which was a copy of the Vicksburg Citizen, dated June 18; 1863, and printed on the white side of wall paper. And last but not least, we would acknowledge with gratitude the kind interest that has been continualy manifested by your Excellency, in securing for us contributions at once many and valuable. Before leaving this part of the report, we would desire to call the attention of the proper officers to that provision of our laws which grants to the Society eighty bound copies of all volumes published by the State, to be used for the purposes of exchange. By the accompanying statement of the Librarian it will be seen that this provision has not been complied with in full, at any time; and that since 1860, nothing has been received at this office, not even the Code of 1860, save twenty copies of the Adjuntant General's Report for 1861, and one copy of the laws of 1861-2. These deficiencies exist, notwithstanding repeated efforts on the part of the secretary and librarian, to procure their delivery according to law. And further, for such as have been received during the past three years, the Society has bcen charged with the freight from Des Moines. We would also suggest an inquiry into the expediency of a law being enacted (similiar to that in some of the eastern states) authorizing any county or city, by the voteof a majority of the qualified electors thereof, to set apart such a part of the public funds subject to their order, as may be necessary to secure the preparation and publication of the history of their respective cities or counties. We would also respectfully ask that hereafter this Society be allowed to print its own "Bienial Report," receiving compensation thereof at printer's rates. We would recommend the following changes in the charter of this Society: Chapter 2d to be amended so as to grant fifty bound copies of all works published by the State to be used according to the discretion of the Society. It will be seen by reference to the last named article of the charter, that the amendment proposes a less donation on the part of the State than we are now allowed. But according to the present law, allowing eighty copies, we are obliged to send fifty to M. Vattemere to Paris for the purpose of international exchange. Now it has been the uniform experience of this Society, that this system of exchange is a complete failure, or at least barren of any good results to us; and at the same time experience has proven the desirableness of such a supply on such terms as we now propose. By the treasurer's report which accompanies this, and with which are furnished for your inspection, the vouchers for 1862 and 1863, it will be seen that the balance in the treasury, November, 25th, 1863, was two hundred and nineteen dollars and forty-six cents ($219.46). In concluding this report we would respectfully request of each member of your honorable body to interest himself practically in the work of preserving the history of our counties, our State, our soldiers and our public men. You have with us, a common interest in this matter. By your personal efforts, each in his own district or county, more can be done for our cause than it is in the power of any other class of men to accomplish. We cheerfully give of our time and labor to the task of collecting and arranging such matters as come to our hand. Our hearts are interested in the work, and we shall feel well repaid if through the co-operation of others, we shall be enabled to preserve for future generations, a complete record of the past and present of our State. 57 57 Journal of the Constitutional Convention of Iowa, 1857,. Papers, pamphlets (single and sets), besides regular files.... 152 ARTICLES FOR THE CABINET. Minerals, 14; flags, 5; portraits, 120; and curiosities of nature and art, 49. Total, 188. Whole number of books in the library, 2,204. Exchange papers or magazines, 51. All of which is respectfully submitted. F. H. LEE, President. CURATORS :-T. S. Parvin, N. H. Brainerd, Geo. H. Jerome, S. S. Howe, J. P. Wood, W. Crumm, O. M. Spencer, Geo. W. McCleary, Iowa City, Dec. 1, 1863. N. R. LEONARD, Sec'y. |