New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1889-03-02
NITInNAE ZOO

The agreement Of the House, by vote OF
IgI TO 90, to the Senates amendment TO the
District Appropriation BILL appropnating
81 90, 900 for a geological garden in Washing
ton, will be received as good news by all those
who are interested In the preservation OF the
history of animal life upon this continent.
This project has been urged upon Congress
with the approval OF the Smithsonian Institu-
ton and the best scientific authority OF the
country, as the only means Of preserving many
important varieties OF our animals from speedy
extinction. II Is obviously in the interest OF
the whole people, not only because OF the
National character of the work proposed 70 be
done, but because the collection win be situated
at the capital. This was the liberal and en-
lightened view taken by a majority OF both
houses, in spite of the fierce opposition OF the
demagogues and the narrow minded.
Some Of the arguments made against the
proposition are surprising rs revealing the ig-
norance and bigotry Of soEse queer characters
whom Providence permits 10 get into Congress.
no doubt with view TO keeping continually
before our minds the unfavorabe possibilities
Of universal suffrage. Here, for example, is
Mr.. McMilIin, Of Tennessee, who treated the
subject in this dignifed and intelligent style
The amendment provides for tho establishment OF a
zoo,orteal mark In the District OF Columbia for the ad
yanccment OF science" bear garden Is 10 be estab.
lshed for the advancement Of science You al
ready paying gentlemen, a. the representatives of
hard worked taxpayng people, caehsif OF the sx-
pcns6s connected with the government OF this city.
This itself is unjust and should not have been begun
You arc required by tho proposed amendment not only
,rsxsu Az
pay for their keeping
Barnum Is 10 have now rival In his animal In
dustry' and tho people OF the United States who
not get to Washington are to pay the fiddler for
others dancing Oibbon tells Us love OF tho circus
and nght Of Wild beasts characterized the deeeneraey
of the Romans TO crafty this morbid fondness for
display OF Wild beasts OF Romes distinguished
statcmen urged Cicero 10 hurry and send to the Eer
nal City" the tigers. lions, etc. necessary for his ap
preaching show.
Arc we following In their footsteps and anxious TO
initiate their deeiinof Lot us perform the
duties legmatey devolving upon u.s. and not stiemp'
10 rN al circus and menagcrc owners in the show bus
ness.
MIR. McAIillin probably has constituents to
whom this sort Of thing is acceptable, or he
would not indulge in it. In their eyes he will
10 doubt appear not only as wise statesman
but profound classical scholar. 1t is an in
terestng, fact that men Of this type usually dis
play bitter hostility toward scientific work OF
any kind, comparatively inexpensive though
It may be, for such the scientific essays Of the
Government usually are. Mr.. Holman some
years ago vebemanty opposed the appropria-
ton Of even modest amount Of :" the peoples
money, for observing the transit Of Venus.
| But il has been noted that when there are new
postofices to be built in the districts of watch
dogs of this type, or dried-up creeks to be
fabricated into semblance Of being, "the
peoples money" which may have moved be-
fore with the deliberateness CT moasses in
January, circulates with the prompt facility OF
| beer in July