personally and on behalf of the other honorary speakers for the appointment.
The Committee for Rules of Business submitted the following report:
Report of the Committee for Rules of Business.
1. Cushing’s parliamentary rules will govern the Convention.
2. The Speaker must keep a list all who take the floor.
3. A motion to close the list is permitted.
4. After the motion to close the discussion has been granted the Speaker must present it for a vote immediately.
5. No speaker may talk about the same issue more than twice and no longer than five minutes each time. Whoever asks to have the final word will be granted the request.
6. All proposals and resolutions must be submitted to the secretary in written form except the proposals to “close the discussion”, “close the list of speakers”, “table” and adjourn.
7. All submitted proposals must be referred to the Committee for Categorizing of the Instructions without any discussion. This committee must submit them to the standing committees.
8. All written proposals the Committee for Categorizing of the Instructions must submit in this way must be handed it to it by Tuesday noon.
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9. The minutes from each day’s sessions must be read and approved every evening before adjournment.
The Committee:
Franz Pfister, Chair.
Hugo Münch.
Gustav Donald.
The report of the committee was read and approved.
The following delegates were appointed on the Committee for Categorizing of the Instructions: Donald, Cremer, Schweppendick, Grünberg, Vahlteich, Forkmann and Sambraus.
A proposal to refer the statutes draft prepared by the National Executive Committee to the Committee for Union Affairs was rejected.
Stempfel proposed to divide the Committee for Statutes and Platform. Approved.
The Treasurer of the National Executive Committee read his report included in the Executive Committee’s annual report. The Treasurer’s report was referred to the financial committee.
The following telegram was read:
Chicago, Ill., June 17, 1900.
To the Convention of the North American Gymnastic Union!
Best “Good health!” wishes for the golden anniversary of the Gymnastic Union.
Gymnastic Society “Aurora”.
Report of the Committee for the Election of the Standing Committees:
We recommend the following configuration:
Platform: Hugo Münch, Hans Kellner, Theo. Fritz, Julius Vahlteich, P. Roder, Wundrack, Carl Eberhard, Peter Scherer, Dr. G. H. L. Haar; Phil. Rappaport and Fr. Vonnegut from the National Executive Committee with advisory vote.
Statutes: George Speyer, Oscar Huhn, L. Steinhardt, Francis P. Becker, Otto Greubel, R.
Bieber, Th. Lange, Otto Kühne, Julius Herre; Phil. Rappaport and Fr. Vonnegut from the National Executive Committee with advisory vote.
Union Affairs: Emil Wallber, Gust. Donald, J. E. Cremer, G. Landau; A. L. Weise, Julius Dietrich, Max Stern, Aug. W. Bode, Gottfried Stoehr.
Practical Gymnastics: W. Reuter, A. Spiller, Christ. Neubauer, Jos. Delabar, R. Pertuch, Oscar Sputh, Richard Meller, Geo. Brosius, Fritz Krimmel, Adam Döhla, Rudolph Weber, J. C.
Hermann, Fred Sambraus, H. Suder, H. C. F. Stahl.
Seminar: Rud. Bollinger, Adam Schöning, F. B. Huchting, H. Hartung, Dr. A. Fischer, Christ.
Eberhard, Chs. Young, Dr. H. C. Arnold, H. H. Schröder, A. Eckardt, Wilh. Pfänder, Th. Stempfel
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from the National Executive Committee, E. Dapprich from the National German American Teacher Seminar and Dr. Fr. Pfister from the Board of Directors of the Gymnastic Teachers Seminar, with advisory vote.
Finances: Otto Held, Albert Häseler, H. Schuster, M. Ingwerfen, Gust. Bartdorff, Werner Bretz, E. Kuβwurm.
Intellectual Gymnastics: W. Krause, Hermann Dähnert, Eugen Gabriel, H. Leyn, R.
Weidemann.
Complaints: John Meinhard, F. Engelhard, Aug. Günther, H. Troll, Philip Andres.
Categorizing: Jacob Burg, Fritz Golpe, Leppert.
Union Publication: Christ. Schäfer, Carl Sommer, Ernst Weber, Oscar Löbel, August Bodler.
The following telegram was read:
Boston, Mass., June 17, 1900.
A triple “Good health!” for the golden anniversary!
Boston Gymnastic Society.
After the minutes were read and approved the session was adjourned until June 18, 9 am.
Noah Guter, Secretary.
Second Day.
Philadelphia, June 18, 1900.
Speaker Weide called the session to order. The list of delegates was not read.
The following telegram was read:
Our best wishes for the harmonious run and success of the Nineteenth Convention of the North American Gymnastic Union.
W. Wartmann, Pittsburgh, Pa.
H. C. Blödel, Allegheny, Pa.
A letter from Typographia Nr. 1 was read in which the Convention is asked to endorse an included resolution. The resolution was read and referred to the Committee for Categorization.
