THE SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION. 141 



to preference ; all branches are entitled to a share of attention; and the 

 order and degree in which they are cultivated must be decided by a 

 wise regard to means and circumstances. Knowledge may be increased 

 by various modes of encouraging and facilitating the discovery of new 

 truths ; it is diffused chiefly, though not exclusively, through the instru- 

 mentality of the press. The organization should be such as to produce 

 results not within the province of the existing institutions of the coun- 

 try. It was, for instance, evidently not the design of the liberal founder 

 to establish a collegiate institution or a place of education, nor would 

 it be wise to appropriate his bequest for such an object, already suffi- 

 ciently attained by the ordinary resources of public and private liber- 

 ality. Considering the novelty of the undertaking, it would be mani- 

 festly unwise to stake too much on the success of the first efforts. The 

 organization should be such as to admit of changes and modifications 

 under the light of experience. As several years have elapsed since 

 the fund came into the possession of the United States, it seems no 

 more than equitable that a considerable portion of the accruing interest 

 should be added to the principal, to make up for the loss of time. The 

 committee consider this suggestion as perfectly reasonable, and trust it 

 will receive the favorable consideration of Congress. Liberal as is the 

 original bequest, the sum is but small compared with the great objects 

 to be accomplished. This consideration suggests the absolute necessity 

 of economy in any outlay on buildings and fixtures ; in reference to 

 which a prudent regard must be had, not merely to the first cost, but to 

 the future expenses of repairs, and the support of the establishment- 

 Great care must be taken not to multiply the number of persons to be 

 permanently supported by the Institution. A clear and settled idea of 

 its organization and mode of operation must precede the adoption of a 

 plan of building ; lest after the completion of a costly edifice it should 

 be found nearly or quite useless, or worse than useless, by forcing a 

 character upon the Institution which would not otherwise have been 

 given it. All view to mere local ornament or advantage should be dis- 

 carded at the outset, in the management of a trust created for the bene- 

 fit of mankind. 



Such, very slightly expanded in a few of the propositions, are the 

 general considerations proposed by Professor Henry as guides in 

 adopting a plan of organization. They command the entire assent of 

 the committee, and none of them more so than those which refer to 

 the necessity of strict economy in the expenditure of the fund on a 

 building, and the exclusion of undue regard to local ornament. It 

 would not be difficult to point to a memorable instance in which the 

 most munificent bequest ever made for the purposes of education has 

 been rendered comparatively unavailing, in a sister city of the Union, 

 by the total disregard of these wise principles. It is an additional 

 reason for observing them, that the attempt to erect a highly imposing 

 building for local ornament will not only crush in the bud all hope of 

 fulfilling the ulterior objects of the bequest, but will be almost sure to 

 fail of a satisfactory result, as far as the edifice itself is concerned. 



The Secretary's plan of organization in reference to the increase of 

 knowledge is so accurately digested and so thoroughly condensed, that 

 the committee think it would be best to quote his own words : 



