FORTIETH ANNUAL REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR OF THE UNITED STATES GEOLOGICAL SURVEY. GEORGE OTIS SMITH, Director. INTRODUCTION. The fortieth annual report of the United States Geological Survey is an appropriate place in which to compare the present scope of the work with that of the work done during the first year of this organization. The growth of the Survey is suggested by a comparison of the appropriations for 1918-19, which comprise items amounting to $1,437,745, with the total appropriation of $106,000 for the first year, 1879-80. During the 40 years the personnel has been increased from 39 to 967. The corresponding growth in public functions of the organization, which is one of the oldest of the Federal scientific bureaus, can be inferred from the detailed report of activities which makes up the greater part of this volume. The past year has been the most notable in the Survey's history, as it marked the completion of the period of its largest national contribution, and the later half of the year was largely a time of readjustment of program. It seems opportune, therefore, that the special topics discussed in the pages immediately following should be forward-looking and suggestive of the larger usefulness planned for the Geological Survey in the future. SPECIAL TOPICS. READJUSTMENT OF ACTIVITIES. The special war activities outlined in the Thirty-ninth Annual Report continued until the signing of the armistice, when return to the regular program of scientific work began. The policy that had been adopted-not to change the Survey organization, but simply to adapt it to the emergency needs of the war period-made readjustment easier. No special appropriations had been asked during the war, but the appropriations made for activities that would contribute to the needs of the country in time of peace had been diverted to similar activities that would contribute to its needs in time of war. The geologist limited his field studies to the search for the raw mate rials most needed by the war industries, the topographer mapped the areas selected by the General Staff; the hydraulic engineer cooperated with the Fuel Administration in power conservation; the statistician met the country's need for weekly and monthly figures of mineral production under the emergency demand; and the engraver and printer reproduced for both Army and Navy the maps required for their operations. The changes in personnel incident to 243 separations after July 1, 1918, for Army and Navy service, together with the similar loss of 234 workers during the preceding year, made the administration of the Survey work more difficult, and indeed without the increased efforts of those who remained some of the Survey's contributions to the war program could not have been made. It should be added that the Survey's honor roll of 477 would have been longer had not "deferred classification" been officially asked for some of the more essential members of the organization, against their personal preferences. With so universal a spirit of full service, only brief record should be made of individual honors. Yet it has been a satisfaction to the whole organization that four Survey members attained the rank of lieutenant-colonel in the Engineer Corps and Coast Artillery. These officers brought to their military duties the special training in geologic and topographic engineering that could have been obtained only in the Geological Survey. The Chief of Coast Artillery, in expressing his appreciation of the assistance rendered by the Geological Survey, mentioned especially the preparation and publication of the "Manual for the artillery orientation officer," stating that this publication was in great demand during the war, as is shown by the fact that over 40,000 copies were printed and distributed. Other contributions of similar type have since been made by a Survey engineer, Lieut. Col. Birdseye, who has prepared pamphlets entitled "Meridian determination" and "Circumpolar ephemeris" for the Coast Artillery Training Center, Fort Monroe, Va. Personal letters from Gen. Pershing were received by Lieut. Col. Alfred H. Brooks and Lieut. Col. Glenn S. Smith. The letter to Col. Brooks expressed appreciation of his "loyal and energetic work as a member of the American Expeditionary Forces" and stated that his services as chief geologist were "of a constructive character in a field new to the military service" and that the results of his efforts "were becoming manifest to all." Col. Smith was commended for the "energy and technical knowledge which aided most materially in securing suitable personnel and equipment for the Topographic Service, in training and organization, and in the making of topographic surveys in France." Citations by the commander in chief of the American Expeditionary Forces have also been received "for exceptionally meritorious and conspicuous services" by Lieut. Col. Glenn S. Smith, "as director of base printing plants." Maj. William O. Tufts, "in topographical surveying with First Army." Maj. Luria L. Lee, "as adjutant, First Battalion, 29th Engineers." Maj. Lee was also awarded the French Croix de Guerre for exceptional service rendered as captain in the 29th Engineers during the Chateau Thierry offensive. A copy of his citation is given below. GENERAL HEADQUARTERS of the French Armies of the East. STAFF Personnel Bureau (Decorations) Order No. 18094 "D" (extract). With the approbation of the Commander in Chief of the American Expeditionary Forces in France, the Marshal of France, Commander in Chief of the French Armies of the East, cites in the order of the division: Capt. Luria Lyons Lee, 29th Regiment, American Engineers: Rendered exceptional services to the Geographic Branch of the Army during the battles of July, 1918, in the execution of surveys in the region northwest of Chateau Thierry, giving proof under particularly difficult circumstances of very great competency and untiring energy. |