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Friday, December 12, 1941.

SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION

STATEMENTS OF DR. CHARLES G. ABBOT, SECRETARY, SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION; DR. ALEXANDER WETMORE, ASSISTANT SECRETARY, SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION, IN CHARGE NATIONAL MUSEUM; H. W. DORSEY, ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT TO THE SECRETARY; J. E. GRAF, ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR, NATIONAL MUSEUM; M. W. STIRLING, CHIEF, BUREAU OF AMERICAN ETHNOLOGY; W. P. TRUE, CHIEF, EDITORIAL DIVISION, SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION; DONALD D. SHEPARD, SECRETARY-TREASURER AND GENERAL COUNSEL OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES (BUDGET OFFICER), NATIONAL GALLERY OF ART; HARRY A. McBRIDE, ADMINISTRATOR, NATIONAL GALLERY OF ART; GEORGE T. HECKERT, ASSISTANT TO THE ADMINISTRATOR, NATIONAL GALLERY OF ART; PROF. L. J. RAGATZ; AND DR. G. S. FORD, AMERICAN HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION

GENERAL STATEMENT

Mr. Woodrum. We will take up this morning the items for the Smithsonian Institution and the National Gallery of Art. Dr. Abbot, have you any general statement you wish to make at this time ?

Dr. Abbot. Mr. Chairman, I have put myself in the position of the committee as far as I could, to see how we could defend the appropriations to the Institution.

In the first place, the property under the care of the Smithsonian Institution now amounts to something like $350,000,000, including the National Gallery of Art; and in another sense, it is invaluable, for we have there things which never can be duplicated, representing history and natural features of the United States, and it would be a calamity if they were lost.

The collections require continuous care. They would deteriorate-rapidly if they were not cared for.

They are visited by a constantly changing constituency of about two and a half million people a year, and it gives these people recollections which they keep their life through.

Many young men of the draft army are among these visitors. We are now under additional expense to prepare the collections for safekeeping from air attack, and we have already begun to incur some expense on those accounts.

The Institution has been designated as a defense agency. Some of its ablest men are now almost continuously employed in defense problems.

I, myself, was occupied during the whole, month of July and part of August and a part of November in a problem set by the Navy Department. And there are a number of others. One of our ablest physicists is continuously working upon a naval problem at this time. And we have others who are engaged in other defense problems.

The appropriations for the last year were actually less in dollars than they were in 1932, although in some lines the costs are now much higher than they were done.

We need many things which were approved a year ago by the Bureau of the Budget, but were cut off in the committee and in the House. I am sure that the Bureau of the Budget still appreciates that we need these things urgently, but in view of the present situation the estimates are only the same as the total of last year's appropriation, with the exception of a slight increase in the National Gallery, and on account of the Ramspeck promotions.

I would emphasize the point which they bring out that the people may thing about the war very constantly, but they need to think about something else besides the war. That has been realized in England very acutely. Whereas at first the tendency there was to diminish the operation of their galleries and public resources in the way of recreation, they found it was necessary for the morale of the people to keep those things in full operation.

Now, as regards the Ramspeck promotions, these are mandatory, and various increases for them are included in the estimates. There is a discrepancy of about $900 in one item which will appear, and we understand that the Bureau of the Budget regarded it as necessary to include the full sum because of the mandatory character of the bill, but expect us to be able to save $900, which is the difference in question.

I think, then, with these remarks, I will close, sir.

Mr. Fitzpatkick. Your total increase is a little over $35,000; is that right?

Dr. Abbot. That is mainly for Ramspeck promotions.

Mr. Fitzpatrick. How much is that ?

Dr. Wetmore. Under general expenses, Smithsonian Institution, $8,074; under preservation of collections, the sum is $19,486.

Mr. Shepard, I understand, is very anxious to be heard on the National Gallery at once, as he is going to leave for the West today.

NATIONAL GALLERY OF ART

SALARIES AND EXPENSES

Mr. Woodrum. We will take up then the item for salaries and expenses, National Gallery of Art, which is as follows:

Salaries and expenses, National Gallery of Art: For the upkeep and operation of the National Gallery of Art, the protection and care of the works of art therein, and all administrate expenses incident thereto, as authorized by the Act of March 24, 1937 (50 Stat. 51), as amended by the public resolution of April 13, 1939 (Public Resolution Numbered 9, Seventy-sixth Congress), including personal services in the District of Columbia (except as otherwise provided in sec. 4 (c) of such Act) not to exceed $400,S65; traveling expenses, including not exceeding $1,000 for expenses of attendance at meetings concerned with the work of the National Gallery of Art, when specifically authorized by the treasurer of the gallery; streetcar fares; supplies; equipment including labor-saving machines and devices and the rental, repair, and exchange thereof; periodicals, newspapers, lawbooks (not to exceed $150), and books of reference; not to exceed $100 for payment in advance when authorized by the treasurer of the gallery for library membership in societies whose publications are available to members only or to members at a price lower than to the general public; purchase, repair, and (loaning of uniforms for guards and elevator operators; leather and rubber articles and gas masks for the protection of public property and employees; not to exceed $11,000 for printing and binding; purchase or rental of devices and services for protecting buildings and contents thereof; and maintenance and

repair of buildings, approaches, and grounds, $541,365: Provided, That section 3709 of the Revised Statutes, or the Classification Act of 1923, as amended, shall not apply to the restoration and repair of works of art for the National Gallery of Art, the cost of which shall not exceed $15,000.

GENERAL STATEMENT

Dr. Abbot. As regards the National Gallery, Mr. Chairman, Mr. Shepard has handed me a statement which I shall be glad to include in the record.

Mr. Woodrum. Very well.

(Dr. Abbot read the following statement:)

We are here to present the estimates for the fiscal year 1943 covering administrative expenses and costs of operation of the National Gallery of Art.

These estimates are the first that have been submitted after the Gallery has been opened to the public, and therefore they are the first estimates which have been based upon actual operating experience.

I may say that the opening of the Gallery was received with great enthusiasm by the general public, as evidenced by the fact that over a million people passed through its doors during little more than 4 months of operation, and that the attendance to date has been more than 1,700,000. Included among the visitors are thousands of school children, college students, and members of our armed forces.

The actual operating experience has shown that the estimates submitted before the Gallery was open to the public were fairly accurate. The appropriation for 1942 was $533,300 and the estimate for 1943, $541,365. The actual amount of increase requested this year over last year is some $8,000, of which over $7,000 is represented by the Ramspeck Act promotions. The trustees have realized that in these times every possible economy is to be exercised, and it is felt that these estimates represent the minimum figure at which the Gallery can be properly operated for the benefit of the public and consistent with the trustees' contractual obligations to the several donors, who have given to the Nation works of art estimated in value at more than $80,000,000, and the monumental Gallery building costing over $15,000,000.

Since we last appeared before this committee there have been a number of important acquisitions requiring the opening of five additional galleries, and it is expected, as reported last year, that the important Widener collection will soon be added.

I think it important that during this war period, for the morale of the country and the preservation of culture, the Gallery be kept open and available to the public at all times.

Mr. Shepard and Mr. McBride will be glad to answer any specific questions concerning the estimates which the committee members may desire to ask.

JUSTIFICATION OF ESTIMATE

Dr. Abbot. Mr. Chairman, I offer the following justification statement of this item.

Justification of estimate, National Gallery of Art

Salaries and Expenses

Expended, 1941 '$298, 543

Appropriation, 1942 533, 300

Estimate, 1943 541, 365

Increase for 1943 8, 065

1 This appropriation was for the operation of the Gallery on a part-year basis.

GENERAL STATEMENT

The National Gallery Building and the Mellon collection of works of art were given to the Nation and accepted by Congress on the condition, among others, that the National Gallery of Art shall at all times be properly maintained by

appropriations to be provided by the Congress. In the President's message to Congress dated February 1, 1937, he stated in part: "The works of art thus offered to the Government constitute one of the finest and most valuable collections in existence, containing only objects of the highest standard of quality. It is with a keen sense of appreciation of the generous purpose of the donor and the satisfaction that comes with the knowledge that such a splendid collection will be placed at the seat of our Government for the benefit and enjoyment of our people during all the years to come, that I submit this matter to the Congress."

Section 4 (a) of the act of March 24, 1937, as amended by the public resolution of April 13, 1939, provides that "The faith of the United States is pledged that, on completion of the National Gallery of Art by the donor in accordance with the terms of this act, and the acquisition from the donor of this collection of works of art, the United States will provide such funds as may be necessary for the upkeep of the National Gallery of Art and the administrative expenses and costs of operation thereof, including the protection and care of works of art acquired by the Board, so that the National Gallery of Art shall be at all times properly maintained and the woi'ks of art contained therein shall be exhibited regularly to the general public free of charge. For these purposes, and to provide, prior to the completion of the National Gallery of Art, for the protection and care of the works of art in said Gallery and for administrative and operating expenses and equipment preparatory to the opening of the Gallery to the public, there are hereby authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary."

Section 7 of the trust indenture dated June 24, 1937, providing for the construction of the building for the Gallery and the gift of the Mellon collection, states that the above provision is "an express condition of the trust of said collection of works of art, hereby created." This same condition appears in the trust indenture covering the gift of the Kress collection, and will constitute a provision of an indenture of gift of another great collection of works of art. Therefore Budget estimates must be sufficient to meet the trustee obl'g itions to these donors.

