It was with great diffidence that I undertook, at the request of the President of this Association, to write this paper.

I felt, in the first place, that there are many of my brother officers who could have done it much better, and, in the second, that as a very humble amateur, I should be addressing a distinguished body of musicians. I trust, however, they will patiently hear me, as I am actuated by none but sincere and patriotic motives.