SMITHSONIAN ASKS
NEW BUILDINGS
25-Million Program Sought
for Expanding Scientific
Institution.
The Smithsonian Institution, after
nearly a century of ateady growth and
expanding usefulness, has, In the
words of Secretary Charles G. Abbot,
“outgrown Its shell,” and is seeking
to institute a $25,000,000 building pro
gram.
First established in 1846 by the be
quest of approximately $500,000 from
the Englishman, James Smithson, for
“the increase and diffusion of knowl
edge among men,” the institution has
served as the essential corner stone of
the whole vast structure of American
scientific progress. For years at a
time. In fact, its annals have been
practically the annals of American
science.
The Smithsonian Institution is a
unique establishment. By the terms of
the Smithson bequest its status is
that of a ward of the United States
Government, which holds its funds in
trust and appoints the Board of Re
gents, who are in direct control of its
activities. But is it not a Federal es
tablishment. The Government’s con
nection with it is not that of blood
relationship, but of guardianship.
But through the years the Smith
sonian has inaugurated various lines
of scientific inquiry of vital impor
tance to the national life. As these
have expanded beyond the capacity
of the institution itself to house or
finance them, they have been taken
over by the Government, and support
ed directly by Federal appropriations.
Some have been Intrusted to various
major departments of the Government.
Thus the Weather Bureau is now part
of the Department of Agriculture,
and the Bureau of Fisheries part of
the Department of Commerce. Others
have been left under Smithsonian ad
ministration. Among these are such
institutions as the National Museum,
the Bureau of American Ethnology,
the National Zoological Park, the Na
tional Gallery of Art. the Astrophysl
cal Observatory and the privately
founded Freer Oallerv of Art
Arrangement Fortunate.
For all of them this has been a
fortunate arrangement. They have
thrived and expanded—expanded so
much, in fact, that now they can
function only with great difficulty in
the quarters provided for them. It is
largely for these Federal establish
ments under its direct charge that the
$25,000,000 building program has been
Inaugurated.
The Smithsonian has borne the in
creasing burden to the utmost of its
ability. Its relations with the Federal
Government, its “guardian," have been
characterized by the utmost cordiality
and co-operation through the years.
For example, for 70 years it has
loaned three-quarters of its private
building to the Government rent free.
It has allowed the Government to put
roadways through its private grounds
without protest. It has supplemented
with its own funds researches under
taken on insufficient appropriations
by some of its Government-supported
branches.
Some of the foremost men in Amer
ican history have served on its Board
of Regents, and the position of secre
tary has been filled by some of the
most illustrious figures in American
science. Throughout the world the
name "Smithsonian" is practically the
trade-mark of scientific America.
It is with these facts in view that
it asks the Federal Government to
finance the building program, not for
Itself primarily, but for its govern
mentally supported branches.
The first need is for the National
Museum—two new wings already au
thorized by Congress and with the
plans drawn and approved, to cost
approximately $5,850,000.
It may be difficult for the general
public to appreciate the acuteness of
this need. Perhaps the name “mu
seum” is a trifle misleading, carrying,
as it does, the connotation of a build
ing purely for exhibition purposes. Ex
hibition is one of the functions of the
institution, and millions of visitors
have thronged through its halls. But
this is only one of its functions. It
Is only secondarily a show place; pri
marily it is a place of deposit for type
specimens which are the foundation
blocks of the various sciences and
must be preserved for the scientists of
posterity. Many types are. indeed, al
ready extinct species, and could never
again be collected. The National Mu
seum contains more than ten million
specimens, far more than it is
equipped to care for within the space
available. It has the foremost col
lection in the world in everything that
relates to natural history, ethnology,
geology and paleontology of the United
States. This is supplemented with a
great amount of material from other
parts of the world.
"Science Dictionary.”
The museum is sometimes referred
to as the “dictionary of American
science.” It is where one turns to
“look up" any natural object found in
the United States. For examples:
It is found that some plant is
poisonous to cattle. Just what is this
plant? If the question is by any means
difficult to answer. State officials turn
to the National Museum, where the
plant doing the damage can be
matched up with type specimens of
the whole family, and obtain an exact
identification, or definition .
A curious rock, bird or Insect is
found. It is sent to the National Mu
seum for identification and, if it does
not compare strictly with something
found before a n<f preserved there, be
comes itself a type specimen. It is
safe to say that the natural sciences
in the United States would be so badly
handicapped that progress in them
would be next to Impossible were it not
for this great collection In Washing
ton.
