New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1899-05-14

y INV L OhN MID u NG LII
and the word imported" has not in England
the same sweet sound IT has here
Mr.. Halstead truly says that this form OF
patriotism is worthy of imitation by Americans
The determination to support home industries
is the first obstacle the American salesman en-
counters in Great Britain, and the second Is
the great length Of time it takes to introduce
new article Public sentiment is so in favor
Of supporting British manufactures that who
ever buys articles manufactured abroad must
give good excuse or be severely criticised both
by press and public.
The dangerous condition OF the building occu-
pied 10y the Government Printing Office and its
inadequacy for the reeds of that office have
long been scandal. 1t is gratifying, therefore
to chronicle that excavations for the new build
ing, which will occupy the site bounded by G
and North Capitol SITS. and Jackson alley south
of the present building are about to be begun
and that a structure, which has been
planned after the most approved models with
systematic ventilation, abundance Of win
dows, elevators and storage-room, will in three
years time be entirely completed. The build
ings on the present site have already been adj
vertsed for sale, and will be removed as soon
after the bids are opened as possible
1t is often asserted that Americans are the
most practical and adaptable people in the
world, and evidence in proof Of this statement
can be frequently noted. There is, surely, little
of the machine element in the Yankee character,
and its versatility is not to be denied. The ex-
perience of DR.. George Becker of the Geological
Survey, who went to Manila last summer In the
| interest Of that Department, attests this fact.
on arriving at his station, DR.. Becker found that
the unsettled condition Of affairs there would
not allow him to engage in the geological in
vestgations for which he had been detailed. IN
willing to remain idle. he Immediately trans
ferred his services to the army occupying that
country, and soon became useful member
| thereof.
Major Bell, Chief Of the Bureau Of Military In
| formation, to which Dr. Becker attached himself,
testihes in a recent report that his work with
that Bureau had been most valuable, and says
that when he accompanied him on several recon-
noissances to the front. where he participated in
! a number of active engagements, he set an ex-
cellent example to inexperienced volunteers by
his GOODNESS and daring, and otherwise rendered
valuable service. Major Bell adds:
He was cool and collected as II he were
pursuing SeoloSlcdI Investigations III III" '"'
study. | sorry that. not being a soldier, he
cannot receive the reward which his courage and
gallantry have entitled him to-" This report Of
his work in the Philippine Archipelago while it
does not add much to the scientific information
desired, is naturally gratifying to Professor
Wacort director Of the Survey. In his last
letter dated March J. Dr. Becker told Of his pro-
posal to do stratigraphc geology in the island Of
Negros, with view to correlating its structure
with Cebu. and he is doubtless by this time en-
gagged in that work From Negros he will go to
Cebu to study the coal deposits Of that island
a subject of special interest to the American
fleet.