FIFTIETH CONGRESS, 1887-1889. 10538 
not obtrude myself in connection with this matter but for some rela- 
tion which I had in the early days to the Smithsonian Institution and 
my regard for the gentlemen who have been associated through that 
institution with the Fish Commission. 
Professor Baird, as we all know, became, after the death of Professor 
Henry, the Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution. He received a 
salary, but not from the Government. He was a beneficiary under 
the will of an Englishman—James Smithson. When we undertook, 
through the agency of the Government, to investigate the propagation 
of food-fishes in America, a measure was passed by Congress on the 
9th of February, 1871, authorizing the President to appoint, for the 
purpose of taking charge of this work, someone connected either with 
the Smithsonian Institution or with the Government. Professor Baird 
at that time was connected with the Government ‘‘ National Museum.” 
He was an employee of the Government. Being an enthusiast in rela- 
tion to the propagation of food-fishes, having a thorough scientific 
training, he entered upon these researches con amore. He was 
selected by the President to undertake it. He undertook it with- 
out pay. 
The pay he received as secretary was perhaps adequate for his run- 
ning expenses as a citizen of Washington in such an eminent position, 
but he died a comparatively poor man, and his family, consisting of an 
infirm wife and an infirm daughter, are living in a house which they 
must sell or give up, unless they are more or less supported from some 
other source than remained to him at his death. After all his gratui- 
tous and beneficent services for the Government, they must yield up 
that comfort which they enjoyed while the husband and father was 
serving the Government. But of that I may speak on another and 
‘more fitting occasion. 
I do not wish to discuss the question whether there is any necessity 
for this bureau. It exists. The only question now is, whether we 
shall sustain it in its present efficiency. 
Professor Baird inaugurated the inquiry to which I have adverted 
in 1871. He continued his service until the last year, when he died. 
On his decease Professor Goode was called to take his place. He was 
and is in frail health. He had been an assistant to Professor Baird and 
has been receiving $5,000 as such Assistant Fish Commissioner. Pro- 
fessor Goode, at the express request of the President, took charge of 
this trust temporarily, as understood. He is not able to keep up his 
relation with the Smithsonian and the Museum and with the Fish 
Commission also; so that he is see to resign that position as Fish 
Commissioner. 
Now the question comes up pation we shall continue this bureau. 
‘%t does not call on us to pay any more money out of the Treasury as 
salary than has been paid to the Asssistant Commissioner. This was 
