COMMITTEES ON BEHALF OF THE GOVERNMENT 279 
Thus the earlier geological and geographical surveys were 
put out of existence and the new United States Geological Sur- 
vey, recommended by the Academy, took their place. A pro- 
vision was, however, made by Congress for the completion of the 
reports of the former. 
Professor Dana remarked in the American Journal of Science 
in December, 1879: 
“The failure of Congress to act favorably with reference to the establishment 
of ‘ Mensuration Surveys,’ recommended in the Report of the Committee of the 
Academy, is thought to be a deferring of the subject for the time, and not a 
rejection of the scheme.” 1"4 
This opinion has not been confirmed by any action of Con- 
gress up to the present time. The later history of the Geological 
Survey, especially, as regards the extension of its work to the 
States is one of much interest, but cannot be considered here.’” 
COMMITTEES ON THE RESTORATION OF THE DECLARATION 
OF INDEPENDENCE. 1880 anp 1903 
On July 19, 1776, Congress passed the following resolution: 
“ Resolved, That the Declaration [of Independence] passed on the 4th be fairly 
engrossed on parchment with the title and stile [sic] of ‘ The unanimous declara- 
tion of the thirteen united states [sic] of America’ & that the same when 
engrossed be signed by every member of Congress.” 11° 
On August 2 the Journal of Congress informs us “ The Decla- 
ration of independence [sic] being engrossed & compared at the 
table was signed.” **7 
While the majority of members signed on this date, the signa- 
tures of a few were not affixed until some months later. 
This parchment copy of the Declaration has passed through 
many vicissitudes. It appears to have been in Baltimore when 
Congress was sitting there in 1777, but its history between that 
4 Amer. Journ. Sci., ser. 3, vol. 18, p. 494. 
™5 Those interested should consult the Amer. Journ. Sci., ser. 3, vol. 18, 1879, pp. 492- 
496; vol. 19, 1880, pp. 78-81. Amer. Naturalist, vol. 13, 1879, PP. 343-345, 535-536; 
vol. 14, 1880, pp. 68-70. 
™° See Hazelton, J. H. The Declaration of Independence—Its History, 1906, p. 208. 
™T Loc. cit. 
