Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1896-04-16
DISTRICT IN CONGRESS
Senator Morrill's Plea for New National
Museum Building.
other Matters of Local Interest
Brought Up in Both Branches
of Congress.

pared by him DI oviding for the erection of
an additional fire-proof building for the
National Museum. He Sketched the early
history of the Smithsonian and the mu-
scum, and showed how the rapid accumu-
lation of curiosities has made the erection
of lew exhibition building an absolute
necessity. The institution, he said, is not
dime museum, exhibiting only objects
to satisfy the vulgar curiosity. Its collec-
tiCns, that are beyond valuation are such
as tc interest the scientific men of all the
world, and are viewed by thousands of
every line of life. The museum, he de-
clared, is a free school for the education Of
the people of all the states. The average
daily attendance for nine years has been
about one thousand.
The present museum building, he went
on, was designed by Gen. Meigs. The in
terror has been found to be admirably
adapted to the purposes of the museum,
while the exterior has Won less commenda-
ton. But it is impera lively necessary that
an additional building should be erected,
and the pending bill provides for one 10 be
built On the west side of the Smithsonian,
corresponding with :he present museum on
the east. 1t will, however, be one story
higher, ami will have a cellar, and, Senator
Morrill, assured the Senate. if its construc-
by strict economy. 1t had neen suggested
the Senator said, that the present museum
building should have been placed where
greater area could be given to it in the
beginning, but it vas found when the
building was first designed, that there was
no other place for it if the museum We're
10 be under the charge CT the late Profess
ser Spencer F. Baird, in whom Congress
mad the most perfect confidence
In conclusion Senator Morrill, acknowl-
edged that this proposed building while
sufflclng for the present to house all the
accumulated specimens now without room
Tor exhibition would not be the final addi-
tion, and he made the prediction that in
Keeping step with the progress and re-
search of the people of this nation, who
would probably number not less than 49,
tp,ooo In 1926 1t would be found necessary
by that time to erect a building to
front On the south, between the present
museum and that now proposed-a fine
commoa1ous structure to typify the times.
The Senator then asked to have the bill
taken from the table and placed on the
calendar AS this was about to be ordered
Senator Hoar asked unanimous consent
that the bill should he put upon its passage;
but Mr. Morrill, requested that this be not
done, explaining that it was his purpose to
move the bill as an amendment to the
Sundry civil appropriation bill.
TO Extend the Sewer SYSTEM
Senator Mcmillan today presented to the
Senate a communication from the Build
ers' Exchange forwarding a resolution re-
Gently adopted at a regular meeting, ask
ing the District Commissioners to endeavor
to secure the early passage of the bills now
pending for the extension of the sewer sys-
teTl IN this city. especially where building
improvements now exist" The resolution
continues by directing their attention to
the large number of houses erected and in
process of erection which are at present
unprovlded with sewage Quite a number
of contemplated building operations are
held In allegiance within radius of ten
city squares of the United States Capitol
for the lack of sewer facilities, thereby re-
tarding the investment of capital and the
growth of the city, condition of affairs
that cannot be found to exist in any other
| modern city of the Unon.''
They Want the Railway
Senator Mcmillan today presented to the
| Senate a petition signed by 93s citizens
asking for the passage of the bill to incor-
pOrate the East Washington Heights Rail-
way Company.
Pipes for Petroleum.
Senator Mcmillan today introduced bill
to permit Rene c. Baughman to lay pipes
in this city for the transmission of petro-
leum from north block 697 along the I'M
paved portion of Half street southeast, a
distance of 5000 feet, southerly to the
Eastern branch. He is to furnish bond to
the Commissioners to insure the complete
restoration of Half street after the pipe is
laid.
Accompanying the bill was a letter from
Mr.. Baughman, who is the agent here of
the Standard Oil Company, explaining the
necessities of the case.
The Abolition of Grace Days.
Senator Faulkner yesterday afternoon
tried to secure action by the Senate on the
bill to abolish days of grace in the Dis
trict, but Mr.. Hoar objected to its consid-
eratiol.
Suburban Railway Hearing.
At 10 o'clock tomorrow a subcommittee o1
the House District committee will give g
hearing to parties interested in the suburb
an railway bill. The hearing will neces
sarily be brief as the committee has ar
ranged to adjourn at IL o'clock to enable
the special committee on subways to go in.
TO session.