The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1846-08-27
Astronomy-The Fiourishing State OF the
Science In this Country.

Science In this Country.
That America is rapidly progressing in every.
thing that is calculated to make her a great ma.
ton, is such a trusm, that few think it now
worth while to assertit, and yet the truth is every
day forcing itself more and more prominently on
the attention of the world The inexhaustibe
mines OF science are being industriously delved
by our learned men, and every day some new
gem is brought to light
Among the practical sciences, astronomy stands
perhaps foremost, and we hail with great plea
sure the vigorous cultivation of this ennobling
science, now apparent in the United States.
Observatores are springng up in every direc-
ton under the superintendent of learned men,
and IN the course of few years, the grandest re-
suits may be expected. At Cincinnati, an obser-
vatory has been built a large scale, and instru-
ments, imported from Europe, have been put up,
and are now in practical operation. AT Amherst
College an observatory is about being built, which
is to cost five thousand dollars, and for which that
sum is already pledged. Georgetown College, in
addition tomany other rare appliances Of science,
possesses a magnificent observatory, erected on
the highest portion of the beautiful grounds at
tached to that learned institution There are also
excellent observatores at Harvard and Yale Col
leges, at West Point. and at the High School,
Philadelphia.
But to crown all, the national observatory at
Washington, under the care of the present Secre
tary OF the Navy, promises TO furnish from this
time forward, an immense annual addition to our
present stock of astronomical knowledge. When
MIR. Bancroft entered the navy department, he
was determined, it is said, TO mako the
uonal observatory one of the chief objects of his
care, and Notwithstanding that the opera
tons OF our navy, consequent on the ex-
istence of war with Mexico have in some
degree retarded the prosecution of those
measures, which he resolved to carry out Tor the
advancement of astronomical scence-stll amid
the many perplexing matters which have occu-
pied his attention, he has, nevertheless, found time
lately, we are told, to give instructions for regular
system of astronomical observations, to be carried
out under the superintendent of Lieutenant
Maury, a gentleman whose industry, zeal, and
ability, in the prosecution of astronomical re-
searches, and in the management of the obser-
vatory, have already elected the warm approba-
ton of scientific men in this country and in Eu-
rope.
From instructions recently given by the Secre-
tary of the Navy to Lieutenant Maury, and
lately published in the Herald, we see that
the latter gentleman is engaged in making
nautical almanac, matter of the greatest mpor-
lance, and promising the most beneficial results.
At the suggestion of Mr.. Bancroft, Mr. Maury has
concluded to devote himself exclusively to the
cultivation of astronomical science, and from that
gentleman's untring assiduity and zeal in the
prosecution of the study TO which he has devoted
the best years OF his life, we may anticipate the
most brilliant results.
The two most celebrated European catalogues
of the stars, "Bessel's Zone Observations" and
"Struve's Catalogue OF Double Stars" extend
only to fifteen degrees south of the Equator. The
Washington observatory, from its geographical
position, can command zone of fifteen degrees
farther south, thus embracing space of the
heavens not within the ken of European obser-
vatories. Lieutenant Maury will have an oppor-
tunity of adding to the catalogue, all the stars
within this space which he may observe. The
instruments of the observatory Of excellent
quality, but must have still better. Why
should not the government order the Manufacture
OF a telescope equal to that of Lord Rose, with
which such wonders have already been wrought :?
The results Of such telescope brought to bear up
on the new field open to our astronomers ARE alto
gether incalcuable. The possession of such an
instrument, together with the advantages of our
geographical position, would give our National
Observatory, a pre-eminence over all others
Will the Secretary of the Navy move in this
matter The practical results flowing from
the possession of such an instrument, would
be beyond description beneficial. Nautical
Astronomy is not thing of mere theoretical
delight to the student. 1t is not only of immense
practical advantage in all maritime affairs, but of
absolute and exigent necessity
We trust that the present and all future Secre-
taries of the Navy, will put the National Obser-
vatory on such solid footing as will con-
duce to the advancement of astronomical science,
and OF the same time reflect lasting credit on the
nation.
MOVEMENTS AMONG THE POLITICIANS. There
appears to be vast deal of trouble among the
politicians in this city and State The natives
seem determined to keep up their separate orga-
nization, and the anti-renters have announced
State convention, to meet in Albany on the 9th of
October thus indicating independent action on
their part. The national reformers and the
aboitionsts also hold conventions, for the nomi-
nation of candidates for the office of governor,
lieutenant governor, &c. &c.
These movements weaken both the wings and
oeihoorats, out the iorHer 10 the greatest extent
The natives, antirenters, abolitionists and refor-
mers are, in their sentiments about one half
whig-one quarter democratic, and the other
fourth just what you please. They will, there
fore, injure the wing more than the democratic
party, by their separate organization. Should
there be no arrangement made by the wings, ma
tives, anti-renters, &C., to act together in oppo-
sition TO the democratic party, the latter will stand
an excellent chance of success for, although the
democrats are now split into two fragments, their
principle Of cohesion is so strong, that they vii
come forward and vote as one man when the day
of election arrives. Their quarrels always