FIFTIETH CONGRESS, 1887-1889. 1137 
In the Twenty-ninth Congress, December 19, 1845, Robert Dale 
Owen introduced ‘‘a bill to establish the eatcanian ineoanaen for 
the increase and diffusion of knowledge among men,” which, after 
long debate and bitter opposition, was to some extent remodeled by a 
substitute and became a law April 29 [August 10], 1846. The vote in 
the House on its final passage stood 85 ayes to 76 nays. 
Mr. Owen was regarded as the champion of the measure, and was 
appointed chairman of the Board of Regents in July [August], 1846. 
From the date of his appointment to the completion of the Smith- 
sonian building he devoted all his time and energy to the organization 
and completion of the work. 
Few men could have been found in any country whose talents, edu- 
cation, and sympathies would have so well qualified them to carry out 
the munificent bequest of Mr. Smithson. 
Mr. Owen was a ripe scholar, had traveled much, and was familiar 
with the best institutions of Europe. He was fond of architecture 
and was one of the most active members of the Board of Regents in 
forming the plans for the building. During this period, and growing 
out of his labors, he published his work on architecture. 
Robert Dale Owen was distinguished in literature and as a moral 
and legal reformer. He was chosen by his people to hold many high 
positions. He was several times a member of the house and senate 
of Indiana, member of the constitutional convention that formed the 
present constitution of that State, and a member of this House in the 
Twenty-ninth Congress. He was subsequently United States minister 
to, Naples. 
In private life he was a model of the highest type and a true gen- 
tleman. He was a man of great and untiring energy, with the cour- 
age that never shrank from openly avowing his honest convictions. 
It would be only an act of simple justice to place his statue by the 
side of that of the illustrious Professor Henry. 
Your committee recommend that the joint resolution do pass, with 
the following amendments, viz: 
In line 9, after the word ‘‘Columbia,” insert ‘‘ to be located;” and 
in line 13, after the word ‘‘ Institution,” insert: 
Provided, however, That the expenditure of said money shall be made under and 
by the direction of the Secretary of the Treasury. 
INTERNATIONAL EXCHANGES. 
April 5, 1888—Senate. 
DEPARTMENT OF STATE, 
Washington, April 4, 1888. 
Srr: I have the honor to transmit herewith, for the consideration of the Senate, a 
copy of a note to this Department from the British niinister at this capital, commu- 
nicating a proposal from the government of the Dominion of Canada for a direct and 
H. Doc. 732 12 
