the law and the cnstom are quite strict upon this point. Occaaionall; a bold miLn will evade or break tbroDgh diplomatic etiquette; but, aa a ni]e, those members of the acadetn; who happen also to be members of the executive are greatlj hampered in any efforts to improve the relations between gov- erument and science. We therpfore believe, that, before congress can obtain the free, untrntnmelled judgment of some of the best members of the national academj, it must relieve them individual- ly and collectively from the operation of this objec- tionable law, and confer upon academicians liberty of speech on matters pertaining to the scientific pol- icy of our national legislature. This great privilege, granted because of their recognised eiperienoe and the impassibility of otherwise obtaining the advice of the very men whom congress needs and has ac- cepted as advisers, should be made a duty, and may possibly eventually bring with it a further condition; i.e., the membership of the academy, which is at present wholly a matter of election by its own members, might be in some way ratified by
��NCE. rVoL. T., No. 1
the senate so that congress may feel that its advis- ory academy is wholly in aympathy with itself. We couclude, then, by expressing Ibe belief, that without a aiagle abrupt immediate change in tin relations of the scientific bureaus and offices of government, without any immediate revolution ia the executive departments, without taking from any of the present chiefs his right and liberty Co conduct the work committed him t^i the beat of his knowledge and ability, but by three or font simple steps, we may quietly secure for the legisli- tive branch of government such enligbteument and conservative advice as will eventually and rapidlj lead to an improved and economical execution of the works now in hand ; will insure satisfactory re- lations between science and the government; will assure the stimulation of setentiSc education snd work, and the strengthening of the hands of such as honestly desire to promote the welfare of the people, rather than the creation of an aristocrK; of government officers, or the execution of Mme petty personal scheme, X
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