Section 2. And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid, That the fundamental laws and constitution by which the said institution shall be governed, shall be as follows: Constitution and fundamental laws of "The Pennsylvania Institution for the Deaf and Dumb"
Article I. The institution shall be located in Philadelphia, and supported by the annual and life subscriptions of its members, by the donations and legacies of the charitable, by such aid as the legislature may be pleased to afford, and by the money to be received for the education of children whose parents, guardians or friends are of ability to pay.
Article II. The officers of the institution shall be a president, four vice presidents, a treasurer and recording secretary, they shall be ex-officio members of the board of directors, and their duties shall be such as are implied in their titles, or shall be prescribed by the by-laws; and said officers shall not receive any fee or compensation for their services, in performing their several duties either directly or indirectly, excepting the treasurer and secretary.
Article III. There shall be a board of twenty-four directors, members of the institution, who shall annually at the meeting next succeeding their election, appoint one of their number to act as corresponding secretary, their duties shall be such as shall be defined by the by-laws; there shall also be a committee of twelve ladies, selected annually by the board of directors at their first meeting, to aid in the management of the asylum, under such provisions as may from time to time be prescribed by the by-laws.
Article IV. Any person shall be entitled to become a member by paying annually, or in gross, the sum which shall be required by the by-laws for an annual or life subscription.
Article V. The members of the institution shall meet annually on the first Wednesday in May, in the city of Philadelphia, (at such hour as the directors may prescribe,) for the election of officers and directors, and the transaction of other business, and to receive the annual report of the directors. Adjourned and special meetings may be held as shall be provided by the by-laws.
Article VI. The right of membership may be relinquished, and the resignation addressed in writing to the board of directors shall be accepted by them: Provided, The member shall have discharged all demands due by him or her to the institution.
Article VII. The funds of the institution shall be at the disposal and under the management of the board of directors, subject however, so far as relates to that part derived from the life subscriptions, to such restrictions as may be imposed by the by-laws, and subject also to such restrictions as may accompany the grant of aid by the legislature; and it shall be the company the duty of the directors for the time being, to present to the Speaker of the Senate and of the House of Representatives respectively, in the month of December annually, a statement of the funds and expenses of the institution, and of the number of children received and educated therein during the year immediately preceding, and of the parts of the state whence they have come, distinguishing between those who have been supported and educated gratuitously, and others.
Article VIII. Indigent children resident any where within the state shall be received into the school and asylum, maintained and educated gratuitously, so far as the funds of the institution will admit; Provided, That where more children shall be offered for the benefit of the institution than can be received at any one time, the president and directors shall so apportion their number among the several counties of this commonwealth according to their representation, (when application shall be made,) that every county may equally receive the benefits of the same.
Article IX. The number of officers and directors may be increased or diminished, as convenience shall require, at any annual meeting of the members of the institution, notice of the intended alteration being previously given, and twenty members being a majority of the members present consenting; and any general meeting shall be competent to make, alter or repeal by- laws, rules and regulations, twenty-one members being present at the same.
Compiler's Note: Section 1 of Act 230 of 1871 repealed
Article I insofar as it requires the institution to be
located in Philadelphia.
Compiler's Note: Section 1 of Act 27 of 1833 repealed
Article VII insofar as it requires the annual report to
be made in the month of December. The reference should
probably have been to Article V.