Notes

Abstract

THE profound grief expressed by the British Association when news of the assassination of the late President of the United States was received, was described in last week's NATURE. We have now received a copy of the letter sent to Mr. Choate, the American Ambassador, by Prof. Rücker, president of the Association, and of the reply. The letter sent was as follows:—“To his Excellency the Hon. J. H. Choate, Ambassador of the United States of America. Sir,—The General Committee of the British Association for the Advancement of Science, assembled this year in Glasgow, desire me to express to you the horror with which they heard of the attack upon the late President of the United States, and their deep sorrow at his death. On the first day of the meeting in Glasgow the Association telegraphed to Mr. McKinley the assurance of their sympathy and of their earnest hopes for his recovery. These hopes have not been fulfilled, and it is now my sad duty to inform you that the tragic fate of the President of the United States has cast a deep shadow over our meeting. Together with all our fellow countrymen we share in the sorrow of the great sister-nation which you represent; and we desire, through you, to inform the men of science of America that the members of the British Association are bound to them not only by ties of blood, not only by the links which unite all students of Nature, but by the deeper feelings which draw together those who are partners in a common sorrow, and mourn one of the leaders of our common race.—I am, sir, your obedient servant, A. W. Rücker.” In reply, the American Ambassador wrote:—“Sir,—I have received with heartfelt gratitude the kind expression of condolence and sympathy at the death of President McKinley which you have forwarded to me on behalf of the General Committee of the British Association for the Advancement of Science. I shall duly advise my Government of its receipt, and it will be highly appreciated by them and by Mrs. McKinley. Your kind message and hundreds of other similar communications from all parts of the British Dominions, carry an assurance of national friendship and goodwill which will be most welcome to the American people.—Yours sincerely, Joseph H. Choate.”