REPORT OF THE SECRETARY. 



is conversant with its working and policy, and lie was accordingly so • 

 designated by the Chancellor. 



FINANCES. 



Nothing unusual has occurred in the financial affairs of the Institu- 

 tion. The principal of the fund remains the same as at the last annual 

 report, namely, $703,000, on which the interest at 6 per cent, is paid by 

 the Treasurer of the United States on the 1st of each January and 

 July. 



The appropriation by Congress for the international exchange system 

 was increased last year from $5,000 to $7,500, half of which was available 

 in 1883. 



The balance of the Smithsonian income on the 1st of January, 1884, 

 is $25,914.20, which will be required for carrying on the operations of 

 the establishment until the 1st of July next. 



BUILDINGS. 



Smithsonian Building. — In the last report an urgent plea was pre- 

 sented for measures to secure the removal of the old combustible and 

 decayed wood-work of the interior of the eastern portion of the Smith- 

 sonian building and the substitution of fire-proof materials. The Ee- 

 gents having directed the Secretary to memorialize Congress on the 

 subject, the facts in the case and the arguments in favor of the measure 

 were presented by him. The result, I am happy to state, was the 

 appropriation of $50,000 "for fire-proofing the eastern portion of the 

 Smithsonian Institution." 



The preparation of plans, the details of construction, and architect- 

 ural requirements were placed in charge of Messrs. Cluss and Schulze. 



Advertisements of proposals for the work to be done were inserted 

 in the newspapers, and the bids were opened on the 26th of April, 1883. 

 The removal of the contents of the building was soon effected, the offices 

 of clerks and others were transferred to the large hall on the first floor 

 of the main building, and accommodation for storage provided by the 

 erection of a temporary wooden shed on the south of the Institution. 



The following contracts were awarded : 