The Committee for Practical Gymnastics submitted the following report:
Report of the Committee for Practical Gymnastics.
To the 19th Convention of the North American Gymnastic Union.
Good health! The committee was structured by electing Wm. Reuter for Chair and Oscar Sputh for Secretary.
Letters in regards to the current gymnastic fest schedule sent by Turners Schläfli from Milwaukee and K. Zapp from Cleveland were read. However, since this year’s fest takes place right after the end of the Convention, it was decided to make no recommendations to the Convention re changes in the gymnastic fest schedule. The committee recommends the Convention instruct the next National Executive Committee to appoint a committee of gymnastic teachers and experienced practical gymnastics instructors to undertake a thorough revision of our current gymnastic fest schedule and submit the revised schedule to the next gymnastic teachers congress for deliberation and final approval. In addition, the two letters mentioned before must be submitted to the committee to be appointed by the National Executive Committee for its deliberation as well.
(p. 16)
Resolved that, in future, the individual districts shall have to nominate judges for the national gymnastic fests from their own members to the National Executive Committee according to a system to be created by the above-mentioned committee.
In addition, the committee recommends the Convention organize Union-wide gymnastic demonstrations and competitions at the “Pan American Exposition” in Buffalo, NY in the year 1901. However, this may not incur any expenses for the Gymnastic Union.
Finally, if the Union treasury would allow it and such results would be accomplished at the next gymnastic fest which would allow an honorable participation, we recommend the Convention send some of the best Turners (exact number to be determined) to the gymnastic competitions at the Paris World Exposition.
At this point the session was adjourned.
Wm. Reuter, Chair.
Oscar Sputh, Secretary.
Ad. Spiller, Chr. Neubauer, Ad. Döhla, Jos. Delabar, Rud. Weber, Rich. Pertuch, C. J.
Hermann, Rich Meller, Fred. Sambraus, Geo. Brosius, H. Suder, Fritz Krimmel, H. C. F. Stahl.
The report was acknowledged and presented for discussion.
The following was inserted in §1: The gymnastic teachers must shorten the gymnastic competitions.
§2 and 3 were approved.
Upon H. Huhn’ proposal §4 was tabled.
The report was then approved as amended.
The following telegram was read:
Washington, DC, June 17, 1900.
A thundering “Good health!” to the Convention of the North American Gymnastic Union!
G. W. Spier.
Report of the Financial Committee.
To the 19th National Convention.
Good health! The signed below Financial Committee audited the records of the Union Treasurer and a thorough examination showed that his report found on pp. XVII-XXII of the Annual Report of the National Executive Committee is correct and the records have been maintained in outstanding order.
The records of the treasurer of the Gymnastic Teachers Seminar could be not examined because they were not submitted to the Committee for examination.
(p. 17)
The Committee recommends that the $1340.80 listed under “Aids” be removed and the National Executive Committee be instructed to perform a precise inventory of the available gymnastic books and tables so that it can determine their value and include it in its next report.
The Committee recommends to refer the request re pardoning the back dues of the Des Moines (IA) gymnastic society to the National Executive Committee for final resolution.
To better protect the property of the North American Gymnastic Union, the Committee recommends the National Executive Committee become incorporated into the laws of one the states as soon as possible. The National Executive Committee would select the state.
The Committee declares that the following districts submitted their dues after the Treasurer’s report was published:
Outstanding Dues:
Turner district “Missouri Valley” $57.70
„ „West New York“ $179.20
„ „New Jersey“ $154.70
Deficit Fond:
Turner district „Missouri Valley“ $30.25
„ „West New York“ $44.80
„ „New Jersey“ (on account) $45.30
„ „New York” $95.15
“ “Pacific” $37.50
“ “South California” $21.50
In addition, the Committee recommends, if this hasn’t been done yet, the National Executive Committee require surety from the gymnastic teachers who owe money to the Gymnastic Union and do all in its power to collect the debt.
With Turner greetings, C. Otto Held, Chair.
Ernst G. Kuβwurm, Secretary.
M. Ingwerfen.
Albert H. Häseler.
Hermann Schuster.
Gustav Batdorff.
The report was discussed in paragraphs.
§1 and 2 approved. §3 re the incorporation of the Union, was removed. §4 approved.
Next, the report was approved as amended.
Delegate Schweppendick demanded explanation why the records of the Board of the Trustees of the Gymnastic Teachers Seminar are not available for examination.
(p. 18)
F. Pfister replied that the Board of Trustees holds itself accountable to the National Executive Committee and not directly to the Convention. Therefore, its committee does not deem it necessary to submit the records to the Convention. The report about the school’s expenditures is included in the annual report of the National Executive Committee.
With this the issue was resolved.
