410 PROCEEDINGS OF THE NEW YORK MEETING 



Session of Wkdnesday, Dkcembkr 28 



The Society convened in the assembly-room in Schermerhorn hall, 

 Columbia University, at 10.15 o'clock a m. President J. J. Stevenson 

 introduced the Honorable Seth Low, president of Columbia University, 

 who gave the Society welcome in a few remarks expressing appreciation 

 of the science of geology. 



Tlie President called for the Council report as the first administrative 

 business, which report was submitted in print by the Secretary without 

 reading, as follows : 



REPORT OF THE COUNCIL 



To the Geological Society of America, 



in Eleventh Annual Meeting assembled : 



The Council extends congratulations to the Fellows upon the excel- 

 lent condition and prospects of the Society at the close of the first 

 decade. Begun with misgivings as to the wisdom of the new organiza- 

 tion, and amid prophecies of failure, it has more than justified the faith 

 and work of its founders. The Society has united the geologists of the 

 continent, produced harmony of feeling, thought, and labor, created and 

 cemented friendships, and prevented the geology of America from be- 

 coming provincial. It has stimulated research and publication and has 

 placed on record a great body of knowledge. The avowed purpose of the 

 Society — " the promotion of the Science of Geology in North America " — 

 has been carried out. 



We may believe that the great success alread}' achieved is but the 

 beginning of a grander future. Already the Bulletin has given us a 

 prominent place among the older geological societies of the world, and 

 with the great advantages possessed by American students of earth-lore 

 it may be expected that at a time not far distant our Society will occupy 

 a foremost position. 



We ma}'- well be proud of our Societ^y and of our science, which, born 

 so recently, has become a powerful factor in the intellectual uplifting of 

 mankind. Let us sustain and cherish the Society as a noble means 

 to a great end, and ma}'' every Fellow realize that he has a useful part, 

 even though he be isolated in a distant field and unable to attend the 

 meetings. To such Fellows the Council sends especial salutation. 



