THE SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION. 147 



the country ; that locality would be of comparatively little importance 

 as far as this influence is concerned ; and that the Union would become, 

 so to say, in this respect, a great school of mutual instruction. 



The Committee would remark, in conclusion, that in a plan of opera- 

 tions of this kind, very much depends upon the activity and intelligence 

 with which it is administered. The characters of the Board of Regents 

 are a sufficient warrant for the prudence and good judgment which will 

 watch over the general interests of the foundation ; while the reputation 

 of the Secretary and his assistant, the librarian, is so well established 

 in their respective departments, as to render any tribute from the Com- 

 mittee entirely superfluous. 



All which is respectfully submitted by the Committee. 



EDWARD EVERETT, 

 JARED SPARKS, 

 BENJAMIN PIERCE, 

 HENRY W. LONGFELLOW, 

 ASA GRAY. 

 December 4, 1847. 



Read at a meeting of the Academy held December 7, 1847, and ac- 

 cepted. 



Ordered to be communicated to the Secretary of the Smithsonian 

 Institution. 



O. W. HOLMES, 

 Recording Secretary. 



