DOCUMENTS
THE CONSTITUTION OF THE CROATIAN REPUBLICAN LEAGUE OF THE UNITED STATES
Edited by KARLO MIRTH
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Journal of Croatian Studies, XX, 1979, – Annual Review of the Croatian Academy of America, Inc. New York, N.Y., Electronic edition by Studia Croatica, by permission. All rights reserved by the Croatian Academy of America.
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In April 1921, the Americans of Croatian origin established the Croatian Republican League of the United States of America at the Second National Croatian Convention after World Word I held at Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.[1] Reverend Martin Davorin Krmpotić[2], a Croatian Catholic priest in Kansas City, Kansas, was elected as its president. The Constitution and By-laws of the organization were published in English and Croatian during the same year.[3] Both versions of the Constitution and By-laws are reprinted hereafter as a contribution to the history of Americans of Croatian origin. The Croatian Republican League of the United States of America has not been a topic of historical research and very little is known about it.
THE CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS OF THE CROATIAN REPUBLICAN LEAGUE OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
PRESIDENT WILSON
To Congress, April 2, 1917, on declaration of War:
"But the right is more precious than peace, and we shall fight for the things which we have always carried nearest our hearts—for democracy, for the right of those who submit to authority to have a voice in their own governments, for the rights and liberties of small nations, for a universal dominion of right by such a concert of free peoples as shall bring peace and safety to all nations and make the world itself at last free."
At New York, September 27, 1918:
"Shall the military power of any nation or group of nations be suffered to determine the fortunes of peoples over whom they have no right to rule except the right of force?
Shall strong nations be free to wrong weak nations and make them subject to their purpose and interest?
Shall peoples be ruled and dominated, even in their own internal affairs, by arbitrary and irresponsible force or by their own will and choice?
Shall there be a common standard of right and privilege for all peoples and nations or shall the strong do as they will and the weak suffer without redress?
Shall the assertion of right be haphazard and by casual alliance, or shall there be a common concert to oblige the observance of common rights?
No man, no group of men, chose these to be the issues of the struggle. They are the issues of it; and they must be settled—by no arrangement or compromise or adjustment of interests, but definitely and once for all and with a full and unequivocal acceptance of the principle that the interest of the weakest is as sacred at the interest of the strongest."
On the 29th of October 1918 the Croatian people broke away from former Austro-Hungarian rule, proclaimed Liberty, Freedom and Independence. The Croatian people by right is a free nation. For eight hundred years the Croatian people has never ceased to defend its right as a nation, has upheld its State. Never conquered by anybody by force of arms. The history has entitled it with honorable epithet "bulwark of Christianity" against the fierce enemy of human race—Turks. The Croats feel just pride on their history, and thousands years old literature and art.
On the 28th of November 1920 more than two-thirds of the vote at the general election in Croatia voted for the Croatian neutral Republic, and by this overwhelming vote repudiated any connection with disloyal, oppressive, Asiatic Serbian rule, forcing to Serbianize everybody on the Balkans, denying the primary, common right of men. The foreign Government in Croatia is an invasion of Croatian National Right. The Croatian representatives at Constitutional Assembly in Belgrade left the Council Chamber as to protest most solemnly against injustice, and mercenary dealings of the Serbian government. They signed a manifesto to their constituents, that the Constitution enacted per force, founded on injustice, voted upon by representatives bought up ;publicly, like oxen on the market, by presiding minister, cannot and should not bind the Croatian Nation.[4] Here we are! Is this exemplary government, morally clean? In the political history of all nations you cannot find an example to it. With such immoral government an honest nation cannot be in any relations.
The Croatian people is resolved to secure and maintain its Complete Independence in order to promote the common weal, to reestablish justice, to provide for future defense, to insure a peace at home and good will with all nations and to constitute a National Policy based upon the People's will, with equal right and equal opportunity for every citizen.
The Croats most solemnly declare the foreign government in Croatia is against the will of the nation, and they cannot tolerate it, but request the Serbian Army to leave the Croatian State, because it is sovereign. Let Serbia respect the sovereignty of Croatia as the United States Government respects it of every State in Union. The Croats claim for their National Independence the recognition and support of every free nation of the World.
THE CONSTITUTION and BY-LAWS of THE CROATIAN REPUBLICAN LEAGUE and its Branches.
Article 1.
The name of this organization shall be THE CROATIAN REPUBLICAN LEAGUE.
Article 2.
The objects of this organization are:
1. To maintain America's position as the world champion of human freedom, by preserving American ideals of liberty and upholding the principles on which the government of the United States was founded. 2. To uphold Croatia's right to Complete National Independence, and inform American public opinion on the justice of securing international recognition of the republican form of government in Croatia established by the people. 3. To diffuse a more intimate knowledge of Croatian history, and the history of the Croatian race in America, and stimulate a just pride of Croatian ideals and achievements, thus enabling our people to contribute in the highest degree to the enrichment of American culture. 4. To develop the economic resources of Croatia. 5. To promote and keep up the language, customs and music, cultural progress of Croatia in general.
Article 3.
Membership in the Croatian Republican League shall be open to all those who uphold Croatia's right to Complete National Independence and pledge their support in securing international recognition of the republican form of the government established by the people of Croatia.
Article 4.
Unattached members: 1. In localities where no branch exists, individuals may be enrolled as members of the League on submitting signed application addressed to National Secretary, declaring acceptance of this Constitution, and the payment of 50 cents of initiation fee, and 25 cents monthly direct to National Secretary. Fee shall be renewable on the first of January in each year thereafter. 2. Subsequent to the formation of a regular branch locally, said unattached members shall on due notice become enrolled members of the local branch, otherwise their national membership shall become void.
Article 5.
