REPORT OF THE SECRETARY. 13 



stacle in the way of the full development of the plan of the former iu 

 having absorbed, iu the erection of the building aud in the appropria- 

 tions for the care of the specimens, at least oue-half of the whole income 

 of the Smithson fund. Furthermore, the Museum and also the Institu- 

 tion have now arrived at such a state of development that the two can 

 scarcely be continued under one organization. 



But the most objectionable result of the present connection of the 

 two establishments is the necessity of the Institution appealing to Con- 

 gress annually for appropriations for the support of the Museum, 

 whereby, in the language of my last report, the Institution is presented 

 to the world as a suppliant for perpetual aid, whereas, for carrying out 

 the legitimate objects of the bequest, no annual appropriation is neces- 

 sary from the public Treasury; for, although more than onehalf of the 

 whole income of the Smithson bequest has been devoted to a Museum 

 and other local objects, it has succeeded, through its researches, publi- 

 cations, and exchanges, in establishing a reputation as extensive as civ- 

 ilization itself. 



In this connection it may be stated that an important step has been 

 made at the present session of Congress toward recognizing the 

 National Museum as a separate establishment. In the language of the 

 Act making appropriation for deficiencies, it is for the first time 

 announced as an '< appropriation for the National Museum in charge of 

 the Smithsonian Institution." 



Since the meeting of the board on the 24th instant, I have trans- 

 mitted to the Senate and House of Representatives the resolutions 

 adopted by the Regents relative to the necessity for the erection of an 

 additional building in connection with the Institution, and have con- 

 ferred with several members of Congress as to the probability of obtain- 

 ing an appropriation for this purpose. These have given encourage- 

 ment as to the probable appropriation of $250,000 for the erection of 

 the proposed building,* but do not think that the proposition to pur- 

 chase the Smithsonian building would at this time, on account of the 

 condition of the Government finances, meet with favorable considera- 

 tion. The proposition should, ho^^^ever, be kept before the public, and 

 in due time, 1 doubt not, it will be adopted. 



General M. C. Meigs, Quartermaster-General, United States Army, 

 who had charge of the extension of the United States Capitol, and has 

 had much experience in the construction of public buildings, has gratui- 

 tously furnished a plan for a new building for the Museum, and in 

 addition generously offers his assistance in superintending its construc- 

 tion. This building will be of durable though inexpensive material, and 

 expressly adapted to the uses for which it is designed. In its con- 



* The bill making au approiJiiation of $250,000 for the erection of the building passed 

 the Senate without opposition, but failed to receive consideration iu the House because 

 a favorable vote of two-thirds of the members present was required to bring it before 

 that body. 



