JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS. XVII 



cies of the demaud on the Librarian have caused it not ouly to be 

 crowded into insufficient space, but in an inaccessible room, so that the 

 collection is not seen and in no way recalls the source of its contribu- 

 tion, and to the general public its very existence is unknown. 



In the new Library of Congress building adequate space will i)re- 

 sumably be provided for its preservation and increase, but if it seems 

 fit to the Regents that a distinct hall or halls shall be devoted to it, 

 and that they shall also in their construction and decoration not only 

 be worthy of the contents, but recall that the collection is due to the 

 Smithsonian fund, the following resolution is submitted: 



Resolved, That since the Smithsonian deposit now numbers over 

 250,000 titles, and is still increasing at the cost of the Institution, it is, 

 in the opinion of the Regents, desirable that in the new building for 

 the Library of Congress sufficient provision shall be made for its 

 accommodation and increase in a distinct hall or halls, worthy of the 

 collections, and such as, while recalling to the visitor the name of 

 Smithson, shall provide such facilities for those consulting the volumes 

 as will aid in his large purpose of the diffusion of knowledge among 

 men. 



On motion of General Meigs, the resolution was adopted. 



The Secretary called the attention of the Board to the act recently 

 passed by Congress (approved by the President, January 4, 1889), to 

 incorporate the American Historical Association, and providing that 

 said association shall report annually to the Secretary of the Smithson- 

 ian Institution its proceedings, etc., who at his discretion shall com- 

 municate the same to Congress, and further authorizing the Regents of 

 the Institution to receive on deposit the collections, papers, etc., of the 

 said association. 



On motion of Mr. Cuilom, it was 



Resolved, That the American Historical Association be and hereby is 

 permitted to deposit its colle(;tions, manuscripts, books, pamphlets, and 

 other material for history in the Smithsonian Institution or in the Na- 

 tional Museum, in accordance with the provisions of the act of incor 

 poration, and that the conditions of said deposit shall be determined 

 by the Secretary, with the approval of the executive committee. 



On motion of Mr. Cuilom, the Board adjourned sine die. 

 H. Mis. 224 II 



