New-York tribune., 1901-11-12
Ma VAL OBSER VATORY FIGHT.
THE BOARD OF VISITORS REPORTS IN
FAVOR OF CIVILIAN CONTROL.

WASHINGTON Nov IA contest between the
scientists Of the country side and naval hhe
officers on the other which has been waged tor
years, and involves the rich prize of the contro Oh
/ the Naval Observatory, has been brought TO a
I critical point by the presentation to Secretary
Long of the report from the board of Visltors 10
the observatory. in which the issue is drawn
sharply in favor Of civil control. The board is
composed of Charles A. Young, Charles +.
Chandler Asaph Hall, jr. E. V Pickering. orrnond
Stone and William R. Harper The particular hne
of contention lately has been vacancy IN the
Office Of astronomical director and the board hidhes
the following pointed remarks as applying not
only that but other less important places IN
the observatory:
1t is recommended that no astrono1nicai direG'os @
be appointed at present dual headship mas ma
been found to work unsatisfactory, and under tne
existing law the appointment of an astronomer as as
sole director of the observatory-which the ooato "a
practicable Vacancies should not be filed
among assistant astronomers nor among PROFESSORS
Of ma thematiCS in the navy without eXaillid
for each vacancy occurring. No distinction shoul9
be made between empoyes OF the T m aces @
of assistant astronomy and professor OF cdn
puter, although much of the required experience nee
may properly be gained in connection with me e
latter place, and be credited in the examinations ,
for the higher places. AS far as is consistent WIZ
the routine needs of the institution, the dutles or
courage them to prepare for advancement wltnln ;t
ments be made to the observatory merely by
transfer from other bureaus offices in the ser
'N-'
porarily without competitive examination
Applying these principles practice. the board
declines person fill the vacant office or
assistant astronomer at the observatory. ana rec
ommends that the appointment be made after
Civil Service under the auspices OF the
commission.
Coming to the more important subject OF the
actual head Of the observatory. which involves the
issues between the scientists and the line officers
the board says:
the direction of an astronomer. wish to record
deliberate and unanimous judgment thal the
law limiting the superintendency TO Nne olllcer
Of the navy should be changed so as to proVioe tnd
the official head OF the tory-peThaps sly
simply the drector''-should be eminent as
tronomer appointed by the President, by arc with
the advice and consent Of the Senate. holding this
place by tenure at least permanent as tlat o!
the superintendent of the Coast Survey or the head
of the Geological Survey. and not merely py de-
tail OF two or three years duration only IN this
way there be continuous and effective policy
OF administration which will insure ASTRONOMICAL
work OF high order. In rank. salary, privilege and
prestige he should be superior 10 any other ofcla
on the ground
The limitation in the selection Of assistants should
also be removed. and the assistant appointed.
should be against detachment removal
except by the action for cause OF the director.
The institution should be related TO the Navy De-
partment II continued under its control. In some
such way as the Royal Observatory at Greenwich
is related 20 the British Admiralty. 1t should be
put the control of the Secretary directly, and
not through bureau at present.
In conclusion the board objects TO the manner in
which appropria tions nave been made for the sup
port OF the observatory saying that It is not easy
to determine what portion OF the expenditures per-
tains properly astronomical work. what portion
TO the naval work and what portion the i'm
proVement and of the grounds. The cost OF
maintenance for the fiscal S10S.428, of
which .25S was expended for salaries.