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SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION   654
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Section 5593, Revised Statutes, provides the method by which the income from the Smithsonian fund shall be drawn from the Treasury on the certification of the Chancellor and Secretary of the Board of Regents.

The Annual Report of the Smithsonian Institution submits to Congress a report of the operations, expenditures and condition of the Institution as required by Section 5593, Revised Statutes.

Yours with Respect,
(Signed) Charles D. Walcott.
Secretary.

The Honorable William R. Woods, Chairman,
Sub-committee on Independent Office Appropriation Bill,
U. S. House of Representatives,
Washington, D. C.

The Regents expressed the view that the matter had been very clearly set forth in the Secretary's letter and that no further action would be necessary.

REPORT OF SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON PLANS FOR NEW BUILDING FOR NATIONAL GALLERY OF ART.

Mr. Delano read the following report:

To the Board of Regents.

Gentlemen:

Your committee, appointed by the Board on February 14, 1924, for the purpose of collaborating with the architect in the preparation of plans for the proposed National Gallery of Art Building, met at the Smithsonian Institution on October 28, 1924.

Mr. Charles A. Platt, the architect, who had recently returned from a tour of the Art Galleries abroad, submitted preliminary sketch plans for the building.  These comprised plans of the three floors with sections, and a detailed drawing of the south front.  Plans of a number of European galleries, drawn to the same scale, were presented for comparison, and details of lighting adaptation to spaces and various other requirements of the structure were considered.  Mr. Platt explained that it was expected that granite would be employed in the construction, and that the building, which will be 320 by 570 feet, would contain possibly ten million cubic feet.  He said also that if required the plans could be ready for the beginning of the work within six months.

The provisional plans as presented were approved by the Committee as a basis for future study.

Respectfully submitted:
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