Editorial Comment. 145 
to the fellows and others: but it Wiis distinctly provided that 
this should not stand as No. 1 of the recognized publications of 
the society. The form nnd style of publication remain to be 
fixed by the Council and Advisory Committee . 
At the close of the business the chairman called upon the 
president elect to address the society. Professor Hal), the vet- 
eran American geologist, still in the po-session of abundant 
vigor, ascended the platform, and in an address of thirty min- 
utes, tendered the society thanks, congratulations, counsel and 
a reference to historic events stretching over a period of fifty 
years. His choice as first president of the society he considered 
the greatest honor of his life. The organization of a distinct 
geological society was something he had long desired and long 
expected. It was the working geologists of America who formed 
that first nucleus around which had grown up the bulky organ- 
ization of the American Association. For many years the 
Association proved of great service to geology, but he had felt 
for some years past tliat younger men were becoming so numer- 
ous that the day had arrived for the pioneers to stand back. 
At the same time the popular character of the Association had 
rendered it somewhat an undesirable arena in which to introduce 
the results of the profounder labors of geological in\'estigation. 
He counseled harmony and mutual forbearance. He under- 
stood what provocations sometimes arise. He had sometimes 
himself yielded to them, and had always thereafter suffered re- 
grets. New circumstances present ever new provocations; but 
he hoped every American geologist would be mentally prepared 
to pursue a course of justice, and if need be, of forbearance and 
conciliation, in order that peace and harmony may reign 
throughout our ranks. The President's remarks were exceed- 
ingly well received, and produced an excellent impression. 
In the evening a reunion was held at the private residence of 
Prof. H. S. Williams, where a brilliant and accomplished hostess, 
with her aids, rounded off delightfully the graver occupations 
of the day. 
The Geological Society of America begins its existence strong 
in numbers, ability and finances. It has enlisted the adhesion 
of almost every working geologist of the United States; and 
none have found entrance who are unworthy. This body will 
hereafter speak for American geology; and it will s);eak with- 
