WASHINGTON ACADEMY OF SCIENCES 43 



Particularly was I impressed with his sincerity and with his ability 

 to present strong arguments in favor of a cause in which he was in- 

 terested. He was always master of what he undertook to debate, 

 and he was a dangerous antagonist for the superficially informed. 

 His wide acquaintance, moreover, all over the land enabled him to 

 spread his influence and his knowledge, which was practical and ef- 

 fective. When he was taken away, not only science but the people 

 of our country at large lost one of their ablest and truest friends. I 

 am glad to express my profound regard for the memory of this re- 

 markable man. 



From George Eames Barstow, of Barstow, Texas: 



Doctor McGee had great moral courage. The question with him 

 was not as to the ultimate effect that his advocacy of any given cause 

 should have upon himself, but only that the cause nearest his heart 

 should succeed. 



My relations with Doctor McGee, covering many years, on national 

 efforts for conserving our National Resources, such as irrigation, for- 

 estry, deep waterways and the reclaiming of our swamp lands, were 

 most intimate, and afforded me full opportunity to analyze his char- 

 acter. From it I derived great satisfaction and strength. His inti- 

 mate familiarity with precedent and custom in social and diplomatic 

 affairs was of great value in shaping the course of wise procedure in 

 all our Congresses and gatherings for the promotion of the public wel- 

 fare. His minute care in matters of detail as well as what concerned 

 broad conduct always impressed me, and contributed in large degree 

 to the great success that obtained in our endeavors. His unvarying 

 readiness for full and friendly conference on vital issues always made 

 him suggestive, but with due regard for the opinions of his conferees. 



Doctor McGee's convictions were strong and his action pronounced 

 on the lines of his belief, yet his conduct was tempered by true modera- 

 tion. I could not pay a more just and ideal tribute to our departed 

 friend than by saying that the characteristic in his life which most 

 impressed me was his unselfish devotion. 



