Abstract :
IN ARRANGING the program for this evening the committee to whose efforts the presence of our distinguished guests is due gave consideration to the question whether it would be wise to attempt to suggest to the several speakers various more or less definite aspects or phases of our broad subject, with a view to avoiding repetition of thought and securing a comprehensive and systematic discussion. It was felt, however, that the most useful and constructive results might be expected if the gentlemen who are to follow me were simply invited to present for your attention those views and suggestions — based not only upon their exceptional experience as leaders in various departments of engineering accomplishment, but also upon their wide observation and experience as men of the world — which to them, severally, may appear of special´ interest and importance to the profession. If repetition results, emphasis will result, and the status of the engineer, as a professional man and as a citizen, can be systematically advanced only by that individual and that collective effort which it may be hoped will result from that conviction which follows the emphatic statement and reiteration of essential facts.
