The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1858-07-04
The Dudley Observatory DIN Guilty.
OUR ALBANY CORHssroNpkNuE.

The Dudley Observatory Difficulty.
OUR ALBANY CORRESPONDENTS.
ALBANY, Jo'y 3. 1853.
The Flare up in the Dudley Observatory DIcul.y Be
treen the Trustees and Scientific Coanct- D,sch 1ye If
Dr.. Goad-Csytanty Of Progress and Ultimate Tn
umph, dc.
The suspension Of unity harmony and concord bet
the principal director aud majority of the trustees
the Albany Dudley Observatory Is q matter OF most
serious regret. 1t seems that Professor Gould has be
come 80 obnoxious 10 tho Board Of Trustees that they
have deliberately resolved 10 dispense with his service,
Neither the contributors the Institution public
were aware that any difficulty existed between the par
ties until afew days since, when the fact appeared that
the trustees adopted resolution declaring that the
sansy recurring difficulties 10 tho affairs OF the Obssrva-
tory, arising from want Of harmony bstween Dr. Could
and the members Of the Board of Trustees have satisfied
them that some arrangement absolutely
sry-tha 10, the displacrg Of Dr. Could and the subs.u
ton OF some other person his place. The trustees charge
that superlave precision transcenda ex,cness
In ordinary matters Of Dr. Gould has caused the
expenditure Of very large amounts of money the
Observatory, for instruments and other matters.
which have been entirely useless, ana prove
to have been pexpedient. Thsy charge delay, sso N
mounting the Instruments which have been constructed
for In the Observatory. They ask, "wny do these
noble psxuments remain long the boxes whcn evsry
Astronomer conscous OF bis ability would pant for
the unfolding giories which they expected 10 reves
1hey say they believe the why the instru ens
have not been mounted is discreet unwlngness the
part Of Dr. Gould 10 teet his skill practical astrouo
There are many other charges instituted against
bim made by whose assertions will not be attempt
ed to be reu,sd which go far convince the public that
tho professor possesses spH too arrogant and too ces
potic have control Of such grand and noble national
institution a the Dudley Astronomical Observatory yet
destined 10 become.
seems that the corporators Of the insttuon-thaa u.s.
the trusees-placed in subordinate board termed the
Scientific Council the regulation and management OF the
institution well the selection Of practical scientific
officers Of the institution The principals Of the United
Sates Coast survey-Msssrs. Bache Henry and Pierce
were included. This Council advised that the trus
tees had removed Dr. Could and solicited the Council
70 cooperate in "some new arrangement in the
affairs CT the Observatory" Nessrs. BAche %.
write from Washington, requesting . copy Of tho spe-
cc charges preferred against Dr. Could and the suggee
ton Of what arrangements they the trustees pro-
pose for future action. No such request complied
with, except communicating statement made by Mr. o.
cot, The President, to meeting Of the trustees. The
Council met in this city the 3oth ult, when It's
bers sgsn asked for oral written evidence In support
Of their serious charges agsna Dr. Gould. The trustees
reply through the President that hey cannot recognise
the Scientific Council appellate tribunal but the
Council have any recommendations 70 mako a. to
Dr. Gould they will be received with respectful
consideration. Messrs Bache. Henry and Pierce then
maze proposition n take, Internationally the charge Of
the Observatory subject only to the Board Of Trustees,
the difficulties to Discreet arbltrators
appoint committee Of members confer with the
Scientific Council in ortcr ascertain any measures OF
Cancellation cau be suggested. Mr. Ocntt replied by
stating that tho trustees had further communication to
BE- res C<s.O houA nAattn IN
make concerning 10 Dr. Gould, the trustees
will 1t with the most respectful consideration.
Though this rupture dissgreeabe TO the patrons Of the
institution, and ~ the scientific public generally, 1t will
evidently result 70 beneficial purpose The trustees
not ter acous In the nstaent Of parcu professor
OF astronomy they only declare uuequivocay their lost
confidence n the ability and c,urtesy OF Dr. Gould They
will undoubtedly recognise any gentlemen OF scientific AZ
tAiUmenu, excepting him, whom the "CouDcu" may re-
commend.
The founders Of this Observatory intended to make
subscriptions have been most LIBERAL amounting to
hundred and fifty thousand dollars. No expense
exertiobs have been wanting IN procuring suitable
grounds erecting appropriate buildings, manufacturing
superior instruments, and n rendering every aid, TO
lavish extent, tor the accomplishment OF the highly
iaudAble object A permanent fund Ia hand amount
ing 10 twelve thousand dollars annually for
the salaries ana support OF the astronomer asssisns
about the establishment There Is fear OF any failure
however, - the institution In the hands OF such corpo
possess the energy and determination 70 finish
their undertaking 70 the letter OF their an,icpaops
The following correspondence has passed. between Mrs.
Blsndna Dudley and the trustees and Scientific Counc
OF the Dudley Observatory at Albany
MRs. DUDLEY TO THE TRUSTEES OF THE DUDLEY
OBSERVATORY.
ALBANY June 20, 1858
GSTIKxES-I surprsed and grieved 70 through
the medium OF the public press that serious difficulties
between yourselves and tho director OF the
Dudley Observatory and that you demand the withdrawal
OF the director and refuse TO refer the difficulties 10 Ques
ton TO the scientific Council except upon the basis OF the
afr arf AwA hmm tla ma
mept Of the Observatory has been entrusted.
IS well known 70 you that my large donation was
under the express cendon thai the Observatory
should become . national institution, dedicated 10 the
advancement Of OF the nobeet branches Of SCIENCE
Council should be entrusted 9th its development and
Management, / relied upon the gentlemen who had
been named trustees In the original act OF Incorporation,
passed several before 10 operate harmonousy
h tbs Council and have never sought 70 interfere with
your action long appeared 10 be directed towards
the great objects which the Observatory dedicated
Bsvipg undininshed confidence In tho intentions and
ability OF the Council " accomplish the ends proposed,
cannot but feel tho earnest desire that every member
OF shsll receive the hearty cooperation and support OF
the trustees without which ali effort must fail.
Learning that the action Of your Board which refer TO- Is
those members Of who cannot cordially continue 70 dis
change ths whicn Evolve them connection
WIN me scaunS Council = present o,ganzsd ana
their places 70 be red by such donors 70 the Observatory
o. may be selected By tbs remaining trustees.
The dsuter zeal for the OF science which has
prompted you 10 undertake the abors md respons
which have devolved upon you will, trust lead any OF
you wthou, he STATION to wthdrsw from control OF
the Observatory rather than hazard ts by placing
eyond tie supervision OF hose gentlemen whose names
bsve been the guaranty 70 most Of the other large con.r
bufors TO the well rs 70 myself gen
uemep, with much respect, your ODE lien, servant,
BLANDINA DUDLEY.
REPLY or THE rMsTxRs.
To Mrs BrAsDISA DuDfyy;--
DEAn MADAm-We have resolved your letter OF the 18th
inst Al the time OF your noble gun the trustees o. the
Dudley Observatory probably impressed you with san
suipe hopes inspired by the assurances OF the dstn
euished gentlemen who composed ow Scientific Couoci
hslsred ourpelyes with harmonious action aud
pcious results. Buta bitter experience, 70 which you