Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1902-12-29

Ira Remsen," Professor Hall said in open
ing the convention. DR.. Remsen's name
was applauded loudly by the delegates. He
bowed in acknowledgment and said:
I'VE shall proceed with the program as
laid down by the committee on organiza-
ton. l shall call first upon Mr.. Henry B. f.
mcfarland. representing the government Of
the District of Columbia"
Mr.. Macfarland's Welcome.
by way of Introduction" Mr.. Mcfarland
began. Il desire to have 1t understood that
the District government is not responsible
for the weather bureau. That is purely
function OF the United States government.
II the weather this morning has not been
up to the standard of your desires you may
content yourselves with the thought that
tomorrow it may be better.
'sThe population of Washington is made
up OF people from every state and terri
tory in the Union and the weather bureau
has to give us weather to please every one.
] desire also to emphasize the thought that
the temperature Of this hall does not repre-
sent in any way the temperature of our
welcome for YOU
'.The national capital bids yon hearty
welcome through the executive government
OF the District of Columbia. Great in num-
bers, great IN honorS, representing the
highest types of scholarship and citizen
ship the most brilliant and profitable forms
OF research and the most intellectual phases
OF our industrial pursuits, your association
has peculiar claims upon our hospitality.
The American capital ought to be pecu-
Nerly hospltable to the representatives Of
American science. Coming from every
quarter OF the continent, representing every
important scientific society and institution,
you have distinction which sets you
apart in our estimation from all the other
gatherings of the year in this Headquarters
OF conventions.
"All that is noble. altruistic. self-sacrfic-
ing In your labors; all the achieveme nts
which shine in the fame of your leaders: all
hn
future benefcence implied in your advance
ment of science, which may make this even
more than the last the century Of science
all these arise before our eyes as we think
of your name
Doubtless there are unworthy men of
science: men who serve her for mercenary
ignobie motives: but we believe that the
members Of your association cherish her
highest ideals and follow them with pa
thence and fidelity. Therefore We honor you
As we cannot honor men OF lower ideals or
more selfish motives.
We believe that you act humanely and
In the highest interests Of humanity We
believe that though you deal with material
things, you minister to the spiritual life OF
the nation Therefore We summon you
with confidence to Withstand ma terialism-
that materiaism which would destroy all
that Is best In our civilization.
Capital of Science as Well as Politics.
MANY of you are at home here and need
no formal welcome. All of you ought to
feel at home. This Is the capital Of science
as well as the capital Of politics for this
country Ever since the civil war made It
certain that the national capital would not
be removed from this place over which the
greatest armies OF all time commended the
national government has been building up
here new and important scientific institu-
lions. increasing In magnitude, influence
ana accomplishments every year, and draw
Ing here many Of the best men OF science.
There are now. / suppose. more mem
Ders OF your association resident in the Dis
trict OF Columbia than anywhere else: and
nowhere else, suppose, Is more important
work being done by men of science The
Smithsonian Institution, the naval observa-
tory. the coast and geodetic survey the
principal ante-bellum centers of scientific
companions now. and regiment of men
are employed In the scientific work of the
government.
"They maintain. in large part. the Cosmos
Club and the scientific societies which are
represented in Its membership.
Already the government museums.
libraries and laboratories are well worth
your attention. and there is promise of
steady enrichment both In the public and
private scientific undertakings But apart
from what must interest you as American
scientists. We have in the national capital
what must interest you as American citi-
zens above anything that you can find else
where.
This is the home of the national spirit.
OF the national flag, of the national govern
nent Incompatible in the wealth of its as
sociatSons and memories and as a center of
power and promise Here the republic finds
national expression. and from here confers
national and international benefit in its
world-round activities"
Assistant Secretary Hill Speaks.
Commissioner Macfarland's words were
heartily applauded by the delegates. Fol-
lowing this address President Remsen