Upon Th. Stempfel’s proposal it was decided to expel Turner districts “Upper Rocky Mountain” and “South Dakota” which haven’t paid Union dues for years.
Partial Report of the Committee for the Gymnastic Teachers Seminar.
The Committee was structured by electing A. Schöning for Chair and Chr. Eberhard for Secretary.
Resolved: Approved the actions of the National Executive Committee, namely cancelling last year’s gymnastic teacher course and approving $1,000.00 for gymnastic classes to the students of the Teachers Seminar and for administrative expenses.
Resolved: With the end of this year’s teacher course of the Teachers Seminar, i.e. from July 1, 1900, all agreements (contracts) between the Board of Trustees of the Gymnastic Teachers Seminar and the Board of Trustees of the National German American Teachers Seminar, as well as the German English Academy, will be declared extinct.
Resolved: Considering the necessary changes in the management of the Gymnastic Teachers Seminar and the fact that the current agreements between the Board of Trustees of the National German American Teachers Seminar and the Board of Trustees of the Gymnastic
Teachers Seminar must be revised considerably, the Executive Committee of the North American Gymnastic Union is instructed and authorized to make such arrangements with the National German American Teachers Seminar and the German English Academy which will resolve all issues that are in any way uncertain and, if no mutually satisfactory result is accomplished, will execute the regulations in accordance with the existing documents.
§1 of the report was approved.
Dapprich spoke against dissolving the contract with the German English Academy.
Th. Stempfel moved to delete this part of §2.
R. Bollinger moved to delete the entire paragraph.
This caused a discussion in which the following delegates took part: Arnold, Stempfel, Dr.
Fischer, Schweppendick, Hartung and H. Münch.
Bollinger’s motion to delete the entire paragraph passed.
Upon Rappaport’s proposal §3 was drafted as follows: “Resolved to grant the National Executive Committee unrestricted authorization in resolving all issues between the Gymnastic Union on the one side
(p. 19)
and the German English Academy and the National German American Teachers Seminar on the other. In case an agreement between the parties cannot be accomplished the Executive Committee shall have the right to dissolve the contract in accordance with the rules of existing contracts”
The entire report was approved as amended.
Report of the Committee for the Union Publication.
To the delegates of the 19th Convention of the North American Gymnastic Union.
Good health! The Committee was organized by electing Chr. Schäfer for Chair and Chas.
Sommer for Secretary.
Your Committee decided to reject the recommendation of the “South California” Turner district to have the National Executive Committee publish a national newspaper and disseminate it to the members for free as unpractical and unfeasible. Instead, the Committee recommends to keep the “American Turner Magazine” as the national newspaper for the next 2 years.
It seems to us that it would be desirable and in the interest of the publication if its publishers could be induced to decrease the subscription price.
Christian Schäfer, Chair.
Chas. Sommer, Secretary.
Aug. Bodler.
Ernst M. Weber.
Dr. Arnold proposed to delete the part of the report about reducing the subscription price.
The report was approved with this change.
Report of the Committee for Union Affairs.
To the 19th Convention!
The Committee submits the following recommendations to the National Convention:
1. To assign the Executive Committee to Turner district “Indiana”, with the seat in Indianapolis.
2. To hold the next convention in Davenport, IA.
3. To hold the next national gymnastic fest in 1905. The convention meeting in 1902 must determine the place.
4. Re the letter from the Typographia Nr. 1, Philadelphia, about sending out printed materials to non-members of the Gymnastic Union – let it be emphasized that the Gymnastic Union always supports the rights of the organized workers , however, it views this affair as a local one and that is why it does not want to interfere.
5. Because the Committee believes that the Convention
(p. 20)
has no right to dictate a Turner for which political candidates to vote, the Committee recommends to disregard the proposal of Turner district “Chicago” about the next presidential elections.
6. Re the instruction of the “South Central” Turner district the Committee recommends the Convention order the Executive Committee to continue to vigorously collect any outstanding advanced payments from gymnastic teachers.
7. The Committee supports of zealous propaganda for the German gymnastic system, at teachers’ conferences and other suitable venues, through the gymnastic societies and districts, via lectures, practical demonstrations and the dissemination of flyers.
Emil Wallber, Chair.
Jul. Dietrich, Secretary.
Gustav Donald.
August H. Bode.
Max Stern.
J. E. Cremer.
Gottfried Stöhr.
Georg Landau.
A. L. Weise.
The report was discussed and approved.
Delegate Dapprich asked to be excused from further attendance of the Convention because he is obliged to leave.
E. Wallber moved to excuse Dapprich and wish him safe travels.
Upon motion passed the delegates rose from their seats to express their appreciation of Mr. Dapprich’s actions in support of the gymnastics culture.
After the minutes were read and approved, the session was adjourned until Tuesday, June 19, 9 am.
Noah Guter, Secretary.
