REPORT OF THE SECRETARY 5 
lishment of the Institution falls on August 10, only a little over a 
month after the beginning of the new fiscal year, it seems advisable 
in this report to anticipate to the extent of describing the Centennial 
observances. 
Smithsonian commemorative stamp—Among the outstanding 
honors that came to the Institution on its one-hundredth anniversary 
was the issuance by the Post Office Department of a special commemo- 
rative 3-cent postage stamp depicting the Smithsonian Building and 
containing the words “For the increase and diffusion of knowledge 
among men.” The design was suggested by the Chancellor of the In- 
stitution, the late Chief Justice Harlan F. Stone. On the morning 
of August 10, 1946, in an impressive ceremony held in the auditorium 
of the National Museum, the first sheet of the Smithsonian stamps 
was presented to the Institution by Assistant Postmaster General 
Joseph J. Lawler on behalf of Postmaster General Robert E. Hanne- 
gan. The ceremony was broadcast by the National Broadcasting Co. 
through Station WRC, and music was furnished by the Navy Band 
Orchestra. Mr. Lawler concluded his remarks with these words: 
“Thus it will be shown that the philanthropy of one man (James 
Smithson), coupled with the interest of another (Chief Justice Harlan 
F¥. Stone), made possible this commemorative postage stamp and 
brought together today this distinguished gathering of men and 
women to pay honor to an Institution whose record of achievement in 
the 100 years of its existence is well known throughout the civilized 
world. My one regret is that the late Chief Justice Stone, who played 
so important a part in making today’s celebration a reality, is not 
present to enjoy the fruits of his labors for such a just and meritorious 
cause. Dr. Wetmore, it gives me great pleasure to present to you the 
first sheet of this Smithsonian Institution commemorative postage 
stamp.” 
In accepting the stamps on behalf of the Institution, I reviewed 
briefly the growth and expansion of the Smithsonian during the first 
100 years of its existence, and concluded as follows: 
“Such, in brief outline, is the Institution that today receives the 
signal honor of a commemorative United States postage stamp. For 
100 years it has fostered diligently James Smithson’s clear-sighted 
vision of the value to mankind of an institution devoted to the increase 
and diffusion of knowledge among men. At this milestone on its 
journey into the unknown future, the Institution dedicates itself anew 
to the promotion of Smithson’s ideals. 
“Mr. Lawler, on behalf of the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian 
Institution and for myself, I thank you for the recognition of the 
Institution’s work expressed through this fine commemorative stamp, 
