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Editorial
November 27, 1845
Vermont Watchman And State Journal
Montpelier, Washington County, Vermont
What is this article about?
The editorial criticizes the appointment of Prof. Adams as Vermont's state geologist, citing his lack of reputation and practical experience compared to experts like Dr. Jackson, which has eroded public confidence and nearly led to the repeal of the survey law in the legislature. It supports the survey if future reports demonstrate competence.
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WATCHMAN & JOURNAL.
E. P. WALTON, JR., EDITOR.
MONTPELIER, THURSDAY, NOV. 27, 1845
GEOLOGY OF VERMONT
We had availed ourselves of a notice of Prof. Adams' first report, from the Boston Journal, rather than to buy or borrow a copy for our own use. For some reason or other, the courtesy which has been extended to most of the editorial craft has been withholden from us. We do not regret it, however, since it leaves us the more liberty to say a word or two in reference to the subject. The appointment of Professor Adams to the post of Geologist was a great mistake. He may be a good Geologist for aught we know; but it is certain that he is not generally known to be so-that he has not had the practical knowledge nor acquired the reputation of such a man for instance as Dr. Jackson. The consequences are that the public generally are not inspired with confidence that the survey will be such as they had a right to expect-dissatisfaction and sectional jealousies have been produced, and have been not a little strengthened by the injudicious course of the geologist-and the success of the measure is very much endangered. At the late session of the legislature, a proposition to repeal the law authorizing the survey was lost by a very close vote in the House, and were it not for the hope that another year's trial will prove more satisfactory, the repeal would unquestionably have been carried. We were originally for a geological survey of the State, hoping that it would be entrusted to a Geologist of large experience, and so well known as to secure general confidence and make the measure strong in public opinion. We are still for the survey, and hope that Prof. Adams and his assistants will show, when another annual report is made, that they are abundantly qualified for the task and entitled to the confidence and good will of the people of the State. How far the first report ought to go towards doing this, we cannot say; but that it did not go very far was quite evident from the discussion of the subject in the Legislature.
E. P. WALTON, JR., EDITOR.
MONTPELIER, THURSDAY, NOV. 27, 1845
GEOLOGY OF VERMONT
We had availed ourselves of a notice of Prof. Adams' first report, from the Boston Journal, rather than to buy or borrow a copy for our own use. For some reason or other, the courtesy which has been extended to most of the editorial craft has been withholden from us. We do not regret it, however, since it leaves us the more liberty to say a word or two in reference to the subject. The appointment of Professor Adams to the post of Geologist was a great mistake. He may be a good Geologist for aught we know; but it is certain that he is not generally known to be so-that he has not had the practical knowledge nor acquired the reputation of such a man for instance as Dr. Jackson. The consequences are that the public generally are not inspired with confidence that the survey will be such as they had a right to expect-dissatisfaction and sectional jealousies have been produced, and have been not a little strengthened by the injudicious course of the geologist-and the success of the measure is very much endangered. At the late session of the legislature, a proposition to repeal the law authorizing the survey was lost by a very close vote in the House, and were it not for the hope that another year's trial will prove more satisfactory, the repeal would unquestionably have been carried. We were originally for a geological survey of the State, hoping that it would be entrusted to a Geologist of large experience, and so well known as to secure general confidence and make the measure strong in public opinion. We are still for the survey, and hope that Prof. Adams and his assistants will show, when another annual report is made, that they are abundantly qualified for the task and entitled to the confidence and good will of the people of the State. How far the first report ought to go towards doing this, we cannot say; but that it did not go very far was quite evident from the discussion of the subject in the Legislature.
What sub-type of article is it?
Science Or Medicine
What keywords are associated?
Geological Survey
Vermont Geology
Prof Adams
State Legislature
Public Confidence
What entities or persons were involved?
Prof. Adams
Dr. Jackson
Vermont Legislature
Editorial Details
Primary Topic
Criticism Of Professor Adams' Appointment As Vermont State Geologist
Stance / Tone
Critical Of Appointment But Supportive Of Geological Survey
Key Figures
Prof. Adams
Dr. Jackson
Vermont Legislature
Key Arguments
Appointment Of Prof. Adams Was A Mistake Due To Lack Of Reputation And Experience
Public Lacks Confidence In The Survey
Dissatisfaction And Jealousies Strengthened By Geologist's Course
Survey Nearly Repealed In Legislature By Close Vote
Hope For Better Results In Next Year's Report
Original Support For Survey If Led By Experienced Geologist