Third Day.
Philadelphia, June 19, 1900.
Speaker Weide called the session to order. Reading the list of names showed that 215 were present.
H. Huhn moved to have the delegations’ leaders prepare an exact list of the present delegates and submit it to the secretary. Motion granted.
The Committee for Intellectual Endeavors submitted the following report:
To the 19th National Convention!
Good health! The Committee for Intellectual Endeavors was structured by electing William Krause for Chair and Henry Lein for Secretary. The latter submits the following recommendations:
1. To keep the resolutions made at the San Francisco convention re intellectual efforts, namely points 1, 2, 3, 5 and 6.
2. In addition, the Committee wishes to submit the following resolution:
a) Considering the fact that the intellectual activities in the last two years did not achieve the desired results because of economizing and publishing the topics only in the national newspaper did not prove enough, we recommend to resume sending out bi-monthly questionnaires.
b) The National Executive Committee must contact the various districts to possibly arrange a cycle of lectures. To sum of $500.00 shall be allocated from the Union treasury to cover partially any costs this may bring.
(p. 22)
3. The practice of awarding diplomas for the strongest intellectual initiatives must be continued because it brings good results.
With Turner greetings,
The Committee for Intellectual Endeavors:
William Krause, Chair.
Henry Lein, Secretary.
Rudolf Weidemann.
Hermann Dähnert.
Eugen Gabriel.
§1 was approved.
G. Donald moved to insert the words “and gymnastic societies” (next to districts) in §2.
Motion granted.
§3 approved.
Heinrich Suder submitted the following insert:
Resolved: To divide the men’s choirs participating in singing competitions at the Union gymnastic fests in the following groups: choirs of 8-16 singers in the third group, choirs of 17-24 singers in the second group and choirs of more than 24 singers in the first group.
He explained that the current rules for the competitions do not include any rules for the division in groups.
The Committee for Intellectual Endeavors recommends this proposal.
Krimmel submitted motion to use the terms first, second group, etc. in rising order as is the case by gymnastics in the societies. Passed.
John Meinhard submitted motion to instruct the National Executive Committee to publish 5000 small foldable song books the Turners could carry in their pockets always. Their cost may not exceed 10 cents per book. Rejected.
The report was approved as amended.
The proposal by Turner district “Ohio” to recommend all gymnastic put more effort into singing was approved as it was supported by the Committee for Intellectual Endeavors.
G. Schweppendick from New York moved to appoint a committee of three members which will prepare resolutions to thank the United Singers of Brooklyn for presenting the laurel wreath. In addition, this committee must make recommendations for ideas how to reciprocate their gesture. Passed.
The Speaker elected the following committee: G. Schweppendick, Dr. G. Haar and Th.
Stempfel.
(p. 23)
The delegation from Turner district “Philadelphia” submitted the following resolution which was referred to the new committee:
To the 19th Convention of the North American Gymnastic Union.
Good health! The group in charge of the Union gymnastic fest was informed of the planed gift by the Northeastern singers’ society and, expecting that the North American Gymnastic Union would want to reciprocate this token of friendship, decided to order an honorary prize in the form of a lyra decorated with an oak and laurel wreath. We recommend the Gymnastic Union present this lyra to the Northeastern singers’ society at its upcoming golden anniversary.
On behalf of the Philadelphia district delegation, A. L. Weise.
Majority Report of the Committee for Platform.
To the 19th Convention of the North American Gymnastic Union.
Good health! Your Committee for Platform was structured by electing Carl Eberhard for Chair and Hans Kellner for Secretary.
Delegate Paul Roder was not present at the sessions of the Committee.
We submit the following report:
Delegate Kellner submitted the instruction from the “New York” Turner district to remove all principle resolutions in the form of a proposal. This proposal was not supported.
We decided to discuss the National Executive Committee’s draft of principles and requirements of the North American Gymnastic Union. The draft was approved with various changes so that it now is as stated below:
Principles and Requirements of the North American Gymnastic Union.
1. The North American Gymnastic Union is an organization of the Turners of the United States of America whose aim it is to build physically, intellectually and morally capable people and to foster the dissemination of liberal and progressive views.
2. We, the members of this Union, perceive in the harmonious education of the body and the mind one of the essential conditions for creating, maintaining and improving a true government of the people.
3. We require from societies they conduct gymnastic practice among their members and in their schools in accordance to rational principles
(p. 24)
and that the intellectual and moral well-being of their pupils and the adult members be further supported by establishing suitable schools and holding educational lectures and discussions.
4. We demand a thorough reform of the public-school system by implementing proven pedagogical principles.
5. We believe one of the most important goals of our Union is to work toward implementing gymnastics classes, crafts, world history and social science, as well as song, drawing and a second language classes in all public schools.
