The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1895-12-08
An Academy of Sciences Petition
That Is Useless for a
Year.
WHAT c. F. CROKER WANTED.
Pathetic Story of Generous Old
Scientific Collector Who Died
of Starvation.

fact that they were outwittej recently by
the little Iunta in power. ana their most
praiseworthy endeavors could effect no
change for another year at least.
Though defeated for the time being they
are, however, in their own quiet way max
ing things intensely disagreeable for the
controlling element
What gave rise to the disruption was
the crushing defeat suffered by the mem
bers at that meeting when Senator
Perkins, in an altogether good-natured
mood, made an observation that induced
an acrimonious conflict with Theodore ii.
Hittell. Eyer since, while as matter of
course it won't be admitted by individual
members that personality has become
involved, it is quite plain that
the feeling is not distinctively confined to
principles or party lines. 1t is direct and
to the point oetwe en- the men OF science,
and for this very reason members admit
revolution in the academy's management
must come soon.
The constitution of the academy pro-
vides that officers shall be nominated by
committee composed almost exclusively of
the men in office. In other words, the con-
itself, and indeed such has been the case
for fully five years Notwithstanding the
fact that men of recognized ability were
willing aud anxious to serve as officers in
the interest of science quite as much as
satisfying the bent of personal ambitious.
Such men as Professor Davidson, Bran
dagee, the well-known botanist who found
and explored new region in Lower Cali
fornla, and university professors OF high
standing have been unable to secure nomi-
nations.
This condition of affairs gradually
engendered a spirit of unrest among
academy members, until at last they
met and formulated amendments to
the constitution. OF all the pro-
posed changes none was regarded with
so much concern as the one which aimed
to abolish the old, and, as men,
bers seemed to think, obnoxious rule
on nominations. The new order
would have ii that nominations should be
made by the members at large, and it ap-
peared on its face so popular measure
that opposition was not feared.
Such was not the case, however, for at
the meeting held to consider proposed
amendments, Mr.. Hittell moved that the
whole matter of amendments be laid upon
the table.
"There used to be time-when you and
l.
/ considered you were an honest man,
Senator Perkins remarked pleasantly.
Mr.. Hittell grew angry instantly and
jumped to his feet with the question::
Does the Senator wish to impugn my mo-
tives?"
The Senator passed it off iocularly. but
the motion was adopted. Colonel Z. +.
Croker, Senator George G. Perkins and
Z. ]. Molera voted against the motion.
Since that evenful meeting indig-
nation grew to such a pitch that
several members met and drafted
petition. This was circulated extern
sively, and as il asked for reconsideration
of the vote tabiing the proposed amend
ments, it was quite freely signed. The
greatest secrecy has been maintained re-
garding the petition which was submitted
to the trustees, but no copy was kept by
the mem bers.
General Lucius H. Foote, secretary of
the trustees, declined to discuss the petit
ton yesterday, explaining he could not do
so without permission of the board.
Colonel c. f. Croker, who has returned
from the East, said he had heard OF the
petition, but had not seen it because he was
away from home.
There is nothing personal in this mat
ter, so far as l am concerned" he said,
nothing where | am on one side in oppo-
sition to parties on the other side. AS
member of the board of trustees of the
academy | am in favor of these amend
ments, and l did support them all
through.
'The present system of nominating
keeps the same coterie OF men in power.
ton have power TO nominate the in
coming officers and that means
that they perpetuate themselves in
offices; and this has been done for several
years. Now l am DESTROYS of having this
system abolished and placing the selection
of officers in the hands of the members.
"Those proposed amendments were OPP
posed by the coterie in power. But there
is still another feature TO be considered. The
proposed amendments were tabled. and that
put the whole matter back for another year.
Under the rules amendments TO the con-
stitution should be acted on two months
prior to the annual election, which
takes place in the first week
of January each year. Then mem
bers would have to vote on the
proposed amendments. The tabling
effectually put an end to action this year,
and for that reason the petition to recon-
slider cannot do any good until January,
1896"
"Are you in favor of having the cognate
scientific societies united with the academy
that is, such bodies as the microscoplcal,
astronomical, geographical ana otners
THAT cannot be done under our eonsti-
tuition" replied Mr.. Crocker, although
l would like to see members OF all
these societies join the academy. as
individuals. In that case branches might
be established similar to the departments
OF botany. biology, ETC., at present IN the
academy"
Mr.. Croker admitted that such union
would rebound to the academy's reputa-
ton. He also said that the museum
would be engaged from time to time
as the collection increased and funds
permitted purchasing specimens. And so
the two spacious vacant floors may yet be
filled with interesting scientific collec-
tons.
There is comparatively little interest in
the campaign, though an opposition
ticket with DR.. Jordan, president
OF Stanford University, at the head
is talked of In some quarters. Pro-
fessor Jordan will be nominated on the
regular ticket, ana the popular plaE
is TO have an opposition with
his name at the head. followed by other
acceptable men. except DR.. Hardness, who
wants 10 be vice-president, TO hold author
ity on the board. The nominations Will be
made within week.