The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1892-04-25
The Bureau Of Geological Survey
Likely to Get a Thorough
Raking Over.
Money Spent In Fancy SURVEYS
OF no Benefit to tho
Settlers.
Tho Monograph Of q Fossil Bird with
Teeth Which Cost the Government
Many Thousands.

"N-''ASNoAo oWei Gazing IOf information
ABOUT the affairs of the geological survey,
which was passed in the senate without on
position during the week, was the entering
wedge OF an investigation that will prove
interesting il it is allowed to proceed. It is
the tlrst step in an inquiry into the meth
DDS used and the results achieved by the
bureau of :geoloRioal survey. presided over
by Majot Powell. The resolution directs
the secretary Of the interior to furnish to
The senate information as to what reports.
monographs maps and illustrations have
been printed during 1891 and 1892 for the
United states geological survey in relation
to irrigation in all it's branches, the survey
OF arid lands for reclamation purposes aud
what relation such reports bear to the an
nual and special publication of geological
surveys as authorized by law. The in
formation asked includes Statements as to
whether any portion of the reports have
been previously published and circulated,
either in public and private papers and re-
ports; also as to the authority under which
such data have been gathered, the names
and duties OF these employed to obtain and
prepare the same, the rolls on which they
are now Or were borne and paid. the amount
OF payments to them while so employed and
the Offices or divisions to which they were
assigned.
Major Powell is conceded to be the most
powerful man in Washington. for while
presidents come and 20 he retains his posi-
tlon ana grows in strength. It requires
brave nan, therefore, to question his acts
or propose an inquiry. The primary OBJ
1ect OF this resolutiun is to effect change
~ tho appropriation made for surveys in
the western states and territories. Tho
records show that since 1881 ther has been
appropriated for surveys by the geological
bureau over $9.00O,0O0, while for public
land surveys proper during the same years
only little over $3.O00,OOO was appro pri-
ated. Thus. it is claimed, the sum spent in
what ls termed fancy surveys'' and expert
reconnolsance. which is Of no practical ben
e1lt to settlers. was three times as large as
the sum used in actual land surveys.
That part OF Commodore Powers resolu-
tlon referring to irrigation is intended to
bring put the fact that Major Powell had
no right, under the law, to pursue his irri-
gatlor work from the time the bnreau of
irrigation and the Grtesian IN a erf1ow hnraan
were established in 1890, that two separate
departments Of the governments were try
ing to cover the Same ground, but were
really working at cross purposes, one Of
them without authority.
Win an investigation once under head
way it will. it is thought. be easier to delve
deeper into the affairs OF the geological
survey. and the identity of its employees
and tho manner of their appointments will
be inquired into. Other things will be
probed into, and altogether there will be
interesting developments.
Such charges as this. for instance, will be
Prof. o. e. Marsh. the emf
nent Yale scientist, was member of the
Clarence King fortieth parallel expedition
in 1879 as chief scientist. The reports of
that expedition consisted of thirteen auarto
volumes, and Prof. Marsh's contribution
vas an instructive monograph telling of
'he discovery and illustrating the psculi-
aritlss of fossil bird with teeth. II ID
said that the public printer about that
5ime wrote to Senator Stewart that the cost
If Prof. Narsh's book, of which many
:opies were printed. was about S13. 1000 |
subsequently Prof. Marsh became ideuti-
led with the geographical survey, and in
1854 his contribution to the annual report |
Il the survey was a monograph telling OF |
he discovery and illustrating the peouliari |
les OF fossil bird with teeth. The two |
monographs were about the same size and |
hose who have examined them say that.
side from difference in binding and a |
ew changes in punctuation. and, perhaps.
n additional paragraph or two one would
Ass for the other.