10 TRANSACTIONS OF THE AMERICAN INSTITUTE. 



the land, and its endorsement will be of real value when and 

 wherever it is bestowed. 



However much good we may have accomplished, we have yet 

 much to do, to gain and to sustain this prominent position, and 

 in forming our plans for the future let us not forget that our first 

 step is to consider the errors and shortcomings of the past. 



I would not presume to dictate all the plans by which these 

 results may be attained, but a few which have presented them- 

 selves to my mind may be worthy your consideration. 



The evils of over legislation, which appears to be a pervading 

 evil of the day, is a fruitful cause of internal weakness. Our 

 monthly meetings, instead of possessing the dignity of men who 

 have met together to promote the cause of science, industry and 

 truth, partake too much of the character of mere political gather- 

 ings, where personal ambition and the spoils are the main spring 

 of action, and thus a spirit, of partizanship has arisen which 

 diverts the minds of our members from the true interests of our 

 organization. 



There is scarce a meeting but some change of by-law is de- 

 manded which, in too many instances, is, I fear, rather intended 

 to carry out the design of a faction than to promote the general 

 good. 



There" are cases where such amendments have been made, and 

 in a short time, or when the purpose for which the change had 

 been made was accomplished, they have been changed back to 

 their original form. 



Such things will demoralize any association, and they have 

 kept from our meetings many who would otherwise take a deep 

 interest in our affairs, and whose council and advice would be of 

 great value ; many of our best members are unwilling to attend 

 the meetings, and become parties to, or spend their time in such 

 scenes as too often occur on these occasions. 



I trust that the committee who now have charge of framing a 

 new code of by-laws may, in their wisdom, report such an one as 

 will for a long time need no changes hereafter, and should any 

 changes be contemplated, that they shall be made only at the 

 annual meetings, and that they shall be presented at least three 

 months previous, in writing, signed by at least five members, and 

 that a printed notice of the same shall be sent to every member 

 of the Institute. 



I think that the interests of the institution would be much 



