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half the expenses of maintenance. But this state of things can- 
not continue. The expenses of the Museum are constantly in- 
creasing. You, as New Yorkers, would have but little confidence 
in the Trustees if we remained as now, with no progress. The 
Museum cannot stand still. It must go on ; wing after wing 
must be built, and in course of time — probably none of* us may 
live to see it — but in course of time this entire square must be 
covered with buildings belonging and necessary to this Museum. 
When the contract was made with the city, one of the advantages 
left to the Museum Trustees is now changed. We had two days 
in the week for private exhibiton ; the other four were free. The 
Museum was not opened on Sundays or evenings, but as the 
Museum grew in popularity, the public interest increased, and the 
advantages of popular education presented themselves ; people 
demanded that it should be opened free during the entire week 
and two evenings, also on Sunday afternoons. The Trustees 
with a magnanimity, unselfishness and generosity, which has I 
think always characterized their actions, gave heed to this public 
sentiment, and by an arrangement with the city it is now open 
to conform to the people's demand. By doing this we have not 
only increased our expenses, but have been deprived in some 
cases of large pecuniary support from friends who did not con- 
scientiously approve of the change. It is right, therefore, and 
proper, that this Museum and its sister Museum on the other 
side of the park should require from the city authorities that they 
shall sustain and maintain the Museum in all operating expenses. 
Ladies and gentlemen, what a small item it is for the city to do 
this in consideration of the advantages that these Museums confer 
on the great masses of the people. Look at the Exhibition Halls 
for amusement and instruction ; the lectures for education ; and 
consider what we are doing for science and for the student. The 
buildings are well lighted and heated, and contain a Lecture Hall 
comfortably seating one thousand people. Is there in New York 
a source of enjoyment so refined, uplifting and ennobling to the 
masses of this great city as these two Museums present ? Let the 
city be generous and magnanimous, and appropriate to these 
Museums the money they need for their proper maintenance and 
exhibition. 
