146 • NINTH ANNUAL REPORT OF 



revealed to American scrutiny a new ring, and an eighth satelhte. The 

 novel spectacle of a comet divided into two nearly equal portions was 

 first witnessed by American eyes ; and an American observer has 

 added one to the long list of planetary discoveries. 



It is gratifying to reflect that while the great powers of Europe are 

 contending in mortal strife, and misery marks the progress of their 

 arms, the astronomers of England are allies not only to the astronomers 

 of France, but to those of America, of Germany, and of Russia also. 

 The triumphs of science are bloodless and do not endanger the peace 

 of nations. Let the New World contend with the Old in a generous 

 emulation — not for the conquest of disputed principalities or fortified 

 cities — but for a holier and a nobler conquest — the conquest of the 

 skies. 



