Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1895-06-28
THE COAST SURVEY
Considerable Comment on Recent
Changes.
[ANY old employees DROPPED
To Make Room for Advancement
OF New Men.
GEN. DUFFIELD'S STATEMENT

The recent reorganization of the coast
and geodetic survey has caused much Cos
sip, and several of the changes are severe
ly criticised. Generally, it is assert I'D
ole and experienced men have been re-
duced and removed to make room for
young men of limited scientific attain
ments.
mOval.
1t Is openly stated that his age was the
cause of the removal of Prof. Geo. David
son. the distinguished head of the geodetic
service on the Pacific coast A determined
effort will be made to secure his restora-
ton to Office. The news that he had been
dropped from the roll created a commo-
ton among federal officials, shippers,
steamboat men. scientists and in many
other circles wherever Prof. Davidson has
friends or acquaintance Senators Per-
kins, White and Allison have telegraphed
protests against his removal. He was ap-
pointed the United States delegate to the
meeting Of the International Geodetic As
ISOLATION held In Paris In 1889. The French
cabinet unanimously elected him member
of the bureau of longitude of France.
Promotion of Gen. Dufields Son.
The promotion of w. W. Dufield, son CT
the superintendent, from 5000 to 5000 is
also criticised. 1t is said that he has just
arrived at his post, although appointed
and drawing his salary since May 1. He
succeeded Mr.. w. H. Dennis, who had
faithfully served in the coast survey for
forty years, having entered as a lad and
worked his way up, both In field and de-
partment work. until he had attained a
high degree of skill and efficiency, being
often promoted. until during the present
administration his salary was increased to
5000 Last July. however, it was reduced
to 5000. The LIST of May he was inform
ed that his services were no longer re-
quired. and w. w. Dufield was appointed
to the vacancy. Mr.. Duffield Is now pro-
NOTED to 5000. and his rapid advance
ment has caused talk.
Gen. Dufields Statement.
Gen. Duffield. superintendent of the coast
and geodetic survey, has made the follow
ing statement in regard to the recent
changes "A reduction of the force Of the
office was made necessary by the fact that
the new appropriation for the support Of
the office, which goes into effect on the 1st
of July next, is much smaller than the ap-
preparation of preceding years and totally
inadequate for the maintenance of the
force as at present organized. The change
was made in the appropriation because of
the condition of the treasury at the time
the matter was before Congress, and the
cut was of such radical nature that it
reorganization, and in doing this some men
who had been longest in the service were
relieved and younger men promoted.
In this, as in any other public service,
there are men who remain with 1t from
year to year until they come to be veter-
ans, and while l should not want to reflect
on individuals, it occasionally becomes nee
essary in the interest of the service to let
them out in order to give the newer blood
a chance. That has been the Policy in the
reorganization.
Old Men Were Dropped.
THE older men who were relieved are
men who had been in the service a long
term of years and who mad drawn large
salaries The change effects q consdera-
BILE saving to the government, enables us
to promote several worth y men and will,
think rebound to the benefit of the SER
vice, because of the good effect it will have
on the younger men in the bureau.
When Mr.. Duffield's attention was drawn
to comment on Mr. Davidsons removal, he
said that the change made there was made
in accordance with the general plan Of dis
pepsing with the older men. Mr.. David
sen is,' he said, "a veteran of the veter-
ans, and that is our reason for letting him
out. Mr.. Rogers, who will succeed him,
has been engaged in this work for several
years. and 1 am satisfied will prove thor
oughly efficient"