480 [Senate 



The receipts of the repository are chiefly for memhership, from the 

 annual fairs, and voluntary donations. The increase of contribu- 

 tions of articles which the reports of the committees made to the 

 managers show, are four times as great as in former years ; the pal- 

 pable improvement in their workmanship and quality, the increasing 

 number of visitors both at the repository and the fairs, the number 

 and value of the premiums, all show the American Institute is firmly 

 established, steady and sure in its progress, uninfluenced by the vi- 

 cissitudes that have shaken other institutions to their foundation. It 

 is a favorite institution of our people, and their determined support 

 heretofore is a guaranty that it will continue to command their un- 

 failing patronage while it is conducted with integrity and ability. 



It will be seen by the receipts and disbursements of the Institute, 

 the last year, that more than two-thirds of the expenditures are made 

 on account of the Annual Fair, which continues about three weeks. 



This at first view, might seem extravagant, and those acquainted 

 with the large amount of receipts, have been at a loss to know the 

 purposes of such large expenditures. By the accounts of the last 

 fair it appears that the whole expenditures, were $8,507.95. By 

 the same accounts, it will be seen that more than half that sum, viz: 

 $4,653.77, was expended for rent and fixtures of the places of exhi- 

 bition and premiums awarded. 



Niblo's Garden, the principal place of exhibition, and on account 

 of which a great portion of the expense of rent, fixtures, &c., is in- 

 curred, is the only one in the city suitable in locality, space, and 

 construction, to give the best effect to the display, and considering 

 the injury to his grounds, shrubbery, plants, &c., is not deemed ex- 

 travagant. Most of the amount paid him, is required to put the pre- 

 mises in order when the fair is over ; and whether extravagant or 

 not, it cannot be procured at a less sum. Other places not so con- 

 venient might be obtained for a small consideration, but the public 

 would not be satisfied, their patronge would be withheld, and the 

 Institute would lose both its popularity, and money. The expense 

 of printing and light exceeds $1400. Light is procured nt the low- 

 est possible rates, and the small amount paid for printing has provoked 

 an attack on the Institute from two of our city papers, 



The printing is not half the amount paid by some of our sister ci- 

 ties at their fairs. Their existence depends on extensive publicity. 

 The account shows thai the cost of three items, steam power, carpen- 



