New-York tribune., 1909-03-01
WOULD AID EDUCATIONAL WORK.
Senator Flint S Bill to Make Treasures of
Geological Survey Generally Available.

To the Editor Of The Tribune.
Sir: On January q Senator Frank P Flint, Of
California gave notice in the United States Senate
in conformity with the rules. of his intention to
offer an amendment to the sundry civil appropria-
tion bill which is deserving Of the Endorsement OF
scientific and educational institutions and indl-
vduals throughout the country Its object is TO
make available for general educational use the
treasures OF illustrative material In possession Of
the United States Geological Survey The survey has
three thousand selected negatives OF subjects
illustrating the geology, topography and scenery OF
the United States. They range all the way from
small fossils to mountain ranges and include the
wonderful natural formation OF the Yellowstone,
Grand Canyon. Yosemite and similar features of
picturesque America. They have been collected by
some OF the first authorities on the subjects por-
trayed, at the expense OF the general government,
and belong the people OF the United States. but
except for their comparatively limited use in gov
ernment publications they useless. This
fortunate situation is regretted by
than by the officials of the Geological Survey them
selves but they helpless in the matter without
the aid OF legislation When teacher any one
applies the survey for copies OF these pict
ures. the survey finds itself in this predicament:
The appropriations for its work are limited. and
if. under present conditions. It should supply the
copy asked for its financial resources would be
depleted TO the extent OF the cost OF the pictures
supplied for the reason that 1t is required to turn
back into the general Treasury of the United
States the income derived from such sales.
1t is proposed therefore, by Senator Flint 10
amend the sundry civil bill to provide that
the director of the Geological Surrey shall here
after furnish 10 any person. concern institution.
in the interest of education and the dissemination
OF knowledge, that shall pay in advance the whole
cost of the materials and services involved copies
of any photographs lantern slides in the pos
session of United States Geological Survey, and
the money received by the director for the
shall be deposited in the United States Treasury
10 the credit of the appropriation for geological
maps OF the United States OF the Geological Sur
vey The effect of this amendment will bs that the
income from such sales. instead of going back
into the general Treasury OF the United States.
will be deposited in the Treasury 10 the credit of
the survey, and be turned and over dur
ing the year n temporary working fund with
out any depletion Of the general appropriation for
the survey. At the end Of the fiscal year the bal
ance on hand # any. would revert TO the general
Treasury of the United States.
As the present Congress VIII end March 4 and
as the sundry civil bill will up fo- considera-
tion within few days venture 10 suggest that
heads OF educational aud scientific institutions and
individual educators write either 60 the Senators
from their respective states inviting their CO.
operation in securing this amendment or to Sen
ator Flint himself. at Washington commendinS
his amendment EDWARD HAGAMAN HALL.
New York Feb 20 1909.