The southern press. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1850-1852, 1851-01-24

Puysuant to the notice given, the Csntat Cousnit
a<te ii the of tie National Institute, y tn
Patent Oice, Thursday evening, tbs 18th inssa Mt
! a 3 O'Clock. 4,lba fa
ter II. Johnsna, ON whose motion Col ksser Force
was called to the Chair, and Charles - 6tSnoary
chosen Secretary 81 the meetipg.
This temporary organization having been effected,
the committee proceeded to organize permanently BY
the appointments Of the Hon. MiiyArd Fillmore, Vice
President Of the United Stasss Chairman, asd Prof.
Walter H. johnson Secretary.
AT the the request Of the Chairman, (Col. Force, }
the following papers read by Prof Johnson, in
explanation Of the appointment and duties OF the
committee
STATE DEpARrMxNr,
WASHINGTON, May IT, 1850
10 the President Of the National Institute
for the Promotion Of Science
SiR; have the honor herewith to transmit CO.
PIES OF correspondence which has taken place be-
tween the Minster Plenipotentiary OF her Majesty
the Queen OF Great Britain aud this Department rela-
tive 10 the proposed Industrial Exhibition to be held
in London in the year 1851.
From the circular Of the Royal Commissioners Of
Great BIitan hereto annexed will be observed that
all objects intended to he Introduced from foreign
countries and entered for that Exhibition required
to have been first submitted and approved BY
| trail authority commission 81 the country from
which they shall be brought, and that other will
BE- recognized central authority except such
slall have been SO certified by the Government oil the
| country in which it exists.
That American industry and arts may be enabled to
appear in the place allotted to Them it will be indis-
pensable that recognized central authority should be
constituted, and am under the impression that the
National Institute, having been regularly incorporated
by act OF Congress, and being habtually engaged in
matters pertaining to the arts and sciences, Is the
proper body for taking the initiative in constituting
such central authority.
Therefore beg leave to submit to its consideration
L..
brought to the attention OF this Department by the
distinguished Envoy OF her Msjesty's Government,
and 10 request such action suggestions may seem
necessary in order that the natural productions, the
ingenuity, industry, and arts Of the United States
may be fully and suitably represented the interest
ing occasion herein referred to.
4 have the honor to he, very respectfully, yours,
| JOHN M. CLAYTON.
This Communication was laid before the National
institute, and by it referred to select committee,
which brought forward the following report;
Report Of the Committee II the National Institute:
The special committee, to which was referred
the communication from the Hon. John nj. Clay
of central authority for Transmitting articles 10
the Industrial. Exhibition to be held in London in
1851, offers the following report;
The committee impressed with the importance
of the subject commended to the Institute, have
given to it their earnest and careful attention.
The resources, the ingenuity, the industry, and
| arts Of the United States are conceived to merit
he best eddeayors to procure for them the oppor-
unities Of being adequately represented in the
great Industrial Exhibition at London.
Aggreeably to the programme adopted by the Roy
al Commission, no articles TO be received from,
Foreign Exhibitors except those which shall have
been approved by central authority, recognized as
such by the Government OF the country from which
| they sent.
This Institute being the only Society for the Pro
oon Of Science and the Arts, directly incorporated
by the Government the Secretary Of State has deem
ed it thu appropriate body to take action make sug
gestsous relative to the ullment Of the wishes U the
Royal Commissioners, by the establishment OF such
central authority as the to require.
To this voluntary proposal on the part OF the Sec
rotary OF State, the committee consider the National
| Institute in duty bound to respond
| In accordance with tbs view, the committee re-
| spcctluy recommend the following rcsolut,o4.
| l. Resolred, That the Institute Will take action
the .ubject submitted to it by the Department or
| State.
2. Res.;rcd, That the Institute do now proceed
to constitute committee suitable TO be recognised by
cnce with the British Commissioners. and to secure
the reception OF American productions at the proposed
Industrial Exhibition in London.
PETER FORCE,
JOSEPH HENRY,
WALTER X JOHNSON, Committee
J.J. GREENOUGH,
CHARLES WILKES,