36 Recent Literature. | January, 
The report of the committee makes three recommendations ; as 
follows: First, that the geodetic surveying of the Territories of 
the United States be placed in the hands of one organization, and 
that that one be the United States Coast Survey, which they also 
propose shall be transferred to the Interior Department. Secondly, 
that all of the existing geological and geographical surveys be 
abolished, and that a new organization be created under the In- 
terior Department, to be called the United States Geological Sur- 
vey. Thirdly, the limitation of the duties of the Land Office to 
questions relating to the disposition and sale of public lands, their 
titles, the records, etc. 
At first sight there is a simplicity and harmony about the plan 
thus recommended, which is pleasing to one’s sense of order and 
fitness. The proposition for the unification of all geodetic work 
is every way reasonable, and we hope to see it adopted. So, also, 
with the plan of conduct of the Land Office. But as regards the 
geological work proper of the country, there is no such reason for 
consolidation. If the work be well done, it matters not to how 
many organizations it be confided, provided it be not duplicated, 
and of this there is now no danger. In fact, in view of the utter 
absence of reasonable grounds for the committee’s proposition on 
this head, we seek for the presentation of some in the report, but 
in vain. We have now three or four extensive and complex or- 
ganizations fully equipped at great expense, and ably manned, all 
doing work which is the admiration of the older countries, as 
well as of our own, which this committee proposes to snuff out of 
existence. And this while they are in the midst of their useful- 
ness, and preparing to bring out work which is the result of years 
of preparation. The proposition seems especially absurd in view 
of the other fact, that the term of existence of Government su- 
pervision of this work is, at most, limited. One portion after an- 
other of the territory west of the 1ooth meridian will be entering 
the Union as States, and then the sustenance of the geological 
surveying will fall to the State Governments. It does, therefore, 
ject at this time. We can only account for the proposition in 
view of the universal truth that “some men labor, and other 
men enter into their labors.” 
The following summary includes the more important objections 
which occur to us: 
1.) The surveys as they now exist are the results of private 
effort and energy, and the force of personal interest on the part 
of their directors is an important element in their success. Re- 
move this, and much of their working power is gone. 
(2.) The territories will, before many years, become States, and 
the services of the General Government in surveying will be su- 
_ perseded by the State Govenments. It is therefore unnecessary 
to create a new organization to accomplish a work which is 
