PROCEEDINGS FOR 1900 XXIII 
thought, charm of expression, and faultless good taste.” Possessed of 
a dignified, courtly manner, well versed in parliamentary lore, he filled 
the high position of “First Commoner” of Canada with general 
acceptance. His culture was wide, his conversation varied, and his 
sympathy with struggling Canadian littérateurs generous and compre- 
hensive. Above all, he was a true Canadian, fond of his country and 
confident of its future among the nations. His patriotism found full 
expression in verses which have touched a sympathetic chord in the 
hearts of his countrymen and countrywomen, proud, like himself, of 
“This Canada of Ours.” 
GENERAL BUSINESS. 
On motion of Sir John Bourinot, seconded by Dr. Stewart, the 
minutes of proceedings of general meeting of 1899, as printed in the 
5th volume, N.S., were confirmed and approved. 
On motion of Sir 8. Fleming, seconded by Dr. Fréchette, the report 
of the Council was adopted. 
Senator Pascal Poirier and Dr. Ami, two new Fellows, were duly 
introduced and took their seats. 
On motion of Dr. Stewart, seconded by Dr. 8. E. Dawson, it was 
resolved : That the President of the Society, Dr. G. M. Dawson, Sir 8S. 
Fleming, Dr. 8. E. Dawson, and Mr. B. Sulte be a committee to make 
nominations for officers of the Society for the ensuing year. 
The subject of a national museum, and especially the security of 
the valuable collection of geological and botanical specimens in the 
department of the Geological Survey in Ottawa, was brought before 
the general meeting by Sir Sandford Fleming. After pointing out the 
danger to which the geological museum in its present position is 
exposed, he moved, seconded by Dr. Stewart, that a delegation be 
appointed to wait upon the Government for the purpose of submitting 
the following memorial :— 
“The Royal Society has long pointed out the importance of a 
national museum and the necessity for establishing one at any early 
date. At the semi-centenary of the Canadian Institute, held a few 
months back in Toronto, attention was directed to the subject, and 
especially to the urgent need of adequate provision being made for the 
gafe housing of the valuable collection of the Geological Survey. The 
Royal Society, together with the Canadian Institute, and all allied 
societies throughout the Dominion, have been rudely awakened to the 
perilous position of that precious public collection now temporarily 
stored in the premises occupied by the Survey. The disaster which 
