Page:The Journal of geology (IA journalofgeology21894univers).pdf/446

The protracted ill health of Major J. W. Powell has led to his resignation of the office of Director of the United States Geological Survey, and to appointment, with his hearty endorsement, of Professor Charles D. Walcott who has had charge of much of the executive work of the Survey for the past year or more. Although Major Powell has suffered much from other forms of ill health for several years, the immediate cause of his resignation, we understand, was a renewal of trouble from his amputated arm, which had reached a stage requiring re-amputation. As is well known, Major Powell lost his right arm on the evening of the first day of battle at Shiloh, while he was gallantly trying to hold his battery's position till night should come to the relief of the sorely pressed army. We are glad to learn that the re-amputation has already been successfully performed, and that there is every prospect of a speedy recovery. The probability of a measurable restoration to health has been regarded sufficient to warrant Major Powell in retaining the less exacting directorship of the Bureau of Ethnology, and to give encouragement that he may be able to finish the important ethnological studies upon which he has been engaged for several years. It is earnestly to be hoped that this may be realized, and that he may be permitted to add to his record as an executive the more distinctively scientific fruits of a very original and philosophical mind.

The appointment of Mr. Walcott meets with the hearty concurrence of his associates, and will be approved, we are sure, by scientific men generally. Though a comparatively young man, he has shown both investigative and executive ability of an unusual order and possesses in high degree the personal qualities which the position requires.