1544 CONGRESSIONAL PROCEEDINGS. 
(4) There can be no question that it is desirable that this collection should 
become the property of the United States, in order that the Government archzo- 
logical museum may be a thorougly representative one. It would be a misfortune 
to American science, and in future years would undoubtedly be regarded as a reflec- 
tion upon this country, if the collection in question should become the property of 
some foreign government. The transfer of the famous Squier and Davis collection 
of stone implements to England, some twenty years ago, has ever since been a great 
regret to Americans. 
Should you desire further information, Prof. Thomas Wilson, curator of the arch- 
zeological collection in the National Museum, will be glad to appear before the com- 
mittee to explain in full the peculiar merits of the case. 
I am, sir, yours, very respectfully, 
G. Brown Goong, 
. Acting Secretary. 
Hon. Witu1am B. ALiison, 
Chairman Committee on Appropriations, United States Senate. 
September 30, 1890. 
Deficiency act for 1890, ete. 
To enable the Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution to purchase 
from Frederick S. Perkins, of Wisconsin, his collection of prehistoric 
copper implements, $7,000. 
(Stat., XX VI, 507.) 
PRINTING REPORTS FROM EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENTS. 
August 30, 1890. 
Sundry civil act for 1891. 
The heads of the Executive Departments, before transmitting their 
annual reports to Congress, the printing of which is chargeable to this 
appropriation, shall cause the same to be carefully examined, and 
shall exclude therefrom all matter, including engravings, maps, draw- 
ings, and illustrations, except such as they shall certify in their letters 
transmitting such reports to be necessary and to relate entirely to the — 
transaction of public business. 
(Stat., XXVI, 411.) 
ASTROPHYSICAL OBSERVATORY—ESTIMATES. 
December 1, 1890—House. 
Estimates for 1892. 
For the maintenance of Astrophysical Observatory, under the direc- 
tion of the Smithsonian Institution, within the limits of the National 
Zoological Park, including salaries of assistants and the purchase of 
additional apparatus, $10,000. 
Notr.—An astrophysical observatory and laboratory exists now under every con- 
siderable civilized government but that of the United States, which has none, except 
that the Institution commenced one on the most modest scale in 1888, which now 
occupies a temporary structure on the grounds south of the Smithsonian building. 
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