Regular branches: 1. Twelve or more persons on submitting signed application to the National Secretary have declared acceptance of this Constitution and the payment of 50 cents initiation fee and 25 tents monthly shall be entitled to establish a branch of the Croatian Republican League. Before being recognized as a branch, an affiliation fee of three dollars shall be paid to the National Secretary, the rest of the money shall be kept in the treasury of the Branch. The three dollars paid to the National Secretary are for the administration expenses, and shall be paid on the first of January each year or at the date of establishment of the branch. 2. Each branch shall be known by a name selected by the members of the branch; said name shall not be that of any living person. 3. Application for membership from a locality where a regular branch or branches exist, must be submitted thru a branch and not direct to the National Secretary. 4. Each individual who qualifies for national membership shall receive a national membership card, signed .by the national secretary, for the year in which fee is paid. Cards for those joining though a branch shall be issued through the branch secretary. 5. The membership in the League and its branches is extended to both sexes regardless of age, and to children with the permit of their parents, when they pay dues. 6. Individuals shall only retain membership in one regular branch of the Croatian Republican League. 7. Each branch shall be at liberty to fix the dues payable to it by its own members, apart from the National membership fee. 8. Regular branches shall adopt a uniform system of bookkeeping as directed by the National Executive. 9. Secretaries of Regular Branches shall submit reports monthly to the National Secretary, which shall show the numerical and financial standing and general activities of their respective branches. 10. A duly authorized representative of the National Executive shall have the power to inspect the accounts and vouchers, and to investigate all matters pertaining to each regular branch. The National Secretary shall have the same power and right. 11. Resolutions and literature emanating from any branch pertaining to the principles and policies of the Croatian Republican League shall not be published unless and until approved by the National Executive or majority of branches. 12. Whenever any irregularity occurs in an election, or any difference arises, it shall be settled amicably at the meeting of the branch as soon as possible, and the right of appeal is, to the National Executive, whose decision shall be final.
Article 6.
Associate Branches: 1. Any Croatian American society or branch of any organization in America which upholds Croatia's right to Complete National Independence and pledges its support in securing international recognition of the republican form of government and which otherwise accepts this Constitution in so far as it applies to Associate branches, may affiliate as such on submitting an application in compliance with the foregoing, and on the sole payment of an affiliation fee of Five dollars. This fee shall be renewable on the first of January in each year thereafter. 2. The payment of any further money by an associate branch to the Croatian National League shall be voluntary on the part of the said associate branch, except as regards monies raised for any special purpose by the associate branch voluntarily acting under the direction of the National Convention or National Executive of the Croatian Republican League. 3. Associate branches shall not be at liberty to use the name of the Croatian Republican League in connection with any public function, except with permission of, and upon conditions laid down by the National Executive. 4. Individuals belonging to an Associate branch are eligible to attain regular membership in the Croatian Republican League in the appointed manner.
Article 7.
National Officers: The Board of National Officers shall consist of a President, two or more Vice-Presidents, a Treasurer, a Secretary, seven or less Trustees elected by the National Convention. The National Executive is empowered to fill vacancies in the Board of National Officers, and to increase the number of the officials if the good of the organization urges.
Article 8.
The National President shall preside at all meetings of the National Executive and call the National Convention to order. In the event of the death or resignation of the President, the available Vice-President in the order of election seniority shall perform the duties of the President's office. In the absence of the National President from any meeting of the National Executive, said meeting shall elect its own chairman.
Article 9.
The National Treasurer shall keep a correct record of all monies received by him from the National Secretary or other source for the purposes of the Organization and he shall give a receipt for same. Monies received direct by the National Treasurer shall be promptly reported by him, with full particulars, to the National Secretary.
Monies of the Croatian Republican League shall be deposited in its name in a depository selected by a Committee of the National Officers consisting of the President, Treasurer and Secretary, and the Board of Trustees .The sums shall be used only for administrative expenses and at first for the national ideals of which this League is foundation. He shall sign all checks, drafts and vouchers in conjunction with the National President and Secretary. He shall report the financial standing of the League to the branches, summed up from the reports from various branches.
The National Treasurer shall report to the National President and National Trustees once a month, or oftener if required, the financial condition of the League in general, and shall make detailed report to the National Convention, or Executive, when either body may so require.
The National Treasurer shall be bonded.
Article 10.
The National Secretary shall keep the minutes of all meetings of the National Executive. He shall conduct the correspondence and shall be responsible for the efficient transaction of all work pertaining to the organization.
He or she shall have charge of a Contingent account which shall be kept in a depository selected by the National Executive, from which to pay current office expenses, and shall submit to the National Treasurer statements of such disbursements, shall keep a correct record of and issue receipts for all money received by him for the Croatian Republican League; he shall deposit such money in the Contingent account and immediately transfer the amount of each deposit to the National Treasurer taking receipt for same.
The National Secretary shall be bonded.
Article 11.
Trustees inspect all financial transactions and property of the League, select depository with the highest officers of the League, quarterly examine the accounts of the National Secretary and Treasurer. All defections they shall report to the President, after their investigation is ended. They shall keep their minutes of findings, and report to the National Convention with recommendation, honor or rejection.
Article 12.
The National Convention shall be held annually or according to emergency. Date and place of the Convention of the Croatian National League shall be decided by the National Executive with the branches. Branches shall be affiliated with National Executive at least two months prior to the date of said Convention.
Each regular branch with a membership of twelve, in good standing two months prior to Convention date, shall be entitled to one delegate. For a membership of twenty-five a branch shall be entitled to two delegates, and to one additional delegate for each additional twenty-five members.
Each associate branch shall be entitled to two delegates. If twenty-five or more individuals in an associate branch sign the application for membership and pay annual membership fee, such branch shall be entitled, to representation on the same paid-up basis as a regular branch.
Notices of motions, or of proposed amendments to the Constitution shall reach the National Secretary at least two weeks in advance of Convention date.
