50 ALEXANDER VON HUMBOLDT. 



the same time a series of questions relative to treaties of an 

 earlier date. 1 



Throughout his long residence in Paris, Humboldt never 

 wished to be regarded otherwise than as a foreigner. On this 

 ground he declined the honour of being proposed for election 

 as Vice-President of the Geographical Society of Paris a pro- 

 position made to him by his friend Malte-Brun. His reply is 

 dated Paris, March 27, 1824 : 2 



' Sir, M. Eyries [a geographical fellow-labourer with Malte- 

 Brun] will have already expressed to you my desire not to be 

 placed upon the list of Vice-Presidents for the Geographical 

 Society. 



4 To carry out successfully the noble purposes contemplated 

 in the formation of this society, as well as to take advantage 

 of the generous assistance offered by your Government, it is 

 essential that not only the President but also the Vice-Pre- 

 sidents should be in frequent communication with the various 

 ministers, at the head of the Colonial Office, Board of Trade, 

 &c. It would not be possible for me as a foreigner to enter 

 upon these relationships ; I feel sufficiently honoured by being 

 chosen a member of the Geographical Society, and therefore 

 while expressing my respectful thanks to those who have been 

 kind enough to wish me nominated to the Vice-Presidency, I 

 beg you will not place my name upon the list of candidates. 

 Four years ago, previous to the first election, I gave expression 

 to these sentiments, and I insist the more strongly on this 

 request, since as I cannot accept the honour intended me, the 

 society would be put to the inconvenience of a second election. 

 I embrace this opportunity of repeating to you the assurance 

 of my affection and respect. 



<AL. HUMBOLDT.' 



Nothing annoyed him more than the public mention of his 

 name in connection with political events, although he might 

 be convinced that such communications were not dictated by 

 any personal ill-will ; of this we have evidence in the following 



1 Found among Humboldt's papers. 



2 De la Koquette, vol. i. p. 223. 



