500 CONGRESSIONAL PROCEEDINGS. 



entific pursuits, giving an account of tlieir respective 

 researches and of new discoveries whenever they are made. 

 These works are sent to the " Smithsonian Institution," in 

 return for the publications of this institntion, which are 

 transmitted to the learned societies and establishments 

 abroad. The library thus formed, and the means by which 

 it is accomplished, are peculiarly calculated to attain the 

 objects for which the mnnificent legacy was given in trust 

 to the United States. The publication of the results of sci- 

 entific researches made by the institution is calculated to 

 stimulate American genius, and at the same time enable it 

 to bring before the public the fruits of its labors. And the 

 transmission of these publications to the learned societies in 

 Europe, and receiving in return the fruits of similar re- 

 searches made by them, gives to each the benefit of the 

 "increase of knowlege" which either may obtain, and at 

 the same time diffuses it throughout the civilized world. 

 The library thus formed will contain books suitable to the 

 present state of scientific knowledge, and will keep pace 

 with its advance; and it is certainly far superior to a vast 

 collection of expensive works, most of which may be found 

 in any public library, and many of which are mere objecta 

 of curiosity or amusement, and seldom, if ever, opened by 

 any one engaged in the pursuits of science. 



These operations appear to have been carried out by the 

 regents, under the immediate superintendence of Professor 

 Henry, with zeal, energy, and discretion, and with the 

 strictest regard to economy in the expenditure of the funds. 

 Nor does there seem to be any other mode which Congress 

 could prescribe or the regents adopt which would better 

 fulfill the high trust which the United States have under- 

 taken to perform. ISTo fixed and immutable plan prescribed 

 by law or adopted by the regents would attain the objects 

 of the trust. It was evidently the intention of the donor 

 that it should be carried into execution by an institution or 

 establishment, as it is termed in his will. Congress has 

 created one, and given it ample powers, but directing its 

 attention particularly to the objects enumerated in the law; 

 and it is the duty of that institution to avail itself of the 

 lights of experience, and to change its plan of operations 

 when they are convinced that a different one will better 

 accomplish the objects of the trust. The regents have 

 done so, and wisely, for the reasons above stated. The 

 committee see nothing, therefore, in their conduct which 

 calls for any new legislation or any change in the power* 

 now exercised by the regents. 



