The evening times., 1899-05-27
SPANISH war RELICS
FILLING THE MUSEUM
Tons of Trophies Embarrass
the officials in Charge.
Curios Of the Conflict Coming in I'm
diminished Quantities.
Valuable Exhibits Crowded Into
Dark Corners tn Make Room
for Colonial Contributions.

II the collection of Spanish war relics in
the National Museum continues TO grow at
the present rate it is probable that the
curios will occupy more space on the floor
of the Governments large show building
than any other collection within its walls.
Commencing soon after the war was
ended, the relics began to flow into the
Museum in large numbers ever week un-
til now the attaches Of the office cannot
handle the quantity that has been re-
ceived. Lack Of space in the building will
probably prevent many Of these from ever
being exhibited. Some time ago a series
of galleries was erected around the various
halls OF the Museum. but even these were
inadequate to hold the exhibits which were
already in the building.
The War and Navy Departments sent
large collections Of Spanish relics TO the
institution soon after the close OF the con-
fiict and the relics received from private
sources double the official collections.
Most of the Spanish relics have been
placed in the center of the building where
they will attract the greatest attention.
The large rotunda has been completely
filled with the mementos of the campaign
against Spain.
The Porto Rico collection, which en-
braces almost everything the soldiers could
pick up in that island from suit OF
clothes to an entire collection OF Porto
Rican band instruments made of native
wood. has been placed in the main south
hall near the rotunda- Arms and equip
ment from the various army corps con-
tinue to arrive, however. and il it keeps up
the Museum officials will be able to arm
and equip regiment ready for the field at
a moments notice.
In order to make room for these relics,
many fine exhibits have been relegated To
the garret, among them the large collec-
tion of money. bonds. and revenue stamps
from the Treasury Department. This was
one of the best and most complete exhibits
in the entire building and its absence from
its old place has occasioned many enqu,r-
les as to its whereabouts.
The lack Of space has been felt in every
department Of the Museum and it Is prob
able that an appropriation will be asked
for a new building in the near future.
There are enough exhibits stored in out
OF the way corners to comparatively stock
a first-class museum. and some OF them
are the most interesting and instructive
things that were placed in the institution.
The popular taste must be catered TO by
the officials in charge. however, and the
student and archeologist have been left
away behind in the struggle for suprem-
acy. War trophies seem to be the pre-
dominating feature of the building at pres
ent. One of the halls has been almost en-
tireIy devoted to the exhibition OF the per-
sonal property of great American warriors
and in almost every department exhibits
of a wariike character are shown.
The Indian relics include many imple-
ments OF war. the pictures OF the Indian
cbieftains shown include only the great
fighters, and even in the room devoted to
fisheries very dangerous wagons are en-
exhibition.