46 



mittoes are the organs of a society. an<l without their efficient action even 

 an enthusiastic membership can avail but little. In the interest of a closer 

 coopei'ation and better service I would commend to the Academy a change 

 in its practice to the end that the incoming president may choose and 

 ap])oint the committees with which he is to work and for whose action he 

 is in large measure responsible. 



May I also add a word here to empliasize the fact that it is a mat- 

 ter of vital importance to the Academy that each connnittee should organ- 

 ize promptly and carry on its work with some energy. Except dur- 

 ing its regular meetings the Acadeniy is a disci-ete body and nmst there- 

 fore delegate the performance of its necessary work to special or standing 

 committees and must rely upon them for its ]>roper and timely accomplish- 

 ment. In the case of the standing connnittees, some of the members are 

 carried over from year to year and are therefore somewhat familiar with 

 the work tliey are expected to do. On the other hand the president is 

 elected for one year and comes to tlie office with no special knowledge of 

 the organization ol the Aiadciny or ol the iuunediate duties of his office. 

 In addition to this, the nienibership l>ein'_' state-wide in its distribution, 

 there are few opportunities foi' jiersonal conference in planning or carry- 

 ing on tile work. It is practically necessary, then, for tlie chairmen to 

 take the initiative and to assume the responsibility to the i)resident and 

 the Academy for the efficient perloi'uiance of the work devolving ujion their 

 several committees. 



If the work of the connnittees be neglected or indirreK iitly ]»<>rfornied. 

 the Academy suffers and has little opportunity to rejiair the failure. For- 

 tiuiately. memlters are loyal and try to render excellent service. The chief 

 dilliculty comes fi-oni a f:iilure to realize the tinu'-consuining nature of the 

 accomplishment of work through correspondence and the delays incident 

 to widely sepai'ated residence of dilferent members of connnittees. Every 

 conunittee, therefore, shou.ld organize at once and make enily jireiiJiration 

 for their work. 



The conunittee of most inanediate iniportnnce to the Academy is the 

 program committee and it is so fundamental that I may be pardoned a com- 

 ment or two regarding its work. Personally I do not believe it is sufficient 

 that this committee simi)ly issue a call for contributions, t'lans for a deli- 

 nite program should be made .it once, and by i)ersonal invitation and cor- 

 res])ondence the cooperation of menibers should be secured in cjirrying it 

 out. This years program atforns m illustration of this plan, and I be- 



