FIFTY-FIFTH CONGRESS, 1897-1899. 1815 
For expense of heating, lighting, electrical, telegraphic, and tele- 
phonic service for the National Museum, $15,000. 
Norr.—The cost of all fuel, gas, electrical service, including supplies and appara- 
tus, telephones, etc., as well as the pay of engineers, electricians, firemen, and other 
employees connected with this service, are covered by this item. The estimate for 
$15,000 is $1,000 in excess of the current appropriation, and it is important that the 
entire sum be provided. 
For continuing the preservation, exhibition, and increase of the col- 
lections from the surveying and exploring expeditions of the Govern- 
ment, and from other sources, including salaries or compensation of 
all necessary employees, $180,000. 
Norr.—This item provides for all expenses incident to the preservation, exhibition, 
and increase of the collections, except such as are specifically named under other 
headings. It covers the compensation of the scientific and clerical staff, and of the 
preparators, watchmen, and laborers; the cost of supplies required in the conduct of 
the Museum, such as preservatives, stationery, labels, and other incidental; the cost 
of transportation, the acquisition of specimens, etc. 
The appropriation for the current year is $160,000. An increase of $20,000 for the 
next fiscal year is requested. This additional amount is required to provide for the 
‘natural increase in the extent of operations of the Museum, and for the improvement 
of the exhibition and working series of specimens in certain branches, so as to 
increase their utility. 
One of the objects of the asked-for increase is to further develop the department of 
geology and expand it in the direction of a museum of practical geology, where the 
mineral products of the United States may be fully exhibited and producers may be 
supplied with information of value and service to them. It is especially desirable 
that this expansion of the scope of the department of geology may be effected at this 
time, as there is now a strong demand for it among the mineral producers of the 
country. ‘ 
The compensation of the higher grades of assistants in the Museum, on whom a 
very large share of labor and responsibility devolves, is still inadequate in many 
cases, and substantial increases should be made. The Museum has also a large corps 
of honorary curators, who render service gratuitously. This feature of the organiza- 
tion is valuable only within somewhat narrow limits, and it is desirable that addi- 
tional permanent curators should be provided for. 
For purchase of books, pamphlets, and periodicals for reference in 
the National Museum, $2,000. 
Norre.—An appropriation of $2,000 is required to provide books, pamphlets, and 
periodicals for the use of curators in identifying specimens and securing the facts 
necessary for preparing labels. It is also desirable to maintain in each section of the 
Museum a small collection of books relating to the subject of the section, for the use 
of visitors who desire more extensive information than the labels afford. 
For necessary drawings and illustrations for the Annual Report, 
‘**Proceedings,” and ‘‘ Bulletins” of the National Museum, $5,000. 
Norr.—The cost of the preparation of drawings for the publications of the National 
Museum has heretofore been charged to the appropriation for the preservation, 
exhibition, and increase of the collections. This item of expenditure is an important 
one in carrying out the policy of disseminating information regarding the Govern- 
ment collections for the benefit of educational institutions throughout the country, 
and it is requested that it be specifically provided for. 