The trustees of the National Gallery of Art are the Chief Justice of the United States (chairman), the Secretary of State, the Secretary of the Treasury, the Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, and five general trustees: Mr. David K. E. Bruce (president), Mr. F. Lammot Belin (vice president), Mr. Duncan Phillips, Mr. Joseph E. Widener, and Mr. Samuel H. Kre.-s. Other principal executive officers of the Gallery are Donald D. Shepard, secretary, treasurer, and general counsel; David E. Finley, director; and Harry A. McBride, administrator.

In compliance with the bylaws of the Board of Trustees of the National Gallery of Art, the Budget estimates for the National Gallery for the fiscal year 1943 were approved at a meetting of the Board held on September 8, 1941. These are the first estimates of public funds considered necessary for the upkeep, administrative expenses, and costs of operation of the National Gallery of Art which have been submitted since the Gallery has been open to the public. Therefore, for the first lime, the estimates are based upon actual operating experience.

EXPLANATION OF ESTIMATES

In the opening of the building to the public on March 18, 1941, and in the subsequent operation thereof, it has been found that previous estimates for the necessary staff and operating expenses have been fairly accurate. Nevertheless, it was inevitable that, once in actual operation, certain adjustments would have to be made. Those adjustments are of a relatively minor character, the chief error in previous estimates having been found to be underestimation of the number of guards and laborers necessary to protect and maintain in proper order the works of art, the building, and the grounds.

The uniformly high quality of the works of art in the National gallery has cause it immediately to take its place as one of the two or three leading galleries of the world, and the number of visitors is about twice that originally estimated. It had been thought that the gallery would have some 1,500,000 visitors in its first year of operation, but 1,000.000 people passed through its doors in a little over 4 months, and the probabilities are that the gallery will receive some 2.000,000 people during its first year, as compared with 1,184,835 in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York in 1940; 1,041,763 in the Art Institute of Chicago ; 478,742 in the Museum of Fine Arts at Boston ; and 2.506,171 in the Smithsonian Institution in Washington (exclusive of the National Gallery of Art).

Furthermore, mail inquiries chiefly from teachers, schools, and colleges, have been much greater in number than was anticipated. This response from the

public, which is taking such great interest in the National Gallery, has been most gratifying.

Several more galleries have been opened to the public than were originally contemplated, for the exhibition of the gallery's important new acquisitions, and also for several special exhibitions which have been held since the opening of the building. Furthermore, certain gifts and loans have been accepted which required the opening of three more galleries in November 1941.

For these reasons the total estimate for the fiscal year 1943 is $541,365, as compared with the appropriation for the fiscal year 1942 of $533,300, an increase of $8,065. This sum, if appropriated by Congress, will permit the trustees to operate and maintain the National Gallery at a standard which should in all respects meet the obligations to the public, and the trust and contractual obligations to the donors of the building and of the collections.

In submitting this estimate of the cost of operation of the gallery, the trustees feel that all possible economy has been exercised. Therefore, only items which have been deemed necessary have been incorporated therein. . No expense was spared in the construction of the air-conditioned building for the National Gallery, which cost over $15,000,000. It is now housing collections of works of art estimated in value at over $80,000,000, to which, as has been announced, will be added the famous Widener collection. The total floor area of the National Gallery is approximately 500,000 square feet, and the exhibition area about 238,000 square feet, as compared with 564,607 square feet and 340,232 square feet, respectively, of the Metropolitan Museum in New York. The exhibition space of the Louvre, in Paris, is 344,448 square feet.

EXPLANATION OF CHANGES

The total increase in the 1943 estimates for the National Gallery of Art over the 1942 appropriation is $8,065. Of this increase the amount of $7,040 represents the sum required for the one-step within-grade promotions provided under the Mead-Ramspeck Act (Public, 200, approved August 1, 1941).

Other increases in certain items of the 1943 estimates over those of 1942 are met by economies and adjustments of previous estimates covering items wherein experience under actual operating conditions has indicated such adjustments to be possible.

Personal services. —The total number of the staff (paid from Government funds) deemed necessary for the proper maintenance and operation of the National Gallery of Art for the fiscal year 1943 is estimated by the board of trustees to be 252. Of this number it should be noted that only 62 are for the ofBce staff, the remainder, 190, being for the maintenance, mechanical, custodial, and cleaning departments.

That this estimate of the staff deemed necessary for the gallery is conservative may be seen from the fact that only 252 employees are requested, at an annual cost of $400,865; as compared with 583 employees on the staff of the Metropolitan Museum n New York, at a cost in 1940 of $1,284,436.27. In the only other comparable institution for which figures are available, it is found that the number of employees in 1938 in the British Museum in London was 573.

The principal increase in personnel requested in these estimates has to do with the guard force, which is of primary importance to the gallery and the public. It has been found absolutely necessary, in order that the works of art, the building and the grounds may be adequately protected, that an additional sergeant (Cu-5) and 7 guards (Cu-3) be provided. The number of guard stations was originally slightly underestimated, and in the meanwhile, due to the opening of new gallery rooms and to the necessity for a more frequent patrol of the grounds, it is found that these additional positions are required. Owing to the great value of the works of art exhibited in the gallery and the large crowds of visitors, it is essential that an adequate guard force be provided.

Likewise, in the maintenance of the building and grounds, it has been found, after several months of actual operating experience, that one additional junior foreman of laborers (Cu-4) and five laborers (Cu-2) are necessary. These men are needed to augment the regular cleaning staff, especially insofar as the cleaning and maintenance of the skylights and laylights in the building are concerned. The care and maintenance of the area between the sidewalk and the curb around the building, which measures about a mile in distance, will now fall upon the staff of the gallery. This area has only recently been sodded and no estimates had been previously submitted.

INDEPENDENT OFFICES APPROPRIATION BILL, 1943

Actual experience since the National Gallery has been opened to the public has shown that the following slight adjustments in the clerical staff are necessary :

In the office of the administrator, an additional position of junior administrative assistant (CAF-6) should be established in order that all of the administrative reports, personnel and purchasing records may be properly compiled, correlated, and supervised.

In the administrative section, it has also been found in actual operation that an additional clerk-stenographer (CAF-3), and a junior stenographer (CAF-2) are required in order to keep the personnel records up to date and to carry on the voluminous miscellaneous correspondence. This work is already somewhat in arrears, and because of the fact, a delay has been caused in obtaining guards, mechanics, and laborers urgently required in the protection and maintenance duties.

There is a checkroom at each of the two public entrances to the building where visitors are required to check umbrellas, canes, parcels, etc. Rather than to have the checkroom attendants unemployed at certain periods of the day, when the number of visitors may be rather small, it has been required that all checkroom attendants employed should also be qualified typists. In this manner routine typing and copying required in the gallery is accomplished. Inasmuch as the gallery is open to the public all day Saturday, Sunday afternoons, and holidays, it has been found that the number of checkroom attendants will have to be increased by one in order adequately to take care of these duties. This will also enable annual leave to be granted to the checkroom staff as well as to permit each attendant to have Saturday and Sunday or equivalent time off each week.

The cost of this required additional personnel is met, as above mentioned, by adjustments in estimates as submitted for 1942.

In the actual operation of the gallery, it has been found, due to the large number of visitors on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays, that the guard force on these days must be considerably increased in order to give adequate protection to the works of art. An arrangement was therefore made with the Civil Service Commission for the intermittent employment of guards from other Government departments who would be available for such duty. This raises the requirements for temporary employees $2X00 over 1942 estimates. The cost of this additional protective force is $4,680 per year, and it is felt that at least $3,320 should be available for other temporary employees to take care of special occasions and unforeseen requirements such as snow removal, replacement of glass in roof areas if broken by storm or other causes.

Supplies and materials: 1942 estimate, $34,300; 1943, estimate, $45,100; increase, $10,800.—Under "supplies and materials" for 1943 are included the following items:

Cleaning and toilet supplies

Emergency room supplies,.

Educational supplies (reference books, periodicals)

Fuel

Stationery (not printed)

Sundry office supplies

Photographic supplies

Wearing apparel.

Ammunition

Mechanical, eneineering, and electrical supplies.._

Miseellaneous supplies

Metals and metal products

Lumber and wood products

Paint, varnish, shellac

Total

$4,000 200 400 146

2,000

1,000 770

l,ti(l(l

724

14.915

5,800 670

1,500 575

34, 300

$5, 000

200 1,823

146 3,000 1,000 1.700 2.513

779 17,803 7,636

500 1,000 2,000

45,100

Increase

$1,000

1,423

"1,666

930 913 55 2,888 1,836 -170 -500 1,425

10,800

An increase of $10,800 in supplies and materials is set forth in the above table. It will be noted that the major item under "Supplies and materials" is for "mechanics', engineers', and electricians' supplies." The amount requested is $17,803, as compared with actual expenditures during the fiscal year 1941, when the Gallery was in operation only a part of the year, of $21,293. The building is equipped with the most modern and expensive machinery, which must be properly maintained, the air conditioning, heating, and ventilating system alone costing some $1,500,000. The major item of mechanics' supplies include $3,500 for air-

INDEPENDENT OFFICES APPROPRIATION BILL, 1943

199

conditioning filters, $7,923 for electric-light bulbs, and $1,000 for refrigerant. It is necessary in tbe estimates for this year also to include $900 for major replacement parts for the electrical installations and machinery throughout the building.

