Page:American Journal of Sociology Volume 11.djvu/576

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560 THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF SOCIOLOGY

to large social questions affecting the national welfare, and having particu- lar prominence in the social consciousness, should have consideration ; such matters a? race-suicide and normal racial relations under a single political sovereignty would at this time receive notice.

4. Co-ordination of the results from the different American and European tendencies in the science would, I think, be a matter worthy of some attention from such a body.

It was the opinion of Professor C. R. Henderson, of the Uni- versity of Chicago, that

an organization of sociologists is inevitable, and it is desirable. For the present, however, I should advise that a very modest beginning be made, and that the meetings be held in connection with the Economic, the Histori- cal, and the Political Science Associations.

Professor Charles A. Ellwood, of the University of Missouri, wrote :

It seems to me that the time has come to form an American sociological association. No organization of national scope now in existence gives anything but the most trifling attention to the problems which the sociologist is trying to investigate. The American Economic Association has occa- sionally had on its program papers dealing with sociological problems ; but if this can satisfy the group of American sociologists, we shall but proclaim to the world our lack of interest in, and enthusiasm for, the science in which we are working.

I am in favor, therefore, of an independent sociological association organized somewhat on the plan of the American Political Science Associa- tion to meet at the same time and place annually as the American Economic Association. I am also in favor of making membership in this association open to all who have any interest in sociological problems ; and I believe that the program of the association should not be definitely limited in any way, but should be left to be determined by the program or executive committee.

Professor! Frank W. Blackmar, of the University of Kansas, gave expression to the following opinion :

There certainly is a need for an organization of sociologists at the present time. It would undoubtedly advance the study of sociology very much, and would be of special service in bringing about a consensus of opinion in regard to disputed points in sociological development. It should be formed now, because we are ready for such an organization. I think it safe to say that we have never been ready for such an organization before. .... Its scope should be sociology general, pure, and applied. Care