• '» A. WINCHELL — HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE G. S. A. 



At the close of the business, the chairman called upon the President-elect 

 to address the Society. Professor Hall, the veteran American geologist, still 

 in the possession of abundant vigor, ascended the platform, and in an 

 address of thirty minutes tendered the Society thanks, congratulations, 



msel, and a reference to historic events stretching over a period of fifty 

 years. His choice as first President of the Society he considered as the 

 greatest honor of his life. The organization of a distinct geological society 

 was something he hail long desired and long expected. It was the working 

 geologists of America who formed the first nucleus, around which had grown 

 up the bulky organization of the American Association. For many years 

 the Association proved of great service to geology, but he had felt, for some 

 y.ars past, thai younger men were becoming so numerous that the day had 

 arrived for the pioneers to stand back. At the same time the popular char- 

 acter of the Association had rendered it somewhat an undesirable arena in 

 which to introduce the results of the profounder labors of geological investi- 

 gation. He counseled harmony and mutual forbearance. He understood 

 what provocations sometimes arise. He had sometimes himself yielded to 

 them, and had always thereafter suffered regrets. New circumstances 

 present ever new provocations; but he hoped every American geologist 

 would be mentally prepared to pursue a course of justice, and, if need be, of 

 forbearance and conciliation, in order that peace and harmony may reign 

 throughout our ranks. The President's remarks were exceedingly well re- 

 ceived, and produced an excellent impression. 



In the evening a reunion was held at the private residence of Professor 

 H. S. Williams, where a brilliant and accomplished hostess, with her aid-. 

 rounded oil' delightfully the graver occupations of the day. 



The (Geological Society thus began its existence strong in numbers, ability 

 and finances. It had already enlisted the adhesion of almost every working 

 Ejeologisl in the United States, and none unworthy had heeii permitted to 

 enter. Thus was established again an authoritative representative of 

 American geology, competent to know what the interests of American 

 geology demand, and with full liberty to act from motives lying exclusively 

 within its own field. May peace and a spirit of mutual consideration, 

 sympathy, and helpfulness reign within its borders. May the wise counsels 

 of it- fust President remain m- a testament to guide the footsteps of many 

 generations in the way- of usefulness and honor. 



