The question of providing for the preservation and growth of the Library of Congress is also one of national importance.  As the depository of all copyright publications and records, this library has outgrown the provisions for its accommodation; and the erection, on such site as the judgment of Congress may approve, of a fireproof library building, to preserve the treasures and enlarge the usefulness of this valuable collection, is recommended.  I recommend also such legislation as will render available and efficient for the purposes of instruction, so far as is consistent with the public service, the cabinets or museums of invention, of surgery, of education, and of agriculture, and other collections the property of the National Government.

The capital of the nation should be something more than a mere political center.  We should avail ourselves of all the opportunities which Providence has here placed at our command to promote the general intelligence of the people and increase the conditions most favorable to the success and perpetuity of our institutions.

R.B.  HAYES.

SPECIAL MESSAGES.

EXECUTIVE MANSION, December 10, 1877.

To the Senate and House of Representatives: 

I transmit herewith, for the information of Congress, a copy of the report of the commission appointed by me on the 27th of September, 1877, to examine the several public buildings in this city and determine the nature and extent of their security against conflagrations and the measures to be taken to guard the buildings and their contents from destruction or damage by fire.

The records of the Government constitute a most valuable collection for the country, whether we consider their pecuniary value or their historical importance; and it becomes my duty to call your attention to the means suggested for securing these valuable archives, as well as the buildings in which they are stored.  The commissioners have performed their duties intelligently and faithfully.  Their recommendations are fully concurred in by me and commended to the favorable consideration of Congress.

R.B.  HAYES.

EXECUTIVE MANSION, December 10, 1877.

To the Senate and House of Representatives: 

I have the honor to transmit herewith an additional report (and an accompanying statement) addressed to me by the commissioners appointed under the act of Congress approved July 19, 1876, authorizing the repavement of that part of Pennsylvania avenue lying between the Treasury Department and the Capitol Grounds.

R.B.  HAYES.

EXECUTIVE MANSION, December 13, 1877.

To the House of Representatives: 

I transmit herewith a special report upon the subject of forestry by the Commissioner of Agriculture, with the accompanying documents.

R.B.  HAYES.