1892.] Prehistoric Anthropology. 815 
national pride and our own self-respect will compel it. We 
should here apply to science, the Monroe Doctrine of politics. 
We should recognize and declare our own ability to do this 
work, and our intention to perform it—that we may contrib- 
ute to the science of the world a history of our prehistoric 
people. If the work is not to be done by us or if it be insuffi- 
ciently performed it should not be because the matter was 
neglected or forgotten by either our government or people, but 
for the reason we decided it was not worth the effort, and in 
this way we must justify ourselves in the eyes of the world. 
The sciences of Mathematics, Philosophy, Astronomy, Chem- 
istry, Metallurgy, Classic Literature and Archeology, those 
general and not local, have recognition, but their claims rest 
upon other countries with equal weight as upon ours. Our 
country is under no greater obligation in respect of these and 
similar sciences than are other countries of the world. But 
in respect of the Prehistoric Anthropology of this country it 
is different. The duty rests solely upon us. The Smithsonian 
Institution and National Museum stand as beacon-lights to 
the American people, and are the representative scientific 
institutions of our country. In this regard they stand for the 
United States Government and speak for it. They have the 
ear of its Executive and of its Legislatures, and exercise an 
influence with the Government not possessed by private indi- 
viduals or organizations; and, therefore, a certain responsi- 
bility rests upon them whether they will or not. i 
As a means of correcting the defect mentioned I would 
respectfully suggest the giving of greater attention to the dis- 
semination of information among the people. This can be 
done through publications, by means of lectures and by the 
organization of kindred societies for concert of action and 
more expensive preparation at their meetings for the presen- 
tation of this subject in its proper light. I would also suggest 
the preparation of specimens illustrating the science of Pre- 
historic Anthropology, accompanied with descriptive letter 
press and catalogues,! these to be distributed to all institutions 
1I have prepared during the past year, under the direction of the Smithsonian 
Institution, 100 sets of typical prehistoric implements for exchange. 
68 