The second item of importance covers "miscellaneous supplies," for which $7,636 is being requested, as compared with an actual expenditure of $5,739 for part-year operation in the fiscal year 1941. The landscaping and planting at the Gallery has up to the present time been maintained by the contractor under the terms of a guaranty provision in the landscape contract. However, the guaranty provisions will have expired by 1943, and it is necessary to provide funds for the replacement of trees and shrubs which may have to be removed during the fiscal year, as well as for replacement of plants for the garden courts. This item also includes glass for replacement purposes, both in the skylight and laylight areas of the building.

The third item in importance under supplies and materials is $5,000 for "cleaning and toilet supplies," as compared with $2,865 for the part-year operation during 1941. The present estimate is based upon actual operating experience since the building has been open to the public and is a close estimate of exactly what will be needed under this item.

The fourth item in importance is $3,000 for "stationery," as compared with an expenditure for part-year operation in the fiscal year 1941 of $1,314. It has been found that the interest in the Gallery is so great that the correspondence is much heavier than had been anticipated. The whole range of stationery and sundry office supplies was somewhat underestimated in previous years, but now, after several months of actual operating experience, it is possible to establish a more accurate base.

Other increases found to be necessary are in paint, varnish, etc.; in guards' uniforms, due to some extent to increasing costs of cloth, and also to the fact that a certain number of additional guards are required; in educational supplies, including approximately $1,000 for books of art reference with which the Gallery is not yet adequately equipped, and in photographic supplies, for which it was not possible heretofore to establish a definite base.

Printing and binding: 1942 estimate, $8,000; 1943 estimate, $11,000; increase, $3,000. —The items included under this heading for 1943 are as follows :

The increase of $3,000 requested for "printing and binding" is primarily to provide for a larger supply of the small booklet of information containing a directory of the Gallery, a plan of exhibition spaces, and a list of all works of art in the collections. This is proving to be one of the services offered by the Gallery which is most appreciated by the visiting public. These booklets are distributed without charge to those who make inquiry therefor. It had been estimated that some 250,000 to 300,000 copies of this booklet would meet the annual requirements, but because of the fact that the number of visitors to the Gallery is twice that which had been anticipated, it is now found that between 550,000 and 600,000 will be required. The Gallery is also receiving a large number of requests for copies of this booklet from schools and other educational groups interested in the National Gallery.

Electricity: 1942 estimate, $90,000, minus $40,000? leaves $50,000; 1943 estimate, $53,020; increase, $3,020. —The sum for electricity for 1943 shows an increase of $3,020 over that now set up for 1942. The amount needed for this item is uncertain. The Potomac Electric Power Co., after a careful study of the electrical equipment and lighting in the Gallery building, originally estimated the annual cost of $90,000.

When estimates for 1943 were being prepared, that company was requested to advise the National Gallery whether the original estimate might not be considered for modification. Its reply, in part, was as follows:

"While the actual cost of electrical energy for the period from the opening of the Gallery to date (July 22, 1941) is somewhat less than our estimate, we do

not believe it advisable to change the estimate at this time. At such time as the figures for a full year's operation are obtained, we will be glad to review our estimates in the light of your operating experience."

Some reduction in the original 1942 estimate will undoubtedly be made. It will be noted that the estimate for 1943 is $36,980 below the 1942 estimate, and it is believed that even with the utmost economy it will be most difficult to operate with this sum.

Equipment: 1942 estimate, $6,200; 194,3 estimate, $5,900.— This estimate for 1943 includes the following:

Furniture, furnishings, and fixtures...

Shop equipment

Cleaning equipment

Special and miscellaneous equipment.

Total

1942

1943

5,900

In the 1942 appropriation, provision was made for partial furnishing of the restorer's quarters. Certain furniture and equipment are required in order adequately to equip those quarters as well as the two rooms which are being set aside to take care of the repair, regilding, and the making of frames for works of art. This additional equipment covers lockers, file cases, screens, restoring tools, benches, easels, tables, etc., and all are necessary equipment to the work of the restorer.

Under "furniture, furnishings, and fixtures" are also included 10 additional sofas for the galleries not already so provided and for other galleries contemplated to be opened during the fiscal year 1943, to provide a place for the public to rest in viewing the works of art on exhibition.

The machine shop was provided with a minimum of metal working machinery, and to meet maintenance requirements in this respect a milling attachment for the lathe is necessary. It is provided in these estimates. There are also included steel bins for mechanics' shops, an additional Spencer vacuum cleaner, one large and one small polishing machine, as well as brushes for these machines and other small items. All of these items are essential to the efficient operation of the Gallery.

The foregoing estimates for 1943 make no provision for increase in commodity prices and have of necessity been predicated upon 1941 price levels.

AMOUNT OF INCREASE IN ESTIMATE

Mr. Woodrum. Mr. Shepard, have you any other statement you wish to make in addition to what has already been presented?

Mr. Shepard. We have no further statement to make, but we are glad to answer any questions. Dr. Abbot has already put our general statement into the record.

Mr. Woodrum. Your estimate for the coming year is about the same as for the current year. How much of an increase is provided ?

Dr. Abbot. $8,000.

Mr. McBride. $8,065.

Mr. Woodrum. Is that accounted for by some additional personnel?

Mr. McBride. Yes, sir; and there is a reduction in other items. We had to make a few minor adjustments after we got into the building, but our previous estimates were found to be fairly accurate—the estimates made before the building was completed.

RAM SPECK PROMOTION INCREASE

Mr. McBride. For the National Gallery, the amount requested for promotions under the Mead-Ramspeck Act is $7,040.

PURCHASE OF NEWSPAPERS, LAWBOOKS, BOOKS OF REFERENCE

Mr. Woodrum. Will you say something about this new language permitting you to expend not to exceed $150 for books of reference and newspapers, membership in societies, and so forth?

Mr. MoBride. Yes, sir. The words, "newspapers, lawbooks (not to exceed $150)," have been inserted to enable the Gallery to obtain for its official use certain legal books and newspapers which it was felt were necessary in the operation of the Gallery. There are not many legal books required, but we do need some for reference—they pertain to mainly wills and trusts, and are for use in the study of bequests or gifts which might be made to the Gallery. We feel we should have these references immediately available, because matters pertaining to offers of gifts are coming up quite frequently. As to the newspapers, it is felt that at least one newspaper should be officially provided for the building to be filed and to be used for official purposes.

Mr. Fitzpatrick. Have you received any other money except what the Government has appropriated to you ?

Mr. Shepard. Not to date.

Mr. Woodrum. That is, not for operating expenses ?

Mr. Shepard. Not for operating expenses; no, sir.

RECENT GIFTS MADE TO GALLERY OF ART

Mr. Houston. Have you received any additional gifts, outside of the three large collections that you had a year ago ?

Mr. McBride. Yes, sir; we have.

Mr. Houston. Have you had to remodel your building to take care of those ?

Mr. McBride. We have opened five more Gallery rooms.

Mr. Houston. Five more ?

Mr. McBride. Yes, sir. In March 1941, when the building was opened to the public, there were 731 paintings and 65 pieces of sculpture in the collections. During the intervening time 65 paintings of very high quality have been added.

Mr. Houston. Has that necessitated additions to your personnel expense, such as guards or attendants?

Mr. McBride. These 65 paintings require one or two additional guards, and a like number of cleaners.

ATTENDANCE OF VISITORS AT GALLERY OF ART

Mr. Houston. How has the attendance held up ?

Mr. McBride. Very well indeed.

Mr. Houston. What does it average ?

Mr. McBrdde. From March 17, 1941, the date of opening, to the present, the attendance has been about 1,700,000. That is a greater attendance, I understand, than in any gallery anywhere, for a similar period of time.

Mr. Houston. That would average about 10,000 a day from the day it was opened, would it not?

Mr. McBride. Between 6,000 and 7,000. We do not know what the war will do to the attendance, whether it will increase or diminish it.

Mr. Houston. That is difficult to say.

Mr. McBride. In Europe, at the beginning of the war, the attendance at cultural institutions was greatly reduced, and then gradually it began to increase until it became greater than in peacetime.

Mr. Houston. What reaction have you had from the public to your art exhibits, as to their value ?

Mr. McBride. Very enthusiastic. It has really been most satisfactory and encouraging. The interest which the public has taken in the National Gallery has exceeded all expectations.

Dr. Abbot. I would like to have Mr. Graf repeat a statement that he made to me the other day about the Gallery, about the way it was doing things.

Mr. Graf. I just made the remark that the Gallery was extending its cultural influence very widely. For instance, they have put out Christmas cards at a very reasonable figure. They have some very excellent reproductions of some of their paintings. Those things are going to be sent all over the country, and other reproductions they are selling will undoubtedly spread a cultural influence all over the country. I think they are doing a good job.

Mr. Houston. How much do they sell those cards for, about 25 cents ?

Mr. Graf. I think they are 12 for a dollar.

Mr. Shepard. A dollar a dozen.

Mr. Graf. You can also buy the larger reproductions at a very reasonable figure, about 25 cents.

Dr. Abbott. They also have excellent reproductions of individual paintings, three for 5 cents.

Mr. Woodrum. Is that activity self-supporting, self-sustaining? Does it take care of itself ?

Mr. McBride. Yes, sir.

AET EXHIBITS HELD

I would like to state also that 3 special exhibitions have been held at the Gallery. There was an exhibition of contemporary American water colors, about 200 items, under Government auspices here; water colors which the Government had purchased for various hospitals.

