" At the same time that science is effectually promoted, it is confi- 

 ' clently believed that principles may be cultivated and diffused which 

 ' will refine, liberalize, and give grace to public sentiment, and make 

 1 our country no longer dependent upon the schools of foreign nations 

 ' for the instruction of her gifted sons in the elements of those elegant 

 1 accomplishments in which, when their tastes are cultivated, they are so 

 * able to excel." 



The erection of a hall or gallery connected with the buildings of the 

 Smithsonian Bequest, wherein may be deposited for exhibition the works 

 of painters, sculptors, architects, and engravers, leaving a part for the 

 use of a permanent exposition of such as this Government or individ- 

 uals, from time to time, may be induced to purchase, will be the very 

 best means, in my opinion, to produce the desirable results alluded to 

 by the liberal writer from whom I have just quoted. 



I would, therefore, respectfully propose that the gallery in question 

 be composed of two grand divisions. The first to be divided into four 

 departments : No. 1, for oil paintings ; No. 2, water colors ; No. 3, en- 

 gravings ; and No. 4, sculpture and architecture. Let this first grand 

 division be devoted exclusively to living artists, native and foreign. A 

 standing committee should be appointed by Congress, (its members to be 

 selected from persons best fitted to the task,) who shall decide whether 

 the pieces sent to the gallery for exhibition are to be received or rejected. 

 The works so exhibited to have the names of the respective artists at- 

 tached, with their prices, and the public to be allowed full privilege to 

 purchase at will. 



We shall thus establish an annual exhibition of the productions of 

 native and foreign genius at the metropolis of this Republic, enlarging 

 its influence, increasing its attractions, adding to its reputation as the head- 

 quarters of science, literature, and the fine arts, and giving a salutary 

 impetus to the public taste throughout the country. 



The second grand division should be appropriated to the exhibition of 

 such works of the old masters, in painting or sculpture, as may come 

 into the possession of Government or individuals, either as presents or 

 purchases ; and artists should be allowed to study and copy freely those 

 models, as in the European galleries. 



It happens most fortunately that a gentleman of taste and leisure has 

 made a valuable collection of old paintings in Europe, and has brought 

 them on to this city for exhibition. I understand that this collection is 

 offered to the Government for a very moderate price by the proprietor. 



