LAST MESSAGE OF BRANNER 
231 
EDITORIAL 
Last Message oe Bra^nner 
On a morning a short month ago ye editor opened his mail 
to find a cordial letter from Dr. John Casper Branner. This 
epistle from the President Emeritus of Stanford University had 
joyous tone and small hint was there of impending tragedy. Its 
main theme was implied in the proffer of help in bringing closer 
together geological interests in the Western Hemisphere. 
Having himself resided so long on the southern continent and 
possessing intimate knowledge of its scientific, possibilities such 
as few men enjoy, the idea of a geological Pan-Americanism 
manifestly made strong appeal. With natural catholicity of sym¬ 
pathies which always characterized his activities in scientific work, 
he was not slow to see the opportunity to further an effort of 
which for long he was a leading exponent among earth-students. 
Turning from letters to daily news ye editor on that fateful 
morning read first item that for the nonce took away his breath. 
It was announcement that Doctor Branner had departed this life 
the day before. Was there ever more sudden shock? That Pan- 
American letter was last message of the noble minded savant to 
this confreres before passing over the Great Divide. It was in¬ 
dited evidently with the hand of Death already closed upon his 
throat. The message reads: 
Stanford University, Feb. 22. 
Dear Keyes: 
Someone has kindly sent me a circular about the Pan-American 
Geologist. I infer from the new name that it is proposed to have other 
countries of the continent join the effort, if proper associate editors can 
be found. 
My acquaintance with the South American geologists enables me to 
suggest these: 
