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a safe distance often wonder how such diverse opinions can prevail on 

 such subjects if the facts are the same in every case. The fault does 

 not lie with the facts but in the peculiar bias of each individual's mind 

 in regard to the interpretation of these facts. The principle sometimes 

 laid down, that the conclusions of those who have preceded us, both in 

 the domain of science and theology, must <iver be regarded as infallible, 

 has not only been opposed in large measure to the intellectual advance- 

 ment of the race, but, if blindly persisted in, would tend to prove a 

 very serious obstacle to any kind of improvement whatever. 



True it is there are extremists on either side, and the great factors 

 in the world's advancement, science and religion, should not bi held in 

 any way responsible for the foolish utterances of those ill-adjusted 

 intellects which are constantly seeking opportunities to run a muck 

 against any theory or individual that may chance to oppose the peculiar 

 whim of the moment which they may desire to advocate. Truth is 

 great and will prevail, and the differences between the two great schools 

 will in the end be found to be more fancied than real. 



The spectacle of the theologian bitterly assailing his co-worker in 

 the cause of truth is not, to the general onlooker at least, a very 

 edifying one. Disputes and misinterpretations will, doubtless, continue 

 to arise, and owing to the imperfection of man's nature, and the lack of 

 completeness of his knowledge, will furnish in the future, as in the past, 

 abundant material for angry recrimination. Not until the final change 

 comes to each of us will die mists be entirely dispelled, and then with 

 clearer vision we shall see and understand all these mysteries, for then 

 we shall see face to face. 



At the conclusion of the President's address a vote of thanks was 

 eloquently proposed by Sir James Grant, K.C.M.G., F.R.S.C. He 

 spoke of the good work being done by the club, and particularly by the 

 President and his colleagues in the Geological Survey. He had watched 

 with great interest the rapid progress of scientific studies during the 

 last 20 years, particularly in the Ottawa district and in response to the 

 efforts of the Ottawa Field-Naturalists' Club. He suggested the appro- 

 priateness of the club erecting a monunment to the late Elkanah Bil- 

 lings, a native of this city, who had done so much for the honour of the 

 Dominion. 



