AMERICAN  PHARMACEUTICAL  ASSOCIATION.  409 
practically  cut  off  from  connection  with  our  Association  during  the  last 
four  years,  and  their  vacant  places  have  been  the  cause  of  no  little  sorrow 
to  those  of  us  who  were  enabled  to  meet.  I  think  I  express  the  senti- 
ments of  every  member  of  the  Association  now  met  in  our  annual  cou- 
clave,  when  I  say  our  doors  stand  open  to  all  those  who  have  been  hin- 
dered from  meeting  with  us,  and  a  hearty  welcome  awaits  them.  A  mere 
conforming'  to  the  rules  in  the  matter  of  dues  in  arrears,  is  all  that  will  be 
required  to  entitle  them  to  this  privilege,  as  well  as  to  the  Proceedings  of 
our  annual  meetings  that  would  be  due  them.  The  moral  effect  of  such 
a  reunion  as  we  contemplate,  and  trust  most  heartily  will  be  consummated 
upon  the  nation  at  large,  cannot  easily  be  over-estimated.  It  will  be  one 
link,  at  least,  in  that  chain  of  restored  confidence  and  friendly  intercourse 
which  every  true  patriot  and  lover  of  his  country  must  be  anxious  to  wit- 
ness, and  is  willing  to  do  all  in  his  power  to  accomplish. 
The  financial  condition  of  the  Association  is  extremely  gratifying  ;  it 
is  entirely  free  from  debt,  and  has  about  $350  remaining  in  the  treasury. 
This  is  much  better  than  anticipated  at  our  last  meeting.  The  cost  of 
publishing  the  Proceedings  of  the  last  Convention  was  about  one-third 
more  than  the  year  previous. 
The  Executive  Committee  will  make  a  comprehensive  report  of  their 
labors  since  our  last  meeting,  and  also  several  suggestions  as  amendments 
to  the  Constitution,  which  they  think  desirable. 
Attention  is  called  to  the  large  amount  due  by  members  in  arrears. 
The  amount  now  due  by  all  delinquents  is  $3,458.  the  principal  portion 
of  which  is  from  those  who  are  in  arrears  over  four  years. 
This  subject  has  been  under  consideration  before,  but  without  arriving 
at  a  conclusion  as  to  the  best  means  of  overcoming  the  difficulty  and 
preventing  further  losses.  It  has  been  placed  before  most  of  those  in 
arrears,  at  least  as  far  as  it  could  be  done,  and  the  success  attending  it 
will  no  doubt  be  reported  to  you.  There  are  a  large  number  who  have 
been  elected  members,  and  whose  names  appear  upon  the  roll,  that  have 
not  signed  the  Constitution,  and  some  have  not  paid  a  single  contribu- 
tion. Printed  copies  of  the  Constitution  have  been  placed  before  them 
all,  that  their  membership  might  be  perfected. 
I  think  the  time  has  arrived  when  prompt  action  should  be  taken  in 
regard  to  delinquents,  as  due  notice  has  been  given,  and  no  benefit  can 
arise  from  further  delay,  such  being  useless  to  the  Association, — neither 
contributing  means  or  their  presence  to  its  support. 
I  would  suggest  that  the  names  of  those  in  arrears  over  four  years  be 
removed  from  the  roll,  and  placed  upon  a  suspended  list  in  the  published 
Proceedings  for  one  year,  with  the  privilege  of  reinstatement  at  the  ex- 
piration of  that  time,  if  the  Constitution  is  signed  and  dues  paid  up.  If 
not,  their  membership  to  cease. 
The  Committee  on  the  Progress  of  Pharmacy  present  a  less  voluminous 
report  than  usual,  caused  by  circumstances  beyond  the  control  of  the 
