The Arizona sentinel. [volume] (Arizona City [Yuma], Yuma County, A.T. [Ariz.]) 1872-1911, 1878-10-19
Smithsonian Institution

/ Recent events haye called public atten-
tion to and excited fresh interest in the
Smithsonian Institution 1t is probable
that few clearly understand its origin in
Z the work it is designed to accomplish. JAS
Smithson, whose bequest founded and
mainly supports this scientific establish
ment, was an Englishman, an illegitimate
son of the Duke of Northumberland and
Mrs. Macie, heiress of the Hungerfords Of
l.Audley, and niece of the Duke of Somerset.
! He was born about the year 1865, under
the name Of James Lewis Mac;e. He was
graduated at Oxford in 1786, but soon took
the name of Smlthson, the family name of
his father. Mr.. Smithson early developed
a strong taste for the physical sciences,
and was known at Oxford for his prof.
cheney in chemistry. After graduation he
prosecuted his scientific studies with much
zeal, and was on intimate terms with the
leading scientists of his time In 1887 Mr..
SmlthsOn was made fellow of the Royal
Society, and contributed to the "Philo-
pers also in the Annals of Philosophy and
other scientific journals. He died at Ge-
ne7h in 1929 bequeathing to his nephew
$600,000, with the condition that should he
die without heirs the bequest should 90 to
the United States government for the pur-
pose'of founding, at Washington, an lnsti-
tuition "fCr the increase and diffusion of
knowledge, to be called the Smithsonian
Institution" In 1885 the nephew died
without heirs. Eleven years later Congress
passed an act to carry into effect the prov
sions Of the viii. The estate was then in
chancery. In 1896 Richard Rush was sent
to England by our government to obtain
possession OF the legacy, in which he was
entirely successful. the money was tenn
porariy loaned, and suggestion, as to the
best means of disposing of the fund were
invited by President Jackson. On the 10th
of August, 1916, Congress passed the act
founding the Smithsonian Institution
This act provided that the Institution
should be administered by board of re-
gents, composed of the Chief Justice of
the Supreme Court of the United States,
three Representatives., appointed by the
Speaker of the House: three Senators, APP
pointed ty the Vice President; and six cit
izens, appointed by joint resolution of
Congress. The ninth section of the act
authorizes the managers to dispose of such
portion of the interest on the fund as the
act has not otherwise appropriated, in
such manner as they shall deem best suit
ed for the promotion Of the design of the
testator, and on this clause the present
organization Of the institution principally
depends.
In May, 1S16, the cornerstone of the
beautiful edifice was laid with imposing
ceremonies, on which occasion George NJ.
Dallas delivered an oration "The in
crease and diffusion of knowledge among
men" being the great purpose of the es-
tablishment; one object Of the manage
ment has been to add to the sum of knOwl-
edge by discovering facts. 1t accumu-
lateS and disseminates not only in this
country but throughout the world The
late Prof Henry held the position OF Sec
retary, the actual head of the Institution,
from 1916 to the date of his death. He Is
succeeded by Prof Spencer Baird.