The evening times. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1895-1902, 1902-05-19


sonian Institution. che Of the most vigi-
liant and popular employees Of the Govern
ment, has attained a term of active ser
vice perhaps unoxceIIed- His case is note
worthy and the following sketch prepared
By Mr. Edward L Springer. Of the Smith
sonian Institution, VIII prove interesting
10 many friends:
Nj Rhees has been in the depart
mental service for a period Of nearly fifty
two years. having been appointed to
clerkship in the Census Office Of the De-
partment Of the Interior in charge Of the
division of statistics and churches,
schools. libraries. and penal and rcforma-
tory Institutions. and all the misceIla-
nsous printing of circulars. blanks, etc.
n November. 1850, as a result Of which he
became an expert prcofreader and editor.
while in this position he ected as sec
Rotary Of the executive committed of the
United States. On the Industrial Exhibit
ton in London n 1851, and was in charge
OF business relative to exhibits made by
Americans IN this the first great worlds
fair
In 1853 MI Rhees was appointed chars
clerk of the Smithsonian Institution and
private secretary to Prof Joseph Henry
until the IatteT's death in 1873. He had
entire charge Of the finances, editing and
distributing the publications. and the de-
tails of the executive business of the n
stitutfon, which position ne held until
1890, when he vas appointed keeper Of
archives. Under special act Of Congress
Mr. Rhces Was appointed secretary Of the
Institution during the absence Of Prof. s
F. Bsird, the second secretary
HE has published a Manual Of Public
Libraries. which is still the standard his
torical authority; q Life OF SmithsoB:'
four large volumes OF Documents Rela-
tive TO the Origin ard History Of the
Smithsonian Institution guide books to
the Institution and National Museum, be
sides editing the Scientific Writings Of
James Smithson, 81 ier tifc Writings OF
Joseph Henry and nm other public and
private books
He was trustee o. the public schools Of
the District Of Columbia for eight years.
and prepared history OF the schools and
eDitome Of the laws OF the District reIa-
tive to education and manuals Of the
hoard
M Rhees has held many prominent
snoTi-officiaF positions since coming to
Washington. among others being one Of
the three founders Of the Washington
Young Mems Christian Association il
1852; first secretary. librarian, vice presi-
dent and president Of that association
until 1856; secretary Of the conventions
from the first. IN Buffalo in 1854, 10 the
ninth, in Boston. il 1854
lie is a charter member Of the District
Of Columbia Society Of the Sons of the
American Revolution, its registrar for
nine years, and at present vice president
OF the AnthropoiogicaI Society OF Wash
ington. a member of the District Of Co
lumbia Historical Society, the Pennsyiva-
MIA Historical Society, and an active mem
Der of the Masonic fraternity, master Of
Lebanon Lodge. member Of the Grand
Lodge Of the District of Columbia, and
recorder OF Washington Commandery,
Knights Tenplar, for several years
Mr.. James A. Stratton, one Of the civil
service examiners. is 2 cartoonist Of &
high degree OF merit. He has been max
ing pictures for several years and some Of
his productions are peculiarly striking