Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1845-12-18
GEOLOGICAL SURVEY.

We understand that late number Of the Rut-
land Herald commented with some severity upon
few suggestions made in the Waterman some weeks
ago as to the geological survey of Vermont. The
article of the Herald we have never seen, but learn
in an indirect way that we arc charged with hos
tility to Professor Adams, and with uniting with
the Locofocos in opposition to the survey, because
the Professor does not happen to be in the interest
of the Central Railroad No man who is not wrap
ped up in tho interests of local corporation or
whose vision is not "cribbed cabned and confh-
cd" within the valley of Otter Creek, would ever
have attributed to us ittleness like that especial
ly in face of the fact that we have never even in
formed our readers whether Mr. Adams is CT is not
| favorable to the Central Road. We have barely
said that his course had created sectional jealous
les, but we never minated in what respect up to
this moment we have never exposed the facts. Our
sin is not such as the Herald charges if We have
snned at ALL it has been in being too lenent to the
State Geologist-too lenient to the committee Of
the Rutland Road, and too negectful of the inter-
ests of the Central Road Dare the Herald deny
that Mr.. Adams official letter TO the Rutland rail
road committee has created sectional jeaousy?-
When the Herald does SO, shall inform our read
ers what that letter was, and endcavor to charac-
terze it in just terms
Our remarks on the geological survey sprung
from a higher source than hostility to any man, or
favor to any railroad interest. We were anxious
for geological survey of the State for the sake of
the interests of the State. Such a survey had been
made party question: and we therefore any
ous for the credit of the Wing party well as for
the interests of the State, that the Geooglst should
be man thoroughly fitted for his duties. We
wanted no halfway work; no humbug, which would
cost the treasury a sum nearly equal to that which
would make good survey: we did not wish the
Wing party or the State to be caught in such
dilemma Our opinion was that the selection of
DR.. Jackson would give universal confidence; that
a thorough and valuable survey tooud be expected
by the public We believed that nine 'tenths
at least of the people of the State would rejoice at
his appointment, and Oiitingiy pay The sum neceSSa-
~ for q good surrey. At the same time we were
informed that DR.. Jackson could be had for the sum
already appropriated, relying upon the Legislature
qjteripards to increase H. Under these views and
facts, we thought that the Governor erred in not
appointing DR.. Jackson and we think so now. In
saying this we intend no reflection upon Governor
Sade: he unquestionably acted from the convic-
tons of his own judgment, and the result may prove
that he was right. Indeed, his endeavor to get Dr.
Jackson. in the first instance, and the subsequent
appointment of President Hitchcock, sufficient
evidences that he was anxious to take the best
course. In all but taking the responsibility of APP
pointing Dr. Jackson, under his Offer tie Governor
seems to have entertained views very much like
our own. We intend no reflection upon the quail
fcations of the State Geologst he may be quite
as well fitted for the place DIR. Jackson; he may
make as thorough and valuable survey, and VIC
hope he will he may in future avoid the error o
writing official letters for the exclusive benefit o
any particular clique, and in the hope that he will
we can forgive that error. Prof Adams has anoth
er year to exhibit his powers, and we ardenty hope
that the result will be satisfactory. From Presi
dent Iitchcock's commentator of Prof. Adams
(which learn for the first time in the annexed
urticle,) we have reason to expect that he will bea
the test and command public confidence If not
we shall 90 for removing him, and appointing an
other in his place, else for abandoning the sur
vey altogether. This survey is usgrave matter o
State policy, and has also been made by many o
no other notion than to have thorough work made
of it. 1t is bad policy for the State and the Wing
party to treat it in any other way; and instead la
the Patriot suggests) of getting up divisions in thu
Wing ranks about this question, we trust that tn
t Wing party en- masse, and all icise Locofocos vii
unite in that course which the interests of the Stat
t shall demand
, We have received a copy of Prof Adams re
f port we learn that our copy was sent as soon a
d others to editors in the State. The survey, c
which this is report, was preliminary only
mere reconnaissance -and it would not be just t
make that report test of the qualifications OF tn
: surveyors. They have SKINNED the surface some
,; what gathering together facts which were know
j. before as it has been objected. But this is reall
no objections if they had SPt gathered these fact
n they might well have been charged with neglec
One of the great advantages of any survey is,
gather precisely such facts, and reveal to ALL in or
:, 70 view the knowledge which lies spread in variot
quarters. But this is only beginning OF the wol
to be performed; and we again repeat our hoE
). that another report will prove that the Geolog
/ knows his duties and performs them well.
4. To do full Justice to Gov. Slade and Prof. A,
Is ans we publish the following communication, whic
our suggestions in former number have elicite
:. Perhaps even the Rutland Herald will begin to Sc
u that this subject may be brought out TO public SER
tiny now full as well as at any other time. TIL
, article was received in for our last but W;
crowded out by the Presidents Message.
n For the Waterman and Journal
NJ 1t seems to me you labor under misapprehe
sion in regard to the appointment OF the Geology:
10 which am sure you will be glad to nave correc
" ed. You are not aware, and very few are aware
the difficulties the Governor had to encounter
'g making the appointment They arose from the i
adequacy of the appropriation. DIR. Jackson w
n an early applicant for the appointment but want
S3lOO ner nnnum. 10 cover the expense OF the sn