New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1896-09-20

Smithsonian Institution Dr. Goode had done much
to popularize science and it was through his
agency that the exhibits in the Museum have
been so arranged to be understood by lay Wis
itors. His sympathy for his profession. his high
personal character, his ability as an organizer
and his rare devotion to the interests of the In
stitution will make Dr. Goodies place difficult
one to fill
The Institution. for which the Engllshman,
John Smithson. natural son of the Duke OF
Northumberland. gave all of his property, Is
surely one of the most interesting establishments
in the Government. and In the short haf-century
Of its existence has grown beyond the hopes even
OF its first regents. 1t is the mother of a number
OF Independent bureaus The Fish Commission is
the outgrowth OF its work in ichthyology; the
Weather Bureau Of its meteorological work. and
the National Museum, of which Mr.. Smithsons
cabinet of minerals forms the nucleus, is a sep
arate establishment, although still under the di-
rection of the Institution. as are also the Bureau
OF International Exchanges, with Professor Win
lock at its head; the Bureau of American Eth
nology, of which Professor Powell Is director.
the National Geological Park Frank Baker SUI
perintendent and the Astrophyscal. Observatory,
which is the especial pet of Professor Langley.
The Institution no doubt the excellent
progress II has made to the fact that during the
fifty years since it founded it has had only
three secretaries. who have been we'll the
ecutive officers, for nothing SO handlcaps and re-
tards scientific work frequent charges In It's
administration. Professor Joseph Henry, its first
secretary, presided over its affairs from 1S4S until
1873 and succeeded by Professor Spencer
Fullerton Baird. who died in 1891 since which
time the present secretary Professor Langley.
has been at its head.
In all his reports Professor Langley complains
of lack Of funds. and says that the accessions Of
the Institution large that another build
ing equal In size to the present structure. could
be advantageously filed. He also states that ow-
ing TO the cramped condition of his finances, he
is unable to improve the Museum collection by
purchase and that important private collections
made in this country. Of the objects illustrating
the vanishing life of its native races. collections
which cannot be made again. being perma-
nently withdrawn to enrich the museums Of Fu-
rope and that II is necessary. in order to
study the past life Of the Mississippi Valley. 10
go TO London. for that Of Alaska to Berlin. and
for the California coast to Paris
In his report. recently received at the Interior
Department, Captain Anderson says that al
though the season in the Yellowstone Park
opened with promise OF heavy travel. that prom
se has not been realized and this year there have
been fewer visitors in the Park than last season
This ne attributes partly TO financial depression
and partly to the disturbances of political cam
paiGn. He believes. however that the falling off
in travel cannot be traced solely to the above
reasons, for the European steamers are crowded
with Americans who go to spend their summers
abroad. and explains by assuming that the trav-
cling public is not aware of what can be seen az
the Park. and with what ease and comfort the
trip can be made.
Captain Anderson calls attention to the fact
that. Notwithstanding his urgent request, no i'm
provement has been made in the military post
and asks for appropriation for one set Of new
barracks and one stable al the new post because
the troops constantly in the field during
the summer that they need comfortable quarters
during the winter
lie commends the management Of the hotel
transportation company. and the Yellowstone
Lake Boat Company unqualifedly, and says that
with the exception OF the bison game continues to
increase OF bison he thinks there are from TWEEN
ty-fve to fifty head. but whether he will he able
to save these remains a problem as. he says. the
forces OF nature and the hands of man are alike
against them. and they seem 70 be struggling
against almost certain fate"
Captain Anderson concludes his report nv saw
ing "As it is not probable that shall remain
here long enough to receive benefit from next
years appropriation. do not consider It indeli-
cafe TO recommend that an extra allowance he
made to the superintendent Of the Park This
principle was recognized many years ago in the
extra ratiohs given to post commanders. and
especlaiIy at certain posts where the burden OF
entertaining WAS great. More recently has it
been recognized by extra rank pay or allowances
given to certain officers stationed at West Point
me Military Prison and at the Carlisle Indian
school. Last year the Adjutant- General Of the
Army made such recommendation in his ar
nual report. but no further notice was taken OF
IT, me superintendent here has letters Of intro
ductlon sent him by the hundreds and the small
est measure or hospitality requires the expendi-
ture Of his entire pay in very meagre entertain
ing There is no station In the Army where so
much is expected Of an officer, and | trust You
lief" -
Those who know something Of the demands
made on the superintendent Of this Park must
commend his modesty in not having before made
his recommendation.