Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1911-03-22
Chance That Washington May
Have One of Finest in World.
FAVOR SEPARATE BUILDING
Nsgel and Bowers Think It Would
Be Big Attraction.
PROJECT UP TO CONGRESS
Appropriation Would Have to Be
Made Before Enterprise Could
Be Launched.

national aquarium. in a separate
building devoted exclusively to the pur-
pose. and equipped as only the govern
ment. with it's vast resources. can equip
It Is among the possibilities Of the near
future in Washington.
The plans for the new Department OF
Commerce and Labor building provide
for an aquarium in and as a part Of the
building. But there has been adverse
comment Of this plan in official circles.
ut has been suggested" said secre-
tary Nagel. that perhaps an aquarium
in q big government ONCE Of that kind
10 not q good thing for the ONCE or for
the aquarium It would require the
submission Of the proposition for sep
arate building to Congress before any
thing could be done. he said. and thus
far no steps have been taken in that
direction.
Favored by Bowers.
Nothing would give me greater pleas
ure" said Commissioner George w. Bow
ers Of the bureau Of fisheries, than to
know we were to have a separate build
ing for such an institution, and know
Of no better site in the Unite States
for national aquarium than right here
in Washington, on the site Of the present
bureau OF fisheries" The commissioner
stroke with the warmth of enthusiasm
and Secretary Nagel, who heard the re-
mark rather by look than by word
seemed heartily to indorse it.
Secretary Nagel explained, however,
that the matter had not even been dis
cussed seriously. He had heard the prof.
ect suggested. but had not given II OH.
cial consideration as yet.
Commissioner Bowers said he had heard
the subject talked Of and he would be
stantial results.
why, 1 will venture to say" he con-
tinued. I'VE have more visitors now to
the little tank where we keep the two
little seals from Alaska than any other
government exhibit in Washington. 1t
is astonishing what interest the public
takes in the seals and also in the aqua
rum exhibit which we now have. A ma
tional aquarium of the right sort would
be one Of the biggest show features of
the government at the National Capital.
No Official Consideration.
But thus far there has been no official
conference upon the subject and nothing
more. it was explained, than the mere
suggestion Of an aquarium building and
perfunctory discussion of it's possibilities.
Secretary Nagel would not admit that
he contemplated asking Congress for the
authority and appropriation necessary to
the erection Of q national aquarium.
1t is evident, however, that the seed OF
desire for a national aquarium has been
sown, and that it will take but little to
nurse 1t into substantial and growing
life.
Commissioner Bowers left the city this
afternoon for Louisville to look over the
ground where new fisheries station is
to be established, but from his enthusi.
asm over the subject Of national aqua
rum. separately housed and properly
equipped, it is evident the new fish sta
ton at Louisville will divide honors with
the aquarium in his thoughts for the
present at least.
Bowers Man for Place.
IF we were to have such an aqua
rium,' said Secretary Nagel. II know OF
no man in the country whom I would
rather see get it in shape than Commits
sioner Bowers. He Is the best man Tor
the purpose know
With Secretary Nagel believing that an
aquarium in the new department. building
is not a good thing for the department
or for the aquarium: with Commissioner
Bowers enthusiasm for q new building
devoted to aquarium purposes on the site
Of the present bureau OF fisheries. al
ready owned by the government, and the
the project but lack Of an appropriation
by Congress for the erection and equip
ment of the necessary building, ma
tional aquarium, the peer of any in the
world, does not seem among the remote
probabilities Of the near future.