PROCEEDINGS OF THE REGENTS. 131 



local questions that would come up from time to time in relation to 

 the National Gallery but also the broad field of art in America, and 

 the best methods of the National Gallery cooperating with art insti- 

 tutions and interested individuals throughout the country and the 

 world, in order that this phase of the Smithsonian Institution's 

 activities shall be made most effective in the increase and diffusion 

 of knowledge of the fine arts in America. 



In view of the completion of the building for the Freer collections 

 and the receipt of valuable and notable additions to the collections 

 now deposited in the Natural History Museum, the permanent com- 

 mittee submits for the board's consideration the following resolution : 



Resolved, That the chancellor is hereby authorized to appoint a committee 

 of five members of the Board of Regents, with the secretary as an ex officio 

 member, to consider the question of the appointment of a commission to be 

 known as the National Gallery of Art Commission ; and to report with recom- 

 mendations to the board either at a special meeting or at its next regular 

 meeting. 



On motion, the resolution was adopted. • 



The chancellor appointed the following committtee: Mr. Henry 

 White, chairman ; Senator Lodge ; Mr. Henderson ; Mr. Brookings ; 

 Mr. Greene ; and the secretary. 



NEW BUILDING FOE HISTOBY AND ART. 



The secretary spoke of the need for a suitable building for the 

 historical and art objects now in the care of the institution, stating 

 that last year an estimate of $5,000 was submitted for the prepara- 

 tion of plans for such a building, but that no action had been taken ; 

 and that there was scarcely any probability of its receiving favor- 

 able action at the present time owing to the condition of the national 

 finances. 



He added that whenever it was practicable a request for the build- 

 ing should be strongly presented to the Congress. 



BEQUEST OF MISS CAROLINE HENRY. 



The secretary announced that under the will of Miss Caroline 

 Henry, a daughter of Prof. Joseph Henry, the first secretary of the 

 institution (1846-1878), an immediate bequest of $1,000 is made to 

 the institution, which is also to receive, with the exception of about 

 $7,500 in direct bequests, the remainder of the estate after the death 

 of certain beneficiaries. 



BEQUEST OF MRS. VIRGINIA PURDY BACON. 



The secretary stated that by the will of Mrs. Virginia Purdy 

 Bacon, of New York, who died in 1919, the institution was given 

 $50,000 to establish the Walter Rathbone Bacon (traveling) scholar- 