Then there was an exhibition of British war paintings, depicting the fires during the London raids, which was very largely attended, by thousands of people. There were 107 paintings shown. The last one was an exhibition of the art of Australia, which is the first time it has been thus exhibited in this country. It was very interesting.

Mr. Houston. You have not had the W. P. A. exhibit down there, have you ?

Mr. McBride. I think the American water colors, some of them, came from the W. P. A.

Mr. Houston. You could distinguish what they were, all right?

Mr. McBride. I would not want to say.

LECTURES AT THE NATIONAL GALLERY OF ART

Dr. Abbot. Mr. Chairman, they have another interesting feature there, of lecturing. They have several series of lectures, which have been continuing now some months, and will continue on up to February, will they not ?

Mr. McBride. Yes. They are illustrated with slides, and are given in an auditorium seating about 300 people. These lectures are well attended, filling the auditorium to its full capacity. It is amazing how many people come in, especially Government people, on Saturday afternoons, to hear these illustrated lectures.

USE OF TEMPORARY AND INTERMITTENT HELP

Mr. Houston. Do you have sufficient personnel to take care of these crowds that come in ?

Mr. McBride. The only way we have been able to handle it and give any adequate protection to the works of art, on Saturday afternoon and Sundays, is by an arrangement made with the Public Buildings Administration to borrow their guards who are off duty at the time at $1 an hour—15 of them Saturday afternoons and 20 on Sunday afternoons.

Mr. Houston. For how many hours ?

Mr. McBride. Three hours each day. That is the reason for the amount that we are asking for temporary help.

Mr. Fitzpatrick. There has been no damage done to the works of art?

Mr. McBride. Very little. The guards are very carefully instructed and very carefully supervised* An officer of the guard force goes around about every 30 minutes on supervisory patrol. Three or four paintings have been marked with pencils; two or three of them apparently were marked with thumbnail scratches, and the varnish scratched off; but no serious damage has taken place.

UNEXPENDED BALANCE OF CURRENT APPROPRIATIONS

Mr. Wigglesworth. Mr. Shepard, I understand you have an unexpended balance of $40,000 for the present fiscal year so that this request if allowed will, in fact, represent an increase of $48,065 as compared with the expenditure in the current year; is that correct ?

Mr. Shepard. Will you allow Mr. McBride to answer that, Mr. Wigglesworth ?

Mr. McBride. That $40,000 represents an arrangement made at the request, and with the agreement of the Budget Office. It was thought that the estimate of the Potomac Electric Power Co. for electricity had been too high. The monthly amount we were spending for electricity had not come up to what had been estimated. The Potomac Co. was therefore requested to furnish a letter which could be submitted to the Bureau of the Budget, stating what they would now estimate the Gallery might use in electricity. They held that inasmuch as we were just beginning to use some of our space in the building, such as the auditorium and various other spaces, which had only recently come into operation—they were unwilling to reduce the original estimate of $90,000 at this time.

It was the desire at the Gallery to be as economical and careful as possible in the use of funds provided by Congress, and for that reason we were willing to put this $40,000 down as a reserve item; but it was understood at the time that if the cost of electricity proved in operation to be more than the balance left in this item, the necessary sums from this reserve would be released for the payment there-

of. Therefore, it is not yet known what the actual unexpended balance in this item will amount to.

Mr. Wigglesworth. According to the Budget figures, they have estimated savings and unobligated balance of $40,000.

Mr. MoBkide. The $40,000 represents savings which it is hoped it will be possible to make in the item for electricity, and every endeavor will be made to save as much of that amount as possible.

TEMPORARY AND INTERMITTENT HELP

Mr. Wigglesworth. I have been through your justification, and as I see the mathematics of it, there is an increase of $35,645 for salaries and an increase of $12,420 in your other obligations, giving a total of $48,065. Then knocking off the $40,000 we were just talking about, it brings you down to $8,065.

Taking that salary and expense increase of $35,000, $7,000 of it is accounted for under the Ramspeck Act, and you have an item in here of $4,860 for some kind of intermittent service.

Mr. McBride. That is the additional protective and guard service, which has been found necessary for the large crowds on Saturdays and Sundays.

Mr. Wigglesworth. How many?

Mr. McBride. Fifteen on Saturday afternoons and 20 on Sunday afternoons. The cost amounts to $4,680 a year.

Mr. Wigglesworth. You have an item of $3,220 for temporary help. What is that?

Mr. McBride. That is for the temporary help needed for such work as emergency snow removal, especially from the glass roof, and for similar unusual conditions.

Mr. Wigglesworth. Why have you got to increase that $3,200 this year?

Mr. McBride. It does not represent an increase this year. We had $4,000 last year for this purpose, and last year there was no item to cover these temporary guards.

Mr. Wigglesworth. Then in the temporary item there is not an increase, but in the intermittent item there is?

Mr. McBride. That is right.

Mr. Wigglesworth. What else is there in that item?

Mr. McBride. Temporary employees.

ITEMS OF INCREASE AND DECREASE IN ESTIMATE FOR 194 3

Mr. Wigglesworth. Perhaps it would save time if you would furnish for the record a table which would summarize in a concise way the increased personnel, $35,645; and the increase for other obligations, $12,420.

I want you to break down that item to see how many additional personnel you are asking for.

Mr. McBride. The main item is in the guards and the laboring staff. There are only three or four changes otherwise. We will be glad to furnish such a statement.

Statement

Personnel services: Increases:

1 junior administrative assistant (CAF-6) $2,300

1 clerk-stenographer (CAF-3) 1,620

1 stenographer (CAF-2) 1,440

1 checkroom attendant-typist (CAF-1) 1,260

1 guard sergeant (Cu-5) 1,500

1 junior foreman of laborers (Cu-4) 1,320

7 guards (Cu-3) 8,400

5 laborers (Cu-2) 5,400

Temporary employees 2, 000

Within-grade promotions 5 7, 040

Adjustment in lapses 3, 365

Total personnel increase 35, 645

Other obligations: Increases:

Supplies and materials $10, 800

Printing and binding 3, 000

Electricity 3, 020

$16.820

Decreases:

Special and miscellaneous 4, ICO

Furnishings and fixtures 300

4,400

Total contingent increase 12, 420

Total increase 48, 065

Estimated saving (electricity, 1942) 40,000

Total net increase 8, 065

ADDITIONAL PEESONNEL AND OTHER. OBLIGATIONS

Mr. Wigglesworth. I understand, in addition to this intermittent Saturday afternoon and Sunday help, you want 18 additional personnel ?

Mr. McBeide. Yes, sir.

Mr. Wigglesworth. The other obligations item shows an increase of $12,420 and I see on page 13 a part of it accounted for, amounting to $10,800. There is a $1,000 increase in the wearing-apparel item.

Mr. McBride. That is an increase in the cost of uniforms for the guards.

Mr. Wigglesworth. Do they have to have new uniforms every year, or is this for additional guards ?

Mr. McBride. That is partly for the additional guards required for the protection of the works of art, the building, and the grounds.

Mr. Wigglesworth. $1,600 was provided for uniforms this year and you want $2,500 for the next year ?

Mr. McBride. The increase is caused because a few more uniforms will be needed, and it is partly due to the fact that the cost of uniforms has increased.

Mr. Wigglesworth. It is not all for new guards, is it ?

Mr. McBride. No, sir; the increase in the cost of uniforms is reflected in this item. Each guard is furnished with one uniform a year.

Mr. Wigglesworth. Each year?

Mr. McBride. Yes, sir.

PHOTOGRAPHIC SUPPLIES

Mr. Wigglesworth. There is a $1,000 increase for photographic supplies. What is that ?

Mr. McBride. The photographic section in the Gallery has turned out to be quite an interesting feature.

Mr. Wigglesworth. That is, you take photographs of your pictures ?

Mr. McBride. Yes, sir. In addition to their educational use by the Gallery they are sold at cost to universities and individuals interested in art, and the money is turned into miscellaneous receipts in the Treasury.

Mr. Wigglesworth. How much money have you received I

Mr. McBride. That service was just started 2 or 3 months ago; $105 has been received to date.

Mr. Wigglesworth. Is that the only source of revenue that the Gallery has at the moment ?

Mr. McBride. That is the only thing we charge for, except the publications already referred to, which are self-sustaining.

OPERATION OF CAFETERIA

Mr. Woodrum. What about your cafeteria? How is that run?

Mr. McBride. The Welfare and Recreation Association operates the National Gallery Cafeteria.

Mr. Woodrum. Are you at any expense on that ?

Mr. McBride. No expense at all. They pay for the electricity and all other expense. It was thought better to have them operate it than to try to operate it ourselves.

REFERENCE BOOKS

Mr. Wigglesworth. You have an increase of $1,500 for reference books ?

Air. McBride. Yes, sir. We had never built up a reference library in the art field, and there are certain reference books of this character that it is necessary to have, especially some of the foreign books. Hie curatorial staff requires certain reference books for constant use in their research work.

POSSIBLE FUTURE INCREASE IN GUARD PERSONNEL

Mr. Wigglesworth. If this appropriation is allowed, it will give you a force of 252, and you think that will be adequate to run the Gallery in proper shape right along?

All-. McBride. Yes, sir.

Ali j . Wkiglesworth. You will not have to have any further increase?