Of course, very little of this mate
rial is on display. Only the choicer
items are kept in show cases. The
great mass of the material would have
very little popular Interest. The
function of the National Museum
Is to preserve it, Identify it, and
catalog it for the benefit of specialist*.
Literally from pole to pole these
collections have been gathered, often
at vast expense of effort, health and
life. Even as a debt to the selflessness
of the collectors the American people
owe it to themselves to see that they
be given adequate housing and pro
tection.
Objects of History.
The Smithsonian has endeavored,
so far as possible, to secure the
original objects which have marked
the turning points in the story of
America’s material culture. These
are often large, requiring space which
absolutely cannot be found at present
A good example is the airplane col
lection. Aviation has been, both in
its origin and progress, an American
contribution to civilization. The idea
■was conceived here. The first flights
were made here, and there has been
a regular progression of advances to
the culmination in such colorful In
cidents as the Lindbergh flight
The airplane collection—especially
Its outstanding object, the "Spirit of
I
St. Louis—is unquestionably one oi
the primary attractions to visitors to
the National Capital from all over
the country.
The Arts and Industries Building
is the repository not alone of the
priceless machines which have been
the pivots upon which the mechani
cal evolution of the past century has
turned.
This building soon must be tom
down to make way for the extension
of Ninth street. It is the hope that
it can be replaced with a building in
some measure in keeping with the
value of the objects it will contain.
At present the cost of such a building
is estimated at about $6,615,000.
It would be large enough to meet
all requirements for at least a half
century to come and thus enable the
Smithsonian Institution to expand its
present efforts to preserve the story
of one of the most remarkable eras
in human history.
The history of America’s material
culture is, of course, only part of the
story of the Nation’s life.
The Smithsonian has in its custody
a great amount of material illustra
tive of the history of America’s na
tional culture. It constitutes an in
valuable substitute for history text
books, an invaluable corrective for
error based upon tradition. But at
present there is no room even to house
it, to say nothing of keeping it prop
erly on display.
The building of the contemplated
$5,500,000 Museum of History would
make possible the keeping of an im
perishable, objective record of the
story of the Nation and of the people.
In still another branch of «*• activi
ties. the National Zoological Park, the
institution is badly in need of more
adequate quarters. For a total of five
badly-needed buildings and the com
pletion of the bird house, the insti
tution is asking $1,000,000—and this
would be adequate, for the present, to
raise the National Zoological Park t»
the rank of the finest Institution of
its kind in the world. These build
ings are essentially public buildings,
not merely animal barns. All of them
fall far short of the purpose for which
they are intended and are a source of
continual unfavorable comment from
visitors from all parts of the United
States and foreign countries.
COMPULSORY MILITARY
COURSE WINS IN COURT
Kansas Judge Holds State Has
Right to Train Touth for
Service.
By the Associated Press.
TOPEKA, Kans., January 12.—
Compulsory military training of Kan
sas State College students was upheld
by District Judge Otis E. Hungate in
ruling against the "conscientious ob
jections" of Raymord McMahon to
day.
“The State has a right to train its
youth in military matters and to have
them prepared for defense of their
country.” the judge said, “whether
the youth has conscientious objec
tions or otherwise.”
An application for an injunction to
restrain college authorities from re
quiring McMahon, a student of vet
erinary medicine, to participate in the
training was denied.
McMahon asserted he was a victim
of discrimination in that he had to
attend the land-grant school to ob
tain the veterinary course he desired.
He charged the Board of Regents
with violating a State constitutional
exemption for those having religious
scruples against the bearing of arms.
Bridge Causes Divorces.
From one part of Central Europe
have come reports that several di
vorce suits have been started by hus
bands against bridge-fiend wives.
The men accuse their mates of neg
lecting their household duties for the
game and of los*ng too great a share
of the family funds.
Proposed Expansion of Smithsonian Institution
Architect'* drawing of the proposed new wings on either end of the National Museum.
The projected new National Gallery of Arts from an architect's drawing.
Smpect in D. C. Chest Swindle
Traced Down by Accountant
- i , ■ —
Clever Sleuthing Adds to
Fame of Councilor
in New Way.
JAMES A. COUNCILOR. whos<
system of accounting Com
munity Chest campaign fund;
has been called the best in thi
country, now Is receiving con
gratulations for his ability as i
detective.
