Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-02-17
TRIBUTE OF RESPECT
SERVICES IN MEMORY OF MAJOR
JOHN W. POWELL.
Addresses by Speaker Henderson, Prof.
Van Hise, Prof. Langley and
Others.

The Washington Academy of Sciences and
affiliated scientific societies held meeting
last evening in the lecture hall of Column
bian University to commemorate the dis
tinguished services of the late Major John
Wesley Powell. who was formerly director
of the geological survey. The meeting was
presided over by DR.. Charles D. Walcott,
president of the Washington Academy Of
Sciences. and the successor Of Major Pow
ell in the geological survey. Addresses were
made by Speaker David B. Henderson,
Prof Charles r. Van Hise of the Univer-
sity of Wisconsin, Mr.. G. K. Gilbert, DR..
w. ]. MCGEE and Prof. S. P. Langley.
Notwithstanding the downpour of rain
and sleet there was good-sized audience
at the meeting, consisting for the most part
Of friends and admirers of the late Major
Powell, and the words of the speakers were
listened to with undivided interest.
AS a Soldier.
Speaker Henderson told of Major Powell
as soldier. These two gentlemen served
In the Union army during the civil war in
near proximity to each other. Speaker
Henderson participated in the battle Of
Shiloh, where Major Powell was severely
the injury. II dislike to discuss Major
Powell merely as a soldier" said Mr.. Hen
derson. His qualities were those of man.
hood rather than of military Characters
ties. He fought only for purpose. He
realized the meanings of the war; that it
meant the overthrow of slavery, the pres
ervation of the Union and the upbuilding
of the civilization of the nation. That he
did not join the army to satisfy any per-
sonal ambitions is evidenced in the fact
that he left a good position as professor of
geology in a college and enlisted as a pri-
vate. However, when the troops were mus
tered into the United States service he was
given commission as a lieutenant"
Speaker Henderson stated that Major
Powell was largely employed during the
war in the engineering work and that he
had much to do with the mining and tun-
neling incident to the capture of Vicks-
ress of the war Major Powell was married
and that his wife was near the front dur
ing the remainder of the struggle, nursing
her husband back to health after he had
been severely wounded.
Other Phases of His Life.
Powell as an Explorer was the subject
upon which Prof. Van Hise spoke briefly.
He mentioned Major Powelrs work in ex-
ploring the canyons of the Colorado river,
that being regarded as his chief work as an
explorer.
Prof. Gilbert spoke of Major Powell's
work in the bureau of geology, stating that
CARNATIONS engaged in the survey of the
western country, making maps, etc, after
the manner of rivals. Major Powell, he
said, was at the head of one of the organi-
cations referred to and suggested plan
of work that would do away with the RI
valry. This matter was taken up by the
scientific bodies and led to the establish
ment of the present geological survey, upon
the plans suggested by Major Powell.
Prof. Gilbert stated that Major Powell
had been so prominent in advocating a
change that when the survey was establish
ed he declined to become it's director. Later
however, upon the. resignation of the direc-
tor Major Powell accepted the position at
the head of the bureau He was appointed
by President Garfield and held the position
for thirteen years.
DR.. MCGEE told of Major Powell in his
connection with ethnology, In the study Of
which he said Major Powell had established
new school, revolutionizing former
methods of study of the subject. He also
spoke In high terms Of praise of the former
directors writings on the subject of eth
nology. and characterized him as a thinker
of exceptional acumen.
Tribute Of Friendship.
In his address Prof. Langley paid the trib-
ute of warm personal friend to the mem
DRY of Major Powell He spoke Of his many
admirable traits. of his characteristics, his
life and his work. This address closed the
meeting.
The committee of twelve in charge Of the
arrangements for the meeting was COM
posed as follows: Mr.. Charles D. Walcott
chairman; Mr.. G. K. Gilbert, secretary; Mr.
A. Graham Bell, Mr.. J. S. Diller, Mr. Harri-
son g. Dyar, Mr.. w. F. Hillebrand, Mr.. W.
II. Holmes, Mr.. John A. Kasson, Mr. s. p
Langley. Mr.. Frederick A Lucas, Mr. Rich
ard Rathbun, Mr.. A R. Spofford
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