Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1897-07-06
Important Change in Its Management
Made July l.
DIVIDED INTO THREE SECTIONS
A Chief for Each at an Annual Sal
ary Of $780,.
SECRETARY WALCOTT'S PLAN

Sc cretary Walcott of the Smithsonian In
stitution, in charge of the National Mu-
scum, a new order of things was insti-
tIted at the museum, beginning with July
l. 1t was deemed better for the carrying
On of the institution that the different de-
partments be divided into three Separate
sections. With the consent of Secretary
Langley, who has charge Of the Smithson-
ian and National Museum. this was done.
The sections are those of anthropology,
biology and geology. In the first is every
thing pertaining to man; in the section cf
biology are classed the things relating to-
zoology and botanical objects, while in
that Of zoology are placed meteorological
specimens and such others as may come
within the class. 1t is thought that a much
simpler administration of the museums af-
fairs will follow this division into the three
groups.
Head ourators, with the salary each of
$500 year attached, have been placed in
charge OF each of the Lew sections by Sec
retary Langley. These are: Prof. w. II.
Holmes, head curator of anthropology; DIR.
Frederick w, True. head curator of BIZ
o,ogy, and DR.. George P. Merrill, head cura-
tor of geology.
The CurntOrs.
Professor Holmes was, previous to his
appointment, connected with the Field Co
lumbian Museum in Chicago. Dr. True IS
executive curator of the National Museum,
which position he will fill in addition to
that of being in charge of the biological
section DIR. Merrill was professor of geol
cgy in the Columbian University of this
city, and is a well-known authority in that
branch. he having written a number of
standard works of reference on the sub
Ject. He started for the geological con-
gresS in st. Petersburg, Russia, June 80,
and will be away for some weeks.
Acting Assistant Secretary Walcott of
the museum, who Is also director of the
United States geological survey, soon after
assuming his duties at the museum con-
ccived the idea of forming the departments
into the three groups. and made the sug-
gcstion to Professor Langley, who concid-
ed with his Views. The fiscal year ended
June 30, ard the new system was inaugu-
rated and the appointments made i'm
meGtately. The change will, 1t is thought,
be of the greatest benefit to the museum
but the effects will not be visible for some
time yet, as the plans laid down cannot
be followed successfully untfl the fall
improvements Under Way.
Galleries are at present being built in all
of the halls under the appropriation made
by Congress, and these will be finished in
a few weeks. which will add greatly to the
facilities of the place.
The first of the month there were sew
eral changes Of minor Importance in the
administrative affairs of the institution, as
Is always the case at this season. Ten
persons. occupying chifiy positions of small
Importance, were allowed to go, and other
changes are contemplated. August l the
women employed as, cleaners about the
museum will be dismissed and young men
employed in their places. This change has
been contemplated for several years, as
It Is Thought the women cannot properly
fulfill the duties imposed upon them. There
are six OF seven of them, and the sole rea-
son given for their approaching dismissal
is that they physically untitled for the
la bor which it is necessary for them to
do. Prof. Goode advocated this change for
a long period prior to his death,
vigorous campaign has been planned
for the coming fall by the executive Off
GERS of the museum, and every endeavor
will be put forth to make the institution
even more Attractive than 1t has been in
the past. 1t is deplored that the exhibits
have to be made in such a cramped space,
as the contents of the museum have long
outgroWn the gu lrters in which they are
kept. This limitation of facilities. the Gu
rators assert, causes the specimens to make
a poor impression on the public. If a new
building should be erected, which they
claim Is greatly needed. the good effects
would be Immediately apparent.
Many In the Field.
Many of the men connected with the
museum are in the field. Some are III
Greenland, others in Russia, Liberia and
other parts Of the world, collecting objects
for the institution. DIR. L. Stejneger and
Prof. F. A. Lucas have gone to Alaska as
fur seal commissioners for the government,
and DR.. Thomas Wilson has been appointed
United States commissioner to the Brussels
exposition. Prof. Charles Schuckert will
go with Lieut. Peary on his approaching
voyage.