REPORT OF THE SECRETARY. 



To the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution. 



Gentlemen : Nothing of especial interest has occurred during the 

 past year to mark an epoch in the history of the institution over which 

 you preside. The several objects set forth in the plan of organization 

 have been prosecuted as far as the funds which could be devoted to 

 them would allow. A knowledge of the true character of the institu- 

 tion has been gradually extended, and it is a subject of gratification 

 that the plan of operations is more highly appreciated the better it is 

 understood. Every succeeding year which is added to the age of the 

 institution will render it more stable, so long as it pursues undeviatingly 

 the same course. All establishments, however, which are supported 

 by bequests, intended to promote the public good, are necessarily sub- 

 jected to the scrutiny of all who consider themselves personally inter- 

 ested in the trust. The managers are overwhelmed with suggestions, 

 and subjected to ilhberal criticisms, and unless they are firmly con- 

 vinced of the propriety of their course, and have sufficient moral cour- 

 age to pursue it notwithstanding opposition, there is danger of vacilla- 

 tion, and of an attempt to gain popularity by adopting measures not 

 calculated to promote the desired end. It should, however, be recol- 

 lected that opinions ought to be weighed rather than counted, and that 

 nothing of importance can be accomphshed either by an individual or 

 an institution, except by constant and laborious exertion in one direc- 

 tion. In the beginning of this institution the plans best calculated to 

 reahze the liberal intentions of the donor were adopted after due delib- 

 eration, and have been constantly adhered to and developed as far 

 as the requisitions of Congress and the limited income would allow. 

 From the character of James Smithson and his pursuits there can 

 be no reasonable doubt as to his intention in regard to the bequest. 

 He was a man familiar with the precise language of exact science, 

 and no other construction ought to be put upon the words of his will 

 than that which a strict interpretation will allow. He leaves his prop- 

 erty to tbund an estabhshment which shall bear his own name, and 

 have for its object "the increase and diffusion of knowledge among 

 men." It would evidently be incompatible with an enlarged and just 

 interpretation of this will to confine its benefits exclusively to one peo- 

 ple, and especially would it be unworthy the character of a great nation 

 to accept the administration of a bequest intended lor the good of man- 

 kind, and to apply it exclusively to its own use. 



Nothing apparently can be further from the truth than the idea which 



