SIXTH ANNUAL REPORT 



OF THE TRUSTEES OF THE AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF 

 THE CITY OF NEW-YORK, MADE MARCH, 1848. 



The annexed documents and papers will show that this Institution, 

 from year to year, is rapidly increasing in prosperity. As the ac- 

 counts of the year are ordinarily first inquired after as a convenient 

 and ready measure of the success or decline of our public institu- 

 tions, we have presented those of the last year more extended in the 

 details than is customary with other incorporated associations, 

 required to report to the Legislature. 



The frequent injudicious if not fraudulent application of legis- 

 lative grants, has created a sensitive and laudable watchfulness in 

 the public mind to know with certainty that all the monies appro- 

 priated by the State for public beneficial purposes, are faithfully ap- 

 plied to the legitimate objects of the appropriation. This sensitive- 

 ness of the public mind, is a continually operating wholesome check 

 on the recipients of State bounty. 



With a view to inspire the confidence of the members, and all 

 others interested, the books of accounts of all the receipts and ex- 

 penditures of the American Institute are kept at its repository, ready 

 to be opened to them at all times, with the vouchers filed, showing 

 the receipts of all moneys, and the sources from which derived, and 

 also of every dollar expended, and for what purpose expended. 

 Every dollar received by the Institute, according to the by- 

 laws, must be paid over to the treasurer. It cannot be drawn, 

 except by order of the superintending agent, and before his 

 order can be accepted, he must show that the object for which 

 he proposes to apply the money has been approved, and an 

 appropriation made by a general meeting of the members, duly 



