The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1847-02-11
Smithsonian Institution.


the first establishment Of this institution. expressed
our constitutional scrupes about accepting the beques at
all That question however, was otherwise settled
Congress decided to accept the trust and organize the IN
stuton and we have since taken warm interest
in IFS prosperity and welfare.
We glad TO see by the recent proceedings OF the
board that the conflicting opinions which were known to
exist among its members, have been harmonzed, and
that plan of organization has finally been adopted
unanimously, as we have understood-in which com
promise was made between these conflicting opinions.
The plan provides well for library, museum, and
other collections of the institution required by the act OF
Congress- for original scientific research, publications
both of strictly scientific character and others, in
brief and popular FORM subjects of general interest,
and also for lectures be delivered by the officers of the
institution, and others.
The plan of building we have not seen; but we have
heard il highly spoken of; and that, too, have been
informed, was adopted with much unanimty.
Upon the whole, we are well satisfied with the entire
proceedings OF the Board OF Regents far they have
come to our knowledge, except point and that
regards the site chosen for the buildings 1t is stu
ated on the southern side of the MALL west of the
Capitol and nearly opposite Tenth street, and Is about
third Of mile distant from Pennsylvania avenue. Now
have the gentlemen OF the board well considered what
the effect OF such location will be' They propose to
have public lectures in the lecture which, by the
requirement of the act, included in the building
They propose, also, very properly think to open the
gallery of art which is also required TO contain, TO
general exhibition OF the works of American artists and
intend to make arrangement with the Academy OF De-
sign, the Arts Union, and other similar societies, TO
centrate here, during the winter the best efforts OF art
from all parts of the country They also to have the
museum from the Patent Office, and that too, will be
open for exhibition These will all be objects of much
national interest useful and improving. But we ask
these gentlemen if they take their building oft into the
Al. L. A.
anything like a general attendance, when audience
has to wander nearly half mile, off the pavement
through mud, probably and without light, of dreary
winters night
II is all very well for those who spare couple of
dollars nightly for hack But it is not for those excu-
sively, nor we think chiefly that the OF such
an institution ought to be, opened. 1t should be
Of easy and convenient all ranks 1t should be
situated so as to invite all to the scientific and literary
advantages it holds out.
We know not whether this matter be still open for
consideration but if ii is earnestly press upon the
board the opinion that the institution, far regards
its influence here, would be far generally useful
if it could be located in the city proper conveniently
if possible, the City Hall, the Post Office the
Patent Office We have not examined the map of the
city to see where it might be placed; but surely
spot might be found of such ready access that the pub
lie generally might be accommodated
We are firmly convinced that, if this be DONE five
persons the average, will visit the institution, where
one would enter its walls if ii be taken off across the mall
It would be under the immediate eye of those whose duty
it is TO examine its proceedings and that the trust is
faithfully periomed-we the members of Congress
We again press these suggestions on the consideration
of the board The foundations of the building laid
no change can ever after be made. A blunder made
now is made for ever We hope they will look to it.
We also suggest to the board the propricyo of publish
ing, convenient form, their chief proceedings and
plan of organization Many inquiries made in regard
to it, which ought to be satisfied