6. We support mandatory school attendance for children ages 7-14 years.
7. We support efforts to raise the position of the working classes and to create conditions which offer everybody at all times the opportunity to secure a worthy existence as it befits our culture by using their own physical and intellectual abilities and to enjoy the fruits of humanity’s cultural heritage.
We support the lawful reduction of the working hours in fabrics and other work places, the ban of children’s work and a stop to employing women for hard physical labor. We also support the legal protection of the life and health of workers from the dangers of work.
We support the efforts to secure everybody the fruit of their labor and to make laws for the good of the people and not of the individual classes.
We are convinced that the democratic republic is more apt for the realization of these principles than any other form of government.
8. We demand a thorough revision of the Constitution of our country and the passing of such rules and laws that will implement the above principles and secure true reign of the people.
9. We support direct public elections for President and the Senate.
10. We support the implementation of a proportional electoral system, which will ensure representation, when feasible, for every party or political group according to the number of ballots they have submitted.
11. We believe that the people must keep the right to propose bills (initiative), hold initial elections for its bills and make important laws’ coming into effect depending on its approval (referendum).
12. We support using the principle of the civil service reform on all offices which are not filled via direct public elections.
(p. 25)
13. We support the reduction of the indirect taxes and the implementation of a progressive property, inheritance and income tax, with tax exemption for the minimum necessary to support a family.
14. We support the removal of all monopolies granted to private persons by government or public institutions and the transferring of all means of public transportation and infrastructure to government of public institutions.
15. We demand unconditional religious and intellectual freedom and we demand the government remove all laws, decrees and institutions which serve or oppress religious beliefs or non-religiousness.
16. We oppose every support of religious tendencies or institutions through any civil means or declarations and demand the removal of tax exemption for church property.
17. We are firm opponents of capital punishment and deem it a form of punishment against the spirit of our time.
18. We support settling all international disputes via courts of arbitrament.
19.We believe preserving the German character through maintaining the German language and German culture and customs is a special, intrinsic task of our organization.
Karl Eberhard, Chair.
Hans Kellner, Secretary.
R. Wundrack.
Hugo Muench.
Geo. H. L. Haar.
Julius Vahlteich.
Peter Scherer.
Theo. Fritz.
Furthermore, part of the Committee submitted the following report:
The signed below minority of the Committee for Platform propose to insert the following after point 3 of the draft “of the principles and demands”:
However, we realize that these goals are unattainable in the current social order commanded by capitalism. Therefore, we aim to establish a socialist organization of our society.
We see this as turning all means of production, including land, from private into common property as well as socializing of the organization of production and consumption.
We raise these demands as a transition measure and in support of our endeavors towards our final goal.
(p. 26)
In addition, we propose, in §13, to lobby for the removal of indirect taxes instead of their reduction.
Julius Vahlteich.
Rudolf Wundrack.
Hans Kellner.
It was decided to discuss the entire report of the committee first. The minority report will be discussed when we reach the places where the paragraphs the minority committee proposed would be inserted.
§1, 2 and 3 approved.
Next, the minority report:
Upon Vahlteich’s proposal a half hour was allowed to provide the reasons for the proposals of the minority committee.
Vahlteich, Andres, Eberhard, John Kölling, Hugo Münch, H. Huhn, N. Guter, Sambraus, Fischer, Hartung, Lieber, Speier and Rappaport took the floor.
Henry Schneider, Central New York, submitted motion to close list of speakers. Motion granted.
At this point, adjournment until 2 pm.
Noah Guter, Secretary.
Afternoon Session.
Speaker Weide called the session to order right on time.
The following telegram was read:
Darmstadt, June 7 1900.
To the Convention of the North American Gymnastic Union meeting currently in Philadelphia.
Good health!
May your deliberations run in true, harmonious Turner way and may the resolutions made always serve the honor of the Gymnastic Union and the well-being of humanity.
These wishes come to you from the old homeland sent by your Turner brother Georg L.
Pfeiffer, gymnastic society “Forward”, Chicago.
The following telegram was acknowledged with applause from the entire audience:
Chicago, Ill., June 19, 1900.
To the 19th Convention of the North American Gymnastic Union, Philadelphia.
Good health!
The “Swiss Gymnastic Society of Chicago” conveys its heartfelt congratulations and wishes good work on the path of progress and freedom.
With a Turner greeting and handshake, The Swiss gymnastic society.
The Central New York Turner district asked for a more practical geographical division of the Eastern districts. Referred to the National Executive Committee.
(p. 27)
The following resolutions were submitted on behalf of the Lake Erie Turner district:
Resolved: The 19th Convention of the North American Gymnastic Union declares its warmest sympathy with both sister republics in South Africa in their fight against a far superior and very brutal enemy.
Resolved: Let a special committee be appointed to create a resolution which will ask the administration in Washington to intervene between the two fighting parties so that the killing in the heart of the “dark continent” may be ended as soon as possible.
