2 Inaugural Address. 



and simpler expression of thought that can now be brought to 

 bear upon the subject before me. 



I regret this the more, because we are indebted to his 

 Excellency's courtesy and kindly zeal in our behalf, for having 

 obtained for us from the Queen her Majesty's gracious sanction 

 and authority tc carry on our future labours under the Royal 

 patronage. And, in expressing my own regret, I feel assured 

 that I only utter the united sentiments of all here present. 



On learning that his Excellency was unable to accede to the 

 the desire of the Council, an application was then made to the 

 Senior Vice-President, requesting him to undertake the duty of 

 opening the business of this Session. But here, again, we have 

 had to suffer disappointment. The claims of the Legislature 

 and of the high office of Chancellor of the University prevent 

 us receiving the advantage which the scientific tastes and 

 readiness to assist in the progress of social institutions, evidenced 

 during many years by the Hon. E. Deas Thomson, would have 

 conferred on our present objects. 



In this emergency, the Council did me the honour of asking 



e to fill the place which I had hoped would have been so much 



ore satisfactorily occupied. 



I cannot, however, but be fully aware, that there are other 

 members of this Society who could, more efficiently than myself, 

 undertake what is proposed, and the Council can testify that I 

 have not been anxious to occupy so prominent a position. 



But, Gentlemen, as your favour has annually during a period 

 of nine years assigned to me the honourable rank which I hold 

 on the roll of the Society, it might seem, if I refused under a 

 condition such as the present, that I exhibited a coldness and 

 indifference to your interests, which would be in striking 

 contrast with the readiness and diligence which, I trust, have 

 always characterised my previous relations with you. 



To claim your indulgence therefore, for what I may think it 

 right to address to you on this occasion, respecting some 

 important matters affecting our future career, as well as in 

 relation to the past, will, I am convinced, be to obtain it, 

 although I do not venture to consider you responsible for the 

 opinions which I may be led to express. 