The Executive is entitled to extend invitations to prominent Americans and Croats, Slovenes and Chechs, to all liberty loving representatives to be present at the National Convention as to help with thought and deed the work for liberty of Croatia. The guests have right of the floor but not of vote.
Credentials in all cases shall be vouched for by the President and Secretary of the body authorizing delegates to attend the Convention.
Each National Convention of the Croatian Republican League shall, through appropriate Committee, pass upon the qualifications of all persons presenting credentials; and shall adopt rules of procedure governing its conduct and deliberations.
All delegates shall be of correct citizenship, respecting laws of this country and its government, national ideals but internationales.
The amendments to this constitution shall not take effect unless and until approved by a majority of the National Executive and subsequently adopted by a National Convention.
REGULAR BRANCH BY-LAWS.
Article 1.
The name of this branch shall be _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ branch of the Croatian Republican League of the United States of America.
Article 2.
The objects of this branch are the same as of the Croatian Republican League noted in the article second of the Constitution of the League. The branches shall work according to the spirit and letter of the Constitution.
Article 3.
The new members shall be initiated after they have been accepted at the meeting of the branch. If five reputable older members are against the initiation of any of them, they shall not be initiated.
Every new member shall receive a membership card from the secretary of the branch. Those individuals whose applications shall have been accepted by the branch shall not be considered as members of the branch unless and until their membership card shall have been issued by secretary.
Article 4.
The officials of this branch shall be: President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, Financial Secretary, Secretary and three Trustees, Door Keeper and Orator.
Article 5.
Duties of the Officers.
The duties of the president are: to preside at meetings, to enforce Constitution and By-laws; to see that the officers and trustees discharge their respective duties, appoint all Committees and sign all drafts, checks with the treasurer. He shall be ex-officio member of all Committees, and represent his Branch.
The Vice President shall, in the absence of the President, perform all the duties of the President's office.
The Secretary shall keep the records of all meetings .He shall keep an alphabetically arranged index showing the name, address and date of initiation into the branch. He does all correspondence with branches and other parties; he shall submit a report also on the last day of each quarter to the National Secretary showing the numerical and financial standing and general activities of the Branch. He shall sign and issue the membership cards.
The Financial Secretary shall give official receipt for fees received and for all monies collected and keep a correct record of same. He at the close of each meeting shall turn over to the Branch Treasurer al monies received, taking the receipt for same. He shall keep a ledger account for each member. He shall not keep more than five dollars of the Branch's money in his possession. At each meeting he shall report the standing of the Branch, and each quarter he shall submit his books to the trustees for examination
The Treasurer shall keep a correct record of all monies received by him from the Financial Secretary or other sources, and shall give his receipt for same. He shall deposit all the funds in excess of five dollars in the name of the branch in a savings or commercial bank selected by the membership of the Branch. He shall sign all checks and drafts with the president countersigning or at least two trustees, if either of them refuse to sign. He shall report to the President of the League or of the Branch and to the National Secretary, the amount on hand at any time and give detailed report when required. His books subject to examination.
The Guard or door-keeper shall be stationed at the entrance to hall or council chamber and shall admit no persons to meeting not authorized to be there.
The Orator shall be responsible for securing speakers and providing entertainment for each meeting of the Branch, under "Good of the Order". He shall invite prominent men with the purpose to deliver a speech on Liberty of Croatia, or to read patriotic books, from history of Croatia, on the Constitution of the United States and its history and so forth. If there is a good choir or instrumental music, he shall endeavor to bring them at the meeting.
The Trustees shall have charge of the property and funds of the Branch, and shall sign the vouchers. They shall examine the books of the Secretary, Financial Secretary and Treasurer, at least once every three months, and submit report to the Branch.
Article 6.
Each member of the Branch shall pay initiation fee of 50 cents and 25 cents monthly dues into the hands of the Financial Secretary.
The funds shall be used to meet current expenses of the Branch, and such other purposes as a majority of the members at a regular meeting may deem advisable, but they shall be used only for the benefit and progress of the organization.
Article 7.
Any officer of the branch who shall willfully use his office or the organization for the personal political advancement or aggrandizement, shall have charges preferred against him on behalf of the Branch. If found guilty, his office shall be declared vacant by a majority vote at a regular meeting or special meeting called for such purpose. The vacancy shall be filled at the meeting following.
Article 8.
1. The board of officers shall be elected annually at the first meeting in December, and shall be installed in office at the first meeting in January following. Their term is one year.
2. Officers of a newly established branch shall be elected and installed at its first regular meeting, and thereafter as specified above.
3. No member shall be eligible for the presidency of a Branch for more than two consecutive terms.
4. Should the office of the president become vacant through death, resignation, or expulsion, and a new president be elected to fill the unexpired term. Such unexpired term if it exceeds six months' tenure of office shall constitute a presidential term, in the meaning of the word term in this article, number 3.
5. All other officers of the Branch may be elected to the same office year after year.
6. Should any officer absent himself from three consecutive meetings, without sufficient reasons, the office shall be declared vacant, and a new election held for said office; notice of such election shall be given at least one week in advance to all members.
7. Any officer or member whose conduct is considered detrimental to the organization in general, shall be tried by a Judiciary Committee appointed by the presiding officer, and if found guilty shall be expelled or otherwise dealt with, as the Branch may decide.
8. The regular meeting of the branch shall be held at least once a month.
9. A special meeting may be called: (1) by a majority vote of the members present at any regular meeting (2) by the president on receipt of a written request signed by not less than (a) seven members in a branch hawing a membership of less than 50, (b) fifteen members in a branch with a membership of between 50 and 100, or (c) twenty-four members in a branch with membership of 100 or more. In either case each member shall be duly notified and the special object of the meeting stated. No other business shall be transacted at such meeting.
