1434 CONGRESSIONAL PROCEEDINGS. 
understand the various branches of learning, and that this course is 
pursued under the terms of the Smithson bequest. ahi 
Mr. Rogers. I understand, Mr. Chairman, that while that is true, 
the direct control of the Zoological Park has passed under the sole 
management of the head of that great Institution. 
Mr. BreckinripGk, of Kentucky. The same principle is carried out 
with reference to that as to other departments of the Institution. I 
know the gentleman from Arkansas desires to be entirely fair. 
Mr. Rocers. I do desire to deal justly by everyone. I desire also, 
if my friend from Kentucky will yield for a moment, to state what I 
am trying to now, which is to invite the attention of the House to the 
condition of things in order that we may avoid in the future that which 
I think, from what I have learned in regard to it, and which I regard 
as somewhat authentic, and perhaps entirely so, may become a great 
public scandal with reference to the improvements in that park. 
It is a very important question to determine. It is a matter that 
should be made clear, because in that is involved the whole question 
of the public expenditure to be made for that purpose. Such a park 
is a great institution, requiring talent, genius, and taste, and a large 
knowledge of topographical surveying, and close attention, a personal 
attention to what is going on in that place. Now, I do not for one 
moment reflect upon those gentlemen. These are duties which I think 
ought not to devolve in any sense upon any member of Congress. 
We are not here at the proper time to be consulted about these things, 
and the practical result is to turn the matter over to a scientific man 
whose life has been spent for the most part in astronomical obser- 
vations. 
Mr. Burrerwortu. Mr. Chairman, as one of the Regents of this 
Institution, I do not understand that the gentleman proposes to criti- 
cise it; but for one I know that I can not do that which will be 
required possibly. But heretofore the fullest confidence has been had 
in the management of that Institution. From the suggestion of my 
colleague [Mr. Breckinridge, of Kentucky] and of my friend from 
Arkansas [Mr. Rogers], information seems to have reached them to 
the effect that the management is not or may not be up to the standard. 
Now, I think it is true if either of these gentlemen has information 
that would put us upon inquiry, or suggest inquiry, that they should 
state it to the House. I would not want during my term, when I have 
done nothing except to go over there and look through, and to yielda 
ready assent to what has been done—I would not, during my incum- 
bency of that office, like to do anything that would be subject to criti- 
cism, either as suggesting neglect or grave wrong. So that if my 
friends have any suggestions in that behalf, I trust they will make 
them clear. 
Mr. Ournwaitr. A few moments ago I made a suggestion which I 
referred to. 
