demise of a man of exemplary rectitude, who discharged all his duties with wisdom, fidelity and conscientious care; a statesman of the first rank whose services to his country are of enduring worth. This Board has lost a colleague whose interest in the affairs of the Institution was ever keen, and whose services were always helpful. At the meetings of the Board, on committees to which he was appointed, and in the Senate Chamber, his voice was always given with that combination of progressive thought and conservative judgment which so distinguished his character. In his death the nation has lost a wise statesman, the Institution a valued counsellor, and the members of the Board a cherished friend.
Resolved, That this resolution be entered as a part of the journal of the Board, and a copy thereof be transmitted to Mrs. Platt.
THE FREER ART COLLECTIONS.
The Chancellor brought before the Board the offer of Mr. Charles L. Freer, of Detroit, Michigan, to bequeath or make present conveyance of title to his art collections to the Smithsonian Institution or the United States Government, as indicated in his letter to the Secretary of December 27, 1904. The Acting Secretary read a letter from Mr. Freer, acknowledging the resolution adopted by the Board at its meeting on March 6, 1905.
After an extended discussion it was, on motion of Judge Gray:
Resolved, That in view of the difficulties concerning any action by the Regents in reference to the offer made by Mr. Freer, and of our high appreciation of the generosity exhibited by him, the Secretary be instructed to write Mr. Freer asking his permission to make public the correspondence between him and the Regents regarding his said offer.
The following resolution was also agreed to:
Whereas the special committee appointed to visit Detroit and examine the art collection of Mr. Freer reported that "it was mutually agreed that, at some early period during the next session of Congress and at the convenience of the Board of Regents of this Institution, Mr. Freer would visit Washington and exhibit such portions of his collection as might properly and fairly represent the whole;"
Resolved, That the Secretary be requested to provide a suitable place in the building of the Smithsonian Institution or the United States National Museum for the exhibit of such collections as Mr. Freer may desire to bring to Washington, and that he communicate with Mr. Freer to ascertain what time would be most convenient for the exhibit of a representative selection as agreed upon between Mr. Freer and the committee of the Board of Regents.
DEFALCATIONS OF W. W. KARR.
The Acting Secretary submitted to the Board, on behalf of the Secretary, a statement of the defalcations of W. W. Karr, for many years the accountant and disbursing agent of the Institution, involving a serious loss to its income. After remarks by Senator Hender-