10. Seven members shall constitute a quorum for a Branch with membership not exceeding fifty; fifteen members for a Branch of between 50 and 100; twenty members or a branch of 100 or more members.
11. Branch meetings shall be conducted according to the ordinary rules as follows:
1. Meeting Called to Order—Prayer.
2. Roll Call of Officers.
3. Minutes of Preceding Meeting.
4. Reports of Officers.
5. Reports of Committees.
6. Propositions for Membership.
7. Initiation of Members.
8. Unfinished Business.
9. New Business.
10. Receipts of Meeting.
11. Good of the Order.
12. Adjournment Prayer.
12. Branches may by a two-thirds majority vote at a regular meeting adopt additional by-laws for the conduct of their own affairs. Notice of such shall be given at previous regular meeting of the Branch. Such by-laws shall be in accordance with the letter and spirit of the Constitution the Croatian Republican League, they should be reported to the National Executive and shall not be effective unless and until ratified by it.
13. The solemn oath for the new members and officers shall be: I, (tell your name and surname or family name) call on God Almighty, omnipresent and omniscient to be my witness at this moment and in the future, that I will uphold and defend the rights of Croatia, work for its liberty and complete independence, that I will in a conscientious way to perform duties pertaining to the freedom of Croatian nation and support each and every movement to recognize the Croatian neutral Republic. So help me God, I do believe. Amen.
USTAV I PRAVILA HRVATSKE REPUBLIKANSKE LIGE U SJEDINJENIM DRŽAVAMA AMERIKE
PRESIDENT WILSON u kongresu dne 2 travnja 1917, prigodom navještenja rata:
„Ali pravo je dragocjenije nego mir, i mi ćemo se boriti za stvari, koje su uvijek bile najbliže našemu srcu—za demokraciju, za pravo onih, koji se pokoravoju autoritetu da bi imali glas u svojoj vladi, za prava i sloboštine malenih naroda, za sveobće gospodstvo prava pomoću slobodnih naroda tako, da donese mir i sjegurnost svim narodima, i da učini cijeli svijet napokon slobodnim.”
U New Yorku, 27 rujna 1918:
„Da li će se trpiti vojnička sila kogagod naroda ili skupine naroda za to, da odlučuje sudbinom, srećom ili nesrećom ljudi nad kojima nema prava vladati, osim prava sile?
„Smiju li veliki narodi biti, slobodni da krivo čine slabijim narodima, i da ih učine podanicima njihovih nakana i interesa?
„Smije li samovoljna ili neodgovorna sila vladati i gospodovari nad ijudima, dapače i sa njihovim nutarnjim poslovima njihova volja i izbor?
„Neće li biti jednaka mjera prava i povlastica za sve ljude i narode, će jači raditi po svojoj volji, a slabiji trpiti bez ikakove odštete?
„Da li će tvrda prava biti izvrgnuta propasti i sa slučajnim savezom, ili će zajedniča dužnost obvezati sve, da drže zajednička, jednaka prava?
„Nijedan čovjek, nijedna skupina ljudi ne će uzeti da ova pitanja nisu za odluku. Ova su pitanja u borbi, ratu, i moraju se urediti, ali ne sa poravnavnjenn, nagodbom, izravnanjem interesa, nego konačno i jednom za uvjek i sa punim i nedvojbenim prihvatom načela, da je interes najslabijega isto tako svet, kao što je i naj jačega”.
Na 29 listopada 1918 Hrvatska je proglasila svoju slobodu, samostlanost, nezavisnost Hrvatski narod po pravu jest slobodan narod. Kroz osam sto godina hrvatski narod branio je svoja prava kao narod, sačuvao svoju državu. Niko ga nije nikada zauzeo silom oružja. Povjesnica mu daje časni naslov "Predzidje Kršćanstva" proti najžešćemu neprijatelju roda ljudskoga. Imade svoju povijest, svoju tisuću godina staru knjigu i umjetnost. Na 28 studena 1920 kod obćenitih izbora dvije trećine Hrvata glasača glasovaše za Hrvatsku neutralnu republiku, i svojim glasanjem odbiše svaku vezu sa nevjernim susjedom, Srbskom vladom, koja silom radi da sve posrbi, ne priznavajući ni najobičnijih prava čovjeka. Strana vlada na hrvatskorn zemljištu jest nasilje na hrvatsko narodno pravo. Svi Hrvati zastupnici ostaviše Beograd, da svečano protestiraju proti nepravdi, nasilju Srbske vlade. Proglasiše svojim izbornicima, da ustav stvoren pod silu, osnovan na krivici, ne veze Hrvatskoga naroda. I tuj smo. Vlada je kupovala glasove za ustav, ko što se kupuju voli na sajmu. Je li to uredna vlada? U političkoj povijesti svih naroda takova sto se ne čita. Sa ovakovom nemoralnom vladom, pošteni narod ne smije imati veza.
Hrvatski je narod odlučio podržavati i osjegurati svoju podpunu nezavisnost, zato, da promiče sveobće dobro, da uspostavi pravicu, da se pobrine za buduću obranu, da osjegura mir kod kuće i dobru volju sa ostalim narodirna i postavi narodnu upravu utemeljenu na narodnoj volji sa jednakim pravima i jednakim prilikama za svakoga gradjanina.
Svečano izjavljujemo, da je tudja vlada u Hrvatskoj proti volji naroda, česa Hrvati neće nikada trpiti, i oni traže, da srpska vojska ostavi hrvatsku državu. Traže da svaki slobodni narod prizna narodnu nezavisnost.
USTAV I PRAVILA HRVATSKE REPUBLIKANSKE LIGE I NJEZINIH MLADICA!
Članak 1.
Ime ove organizacije biti će HRVATSKA REPUBLIKANSKA LlGA.
Članak 2.
