The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1901-01-24

and that II shall also be his duty to di-
rect In q manner satisfactory to the heads
of such departments and officers In charge
the researches OF such persons into lines
which Will promote the interests OF the
Government, and the development Of the
natural resources. agriculture. manufac-
lures, and commerce of the country, and
generally promote the progress of sci
ence and the useful arts, and the increase
ana diffusion of knowledge among men.
The question Of the proper disposition
OF the remains Of James Smithson, the
founder of the institution, was considered
A communication was read from the sec
rotary of the English burying ground at
Genoa, calling attention to the fact that
the little cemetery where he was in
TERED would be removed by the Italian
Government; and stating that the re-
mains would receive scrupulous care and
attention, and could be reinterred in the
new English burying ground in Genoa. il
the Regents so desired After some dis
cussion, Representative Robert Adams
moved a resolution, which was adopted.
providing for leaving the remains in
Genoa. and transferring them to some
other cemetery.
The Secretary announced that, by the
death of Joseph White Sprague, of Louis
vile, KY. in June. 1900. the institution
had secured a Tevisionary interest in
10 DtSl the VI
the physical sciences. The amount OF the
fund is not known. and under the terms
of the bequest, the institution is not to
secure possession of il until twenty years
after the death OF all the persons inter
ested in the estate. and probably will not
become available for fifty years.
The Secretary informed the regents of
an expedition sent to Southern Arabia to
excavate at the site of Ur Of the Chal-
h. IT l,r-. I,s.rs
This town, whose modern name is
Mugheir, was visited fifty years ago by
Mr.. Taylor, the English Consul at Bus
reh, who found some remains which indi-
Gated almost to n certainty that valuable
finds would be got. The funds for this
expedition have been provided by private
subscription. The director OF the expedi-
ton Is Dr. Edgar James Banks, who is
now in Constantinople arranging for
irman. and member of the museum stan
will accompany the expedition for the
purpose OF securing chronological and nat
ural history specimens, which are to be
deposited in the institution. This expedi-
ton. if successful is likely to throw
flood of light upon the early history of
Babylonia and on the early narratives in
the Book of Genesis.
The Secretary also spoke of the Smith
sonian deposit in the Library of Con-
in the deposit has yet been made, but
from estimates the Secretary thought
that the number would reach at least $780,
900 volumes In the new Library build
ing separate stack for the storage OF
books has been provided, and hands ome
hall has been set apart for suitable book
shelves, and arrangements for the consul
tation Of books were being provided by
Congress under Inc present Librarian.
At the meeting there were present
Chief Justice Melville W. Fuller, Chan
cellor, who presided; Senator o. H. Plat,
Senator William Lindsay. Representative
r. r. Hit, Representative Robert Adams,
Representative Hugh A. Dinsmore, DR..
]. b. Angel, DR.. Alexander Graham Bell,
Richard Olney, and Judge George Gray.
Senator William p. Frye. DR.. Andrew d.
White. now Ambassador to Berlin, Senator
S. NJ. Cuilom and James 3. Henderson
were unable to attend The Secretary an
iIot:nced the death on October II. 1860 of
William L. Wilson, a member OF the
board. Appropriate resolutions were
adopted in his memory, which were order
ed spread on the minutes, and an en-
crossed copy sent to the family of the
deceased. James B. Henderson, who was
prevented from being present, had pre-
pared fitting address. which, at the re-
quest of MIR. Hit, he was given leave to
add to the minutes.
The following changes were announced
in the membership OF the board: Richard
olney was appointed by Congress. with
the Presidents approval. to succeed Dr.
William Preston Johnston. and DR.. An
drew ID. White was appointed to sue
coed himself while Judge George Gray.
of Delaware, was appointed to fill the
vacancy caused by the death of DR.. Will
son.
The vacancy in the Executive Commit
tee, caused by the death of DR.. Wilson,
was filled by the election of R. R. Hit