Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1901-03-08
Differences Among Naval Observatory
Officials.
ALLEGATIONS AGAINST PROF, BROWN
Accusations Made by Capt. Davis,
the Superintendent.
BOTH OFFICERS SILENT

U. S. N, superintendent of the United
States naval observatory, against Prof
Sumson ]. Brown, director of the Nautical
Almanac. head of the mathematical branch
of the observatory, who is an officer OF the
navy with the rank of captain. Both off,
GERS are well known in naval and scientific
circles. The Secretary OF the Navy has
had copies Of the charges laid before Prof.
Brown, preliminary to the usual procedure
of a court of Inquiry, which will determine
whether the charges are of a character to
warrant a court-martial.
1t was at first understood that Prof.
Brown had been placed under arrest by
Captain Davis, but it is said in some off,
c.al quarters that there has been no arrest,
and In others 1t is stated that, at most the
arrest is technical, following the preferring
OF charges, and in no way involving any
restraint.
Cause of the Differences.
The affair grows out OF personal differ
ences arising In connection with certain leg
isiation before Congress as to the authority
Of the astronomical director OF the obser-
vatory. The place now neld by Prof. Brown
was formerly filled by the noted astronomer,
Prof. Simon Newcomb. Ii has recently been
proposed to Congress that certain additional
authority be attached to the place, and
out of this grew differences Of view be-
tween Captain Davis and Prof Brown.
which finally reached such an acute stage
that the former presented formal charges
against the professor.
The papers were first transmitted to Ad-
miral Bradford, chief of the bureau of
equipment, who has supervision of the OBJ
servatory, and by him they were laid be-
fore Secretary Long. The papers are not
made public in such cases, and owing TO the
personal nature Of the controversy the Of
fcals have surrounded the matter with the
greatest secrecy.
The Charges.
It can be stated, however, that the
charges come under four main heads. viz.
that the accused resorted to intriguing
methods to bring about the administration
of affairs which he desired; that he made
statements as coming from Captain Davis
which that officer coTtroverts; that he
threatened the superintendent with attacks
upon the floor Of Congress, and neglect OF
duty.
For the present the action of the Navy
Department awaits the course that Prof.
Brown may adopt on the copy of the
charges which has been laid before him.
Both Officers UncOmmunicative.
A representative Of The Star called at the
naval observatory this morning and told
Capt. Davis that he was informed that the
officer had ordered Prof. Brown under
rest on charges of slander and had also
directed that he should be nominally con-
fined to his quarters in the observatory
grounds
II can neither affirm or deny such state
ments,' said Capt. Davis, courteously.
May L see Prof Brown inquired the
reporter.
mot with my permission responded
Capt Davis. firmly, yet with marked kindli-
ness in his tone
IF 1 called at his residence in social
him?'
LAS to that, cannot advise you one way
or the other" was the reply.
The reporter proceeded to Prof Browns
residence, a few steps away and down
slight incline from the marble administra-
ton building. Just as he mounted the steps
and touched the electric button Prof.
Brown drove up in a small carryall and
got out He invited the reporter in, and
when the latter stated the object of his
visit, which was to ascertain the truth OF
the statements before referred to. Prof
Browns words were almost Identical with
those of Captain Davis.
II can neither affirm nor deny that" he
remarked, NOR can L talk about it in any
way
Work of the observatory.
The naval observatory work is of unusual
general Importance for its time observa-
tions are similar to those made at the
great observatories at Greenwich and Paris.
These observations secure the highest at
ment of time, and are not only of use to
navigators, but also for the guidance OF
in the most delicate investiga-
tions known to their science. They are the
basis also for accurate time throughout the
United States and with those of Greenwich
they establish the time of the world. In
to this the observatory conducts
of comets, stars, etc, and tests
the naval instruments used at sea, includ-
ing chronometers.
Admiral SampsOn's Action.
The affairs Of the observatory have been
subject to much criticism and complica-
ton for some years past, the main issue
being as to whether the administration
should be directed entirely by naval off,
GERS or by civilian scientists specially skilled
in astronomy. When Admiral Sampson
took charge Of the observatory some years
ago he declared that he found many OF
the valuable instruments out of use, the
prime vertical having not been used in If
teen years and being injured by incompe-
tent handling. He also declared that the
small equatorial and comet seeker were In
a disgraceful condition and unfit for any
real work Admiral Sampson placed the
instruments in the hands Of lieutenants or
the navy.
The astronomers seriously criticised him
for this action. He maintained the navy
among its officers many astrono-
mers of ability. The astronomers urged
that the superintendent should be a pro-
tation and Congress was appealed to TO
bring about such scientific orgaffza ton.
Later board of visitors, headed by Sena-
tor Chandler made an exhaustive exami-
nation to determine what should be done
to promote the efficiency of the observa-
tory.
Prof. Browns Position.
Prof Brown wrote a letter which sets
forth in detail his ideas as to the direction
of the institution. He says that the obser-
vatory has been subjected to almost con-
tinuous criticism from the general body of
outside of that institution.
While some of this criticism has undoubted-
ly been actuated by selfish motives. yet he
says that most of 1T represents dissatis-
faction Of astronomers outside of the OBJ
servatory with its failure apparently to
reach the high standard Of accuracy and
the continuity of work which should be ex-
pected Of a government observatory with
the generous support which II has received.
The Utmost unanimous opinion, he says.
seems to be that the cause Of the failure of
the observatory to meet the expectations
of the astronomical people of the countrv