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SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION   660
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History (or New) Building was open from 1:30 to 4:30 but the other Government buildings were closed. He thought that if five more watchmen were given, all the buildings could be open on each Sunday, at least for the afternoon.

In this connection he also spoke of the scarcity of visitors on Christmas and New Years' Days, and proposed the closing of the buildings on those days, which would give the watchmen an opportunity which was now denied them. 

A full discussion took place, resulting in the adoption of the following resolutions:

RESOLVED; That the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution approves of keeping the exhibition halls of the Museums open on Sundays, and to this end that a request be made of Congress to increase the appropriation, Preservation of Collections, National Museum, by $6,600 to provide for five additional watchmen during the year and 10 temporary watchmen on Sundays.

RESOLVED; That the Secretary be authorized to close the Museum Buildings on Christmas day, New Years' day, and such other holidays for all day or for such portions of the day as in his judgment may be advisable.

Should Congress fail to make the appropriation above referred to, the Secretary is authorized and instructed to make plans regarding Sunday opening as may best serve the public by closing them on some other day during the week if necessary.

ADJOURNMENT. 

There being no further business to come before the meeting, on motion the Board adjourned.

Attest: 
[[signed]] Charles D. Walcott [[/signed]]
Secretary.