REPORT OF THE SECRETARY. 15 



actions and other publications of the learned societies of the world, 

 forming a special collection, not only ranking as first in this country, 

 but one of the best anywhere in existence. Neither is it alone the value 

 of the books that have actually been transferred which is to be con- 

 sidered, but also the means which are offered, through our system of 

 exchange, for the perpetual increase of the several series of works 

 which contain the record of the actual progress of the world in all 

 that essentially pertains to the mental and physical development of 

 the human family. The transfer of the Smithson library has fur- 

 thermore tended to awaken an interest in the library of Congress, 

 which cannot fail, under the energetic superintendence of the pres- 

 ent librarian, Mr. Spofford, in a few years to render it worthy of the 

 national Capital. An appropriation of $100,000 has been recommend- 

 ed* by the Joint Committee of the two houses of Congress for the pur- 

 chase of the library of Mr. Peter Force, consisting of books relative 

 to America. With these additions the library of Congress will be 

 the largest in the United States, and the necessity of a separate 

 building is even already foreshadowed. 



But above all, the act authorizing the reception, care, and support 

 of the Smithson library maybe considered as an approval by Con- 

 gress of the general policy adopted and the course pursued by the 

 Institution. ,It will be recollected that at the commencement a num- 

 ber of influential literary men warmly advocated the expenditure of 

 the larger portion of the income of the Smithson fund in the establish- 

 ment and support of a library. This plan was opposed on the ground 

 that the Institution by the terms of the bequest should be of a cosmo- 

 politan character, and produce results, the benefits of which would 

 not be confined to one city, nor even one country, and which could 

 not be accomplished by a library. The act of organization, however, 

 was so expressed as to give color to the idea that a large library was 

 intended by Congress, and much complaint was at one time made be- 

 cause more of the income was not expended in the purchase of books. 

 The late legislation of Congress will leave no ground for further cavil 

 in regard to this point, and while the Institution will be relieved 

 from a large expenditure on account of the library, a national collec- 

 tion of books will be formed far more extensive than could possibly be 

 supported by the Smithson fund. 



Moreover, while thus relieving the Institution from a charge which 

 has borne so heavily on its resources, Congress has afforded most en- 

 couraging evidence of an important advance in public opinion regard- 



* An act has been passed in accordance with this recommendation, and the library of Mr. 

 Force is now the property of the government. 



