FORTY-EIGHTH CONGRESS, 1883-1885. 951 



sion is significant or valuable, i*f it is the intention to admit those here 

 only who are necessary for the transaction of the business of the 

 body, then the Senator from Vermont has given no sound reason why 

 the rule should be extended. There certainly is not the reason for the 

 admission of the Secretarj^ of the Smithsonian Institution that there is 

 for the admission of the Commissioner of Pensions, who has to do with 

 business that is called to the personal attention of every member of 

 this body probably a great many times every day. 



I suggest that the Senator from Vermont had better ask for the con- 

 sideration of a general resolution as to what further admissions to the 

 floor shall be permitted, instead of asking that this one gentleman shall 

 be admitted by an amendment to this pending resolution. 



Mr. Omar D. Conger. The Secretary of the Smithsonian Institu- 

 tion is at the head of an institution known throughout the civilized 

 world. The National Museum is connected with it. He represents, 

 perhaps, as far as this Government has any such representation at 

 all, the literary and scientific progress of the people of the United 

 States. He is at the head of an institution fostered by this Govern- 

 ment, intimately connected with the question of the enlightenment of 

 the people, the dift'usionof knowledge among men; and 1 think myself 

 that it would be an honor to the Senate and an honor to the country 

 that we should recognize it from time to time as we summon the Sec- 

 retary of that Institution to a place here. The former Secretary, Pro- 

 fessor Henry, reflected much credit on the literary and scientific attain- 

 ments of the people of the United States. The present Secretar}^ is a 

 worthy successor. In view of the aid the Government has given to 

 the Institution, I think it would be an honor to the Senate and an honor 

 to. the Government that its head should be recognized as worthy of a 

 place to meet Senators in their own Chamber. I wonder that the prop- 

 osition has not been made before this time. I shall very gladly 

 support it now. 



Mr. Morrill. I am somewhat surprised that a single Senator should 

 object to the admission of a gentleman of so great merit and whose 

 extreme modesty we all so much appreciate. It has been common for 

 us to apply to the Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution for various 

 kinds of scientific investigations — on ventilation and various other 

 subjects that I might mention. 



In relation to the necessity of the Commissioner of Pensions coming 

 here, it is impossible for that ofiicer to answer the inquiries of Sen- 

 ators or Members in relation to any private bill that may be pend- 

 ing. It depends upon facts in his office, and therefore we seek such 

 information through letters directed to him at his office. It is not 

 often that he will ever be wanted here for anything else. 



1 do not desire to consume time, Mr. President. If there are half a 

 dozen Senators here who are against this proposition I shall be dis- 

 posed to withdraw it. 



