Increase of membership

Whenever a movement is proposed to increase the Institute membership, fears are expressed that there may be a lowering of the standard of admission. This apprehension is in most cases due to a misunderstanding as to the safeguards established, and the methods used, to prevent any deterioration of the Institute as a whole. The committees undertaking the work have always proceeded on the theory that through the rapid growth of electrical industries there must usually exist a large number of young electrical engineers who are either ignorant of the existence of the Institute, or have but a hazy idea of its history or its work. Neither do they appreciate the advantages of membership, or what it means to a young man to extend his acquaintance among his colleagues. Assuming that there may be 1000 young men of this class, a direct appeal may be made to them in the course of one year, while ten years might be required to reach them indirectly. In other words, an intelligent committee by systematic efforts may accomplish more in one year than would otherwise be achieved in ten. Once an application is received, the name is filed for posting in the Proceedings, and any member has an opportunity of objecting to the election of an unsuitable candidate, as no action will be taken until twenty days have elapsed. His references are invited to state in writing how long they have known the applicant, if ever associated with him, and their opinion as to his suitability as a candidate for election as an Associate. These requirements are strictly complied with in every case, and unless meeting the conditions, the Board of Examiners will not recommend the applicant´s election. To guard against the possibility of undue pressure in obtaining an application, the candidate is not listed as an Associate until his entrance fee and annual dues are paid in full. From one to two months will have passed before this event, so that if the ardor of the applicant has cooled, and he has changed his m- nd, his election may be cancelled through default. It is apparent therefore, that while the conditional requirements for qualification as an Associate are by no means rigid, the applicant must be of good character, and acceptable as a colleague by those who are in a position to vouch for him.