[1] 



52 



the interior of the centre building, at an additional expense of $44,000. 

 The whole cost of the building and grounds in round numbers will then be 

 Jiii300,000. The only way in which this additional expenditure can be met 

 without interfering with the plan of finance above described, is that of ex- 

 tending the time of completing the building. The scheme of adding to the 

 original bequest, will be placed beyond the possibility of failure from any 

 further demands on account of the building, if the petition presented to 

 Congress, to take from the Institution, to be placed with the original be- 

 quest, the sum of JtploO,000 be granted, there will then remain on hand 

 unexpended, a sura sufficient to complete the whole of the exterior, all the 

 interior of the two wings and of the two ranges, and all the rooms of the 

 towers of the building. This space will be sufficient for the wants of the 

 Institution, until the accumulating interest will enable the Regents to finish 

 the remainder in accordance with the fire-proof plan. 



At the last meeting of the Board, a new system of keeping the accounts, 

 and making the disbursements was adopted. From the beginning of the 

 Institution up to this time, the accounts had been kept and the disburse- 

 ments made by the Chairman of the Executive committee. This method 

 was temporarily adopted, but had been continued until the expiration of the 

 term of service of the Hon. W. W. Seaton, Chairman of the Executive com- 

 mittee, rendered a change necessary. This gentleman had kept the accounts 

 from the beerinnins:, and made the disbursements without charge to the In- 

 stitution, and since it was not proper to burthen his successor with such 

 onerous duties, it was resolved that the following system be adopted : 



1. That an assistant be appointed to take charge of the funds for the 

 current expenses of the Institution, who shall give security for the safe 

 keeping of all moneys belonging to the Institution, which shall come into 

 his possession. 



2. That the funds before mentioned, be deposited until otherwise ordered, 

 with Messrs. Corcoran and Riggs, to the credit of the Treasurer of the In- 

 stitution. 



3. That all bills presented for payment, shall be audited and certified by 

 the Secretary, on whose order, the assistant acting as Treasurer shall pay 

 them. 



4. That the Treasurer report to the Secretary monthly, all payments 

 made by him during the preceding month. 



5. That all accounts be examined and certified by the Executive com- 

 mittee. 



6. That the account books be kept in the Smithsonian building, so that 

 the Secretary and Executive committee may have ready access to them. 



The Hon. W. W. Seaton was chosen Treasurer, and signified his accept- 

 ance of the office, but that he would receive no compensation for his services. 



The new system of accounts went into operation at the beginning of July 

 last, and has been continued up to this time with satisfaction to the com- 

 mittee. 



At the beginning of the institution it was not possible before knowing the 

 developement of the plans of organization, in practical operation to adopt a 

 classification of accounts showing the expenditure for dilTerent objects. 

 The plan of operations is now however so far established, that a system of 

 classification may be adopted. 



The Secretary has accordingly, with the assistance of the other officers 

 of the Institution, prepared a programme of accounts, which may serve until 



