Abstract

"Political Scientists"

In a governmental investigation of the U.S. Coast Survey by experts from the U.S. Department of the Treasury, the condition of the office of the organization was found to be demoralizing, and its workings to a certain extent inefficient, unjust, and to some extent disreputable. The Coast Survey has long been looked upon as a strictly scientific organization, devoted to elevated objects, and composed of men protected by their pursuits from vulgar aims. It appeared that a "political scientist" was a man who must have scientific ability, he should be a professor of something, if practicable, although this was by no means essential, but his chief characteristic should be a skill in getting appropriations, and large appropriations, from the U.S. Congress.