EN a 
FIFTY-THIRD CONGRESS, 1893-1895. 1668 
Norre.—From this appropriation are paid all expenses, not only for the preserva- 
tion and increase of the collections, but for watchmen, cleaners, and other employees 
whose duty it is to keep the exhibition halls in order and provide for the comfort of 
visitors. The appropriations for 1893 and 1894 were greatly reduced from those of 
the preceding years and scarcely exceeded that for 1887, although the collections are 
very much larger and more yaluable and the number of visitors and students has 
largely increased. It is impossible with the present force to properly provide for 
the care of the Museum, and in several departments it has been necessary to suspend 
work almost entirely, especially since during the last two years the time of the 
employees has been diverted very largely to preparation for the World’s Columbian 
Exposition. 
More assistants, especially in the lower grade, are needed, as well as a somewhat 
larger number of paid curators, for a majority of the curators are now volunteers, 
receiving no compensation and only able to devote their leisure to the work of the 
Museum. For the safe-keeping of the collections, whose increase in value has ren- 
dered the responsibility of custody much greater, the force of watchmen should also 
be increased; while to insure proper cleanliness of the floors and cases a larger num- 
ber of laborers and cleaners should be employed than is possible with the appropri- 
ation for the present year. 
For cases, furniture, fixtures, and appliances required for the exhibi- 
tion and safe-keeping of the collections of the National Museum, 
including salaries or compensation of all necessary employees, $10,000. 
(The Smithsonian Institution estimates for an increase in this item 
of $20,000 over the present appropriation.) 
Note.—From this appropriation are paid the expenses of construction of new cases 
and the keeping of the old ones in repair, the latter being an item of considerable 
expense owing to the necessary wear and damage occasioned by the large number of 
visitors to the exhibition halls. From this appropriation also, in accordance with 
long usage, expenses for the repair and maintenance of the Museum buildings, such 
as patching and painting the roofs, painting the woodwork, relaying wooden floors, 
the maintenance and improvement of the public-comfort rooms, and the sewerage 
system, are paid; and this—a matter which is becoming more expensive as years go 
by—renders it necessary that a number of competent mechanics should be employed. 
Aiter the expenses of maintenance of buildingsand of the numerous cases already on 
hand have been paid, very little remains for new cases and fixtures, although it is 
necessary that a considerable number of these shall be built every year for the recep- 
tion of objects added to the collections, since valuable collections are constantly 
being offered as gifts on the condition that suitable receptacles shall be made for 
them. During the coming year it will be necessary to provide for a considerable 
number of important exhibits acquired as a result of the World’s Columbian Expo- 
sition, either by gift from foreign governments or from other Departments of the 
Government, in accordance with the law establishing the Museum. The appropria- 
tion for 1894 was insufficient for current needs, necessitating a reduction of the regu- 
lar foree of mechanics and laborers to two carpenters, one painter, three skilled 
laborers, and one laborer; and it is therefore especially important that the entire 
amount asked for shall be granted. 
For the expense of heating, lighting, electrical, telegraphic, and 
telephonic service for the National Museum, $11,000. 
(The Smithsonian Institution estimates for an increase in this item 
of $4,000 over the present appropriation.) 
