for bills relating to the act establishing the Smithsonian Institution see S. 18, S. 245, S. 293, S. 292, H. R. 5, H.R. 863, H.R. 259, H.R. 418, H.R. 1, H.R. 1160, H.R. 1161, especially versions of H.R. and S. 18
Summary:
The bill for the establishment of the Smithsonian Institution is taken up. Mr. Hamlin expresses his desire for a provision for a department of agriculture and a department of agricultural chemistry. Mr. Sims and Mr. Jones make remarks on the Constitutionality of the bill and the acceptance of the fund. Discussion moves to the language of the section of the bill establishing the board of managers. The sentence establishing the board of managers with the privileges of a corporation is stricken. An amendment is added allowing for the deposit of the collections of the National Institute in the National Museum. The section on common school instruction is stricken.
Mr. Giles introduces an amendment to provide for the publication and distribution of books for the blind, which is rejected. Mr. Adams proposes a substitute bill, that no money be appropriated until the funds due from Arkansas have been received. The amendment is rejected. A vote is taken and the bill is passed, 85-76. Mr. Owens moves to reconsider the vote but the House refuses.