Mr. McBride. A further increase might be required if another large collection were obtained, because it would then be necessary to open up several more galleries. The only new collection of considerable size that we have in mind today is the Widener collection. The galleries are arranged now so that most of the Widener collection would be interspersed with the Mellon collection and other paintings, and in this way a large extra number of guards would not be required. I should say that when the Widener collection comes to the Gallery no more than a few additional guards would be necessary.

Mr. Wigglesworth. That is all I have, Mr. Chairman.

SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION SALARIES AND EXPENSES

Mr. Woodrtjm. We will take up the items for the Smithsonian Institution, the first item of which is salaries and expenses, as follows:

Salaries and expenses: For expenses of the general administrative office; for the system of international exchanges between the United States and foreign countries; for continuing ethuological researches among the American Indians and the natives of Hawaii and the excavation and preservation of archeologic remains; for maintenance of the Astrophysical Observatory, in-eluding assistants, and making necessary observations in high altitudes; for cases, furniture, fixtures, and appliances required for the exhibition and safekeeping of collections; and for administration of the National Collection of Fine Arts; including personal services, purchase of books of reference and periodicals, traveling expenses, including not exceeding $1,000 for expenses of attendance at meetings concerned with the work of the Institution when specifically authorized by the Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution; uniforms for guards, supplies and equipment, preparation of manuscripts, drawings, and illustrations, supplying of heating, lighting, electrical, telegraphic, and telephone service, repairs and alterations of buildings, shops, sheds, and approaches, and other necessary expenses, $394,334.

JUSTIFICATION OF ESTIMATE

Dr. Abbot. The following- justification statement is offered for the record:

The appropriations which follow are made for the support of the Smithsonian Institution, created by act of Congress, approved August 10, 1846, by the terms of which the bequest of James Smithson's fortune was accepted to found an establishment for the "increase and diffusion of knowledge among men." The increase of knowledge is effected by fundamental research in the pure and natural sciences, and the diffusion of knowledge by publications, exhibits, correspondence, and radio.

The direction of this organization is entrusted to a Board of Regents of 14 members, including the Vice President of the United States, the Chief Justice of the United States, 3 members each from the Senate and House of Representatives, and 6 citizen members. The executive officer and director of the Institution's activities is the secretary.

The functions of the Smithsonian are divided among 7 bureaus, as follows: (1) The United States National Museum, the depository of the national collections, which have grown until, at the present time, there are more than 17,000,-000 items included in the Museum's catalogs; (2) the National Gallery of Art, which has been created as an autonomous bureau within the Smithsonian Institution; (3) the National Collection of Fine Arts, which includes the Freer Gallery of Art and embraces paintings, etchings, sculpture, and objets d'art not covered in the plan of the National Gallery of Art; (4) the Bureau of American Ethnology, concerned with collecting and publishing data relating to the American Indians and the natives of Hawaii; (5) the International Exchange Service, initiated in 1851, which transmits to foreign countries reports and proceedings of the Congress, messages of the President, and reports and publications of departments and agencies, "including the Smithsonian Institution in exchange for similar official state papers of the other nations of the world; (6) the National Zoological Park which maintains collections of living animals and exhibits to the public about 3,000 mammals, reptiles, and birds; (7) the Astrophysical Observatory, which investigates solar radiation and other astronomical phenomena at four observatories in the Western Hemisphere, and which includes the Division of Radiation and Organisms. In addition to these bureaus there is a central administrative office, a library, and a unit for the operation, maintenance, and repair of the buildings of the Smithsonian group, their equipment, and furnishings.

The trend of Federal appropriations. —The private initiative of the Smithsonian Institution originated and developed until they became of national

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necessity and importance the seven bureaus noted above, which are now sustained by Federal appropriations administered by the Smithsonian. During the "economy period," 1932-35. the Smithsonian appropriations suffered the same proportionate decreases as did the appropriations of all the other Government agencies. Although this drastic economy policy has long since been discontinued, the Institution remains the only important agency whose appropriations have not been restored to their 1932 levels. For the fiscal year 1932 the total Smithsonian appropriations amounted to $1,155,424, while for the fiscal year 1941 the appropriations for the same bureaus aggregate $1,085,980. This does not include the present National Gallery of Art, which ;is now constituted was not established until 1937. As a result the Institution is trying to carry on the ever-widening and growing work and responsibililies of these bureaus with appropriations which are less than they were in 1932, notwithstanding the considerable increase in costs of supplies, equipment, and service.

Appropriation "General expenses'

Expended, 1941 $373,172

Appropriated, 1942 386, 260

Nonrecurring items for 1942

Base for 1943 386,260

Estimate, 1943 8,074

01 Personal services : (a) Increase in salaries 8,074

GENEBAL STATEMENT

The work under this appropriation deals with the activities of several of the smaller bureaus administered by the Smithsonian as well as the expenses of the central administrative office and those for the maintenance and operation of the Smithsonian group of five buildings. For convenience in considering these projects with their divergent types of work, the justifications are arranged by activities according to the following statement:

Projects Estimate 19$S

1. General administration $50,384

2. International exchange of publications 45, 808

3. Ethnology and archeology of American Indians 58,552

4. Astrophysical observatory 58, 713

5. Maintenance and operation, National Museum 150, 384

6. Custody, study, and operation of the National Collection of Fine

Arts 30,493

Total appropriation "General expenses" 394,334

(1) General administration. —This project provides for the general administration, under the direction of the Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, of the governmental bureaus in the charge of the Institution. It provides for the salaries and necessary incidental expenses for this office, whose responsibility it is to direct and further the work of these bureaus, to insure their economical administration, and to coordinate their operations.

(2) International exchange of publications. —In effecting the world-wide distribution of its first publications, the Smithsonian Institution established foreign agencies by means of which it was enabled materially to assist institutions end individuals of this country in the distribution of their publications abroad, and also foreign establishments and individuals in the distribution of their publications in the United States.

In 1886, some years after the organization of the Smithsonian system of exchanges, there were concluded at Brussels between the United States and a number of other countries two exchange conventions. The first, Convention A (Stat. XXV, 1469), provides for the immediate exchange of official journals. The Smithsonian Institution was charged by the Congress with the duty of carrying out the provisions of those conventions on the part of the United States (Stat. XIV, 573: Congressional resolution approved March 2, 1901, increasing the number of documents for exchange to not exceeding 100 copies; Stat. XLIII, 1106: Printing Act approved March 2, 1901, further increasing the number to 125 copies; and Stat. XXV, 1169: Congressional resolution approved March 4, 1909, setting nside copies of the Congressional Record for exchange wtih foreign parliamentary bodies).

The responsibility of this Bureau is the transmission of official, scientific, and literary publications between the United States Government and establishments and individuals of our country, and foreign governments, establishments, and individuals, in accordance with the treaty. In the course of its work it procures for the Congress of the United States, for American establishments and individuals, publications of foreign governments and other works printed abroad, which are received in exchange for American publications of a similar nature.

The exchanges which are transmitted abroad include reports and proceedings of the Congress, messages of the President, reports and publications of the departments, including everything of whatever nature published either by direct order of Congress or by any of the departments of the Government, together with the publications of American establishments and individuals which are sent as donations or exchanges. The work of the Bureau is essentially that of a forwarding agency. In addition it has, within the means at present available, frequently assisted foreign establishments and municipalities in obtaining American publications relating to specific subjects necessary in their work.

This exchange service, initiated by the Smithsonian Institution in 1851, has, through this interchange of scientific and intellectual information, been a potent means of promoting cultural relations between the United States and foreign countries.

(3) Ethnology and archeology of American Indians. —The work of the Bureau of American Ethnology consists of research on the American Indians. This research involves two principal lines of approach—studies of living groups in which facts and details are secured concerning their ethnology, linguistics, and physical anthropology, and studies of prehistoric groups primarily through arche-ological excavations with the object of reconstructing the movements, culture, and manner of life of pre-Columbian peoples.

The method of conducting these researches consists of basic field work supplemented by laboratory studies, documentary investigations, and preparation of the results for publication. As the result of these researches much information has been gained on early man as a resident of the New World. This is an important subject, for until the arrival of the Spaniards at the end of the fifteenth century no major events had transpired to confuse the picture of a single race of man (the Indian) working out its destiny without influence from other centers, such as have complicated and rendered almost unintelligible the study of Old World cultures.

In the Americas, anthropologists can follow much more clearly than abroad the rise and decline of great civilizations, and the factors, internal and external, that have brought them about. Studies have been traced on the strong and weak points of such nations as the Maya, the great intellectual democracy; on the Incas of Peru with a communistic, highly socialized government; on the Aztecs with their highly organized militaristic dictatorship; and on the League of the Iroquois, an example of a pure democracy. There has been found much information on the Indian as an agriculturist, and it appears that we may find it expedient to utilize as food and drugs a much larger proportion than now of the plants used by the Indian.

The Bureau, through its own researches, its library, and its manuscript and photographic collections, possesses the most complete collection of information on the American Indian now gathered in one place.

(4) Astrophysical Observatory. —The work of the Astrophysical Observatory is of a twofold nature: (1) It carries on investigations to observe and evaluate the percentage variations of the sun's output of radiation on which depend all life and weather on this planet, and (2) it investigates living organisms (plants and animals) where radiation enters as an important factor.

