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SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION    1232

had little time or opportunity for its appreciation. Now, at the end of 1946, science is fresh from wartime triumphs, and there is universal interest in its operations, which are held by the general public to insure future prosperity and, it is hoped, peace.

As indicated last year, appropriations and personnel for the Smithsonian did not grow during the war period as was the case with most agencies in Washington, but actually were severely decreased. Provision was made last year for the younger staff members who returned to the Institution from the military or naval service, and for other funds which would enable us to meet our obligations in the present year.

In submitting estimates for 1948, it has been necessary to look ahead, and to provide for full return to the obligations that the Institution is called upon to assume. For five years our work has remained at a standstill, or has accumulated due to shortages in personnel and preoccupation with wartime duties.

These matters were carefully considered by the Bureau of the Budget, which has submitted estimates allowing increases in the appropriation from $1,632,962 for 1947 to $1,987,000 for 1948, an increase of $354,038.

The bulk of this increase goes into the salary roll, being a total of $314,683, which covers promotions to be made by law for 1948, and 61 additional positions amounting to $148,632, distributed in all groups of employees from the cleaning force to the scientific staff. These are essential for our continuance and for the discharge of our function. We are thus in the difficult position of having to return to

A.W.