754 HISTORY OF THE SMITHSONIAN EXCHANGES. 



the SmithsoDian Institution, dated the 16th of May last, in which he 

 solicits, on the most liberal conditions, the exchange of the official (his- 

 tory) productions of this country for those of the United States of 

 America. 



The Government of Colombia, which sincerely desires to promote the 

 interests of its countrymen, heartilj^ adopts the plan of exchange which 

 Mr. Henry of the Smithsonian Institution proposes through his excel- 

 lency, and accepts it with greater satisfaction inasmuch as the official 

 productions of the American Government, as Eepublican and enlight- 

 ened, will be a worthy example for the citizens of Colombia, a country 

 that is making every effort in its power to establish a free and just gov- 

 ern mnt. 



The national librarian has been ordered by this department to make 

 a detailed report as to the best manner of carryiug into effect this ex- 

 change. As soon as it is received in this oflBce, I will forward it to his 

 excellency that he may transmit it to Mr. Henry as he requests. 



And thus have the honor to offer to his excellency the assurance of 

 my high and distinguished consideration. 



Carlos Martin. 



[Tho Eoyal Library of Wiirtemberg to the Smitlisonian Institution. ] 



Stuttgart, November 11, 1867. 

 Mr. Joseph Henry, 



Secretary Smithsonian Institution : 



Dear Sir : In regard to the proposed exchange of government pub- 

 lications, we have the honor to submit the following answer to your 

 communication. 



Having inquired of all the bureaus issuing official publications, we are 

 enabled to say that our government will readily enter into the proposed 

 arrangement. 



The Royal Public Library will undertake the collection and transmis- 

 sion of all the publications of our national institutions, thinking that 

 arrangement would be more agreeable to both parties. 



We are well aware that the publications of our government, ordinary 

 and extraordinary, will not bear comparison either in size or value with 

 those of the Government of the United States; but since the offer of ex- 

 change proceeds from them we are glad to show our estimation of it by 

 accepting itreadilj% 



With regard to transmission, we think that a mutual delivery at 

 Leipzig free of charge would be consistent with the ordinary terms of 



intercourse between the public libraries of Europe and America. 



******* 



4 Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 



Staelin, 

 Head Librarian of ths Royal Fublic Library. 



