ADDRESS OF HON. J. A. GABFIELD. 97 



whale fisheries to supply our beacon-lights, he began to search for a 

 substitute for sperm oil ; and after a thousand patient experiments 

 he made the discovery that of all the oils of the world, the common, 

 cheap lard oil of America, when heated to 250 Fahrenheit, became 

 the best illuminant. That discovery gave us at once an unfailing 

 supply, and for many years saved the Treasury a hundred thousand 

 dollars a year. 



He had no such pride of discovery as to cling to his own methods 

 when a better could be found. He has recently tested the qualities 

 of petroleum as an illuminant, and recommended its use for the 

 smaller lights. In instances far too numerous to be recounted we 

 have long had this man as our counselor, our guide, and our friend. 



During all the years of his sojourn among us, there has been one 

 spot in this city across which the shadow of partisan politics has 

 never fallen ; and that was the ground of the Smithsonian Institu- 

 tion. We have seen in this city at least one great, high trust so 

 faithfully discharged for a third of a century that no breath of 

 suspicion has ever dimmed its record. The Board of Regents have 

 seen Professor HENRY'S accounts all closed; and, after the most 

 rigid examination, the unanimous declaration is made that, to the 

 last cent, during the whole of that period his financial administration 

 was as faultless and complete as his discoveries in science. The 

 blessing of such an example in this city ought at least to do some- 

 thing to reconcile these men of science to the loss they suffered when 

 their friend was called to serve the Government at its Capital. 



Remembering his great career as a man of science, as a man who 

 served his Government with singular ability and faithfulness, who 

 was loved and venerated by every circle, who blessed with the light 

 of his friendship the worthiest and the best, whose life added new 

 luster to the glory of the human race, we shall be most fortunate, 

 if ever in the future, we see his like again. 



