The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1849-01-13


Mr. PEARcE called for the reading of the bill, and if
was read accordingly.
| Mr.. ?. said | hope this amendment will be pass
ed; The suoJect is one very important 10 astronom
cal science, and of course will be useful The OBJ
ject OF this repeat is to carry out plan OF
tanning the paralx of the sum- ascertain the angle Of
variation IN the position OF the in reference to differ
ent points OF observation The mode in which this
ascetaned heretofore most seed upon, has been by the
observation OF the transs Of Venus. different mode
has been suggested by some German philosopher, and
has eceived the appreciation of the Smithsonian lnsttu
tuition. Is supposed, by this observation by the new
mode, that greater accuracy may be obtained.
By 81 ssa doe
at all, by means furnished by the government think
that we owe thus much 10 science-thus much to navi
understand that the last session of Congress- the
appropriation of $4,000 was asked for upon the sup
position that the Instruments would be furnished by the
| Navy Department. That department has Withdrawn
those Instruments for other purposes, TO which they
devoted and Congress asked for thus appropria
ton Certainly rs no, very large one for the pufpos
1t has been said that the Smithsonian Institution would
contribute the sum asked for in the appropriation
was not granted should certainly think it, sir dsrep-
utabe to the government to allow il to be contributed by
that institution. t.r
| | understand further, that the government will not
probably lose this AGO. understand there is pro-
ject on foot in Chill for the establishment of national
observatory there's and am informed that in that event,
will probably be very Agreeable to them to purchase
of the public money if there is any waste at all There
cannot be any fraud in this matter is appro
priation asked for by individual, but is appro-
praon for science, and of the most useful of all
known arts really hope the government will have the
whole credit and responsibility of the appropriation.
Mr. NILES. Under what branch oil the public service
is the appropriation asked for! Can appropriate
ney for making astronomical observations in the northern
hemisphere, southern hemisphere! This goes beyond
the old rule OF strict construction have gone upon that
rule and will stand by during the little time remain
here. Now, will this advance the interests of
merce and navigation, my honorable friend from Ma
/ land au ho olot
for an electric telegraph to Mars, Saturn Jupiter, and
other planets. after NV years. [Laughter;l We are
getting along little too fast Now, sir, have ob.
servaory hsre-we the stars and planets here
and that should take remote position in the southern
hemisphere and watch them there also, think rather
unnecessary expense
Now, sir we have great many scientific men in our
navy-men of mathematical sciences and they want us
to help them They cannot apply their knowledge with
gives them liberal appropriation to enlighen the whole
world and make great discoveries in astronomy Now,
should be gated to have them made, and 10 have this
knowledge sent throughout the country; but for the
government taking this subect-the science OF astrono-
N.Y. any other scenceunder its patronage in the first
place, government has no power to do it; and in the
science is better without the patronage OF government
and without monopoly, anywhere Last year there was
an exploring expedition to the Dead Sea- believe that
is not in the southern hemisphere, but in the
hemisphere, or somewhere near the Mediterranean lin
the interior of Asia somewhere am ignorant Of the
important results of that expedition. should like to
see them. Among other things, understand they have
discovered and brought home part of Lots wife
[Laugher.l II so. should like to it, should like
to person famous in ancient history down
bodily among U.S.. [Laughterl shouid like to see q
member of that celebrated family.
i Mr. FOOrE A part of Lots wife may be found in
the library at this time.
Mr. NILES think encouraged to go on and
make the appropriations for who knows what results
may follow after such example [Renewed laughter.
Mr. PEARCE. believe is but few years since the
National Observatory was proposed, and 1t was then
II n VI iuh at fha uoa
Afterwards, under new dynasty it into effect quite
as efficiently it had not been chrsened lighthouse
in the skies la General Jacksons time provided all
the instruments necessary for the scheme of exploring
expedition Congress, after full consideration estab
shed permanent institution and furnished all the
for carrying astronomical observations. That which
is proposed now, nothing more than continuation of
Gen spoicy just that which believe he would
have done, as he did the exploring expedition. The
gentleman from Connecticut Mr. NnEs] seems to doubt
the Utility OF these observations.
believe need hardly say, sir, that any observation
which asceralns with greater accuracy the distance Of
the earth from the of immense importance to navi
gaon in which suppose that gentleman feels great
interest any OF his constituents being great
saors upon the pathway OF nations, If this project re-
suits as successfully we anticipate, will contribute
greatly to the accuracy OF astronomical calculations
without which ship, belonging either to navy
mercantile marine c9Sld not put out from shore with
may demonstrate against 1t; but IT must be admitted
that if the results be successfuwe cannot tell whether
4 they will be not-he expedition will be of eminent ad.
vantage in the manner that | have mentioned. | hope
therefore, that the amendment will prevail.
! Mr. WESTCOTT. do not rise to say one word about
the item objected to, except that satisfied it should
be allowed if we have any respect for the government
My object is to notice the remarks of my honorable
friend from Connecticut Mr.. NILEs which regretted
navy, to the Dead Sea- say heard those remarks with
regret for there is senator this floor Tor whose
opinions and for whom personally have greater respect
Except the subject OF Stree trade" and Stree sO)
than that senator. Sir, satisfied ii he had known
the facts respecting that VISIT he would have lugged
the officer who made it unnecessarily into this debate
Sir, it known that time ago at least was not
very PARTIAL mean was not very warm and devoted
friend OF the present head of the Navy Department. but
feel bound TO say that, far he is connected with
the visit aud exploration of Lieutenant Lynch, cor
daily approve of his He deserves credit for it,
This matter misrepesented last session of Congress
saw the misrepresentation in the newspapers-some in
made under msconcept0n OF the facts now take oc-
cason to state them. 1t necessary to send
ship transport ship to the Mediterranean Lieut. Lynch
was detailed to command the ship Supply" selected
Tor that purpose The ship had to visit different parts of
the Mediterranean and contiguous waters, public
service of different kinds Part of that service was be-
leve connected with the selection establishment of
naval depot in that quarter. Well, sir Lieut. Lynch one
OF the most intelligent scientific, and enerprsng officers
in the service, applied TO Secretary Mason for permission
while contiguous to the Dead Sea- TO leave his vessel
few months, with some of his officers, and make an ex
poraton on his account OF that sea- and other inter-
estng points IN its vicnitys The idea that this was
as under the authority of Congress- but without law and
that involved the government great expense, all
wrong The Secretary gave Lieut. Lynch the leave he
asked and approved and encouraged the object And
to the expense to the government the utmost that could
cost does not exceed $500 or ooo and that for boat