Svrhe ove organizacije jest:
(1) Braniti položaj Amerike kano glavnoga pobornika u svijetu za ljudsku slobodu, čuvajući američke ideale o slobodi i podržavajući načela na kojima je utemcljena vlada Sjedinjenih Država. (2) Uzdržavati prava Hrvatske na podpunu Narodnu Nezavisnost, obvjekivati američko javno mnienje o pravici, koja osjegurava medjunarodno priznanje republikanskoga oblika vlade u Hrvatskoj, koju je narod postavio. (3) širiti bolje poznavanje Hrvatske povijesti, i povijesti hrvatskoga naroda u Americi, poticati pravedni ponos na hrvatske ideale i stečevine, i tako će moći naš narod doprinositi u najvećem stupnju bogastvu američke kulture. (4) Razvijati gospodarska vrela Hrvatske. (5) Promicati i čuvati jezik, običaje, glasbu, kulturni napredak Hrvatske u obće.
Članak 3.
Članom Lige može postati svatko, koji želi braniti prava Hrvatske na njezinu podpunu slobodu i zavjeri se podupirati Ligu u osjeguranju medjunarodnoga priznanja republikanske vlade, koju je postavio hrvatski narod.
Članak 4.
Članovi pojedinci: u mjestima gdje ne obstoji nijedna mladica Lige, pojedinci mogu postati njezinim članovima, ako pismeno zamole narodnoga (glavnoga) tajnika izjavljujući da prihvaćaju ovaj ustav da će platiti odmah 50 centi pristupnine i 25 centi svaki mjesec izravno narodnomu tajniku. Svakoga prvoga dana mjeseca. Siječnja svake godine ponovno uplaćuju svoju pristojbu. Čim se u mjestu ovoga člana osnuje mladica Hrvatske Lige, imade dotičnik upisati se kao njezin član odmah čim sazna za nju, inače njegovo narodno članstvo prestaje.
Članak 5.
Redovite mladice: (1) Dvanaest ili više osoba u mjestu poslavši molbenicu na narodnoga tajnika i izjavivši da prihaćaju ovaj ustav, da će platiti 50 centi upisnine i svakog prvog u mjesecu 25 centi imaju pravo ustanoviti mladicu Hrvatske Republikanske Lige. Prije nego će biti priznana mladicom, morati će platiti udružnu pristupninu od tri dolara Narodnomu Tajniku, ostali novac neka se drži u blagajni mladičinoj. Ova tri dolara jesu za trošak za narodnu upravu, i moraju se uplatiti svake godine na 1. Siječnja na dan kada je mladica ustanovljena. (2) Svaka mladica mora biti poznata po imenu, koga izaberu članovi njezini; to ime ne smije biti nijedne živuće osobe. (3) Molbenice za članstvo iz mjesta gdje obstoji jedna ili više redovitih mladica, moraju ići kroz mladicu, a ne ravno na Narodnoga Tajnika.
4. Svaki, koji se osposobi za narodno članstvo dobiva narodnu članarinsku kartu, podpisanu po Narodnomu Tajniku za godinu u kojoj su pristojbe plaćene. Za one koji se udruže u mladici, karte izdaje njezin tajnik. 5. Clanstvo u Ligi i njezinim mladicama otvoreno je obojem spolu bez razlike dobe, i djeci sa dozvolom roditelja, kada uplate pristojbe. 6. Svaki može biti članom samo u jednoj mladici Hrvatske Republikanske Lige. 7. Svaka je mladica slobodna ustanoviti pristojbe koje će joj plaćati njezini, članovi, bez obzira na ustanovljene pristojbe. 8. Redovite mladice držati će se jednoličnoga knjigovodostva, kako ih uputi narodni glavni odbor. (Za blaganika kupite: Cash Book, za računovodju: Ledger, a za tajnika: Record, i onda imadete sve knjige.) 9. Tajnici redovitih mladica podnesti će mjesečne izvještaje Narodnomu Tajniku, koji će kazati broj članova i novčano stanje te obći rad njihovih odnosnih mladica 10.Ovlašteni zastupnik narodnoga odbora imade moć pregledati raune i platežne naloge, i istražiti sve stvari, koje se odnose na svaku redovitu mladicu. Narodni Tajnik imade istu moć i pravo. 11. Resolucije i letaci, literatura u obće, koju izdaje ova ili ona mladica o načelima, politici Hrvaltske Republikanske Lige, ne smiju se oglasiti dok ih ne odobri narodni odbor ili većina mladica. 12. Neurednosti kod izbora ili kada nastanu budi kakve razlike, nesuglasje u mladici, ili medju članovima, sve se to mora urediti mirno i u ljubavi čim prije, inače pravo priziva jest na narodni ili glavni odbor, čija presuda vrijedi za svakoga.
Clanak 6.
Pridružene mladice: 1. Svako hrvatsko američko društvo organizacija u Americi, koja podržava pravo Hrvatske na njezinu podpunu narodnu slobodu, i obveže se podupirati, da se osjegura njezino medjunarodno priznanje, i koje inače prihvaća ustav u koliko se odnosi na pridružene mladice, može se priključiti Ligi, ako podnese molbenicu u kojoj se ističe sve ovo gore rečeno i plati pristojbu od pet dolara, koju inače mora uplatiti svakoga prvoga dana u siječnju svake godine. 2. Uplaćivanje svakoga drugoga novca od pridružene mladice Hrvatskoj Narodnoj Ligi biti će sasvim slobodno i onda, kada bude radila po uputi Narodne Konvencije ili Narodnoga Odbora Hrvatske Republikanske Lige. 3. Pridružene mladice u svojim javnim funkcijama smiju rabiti ime Hrvatske Republikanske Lige samo uz dovolu i uvjete kako ih posravi Narodni Ocibor, koji je na čelu Lige. 4. članovi ovakovih organizacija mogu postal redovitim članovima Lige gore istaknutim načinom.
Clanak 7.
