636 CONGRESSIONAL PROCEEDINGS. 



memory serves me correctly, over $2,000 is placed under the head of 

 contingent expenses, although all proper expenses seem to be covered 

 by the various other items. 



Inasmuch, however, as the preservation of this museum comes as 

 much within the original intention of the donor as any other purpose 

 to which it is applied, and is the only really popular feature of the 

 Institution, it seems to me that it can properly be provided for out of 

 the regular fund. 



Mr. Cox. For the information of the gentleman, I would like to 

 correct him in his statement about the Government not being liable to 

 pay this $30,000 interest money. The Government received $500,000 

 from the Smithson estate, and was unfortunate in the investment of 

 the money. It invested it, I believe, in Arkansas bonds, which proved 

 worthless. It received the money, and was accountable for it in all 

 honor. And to carry out the purposes for which the fund was 

 intended they are bound to pay the interest upon the sum at 6 per 

 cent, which is yearly due from the United States Treasury. 



Mr. HOLMAN. I asserted that the payment of this $30,000 was 

 munificence, and not justice, on the part of the Government. I ask 

 the gentleman whether the Government acted, in the acceptance of 

 this trust, in any other capacity than as trustee; and whether as such 

 the money was not invested in good faith ? 



Mr. Cox. I say they did accept the trust, and got the money. 



Mr. HOLMAN. And did not they act in good faith in the investment 

 of it, although it was lost? 



Mr. Cox. I think they acted with very bad judgment. 



The amendment was agreed to. 



March 1, 1862. 



Sundry civil act for 1863, etc. 



For preservation of the collections of the exploring and surveying 

 expeditions of the Government, $4,000. 



(Stat., XII, 350.) 

 March 15, 1862. 



Resolved, etc. , That the letter from His Majesty the Major King of 

 Siam to the President of the United States and the accompanying 

 gifts, be deposited in the collection of curiosities at the Department of 

 the Interior. 



(Stat., XII, 616.) 



March 3, 1863. 



Sundry civil act for 1864, etc. 



For preservation of the collections of the exploring and surveying 

 expeditions of the Government, $4,000. 

 (Stat., XII, 747.) 



