676 The Smithsonian Instihition 



teorological department under one comprehensive system with 

 an adequate appropriation of funds." In 1865 Henry wrote: 

 " The present would appear to be a favorable time to urge 

 upon Congress the importance of making provision for reor- 

 ganizing all the meteorological observations of the United 

 States under one combined plan, in which the records should 

 be sent to a central depot for discussion and final publication. 

 An appropriation of $50,000 annually for this purpose would 

 tend not only to advance the material interest of the country, 

 but also to increase its reputation. It would show that al- 

 though the administration of our government is the expres- 

 sion of the popular volition, it is not limited in its operation 

 merely to objects of instant or immediate utility, but that, with 

 a wise prevision of the future, it withholds its assistance from 

 no enterprise, however remote the results, which has for its 

 end to advance the well-being of humanity." ^ 



It was not, however, until 1869 that Congress took final 

 action on this matter. During the winter of that year Hon. 

 Halbert E. Paine, of Wisconsin, secured the passage of a joint 

 resolution creating the Weather Bureau of the United States 

 Signal Service. This resolution was approved on February 9, 

 1870. It appropriated $25,000 for " taking meteorological 

 observations at the military stations in the interior of the con- 

 tinent, and at other points in the States and Territories of the 

 United States, and for giving notice on the Northern Lakes 

 and the seacoast of the United States by magnetic telegraph 

 and marine signals of the approach and force of storms." ^ 

 The general direction of this service was given to General 

 Albert J. Myer. 



In the Report for 1870 Henry expresses his gratification at 

 the culmination of his desires by the creation of the new 



1 " Smithsonian Report," 1865, page 57. 1870 to 1891." "Bulletin No. il, Weather 



2 Abbe, Cleveland, "The Meteorological Bureau," page 236. Report of Meteorological 

 Work of the United States Signal Service Congress held in Chicago, 1893. 



