Speaking of conventions — A message from the President

AN almost universal characteristic of the human family is the desire “to come together” — “con venio” — “convene.” Twice in the last month have I seen this demonstrated: once in New York at the winter convention of the AIEE; and again in a far different way at Colon, Panama, where the picturesque natives of the Isthmus dropped every regular occupation that they might fittingly celebrate the annual carnival just prior to the beginning of Lent. I am told that the term “carnival” is derived from 2 Latin words, vale (farewell) and carnus (meat). In gay, picturesque, and sometimes ludicrous costumes, by parades through colorfully decorated streets, and enlivened by bands, the throng bade a merry farewell to meat.