165. The Decisive Vote. The Congress of the United Society of Wandering Beggars (better known as the Union of Vagrants) convened to decide whether to declare a strike, demanding a shorter working day and increased alms. It was decided that during the vote, those members of the society who would vote in favor of the strike would remain standing, while those against would sit down.

- Gentlemen,-- said the chairman of the meeting after counting the votes,--I have the pleasure to inform you that the strike has been approved by a majority constituting one quarter of the opposition. (Loud cries of approval.)
- Mr. Chairman,-- someone shouted from the back,--some of us couldn't sit down.
- Why not?
- Because there are no chairs here.
- Then, perhaps, those who wanted to sit but couldn't, would not mind raising their hands... I see there are twelve of you, so the strike is canceled by a majority of one vote. (Whistles and disorder in the hall.)

How many members of the Society of Beggars participated in the vote?
165. A total of 207 people voted. Initially, 115 voters were in favor and 92 against, with a majority of 23 votes, which is exactly one quarter of 92. But when 12 people, for whom there were no seats, joined the opposition, it turned out that 103 votes were in favor and 104 against. Thus, the opponents of the strike won by a majority of one vote.