xii MINUTES. [May 21, 



" Conditions Leading to Tectonic Earthquakes — Instruments 

 used in the Study of Earthquakes — Suggestions for a National Seis- 

 mological Bureau," by Prof. Harry F. Reid, of Baltimore. (Intro- 

 duced by Prof. W. B. Scott.) 



These three papers were discussed by Profs. Michelson, William 

 Morris Davis, W. H. Hobbs, H. F. Reid and W. B. Scott. 



The following preamble and resolutions were presented and 

 unanimously adopted: 



Whereas, Earthquakes have been the cause of great loss of life 

 and property within the territory of the United States and its posses- 

 sions, as well as in other countries, and 



Whereas, It is only through the scientific investigation of the 

 phenomena that there is hope of discovering the laws which govern 

 them, so as to predict their occurrence and to reduce the danger to 

 life and property, and 



Whereas, Such investigations can be successfully conducted only 

 with the support of the general government, be it, therefore, 



Resolved, That this Society urge upon Congress the establish- 

 ment of a National Bureau of Seismology, and suggest that this 

 bureau be organized under the Smithsonian Institution with the 

 active cooperation of the other scientific departments of the govern- 

 ment and that this bureau be charged with the following duties : 



(a) The collection of seismological data. 



(b) The establishment of observing stations. 



(c) The organization of an expeditionary corps for the investi- 

 gation of special earthquakes and volcanic eruptions in any part of 

 the world. 



(d) The study and investigation of special earthquake regions 

 within the National domain. And 



Resolved, That copies of these resolutions be transmitted to the 

 President, to the President of the Senate, to the Speaker of the 

 House of Representatives, and to the Secretary of the Smithsonian 

 Institution. 



