The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1894-09-22
THE xAvAL OBSERVATORY.
Secretary Hersert E-ss the wsr Retvses
Navy Oneers nsd selentIae Me-.


wAsuIxoToN. Sept. 21.-Sccretary Herbert
has settled n naval spuabble to-day by issuing
an order completely recognizing the Naval
Observatory, where all nautical instruments
are verified. The trouble has been going on for
a long time. A Captain Of the navy is superin-
tendent OF the observatory. and he has had
under him a number Of scientific men who
made the astronomical observations and did
other scientific work. These gentlemen have
been dissatisfied in having their duties super
vised by n naval officer, and last year they began
a systematic campaign to have the obser-
vatory transferred entirely TO their charge.
Prof. Liman Newcomb, who has charge
Of the Nautical Almanac. complained to the Sec
rotary Of the Navy against Capt. McNair. the
superintendent of the observatory, and McNair,
In turn, made IL hot for the Professor for not
sending his communication through the regular
official channels. Finally the matter was taken
to SonSress. with the 9p1ect OF having the on g-
GERS, and scientific men, most of them from Har-
ward, made representations TO the committee in
gress adjourned without taking action, but. Sec
rotary Herbert determined 10 end the squabble,
in the case with him when he went away on his
fye ", eks' tour. OF inspection ON the Dolphin.
The n suit Of his consideration was the follow
ing order issued to-day;
FoL William Hnrtness. Us N, Unfted states Natal
swTsH: After m%Sh Thought given to the subject | have
DAY tEfpns%itiSi to L yon' he Ssssi oSsSrSstory and
to place you, as astronomical director, In charge of
PREPARATION, OF or publication OF sll work purely sstro-
There has been much contention ON the part OF. the
TeUrs anited by an act Of Congress. The grounds for
this contention were that naval Officers, by reason OF
their education, principally I'm other directions; were
never been asserted with any show OF reason that the
observers and computcrs so long employed at the
oe fsr TTogSd T sI ,bs not coS SSmPP;s,snti o and ad sSIsn,,nf %sp Sy
Congress has been that the astronomical researches at
the observatory have not conforined TO any regular
own individual incllnations and their own ideas Of
what the interests Of science demanded without any
proper computation OF the work.
My own opinion, inter much time given to the inves-
tigation OF the subject, IL, that OF all the criticisms
made asaIns, ne work on the 36servat9ry this alone
In full charge Of all the astronomical work ut the
Naval ObserI atory. |
have strongly pressed upon the department the value
OF the work by certain former superinte ndents, who
were aided by boards II ,Ouncll. The regulations I'M.
you. and YOU alone. You have power to call into your
councils all the talent aud eapei fence. possessed by
your suSordlnates. The department has not seen
being the intention Of this reorganization TO place in
your hands power adequate to the responsibilities
The department believes that your experience Of
thirty years rs an astronomer has made you thor
3I HILL competent 70 perform the duties and responsi'
II. 4. HERBERT. Secretary OF the Navy.
This gives n partial victory to the scientific
men, but the observatory Is to remain In charge
OF a naval officer. Prof. Hardness, the principal
sayant there, Is placed In charge OF astronomi-
cal observations, and he Is directed to report
directly to the Navy Department, instead Of
through the superintendent. Capt. M will
soon be relieved from duty at the observatory.