Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-04-08
SOME CHANGES FAVORED,
Astronomers Claim That the Navy Depart
ment Is Useless at the Head of the Wash
ington Observatory-Want 1t Managed
Rrnfossinnallr

Astronomers Claim That the Navy Depart
ment Is Useless at the Head of the Wash
ington observatory-Want 1t Managed
Professionally.
The astronomers and scientists of the
country have about decided that if the
United States is to have National OBJ
servatory worthy of the name. the time has
arrived to urge the matter. They claim it
to be a positive disgrace that a great coun-
try like America should be SO fa- behind in
possessing facilities for astronomical educa-
tion and practical research, and they urge that
the only commencement that can be made is to
take tn e present observatory at Washington
fr ON the control of the Navy Department and
place it in charge of professional astronomers.
memorial to this end will be presented to
Congress.
Prof Frank Verz, of the Allegheny Observa-
tory, and his near neighbor. John Brashear. are
in sympathy with this agitation. The latter
gentleman was yesterday feeling too unwell-
he is recovering from severe attack of the
grip-to discuss the matter, beyond stating MS
cohesion and sympathy with the proposition.
Prof. Nerz said he thought that If the United
States was TO attain any eminence among
nations for astronomical research, 1t should be
under some other administration than that by
naval officers.
81 do not wish to say anything in disparage-
ment of the naval officers, he said "who have
Glo vi tuC 4Ndfal wi ANdAlOuail cuoOlN v
atory at Washington. They are gentlemen of
intelligence and have done good work. but
then they are astronomers only in part The
fact is that the Naval Observatory is nothing
more than training school for naval officers.
with whom astronomy is only q means to
end aud only part of their education sea-
men. This country requires professional
astronomer at the head of an observatory which
would be a national institution and distinct
from Government control.
i am in complete harmony with the views
which Prof. Lewis Boss, of Dudley Observa-
tory, gives expression to in the current number
of the SidIr al NesSeng q. Referring to the
system of placing distinguished men at the
head of affairs, as a reward for services rather
than on account of personal fitness. he says: The
system has been bad one for the true inter-
est of astronomy. The observatory had always
been. since 1865. an astronomical mob. some
times successful in attaining the most brilliant
results by individual powers, but always
lacking In coordination of work and waste
ful of effort; sending forth beautiful re-
searches rather than refined and well-digested
results of observations: relying for ex-
cellence and Its rewards upon the efforts of a
few men working practically without any d.
rection whatever, rather than upon the disci-
plined and well-directed efforts of an entire
staff. Ours is the only country In the
world and in all history in which any footing
has been secured for the doctrine that Ma
tIonal Observatory can be more advantageously
managed BY men who are not astronomers, and
th at astronomers are by nature incapable of
exercising such trust"