Sse ho NECEM Rr ET E RT a 
1894.] Editorials. 1011 
EDITORIALS. 
- —Tar International Geological Congress met at Zurich, commencing: 
on August 29th, and continuing until September 1st, inclusive. On 
the third of September the Congress started on an extended excursion 
through the Alps for examination of the geological features en route. 
Numerous important papers were read, but no official expression as to 
rules or modes of proceedure in geology were issued or discussed. 
The most important proposition in this direction had reference to the 
organization of the congress itself. Dr. Fraser of this city offered the 
following resolution, “with reference to the organization of the next 
congress.” “(1) To what extent does the Congress recognize the right 
of Government bureaus as such, or of societies, or any other organiza- 
tion, to send delegates to the congress? (2) Within what limits does 
the Congress recognize the right of these representatives, or of*a part 
only of the members of the Congress which come from the same 
country, to desighate the Vice-President representing their country, or 
to aet without coöperation with their compatriots in the Congress. ? " 
This resolution was rendered necessary by the arbitrary action of 
the president Prof. Renevier, in electing as Vice-President represent- 
ing the United States, a person who was not present, but who had been 
recommended for the place by letter. The person so elected is a 
member of U. S. Geological Survey, and although this fact could not 
debar him from the position, his appointment under such circumstances 
brought into prominence the question as to the relative claims of 
various bodies to appointment to the official positions in the Congress. 
Since the Committee which originally represented the United States 
was driven out of existence, owing to the contributive neglect of some of 
its members, this country has no official representation in the Congress. 
Hence the propriety of the resolution offered by Dr. Fraser. An easy 
solution of the question would appear to be suggested by the language of 
the resolution. That is that the members in attendance from a given 
country, should get together in advance, and nominate their candidates 
for presentation to the congress. 
— lr is proposed by the Filson Club of Louisville, Kentucky, to 
publish a work on the life and writings of Constantine Samuel Rafin- 
esque by the well known zoologist, Dr. R. Elleworth Call. An extract 
from the preface says: 
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