Resolved: If the resolution above is approved a copy of it shall be sent to the president of the United States and to Congress.
Adolf Ehrenberg, “Lake Erie” Turner district.
A motion to table the resolution was rejected with 44 against 70 votes.
Similarly worded resolutions were also submitted by Turner district “Upper Mississippi”.
H. Huhn submitted motion to refer all resolutions regarding Cuba, the Philippines and South Africa to the National Executive Committee for its report. Approved.
Next, the session moved on to further discussions of the minority reports of the Committee for Platform.
The minority report was rejected with 89½ votes in favor and 242½ against.
Vote about the minority report.
District Name. Votes. Yes. No.
New York 23 7 16
Indiana 18 - 18
St. Louis 42 - 42
New England 26 21 5
Wisconsin 20 2 18
Chicago 31 25 6
Philadelphia 22 2 20
New Jersey 15 3 12
Central New York 3 - 3
Pittsburgh 35 2½ 32½
Missouri Valley 5 1 4
Minnesota 4 - 4
Upper Mississippi 14 - 14
Rocky Mountain 6 - 6
New Orleans 1 - -
Central Illinois 7 - 7
Pacific 10 10 -
Connecticut 11 3 8
(p. 28)
District Name. Votes. Yes. No.
South Atlantic 1 - -
Lake Erie 12 6 6
West New York 8 2 6
Ohio 10 - 10
South Dakota 1 - -
Florida 1 - 1
South Central 4 - 4
North Pacific 1 - -
South California 5 5 -
Kansas 11 - -
Upper Rocky Mountain 1 - -
Total: 348 89½ 242½
Next, the session continued discussing the minority report.
Paragraphs 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12 were approved without any discussion. §13 was changed by replacing the word “reducing” with “removing”. §14 approved. §15 was changed by inserting the following after the word “intellectual freedom”: “and protest against any restriction of it through the law”. The rest of the paragraphs were removed. Paragraphs 16, 17, 18 and 19 were approved without any discussion. The report was approved as amended.
The following telegram was read:
Peoria, Ill., June 18, 1900.
National Convention, Philadelphia.
Greetings and handshake.
Peoria Gymnastic Society (H. Goldberger).
A letter from the Typographia Nr. 1, in which it confirmed its participation in the national gymnastic fest, was read and approved.
Report of the Committee for Statutes.
To the 19th Convention of the North American Gymnastic Union.
Good health!
The committee was structured by electing Geo. J. Speyer for Chair and Oscar F. Huhn for Secretary. After the committee compared the draft of the revised statutes submitted by the National Executive Committee with the current statutes and noted the changes it subjected these and all proposals submitted by the districts, societies and Turners to a thorough evaluation.
The draft of the National Executive Committee is as follows:
STATUTES.
A. Organization and management.
1. The North American Gymnastic Union is an organization of gymnastic societies in this country unified in a strong union.
The Union is divided in districts for better organization and energetic collaboration.
UNION GOVERNMENT.
2. The highest legislative authority is the National Convention which consists of delegates from the districts.
3. The highest executive authority is the National Executive Committee. More detailed regulations about its election and structure follow.
NATIONAL UNION CONVENTIONS.
4. A national convention meets every two years. This convention determines the place for the next convention which must take place in May, June or the first half of July. The start date must be determined by the National Executive Committee and be announced at least four months in advance.
5. All resolutions of the national convention, as long as they do not require an initial ballot, will come into effect two months after the end of the national convention.
6. All resolutions of the national convention which are not changes of or addenda to the statutes expire when the next convention begins.
7. The minutes of the national convention must be verified by its First Speaker and First Secretary and submitted to the National Executive Committee at the latest two weeks after the convention ends. The National Executive Committee is authorized to edit the minutes; however, these corrections may not change the meaning of the resolutions. The National Executive
Committee must publish the minutes in the national newspaper at the latest six weeks after it received them and afterwards in book form.
8. When at least one third of the districts request it, the National Executive Committee is required to hold an extra national convention. The National Executive Committee will determine the place and dates.
(p. 30)
9. This convention may not take place in less than 30 days after request was made.
10. If unexpected impediments make it impossible to hold the national convention at the place determined by the previous convention, the National Executive Committee must nominate two places giving the reasons for its nominations. The election date must be announced to the district and societies’ committees at least 30 days before the projected fist day of the convention. If there is not enough time to hold such a vote the National Executive Committee shall be authorized to postpone the date so that a vote for the host city can be conducted.
THE INITIAL BALLOT.
11. All changes of the principle declaration approved by the convention, as well as any inserts and removals, must come into power only after they were approved by an absolute majority of the Union members voting in an initial ballot.
12. The national convention has the right to order initial ballots if it deems them necessary. The National Executive Committee must comply with the order within four weeks after the convention was closed.
