Public Law 46–19

That a commission be appointed to select a site for a new Naval Observatory, the said site if practicable to be upon an even degree of longitude west of Greenwich, and to possess the relative advantages of facility of access from the city of Washington, health fulness, clearness of atmosphere, freedom from obstruction for the FORTY-SIXTH CONGRESS. Sess. II. Ch. 19, 21, 22. 1880. horizon, and freedom from objectionable vibrations from traffic or other causes, with ability to have sufficient water supply.

The commission shall consist of one member of the Senate Naval

Commissioners, how designated.

Committee, to be chosen by the President of the Senate, one member of the House Naval Committee, to be chosen by the Speaker of the House, and the Superintendent of the Naval Observatory.

Sec. 2.

That the sum of seventy-five thousand dollars, or as much

Appropriation for purchase of site, &c.

Distribution.

thereof as may be necessary, is hereby appropriated, out of any money in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, to purchase said site; but five thousand dollars of said sum is reserved for incidental expenses of selecting said site, and for detailed drawings, plans, and estimates for said new observatory. But no money shall be paid for said site until the Attorney-General shall have given a favorable opinion as to the sufficiency of the title of said selected site.

Sec. 3.

That upon selection of a site for said observatory by said

Title.

Commission to report.

commission, they shall report their action to the President, who shall direct the Secretary of the Navy to make the purchase of such site, taking title thereto in the name of the United States.