Dr. Quinlan: That would consume more time than possibly the afternoon session would permit, and I am afraid it would take away from the scientific part of our programme.
Mr. Griffin: The same would apply next year.
Dr. Quinlan: We will take it up as a whole next year.
Mr. Crimmins: I concur with the last speaker. It seems to me eminently proper that we should act upon the matter at this time. I fully agree with the remark of the last gentleman that possibly this might be postponed for another year. It seemed to me very clear and concise language was used, and covered all the situations that might arise in the administration of the Society, and I move now, in general, that the suggestion made by the gentlemen who proposed these amendments be adopted.
Mr. Lenehan: The constitution is the most important document which this Society could possibly pass upon. If the committee who were entrusted with the charge of this matter had had it printed and distributed among the members we would have come here today prepared to vote on it in an intelligent manner. If we vote on the constitution as proposed now, we are voting upon something about which we know little, for it has not been read. I, for one, will not vote on a paper I have not read. If we are going to vote intelligently we must take it up section by section, have each read and voted upon separately.
We have struggled along for twelve years with our present constitution, and I do not see that the Society will suffer any injury if we are obliged to continue the work under the present constitution for twelve months longer. In the meantime the committee can print its report and distribute the same among the members and if there should be any need for expedition it could be referred to the Executive Council with power to consider the matter and adopt such constitution as they deem wise. In that way the constitution could be adopted in three or four months’ time, and in the meantime, if we are furnished with copies, we shall have the benefit of careful consideration of the same. If we vote now it may be for something we shall regret later. Safety lies in thorough consideration of the subject, and I therefore hope, Mr. President, that the motion to adopt this constitution unread, unseen, unheard, will be either withdrawn or defeated.
Mr. Thomas S. Lonergan: How soon does the Executive Council of the Society meet?
Dr. Quinlan: Subject to the chair. We meet four or five times a year.
Mr. Lonergan: I move an amendment to the last motion that the committee on the revision of the constitution submit its report to the Executive Council, and that the Executive Council print that report and distribute same among the members.
Mr. Crimmins: Mr. President, where will that leave us?