Evening star., 1901-08-27
Over 100 of the Bureau Officials Now
in Milwaukee.
ADDRESS BY PROF. WILLIS MOORE
He Tells of the Rise and Progress
of the Service.
WELCOMED BY MAYOR ROSE

MILWAUKEE,, Wis, August 27.-Over
100 weather bureau officials from all parts
of the United States gathered here today
to attend a three days convention, at
which many papers of interest to weather
men will be read and discussed Addresses
of welcome were delivered by Mr.. William
Wilson of the local weather bureau and
Mayor Rose.
Prof. Willis L. Moore, chief of the United
States weather bureau, replied and review
ed the weather service from it's small be-
ginning to its present high standard.
Prof. Willis Moorc's Remarks.
Prof. Willis L. Moore spoke in part as
fellows:
In opening this the second convention of
officials of the United States weather bu-
reau of the Department of Agriculture, I
think it appropriate briefly to review the
important changes, developments and ex-
tensions of the weather service that have
occurred since our first convention at
Omaha in October 1898. Many of these
were the direct results of ideas expressed
at Omaha, or of the discussions that took
place during our first convention. The value
to the public service of occasional meet
ings of this character is, therefore, ap-
parent
During the year 1898 eighteen new sta
items were opened and fully equipped with
recording instruments of latest model. This
included ten West Indian stations.
In 1899 eight new stations were likewise
opened and equipped. In addition to this
the outfit at four other stations was i'm
proved.
In 1900 improved equipments were sent
out to twentyseven stations to replace OBJ
solete apparatus or newly equip the sta
tiGn.
it is expected, we shall complete the in
strumental equipment at all the weather
bureau stations requiring automatic instru-
mentS.
Action was taken in 1898 with view to
tho introduction of steel towers at storm
warning stations to replace wooden flag
poles for the display of flags and lanterns.
Sixty towers were installed during the
year closing. June 30 1901, and about the
same number will be erected this year.
Lake marine service established in
the fall of 1897 and was enlarged in 1898
Important Extension Made.
An important extension has been made in
the region Of observation and forecast dur
ing the past three years. Stations in the
West Indies have been thoroughly equipped
and manned by regular observers Of the
weather bureau. Reporting stations have
been established at Turks Island and Ber-
muda, and provision has been made for re-
ceiving daily reports by telegraph from va
riCus points in Mexico. Through the me-
dium of the meteorological office, London
(England). reports are received daily by
cable from various points in the British
Isles and on the west European coast and
also from the Azores. The object of the
West Indian branch of the service is to give
warning to shipping and to American
coast interests of the approach Of tropical
hurricanes.
The Mexican reports are useful in detect
ing the approach of storms which advance
to our southern borders from the south
west.
An extension of the region of observation
also had been made In the Northwest Brit
ish territory, Barkerville now being the ex-
treme northwest station from which reports
are received. The growth of the observa-
tion in this direction will keep pace
with the extension of the telegraph lines.
Work In Cuba and Porto Rico.
Soon after the war with Spain climate
and crop sections in Porto Rico and Cuba
were established with an issue of weekly
monthly and annual publications. in both
English and Spanish, Identical with those
of the states, thus giving the people of
Porto Rico and Cuba some of the earliest
evidences of American enterprise
Collection of data showing depth of snow
on ground at high attitudes, forming the
basis of a series of bulletins have proved
exceedingly popular in determining the
probable water flow in rivers and streams
during the subsequent season, matter of
vital Importance to'frrigation interests.
In the rural free delivery provinces, Prof
Moore said one of the great objects for
was attained and the distribution of fore
casts will be largely increased thereby
This question Will receive attention at this
convention.