Narodni službenici. Narodni će se odbor sastojati iz Predsjednika, dvojice više Podpredsjednika, blagajnika, tajnika, te sedam ili manje nadzornih odbornika izabranih na Narodnomu Zboru ili konvenaiji. Narodni će odbor popuniti ispraznjena mjesta u svom odboru, i povisiti će broj službenika, ako to trail doabro same organizacije.
Članak 8.
Narodni Predsjednik će predsjedati svim sjednicama narodnoga odbora, i otvoriti će Narodni ZBOR. U slučaju smrti ostavke Predsjednikove preuzima njegovo mjesto u odboru Podpredsjednik po redu izbora i starosti. Ako je odsutan Narodni Predsjednik od koje sjednice Narodnoga Odbora, ovaj si mole izabrati svoga pročelnika za tu sjednicu.
Članak 9.
Narodni Blagajnik voditi će točan popis o svemu novcu koga primi od Narodnoga Tajnika iz drugih vrela za svrhe organizacije i izdati će namire za isti. Novac koga izravno primi Narodni Blagajnilc odmah će to javiti sa svim potankostima Narodnomu Tajniku.
Novac Hrvatske Republikanske Lige biti će uložen na njezino ime u banci, koju odabere Odbor Narodnih Služebnika, koji se sastoji iz Predsjednika, Tajnika i Blagajnika i člnova nadzornoga odbora. Svote će se rabiti samo za upravne troškove, a najprije za narodne ideale kojima je Liga temeljem. On će podpisivati sve čekove, drafte i namire skupa sa Narodnim predsjednikom i tajnikom. On će izvjestiti mladice o novčanomu stanju Loge, koga će sastaviti iz izvještaja njemu podnesenih od uprava raznih mladica.
Narodni će blaganik izvjestiti Narodnoga Predsjednika i Narodne nadzorne Odbornike svaki mjesec češće ako je potrebno, o novačanomu stanju Lige u obće, a potanji će izvještaj podnesti Narodnomu Zboru ili Odboru kada ovaj ili onaj to zatraži.
Narodni blagajnik položiti će sjegurnostnu obveznicu.
Članak 10.
Narodni tajnik pisati će zapisnike svih sjednica Narodnoga Odbora. On će voditi dopisivanje sa pojedinim mladicama i biti će odgovoran za uspješno obavljanje svega posla, koji se odnosi na organizaciju.
On će ona voditi raun o nepredvidjenirn izdatcima i primitcima, koji moraju biti položeni u koju banku odabranu po Narodnomu Odboru, iz kojih će se plaćati tekući troškovi, i podnesti će Narodnornu Blagajniku potvrde o takovim troškovima; držati će točan zapisnik o primljenomu novcu i izdati narnire za sav novac koga je primio za Hrvatsku Republikansku Ligu, i taj novac on će uložiti u račun izvanrednich uoškova "Contingent account" i odmah izvjestiti za svaku svotu uložka Narodnoga Blagajnika, i ako predade njemu tražiti od njega namiru.
Narodni Tajnik položiti će sjegurnostnu obveznicu.
Članak 11.
Nadzorni Odbor će nadzirati sve novčane poslove Lige i njezine pokretnine, odabirati će banku sa najvišim sluibenicima Lige, svaka ui mjeseca ispitati raune Narodnoga Tajnika i Blagajnika. Sve manjkavosti prijaviti će Predsjedniku poslije kako su oni istragu proveli. Oni će držati svoje sjedničke zapisnike i izvjestiti Narodni Zbor sa preporukom, časti odbačenjem poslovanja Tajnika i Blagajnilca.
Članak 12.
Narodni Zbor će se obdržavati svake godine po okolnostima. Dan i mjesto Narodnoga Zbora Hrvatske Republikanske Lige odlučiti će Narodni Odbor skupa sa mladicama. Mladice moraju biti udružene sa Hrvatskom Republikanskom Ligom barem dva mjeseca prije dana Narodnoga Zbora.
Svaka redovita mladica u odbrom stanju dva mjeseca prije Zbora, koja broji 12 članova, imade pravo na jednoga delegata. Mladica od 25 članova birati će dva delegata, i po još jednoga delegata za svakih 25 članova, ako ih imade.
Svaka udružena mladica birati će dva delegata. Ako ih 25 ili više u jednoj udruienoj mladici podpge molbu za članstvo i plate godišnju članarinu, takova mladica može birati delegate kao svaka redovita.
Ispravci ili dodatci te predlozi za Ustav moraju biti predani Narodnomu Tajniku barem dva tjedna prije dana Narodnoga Zbora.
Narodni Odbor imade pravo pozvati odlične Ameracance, Hrvate, Slovence i Čehe, sve branitelje i zatočnike slobode, da prisustvuju Narodnomu Zboru, da pomognu mišlju i djelom rad za slobodu Hrvatške. Pozvanici imaju pravo govora ali ne glasanja.
Za vjerodajnice delegatima podpisane jamče u svim slučajevima Predsjednik i Tajnik mladice, koja šalje delegate na Narodni Zbor.
Svaki Narodni Zbor Hrvatske Republikanske Lige kroz uredjene odbore pregledati će, da li je osoba koja nosi vjerodajnicu kano delegat sposobna za tu službu, i usvojiti će pravila svoga postupanja, koja će ravnati njihovo držanje i sudjenje.
Svi delegati moraju biti ispravna gradjanstva, štovati zakone ove zemlje i vladu, narodne ideale, ali ne internacijonale.
Ispravci ustavu neće vrijediti dokle ih ne odobri većina Narodnoga Odbora, a potom Narodni Zbor.
PRAVILA ZA REDOVITE MLADICE.
Članak 1.
Ime ove mladice biti će _ _ _ _ _ _ mladica. Hrvatske Republikanke Lige u Sjedinjenim Državama sjeverne Amerike.
