The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1850-09-18
TIL q r Z ? u B Lie.
From the Boston Traveller.
Astronomical Exnediiinn IN chm


Letters from Lieutenant G. Gilliss, who has charge
OF this expedition, state that after the safe arrival
and erection of his instruments he observed Mars
on forty y-three out of the remaining forty seven
nights OF the period designated for observations on
that planet; and subsequently ne has undertaken a
catalogue OF southern stars, which, on the lst OF
June, numbered nearly five thousand. This large
amount OF labor eyinces an interchangeable zeal and
industry, on the part OF Lieutenants Gilliss and
McRae, (for the greater part Of the time his only
available assistant) which merit most fully the
cooperation of astronomers in other parts Of the
world, which has already been solicited neces-
sary to carry out the remaining objects OF the ex
pedtion
But the friends of the expedition and of the pro-
gress OF astronomical science will be highly graft
fled to learn that the labors Of the superintendent
and his associates, and the uncxampled adaptation
OF the climate for astronomical obserya aions, are
fully cqualled by the liberality and just apprcoia-
ton OF science on the part OF the Chiiian govern
ment exhibited in the followin decree and cor
respondence, and which fully deserve the high
commentator expressed in the letter of Lieutcn
antG.
DEPARTMENT OF JUsTIcE, WORSHIP AND Pubic
INSTRUCTION, SANTIAGO, May 10, 1850.
Considering, lst, That the Lieutenant of the
Navy OF the United States of America, chief OF the
Astronomical Commission OF that nation, resident
in Santiago, has made known to the Govern
ment through the charge of the United States
that he Is disposed to admit certain number of
young men, which the Government may dcsg-
nate TO the Observatory which has been established
for the purpose of acquiring a knowledge of as
tronomy, and Of practical instruction in the use of
the instruments therein provided
IDLY. That, proiltlng by the opportunity OF an
Astronomical Observatory, well conducted, and of
the residence of disting nguishcd astronomer who is
disposed 10 direct the young men who may dedi
cate themselves to the science, shall more read
lily succeed in obtaining men accomplished in this
department of science, and be able earlier to
establish permanent Observatory
Is % a hp "
men who may dedicate themselves TO this study a
suitable monthly pension TO compensate them in
part for the abandonment of their usual occupa-
tions, tor the sake OF dedicatlng themselves with
the requisite assiduity and effort, likewise to de-
fray the expense incurred by the purchase of books:
4thly. That Don lgnacio Vadivia, Don Francisco
Fierro, and Don Gabriel Izquierdo, possess the
qualifications which, in the judgment of the chief
OF said Astronomical Commission are necessary TO
pursue with profit the practical course in the OBJ
servatory, and to accomplish adequate theoreti-
cal study:
5thly. In view of the recommendation which the
Council of the University has made TO the Govern
men and the proposition for the designated youths
which the rector of the institution has made, that
for this purpose the Government should confer il as
special charge, after obtaining the consent of said
youths
have resolved to grant the decree:
|. Don Ignacio Valdivia, Don Francisco Fierro,
Don Gabriel Izquerdo, shall dedicate themselves to
the study Of Astronomy, TO learn the of nstru-
mens under the direction of the chief of the Scien
tihc Expedition of the United States Of America,
and TO practise observations and other labors which
the said chief shall impose upon them, for their
greater progress and advancement in said science
| They must assist at such hours, and in the form
prescrIbedpy by the aforesaid chief, and engage il
theoretical study by the text books which he shall
recommend TO them.
q While they pursue their studies at the Observ
aory, there shall be dispensed 10 each of then
by the general treasury the amount of twenty -fv
dollars monthly, which shall be assessed for th
present year upon the Division 40 Of the Estimate
of Expenses Of the Minister of Justice and Publ,
| Instruction.
BULSEs. ANTONIO YARAS.