the capacity of the Institute for good. We have reason to hope before we shall be called on to make another report to your Excellency, in 1887, that the Institute, though weak and unorganized now, will be fully equipped, and will be dispensing blessings to all the people of the State. We have a few books, say a few hundred volumes that have been given to us by the executors of our fellow-citizen, Francis B. Fogg, and the heirs of W. B. Tabor. We also are glad to acknowledge the kindness done us and the public by the Hon. Howell E. Jackson, in the donation of a large number of public documents, amongst which is the census of 1880, which we regard as a valuable acquisition to the Institute. We expect as soon as practicable to inaugurate lectures suitable for the instruction and improvement of the mechanical and other arts and trades, such as Mr. Watkins, in his munificence, intended to encourage. We do not feel authorized to promise much under the circumstances, yet all great enterprises had a beginning, and though the Institute is now poor and small, it may, and we trust will, by the help of philanthropic and patriotic men, in the near future, grow into such proportions that it will not only be felt in this city and State, but in other States and cities of the Union. We would be pleased that your honorable body would appoint a committee to examine this statement and report thereon, if for nothing else that an official relation may exist between the commissioners and the State through the Legislature and yourself. AMOUNT DUE CONTRACTORS WHEN WORK IS COMPLETED. Carpenter and joinery works, Simmons & Phillips..... Plumbing and gas-fitting, J. L. Park..... $ 6,685 00 620 00 395 00-$ 8,009 00 This is a short, but we trust an intelligent, showing of the Institute and its affairs to January 1, 1885. Very respectfully, JAMES WHITWORTH, Pres't. JOHN M. LEA, W. F. COOPER, Commissioners. |