4 
be open only for exhibition to such persons, upon such terms 
as the said party of the second part sball from time to time di- 
rect. But all professors and teachers of public schools of the 
City of New York, or other institutions of learning in said city, 
in which instruction is given free of charge, shall be admitted 
to all advantages afforded by said party of the second part, 
through its Museum, Library, apparatus and. collections, or 
otherwise, for study, research and investigation, free of any 
charge therefor, and to the sume extent and on the same terms 
and conditions as any other persons as are admitted to such 
advantages as aforesaid.” 
Now, on she basis of this contract, the city has put at the dis- 
posal of the trustees, the museum building, with an agreement to 
keep the same in repair. On the other hand, the trustees and those 
whom they represent, have placed within this building such collec- 
tions, in the various departments of natural history, as it would be 
almost impossible to fix a money value upon. These gifts, it may 
be implied, have been made on that contract. The contract ex- 
cepted Sunday from the days on which the Museum was required _ 
to be open. This was in accordance with the convictions and 
habits of our people. The fair understanding of the contract, on 
the part of those who entered into it, was undoubtedly that the 
Museum was not to be opened on Sunday. For the trustees to 
violate that contract, fairly construed, would seem to be a breach 
of trust which I am sure you, gentlemen, would think ought not to 
be made. 
If the Park Board and the Board of Aldermen have a right 
to ask that the Museums be opened on Sunday, they lave just as 
good a right to ask that other parts of the contract be disregarded. 
2. Now, as to the subsequent support of the Museums. Con- 
trary to what has been often and publicly stated, the figures show 
that the city has contributed less than one-third to the support of 
the Museum of Natural History, and a portion of this one-third 
has been used in keeping the building in repair. 
The Museum costs, for maintenance, care, &c., an average of 
over $25,000 a year. The trustees have endeavored in every pos- 
sible way, to bring its necessities and wants before the public. 
And yet, the trustees have themselves had to contribute to sup- 
plement its annual expenses, more than $6,000 a year. 
[The Mayor asked if Mr. Jesup meant to say that, out of $25,000 
annually expended, to which the city contributed $15,000, the sub- 
