the institution. The latter was to
include a library, a museum, and a gallery of art. The plans for
the fine structure, so well known to every visitor to the capital,
were prepared, the building was started, the regents organized,
and Professor Henry made secretary.

We might almost say that Henry was opposed to every special function
assigned to the institution by the organic law. He did not agree
with me as to any mystery surrounding the intentions of the founder.
To him they were perfectly clear. Smithson was a scientific
investigator; and the increase and diffusion of knowledge among men
could be best promoted on the lines that he desired, by scientific
investigation and the publication of scientific researches. For this
purpose a great building was not necessary, and he regretted all the
money spent on it. The library, museum, and gallery of art would
be of only local advantage, whereas "diffusion among men" implied
all men, whether they could visit Washington or not. It was clearly
the business of the government to supply purely local facilities for
study and research, and the endowment of Smithson should not be used
for such a purpose.

His opposition to the building tinged the whole course of his thought.
I doubt whether he was ever called upon by founders of institutions
of any sort for counsel without his warning them to beware of spending
their money in bricks and mortar. The building being already started
before he took charge, and the three other objects being sanctioned
by law, he was, of course, hampered in carrying out his views.
But he did his utmost to reduce to a minimum the amount of the fund
that should be devoted to the objects specified.

This policy brought on the most animated contest in the history
of the institution. It was essential that his most influential
assistants should share his views or at least not thwart them. This,
he found, was not the case. The librarian, Mr. C. C. Jewett, an able
and accomplished man in the line of his profession, was desirous of
collecting one of the finest scientific libraries. A contest arose,
to which Professor Henry put an end by the bold course of removing
the librarian from office. Mr. Jewett denied his power to do this,
and the question came before the board of regents. The majority of
these voted that the secretary had the power to remove his assistants.
Among the minority was Rufus Choate, who was so strongly opposed to
the action tha