80 BOARD OF REGENTS. 



the letter of J. H. Bradley, Esq., relative to the unsettled claims of 

 John Sniffin against Gilbert Cameron, contractor, with the accom- 

 panying resolution, which was adopted : 



Resolved, That the Secretary be authorized to inform Joseph Bradley, Esq., that 

 although the Board of Eegents cannot grant the application made in his letter of 10th 

 February last, in behalf of John Sniffin, as in their opinion it would be an interfer- 

 ence with the rights of the contractor, G. Cameron, yet that the Board will readily 

 unite in any arrangement between the parties which will facilitate the settlement of 

 the controversy between the said Sniffin and Cameron, not inconsistent with its own 

 rights and duties in the business. 



The Secretary stated to the Board that the contract of Mr. Cam- 

 eron would expire on the 19th of March, and suggested that the 

 Board ought to determine whether the lire-proofing of the centre 

 building should be immediately proceeded with ; and also whether 

 it would be advisable to provide a larger lecture-room, and make 

 other changes for the better adaptation and security of the build- 

 ing. 



All of which was referred to the Building Committee. 



The Board then adjourned to Saturday, 28th inst., at 10 o'clock, 

 a. m. 



February 28, 1852. 

 The Board of Regents met this day, agreeably to adjournment. 

 A quorum for the transaction of business not being present, the 

 meeting adjourned to Saturday, the 1st of May next. 



31ay 1, 1852. 



The Board met this day, at 10 o'clock, a. m. 



Present, Mr. Taney, Chancellor; Messrs. Bache, Fitch, Lenox, 

 Mcacham, Pearce, Totten, of the Board ; and Mr. Seaton, treas- 

 urer. 



Mr. Lenox, from the Building Committee, to whom was referred 

 the subject of the completion of the building, reported as follows: 



That in the opinion of this committee it is advisable to proceed with the completion 

 of the building as far as the funds Avill allow, and as rapidly as is consistent with 

 good workmanship ; and, in accordance with this opinion, they offer the following 

 resolution : 



Resolved, That the Building Committee be authorized to contract for the finishing 

 of the building, or so much of it as they may think at present necessary ; and that 

 they be allowed to make such changes in the interior as they may tfciink best suited to 

 the wants of the institution : Provided, They report the terms of any contract or con- 

 tracts they may make, and the character of the changes which they may contemplate 

 in the interior of the building, to the Board of Piegents, before operations are com- 

 menced under their contract. 



Mr. Bache, from the Executive Committee, presented the follow- 

 ing resolution : 



Resolved, That during the year 1852, the sum of thirty thousand dollars out of the 

 Smithsonian income be, and is hereby, appropriated to be expended under the direc- 



