48 EEPORT OF THE SECRETARY. 



of his early career that when he was called upon to enter the service of the nation 

 as explorer, geologist, geographer, and ethnologist he naturally assumed the role of 

 organizer. He gathered about him the best available men in the various depart- 

 ments of science, assigning them to the fields for which their abilities particularly 

 fitted them; but at all times he was the master spirit, compassing with clear vision 

 the widest horizon, and easily pointing the wa\' to even the ablest. His vigorous 

 methods were an inspiration and his large-mindedness and generosity made a deep 

 impression on scores of students, who recognized the potent influence exerted by 

 the master. 



As Director of the Geological Survey Major Powell originated and conducted many 

 enterprises of importance to science and to public welfare, but he was finally forced 

 by failing health to turn his back upon all branches of the public service save that 

 relating to the Indian tribes, and in 1893 he resigned the directorship of the Geo- 

 logical Survey to devote the remainder of his life to the science of man, and as 

 Director of the Bureau of American Ethnology achieved results that establish his 

 claim to lasting renown. The Bureau of American Ethnology is peculiarly his own, 

 the lines of research initiated by him being in the main those that must be followed 

 as long as the Bureau lasts, and in fact as long as the human race remains a subject 

 for study. Although the investigations made and directed by Powell related almost 

 exclusively to the American race, the results are so broad as to apply to all mankind. 

 It was a fortunate circumstance that his energies were directed to a field little 

 encumbered by the forms, methods, and determinations of earlier students, since it 

 enabled him to conduct his investigations on new lines and thus to raise the science 

 to a higher plane. 



The great series of volumes published by the Bureau, more completely Powell's 

 own than the world can ever know, area splendid monument to his memory, a mon- 

 ument that will lose none of its impressiveness as the years and generations pass, 

 and when, a little later, the race of red men and their unique culture are but shad- 

 ows on the face of the world, and other primitive peoples have likewise passed for- 

 ever out of view, this monument that Powell has reared will stand, not only for 

 himself but for the nation among the most important contributions to human history 

 ever made by an individual, an institution, or a State. The world of the future, 

 viewing Powell's career, will thank the guiding star that led the farmer boy to become 

 a teacher, the teacher a soldier, the soldier an explorer, the explorer a geologist, and 

 the geologist a historian of a vanishing race. 



Respectfully submitted. 



W. H. Holmes, Chief of Bureau. 



Mr. S. P. Lang LEV, 



Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution. 



