American, Fisheries Society. 29 
President: J know you will all be glad to hear from the 
newly elected chairman of the executive committee. 
Mr. Whish: Mr. President and gentlemen, after reading our 
constitution carefully and consulting with the members of the 
committee, I will know more about what this committee is ex- 
pected to do than at the present time. Of course our progress 
will be largely guided by the very efficient executive committee 
preceding this committee. A considerable experience in organ- 
ized bodies has led me to believe that the executive committee is 
not a place for play. It ought to be a place for work, and in a 
body like this, for a lot of good work. The able men with whom 
I shall be associated will undoubtedly make up for deficiencies 
on my part; and I sincerely hope the work this new committee 
does will be as satisfactory to the society as has been the work 
of similar committees in the past. Any suggestions which any 
member may have in mind will be gladly received by this com- 
mittee, I know. I shall be glad at any time to hear any sugges- 
tions from any member of the society, and inasmuch as my 
name is easily written and my address is readily remembered, 
there will be no difficulty in reaching me, there being fortunately 
only one family of my name in the United States that I know, 
and certainly only one man of that name located in the capitol 
at Albany. 
Thank you for the very high honor I have received. (Great 
applause. ) 
(Secretary Peabody was called for.) 
Mr. Peabody: Gentlemen, I feel very grateful for the honor 
of being continued as secretary, but my gratitude is somewhat 
tempered by the knowledge that the only reason I am made 
secretary is because nobody else will take the office, (great 
laughter) and I must admit that there are some defects perhaps 
in my administration. It is very difficult to keep a correct record 
of the addresses. There is a very large number of men belonging 
to the society whose dwelling place changes, and I would ask 
every one to be particular and send me any change of address, 
that it may be properly recorded, so that all the members may get 
the documents, pamphlets and whatever is sent out by the 
ciety. 
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