Viewing page 199 of 520

This transcription has been completed. Contact us with corrections.

SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION    1388

ANNUAL REPORT OF THE SECRETARY

The Secretary submitted the Annual Report of the Secretary for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1953, including the Financial Report of the Executive Committee, in printed form, stating that copies were before the Regents at the meeting. On motion duly made, seconded and carried, it was

VOTED that the Report be accepted as presented.

REPORT OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Mr. Robert V. Fleming, Chairman of the Executive Committee, then presented the following report:

The customary detailed report of the Executive Committee for the last fiscal year which ended June 30, 1953, with the statement for public information as to investments and income is included in the printed report of the Secretary of the Institution, which is on the table.

The following matters, supplemental to this report, cover the first half of the present fiscal year.

A national firm of auditors, Peat, Marwick, Mitchell and Company made the annual audit of the Institution's accounts. Its report is embodied in the printed statement to which reference has just been made. The complete statement of the auditors is on the table for examination.

As Chairman of the Executive Committee I have been in regular contact with the Secretary as required by the current business of the Institution. The Executive Committee held one formal meeting on April 22, 1953.

At this meeting a number of special matters were considered. Membership of the Smithsonian in The Greater Washington Educational Television Association, Inc. was approved. The internal management of financial and payroll procedures of the Institution was discussed. Following this consideration and on recommendation of Peat, Marwick, Mitchell and Company, certain changes in accounting were effected which are in keeping with good modern business practice. Problems related to the Smithsonian Scientific Series, Barro Colorado Island, and the National Air Museum were also discussed by the Committee. The status of congressional consideration of appropriations for the work of the bureaus of the Smithsonian Institution was considered. The question of new members of the Board of Regents was discussed. It was the consensus of opinion of the Committee that Mr. Robert V. Fleming, whose six year term would expire July 26, 1953, should be reappointed, and that Justice Owen J. Roberts should be approached to see if he would serve as Regent.

Transcription Notes:
.