The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1851-01-16
gentleman who feels interested in the subject ha,
handed us the following editorial article from the Penn
sylvanian for insertion II is in reference to matter OF
public interest, and we give it a place:
From the PennsylvaAian

public interest, and we give it place:
From the Pennsyvaaan.
The COAST sURykY-Our attention has called to tn
great national work of the survey the Unite
States by some recent movements of Mr. Benton in the
Senate. :" -
IL would seem that he is DESTROYS OF changing the pres
ent organization of the survey and making of it
two headed affair, that would inevitably bring distrus
not something worse. upon its results
We had hoped that the thorough examination and di.
cusson given In Congress and throughout country
years this subject of the organization Of the
survey would have satisfied senator from Mis-
souri, that the true interest OF all concerned best
NOTED by allowing TO proceed in Its important mission
without another effort at disturbance.
Tho testimony that then came from all quarters-from
literary institutions from scientific bodies from chamber r.
underwriters and from officers OF the army and navywas
50 conclusive that It's voice ought be respected by
But the which he then waged against the survey at
uaced the attention OF the disng men abroad
and hey too spoke in the voice of praise on the
methods pursuedin the work. and the high pro-
fe.sionni nttainments OF the superintendent
recorded his unqualified appreciation of the survey t
plan and its chief and the natural inquiry is why is ali
his TO be disturbed and new plans and
We have had occasion thaa once to look into ,hl,
matter and reasonably familiar with the past and pres
ent history OF the work And say, alter due reflection
that there and Office ploy.
cd N It can be safely spared from those branches Of the
Bot independently of such Insignificant consideration
as the actual number OF such officers poyed affirm
that the work eminenty one of civil order The depth
and current of bays and harbofs the channels OF
Pfoach 10 the oil
coast, may occasionally good purpose
OF war; for the safe navigation OF fgate the erecting
Tort but they of daiynay houy-use Tor the safety
OF the srcante marine, and the light.
houses guard and guide the of
merce TO our Numerous ports
Can any complain OF the employment Of civilians for
such purposes as these Can any complain the
civilian at the head of the work
military engneeff Can any doubt, after reading the
reports OF the of the survey the death
Haser that Professor Bache in the United
States direct it, and harmonic all those who are EN-
poyed In What the precise views oil Senator Benton
may be, we do not profess 10 understand but
hope that no petty official or personal Jealousy will be per-
United 10 enter this great undertaking. The exgences
the service In the army and forbid that any
one OF military naval officers of high should be
detailed Tor the chief direction OF the survey Such
would virtually cut him OFT from the appropriate duties
his commission and II he carried work compile
ton, the in IL would all his direct
relations and he would of necessity, for all practical pur-
poses, become civilian But have civilians. no right, i'm
such national service Are the officers the army and
navy (and with great respect for them ndivd-
uay and as body monopolize all the high
cal science OF the country
We would be quite willing leave the answer of this
question to them; Tor confident they would prefer
the present system TO plan which would give the work
exclusively 70 one class OF men We hope Colonel Davis
and Mr. fearce VIII again take upon themselves the de.
fence OF the present organization, and that
OF MI Benton will be put down efectuay was on
the former occasion.