The Washington critic., 1888-09-17
RICHARD II. SYLVESTER. ..... Editor
WASHINGTON, SEPTEMBER II, 1888.

The NEWSPAPERS TN at have taken up
the question of the establishment of a
Geological Garden, and discussed IL so
intelligently, deserve well of the coun-
try for their championship of one Of the
worthiest propositions ever submitted to
Congress, and one in which tho people
arc directly and permanently inter
ested.
1t Is only TO be regretted that some of
the ablest advocates of the project in
stead of coming to the front at an carly
period in its agitation, when Congress
needed all the squirting up that it was
possible to bring to bear upon the
doubling Thomases" of that body, and
when the proposition yet remained to be
voted on, should have waited until 1t
was indefinitely postponed
The Senate's action in the matter was
thoroughly commendable and should
have received the prompt and vigorous
support of the press. After it got into
the hands of the Conference Committees,
with stubborn opposition on the part
of the House as hard to make an impress
sion on as it was incomprehensible, it
was too late for outside help at this
session.
In the hope, however, that the under
taking will sooner or later be revived un-
der more auspicious circumstances and
with less misinformationin in Congress as to
itsmerits, we take pleasure einreproducing
what the New York Tribune of yesterday
has to say about it-so fair and sensible
and plainly to the point that some of the
opponents of the measure ought to be a
little ashamed Of their scare at the pro-
posed appropriation. The Tribune says:
The establishment aud maintenance of ZOO.
logical garden Is as much part of the proper
work of Government as building schools or send
Ing out scientific surveys. 1t is a source of In.
struction to the people, and an aid TO the de-
velopement of science, especially In this coiin-
try, by preserving many species Of wild animals
from extinction.
The cost of such an institution would be mod
crate. The appropriation proposed is 5000, 600
Of which not more than S14O, 1000, IL Is esti-
mated, would be required for the purchase OF
100 acres of land on Rock Creek, said to he a
finer site for the purpose than is enjoyed by any
similar garden In the world. 1t presents a
beautiful variety of valley, hill and cliff, has an
abundant water supply, which Is of great i'm
portance, perfect drainage. and fine growth
of virgin forest. 4
There is no real estate speculation behind IL.
An important consideration in regard to the ex-
pense of maintenance is that probably three
fourths of its acquisitions would be by gift This
has been the rule with other collections, includ
ing the Department of Living Animals, estab
hshed less than year ago by the National Mu
scum. Already our consuls are writing from
tropical countries Offering gifts OF animals, II
anticipation of the approval of the project b!
Congress.
The proper place for a National Zoo Is II
Washington. II will help to complete the equip
ment OF that city as capital and be source Of
great interest and enjoyment TO the many thou
sands Of visitors who come there every yea
from all quarters of the Union, The little money
It would take would be we'll spent.