Record. xxxvii 



in addition to a concluding brochure containing an abstract of pro- 

 ceedings for the year, etc., the nineteenth volume of our Transactions 

 will contain ten worthy contributions to knowledge which have seen 

 the light in 1910. The encouraging financial condition that was 

 reported a year since, continues. The treasurer reports a current 

 balance of $119.04. By further subscription, the endowment reported 

 at the end of 1909 was increased to $7,500.00, which was doubled in the 

 early part of the year through the generosity of a few members, so 

 that this safeguard of our realty and of our publishing activities now 

 stands at $15,000.00, which, by vote of the Academy, has been placed 

 in trust for a term of twenty-five years at the end of which the prin- 

 cipal will require re-investment, — the income, only (netting about 5 

 per cent) being available for current use. 



In the course of the year much needed renovations have been 

 made in our building, the initial cost of which, assumed by the Engi- 

 neers' Club, is covered by a corresponding reduction in the rental paid 

 by the Club. What is expected to be a material betterment in the 

 quiet and ventilation of the meeting room is being made by the pro- 

 vision of apparatus for delivering an ample supply of tempered pure 

 air, with removal of the vitiated air, permitting the windows to be 

 covered at all seasons with pads which are expected to intercept much 

 of the noise from the street which now interferes seriously with the 

 use of the room, especially in the summer, when windows are opened 

 to secure a circulation of air. The initial cost of this installation — 

 the efficiency test of which is awaited with keen anticipation — is borne 

 by the Engineers' Club, the Academy assuming the operating expense. 



Death has claimed again a heavy toll from our members: Gustav 

 Baumgarten, Pierre Chouteau, David P. Kaime, Jacob Klein, Rufus J. 

 Lackland, Henry W. Scheffer. Notwithstanding these losses and the 

 customary resignations of sustaining members, the membership has 

 experienced a net increase of fifty-three (14 per cent.), and at the end 

 of the year stands at four hundred and thirty-three, the highest figure 

 yet reached. The list is a roll of honor, including, in addition to the 

 still lamentably few productive investigators of the community, the 

 names of those whose interest and work and gifts are making the 

 "new St. Louis." 



Gratifying to your officers, is your increasing individual activity 

 in sustaining and enlarging this membership, on which, as I stated a 

 year ago, rests and must continue to rest the Academy's power for 

 good. In 1909, thirty-three names of sponsors appeared on the pro- 

 posals of the 135 members elected; last year, the eighty-eight proposals 

 submitted bore sixty-two signatures. May not a further diffusion of 

 activity in presenting suitable names be hoped for this year? The 

 task is easy, the value and privilege of membership are clear, and the 

 cause is worthy. 



(Signed) William Trklease, 



President.. 



