the Mattachine Society. I believe that all the Mattachine stands for, its high ideals, its aims and purposes can be accomplished through the faith of those individuals who are entrusted with the carrying out of those ideals, aims, and purposes. That means every member of the Society. It is an unselfish faith that all of us must have. For it is a faith of principle and ideals which we may not see completely in our own lifetime. But we must remember that what we do here today and in the years to come will be of benefit not only to one person or a hundred persons but will benefit many, many thousands of individuals in generations to come.. It can open up new avenues for them. It can make it possible for them to live in a world where they need not have uncalled-for fears or be subjected to undue prejudices. A world in which they need not feel it necessary to secrete themselves away from society in such a way as to destroy their potential usefulness to all society. There must be the faith that these things can be accomplished

And through faith we can have Fellowship and Friendship Again, what is the definition of fellowship? The Oxford dictionary states that it is a "companionship, company. Participation in a community of interest, centiment and nature. The spirit of comradeship." What better way can we go about accomplising our ideals, aims and purposes than through the ties of fellowship and comradeship. Through working together in fellowship we can create Friendship. Friendship is, and again I quote from 12

the dictionary, "the association of persons as friends. A friendly feeling or disposition felt or shown." Friendship is a bond that can bring together all the members of the Mattachine Society in a cohesive and positive working unit that can accomplish a great deal. Emerson stated it simply in his "Conduct of Life": He who has a thousand friends has not a friend to spare,

And he who has one enemy shall meet him everywhere. But Faith, Fellowship and Friendship are not enough. No; we must refer to the last "F"", even though it makes our mctabolism rise a little. That is Funds; for, without funds, we cannot expect to progress and be able to carry out our program

I know that all of you have been asked to contribute a great deal, not only of your time and energy, but of your money as well. I also know that this is an old song that is sung many times and becomes sort of worn and tired. After all, we like to feel, there is a limit as to what we can give individually in the way of funds. But again. let us not only think of ourselves when we are asked to give, and give again. Let us also think of other persons and organizations who might be willing to give us their support if only they were to be asked. Many, many times I have heard the old story. "Ten dollars a year dues! But that's too much' I can't afford to give ten dollars

a year." Absurd! You could give $100.00 a year if you really wanted to. But that is not the point. The point is that the Mattachine Society can never

mattachine REVIEW

expect to grow unless it has the proper funds with which to grow. Does anyone think that any fraternal organization in this country has grown without funds? Well, none ever has and none ever will. How do you expect that such organizations as the Elks, Elks, the Lions or the Shriners have been able to carry on their great programs of community and social service? Without the funds to do so? They have had to call upon individuals and other organizations for support. They do a great deal of good, I might add. And so can the Mattachine Society do a great deal of good if it has the funds to do it with. I believe that we all should

give just a little more effort to raising these funds. I am not saying give the funds; I am saying raise the funds. I do not want to dwell any longer on this point. But think about it. Think of the possibilities there are when our organization has funds.

This is what we can work for in the future-Faith, Fellowship, Friendship, and Funds.

In closing, let me once again. welcome you to the fourth annual convention of the Mattachine Society, Inc I feel sure that you will go away from here with a greater appreciation for and knowledge of the topics that you will hear discussed.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Mattachine Society's yellow booklet of general information may be obtained ffrom the national headquarters, 693 Mission Street San Francisco 5, Calif., for 25 cents per copy. Included in its contents are: the Mattachine program, aims and principles and a brief history of the Society.

LATEST AMERICAN AND ENGLISH BOOKS

We carry the latest American and English Books (Including the Wolfenden Report). From our current list: JUDGE NOT, the autobiographical examination of the problem of the homosexual by Aymer Roberts, a new English publication ($3.95). IF I DIE, the important paper-bound reprint of Andre Gide's memoirs (95c). Please add 15c postage per book. We issue free lists of books on homosexual themes.

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116 Christopher Street

Now York 14, N.Y.

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