Page:Oregon Historical Quarterly vol. 6.djvu/319

Rh of the Far West gave special warrant for an emphasis on ideals. The exigent need of the best light of experience for the solution of state problems called for an active and intimate connection of the work of the society with the life of the commonwealth.

The assets out of which the society had developed its strength were the great wealth of pioneer sentiment and special charm of an heroic past in its community's life. On these it had grafted an appreciation of the importance of the collection and publication of contemporary records. It was not confronted by any rivals. But owing to the separation of the center of population from the State capital and the home of the State University, an ideal location for the society was impossible. This space problem is, however, recognized as a matter of diminishing importance in library activity. That the society might become the center of vigorous historical activities in the State, it was held, that it must build up a library of research, maintain meetings from which the largest benefits of association and coöperation are derived, must supervise the archives of the State, and conduct administrative and legislative reference library for the commonwealth. The assumption of these functions in the life of the Oregon commonwealth would be in harmony with the widest application of the principle of cooperation among the agencies for the promotion of the higher interests of its people; it would bring into largest and most effective play scientific methods and principles for the shaping of the future of Oregon; and would at the same time result in the best selection of data for future history and provide for the highest utilization of them from day to day.

The afternoon session of the 22d was taken up with reports by representatives of the different States and sections of the Pacific Coast. The Hon. C. B. Bagley, president of the Washington State University Historical Society, though unable to be present, had sent a statement on the