Abstracts of the Minutes of the Colorado Scientific Society
For the years 1882 and 1883.
1841-1911
MEETING OF ORGANIZATION
On the evening of December 8th, 1882, a number of gentlemen interested in the formation of a scientific association met in the rooms of the United States Geological Survey, in Denver, at the invitation of Mr. S. F. Emmons.
Mr. Emmons, in stating the object of the meeting, said that it seemed to him that the time had come for those persons in Colorado who were interested in true science to unite in forming an association of society, whose immediate object should be to facilitate the interchange of scientific observations and ideas, and promote intercourse among the observers themselves. There should be some means of recording and publishing the many interesting and valuable facts which are daily observed in different parts of the State. This could be done through the medium of a society, and the opportunity thus afforded would no doubt act as a stimulus to some to pursue investigations in directions specially open to them.
An informal discussion ensued in which the advisability of such a step was advocated, and it was agreed to proceed at once to form a permanent organization.
The following named persons were unanimously chosen as officers for the first year:
President — S. F. Emmons
Vice-President — Richard Pearce
Secretary — Whitman Cross
It was further agreed that the association should be called “The Colorado Scientific Society,” and the following named persons, all residents of Denver, were enrolled as members:
Herman Berger, Whitman Cross,
P. H. Van Diest, Anton Eilers,
S. F. Emmons, J. B. Grant
Rev. H. M. Hart, Hon. N. P. HIll,
W. F. Hillebrand, A. H. Low,
Richard Pearce, A. von Schulz.
A Committee on Constitution and By-Laws was appointed consisting of the President, Vice-President and P. H. Van Diest, who were requested to report on the next Friday evening, the 15th instant, at the same place, to which date the meeting adjourned.
R. Pearce – N. P. Hill – A. H. Low – P. H. Van Diest – A. Von Schulz – W. F. Hillebrand – An. Eilers
——————-
SECOND MEETING OF ORGANIZATION
DECEMBER 5th[sic], 1882. [Date should be the 15th]
In Rooms of the United States Geological Survey.
———-
The President, S. F. Emmons, in the Chair.
———-
The following Consitution and By-Laws as presented by the Committee, were unanimously adopted:
—————–
CONSTITUTION
———
NAME.
ARTICLE I. This association shall be called “The Colorado Scientific Society.
OBJECT.
ART. II. Its object shall be the promotion of scientific intercourse, observation and record in the State of Colorado.
MEANS FOR ATTAINING THIS OBJECT.
ART. III. Among the means for attaining this end shall be periodical meetings of the Society, the reading of papers, the discussion of scientific subjects, the collection of scientific books and periodicals, special investigations into matters of public and scientific interest, and the publication
of such parts of the proceedings as may be deemed expedient.
MEMBERS.
ART. IV. Persons of recognized attainments in some branch of natural science shall be eligible for admission as members of the Society.
OFFICERS.
ART. V. The officers of the Society shall consist of a President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasure, and an Executive Committee of seven, of which the President and Secretary shall be ex-officio members.
AMENDMENTS
ART. VI. Proposed amendments to the constitution may be submitted in writing at a regular meeting of the Society, signed by not less than three members. If approved by a majority of those present, they shall be sent in writing to each member and shall be voted upon at some subsequent regular meeting of the Society, the vote of two-thirds of the members of the Society being necessary
to confirm. Members who are not able to be present may vote by letter.
———————-
BY-LAWS
———–
REGULAR MEETINGS
SECTION 1. The regular meetings of the Society shall be held on the first Monday of each month. When this day falls on an official holiday, the meeting shall be held on the next following Monday.
ORDER OF PROCEDURE
SEC. 2. The order of procedure at meetings shall be:
First — The reading of the records of the last meeting.
Second — Balloting for candidates for admission.
Third — Reports of Committees.
Fourth — Other business.
Fifth — Reading of papers.
Sixth — Discussion and debate.
RULES OF PROCEDURE
SEC. 3. The proceedings of the meetings shall be governed by the ordinary rules of parliamentary practice.
QUORUM.
SEC. 4. At any regular meeting of the Society five shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business; but the action of a less number at any monthly meeting may be entered on the journal, provided such action does not affect the rights of the Society.
PROPOSALS OF MEMBERS
SEC. 5. Nominations and proposals for admission to the Society shall be endorsed by at least three members, one of whom shall certify that he personally knows the candidates, and that he is worth of acceptance. Such nominations shall be passed upon by the Standing Committee before being presented to the vote of the Society. The Standing Committee shall have authority to reject such nominations or to postpone action upon the same.
