39G CONGRESSIONAL PROCEEDINGS. 



useful as it is, and directly connected with the great inter- 

 ests of commerce and navigation. For our most important 

 charts, also, we have been dependent upon other nations. 

 Until recently, if even now, we have had no establishment 

 at which our vessels could be supplied with maps and charts 

 necessary to enable them to perform a cruise with conve- 

 nience and safety, and we certainly have not had the infor- 

 mation of a hydrographical character which would enable 

 the Navy Department to plan an attack upon any foreign 

 port, even in the Gulf of Mexico. 



But, sir, the establishment of the Observatory, if its im- 

 portant objects be liberally seconded, will remedy these 

 defects, and wipe off from our character what I cannot but 

 consider a disgrace to the most enlightened people upon 

 earth. Its services will not be confined to the preparation 

 of maps and charts, the preservation of nautical instru- 

 ments, the regulation and correction of chronometers, with 

 other kindred practical duties : its operations will be still 

 more extensive and important. Already have thu elements 

 for an American nautical almanac been obtained by obser- 

 vation, and the liberal patriotism of the House is invoked 

 for a small appropriation to compute and print them. It is 

 now in contemplation, too, if the work has not already been 

 commenced, to enter upon a 8}'stem of most extensive 

 observation, including all the important fixed stars to be 

 observed in our latitude a more comprehensive and mag- 

 nificent, as well as useful work, than has ever yet been 

 undertaken in any part of the world. I have it from the 

 highly intelligent and scientific superintendent of the Coast 

 Survey, that the number of stars noted in the nautical alma- 

 nac is too limited for the convenient conduct of his impor- 

 tant observations. 



It will be found here, as well as in other important works 

 of a similar kind, that the labors about to be entered upon 

 at the Observatory will prove to be highly important and 

 valuable. They will enable us to make some return to the 

 science of the world for that large supply which we have 

 heretofore illiberally drawn from it; and they will contrib- 

 ute to elevate our Government in the eyes of other nations. 



I have said so much upon this subject, sir, because no 

 provision is made in this bill for any astronomical establish- 

 ment, and because, upon former occasions, it has been urged 

 with great ability, and from a distinguished quarter, that 

 the greater part, if not the whole of this fund, should be 

 .appropriated for this purpose. The venerable gentleman 

 from Massachusetts will understand mv allusion. It has 



