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SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION    1215

At the annual meeting last year it was reported that Mrs. Charleyne Whitely Gellatly, widow of John Gellatly, had an action in the Court of Claims on a demand for $10,000 as part value on certain objects in the Gellatly collection. The Smithsonian Institution is defended in this proceeding by the Department of Justice through Mr. Grover Sherrod, and has in addition the valuable assistance of Mr. Huntington Cairns, General Counsel for the National Gallery of Art.

One hearing has been held before Commissioner Herbert E. Gyles at which lawyers for Mrs. Gellatly presented her claim that as wife of Mr. Gellatly she was entitled to possession of part or all of the art collection. The presentation of testimony on her behalf, which was not concluded, occupied the forenoon and part of the afternoon. The case was then recessed for her attorneys to present additional evidence at a later time.

Subsequently her lawyers attempted to secure access to a long list of papers in the Smithsonian files that might have some bearing on their claims. This request was denied. The case is now set for hearing and the closing of all proof on February 12 next.

HRDLICKA WILL.

The Secretary stated that the will of Dr. Ales Hrdlicka, deceased member of the staff, carries three codicils that relate to the Institution.
 
In one of these Dr. Hrdlicka gives certain property to the Smithsonian Institution to establish a fund for the aid of the educational establishments of his native town of Humpolec, Bohemia. The Smithsonian is to retain 10% of the income, and to transmit the rest for the purpose stated. While such procedure is not regular practice for the Smithsonian, it is in line with the activities in the increase and diffusion of knowledge. It was recommended that this be accepted.

A.W.