The Washington herald., 1910-03-13

would bury half dozen men of ordi-
nary caliber.
In the decade prior TO 1881, the work
and collections OF The Smithsonian and
National Museum had grown to an extent
that cannot be appreciated by those not
| in touch with shose Institutions during
that period. Their scope had been gradu-
ally enlarged through new requests. and
for other reasons the demands upon them
had multiplied Many collections and
other objects intended for exhibit had
been stored away for years in their
original packings, yet there was no pos
sibility for increase Of space until a new
and adequate building was available, and
il was impossible under the then existing
conditions for the personnel to cover the
work, for the increase of the force was
in no way commensurate with the in
crease of the work
Killed by OverwOrk.
The assistant secretary, Prof Goode.
one Of the most devoted servants the in
stitution has ever had, died from overwork
and others were failing under the stress
laid upon them. This condition came
about naturally because Of the ENORMOUS
growth in all departments and the spring
ing UP. the spontaneous springing up. one
might say. of new departments. The
stan itself, each member absorbed in his
own speciality. hardly realized how
the institution was expanding. In 1897
affairs came TO an impasse.
The condition at that time suggested
the disordered mass of silks given 10 the
young girl Of the fairy tale to straighten
out and thus prove her industry, pa
thence, and perseverance. The poor
maiden, it viii be remembered, failed to
accomplish her task, but her protecting
fairy. appearing at the critical moment,
touched it with her magic wand and the
tangle was at once converted into orderly
skeins
Much the same thing happened at the
Smithsonian and its offshoot, the mu-
scum. in the crisis of 1897, and Dr. Wal
colt was the good fairy who brought or
der out of the confusion. As honorary
curator Of the department of paleontol-
ogy. the present secretary had been con-
nected with the museum for a number
Of years and was well known to the
secretary. Mr.. Langley, and all the men,
bers OF his stan. who recognized him as
a genius in organizing. He was the man
they felt who could relieve the pressure.
dispel the congestion. and bring order out
of disorder.
n=s-aufzad (arua~;- Enssssxxo
But he was already weighted down
with work The organization of the Ge-
illogical Survey, under his competant d.
rection. has been brought to the highest
state. It's machinery was all in place
its wheels weIled oiled. and It ran smooth
ly enough. It's direction. however. was
no small task and, added 10 this. DR..
Walcott was engaged in organizing the
Carnegie Institute, but. In response to
an invitation from the secretary and the
board of regents, he consented 20 accept
the temporary direction of the museum
under the title of acting assistant sec
rotary Of the Smithsonian Institution. for
this latter Institution is the custodian of
the National Museum, which is support
ed by appropriations from Congress and
not from the income of the fund left by
John Smithson.
The Smithsonian Institution. however,
controls the museum and its affairs are
directed BY its secretary. DR.. walcott
consented to thus add to his burdens and
responsibilities from high ses,e CT
loyalty to the scientific interests of the
country and as a good citizen, ambitious
for the nations advancement in all edu-