In a former article the story of the inception and organization of the Southern society was given, with some general account of the aims and tendencies, progress and prosperity of the organization. A more detailed relation of the objects of the society, as they were defined in the minds of its founders, will be in place at this point, and in regard to a certain feature, carefully provided for from the first, will have a special historic interest and value.

It will be remembered that at a meeting of the members at Morello's restaurant, Nov. 9, 1886, the society was formally organized. A constitution and by-laws were adopted, and the regular officers and an executive committee elected. It was decided to publish the constitution, but before this was done, the executive committee appointed a sub-committee "to formulate the objects of the society." The report of the subcommittee, as accepted by the executive committee, and thus made part of the proceedings of the society, was as follows:

"The present seems a fitting time for the establishment of a Southern society in New York. "We have

already, societies for the preservation of many of the distinctive elements of Our national character. The New England society perpetuates the Puritan virtues that have given to the American some of his best and most enduring characteristics. The St. Patrick's Alliance cherishes and fosters those admirable traits and qualities imparted to us by the Celtic race. The Holland society preserves and exalts the excellencies of our Dutch ancestors. The Huguenot, the St. George's, St. Andrew's, and various other eminent and flourishing societies, claim the full heritage of moral and intellectual worth bequeathed to us by the illustrious ancestries they represent.

"Since the abolition of slavery, the distinct and peculiar social organizaof the old South has become so essentially modified by the exigencies of the change in its political economy, that it has practically ceased to exist; and the South of to-day forms but one component and concordant part of a now homogenous whole. But the best of the old influences still survive, and will be long recognized as formative agents in the development of the national character.

"Now that the prejudices engendered by the war are dead, we, who are of Southern birth or ancestry, and who believe that the South has contributed her quota of all that is good in American life, should organize to perpetuate what is best in the customs, manners and character of our ancestors. With such objects this society has been formed, and to be effective should act with promptness, since the knowledge to be preserved rests, in large measure, in the memories of those whose lease of life cannot now have long to run.

"To effect these purposes the society will gather all existing books and writings illustrative of Southern life; will endeavor to induce and encourage those peculiarly cognizant of Southern traditions and customs to commit their knowledge to writing, that it be not lost; will honor and promote authors who have written or shall write upon these subjects, and will undertake to fix and set forth the influence of the Southern element in the development of the national character. The society will not trench upon the domain of controversial history, or permit the discussion or introduction of political or sectional differences, but will devote itself to the commemoration of Southern social life, manners and character. On suitable occasions the society will be ready to unite in whatever public expression is required to promote the honor and dignity of the country, or of this noble city, whereto

the members have transferred their home.

"A further, and not the least important purpose of the society will be the promotion of the acquaintance and social intercourse of Southern residents of New York; the extension of proper courtesies to non-resident Southerners, who may from time to time visit the city, and desire to avail themselves of the privileges and advantages which the society may provide; and the proffer of sympathy and a helping hand. to deserving cases of misfortune or distress among us. As the membership shall warrant the outlay, the society will provide full and proper conveniences for the due fulfillment of its social objects.

"This is a general outline of the aims and ends of those who have founded this society. It is hoped that they will meet the approval of all good men. In their completion, and in execution of the details through which they will be made effective, the suggestion and co-operation of all Southerners is earnestly besought."

One might well pause to view the society in the light of the generosity, catholicity and broad patriotism of this statement of its objects. But we have set out especially to consider the peculiar work and task undertaken by the society and here dwelt. upon-to conserve and perpetuate all resources of every possible description illuminating the character, cus

toms, manners and history of the South. The accomplishment of this purpose must necessarily take the shape of a library, and in the new constitution of the society, adopted Oct. 29, 1889, we find this need met by a special provision in the organic instrument of the society, constituting Article XIV. of the constitution, which is as follows:

"Section 1. The society shall, as soon as may be practicable, establish a library, which shall be confined, as far as possible, to those works which relate to the history and literature of the South, in order that it may portray the character and genius, and perpetuate the memories and traditions of the Southern people.

"Section 2. The committee on Literature and Art, subject to the direction and control of the executive committee, shall have charge of the library and reading-room, and of all the books, periodicals, papers and works of art belonging to the society, and shall have power to solicit and receive donations and to select and purchase books, periodicals and works. of art for the society."

In the eyes of the student of history and the antiquarian, this undertaking of the New York Southern Society "to cherish and perpetuate the memories and traditions of the Southern people," is its most interesting feature; and if successfully performed will be considered, in the minds of many, its best excuse and reason for existence. No one can

estimate the value of a gift from the present to the future, of such a library and collection of special materials as has been indicated. And especially invaluable and remarkable must be the result if members of the society, true to their avowed purpose and principles, will truly earnestly "endeavor to induce and encourage those peculiarly cognizant of Southern traditions and customs to commit their knowledge to writing, that it be not. lost." It is gratifying to know that a promising beginning in the directions outlined has already been made by the gift to the society, from one of its members, Mr. Hugh R. Garden, of an extensive nucleus for a library. The account of this acquisition in the "Fourth Annual Report" of the society is as follows:

"At the last annual meeting it was announced that one of the members of the society was engaged in collecting a Southern Historical Library, which he proposed to give to the society. A thousand volumes, carefully selected, have already been placed in the 'Home' as the first installment of this gift. By resolution of the society, the library will be called the Garden Library.' The catalogue embraces many rare and valuable, and in some instances almost unknown works, histories, biographies, essays, memoirs, speeches and novels portraying every phase of Southern life and character. Here will be found books, social, political, religious and military, by authors