Under (1) there is conducted an analysis of the observations obtained from the 4 field observing stations and the headquarters observatory, work that has been conducted in an unbroken sequence for 21 years and for parts of the 15 preceding years. It has been demonstrated that the sun's radiation varies in intensity, and 14 regular periodicities have been found in this variation, effects of all of which may be recognized in weather. An analysis of these periodicities makes it possible to show that weather is controlled by the sun's variation, and that this information could be used as a foundation for long-range weather forecasting, especially as regards drought conditions. In utilizing material of this kind its value is enhanced by its completeness so that it increases steadily as the years of observation are continued.

Under (2) there is carried on an analysis of plant growth and photosynthesis to which radiation is indispensable. The investigations include special reference

to the intensity, wave length, and duration of exposure to light. The immediate problems concerned are to obtain quantitative data under rigidly controlled conditions of light, temperature, humidity, the gaseous content and nutrient composition of the entire environment of the organisms studied, in order to determine the exact role played by each on living things.

While this work is of an extremely technical nature, it has most important economic implications. Green plants under the influence of light carry on a chemical process, photosynthesis, upon which all life depends. They first unite carbon dioxide and water to form the simple sugars. These products are then elaborated into starch and other carbohydrates, into proteins, organic acids, and fals. In their various forms these products are not only the basis of the world's present-day food supplies, but also make up the coal beds and oil fields which are the main fuel resources of mankind. Light plays an all-important role in the manufacture of these substances, so that knowledge of the exact mechanism and conditions involved furnishes data of inestimable value to be used as a basis for practical economic studies in agriculture and in manufacturing pursuits in keeping with the needs of our country.

(5) Maintenance and operation, National Museum. —The activities conducted under the funds provided in this allotment cover the operations of the carpenter, sheet metal, and paint shops, of building repair, and of the superintendent's and engineer's offices, including mechanics for the maintenance and repair of the water and sewer systems, installations concerned with heating, lighting, and power, and operation of our telephone exchange. There are also covered such activities as the construction and repair of storage and exhibition cases for our museum specimens, and a wide variety of drawers, trays, and other equipment needed in the preservation, classification, and arrangement for ready reference of our huge and varied collections. The expenditures include the salary of the mechanical staff, purchase of electricity for light and power, supplies of metal, glass, paint, and wood necessary in construction, repair, and maintenance of the usual equipment necessary in the operations of the various mechanical shops. From this allotment there are purchased laboratory and office furniture and a great variety of glass, wood, metal, and paper containers used in safeguarding our specimens.

A very considerable portion of the funds under this allotment is required for fixed maintenance charges such as the purchase of electricity, painting and repair items, alcohol, and other chemicals for preserving our collections. There is thus small leeway to meet unexpected expenditures and to provide for the growing costs incident to constructing exhibition and storage cases and to purchasing containers essential to the care of the increasing collections. Since our present buildings are from 31 to 95 years old, there is constant need for regular repairs and replacement. The utmost economy is required in order to maintain the plant in operating condition, and to insure that the exhibition collections may be continuously open to the public.

(G) Custody, study, and exhibition of the Natianal Collection of Fine Arts. — The act of August 10, 1846. establishing the Smithsonian Institution, provided for a gallery of art among its activities, and made the Institution responsible for "all objects of art * * * belonging to the Government." This collection was by court decision designated as the National Gallery of Art, and was so known until the joint resolution of March 24, 1937, which accepted the gift of the great Mellon collection, and gave to that collection the name "National Gallery of Art" and renamed the original art collection "the National Collection of Fine Arts." Under the National Collection of Fine Arts the Institution is charged with the care, exhibition, and maintenance of all objects classed as fine arts in its custody, exclusive of those which are included under the specifications of the present National Gallery of Art. (The present National Gallery of Art, housing the Mellon collections and others that have been added to it, is found in a special building erected for it at Sixth Street and Constitution Avenue and is maintained under a separate appropriation from the one here under discussion.)

The National Collection of Fine Arts is at present located in inadequate space assigned to it as a temporary measure in the Natural History Building of the United States National Museum.

The work under the National Collection of Fine Arts comprises the stimulation of the public knowledge and interest in art by the exhibition of the paintings, statuary, and other objects contained in this collection; by the holding of special temporary exhibitions of the work of different artists or art organizations; by the publication of catalogs containing information on the

collection, and by furnishing information on art topics by correspondence and otherwise.

The National Collection of Fine Arts contains a number of notable collections brought together by different patrons of art and presented to the Institution, among them the Harriet Lane Johnston collection, comprising paintings by Luini, Beechey, Constable, Hoppner, Sir Thomas Lawrence, Romney, Sir Joshua Reynolds, and others; the Ralph Cross Johnson gift containing canvases by Titian, Guardi, Hogarth, Lawrence, Maes, Mainardi, Raeburn, and other noted artists; the William T. Evans collection of 100 contemporary American paintings and the Gellatly collection consisting of notable examples of the work of Thayer, Dewing, Ryder, Twachtman, Melchers, Wiles, LaFarge, Cassatt, and other artists, with, in addition, jewels, ancient glass, and many other rare art objects of interest and importance.

The Freer collection, the gift of Charles L. Freer, is housed as a separate unit in a building provided by Mr. Freer. This collection is unique and can never be duplicated. It contains many ancient paintings by celebrated Chinese and Japanese artists of former times and American paintings comprising examples of the work of some of our foremost artists, among them Whistler, Abbott Thayer, Dewing, and Tryon. The collection is also rich in oriental bronzes, ceramics, carvings, sculptures, and other objects of eastern art, besides many valuable and rare manuscripts, a notable example of the latter being an early copy of the Gospels.

Increase in appropriation. —The increase in the estimates for 1943 is explained as follows:

(a) Increase in salaries, $8,074.—The sum of $8,074 is required to provide one step promotion for certain personnel under this appropriation under the terms of the act, Public 200, Seventy-seventh Congress, first session, approved August 1, 1941, (Ramspeck Act). The amount recommended is that obtained from a survey made by the Bureau of the Budget and will serve to place Smithsonian personnel on the same standard as regards promotions as those in other Government departments and agencies. This action, is standardizing the promotion system, will increase morale thoroughout the Federal service.

PRESERVATION OF COLLECTIONS

Mr. Woodrum. Your next item is preservation of collections, as follows:

Preservation of collections: For continuing preservation, exhibition, and increase of collections from the surveying and exploring expeditions of the Government, and from other sources, including personal services, traveling expense, including not exceeding $1,500 for expenses of attendance at meetings concerned with the work of the National Museum when specifically authorized by the Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, purchasing and supplying, repairing and cleaning of uniforms for guards and elevator conductors, postage stamps, foreign postal cards, and all other necessary expenses and not exceeding $5,500 for preparation of manuscripts, drawings, and illustrations for publications, and not exceeding $4,000 for purchase of books, pamphlets, and periodicals, $646,208.

JUSTIFICATION OF ESTIMATE

Dr. Wetmore. The following justification statement is offered as to this item:

Appropriation "Preservation of collections"

Expended, 1941 $622, 982

Appropriated, 1942 626, 720

Nonrecurring items, 1942

Base for 1943 626, 720

Estimate for 1943 646,206

Increase for 1943 19, 486

01 Personal services: (a) Increase in salaries 19,486

GENERAL STATEMENT

This appropriation furnishes the principal support for the United States National Museum, and as such is for the increase, preservation, study, and exhibition of "the collections of natural history including animals, plants, geological and mineralogical specimens; of commerce, engineering, and industry; graphic arts, and of history, belonging to the Federal Government" (act of August 10, 1846) as well as those on deposit from the Smithsonian Institution and from private individuals. These national collections in anthropology, biology, geology, history, engineering, and the crafts are the material objects which illustrate man's progress in science, culture, and the history of our Government. They are a repository for records of the progress and accomplishments of our inventive genius and our progress as a Nation. The National Museum functions as a bureau of standards on problems in the field of natural history. These standards in classification furnish a reliable key to man's published accomplishments and are thus an important aid in preventing the duplication of scientific effort with its attendant expense and delays.

New material that must be preserved is now received at the rate of a quarter to a half million specimens a year. At the present time over 17,000,000 items are included in the catalogs of these collections, which represent one of the most complete and valuable gatherings of such material to be found in the world. Since the utility of such collections is closely related to their completeness, their value to the economic life of this country is increasing steadily with their growth. It would be impossible ever to duplicate these materials.

The Museum collections are divided into two principal groups. Those for the direct education of the public are maintained on exhibition, and the rest are reserved for study and for the use of future generations. The exhibition materials are housed in the halls of the Museum in suitable cases where they may he seen and inspected with safety from injury or damage. An average of 2,500,000 persons views them annually. The study collections, by far the larger and more valuable portion, are maintained in cases in the laboratories and workrooms where they are so arranged as to facilitate their study and classification. They are used by the staff, by scientists from other departments, and by specialists who come from all parts of the United States and of the world to obtain the basic scientific information they provide. The regular receipt of new material requires constant attention by the staff since the usefulness of these specimens is dependent on their proper classification which makes them available for systematic study.

As one of the continuing responsibilities of this Museum is to preserve these perishable things for the study and utilization of future generations, they must be protected continuously from deterioration in any form. Many are subject to fungus diseases or insect attack and these must be given regular inspection and treatment. Beyond the technical responsibilities that have been enumerated, the Museum must maintain services that include library service, correspondence, records, and photography needed to give full reply to the thousands of inquiries that come both from specialists and from laymen throughout the country. It must also maintain guard and labor personnel to protect and clean the buildings.

