FIFTY-FOURTH CONGRESS, 1895-1897. LGPL 
become so heavy that the Royal Society should no longer be expected 
to bear the entire burden of its continuance. Moreover, in its present 
form, the catalogue is arranged solely according to authors’ names. 
‘In order that the work of the future should be entirely satisfactory, 
it is necessary that the catalogue should also be arranged according to 
subjects. 
Under these circumstances, the Royal Society last year moved the 
British Government to make application to the Governments of those 
countries most interested to send delegates to an international confer- 
ence on the subject, to be held in London in July, 1896. At this meeting 
nearly all the leading countries of the world were represented. From 
the beginning the views were found to be substantially harmonious so 
far as general conclusions were concerned, and the discussion turned 
rather upon the form than upon the substance. of the proposition sub- 
mitted. The conclusions as finally formulated are embodied in the 
inclosed copy of the act. 
It will be seen that by the thirty-second resolution the delegates 
were especially requested to bring the following two resolutions to 
the attention of their respective Governments: 
[See letter of Secretary of State. | 
Under these circumstances it seems especially fae able that the Gov- 
ernment of the United States should take its part in the proposed work 
by providing for the continuous cataloguing of scientific papers pub- 
lished in the United States. It can for this purpose call to its aid a 
national institution well prepared to direct and supervise the undertak- 
ing. The Smithsonian Institution, founded by private munificence for 
the increase and diffusion of knowledge among men and placed in trust. 
under the Government of the United States, was the original proposer 
of the undertaking now under consideration, and has been made the 
agent of the Government in the direction of important scientific enter- 
prises. We would therefore respectfully suggest that the Depart- 
ment of State communicate with the Secretary of the Smithsonian 
Institution upon this subject, more especially as to the propriety and 
feasibility of the work being undertaken by that Institution and as to 
the probable expense, and that when these facts are ascertained the 
matter will be laid before Congress with such recommendations as the 
. Department, in its wisdom, may deem appropriate. 
Very respectfully, your obedient servants, 
Srmuon NEwcoms. 
JoHN 8. BILuines. 
The SECRETARY OF STATE, 
State Department, Washington, D. C. 
