SOCIETY MEETINGS. 
489 
of this body. There are without doubt some disadvantages connected 
with an enlargement of the field which we represent, but these will 
probably be more than counterbalanced by the wider range of our vision 
and the nearer approach to a cosmopolitan character. The practicability 
of the plan is indicated by the success of the American Public Health 
Association which embraces the United States, Canada and Mexico, but 
there are some reasons why we should not act without careful delibera¬ 
tion. I trust the matter will be thoroughly considered before action is 
taken. 
THE PRESIDENTIAE TERM. 
There is, also, a proposition to be voted upon to increase the presi¬ 
dential term from one year, as at present, to two years. I regard this 
proposition as ill-advised and unaesirable. We have had numerous 
members of this association who should have been honored with the 
presidency but for whom the opportunity has never come. If we double 
the length of the term, we lessen by fifty per cent, the chances of every 
member to gain this distinction, which should be coveted by all. Again, 
there are worthy members who would like to be president for one year, 
but who do not feel that they can give the time required by a term of 
two years. Why should we change the policy of the association and 
insist that no member can be elected president unless he serves for two 
yeap ? Finally, if a president is so efficient in the discharge of his 
duties that the association desires to avail itself of his services for two 
years, and he is willing to serve for that length of time, it is a very 
simple matter to re-elect him. These consideration lead me to express 
the hope that this proposed amendment to the constitution will not be 
carried. 
THE WORK OF THIS ASSOCIATION. 
Gentlemen, this association still has a great work before it. Much 
of the field of animal diseases in this country has never been explored. 
Concerning the diseases that have been long known and studied, there 
is still much to learn. We are in the midst of a great public, which is 
ignorant of the principles of medicine in general, and particularly 
ignorant as to animal diseases and their influence upon the health and 
wealth of the nation. 
The work of this association must be principally of an educational 
character. It should begin with its own members, encourage them to 
study, to think and to write. It should particularly encourage original 
observation and investigation. It should use its influence to keep the 
veterinary literature of the country—the journals, the text-books, and 
the official reports—abreast with the times and equal if not superior to 
any that are issued in any other country. It should also be active in 
educating public sentiment. 
The citizens of this country, as a body, can be trusted to do the 
right thing if they thoroughly understand any question. If they have 
interfered with our work and in some instances apparently turned the 
hands backward on the dial of progress, it is because the educational 
work had been neglected, or through a lack ol discretion, prejudice and 
personal feeling have been aroused. Convince the people of the various 
municipalities that we are laboring to save their property and to pro¬ 
tect their health, and it will be strange indeed if we meet with oppo¬ 
sition. 