13. If, according to the minutes of the convention, ten delegates from six districts request an initial ballot about a proposal either approved or rejected by the convention and the minority consisted of at least a quarter of the union votes the National Executive Committee must conduct the requested initial ballot.
14. The National Executive Committee can order an initial ballot in urgent circumstances by unusual and unexpected events.
15. The National Executive Committee is required to order an initial ballot:
a) when at least two percent of the Union members submit a written request for an initial ballot and it’s about a change in the statutes;
b) when at least four percent of the Gymnastic Union members submit a written request for an initial ballot and it pertains to a change in the principle declaration;
c) when at least six percent of the Union members submit a written request for an initial ballot and it does not pertain to the principle declaration and the statutes;
16. Removals and inserts must be considered changes.
17. The immediately preceding annual report must be used to determine the necessary number of signatures.
(p. 31)
18. Every gymnastic society sets the day when such an initial ballot must be conducted and informs all its members about the time and the drafts that will be up for the ballot. Only the personally given votes will be counted.
19. The initial ballot must be closed three months after the National Executive Committee ordered it.
20. Only the votes verified by the society’s Speaker and the Secretary with their signatures and the society’s seal will be considered.
21. After the votes have been successfully counted the National Executive Committee must publish the result of the initial ballot divided by districts.
22. Every draft approved with absolute majority of votes at an initial ballot must come into effect on the day the official announcement is made.
NATIONAL GYMNASTIC FESTS (REGIONAL GYMNASTIC FESTS).
23. A national gymnastic fest must be held every four years. The national convention that takes place in the year after the national gymnastic fest must set the date and place for the next one.
24. If the Turner districts from the same region agree they can hold regional gymnastic fests in the time between two national gymnastic fests - always in the second year after the national fest. The Union is then divided in regions, as follows:
I. or „Atlantic Region“ - consists of districts „New York“, „New England“, „Philadelphia“,
„New Jersey“, „Central New York“, „Connecticut”, “Long Island” and “West New York”.
II. or “Lake Erie Region” - consists of districts „Pittsburgh“, „Lake Erie“ and „Ohio“.
III. or „Northern Region“ - consists of districts „Wisconsin“, „Chicago“, „Minnesota“ and
„Upper Mississippi“.
IV. or „Mississippi Valley Region” - consists of districts „Indiana“, „St. Louis“, „New Orleans“, „Central Illinois“ and „Southern Central“.
V. or „Central Region“ - consists of districts „Missouri Valley“, „Rocky Mountain“, „Upper Missouri“ and „Kansas“.
VI. or „Pacific Region“ - consists of districts „Pacific“, „North Pacific“, „South California“
and „Upper Rocky Mountain“.
25. The judges at the national fests are appointed by the National Executive Committee.
Their travel expenses will be covered by the Gymnastic Union.
26. The prizes at the national, regional and district fests are diplomas and wreaths. At the societies’ fests other prizes are permitted as well. The prizes for literary works may be books.
The topics for the literary competitions, one of which must be about physical exercises, will be determined by the National Executive Committee.
(p. 32)
Gymnastic teachers are permitted to compete for prizes only in the literary competitions.
The prize-winning literary works must be published in the Turner magazine.
27. If for some reason it is not possible to hold the national gymnastic fest at the place determined by the national convention the National Executive Committee must ask the larger Turner districts whether they would host the fest. The names of all districts that volunteered must be submitted to all societies for an initial ballot and the district which receives most votes must be required to host the fest. After discussing it with that district the National Executive Committee must determine the place and dates to hold the fest.
THE NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE.
28. The National Convention determines the Turner district where the National Executive Committee must have its seat.
29. The convention of the National Executive Committee district elects the members of the National Executive Committee. It consists of 15 members. At least three of them must have
gymnastic teacher education and they must be on the technical committee. Furthermore, eight substitutes must be elected, two of whom must have gymnastic teacher education. An absolute majority is required for the election of all these positions.
30. The National Executive Committee is structured by electing a First and a Second Speaker, a First and a Second Secretary and a Treasurer.
31. The following standing committees are appointed by the First Speaker:
a) Technical Committee.
b) Committee for Intellectual Endeavors.
c) Committee for Complaints and Laws.
d) Committee for the Gymnastic Teachers Seminar.
e) Financial Committee.
f) Committee for Publications, and such other committees the National Executive Committee deems necessary.
Every committee will structure itself. However, the Speaker appoints the temporary Chair of each committee.
32. Both secretaries, the treasurer and the secretary of the technical committee must receive appropriate remuneration for their work. The National Executive Committee determines the salaries.
33. The First Secretary takes care of the correspondence; the Second Secretary keeps the minutes and supports the First Secretary. Both secretaries will help each other out as needed.