Članak 2.
Svrhe ove mladice jesu one iste kao i Hrvatske Republikanske Lige, koje su zapisane u članku drugome Ustava Ligina. Mladice moraju raditi po duhu i slovu Ustava.
Članak 3.
Novi članovi će se uvesti u mladicu poslije kako budu primljeni na njezinoj sjednici. Ako pet uglednih starijih članova budu protivni uvedenju budi koga novaka, taj i onaj se ne smije uvesti.
Svaki novi član primiti će članarinsku kartu od tajnika mladičinoga, oni pako koje mladica samo priani ali uvede ne mogu se smatrati članovima mladice, dokle ne dobiju članarinske karte, koju izdaje tajnik.
Članak 4.
Službenici mladice biti će: Predsjednik, Podpredsjednik, Tajnik, Blagajnik, Računovodja, tri Nadzorna Odbornika, Vratar i Govornik.
Članak 5.
Dužnosti službenika.
Predsjednik će predsjedari sjednicama, izvršavati ustav i pravila; paziti da službenici nadzornici ispunjavaju svoje odnosne dvžnosti, imenovati će sve potrebne odbore, podpisivati sve drafte i čekove sa blagajnikom, on je sluibeni član svijuh odbora, zastupa svoju mladicu.
Podpredsjednik će u odsutnosti predsjednikovoj vršiti sve dužnosti koje bi inače imao vršiti predsjednik.
Tajnik će pisati zapisnik svake sjednice. On će abecednim redom sastaviti imenik članova, adresu i dan kada je uveden svaki član u mladicu. On će voditi potrebno dopisivanje sa mladicama i ostalim strankama, on će izvjestiti zadnjega dana svakoga trećega mjeseca Narodnoga Tajnilca o broju članova, i novčanomu stanju mladice i svim njezinim poslovanjima. On će podpisivati i izdavari članarinske karte.
Računovodja će izdavati službene namire za primljene pristojbe i za sav sabrani novac, koga će točno upisati. Na koncu svake sjednice predati će mladičinomu blagajniku sav novac koga je primio, i zatražiti namiru. On će upisati svakoga člana pod početnim slovom njegova prezimena u svoju knjigu. Ne smije zadriati kod sebe više od pet dolara mladičina novca. Na svakoj sjednici će izjaviti se o stanju mladice, a svaka tri mjeseca podnesti će svoje knjige nadzornomu odboru na pregledavanje.
Blagajnik će upisati u svoju knjigu sav novac koga prima, od računovodje i ostalih vrela, i za svaki primitak izdaje namiru. On će položiti novac na ime mladice, kojoj je blagajnik u koju štedionu ili trgovačku banku, koju izaberu članovi mladice, uložiti će sav višak preko pet dolara. On će podpisivati sve čekove i drafte uz protupodpis presidenrov ili barem dvojica nadzornih odbornika podpisati, ako jedan od ovih ne će da podpiše. On će izvjestiti predsjednika Lige mladice i narodnoga tajnika u svako vrijeme koliko imade gotova novca, i podnesti točan izvještaj o njemu. Knjige podnaša nadzornomu odboru.
Vratar će stati pri ulazu u dvoranu ili u sobu za vjećanje, i neće pustiti unići nijedne osobe, koja nema prava da unidje.
Govornik će biti odgovoran za to da dobavi govornike i da se pobrine zato, da zabavi članove na sjednici prisutne, kad dodje na red točka "o dobru organizacije". On će pozvati odlične muževe da govore o slobodi Hrvatske ili će čitati domoljubne knjige, štogod iz povijesti Hrvatske, zatim o ustavu Sjedinjenih Država i njihovoj povijesti iz borbe za slobodu itd. Ako je dobar pjevački zbor ili je glazba uredna, on će nastojati da it dovede na sjednicu u zgodno vrijeme, da se čuje naša narodna pjesma i glazba.
Nadzorni će odbornici nadzirati pokretno dobro i novac mladice, te će podpisivati plateine naloge odredjivati isplate. Ispitivati će računovodske, tajničke i blagajničke knjige barem svaka tri mjeseca, i podnesti će mladici svoj izvještaj.
Članak 6.
Svaki član mladice platiti će pristupnine 50 centi, i 25 novčića svaki mjesec računovodji kano svoju mjesečnu pristojbu.
Novac se moie upotrebiti za pokriće tekućih troškova mladice same, i za druge takove svrhe kako većina članova na redovitoj sjednici misli da je najbolje, ali se inače samo upotrebljavati novac može za dobro i napredak same organizacije.
Članak 7.
Svaki služebnik mladice, koji će svojevoljno upotrebljavati svoju službu ili samu organizaciju za svoju političku korist ili veličinu, staviti će se pod obtužbu radi same mladice. Ako se pronadje krivim, većina će glasova odrediti, da je prestao biti službenikom na redovitoj svojoj sjednici na posebnoj, ako je sazvana za ovu svrhu. Ispražnjeno mjesto popuni se na slijedećoj redovitoj sjednici izborom novoga službenika.
Clanak 8.
1 Odbor će se birati svake godine na prvoj sjednici u Prosincu, a uvesti će se u ured na prvoj sjednici u Siečnju. Rok službe jest godina dana.
2 Službenici novo ustanovljene mladice biti će birani i uvedeni u službu na prvoj njezinoj sjednici, a kasnije će biti onako kako je gore rečeno.
3 Nijedan član ne može biti izabran za Predsjednika mladice više od dva roka jedan za drugim.
4 Ako president umre ili odstupi ili bude istjeran, bira se novi predsjednik, da služi ono vrijeme koje je imao predšastnik služiti, a ako bi ovo vrijeme iznosilo više od šest mjeseci tada će sačinjavati jedan predsjednički rok, u smislu 3. u ovom članku.
