Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 90 Part 1.djvu/848

 90 STAT. 798

PUBLIC LAW 94-338—JULY 5, 1976

Public Law 94-338 94th Congress Joint Resolution July 5, 1976 [S.J. Res. 196]

James Smithson, bequest. U.S. appreciation and gratitude.

Providing for the expression to Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, of the appreciation of the people of the United States for the bequest of James Smithson to the United States, enabling the establishment of the Smithsonian Institution. Whereas James Smithson, British subject, scholar, and scientist, bequeathed his entire estate to the United States of America "to found at Washington under the name of the Smithsonian Institution an establishment for the increase and diffusion of Knowledge among men;"; and Whereas the Congress of the United States in 1836 accepted the bequest and pledged the faith of this Nation to the execution of this trust, and in 1846 provided for the establishment of the Smithsonian Institution; and Whereas the Smithsonian Institution, since the time of its founding, has been mindful of the charge stated in the will of James Smithson and has, through research and publication, through the collecting of natural history specimens and objects of art, culture, history, and technology, and through the creation of museums for the display and interpretation of these collections, been privileged to share its resources, not only with the people of the United States, but with the world community, for purposes of education, enlightenment, and betterment; and Whereas the generous and inspiring bequest of James Smithson continues to enrich the lives of citizens of every nation: Now, therefore, be it Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That on the occasion of the visit of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, during this year of the Bicentennial of the United States, the people of this Nation make known their appreciation and gratitude for the gift of James Smithson, a gift whose significance growls with the passage of time and remains a lasting symbol of the indivisible cultural bonds which link Great Britain and the United States of America. SEC. 2. The Secretary of the Senate shall make available to the Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution a copy of this resolution for presentation to Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II. Approved July 5, 1976.

LEGISLATIVE HISTORY: HOUSE REPORT No. 94-1274 (Comm. on Post Office and Civil Service). CONGRESSIONAL RECORD, Vol. 122 (1976): May 13, considered and passed Senate. June 22, considered and passed House, amended. June 23, Senate concurred in House amendment.

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