312 CONGRESSIONAL PROCEEDINGS. 



the Soimtc resolved itself into a very simple proposition, aucl that 

 was, Shall Congress retain and direct the immediate and efficient con- 

 trol of this fund and of its application, or shall it be administeied 

 through the agency of the National Institute? That was the question, 

 and on the decision of the question his own vote might depend. Now, 

 he entertained all proper respect for the members of this institute, and 

 he believed it had been already instrumental in diffusing knowledge 

 among men, but he thought Congress was bound to keep the applica- 

 tion of this fund distinct from that or any other literary incorporated 

 body. What was proposed b}^ his honorable friend from New Hamp- 

 shire [Mr. Woodbury] in the amendment under consideration? Why, 

 to connect the National Institute with the Smithsonian library to 

 form a sort of partnership between the two. The National Institute 

 is to hold its meetings in a room in the building to be erected for the 

 use of the Smithsonian librarj^. This was in the printed amendment, 

 and would be the inevitable consequence of intrusting the manage- 

 ment of this fund to that institute. In a great national institution like 

 the Smithsonian library, calculated for the benefit of the whole people 

 of the country, he desired to keep it clear or detach it and keep it dis- 

 tinct from the National Institute or any other literary corporation 

 whatever. Congress ought to take upon itself the immediate control 

 of this library. It would never succeed unless this course should be 

 pursued. 



For one, he was not acquainted with the rules of the National Insti- 

 tute, and he did not know in what manner the managers of that insti- 

 tute were elected; but the proposed amendment placed the direction 

 and supervision of the library in the hands of managers not elected by 

 Congress, not responsible to Congress, and over whom the people of 

 this country, by their representatives, could have no control whatever. 

 Congress was undoubtedly capable of administering this fund without 

 the aid of the National Institute, and it was their duty to do so. 



Without, therefore, troubling the Senate with any further observa- 

 tions, he should certainly go for separating the operations of this 

 library from those of the National Institute, wishing and hoping that 

 that institute might have all the success which he believed it so well 

 deserved, and if it should be made a rival in disseminating knowledge 

 among men with the library, well and good. The more knowledge 

 communicated, the better for the people of this country. He, there- 

 fore, should vote against the amendment of the honorable Senator 

 from New Hampshire [Mr. Woodbury], and, although there were some 

 provisions in the bill to which he might object, he would vote for it, 

 nevertheless, should it remain substantially as it came from the Com- 

 mittee on the Library. 



Mr. WILLIAM ALLEN said he should vote against this or any other 

 proposition whatever, contemplating a connection of anything called an 



