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such an expedition. The iaforraat iosa thus obtained would fora the has! 
? 3®i£3s 
for comprehensive publications on the islands , thus .making available a 
large amount of information concerning their characteristics from many 
points of vie - which Is not- mm available, 
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The expedition weald, be accompanied by a skill id photographer and i 
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< . ■ \ ■; .. . : _ , ~ . ') < . ? • ' ■ ^ > ; , ■ • ^ ■ ■ - 
full record of the work on the Islands will he stale la the fora of moving 
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and still pictures* thus furnishing material for illustrations of the 
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published reports and for public lectures on that little known region, 
df She opportunity Is such an unusual one to secure at a minima of 
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expense such a .. Mount of infomat ion from thee© remote islands which 
will be valuable to the Department of Igriculture and to other departments 
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of the Government, that 1 -am writing to ask your approval that one of the 
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mine sweepers of the Bird class now at Pearl Harbor Saval Station, with 
i \\. "■ *; .. ' , ' v ; . , . - . ' • * .: . v - • • :•■ • V- . • . • * ' " V ’-‘•-V. 
ascOBiaoNations for from eight to twelve scientists, b® detailed to take the 
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expedition to the various Islands for the purpose of carrying out the 
proposed exploration# It is desired that the work be undertaken the first 
of April and extend through the follow tog three or four months, which l 
believe cover the most favorable period, for weather conditions in that region# 
I am informed that Professor Gregory has already discussed the 
possibility of such an expedition with the commandant at Pearl Harbor, Who 
considers that it would result in the accusal at ion of considerable information 
valuable ibr the use of the Havy. 
I tract that you my find it practicable to moke the detail of the mine 
sweeper as suggested, and that arrangements can be made whereby mantoers of 
the scientific staff and their assistants pay the usual subsistence obarge 
