18 [Senate 



non-residents visiting our city, free of expense at all times,' and such 

 other considerations complied with as are suggested in their petition 

 to the common council. 



CALVIN BALIS, 

 RICHARD F. CARMAN, 

 JOHN STEWART, 

 HARMAN C. WESTERVELT, 

 JAMES NASH, 

 WALTER MEAD, 

 Committee on Public Offices and Repairs^ 

 February 1, 1843. 



The closing resolution passed both boards unanimously, with only 

 a single amendment, " unless wanted for the public use." The trus- 

 tees refer with pride to this honorable testimonial in favor of the 

 American Institute, so fully and powerfully set forth by the fathers 

 of the city in this accepted report, more especially as like all other 

 useful establishments, even the American Institute has not at all times 

 and altogether escaped detraction, the lurking malign influences of 

 which, if any remain, such manifestations of confidence from such 

 unquestionable authority will most effectually counteract. Beside 

 the confidence which this able report inspires in the Institute, by 

 securing public favor, on which its very existence always has and 

 always must depend; and without which, every effort to sustain it 

 would be utterly hopeless; the release from rent at this time brings 

 with it timely and substantial benefits, and will materially assist in 

 carrying out most useful undertakings, -which will compensate the 

 city tenfold, and likewise extend their benign influences to the 

 country. 



Estimates of the requisite alterations for the library have already 

 been obtained, and arrangements are making for procuring the best 

 periodicals of this country and of England, Scotland, France and 

 Germany, embracing agriculture and the arts, new discoveries and 

 improvements, and open every day in the week, free to every stranger 

 who may hereafter visit the city from any part of the world. Who 

 will not second such an enterprise, that our city may contain one insti- 

 tution framed on the liberal principles of those so celebrated in Paris, 

 where every stranger is welcomed. Those conversant with the peri- 