ELECTION OF OFFICERS
SEC. 6. Officers of the Society shall be elected at the first meeting of each year, to hold office during that year. They shall be voted on by ballot, and a majority of members of the Society shall be necessary for an election. Members not able to be present may vote by letter.
DUTIES OF PRESIDENT
SEC. 7. The President, and in his absence the Vice-President, shall preside at all meetings of the Society, and in case of their absence a chairman pro tempore shall be appointed by a majority of the votes of the members present. The President shall be an honorary member of the Standing Committee, and shall have a vote in the case of a tie.
DUTIES OF SECRETARY
SEC. 8. The Secretary shall keep the records of the Society; shall have charge of all papers, books and collections of the Society and shall issue notices of meetings to members before each meeting..
DUTIES OF THE TREASURER
SEC. 9. The Treasurer shall have charge of the funds of the Society, receive all assessments, and pay all bills and orders approved by the Standing Committee.
DUTIES OF STANDING COMMITTEE
SEC. 10. The Standing Committee shall have general control of all expenditures of the Society; shall pass on members proposed for admission; shall see that papers and discussions are prepared for the regular meetings, and shall determine what, if any, part of the proceedings of the Society shall be published.
ELECTION OF MEMBERS.
SEC. 11. Persons who have been formally proposed and favorably passed upon by the Standing Committee shall be balloted for at the next regular meeting. Two contrary votes shall be sufficient to prevent their election. Members not able to be present may send their ballots by mail. Neglect to vote shall have the force of an affirmative vote. In the case of persons proposed not being elected, no notice of the same shall be entered on the records of the Society.
ENTRANCE FEE AND DUES
SEC. 14. The amount of Entrance Fee and Annual Dues shall be determined by the Standing Committee, subject to the approval of a majority of the members present at any regular meeting of the Society.
EXTRAORDINARY MEETINGS.
SEC. 15. Extraordinary meetings may be called by the Standing Committee.
INTRODUCTION OF NON-MEMBERS AT MEETINGS
SEC. 16. Members shall have the right to introduce at any regular meeting of the Society persons who may be interested in the subject to be discussed at the meeting. Residents of Denver shall, however, be restricted to one visit during the year.
EXCHANGE OF PUBLICATIONS
SEC. 17. In case it shall be determined to issue a publication of the proceedings or papers of the Society, it shall be the duty of the Secretary to exchange such publications for those of kindred societies, and secure as far as possible the gift of scientific books from any available source.
FILLING OF VACANCIES
SEC. 18. Any vacancy among the officers of the Society may be filled for the unexpired term at the next regular meeting after notice of such vacancy has been given to the Society.
EXPULSION OF MEMBERS
SEC. 19. Upon the written request of three or more members, that for cause therein set forth, a person belonging to the Society be expelled, the Standing Committee shall consider the matter, and if there is sufficient reason, shall advise the person that his resignation will be accepted.
AMENDMENTS.
SEC. 20. Additions or amendments to the by-laws shall be proposed in writing and recorded at a regular meeting, and be voted upon at the following meeting, either by personal or letter ballot. A majority vote shall be necessary for the adoption of such addition or amendment.
The following named persons were elected members of the Standing Committee.
Richard Pearce, Hermann Beeger,
A. Eilers, W. F. Hillebrand,
Mr. Whitman Cross was also elected Treasurer.
The Society then adjourned to hold its first regular meeting January 2nd, 1883.
———-
FIRST REGULAR MEETING
January 2nd, 1883,
In Rooms of the United States Geological Survey.
———-
The Vice-President, Richard Pearce, in the chair.
———-
The minutes of the meetings for organization were read and approved.
The Standing Committee reported the following list of candidates for admission to the Society, who were elected, by unanimous consent, by a viva voce vote:
C. A. Martine, Georgetown, Colorado
E. L. Neve Foster ” ”
Prof. Albert C. Hale, Golden, ”
Prof. Milton Moss, ” ”
Prof. Arthur Lakes, ” ”
R. C. Hills, Denver, ”
Wm, McCree ” ”
The Standing Committee recommended that the amount of annual dues be fixed at $10, payable in advance. Adopted.
The address of the President, S. F. Emmons, was then read in his absence by the Secretary.
