Crittenden record=press. [volume] (Marion, Ky.) 1907-1909, 1909-04-01
(DW ROOSEVELT WILL
SEEK VIEW OUTLET FOR THE
STRENUOUS LIFE IN AFRICA

prepare and send back the specimens
no IL TO collect. the collection to 20
to the National Museum The Presi-
dent said that as an ex-President he
! should feel that that institution is
| he museum TO which his collection
.hould go. While he would pay the
expenses of himself and son, he felt
hat he had not the means that
would enable him TO pay for the
naturalists and their kit and the
curing and transport OF the speci-
mems for the museum. All he de-
sired TO keep would be a few per
sonal trophies of little scientific
value. which for some reason he
might like TO keep. He said the
actual hunting of big game he would
want TO do himself or have his son
do.
Seeing the value OF the Presi-
lents proposition. Secretary Wal
colt Immediately set to work select
Ing men To form the party He de-
cided that three men should form
the Smithsonian Institutions portion
or the party. The necessary funds
for the Smithsonian's share of the
expense were secured from a source
which has not been revealed. II is
stated that no part OF these funds
was derived from any Government
appropriation or the income of the
Smithsonian Institution. That Il was
advanced by some one interested In
science there is no doubt. and there
lave been reports that Il was do
mated by Mr.. Andrew Carnegie.
Hest In Profession.
In selecting the four men to ac-
company Mr.. Roosevelt the best men
IN the scores OF naturalists OF the
country were selected. II was de-
clded that Major Edgar A. Mearns.
' the Medical Corps OF the United
states army. retired officer who
las had twenty-five years expert
ence as doctor in the army. shonld
have charge OF the Smithsonian
roriion OF the party. His profess
sional services as physician 10 the
aNpedition undoubtedly will be OF
the greatest value. not to speak OF
MS ability as a well known natural
81 and collector of natural history
specimens. As an ornithologist Ma
Tor Mearns probably IL one OF the
highest authorities. having made a
speciality OF bird study for many
wears. The Major was one of the
founders OF the American OrnithoI-
ogists Union. and has written widely
IN bird subjects.
As a field naturalist. Mr.. J Lorirs
Alden is probably the most efficient
ana experienced man In the marty
tie has made a speciality OF the
smaller mammals and II is said Of
MN that. where other trans and
baits fall. he can devise a trap and
select bait that will lure any of
ne smaller wild creatures into cam
tNity: His training comprises SER
wee IN The biological survey of tho
united states Department Of Aeri.
culture and in the. New York Zoo
logical Gardens in Bronx Park. New
YORK City. as we'll as on numerous
collecting trips through British
america. Mexico and the United
states. He 10 about thirty-eiebt
YEARS old. OF ardent temperament
lnd intensely energetic.
- Only One In Party.
Of the party the only one who
has had previous experience in that
section. OF Africa through which the
'xpedition Will journey is Mr.. Ed
nMnd Heller. He was associated
With Prof Carl 4. Akeley and Mr..
4 y. G., Eliot in the expedisi>n Of |
ne Field Columbian MuseaAsa of |
chicago. which. In 1900. waited the
,ame portions OF Africa that the
ROOSEVELT expedition will cover. Mr..
Heller 10 a graduate ~ STANFORD
University. OF California. and Is a
thoroughly trained naturalist. whose
'pecial work with this expedition
VIII be the praIIs ration and preser-
;ation OF the specimens OF large AMI |
mails. Having gone over the around
'nce he IN y vaiHable asset to the ex-
edition, In order that he might ac-
'ompsny Mr.. Roosevelt his release