survey, and by the zoologists in the department, has been of the very
highest value, and has won cordial recognition from all European
countries. Much of the work of the early scientific explorers in the
West reads like a veritable romance; and this governmental work has
added enormously to our knowledge in all branches of science, from the
natural history of mammals and birds, to the geological formation of
mountains, and the contour of the coasts.

The remaining two officers are the Secretary of the Navy and the
Secretary of War. The Secretary of the Navy, again, occupies a most
important position, for upon the navy depends to a very great extent the
nation's power of protecting its citizens abroad, and of enforcing the
respect to which it is entitled. Most fortunately for the last ten or
twelve years the secretaries of the navy have done admirable work. Each
has built on the good work of his predecessor, so that we are gradually
getting our navy to a pitch where it can worthily uphold the honor and
dignity of the American flag.

The Secretary of War is an officer whose duties are usually not very
important, as he has comparatively little of consequence to do during
time of peace, but is perhaps the most important officer of the Cabinet,
with the sole exception of the Secretary of State, whenever a war
arises. He has all kinds of work to do even in peace, however. Thus
during the last two or three years the experiment has been tried on a
large scale of working the Indians in as soldiers; and although hitherto
this experiment has not had the success its promoters anticipated, yet
good has been obtained by it. But when war comes, the Secretary, if not
a powerful man, will be crushed helplessly; and if a powerful man, can
do great good for the country and win a great name for himself, for in
war he stands as one of the supreme officers, and upon his energy and
capacity depends much of the success of the contest.

A strong President will usually make up his mind on certain policies and
carry them out without regard to his Cabinet, merely informing them that
their duty is to do the work allotted to them; but except in the case of
these few policies, to which the President is committed, and the
workings of which he thoroughly understands, he has to rely on his
advisers.

The necessary advice is given him in these Cabinet meetings as well as
privately. At these meetings the business of the departments is
discussed, and a