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I shall close the present article, as I promised in the beginning not 

 to occupy too much space in your columns, by quoting some of the 

 most prominent suggestions of the Hon. Richard Rush to the appeal of 

 the Secretary. And before doing this, I deem it due to justice to say 

 that I most sincerely believe the thanks of this nation and of the whole 

 civilized world are his right, for the very able, faithful, and efficient 

 manner in v/hich he executed the delicate and important duties of spe- 

 cial agent for the Smithsonian bequest, and the interesting communica- 

 tions he has since made on the same subject through the channel of the 

 National Institute. 



The suggestions of the letter, dated November 6, 1838, are as follows : 

 That officers of the army and navy, consuls and ministers of the United 

 States, might be employed in aiding in the objects of the Smithsonian 

 university; the erection of a building at Washington, with accommoda- 

 tions for the business of the institution, and ground to be attached suffi- 

 cient to produce seeds and plants. 



The officers to consist of Director, Secretary, Librarian, and Treasu- 

 rer, and persons under them to take care of grounds, &c., all to be ap- 

 pointed by the President and Senate. The Director to make an annual 

 report, or more frequently, if necessary. Affairs to be subject to the 

 visitation of the President, aided by a standing Board, to consist of the 

 chief officers of the Government. The institution to have a press, or 

 authority to employ one ; nothing to be printed but under the sanction 

 of the Director and standing Board of Visiters. And for the good gov- 

 ernment of the institution, the standing Board may call in the assistance 

 of three or more scientific or literary persons unconnected with it ; the 

 profit of all publications to go in aid of the funds, &c. Lectureships to 

 be established, with apparatus for the different branches. 



I would refer the reader for particulars to the source itself, from 

 which I have made these extracts, being document No. 11, 25th Con- 

 gress, House of Representatives, where he will also find interesting let- 

 ters on the same subject from Professors Cooper and Chapin. 



I may be allowed to express, in conclusion, my satisfaction in finding 

 that an able co-laborer is out in your columns in behalf of the Smith- 

 sonian bequest, over the signature of " W.," and trust that other pens 

 may be employed in the same creditable manner. 



I shall continue the discussion of the present question in my next, 

 and, in the mean time, am respectfully, yours, 



J. C. B. 