5 Svi drugi službenici mladice mogu biti birani za istu službu više puta godinu za godinom.
6 Ako koji službenik bude odsutan od triju redovnih sjednica bez dostatnoga razloga, njegova će služba prestati i birati će se novi služebnik, oglas za takov izbor mora se izdati barem jedan tjedan prije izbora svim članovima.
7 Svaki službenik član, čije se ponašanje smatra škodljivim našoj organizaciji u obće, mora se suditi pred sudbenim odborom koga imenuje Predsjednik, i ako se obtuženik pronadje krivim, bid će istjeran iz mladice a potom iz organizacije ili će se s njime postpupati onako kako mladica sama odluči.
8. Redovite sjednice mladice moraju se držati barem jedanput na mjesec.
9. Izvanrednu sjednicu sazvati može (1) većina glasova onih članova koji su prisutni na redovitoj sjednici (2) ako predsjednik primi pismenu molbu podpisanu (a) ne manje od sedam članova u mladici koja broji manje od pedeset članova. (b) petnaest članova u mladici koja broji izmedju 50 i 100, ili (c) dvadeset i četiri člana u mladici koja broji 100 i više članova. U svakom ovom slučaju svaki član mora biti točno obavješten o svrsi i predmetu poscbne sjednice. Nijedan drugi posao na toj sjednici ne smije se raspravljati.
10. Sedam članova sačinjavaju većinu za sjednicu mladice, koja ne broji više od 50 članova; petnaest članova za mladicu koja broji izmedju 50 i 100 članova; dvadeset clanova za mladicu koja broji više od 100 članova.
11. Sjednice će se voditi ovim redom:
1. Otvorenje sjednice—Molitva.
2. Prozivanje službenika.
3. Čitanje zapisnika.
4. Izvještaji službenika.
5. Izvještaji odbora.
6. Predlaganje članova.
7. Uvadjanje članova.
8. Nesvršeni posao.
9. Novi posao.
10. Primitak novca na sjednici.
11. Dobro organizacije.
12. Odgadjanje spednice—Molitva.
12. Mladice mogu sa dvije trećine glasova na redovitoj sjednici usvojiti jošte više pravila za vodstvo njihovih posala. Oglas za ovo mora se izdati na predidućoj sjednici mladičinoj. Takova pravila moraju biti složna po duhu i slovu sa ustavom Lige, moraju se prijaviti Narodnomu Odboru, i neće imati snage dokle ih on ne odobri.
13. Svečana prisega za nove članove i službenike biti će: Ja (recite ime i prezime) pozivam se na Boga Svemogućega i Sveznajućega da mi bude svjedokom u ovom času i u buduće, da ću podržavati i braniti prava Hrvatske, raditi za njezinu slobodu i podpunu nezavisnost, da ću savjesno vršiti dužnosti, koje me vežu sa slobodom hrvatskoga naroda i podupirati ću svaki pokret za prizanaje hrvatske neutralne Republike. Tako mi pomogao Bog, u koga vjerujem. Amen.
[1] The First National Croatian Convention after World War I was held at Cleveland. Ohio, on April 1, 1919. The convention condemned the establishment of the Kingdom of Serbs, Croatians, and Slovenes and Serbian oppression over Croatia. It demanded the organization of an independent and sovereign state of Croatia.
[2] Rev. Martin Davorin Krmpotić (Veljun, Krivi Put, November 8, 1867 — Kansas City, Kansas, January 31, 1930). Ordained priest of Senj bishopric Croatia in 1891; immigrated to the U.S. in 1901 and the same year was appointed the parish priest of the Croatian Catholic parish of St. John Baptist in Kansas City, Kansas, where he remained till his death. Before coming to the U.S., Krmpotić published many short historical articles in Croatian newspapers. Contributor to many Croatian newspapers in the U.S. and to the first edition of The Catholic Encyclopedia. Translated into Croatian American Commonwealth by James Bryce and published in Senj, Croatia. Author of several booklets in English and Croatian: Are Italy's Claims on Istria, Dalmatia, and Islands Justified? (Kansas City, 1915); Croatia Bosnia and Herczegovina and the Serbian Claims (Kansas City, 1916); Life and Work of the Reverend Ferdinand Konšćak S.J. 1703—1759, an Missionary in California (Boston: The Stanford Co.. 1923); Moja ispovijest narodu (Kansas City, 1915); Povjestne crtice 1900-1925 Hrvatska Župe Sv. Ivan Krstitelja (Kansas City, 1925); Josip Kundek, misionar a Jasperu, Dubois County, Ind. i generalni vikar Vincenneskog biskupa. 1809-1857 (Zagreb, 1925); Neka se čuje i drugo zvono iz Amerike (Kansas City, 1927).
[3] The Constitution and By-laws of the Croatian Republican League of the United States of America. Ustav i pravila Hrvatska Republikanske Lige u Sjedinjenim Državama Amerika (Kansas City, 1921, 27 pages). The pamphlet, 8.5x15.5 cm in size, with grayish cover, was printed by International Printing Co., Kansas City, Kansas. The English text encompasses pages 1-14 and Croatian 15-27.
[4] Editor's note: This statement undoubtedly refers to the Manifesto of the Croatian Block to the Croatian People (Poruka Hrvatskog Bloka hrvatskom narodu) of May 21, 1921. On that day, three Croatian political parties (Hrvatska Republikanska Seljačka Stranka, Hrvatska Stranka Prava, and Hrvatska Zajednica), representing more than 80% of Croatian electorate, organized the Croatian Block, condemned the oppressive Serbian rule over Croatia, and denied the right to Belgrade parliament to approve a constitution of the new state without Croatian participation. The Manifesto of the Croatian Block was censored and until the present day has never been published in Croatia. A copy of the manifesto is preserved among the papers of Ivan Perlić in Historical Archives of Zagreb.