EDITORIAL. 503 



of the industrial classes in the several pursuits and professions in 

 life." After several months this bill was also reported on adversely 

 by the Committee on Public Lands, but in the meantime it had been 

 introduced in the Senate, where it passed on June 10, and a few days 

 later was taken up and passed by the House and received the approval 

 of President Lincoln. This act had been drawn on broad lines, and 

 under its fostering influences a great variety of institutions were 

 developed and have increased in streugth and importance with the 

 growth of public sentiment regarding the value of scientific and tech- 

 nical education and the better definition of the proper limits and scope 

 of education along these lines. 



When it became apparent that the progress of these institutions 

 would be seriously impeded without further provision by the National 

 Government for their maintenance, Mr. Morrill secured the passage of 

 the act of 1890, by which more than a million dollars is annually paid 

 from the National Treasury to meet the expenses attending instruction 

 in certain branches in these institutions. 



We have in this country to-day 66 institutions organized under the 

 Morrill acts of 1862 and 1890. These institutions have over $50,000,009 

 in permanent endowments, buildings, and equipment, and an annual 

 revenue of nearly $6,000,000. They employ over 2,000 persons in their 

 faculties and give instruction to about 30,000 students. 



But Mr. Morrill was closely identified with other great institutions for 

 the advancement of science and learning. He took an active part in 

 building up the great Congressional Library and providing for the 

 magnificent building with the aid of which this library is destined to 

 be ever hereafter an important factor in the education of our people. 

 He served for fifteen years as a regent of the Smithsonian Institution, 

 during which time he labored persistently for the enlargement of the 

 opportunities of the institution, and, among other things, he introduced 

 and secured the passage of the act establishing the National Zoological 

 Park. At the meeting of the board of regents of the Smithsonian Insti- 

 tution at which the death of Senator Morrill was announced one of the 

 members of that distinguished body, in an address to his associates, 

 used these words : 



"In the grandeur of his country he felt the patriot's pride. He 

 sought to make this Capital City worthy of the people to whom it 

 belonged, and the Smithsonian Institution was regarded by him as a 

 chief factor in its future greatness and renown. 



"He was, in my judgment, a true American nobleman. Here, as 

 elsewhere, distinction imposes obligations — noblesse oblige. No books 

 of heraldry and no blazoned emblems are necessary to evidence the 

 rank of Senator Morrill. His patent of nobility is recorded in the 

 hearts of a grateful people." 