Increase in appropriation. —The increase in the estimates for 1943 is explained as follows:

(a) Increase of salaries, $19,.'f86.

The sum of $19,486 is required to provide one step promotion for certain personnel under this appropriation under the terms of the Mead-Ramspeck Act. Public, 200, Seventy-seventh Congress, first session, approved August 1, 1941. The amount recommended is that obtained from a survey made by the Bureau of the Budget, and will serve to place Smithsonian personnel on the same standard as regards promotions as those in other Government departments and agencies. This action in standardizing the promotion system will increase morale throughout the Federal service.

PRINTING AND BINDING

Mr. Woodrum. The next item is printing and binding, as follows:

Printing and binding: For all printing and binding for the Smithsonian Institution, including all of its bureaus, offices, institutions, and services located in Washington, District of Columbia, and elsewhere, except the National Gallery of Art, $88,500, of which not to exceed $12,000 shall be available for printing the report of the American Historical Association.

JUSTIFICATION OF ESTIMATE

Dr. Wetmore. The following justification statement is offered on this item:

Smithsonian Institution, printing and binding

Expended 1941 $64, 500

Appropriated 1942 88, 500

Total estimate or appropriation 1943 88, 500

Increase for 1943

GENERAL STATEMENT

Funds made available by this appropriation cover the general printing and binding for the Smithsonian Institution and the American Historical Association, being divided as follows:

Smithsonian Institution $77, 880

American Historical Association 10, 620

Total appropriated, 1942 88, 500

That portion available to the Smithsonian Institution provides for printing the Annual Report of the Board of Regents (required by law) and necessary printing for the United States National Museum, Bureau of American Ethnology, National Collection of Fine Arts, the National Zoological Park, and the Astrophysical Observatory. Items printed include annual reports; bulletins, comprising works of a monographic nature and scientific studies of Museum specimens; proceedings, which are original papers setting forth newly acquired facts in biology, anthropology, and geology ; labels ; and blank forms. Beyond this, provision is made for binding books and periodicals in the various branches of the Smithsonian Library, which together constitute one of the largest repositories of scientific literature in the country.

The publications of the A*merican Historical Association consist of the proceedings of the association, documentary material, and a report upon the condition of historical studies in America. The last-named takes the form of an annual bibliography of books and articles on United States and Canadian history.

Significance and value. —The work performed under this appropriation is the principal outlet for the "diffusion of knowledge," one of the prime functions of the Institution as defined in James Smithson's original foundation. The printed publications are sent to libraries and educational institutions throughout the world, where they are utilized as importan sources of information and working tools by biologists, anthropologists, geologists, engineers, and historians, many of whom are engaged in practical problems of direct interest to agriculture, industry, and applied science. The publications are important in spreading widely the basic scientific data found in the national collections and in recording the results of the Institution's scientific investigations, explorations, and field work.

The Smithsonian's publications are perhaps unique among Government documents from the standpoint of permanency. This is attested by the fact that some of the Institution's series have been continuously issued now for as long as 65 years, while the Smithsonian annual reports, containing selected articles setting forth the yearly advance in science, have been issued for 95 years. Requests are received daily for copies of the older and out-of-print bulletins and reports.

The largest part of the printing funds are allotted to the National Museum and the Bureau of American Ethnology. The researches conducted by these agencies are concerned essentially with the discovery and preservation of data bearing on man's history in North America, on his natural environment, and on his arts and industries together with scientific studies of the vast array of species of animals and plants that now or in the past have inhabited the world. The function of their publications therefore is primarily scientific—they place on record for students of present and future generations new discoveries in these fields of science and correlate these with what has been found before.

Scientific facts are of value only when they are available; hidden in unpublished manuscripts they lose their potential usefulness. It is thus important to make available the discoveries of the scientists of the Institution and of the others who study the materials in its vast collections. Undue delay in publication brings a direct loss to the world of science, for it means that scientists must

either pursue their studies with insufficient information or they must duplicate in part investigations already completed but unavailable for their use. The rising costs both of printing and binding is making it increasingly difficult each year to meet our responsibilities in this connection.

RAMSPECK ACT PROMOTIONS

Mr. Wigglesworth. The increase in the whole of your three items is accounted for by the Ramspeck promotions, as I understand it.

Dr. Wetmoke. Yes, sir. The increase for 1942, that is, for the present year, amounts to $6,196, and then to carry us for 1943—and I am speaking- now of the item, "General expenses, Smithsonian Institution"—there is necessary an additional $1,878, making a total of $8,074 under general expenses.

Under preservation of collections, that same figure is $19,486, or a total for both these appropriations of $27,560.

Mr. Wigglesworth. Which is the total increase requested?

Dr. Wetmore. The increase requested for one; yes, sir. That will carry until the end of 1943. To carry through the fiscal year 1944 on the same basis will require additional funds. That is' due to the fact that the Ramspeck promotions come at irregular times during the year, but when made, assuming that the employee remains, they have to continue full time through the next year.

activities or the national museum

In the National Museum, the past year has been one of customary activity. We have had something over 2,500,000 visitors. The number seems to steadily increase, and I believe that this level will continue.

Our exhibits are very popular among the servicemen who are stationed at training camps nearby, who are brought into Washington for week-end leave, where one of their recreations is to visit the exhibits in the National Museum and the other buildings of the Smithsonian Institution.

SPECIMENS RECEIVED DURING THE YEAR

The total number of specimens received in all our departments in this past year is over 300,000, which is about the average as new accessions range from about 175.000 up to 350,000 to 400,000 per year. Most of these materials are of a scientific nature that are absorbed into our study collections.

There are, in addition, a great many interesting objects that go on exhibition; if the committee would care to take the time, Mr. Chairman, I have a few things here I should like to show you.

Mr. Woodrum. Please do.

Mr. Fitzpatrick. What percentage of the 300,000 do you put on exhibition ?

Dr. Wetmore. Not more than 5 percent. Most of the objects that come are small. They have scientific value, but they would not be attractive to the public, because the differences that characterize them are of such a nature that they are appreciated only by the specialist. They are highly important from the study collection

point of view, for reference work, but as exhibits, they would be very dull and wholly uninteresting to the public.

As I have told you in previous years, objects come to us mainly by gift and as the result of our expeditions.

The first things that I am going to show you here are merely a few examples of the objects that we have received.

This [indicating] is from the Pell estate. It is perhaps in the nature of a curio but has interest from the artistic standpoint. It is an ivory ball composed of eight concentric spheres carved one inside the other. Of course, the exterior of the piece is entire. There is no joint in it anywhere. The actual carving was done through the small openings that you see by very skillful craftsmanship. It was made in China, and is possibly 50 to 75 years old.

Mr. Woodrum. It is difficult to conceive how it could be done.

Dr. Wetmore. It is an example of extremely skillful craftsmanship.

Mr. Fitzpatrick. This was an ivory ball originally?

Dr. Wetmore. Yes, sir; a ball of ivory that has been cut in suck form that there are eight separate spheres, one inside the other.

Mr. Woodrum. Doctor, you have always enjoyed a reputation for veracity before this committee, and you are straining it now.

Mr. Fitzpatrick. Is the coloring of that natural ?

Dr. Wetmore. Yes, sir. It represents work of great patience and skill. As I explained before, the entire carving is done through the openings in the side that you see. How long it took to do that, I do not know.

We have in the National Museum a huge crystal sphere 12% inches in diameter that was cut and polished by hand in Shanghai from a rock quartz crystal that was nearly 4 feet long.

I am told that they chipped this out first in crude form with hammers, and then worked the rough places down by hand, that being a job that took from one and a half to two years to complete. It is almost inconceivable, with our standard of labor in this country, that such work can be done. But where day labor is at little or no premium and time is of no moment, such things are possible.

Mr. Houston. This resembles in a sense the Brazil nuts; when taken out of the shell it is impossible to see how they could be put back in.

Dr. Wetmore. This object that I now display is a pair of snow goggles from the Eskimo. The principle of the slit that it embodies is rather interesting. This gives protection to the eyes from glare both above and below. We have received several of these in the last year. A representative of one of the big optical companies has been studying the form of these Eskimo snow goggles to see if they can develop something of commercial importance from them.

Mr. Woodrum. "Where did they come from ?

Dr. Wetmore. From the Eskimo in Alaska.

Mr. Houston. What is that carved out of ?

Dr. Wetmore. It is made of wood; sir.

Here is an Eskimo pipe. The use of tobacco among them is quite a modern thing. The old-time Eskimo used shredded willow bark, and in order to give it a certain amount of flavor it was their custom to put a little Caribou deer hair in the pipe, and then tamp the willow bark in on top. The result was satisfactory to the Eskimo but I doubt if w& would appreciate it here.

Tin is one of the strategic minerals as we all know. This past winter one of our expert mineralogists was in Mexico on a mission for the Geological Survey, making a study of tin resources in that country.

The specimens that I have here are from that search and represent a form of tin known as cassiterite. These are quite heavy, beautiful crystals, and we have quite a large number that our representative brought back for our collections.

Here I show you three styles of jade. This is a very small piece of jade of gem quality. It looks rather insignificant, but it is one of the finest pieces we have in our collection. I presume that it is worth possibly $500.

Here are some jade beads that have come to us recently, of two different types. One is brown jade, and this string is of black jade. They are interesting from the mineralogical standpoint, but not as attractive for decoration as the green.

