References

Sufficient care is not exercised in the matter of references either by candidates for election or for transfer, or by the members referred to. Members occasionally affix their signatures to an application blank, upon the request of a mutual friend, and a little later when the usual inquiry-form is received from the secretary, reply that the applicant is unknown to them, and that there must be some mistake. The signature proves that the application was endorsed by request, and that the incident was probably forgotten. If proper inquiry were made at the time, the circumstances would in most cases be so fixed in the mind that the reference could make a suitable reply. Applicants are also frequently careless in the selection of references. In one case a well-known scientist and professor who was referred to was much chagrined because he could not recall the applicant´s identity. Upon investigation it appeared that the applicant had listened to a lecture by the professor. An applicant for transfer who could give but three out of the five references required, suggested that the other two might be selected from the membership at large. Proper care should be exercised in the selection of qualified references, as applications for election or transfer are delayed in many instances because it appears to be impossible to elicit suitable information. Careful reading of the instructions printed on the forms would obviate many of the difficulties which arise in connection with elections and transfers.