Editorial Comment. 381 
sion of the Congress should be held in America, but as to the choice 
of a city he was of the opinion that it would be better to entrust it to a 
committee of Americans. 
Prof. Dewalque thought that it could be decided by the Council it- 
self. 
Prof, de Lapparent was of the opinion that the decision ought to be 
made by the Americans. 
Dr. Sterry Hunt reminded the members of the Council that Philadel- 
phia had given a warm invitation, while the invitation from New York 
was signed bj' but a single individual. 
Prof. Capellini repeated that he preferred to leave the choice to an 
American Committee. 
Prof. Frazer feared that there was a misapprehension on the subject 
of the city, and the only object to be considered is to choose the city 
which is most suitable in all respects to the meeting of the Congress. 
Prof. Capellini read the names of the North Americans present at 
the Congress to which he wished to add the names of Messrs. Hall and 
Dana. He was of the opinion that the Congress should confide to 
them the task of choosing a city for the meeting of the Congress and 
also of choosing a committee of organization. 
Prof, de Lapparent believes that it would be of advantage to proceed 
according to the method proposed by the president. 
Mr. Blanford wished to wait till to-morrow in order to have the at- 
tendance of all the American members. 
Mr. Macfarlane was of the opinion that the Council should decide the 
question of the city without waiting longer. 
Prof. Newberry observed that befoi'e its last session the Congress 
might receive invitations from other American cities such as Washing- 
ton or Cambridge and he endorsed tlie proposition of Prof. Capellini 
to confide the choice to a committee of Americans. 
Prof. Capellini said that if it were possible the committee would 
make its choice before the close of the Congress, but if it were not pos- 
sible the committee could hold a meeting in America and announce 
its choice later. He proposed formally the following names : Messrs. 
Hall, Dana, Newberrj', Frazer, Sterry Hunt, Marsh, Walcott, and Gil- 
bert. The motion was adopted by a large majority. One member 
voted in the negative and one did not vote. 
{Official proceedings of the Council of the Congress, issued in sheets.) 
First session of the Provisional Committee. All the members of the 
committee named bv the Council except Hall and Dana, were present, 
to-wit: Dr. Newberrv, Dr. T. Sterry Hunt, Prof. O. C. Marsh, Dr. G. 
K. Gilbert, Mr. C. D.' Walcott and Dr. Frazer. 
Dr. Frazer moved that Dr. Newberry take the chair. Carried. It 
was asked what was the object of the committee's appointment. 
Dr. Frazer stated that he understood it to be for the purpose of secur- 
ing unanimity among the representatives of the United States in regard 
to the selection of a place of mooting of the Congress in the United 
States in 1891, and to determine witii respect to a committe of organi- 
zation. In answer to a question as to the full intention of the Council 
on the latter subject he replied that he was not clear. 
Prof. Marsh said that he had been very much surprised to hear of the 
invitation from Philadeli)hia. He had heard Washington and New 
York spoken of but not Philadelphia. 
Mr. Gilbert hoped that Washington would be chosen. 
Dr. Hunt's ])reference was for Philadelphia. 
Dr. Newberry said that he ought to favor New York, but he thought 
that the attractions of Washington were much greater than those of 
any other place. 
Prof. Marsh suggested that the question of place be first taken up, 
