constitutional law, and earlier opinions have been somewhat modified in the recent cases, many of them arising from the repudiation of debts in the Southern States, which have been persistently forced on the courts. Thus, in 1890, in the case of Hans v. Louisiana, the Supreme Court decided that a sovereign State could not be sued, even by her own citizens, and that the decision in Chisholm v. Georgia was incorrect. The term "sovereign State," however, as here used denotes financial rather than political independence and differs widely in meaning from the use of one hundred or even fifty years ago. The free repudiation of public contracts in many States, and the impossibility of enforcing many of the constitutional restrictions upon States, have led some to propose a repeal of the eleventh amendment, though there has been as yet no general movement in that direction. Prof. James A. Woodburn, of the Indiana State University, described the "Historical significance of the Missouri compromise." Hon. William Wirt Henry, of Richmond, Va., presented a paper on the "First legislative assembly in America." Although Virginia, the oldest English colony in America, was at first under military government, it was allowed the privilege of a legislative assembly in 1619 under the commission of Governor Yeardley. This, the first legislative assembly in America, met at Jamestown July 30, 1619, more than a year before the sailing of the Pilgrims. It was composed of the governor and his council and two representatives, chosen from each plantation, making twenty-two burgesses. The place of meeting was the Episcopal church at Jamestown. This building, the manner in which the assembly was constituted, and its personnel, were sketched by Mr. Henry, and the proceedings of the legislative body were fully given. The Virginia assembly as early as 1623, and continuously afterwards, claimed the sole and exclusive right to tax the colony and boldly took issue with parliament in 1765, on the passage of the stamp act, declaring that, as it imposed the tax upon the colonies without their consent, it tended to destroy British as well as American freedom. This brought on the Revolution, which established the independence of the United States, with the grand results which have followed. Miss Cora Start, of Worcester, Mass., read a valuable monograph on "Naturalization in the English colonies of America." Prof. B. A. Hinsdale, of the University of Michigan, showed the importance of the "Thirty-first parallel in American history." At the Thursday evening and closing session Prof. Simeon E. Baldwin, of Yale University, described "The historic policy of the United States as to annexation." This paper is printed in full in the Yale Review, August, 1893. Prof. J. Franklin Jameson's paper on the "Origin of the standingcommittee system in American legislative bodies" was read in part by the secretary. Prof. F. W. Blackmar, of the University of Kansas, read an interesting sketch of the "Annals of an historic town." He showed that, by the passage of the Douglass bill, Congress removed the battle field of slavery from Congressional halls to the plains of Kansas. National issues were referred to a local community for final settlement. Lawrence was the first Free-State town of any importance and it became the center of the Free-State movement in the Territory of Kansas. The municipal life of Lawrence is instructive as illustrating the development of free institutions. The town was settled by New Englanders, sent out by the Massachusetts Emigrant Aid Society, and they brought with them New England institutions. They came to establish religious and political liberty in Kansas, and in this respect they partook of the spirit of the Puritans and Pilgrims of New England. But they sought the freedom of others as well as their own improvement, and were not obliged to leave their own country on account of oppression. The people who settled Lawrence were not abolitionists, but they intended to make Kansas a free State according to the legal act of Congress. They respected and obeyed Federal authority and desired to avoid open conflict. Their steady, persistent determination to abide by Federal law, and at the same time to oppose false local legislation, made Kansas a free commonwealth. The auditing committee appointed by President Angell on behalf of the American Historical Association congratulated that body upon the favorable condition of its finances. The Association now owns a bond and mortgage for $5,000, representing accumulations made during the early years of its history. Mrs. Walworth called the attention of the Association to the fact that the year 1894 would be the decennial of our organization at Saratoga Springs, September 10, 1884. On behalf of the citizens of Saratoga she cordially invited the Association to hold its next meeting there. The committee on the time and place of the next meeting of the Association reported in favor of accepting this invitation. The Association passed a vote of thanks to Charles C. Bonney and Dr. W. F. Poole for courtesies extended to the historical congress. Thanks were also voted to Mr. William E. Curtis for his invitation to visit the historical collections in La Rabida. REPORT OF THE TREASURER. The American Historical Association in account with Clarence W. Bowen, treasurer. CLARENCE W. BOWEN, Treasurer. CHICAGO, July 12, 1893. Messrs. E. W. Blatchford and James P. Baxter were appointed to audit the accounts of Mr. Clarence W. Bowen, treasurer of the American Historical Association from January 1, 1892, to July 6, 1893. They beg to report: They find statements of the following receipts: January 1, 1892, balance from last statement.... Loan made by secretary... Interest on bond and mortgage for $5,000... From sale of publications, $105.87 + $10.78+ $224.50= From 6 life memberships, at $50 each. From 625 annual dues, at $3 each............ $42.90 1,000.00 500.00 341. 15 300.00 1,875.00 Total receipts...... They find 30 vouchers for expenditures as stated (inclusive of 1,075, being the loan and interest paid) of July 6, 1893, cash on hand.... 4, 059. 05 4,038. 10 20.95 4, 059. 05 The statement is accompanied by a certificate of John A. King, of date February 2, 1892, of the possession of the bond and mortgage for $5,000, at 5 per cent..... Which, with above statement of cash on hand of.. Makes the assets of the American Historical Association at date, 5,000.00 20.95 5, 020.95 Your committee would express to the Association their congratulation upon the favorable condition of the finances of your society at this date. The bond and mortgage for $5,000 represents accumulations during the very early years of its history. The present economical arrangements for publication of the Association's papers will increase the fund. Special thanks are due to the officers of the Association, whose constant and efficient services make this report possible. Respectfully submitted. E. W. BLATchford, Chairman. |