November 9th. Resolved that this Society is not in favor of directing emigrants to special Commissioners of States, stationed in New York, with regard to the choice of a place of settlement.
1854. June 21st. The system of district visiting, as heretofore carried on, is discontinued and the agent of this Society and his assistant are commissioned to examine the cases of need reported by the district visitors.
November 15th. The purchase of a house, No 179 Canal Street, for $14,600, is resolved upon, as it is generally supposed that the Emigrant Commission will transfer the landing-place for emigrants to that part of the city.
Dec. 20th. The Secretary reports that during a fire at his house, the minute-books of the meetings of the officers previous to December 1853, and the minutes of the general meetings since 1851, were burned.
In this year the ship "New Era," from Bremen, was wrecked on the coast of New Jersey; 253 passengers were lost, and only 129 were saved, these in the most destitute condition. On an appeal from the President $6167.53 were collected by members of the Society in a few days.
1855. February 14th. Resolved that as soon as the agency of the Society shall have been removed to Canal Street the system of district visiting shall be abolished entirely, as the continuance of this institution is in no proportion to the benefit derived therefrom, but, on the contrary, merely increases unnecessarily the claims upon the Society.
February 22d. At the general meeting of this date, Leopold Bierwirth, in a communication of some length, which was ordered to be printed, recommended that the Board be authorized to elect a salaried President at its approaching organization, as the office of President had become so laborious and time-engrossing, and involved so much responsibility, that no one could be expected or required to accept it without remuneration. In the same communication the speaker also recommended the establishment of an exchange business, which would meet a great want, and from which, in course of time, an additional income might be expected, partly defraying the current expenses of the administration.
