Page:Popular Science Monthly Volume 65.djvu/493

Rh and his handshake as hearty as at the beginning. For each member, and particularly for all visitors from outside England, ho had a kindly word, and a greeting which while most hospitable was never overdone; which carried the pleasure of a friendly welcome without losing at any moment the stamp of good breeding. Except perhaps President McKinley, I have never seen a man in public station who could receive so many persons in a public reception and so successfully make each one feel that he had been given a special welcome. As an American who has seen much of political life remarked, 'A man who can shake hands

like that would be a successful politician in any country.' Mr. Balfour was in fact an ideal president of the association, democratic, yet dignified. He left on those who saw him for the first time the impression of a man who had not only intellectual power, but also one who combined with this good breeding, good nature and common sense.

A very interesting comparison between the American and the British Association could be found in a study of the sectional addresses and other leading papers of the one as contrasted with the other. In such a comparison the American would find little to minister to national vanity. The presidents of the sections in the British Association are almost always men of assured scientific standing and reputation. Their audiences include many of the best known men of science in England. The addresses are prepared with more care and are generally given in a more interesting and effective manner. The occasion