100 PROCEEDINGS OF REGENTS. 



been appointed for the purpose of arranging for the housing of the 

 congress, of which committee the Secretary of the Smithsonian Insti- 

 tution had been designated chairman.. 



This brought up the question of a suitable building for such pur- 

 poses. There was no place now convenient, and it had become nec- 

 essary, if the United States Government were to continue inviting 

 foreign bodies to hold their conventions in Washington, that provi- 

 sion be made for their reception in suitable quarters of a permanent 

 character. In accordance with the policy announced in the secre- 

 tary's report of June 30, 1907, the Smithsonian Institution was doing 

 what it could to help in this manner. 



Senator Cullom remarked that if the Government were not willing 

 to provide suitable accommodations for its guests it ought not to 

 invite them. 



Representative Mann agreed with this view and said that the Gov- 

 ernment was saved from disgrace at the time of the tuberculosis con- 

 gress only by the fact that the new building for the National Museum 

 was sufficiently far advanced in construction to permit its use for 

 meetings and exhibits. He asked if the Government should provide 

 for the erection of such a building as was being discussed and placed 

 it under the control of the Smithsonian Institution, would it be possi- 

 ble to prevent it from being used permanently by the various organi- 

 zations. 



The secretar}^ replied that that would depend entirely upon the 

 policy of the Board of Regents; that if they decided against such 

 permanent occupation the secretary would undoubtedly see that 

 their wishes were regarded. 



Death of Dr. Anton Dohrn. — For over sixteen years, as detailed in 

 the annual reports of the secretary to the board, the Institution has 

 supported a table at the Naples Zoological Station for the use of 

 American biologists. The founder and director of the station, Dr. 

 Anton Dohrn, has extended many courtesies to the Institution in this 

 connection and has always shown entire sympanthy with the wishes 

 of the Institution in arranging for the convenience of its appointees. 



It has seemed fitting, therefore, to announce to the board the death 

 of this gentleman, which occurred on September 29 last. At the 

 request of the Institution the Department of State designated the 

 American consul at Naples to represent the Institution officially at 

 the funeral. 



I have already communicated the Institution's sympathy to the son 

 of Doctor Dohrn, and have received from him a letter announcing his 

 appointment to succeed his father and his hope to continue the rela- 

 tions which have existed between the Institution and the station for 

 so many years. 