SECOND REGULAR MEETING
February 5th, 1883,
In Rooms of the United States Geological Survey.
———-
The Vice-President, Richard Pearce, in the chair.
———-
The following were elected members:
J. G. Ridgley, Denver, Colorado.
Henry Williams, Butte City, Montana.
——————————
THIRD REGULAR MEETING
March 5th, 1883,
In Rooms of the United States Geological Survey.
———-
The Vice-President, Richard Pearce, in the chair.
———-
The name of a candidate for admission to the Society was reported by the Standing Committee, and, upon motion was made, action was postponed to the next meeting.
The Committee also presented for the consideration of the Society an amendment to Sec. 11, of the By-Laws, relating to the election of members. The amendment proposed read as follows: Amendment to Sec. 11, of By-Laws. “Names of persons who have been formally proposed and favorably passed upon by the Standing Committee shall be read at the next meeting of the Society, and balloted upon at the next succeeding regular meeting.”
Action upon this amendment was deferred, in accordance with a provision of the By-Laws, until the next meeting.
FOURTH REGULAR MEETING
April 2nd, 1883,
In Rooms of the United States Geological Survey.
———-
The Vice-President, Richard Pearce, in the chair.
———-
Prof. Magnus C. Ihlseng, of Golden, Colo. was elected to membership.
Names of candidates for admission to the Society were reported by the Standing Committee.
The amendment to Sec. 11, of By-Laws, proposed at the previous meeting, was unanimously adopted.
FIFTH REGULAR MEETING
May 7th, 1883,
In Rooms of the United States Geological Survey.
———-
The Vice-President, Richard Pearce, in the chair.
———-
The following were elected to membership:
Carlton H. Hand, Silver City, New Mexico
Rudolf Keck, Denver, Colorado
F. F. Chisolm, ” ”
SIXTH REGULAR MEETING
June 4th, 1883,
In Rooms of the United States Geological Survey.
———-
The Vice-President, Richard Pearce, in the chair.
———-
Owing to the fact that many members of the Society would be absent from the city during the summer months, it was deemed advisable to adjourn after the reading of communications until October, and a motion to this effect was carried.
SEVENTH REGULAR MEETING
October 1st, 1883,
In Rooms of the United States Geological Survey.
———-
The President, S. F. Emmons, in the chair.
———-
The following were members were elected to membership:
Robert Sticht, South Pueblo, Colorado
Oscar J. Frost, Argo, ”
Sherman G. Sackett, Denver, ”
Mr. Van Diest broached the subject of holding a social gathering and dinner at some time before the close of the year, in order to give the members an opportunity for becoming better personally acquainted with each other. After some remarks it was moved and carried that the President appoint a committee of two to confer with the members in regard to such a gathering and report at the next meeting.
The President appointed Mr. Van Diest and the Secretary as such committee.
EIGHTH REGULAR MEETING
November 5th, 1883,
In Rooms of the United States Geological Survey.
———-
The President, S. F. Emmons, in the chair.
———-
The President stated that there had been an irregularity in the proceedings of the previous meeting, in that Messrs. Sticht, Frost and Sackett had been elected to membership at the same meeting in which their names had been reported from the Standing Committee, contrary to the amendment to Sec. 11 of By-Laws, adopted April nd 1883. Upon motion duly seconded the election of the above named gentlemen was then unanimously confirmed viva voce.
Names of candidates for membership were reported by the Standing Committee.
The Secretary read the resignation of M. C. Ihlseng, of Golden, Colorado, which was accepted.
Mr. Van Diest, from the special committee on the matter of the social gathering and dinner, reported in favor of holding a dinner early in December. After discussion it was resolved that the President appoint a committee of three to make arrangements for a dinner upon a date to be determined after further consultation. The President appointed as members of this committee Messrs. Von Schulz, Cross, and Van Diest.
NINTH REGULAR MEETING
December 3rd, 1883,
In Rooms of the United States Geological Survey.
———-
The Vice-President, Richard Pearce, in the chair.
———-
The following candidates were elected to membership.
L. D. Ricketts, Leadville, Colorado
W. S. Ward, Denver, ”
L. G. Eakins, ” ”
Gregory Board, ” ”
Names of candidates for admission to the Society were reported by the Standing Committee.
Mr. Van Diest from the committee on “Dinner” reported that arrangements had been made for a dinner at Charpiot’s Hotel, in Denver, on the evening of Dec. 10th.
