Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1891-08-19

innate elements. and others are constructing
huge ships and forts: some digging into the
esrth to find what the ages have deposited,
others In Texas are sending explosives into the
heavens because, alas. there is no rain in the
land. In fact there is hardly problem in
mathematics and astronomy, in phi ysics, in chem
istry, In mechanical science and engineering,
IN geoiogy and geography. in biology. in an
thropoioSy ana In economic science and statis-
ucs; which are all covered by the eighth sections
OF this association from "A" to II, that is not
In some form or other considered by the men
VINO specially welcome you to their laborator-
les, their workshops their museums and the
historical associations that cluster around
Washington.
Mr.. Willett's address was received with much
applause.
DIR. wrLLISa's WELCOME.
Dr. yelling, president Of the Columbian Uni
verslty. was then introduced, and bid the asso-
citation cordial welcome 10 the halls of the Co.
lumblan University. He said he welcomed them
with all his heart to the hospitality of the uni
verslty. His only regret was that that hospi-
tslity was not more sumptuous. Ordinarily,
he said, he stood on that platform as a teacher,
but today he stood there as a learner speaking
TO masters Today the authority was not be-
hind him; it was before him-the authoritative
teachers OF science-teachers of that culture
o. civilization. He referred to q reply made by
an eminent scientist to question how he meas
ured the comparative grades of civilization.
he said he measured by the degree in which
each civilization takes up into its bosom
and assimilates the deeper relations of nature.
using nature In the broadest sense of the term.
He rejoiced in the name Of the association, not
static science, but advancing science. 1t
meant progress. Civilization was the complex
OF four great forces, Hebrew religion and
ethics, OF which the Christian religion and
ethics Is but the projection and extension,
Greek culture, Roman law and last and great
est Of all, modern science.
A nations soil was something dear, but
dearer yet was a nations soul. He did not
glory SO much in the achievements of material
science as in the TRANSPORTATION science was
working in the thoughts of men. 1t was teach
ing them right methods; 1t was teaching them
exactitude. 1t was here science WIS erecting
its highest trophies. 1t was clarifying men
concepts 1t was the great mission of science
to discover truth and then to put truth in that
compact form Of statement which would make
mems thoughts clear and make their words
clear. He gloried above all in what they were
doing for the thoughts Of men. So he gladly
welcomed them to this university. Here was
taught what they had found.
PRESIDENT PREscoTT's REPLY
President Prescott briefly responded to the
addresses Of the welcome. He thanked those
who had welcomed them in the name Of the as
ISOLATION. The words spoken here. as well as
in Indianapolis, made them feel quite at home
here. According TO the record OF the meetings
this body had not convened here since 1854. but
In all these thirty-seven years the sections of
the association had done work here More and
more as the years advanced had scientists been
called into the service of the government. He
referred to the various sections and the manner
In which their literature and work had been
an Inh ad nv <sofC ,,,W
ton in the service of the government.
At the last meeting it appeared that fifty
per cent of the vice presidents were Washing
ton men. 1t was thought best in coming here
to have the vice presidents all from outside of
Washington. He referred to agravitating force
which seemed to bring scientific men in WASH
ington. He referred touchingly to men who had
worked here, and who would never meet with
them again. He mentioned Alexander ID. Bache,
Joseph Henry, Spencer +. Baird and others.
There was no greater need of advancement il
science. II stagnation OF soul was not to come
from stationary civilization America must
cherish her scientific institutions. Science was
not visionary speculation. Men OF science
were but working out the problems that con-
front the human race. Investigation must be
nurtured. research sustained. Research sys-
tematically directed required good organiza-
ton, the service of able and devoted men. 1t
required distinct provision in colleges. 1t
ought to be sustained by the government. Re-
search was the growth Oh the land.
Again he thanked the friends who had well
coined the association for the cordial invitation
given them. The association came bringing q
somewhat numerous family with it. He referred
to the various sections and affiliated societies,
which he commended to the hearty hospitality
which had been extended to them all.
When the president. concluded Prof. Putnam,
the permanent secretary, announced that there
had been received 125 papers, which had been
referred to the various sections. Since the last
meeting he said 295 members had been elected,
and there were still some nominations pending
to be acted upon by the council.
Prof. Putnam also called attention to the
meeting Of the various sections, to follow the
general session. He stated that the citizens of
Washington were particularly invited, no. only
to all the general sessions, but to all the meet
ings of the sections. Prof Goodale the retiring
president, would, he said, deliver his address
in the law lecture room of the Columbian Uni
versity this evening, his subject being THE
Possibilities of Economic Botany"
FINANCIAL STATEMENT.
Prof. Putnam also presented a financial
statement for the year ending August /, 1884,
showing the total receipts to have been
7,443.OS. There was a balance left after de-
Quoting expenditures of the year of q, O4O. 3d.
The balance of the research fund il s5,254. a.
OF this the association has the right to appro-
pirate the interest to any current work of re-
search.
Prof. Wiley, the general secretary, an
nounced that the council recommended that
the sections meet Wednesday, Thursday, Fri
day and Saturday from 10 to IL am. and from
2 to pm.
Prof. Wiley stated that the council recon-
mended that the amendment to the constitu-
ton proposed last year, that no one who is
secretary Of section be eligible to the office of
vice president until one year after his term Of
office as secretary, do not pass. The report was
adopted. The council reported adversely on
three other proposed amendments, and their
action was approved by the association. These
rejected amendments provided. respectively,
that no person should be eligible to election to
fellowship at the same meeting at which he is
elected a member; that no fellow should be
eligible to election to council until one wear
after he has qualified, and that the annual dues
be $5 instead Of %.
CORRESPONDING MEMBERS.
The council reported favorably on an amend
ment providing for "foreign associates" only
it struck out the words foreign associates
and substituted the term corresponding men,
bers." The amendment provides for fifty such
members, to be designated by the council from
scientists not residing in America. In the dis
cussion Prof. Norton proposed to insert the
word NORTH" before America, but withdrew
his proposition on statement by Prot. Put
nam that this was the American association
and included all America in its scope.
Prof T.. ID. Gone said he was onnosod 70 tho