48 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY. 



privilege could bo granted without hesitation ; the number has, 

 however, been constantly increasing, and during the past half year 

 there has scarcely been a day in which the favor has not been urgently 

 solicited by some of those who flock to this city with plans and in- 

 ventions by which, as it is asserted, the government and the public 

 are to be greatly benefited. These applications are prompted not 

 only by the consideration that the use of the room may be obtained 

 without charge, but also by the desire to connect the name of the 

 Institution with the schemes or doctrines with which the public are 

 to be impressed. 



Since the custom was first introduced of granting the use of the 

 room for the purposes before mentioned, a large amount of valuable 

 property has been accumulated in the building, which is especially 

 exposed at night to injury and loss from fire and other causes. On 

 this account, as well as that of the insulated and exposed position of 

 the grounds, an extra corps of watchmen is required for the protec- 

 tion of the property every time the building is open at night for 

 public purposes. 



Again, it has been found a disagreeable matter to allow, even for 

 benevolent purposes, a charge to be made by other parties for en- 

 trance to the building while, in accordance with the policy of the 

 Institution, admittance is free to every one. 



But the greatest difficulty which has been met with in regard to 

 granting the use of the lecture room for other purposes than those 

 of the Institution, is that of strictly enforcing the rules relative to 

 the discussion of political and sectarian subjects, and the conse- 

 quent impossibility of preventing the name of the Institution from 

 being associated in the mind of the public with topics alike foreign 

 to its peaceful character and its scientific reputation. It is in vain to 

 disclaim the connexion of the Institution with the discussion of these 

 subjects. The popular mind, particularly at a distance, cannot dis- 

 criminate between the lectures given under the sanction of the Insti- 

 tution and those which are simply permitted to be delivered within 

 its building. 



In view of these facts it becomes a matter of grave deliberation 

 whether or not the use of the lecture room ought to be granted for 

 purposes not connected with the operations of the Institution; but, 

 under existing circumstances, perhaps the subject had better be post- 

 poned for future consideration. 



Kespectfully submitted, 



JOSEPH HENRY, Secretary. 



