The Caucasian. (Shreveport, La.) 1900-192?, 1910-04-14
WASHINGTON LETTER

by GAEL Sb~SAA SS@A~
spondent.
Several things project themselves to
the attention of the casual visitor In
Washington within about eight min
utes after be steps out OF the vast
ness of the big Union station. About
the most striking of these is the ex-
cess of horse drawn vehicles over au-
tomobiles. man who doesn't own
| an automobile can come here and dwell
in comparative happiness.
The Mecca Of Visitors.
About every other visitor that comes
along nowadays makes bee line for
the Smithsonian institution almost be-
fore pausing to look at the dome OF
the capitol And the people employed
about the Smithsonian place are being
harassed and pestered half to death.
You see, the newspapers have publish
ed the tidings from time to time that
consignments of the Roosevelt trophies
have arrived from Africa. Well. folks
want to see 'em. But there's no
chance. The trophies are here, good
many of them. but they are not mount
ed vet. and 1t isn't expected that they
will be ready for public view much
before fall.
The Roosevelt Trophies.
It is announced by the Smithsonian
| institution that an impression has been
widely circulated throughout the coun-
try that a considerable portion Of the
collection made by the Smithsonian
| African expedition under the direc-
| ton of Theodore Roosevelt will be
distributed among the museums OF the
country.
Before the expedition started 1t was
understood that the collection should
be largely limited to such material as
was needed for full exhibition and
study series for the United States Ma
tional museum. This would include
the collecting of number Of speci-
mems of each animal in order that the
! characteristics of each species would
be represented.
It viii not be possible to break up
these series. To do so would greatly
diminish the value of the collection.
The skins of the large game animals
are now being prepared for permanent
preservation and will soon be in shape
for study and comparison Arrange
ments are also being made to mount
a portion of them for exhibition to the
public.
Colonel Roosevelt killed few speci-
mems for the American Museum OF
| Natural History. for Mr.. Akeley, who
is collecting for that museum; also
an elephant for the museum Of the
University of California in recogni-
| ton Of the courtesy OF Miss Alexan-
der, who waived contract with Mr..
Heller In order that he could accom-
pany the expedition.
Passing Of the. Red Man.
For once in many years the birth
rate among the Indians Of the west is
greater than the death rate. and the
Indian Office is hopeful that 1t will CON
tinue to keep In advance. During the
fiscal year 1896 births and BITS
deaths were reported to the Indian bu-
reau. Comparisons, however, show
that the death rate among the Indians
Is still about twice that of other races,
while the birth rate is now averaging
those of the others The outlook, accord
ing to Commissioner Valentine, is ia.
vorable, and he has hopes that after
some years the death rate among the
Indians will be materially decreased
There are now about 100000 Indians
in this country. exclusive of the num-
Der In Alaska.
The Gcvernments Police.
The prompt capture of the men who
presumably robbed the Richmond post
Office recently is an evidence of the eff
fectiveness Of the federal detective
forces. Uncle Sans policemen and
crime tracers are an exceptionally high
class of men. intelligent, trained and
skillful In the business Of running law
breakers to earth. 1t is indeed danger
GUS to tamper with federal property.
Most craftsmen keep away from Unit
ed States premises, knowing that the'l
chances of their detection are greater
than in cases of thefts from private
individuals. AS a rule. only inexpe-
rienced thieves and burglars of low
grade of intelligence go after govern
ment goods.
Pursuit of Criminals Relentless.
The United States is relentless In its |
pursuit OF criminals. Local police may
Gag In their efforts to land their men.
but the federal detectives never quit |
after they have once started. Counter
feiters, postoffice robbers and other
piiferers Of federal funds are pursued |
relentlessly, often far over seas into
the waste places OF the earth and the
remote hooks of standardization.
Naval Academy Bard.
The senate committee on naval af- |
fairs has made a favorable report on |
the bin to reorganize and enlist the
members OF the band of the United
States Naval academy. The bin has
!. fe...r. a.. .~n-~na &fo h1rrra Tina h4I1 L