PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS 



I am confident I am expressing the sympathies and feelings of this 

 large audience in the Capital of the Dominion of Canada, when I say, 

 that we, one and all, rejoice that His Most Gracious Majesty, King 

 Edward has been restored to health, and annointed King over a loyal 

 and united Empire. 



Twenty-one years ago, at a meeting held at Covernment House, 

 Ottawa, this Society was determined upon by Lord Lome, now Duke 

 of Argyll, and shortly afterwards called into action, with the late Sir 

 William Dawson as first President. Since that date, the meetings with 

 few exceptions, have been held at Ottawa, and the present records of 

 the Society point to a widely diversified line of work, in its various 

 departments, all of which gives undoubted evidence of intellectual 

 development, of which any colony in the Empire might justly feel 

 proud. The duty, which by the kindness of the Council of this Society, 

 I am called upon to perform, I regret has not fallen into other hands. 

 In accepting the task, I feel confident of the sympathy of my audience. 

 It is a matter of satisfaction to know that the success of such meet- 

 ings, does not depend on the occupant of the presidential chair, but is 

 chiefly due to the eminent workers in the various sections of the 

 Society. 



The energy and marked ability of the late General Secretary, Sir 

 John Bourinot, who since the incipient stage of development of the 

 Society, brought to light facts of the greatest moment, as to men and 

 measures, in all parts of our Dominion, redounding greatly to the 

 credit of one, who by his painstaking research and scholarly attain- 

 ments, has left an imperishable record on this continent. Edward 

 Gibbon charmingly expressed the idea, that diligence and accuracy, are 

 the only merits, which an historical writer can ascribe to himself. So 

 in scientific research, like qualifications are cardinal qualities. To 

 decide on the true significance of data, springing daily from the vast 

 sources of scientific investigation the result of observations and experi- 

 ments, a well balanced mind, and careful reflection are necessary, to 

 winnow out the practical and useful, from the doubtful and uncer- 

 tain. Investigation and experiment are widespread, and as to results, 

 fortunately, there is greatly increased reliance. Doubt, says 

 Thackeray, is always crying pshaw. 



Proc. 1903. 4. 



