Document information

Physical location:

Royal Geographical Society, Archives,CB7/ 1449. 94.03.00e

Preferred Citation:

Clements Markham to Ferdinand von Mueller, 1894-03 [94.03.00e]. R.W. Home, Thomas A. Darragh, A.M. Lucas, Sara Maroske, D.M. Sinkora, J.H. Voigt and Monika Wells (eds), Correspondence of Ferdinand von Mueller, <https://vmcp.rbg.vic.gov.au/id//letters/1890-6/1894/94-03-00e-final.odt>, accessed June 9, 2026

1
Letter not found. The text given here is from an undated manuscript draft of what is evidently a letter to be sent to those who accepted an invitation to become an Honorary Vice-President of the sixth International Geographical Congress, held in London in 1895. For M's invitation, see M to A. Macdonald, 17 January 1894. If all who accepted the designation as Honorary Vice-President were sent this letter as acceptances were received, a letter from Macdonald accepting the invitation on M's behalf (see M to A. Macdonald, 22 January 1894) could have been responded to no earlier than March 1894. It is possible that the letters were sent out later, perhaps to accompany the Invitation Circular sent out in December 1884 that listed Honorary Vice-Presidents, M included (Keltie & Mill (1896), p. xvi, Appendix A, pp. 4-7); copies of the circular in French and German are in the RGS archive for the Congress).
As you are aware it has been arranged that the Sixth International Geographical Congress shall meet in London during the first week in August 1895, and it will be attended by a large number of Foreign Geographers.
You have been good enough to allow your name to be placed on the list of Honorary Vice-Presidents.
2
Keltie & Mill (1896), Appendix A, p. 5.
I trust that this may be taken as an expression of your desire that the Congress may be successful, and that a fitting and cordial reception may be offered to the distinguished delegates of the foreign Societies who will attend the Congress.
3
The opening paragraphs might imply that the letter was restricted to those resident in the United Kingdom, but if restricted at all it is likely that those in British colonies would have received it.
The scale on which the desired arrangements can be carried out must depend on the funds which are made available. The Royal Geographical Society will contribute, but a sum of not less than £3500 will be required to ensure success. It is hoped then that you may see your way to support the efforts of the Executive Committee to make the Congress worthy of this country and of London.
Donations (in addition to the subscription of £1 which constitutes membership) for this purpose are now being received by the Secretaries, International Geographical Congress, 1 Savile Row, London, W.
4
Members of the Congress who made additional contributions are indicated in the General Alphabetical list of Members (Keltie & Mill (1896), Appendix A, pp. 34-84). M donated (p. 66), but it is not known whether he responded to this appeal or to one made to Fellows more generally, nor is the amount he contributed known.
I am yours very truly
Clements Markham
President R.G.S and President-Elect of the International Geographical Congress