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SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION    1323

in the event of the Secretary's continuance after attaining 65 years, the retirement at age 70 would be obligatory, unless the Regents deem it wise to continue him temporarily.

As the Secretary will reach the age of 65 during the coming June it is pertinent to bring this matter to attention in order that it may be proper consideration.

In discussion, the Chancellor and other Regents were highly complimentary to the Secretary in their comments on his operations on behalf of the Board as administrative head of the Institution.

Dr. Bush recalled that Dr. Wetmore had expressed his willingness to serve, but looked forward to the time when the Regents would enable him to retire so that he might return to his scientific studies.

Dr. Fleming remarked that careful selection should be made from the scientific world, to serve for at least one year, in order to test him out, before Dr. Wetmore's actual retirement.

The Chancellor agreed fully with Dr. Fleming's proposal for an assistant secretary who would be trained to take the secretaryship whenever Dr. Wetmore felt he wanted to be relieved of administrative duties, remarking that it was important to appoint the right man in the place. The Smithsonian being a peculiar institution that is both private and governmental, it was necessary for an appointee to have the full grasp of the position, not only in regard to the Institution but also as to its contacts with government, and Congress.

Dr. Compton suggested that since the Board cannot act wisely on this matter at the present meeting, it should be referred to a special committee to consider bringing in a younger man, to work toward the relief of the present Secretary as soon as this seems desirable. The motion was adopted unanimously.

The Chancellor then appointed a Special Committee to make recommendation for a successor to Dr. Wetmore as Secretary, composed of the members of the Executive Committee, with the addition of Dr. Arthur H. Compton and Dr. Jerome C. Hunsaker. It was understood that the Chancellor would advise with the Committee.

A.W.