146 ANNUAL REPORT SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION, 1926 
stated that additions to the collections fell short of the average of previous 
years, not greatly exceeding a hundred thousand dollars in estimated value, 
which was attributable in large part to the lack of suitable housing space. 
The most noteworthy accessions were: A statue of Carrara marble, entitled 
the Lybian Sibyl, by W. W. Story, gift of the Henry Cabot Lodge estate; and 
a marine painting by Edward Moran, a bequest of Mrs. Clara L. Tuckerman; 
also an important collection of art objects and ceramics, presented and 
bequeathed by the Rey. Alfred Duane Pell, of New York . 
The commission was of the opinion that it would be advisable to assemble 
at the National Gallery at intervals of five or more years all of the paintings 
purchased through the Ranger fund, in view of the provision that the National 
Gallery may reclaim any picture so purchased during the five-year period 
beginning 10 years after the death of the artist represented. By thus as- 
sembling the pictures a more intimate knowledge could be gained of them, 
and the wisest selection would thus be assured. Fifty-two paintings have 
been acquired and distributed to various institutions in accordance with the 
terms of Mr. Ranger’s will during the four years since the bequest became 
operative. 
Consideration was given to the matter of procedure in considering acceptance 
of bequests and gifts of art works, and after discussion the following resolution 
was adopted: 
“ Resolved, That the advisory committee of the National Gallery of Art 
Commission shall consist of the full membership of the commission; that in 
earrying out the functions of the advisory committee a quorum shall consist 
of seven members, four of whom shall be artists or museum directors.” 
The present officers, Mr. Gari Melchers, chairman, and Dr. W. H. Holmes, 
secretary, and the executive committee, were then reelected for the ensuing 
year. 
The report of the commission was accepted and Mr. Johnson 
submitted the following resolutions, which were adopted: 
Resolved, That the Board of Regents hereby approves the recommendation 
of the National Gallery of Art Commission that W. K. Bixby, W. H. Holmes, 
and H. L. Pratt be reelected as members of the commission for the ensuing 
term of four years, their present terms having expired. 
Resolved, That the board also approves the recommendation of the com- 
mission that John Russell Pope, architect, be elected a member of the com- 
mission to fill the vacancy caused by the termination of the appointment of 
A. Kingsley Porter. 
ADMINISTRATIVE APPOINTMENTS BY THE SECRETARY 
The secretary announced the appointment of Dr. Alexander 
Wetmore as assistant secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, and 
of Dr. William M. Mann as superintendent of the National 
Zoological Park. 
GOVERNMENT ACTIVITIES UNDER THE INSTITUTION 
The secretary made a comprehensive statement regarding the esti- 
mates and appropriations for the Government branches under the 
administrative charge of the Institution. 
