Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1878-01-29
The National Museum.

Ii Is to be hoped that Congress will be wise,
as well as economical, and pass without delay
the bill providing for the erection Of new
building OF sufficient dimensions to exhibit ad-
equately the specimens in our national
museum. That it is wise to establish a great
educational institution of this kind. which adj
yances the interests of science, art, and the
industrial pursuits, by exhibiting for public
instruction the natural resources and industry
OF this country and of the world. is generally
conceded; and the fact that similar bill
passed the Senate last year without opposition
and failed to be considered i'm the House. only
because circumstances made two thirds vote
necessary to bring it before that body, furn.
iShes additional testimony to the wisdom of
the measure. That it is also economical to
take this step in spite of the present hard
times, becomes evident when we consider
that mould, rust, and fire, threaten every day
to injure or destroy the valuable centennial
donations in their present locality, and as
everything goes to show that the proposed
building will certainly be erected at some time
it is far better to build it now when it will effect
the greatest saving in respect to the collection
which it is designed to preserve and display.
Considering the great ends to be accomplished
the sum asked, S2jO,0OO, is extremely moderate.
For this amount a handsome building, well
lighted, warmed, and ventilated. with con-
crete floor, brick walls, and an iron,
slate, or metal roof, is to be erected. 1t
must have three times the capacity of the
Smithsonian building to accommodate the
specimens already OH hand: and when pro-
vision for future increase is made the building
will be of great magnitude. 1t is estimated
that it will cover an area of two and One-sXth
acres. 1t is proposed that the building be
erected on the Smithsonian grounds and the
connection of the museum with the InSttu-
tiOn be for the present maintained. The ex-
penSive building which the Institution has
erected mainly for the reception of national
possessions, must not be left empty on it's
hands; and Congress would no doubt con-
slider the country too poor at present to pur-
chase the building. The museum will always
gain by its connection with the Institution. 1t
has by this means been expanded from an in
significant beginning. and at small expense,
to one OF the foremost museums in the
world; and under the same supervision
1t Is capable of almost unlimited growth.
The contributions of Smithsonian correspond
ents, the collections of government surveys
and exploring expeditions, and the specimens
obtained by the Smithsonian system of ex-
changes, will constantly add to it's treasures
Hence, increased room is an absolute neces-
sity. The House committee on public build
ingS will report favOrably on the proposed
bill. A proper respect for the foreign and
state governments whose gifts we seem to
neglect, the intrinsic value of the sighted
treasures the necessity of provision for i'm
mense additions to the present museum, and
the conceded benefits which flow from an es-
tabiishment of the kind proposed. combine to
demand the passage of the bill by Congress-