788 HISTORY OF THE* SMITHSONIAN EXCHANGES. 



by His Majesty's Government for the purpose of securing for the Portu- 

 guese public establishments numerous and valuable elements for study ; 



In consideration that it becomes indispensable to profit by the oft'ers 

 made by several foreign countries which desire to send to Portugal col- 

 lections of incontestible value : 



His Majesty the King decrees, through the ministry of foreign affairs, 

 that the Marquis of Souza Holstein, senator, <S:c., &c., and Jose Julio 

 Eodrigues, professor at the polytechnic school of Lisbon, &c., &c., be 

 provisionally charged with the organization of the above-named service 

 of scientific, literary, and art exchanges between Portugal and foreign 

 countries, authorizing them to make requisition to the above ministry 

 for what they may need for the perfect accomplishment of the mission 

 which His Majesty has deigned to confide to their zeal and patriotism. 



Given at the Palace October 28, 1876. 



Jaao D'Andrate Coryo. 



Countersigned. 

 Minister of Foreign Affairs, 



Jorge Cesar De Figaniere. 



[The Smitlisoniau Institution to the State Department.] 



Smithsonian Institution, iSTovember 7, 1878. 

 Hon. William M. Evarts, 



Secretary of State : 

 Sir : In acknowledging the receipt of your communication of Sep- 

 tember 26, concerning the system of internatioual exchanges to be con- 

 ducted under government auspices by the various nations of the world, 

 I beg to renew the assurance that the Smithsonian Institution will be 

 pleased to enter into any relations of the kind in question that may be 

 authorized by its Board of Eegents. The precise form of co-operation 

 on the part of the Institution will probably be deemed by the board us 

 immaterial, provided the result is likely to add to the renown of Mr. 

 Smithson, the founder of the establishment. 



Whether the parcels that may be on hand for the rest of the world 

 shall be delivered to the foreign legations here, or forwarded through 

 the American legations abroad, is a matter of no special moment. 

 Whatever practicable system may be adopted by the international con- 

 vention will be duly considered and doubtless adopted by the board. 



I have also the honor to acknowledge the receipt of a letter of October 

 30, inclosing a communication from the legation of Portugal, designating 

 a commission in Lisbon to receive and take charge of any future trans- 

 missions to that country from the United States. 



Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 

 Spencer F. Baird, 

 Secretary of Smithsonian Institution. 



