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FIFTY-SECOND CONGRESS, 1891-1893. 1579 
The appropriations for 1893 were not only less than for the preceding year, but scarcely 
exceeded those for 1887, although the collections have increased, chiefly through 
donations, by nearly a million specimens since that time. On account of the reduc- 
tion in the appropriations for 1893, it is impossible to meet the increased demands 
of the year, and no attention can be given to many important matters lying over 
from preceding years. For these reasons, and others of equal moment, it is greatly . 
to be hoped that the entire sum of $180,000, which has twice been estimated for, but 
not received, may now be granted. For the welfare of the Museum it is desirable 
that an increase should be made in the number of paid assistants on the scientific 
staff. Much work is performed by volunteers, without compensation, but this sys- 
tem has only a limited usefulness. Even with this assistance it is impossible, in 
many departments, to keep pace with the growth of the collections, and the con- 
stantly increasing demand of educational establishments and the public for informa- 
tion and aid. Many of the salaries are too low to secure efficient service. The 
compensation of the members of the scientific staff is less than that of teachers in the 
higher public schools, although the service rendered is of a very special character. 
The clerical employees are paid less than in the Executive Departments; hence many 
leave after a short period of service, to the serious detriment of the Museum, which 
_ is constantly compelled to train new employees. For the safe-keeping of the collec- 
tions, which have greatly increased in intrinsic value as well as extent, a larger 
number of watchmen is necessary. The force is now so small that it is difficult to 
grant the usual leaves of absence without exposing the collections to danger. It is 
also with difficulty that the cleanliness of the floors and cases is maintained, on 
account of the limited number of laborers and cleaners which the present appropria- 
tion will permit the Museum to employ. 
For cases, furniture, fixtures, and appliances required for the exhi- 
bition and safe-keeping of the collections of the National Museum, in- 
cluding salaries or compensation of all necessary employees, $30,000. 
Norr.—Although the Museum halls are already in a crowded condition, it is 
necessary, without regard to the width of aisles and the established arrangement of 
exhibits, to find room for the collections which are constantly received by donation. 
Many valuable objects are still exposed to dust and vandalism from the lack of suffi- 
cient money to procure the necessary cases. Collections, such as the great Lacoe 
collection of fossil plants, received in 1892, are frcquently offered, with the condition 
that suitable cases be provided. 
Judging by the experience of the Museum in connection with the Philadelphia, 
London, New Orleans, and Cincinnati -exhibitions, it will be necessary during 1893 
to make provision for the large number of collections which will be presented to the 
Government at the close of the World’s Columbian Exposition. For the safe-keeping 
of these objects numerous storage and exhibition cases will be required, and it is 
therefore hoped that the sum of $30,000 will be appropriated. 
For expense of heating, lighting, electrical, telegraphic, and tele- 
phonic service for the National Museum, including salaries or com- 
pensation of all necessary employees, $15,000. 
Norr.—The larger part of this appropriation is expended for fuel and gas. As 
has been explained in connection with the estimates for previous years, it is neces- 
sary for the safety of the collections that the building should be kept at a nearly 
even temperature day and night throughout the winter. The reduction of this 
appropriation in 1893 below the minimum of $12,000 makes a deficiency for that 
year necessary. From lack of fuel required to maintain the proper temperature, 
some of the offices had to be abandoned on several occasions during the winter of 
1892. 