Mr. Fitzpateick. Are these in their natural shape as they come out of the ground I

Dr. Wetmore. There are deposits that produce jade of these colors. The black is the most unusual.

Mr. Fitzpateick. Do they put them through any process at all, or is this the way they came from the general ?

Dr. Wetmore. They are merely cut and polished. Nothing more. They are not treated so as to produce any change of color in any way.

Mr. Fitzpateick. What would you consider that to be worth [indicating object] ?

Dr. Wetmobe. About $750. The black string is worth about $500.

That gem, Mr. Chairman, is an Alexandrite. It weighs about 11 carats and is worth, possibly, $1,500. It is one that has come to us by bequest from the estate of Mrs. Charles D. Wolcott, wife of the former Secretary of the Smithsonian. If you will examine it you will see by reflected light that it shows two colors, red and green. This mineral was named for the former Czar Alexander as the first specimens were found in Russia, and were supposed to have been discovered on the Czar's birthday.

Mr. Woodrum. It is a beautiful stone.

Dr. Wetmobe. We have three of these that comprise probably the largest cut gems of Alexandrite known. This one, as I have said, is worth about $1,500.

This [exhibiting] is a string of natural pearls. They are quite old and have come to us also from the Walcott estate. At the old-time price the string is worth about $7,500. It is made of very fine matched pearls—natural pearls, not the cultivated variety.

We have been talking about strategic minerals. I have one here that is quite interesting—a specimen of what is known as Iceland spar, a variety of calcite. Iceland spar is used in the manufacture of optical instruments, precision instruments for testing—things of that kind. Our defense effort could not operate efficiently without Iceland spar. For years this mineral was known to come only from Iceland. Many reports of it have been made from other localities, but always they turned out to be ordinary calcite, a very common mineral, so that mineralogists will pay little attention to reports of Iceland spar in other localities.

A short time ago a man came to our mineralogist laboratories with a large quantity of this mineral. And our experts found to their amazement that it was Iceland spar, from a mine located in New Mexico. The chaps that had this deposit said that they had been trying for some time to get people to listen to their story, but nobody would pay any attention to them, as it was supposed that they merely had another deposit of calcite. After identification of their material in the National Museum the matter was taken up in the proper quarters, and now we have all the Iceland spar we need in this country.

The optical properties of Iceland spar are curious. I have drawn here a cross on this sheet of paper; if you put the prism over it, you will notice that the lines double. It is the familiar example of a double refracting prism.

Mr. Fitzpatrick. Is that natural, just as it came out of the mine ?

Dr. Wetmore. Just as it came from the mine; yes, sir.

Mr. Fitzpatrick. Where did you say it came from ?

Dr. Wetmore. From a mine in New Mexico, near Embudo.

Mr. Fitzpatrick. Is it easy to break; is it brittle ?

Dr. Wetmore. It is soft, so that it is easily scratched.

Mr. Fitzpatrick. To use it, it would be melted ?

Dr. Abbot. We just had three pieces of apparatus which we are preparing for observing polarization in the atmosphere, and we are using some of that material. It has to be optically prepared by cutting, and it is so soft that we include thin sheets of glass on either side to keep from scratching it. It is used in its natural form and is not melted or changed.

Mr. Fitzpatrick. By itself could it be developed into any useful

purpose

Dr. Abbot. Indeed, yes.

Mr. Fitzpatrick. Without the admixture of other minerals ?

Dr. Abbot. No. It is used for its double refraction, just as you saw it on that paper. It is very useful for a number of investigations in physics. Scientists have used it for a hundred years, perhaps.

You merely have to cut and polish that, and it makes a beautiful thing. We have just been making some for the Astrophysical Observatory, much smaller than that, but for the same purpose, to give double refraction.

Dr. Wetmore. There is just one other thing, Mr. Chairman, that I wish to mention. I was, myself, on an expedition in northeastern Colombia this last spring, in what is known as the Guajira Peninsula, an Indian country, which has not been visited before by biologists, so far as we know. I was collecting birds and other specimens.

We went out into this region, over Indian trails, in a heavy truck, hauling two drums of gasoline with us to supply the car. I had with me a party of seven men.

A few of the specimens of birds obtained may interest you because of their variety of color. These two illustrate the extremes in size in the woodpeckers found in that region. The little tiny one is hardly larger than my thumb, while here is one almost as large as a crow.

These others are species of hummingbirds.

Mr. Woodrum. It looks something like a small edition of a Washington starling, does it not ?

Dr. Wetmore. Yes; but a little brighter colored, perhaps.

Mr. Woodrum. With not such bad habits, I hope. But they are beautiful. Do you shoot these '.

Dr. Wetmore. Yes; we shoot them with special shells loaded with very fine shot. I carry a 16-gage shotgun, in one barrel of which I have a reducing chamber that takes a 32-ealiber shot-shell, which is used for small birds near at hand.

Mr. Woodrum. It does not tear them up very much.

Dr. Wetmore. That is correct, sir.

Mr. Fitzpatrick. Were you on that island in Panama where the biologists go to make certain studies? They are supposed to have every known creature in those jungles there.

Dr. Wetmore. That is a very interesting place. I was there a year ago in October. The laboratory known as the Canal Zone Biological Area is on Barro Colorado Island in Gatun Lake. Formerly it was a hill, about which as Gatun Lake filled, the water came in transforming the hill into an island, where the natural fauna is preserved. The water in the lake prevents the animals from getting away, they are in a reservation there, and are protected.

The laboratory constitutes a place where scientists go from our country to carry on scientific studies on the tropical fauna. The place is one of definite importance. It requires some experience to travel successfully in the Tropics. Conditions there as to health and general living are quite different than we have here at home, and unless one has that experience he is liable to illness.

At the Barro Colorado laboratory we can maintain life on American standards at a reasonable price, and give college professors and others the opportunity for work.

Mr. Starnes. What is this bird ?

Dr. Wetmore. It is a species of wood hewer, a group of birds thatt climb on the trunks like woodpeckers. The curved bill on that one is used for probing in decayed wood and in the crevices of bark for insects.

Mr. Woodrum. This is all very interesting, Doctor.

Mr. Starnes. You have not given us many of the names of these birds.

Dr. Wetmore. These are tropical birds that do not have true names in English, such as we are accustomed to hear. The one you have in your hand is known as the plush tanager, so-called, from the character of its plumage.

That other bird there is a woodpecker.

This one here [indicating], by the way, a blue honey-creeper, is new to science.

Mr. Fitzpatrick. Are any of these singers?

Dr. Wetmore. Some of them have beautiful songs. The idea the tropical birds are not good songsters is entirely wrong as tropical jungles resound with beautiful songs daily. The great difficulty is to identify the individual bird that is making the effort. One can work for weeks, in these jungles, and hear strange sounds every day without ever succeeding in tracing them to their source because of the thickness of the growth.

Mr. Woodrum. Thank you, Doctor.

AMERICAN HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION

Mr. Woodrum. Dr. Ford, of the American Historical Association, is present, and we shall be glad to have a brief statement from you, Doctor.

Dr. Ford. The American Historical Association with its 3,500 members is affiliated with the Mississippi Valley and the Catholic Historical Society, and so on, and so forth. So that I represent a whole group of those that are interested in this historical work. Under our charter we are affiliated with the Smithsonian Institution only for the purposes of our publications and we share with them. When you gentlemen and the Budget make certain adjustments, we take our percentage cuts or our percentage increases, and that is that.

Mr. Woodrum. There is $12,000 available out of this estimate for these purposes?

Dr. Ford. And if it is diminished, we take a pro rata decrease for the publications that we are putting out.

I could make a more detailed explanation of our work, but I think you understand it. I am simply saying that we agree to whatever is done here, and that the American Historical Association will fit its program into the final result, and we shall be very happy to do it.

Mr. Woodrum. Thank you very much, Doctor.

Thank you very much, gentlemen.

Tuesday, December 9, 1941.

TARIFF COMMISSION

STATEMENTS OF RAYMOND B. STEVENS, CHAIRMAN; OSCAR B. RYDER, VICE CHAIRMAN; L. W. MOORE, ASSISTANT SECRETARY; AND E. M. WHITCOMB, ACTING SECRETARY

SALARIES AND EXPENSES

Mr. Woodrum. We will take up next the estimate for the Tariff Commission. Mr. Stevens, I notice that your estimate of appropriation for next year is $900,000, which is approximately the same as for the current fiscal year, which is $905,000. The item reads as follows:

For salaries and expenses of the Tariff Commission, including personal services in the District of Columbia and elsewhere, purchase and exchange of labor-saving devices, the purchase and exchange of professional and scientific books, lawbooks, books of reference, gloves and other protective equipment for photostat and other machine operators, subscriptions to newspapers and periodicals, and contract stenographic reporting services, as authorized by sections 330 to 341 of the Tariff Act of 1930, approved June 17, 1930 (19 U. S. C. 1330-1341), $900,000, of which amount not to exceed $2,500 may be expended for expenses, except membership fees, of attendance at meetings concerned with subjects under investigation by the Commission; and not to exceed $7,500 for allowances for living quarters, including heat, fuel, and light, as authorized by the Act approved June 26, 1930 (5 U. S. C. 118a), but not to exceed $1,700 for any one person: Provided, That no part of this appropriation shall be used to pay the salary of any member of the Tariff Commission who shall hereafter participate in any