Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1841-1853, 1846-12-31
INDIANAPOLIS. DEC. ae. Is4s.
SmitI,sonian Institute.

We have been unable heretofore to notice the pro-
ceedings of the Board of Regents of this national
institution at their session held at Washington early
in December. We now avail ourselves of the follow
ing summary which we find in the New York Even
ing POST
The Board of Regents have manifested noble pur-
poses at their present session. The question of Pro-
fessorships and Lectures has been postponed. The
salary Of the Secretary was fixed at $500, and
when the buildings completed house will be
added. Mr.. Jewett, of Brown University, Provi-
dence, WILL it is stated, be the Librarian. The Sec
rotary has the appointment OF the Office, but the
Regents have indicated their choice His salary will
be 50 900.
The President of the United States gave his ready
assent to the application of the Regents for the ap-
preparation of the whole of the large reservation of
land called the Mall" TO the purposes of the nsti-
tuition.
Various questions have been discussed by the board
and series Of resolutions adopted. These resolu-
tons invite the Secretaries OF State of the Treasury,
of War, and Of the Navy of the United States, re-
specially to furnish to Consuls and other public
officers in this and foreign countries under their
spective departments, such suggestions they may
deem proper, in regard to the procurement oppor-
tunity offers OF additions to the Museum of the Insti-
tuition, especially to the chronological department.
The Secretary of War is also invited to furnish
similar information to the Commissioner Of Indian
trating the natural history of the country ands
especially the physical history manners and customs
of the various tribes of aborigines the North
American continent. And the sum of five hundred
dollars is annually appropriated to procure and trans
The public generally are invited to furnish contr-
buttons to the museum.
For the year 1917, one thousand dollars is appro-
priated for laying out the grounds of the Insttuon
and for the purchase transpantaticn and temporary
fencing of the trees therein,
For the present of the interest accrung to the
Institution, the sum of $4,000 is appropriated for
the purchase Of books and the gradual fitting up of
library, and all other incidental expenses relating to
the library, except the salaries of the Librarian
Librarians.
The sum of four thousand dollars is also apprcpfia.
ted for the purchase of philosophical and chemical
apparatus, models, &c.
1T was resolved that 1t was expedent to include,
ultimately in the plan of the Institution popular lee
lures useful subjects; as on agriculture and Its
latest improvements on the productive arts of life
the sciences, and the aid they bring to labor;
common school instruction. including the proper
sructon Of school rooms, the most improved apPara-
for teaching, and the most udicous management,
moral and intellectual of children in common schools
ALSO If suitable lecturers be found history, natu
raj and CIVIL including the physical history of the
various races Of men, and the gradual advance of
each to its present state of civilization; on political
economy in Its practical connection with the every
day business of life; and, generally, ON any de-
partment of useful knowledge not strictly profess
slonal.
Other resolutions were read, but moi adopted, upon
the suggestion that it desirable that the Secretary
elect should be consulted before their adoption The
sentiments expressed by them that if the funds of
the Institution permit it is desirable that such lectures
should be delivered, not only at Washington, but
gradually and successfully at different points in all
the States in the Union either by permanent profess
temporary lecturers engaged behalf of the
Institution.
Also, that there may be properly included in the
plan, the publication, periodical or otherwise, of
popular tracts on the above subjects.
And as one of the most effectua means of increas-
ing knowledge among men, it shall be made part of
the duty of one of the officers who may be
engaged by the institution institute original re-
searches in the branch Of science to which he may be
devoted; and that it shall be the duty of the secretary
when such researches eventuate successfully, COM
municate the results to other scientific societies
throughout the world, and invite in return COM
munications of a similar character from them.
In case of the organization of board of profess
ors the said secretary shall be, erocio president Of
the said board of professors, with the usual rights and
powers of the president of faculty.
The resolution relating to the popular lectures, &c.
adopted by the board, but at subsequent session
reconsidcred and postponed until its next session.