ANNUAL REPORT OF THE SECRETARIES. 



The first step toward the organization of the National Geo- 

 graphic Society was the circulation of the following invitation, 

 on Jan. 10, 1888. 



"Dear Sir: You are invited to be present at a meeting to be 

 held in the Assembly hall of the Cosmos Club, Friday evening, 

 January 13, at 8 o'clock, for the purpose of considering the ad- 

 visability of organizing a society for the increase and diffusion of 

 geographical knowledge. 



Very respectfully yours, 

 Gardiner G. Hubbard, Henry Mitchell, 

 A. W. Greely, Henry Gannett, 



J. R. Bartlett, a, H. Thompson, 



and others." 



In response to this invitation 33 gentlemen met at the appointed 

 place and time. The meeting was called to order by Prof. A. 

 H. Thompson, who stated its objects and nominated Capt. C. E. 

 Dutton as chairman. The formation of a geographic society was 

 discussed by Messrs. Hubbard, Bartlett, Thompson, Mitchell, 

 Kennan, Gannett, Merriam and Gore. 



The following resolution, introduced by Prof. Thompson, was 

 adopted: 



Resolved, 1. As the sense of this meeting that it is both advisable 

 and practicable to organize at the present time a geographic society in 

 Washington; 



2. That this society should be organized on as broad and liberal a 

 basis in regard to qualifications for membership as is consistent with 

 its own well being and the dignity of the science it represents. 



3. That a committee of nine be appointed by the chairman to prepare 

 a draft of a constitution and plan of organization, to be presented at an 

 adjourned meeting to be held in this hall on Friday evening, January 

 20, 1888." 



A committee was appointed by the chair, consisting of Messrs. 

 Hubbard, Greely, Bartlett, Mitchell, Kennan, Thompson, Gore, 

 Tittman and Merriam for formulating a plan of organization. 



