Page:American Journal of Sociology Volume 11.djvu/571

 ORGANIZATION OF THE AMERICAN SOCIOLOGICAL

SOCIETY

OFFICIAL REPORT

During the summer of 1905 Professor C. W. A. Veditz, of the George Washington University, wrote to a number of the well-known sociologists of the United States with a view to se- curing an expression of opinion with regard to the desirability and feasibility of forming some sort of an organization of sociologists. This correspondence indicated, among those who participated in it, a unanimous desire for such an organization. Dr. Lester F. Ward, of Washington, believed that there is cer- tainly need for a national sociological association, inasmuch as the sociologists of the country need to get together, and no existing association of a scientific character enables them to do this to the extent that is necessary. Professor S. N. Patten was of practically the same opinion. Professor S. M. Lindsay and Professor T. N. Carver, while they favored an organization of sociologists, were not convinced that it ought to be an entirely separate and independent organization; they felt that it would be unwise, perhaps, to separate at this time from the Economic Association, with which most sociologists are now connected, and in which almost all sociologists are interested.

More detailed expressions of opinion were received from Professor Albion W. Small, of the University of Chicago, and Professor E. A. Ross, of the University of Nebraska. The former wrote, in part, as follows :

The formation of a sociological association has been suggested by a num- ber of sociologically inclined people in this region, and I should certainly be glad to co-operate most heartily in any plan which may seem feasible. The main thing is a getting together for free threshing out of ideas of common interest. My suggestion is that you take the responsibility of cor- responding with the program committee of the Economic Association, and suggest that the program for the December meeting be arranged in such a

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