34. When a member of the National Executive Committee
(p. 33)
does not fulfill his duties the National Executive Committee must declare his position vacant.
36. The convention of the Executive Committee district which selects the members of the National Executive Committee must take place within 30 days after the end of the National Convention and elect the 15 members of the National Executive Committee and the 8 substitutes. The latter must fill any vacancies according to the number of votes received. If a vacancy opens in the 5 officials positions of the National Executive Committee, the Committee, augmented by the substitute who stepped in, will appoint a new member from its midst.
37. The Executive Committee district is responsible for the National Executive Committee’s managing the Union treasury. The Treasurer of the National Executive Committee must provide sufficient surety to the respective district committee.
38. At national conventions, the members of the National Executive Committee have all the rights of the delegates except the right to vote and therefore cannot represent a district.
However, no more than five official representatives of the National Executive Committee shall be sent to a national convention on the expense of the Gymnastic Union.
39. The members of the National Executive Committee cannot take on any district positions.
40. The administrative year of the National Executive Committee begins on September 1 and the accounting reports are completed on March 31 each year.
41. The old National Executive Committee remains in office until the end of the administrative year, August 31 of the respective year. Should the new National Executive Committee be unable to assume its duties on time the previous National Executive Committee will temporarily continue to take care of business.
42. The new National Executive Committee begins its term of service on September 1 following its election by the national convention.
43. The National Executive Committee can be hosted by the same district only for three consecutive terms. After a new term has passed the previous district will be eligible for election again.
UNION DISTRICTS.
44. A districts consists of several gymnastic societies located in close proximity.
45. Societies in the same township must belong to the same district except in the instances described in paragraphs 46 and 47.
46. If a district refuses to admit a newly registered society which ought to be part of it because of its geographical position this society is free to join another nearby district. If the society is rejected by that district as well the National Executive Committee will be authorized by appellation to decide whether and where such a society ought to be admitted.
(p. 34)
47. In case a society wishes to leave its district and join another one nearby it will be permitted to do so if the current district agrees. If, however, the latter raises an objection with the National Executive Committee, the Committee, after reviewing the reasons, must assign the society to a third district, with that district’s agreement, until the next national convention. The next national convention will make the final decision which district the society must belong to.
The temporary assignment can only be done if the society has fulfilled all its obligations towards its original district.
48. No society may be accepted in the Gymnastic Union if it has not declared its agreement with the principle tenets and the statutes of the Gymnastic Union in an official resolution. This resolution together with a copy of the statutes must be included in the admission application. This application must be submitted to the executive committee of the
district in whose territory the society is located. The admission is made by the district committee and must then be confirmed by the National Executive Committee.
The district committee must announce the new admission twice in the national newspaper and send the admission application, the declaration mentioned above, the statutes and the issue of the national newspaper where the admission announcement was published to the National Executive Committee.
Objections against the admission of the society must be sent in to the National Executive Committee within 30 days after the first admission announcement.
The confirmation of the admission by the National Executive Committee is final.
If a written objection against the admission has been submitted to the district committee it is not necessary to renew the objection with the National Executive Committee.
The district committee must submit the objection together with the other documents to the National Executive Committee.
49. The legislative authority of the district is the district convention which must be held at least once a year in every district, no later than 2 months before a national convention.
The delegates to the district conventions are elected by the individual gymnastic societies. Every district will determine the ratio between delegates and members for each society.
50. Every district must be represented at the national convention, either through delegates from the own district or through Turners from other districts who have been granted mandates.
51. The districts have the right to the following number of national votes: up to 100 members one vote, for each additional 100
(p. 35)
members or more than the half this number an additional vote will be allowed.
One delegate can represent all votes from his district.
52. Only the delegates elected by a district convention and included in the respective district mandate have seat and vote by the regular and extra national conventions. The district conventions are authorized to issue instructions to their national conventions’ delegates. If it comes to a vote for these instructions the delegates must vote for them. However, these instructions are not meant to obstruct the freedom of opinion of the individual delegates.
53. Districts represented by delegates from other districts may not elect delegates from the district where the convention takes place.
54. One delegate cannot represent more than one district.
55. Districts that owe back dues for the fiscal year preceding the current convention will be allowed a seat and a vote only if the national conventions allow it.
56. Districts not represented at national conventions can be expelled from the Union by the National Executive Committee if they do not provide the Committee with sufficient reason to be excused within four weeks. The decision of the National Executive Committee must be published in the national newspaper.
57. The districts must cover the cost for room and board for their delegates at the national conventions.
58. The highest executive authority in the district is the district committee whose members are elected by the district convention for a year-long term of service.
59. Every district pays yearly dues of 20 cents for each member within the first half of the year. Societies that joint the district, resp. the Union between January 1 and October 1 must pay the membership dues for the entire year. Those that join in the last three months will pay dues for the next year.
