34 



Object of the It is the object of this Office to so progress, gradually sup- 

 Office. , . . .... 



plying its own publications to our marine, that we may 



finally be independent of foreign supply and may cease to 

 pay for the support of foreign offices and foreign labor. For 

 this object, the gradual meeting of the demands of our com- 

 merce and mounting our issues in the most economical man- 

 ner, the remainder of the amount over last year's appropria- 

 tion was asked. 



The Charts and Sailing Directions from this Office, as they 

 can be brought out, are gradually taking the place of those 

 of England with our marine. Could larger appropriations 

 be given it would be able, so much the earlier, to be inde- 

 pendent, as far as such an office can be, of all foreign offices. 



In this connection will you permit me to ask your attention 

 to the recommendation made in my letter accompanying the 

 estimates (addressed to the Chief of the Bureau of Naviga- 

 tion, whoauthorizes me to mention those subjects relating to 

 Recommends this Office), that it would be much better fortheGovernment, 



the purchase of 



the .building oc- and for the Office, to own the building in which it is located. 

 flce^ e ie At present the yearly rent of the building is $2,000 and 

 the repairs average about $800. Valuable material is con- 

 stantly accumulating in it which would always be injured by 

 removal, setting aside the expense of removal and refitting. 

 This building, with moderate repairs and slight additions, 

 would, with the ground attached, answer the purpose for all 

 time. It can be purchased and refitted for $50,000, the 

 property being valued at $40,000. 



May I also ask your interest on the subject of prosecuting 

 foreign surveys as recommended in the Report of the Sec- 

 retary of the Navy, page 13. These require but a compar- 

 atively small appropriation in comparison to their inipor. 

 tance to commerce and navigation. 



Could you spare the time to visit this Office, I should take 

 pleasure in pointing out to you what is doing at present, 

 what has been done, and what I hope to do for the future 

 of the Office. 



Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 

 E. H. WYMAN, 

 Captain, U. 8. Navy, 

 Hydrographer to the Bureau of Navigation. 



Publications of During the year there were published " Sailing Direc- 



the Office. 



tions for the English Channel;" "The Physical Geography 