Through the clever sleuthing of thi
head of the firm of Councilor A
Buchanan, certified public ac
countants. the police are on the trai
of a man who is alleged to hav<
swindled the Community Chest ou
of $60 by passing three bogus check;
of $20 each, drawn on the Riggi
National Bank.
For five years Councilor it Bu
chanan have audited the Chest’;
campaign funds, free of charge, tm
without the loss of a penny, due t<
the unique and well nigh perfec
accounting system instituted b;
Councilor. But at the end of thi
check-up this year It was found tha
some one had swindled the chest ou
of $60 by substituting checks fo
cash.
Councilor took personal charge o
the investigation, determined to locab
the embezzler and vindicate his sys
tem. He was confronted by almos
Insurmountable odds, however. Ii
a city of 500.000 inhabitants. 150.001
had contributed to the Communlt;
Chest. The bad checks had come fron
one of three sources—the contributors
the solicitors or the auditors.
After minute check-ups, Councilo
narrowed the neld to 1 of the 150 em
ployes hired temporarily to audit thi
campaign fund. It was up to him U
trace the culprit, and be did it in th<
manner of a Sherlock Holmes.
Close examination of the check
showed the name "Community Ches
of Washington. D. C.,” had been writ
ten on an odd typewriter, and who
ever did the typing was not expert
In one place, where a comma wa
punched, the letters *•oz', stood out
"Ah. ha,’’ said Councilor. "It mus
i
l
I
JAMES A. COUNCILOR,
r ___
; have been a pharmaceutical type
writer."
A search of drug stores turned up
a machine in one of the old-line chain
, stores with similar type. While Coun
cilor was busy duplicating the checks
! on this typewriter a young druggist
remarked that “a fellow was in here
not long ago writing out three checks
on that same machine."
Prom that clue the accountant
traced the checks directly to a young
man who had been called in on the
special audit. He gave police the
name of the man. and a United States
commissioner’s warrant now is en
route to Rome. Ga„ for his arrest.
Under the law the accused has 30 days
in which to fight extradition.
RECREATION GROUP
TO MEETTIJESOAY
Settle to Explain Maps of
Centers to Advisory
Council.
Thomas S. Settle, secretary of the
National Capital Park and Planning
Commission, Tuesday afternoon will
explain to the District Commissioners'
Advisory Council on Recreation the
program of his organization for the
development of playgrounds and
recreation centers in the city and vi
cinity.
Arrangements were made yesterday
for the session to be held at 2:30 p.m.
Tuesday in the conference room of
the commission at the Navy Building.
The various properties mentioned in
the recent report of L. H. Weir, ex
pert of the National Recreation Asso
ciation, looking to unlHcatlon of
recreational facilities here, will be
pointed out on maps to be furnished
by the commission.
Some of the members of the coun
cil frankly conceded they did not
know where all the recreational areas
in the District are located, officials
asserted yesterday.
Settle, aided by John Nolan. Jr.,
director of planning of the commis
Ion, will outline plans for the future
levelopment of the recreational sys
em of Washington and Its environs,
is worked out by the commission
tself, aided by Its experts. The ques
ion of utilizing such areas outside
he District as the Shenandoah Na
ional Park, Fort Hunt, Va.; Fort
Foote, Md., and certain submarginal
lands also will be discussed.
Tuesday's session Is expected to be
merely informative.
The Advisory Council is headed by
James E. Cornflower, with Mrs. Fred
erick H. Brooks as vice chairman
and Miss Sybil Baker, director of
playgrounds, as secret*rv
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USE OUR
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Prescriptions Filled at
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Above pricet include Eye Examination by Licented Optometritt 1
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Remade
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1004 Era St. N.W. ME. 9490
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Trade in Your Old Style Piano
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1239- G Street - Cor. 13 - N.W.
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THIS WEEK!
Any Garment
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| • • Ladies' coats, $4.00 up
" Men's hats cleaned and blocked, 39c
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A Convenient Branch in Your Neighborhood
!:■ 32* Kennedy StreetN.W. 1731 Columbia Road 2902 Georgia Ave. N.W. 42* H Street NX.
... 14th street v w SSd Eye St. N.W. 2*41 Ntebeb Ave. SX. 1122 Vermont Ave. N.W.
B.e!. 522 King St Alexandria 3566 Georgia Are. 15*4 WI»con*in Are.
