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128 JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS Government would prefer some such administration of the museum as this board secures. No present action is proposed by this committee, beyond the recommendation that the distinction between the Institution itself and the museum under its charge should be mads as prominent as possible. The very great development which the museum is now undergoing may soon bring the whole subject before the Board in a practical form. If the next Congress should adopt a plan to which the Secretary adverts, (but which seems unlikely,) namely, that of transferring the museum to a new building to be erected for the National Library, the separation which the Secretary recommends would be at once complete. In that event, since the Smithsonian building was erected in great part for containing these collections, we will not doubt that Congress would indemnify the Institution by re-imbursing an equitable portion of the original outlay. On the other hand, if the museum is to develop to its full size and importance upon the present site, according to the plans laid before the Board, and by it recommended to Congress, this will, as it seems to us, almost necessarily involve the acquisition by Government of our present edifice; and that will pave the way for an entire separation of administration, or to such other adjustment as the Board of Regents may then think best, or be able to accomplish. Respectfully submitted by ASA GRAY, A. A. SARGENT, HIESTER CLYMER, Committee. On motion of Mr. Stevenson, it was Resolved, That the report of the committee be received and printed in the proceedings of the Board of Regents, to be submitted to Congress with the report of the Secretary. The Secretary presented his annual report of the operations of the institution during 1876, which was read, and, on motion, ordered to be transmitted to Congress. The Secretary also presented a list of the articles given to the United States National Museum by foreign governments represented at the Centennial Exhibition in Philadelphia. On motion of Mr. Hamlin, it was Resolved, That a committee be appointed to prepare a memorial to be submitted to Congress, showing the recent immense contributions to the national collection, and the necessity for provision being speedily made for their reception and exhibition. The Chancellor appointed Messrs. Bancroft, Parker, Gray, and the Secretary. On motion, the Board adjourned to meet at the call of the Secretary.