1S31 17th Street N.W. me North Capitol St. 5U» Georgia Ave. 770S Georgia Ave.
me Park Bead 3602 Connecticut Ave. 622 7th Street S.W. 2363 4th Street NX.
»
A Price*Wrecking
Remodeling Sale
Made necessary to get the store and stock in
shape to make important changes planned for
the betterment of our service to you.
Time is short—so we\e made the reductions
doubly deep—in Suites, Occasional
Pieces—Beds and Bedding—Rugs—etc.
1
43 Living Room Suites
—doomed to go at a fraction
of the original price
Were $110 to $295
Now *6950 to *194
Here Are 5 Examples:
$110 Mohair Tapestry Suite. $69.50
$135 Mohair Frieze Suite. $89.00
$159 Carved Frame Suite.$110.00
$189 Mohair Frieze Suite.$127.00
$219 Mohair Damask Suite.$ 149.00
39 Others Similarly Reduced—and
All “Furniture of Merit’*
87 Bedroom Suites
Mahogany, Walnut, Maple—Both
Moderne and Conservative Types
IT ere $95 to $295
Now 559-50 to J194
For Example:
$95 Walnut and Gum Suite. $59.50
$125 Four-piece Twin-bed Suite. .. .$79.50
$169 Burl Walnut Colonial Suite. . .$110.00
$199 Satinwood or Rosewood Suite .$ 129.00
$295 Acacia Veneered Suite.$187.00
And 82 other Suites—besides many odd
Bed Room Pieces—and all “Furniture of
Merit"—which makes the reductions all
the more significant.
17 Dining Room Suites
Handsomely designed, popular types—in
walnut, oak, mahogany—all full 10-piece
suites—
Were $174 to $395
Now *119 to *295
Here Are 5 of Them:
$174 Walnut-veneered Suite.$119
$219 Early English Oak Suite.$139
$269 Antique Walnut Reproduction.... $179
$350 Walnut and Maple Suite.$247
$395 All-walnut Georgian Suite.$295
And 12 other Suites—together with a lim
ited number of odd Dressers—temptingly
reduced, All “Furniture of Merit."
Occasional Pieces
$15 Tapestry Occasional Chair. $9.95
$21.50 Tapestry Club Chair.$14.45
$34.50 Club Chair and Ottoman... .$24.50
$15 Ladder-back Windsor Chairs. ... $7.50
$4.95 Upholstered Bed Room Bench.. $2.47
$15 Coffee Table and Tray. $7.75
$ 1.95 Mahogany-finished End Table.. $1.19
$ 14.50 Mahogany Phone Set.$8.75
$45 Tapestry Rocker.$27.50
$75 Mahogany Virginia Sofa.$49.50
$185 Chippendale Sofa.$125.00
$89 Mahogany Love Seat.$57.50
$14.75 Mah. or Wal. Occasional Table $8.50
$29.50 Mah. Drop-leaf Dinette Table.$19.50
$6.50 Walnut and Gum Night Table. . $3.95
$34.50 Gov. Winthrop Secretary... .$24.50
$14.50 Walnut Pier Cabinet. $7.75
$8.50 Walnut Magazine Rack. $4.95
Beds and Bedding
$24.50 Solid Mahogany Poster Beds. .$14.75
$19.75 Inner Spring Mattress.$12.95
$11.50 Layer Felt Mattress. $7.45
$29.50 Inner Spring Mattress.$19.75
$11 All-Wool Double Blankets. $7.45
$5 Cotton-Filled Comforts. $2.95
$2.50 White Feather Pillows. $1.89
$33.50 Twin Studio Couch.$24.45
$39.50 Simmons Studio Couch.$29.50
$7.50 Brown Metal Bed.: $4.95
$29.75 Solid Mag. or Wal. Spool Beds.$14.95
$15 Studio Couch End Cabinet. $8.50
$ 12.95 Mag., Wal. or Maple Poster Bed. $7.89
Every Rug in Stock
of which only one or two are left,
Sharply Reduced for
Clearance
Fine Wiltons N Axminsters
Luster Rugs Velvets
Also short ends of HEAVY INLAID
and STANDARD INLAID
LINOLEUM
Make all the use of your credit you wish—but don't let this rare opportunity pass
House &. Herrmann
“Furniture of Merit**
Seventh and Eye 8433-35 Georgia Ave.
Free Parking on Eye Street—Opposite the Store
Wmm/
_i_ -