Mr. Rosepresented a petition from the trustees of the British museum, stating, that in consequence of the expence attending the enlargement of the building for the purpose of depositing the Egyptian antiquities, the sums allowed by parliament had been inadequate, and therefore praying further aid.
§ Mr. Bankesobserved, that as the subject was now before parliament, it might be necessary to make an observation. He thought that this national museum ought to be made more what it was originally intended it should be, and particularly that it should be rendered easier of access. It was an institution intended purely for national purposes, and for the benefit and instruction of the public at large, by ready 410 and uninterrupted access to the valuable matter it contained.
Mr. Rosesaid, that when he last stated the expences of the British museum, he had said that the orders which gave access to it, for the purpose of viewing the curiosities, might be obtained by persons of every description. He understood that if any person desirous of visiting the, museum applied on one day, he was admitted the day after.
§ Mr. Fullerobserved, that among the various articles in the museum, there were some extremely rare and valuable, particularly books and manuscripts. He was of opinion, that without proper precautions, it would be very dangerous to suffer all sorts of persons to have promiscuous access.
Mr. W. Smithsaid, that in the countries on the continent, particularly one where there was a valuable collection, of medals, he had never heard of any inconvenience arising from persons having access at all hours. He did not mean to infer that the trustees of the British museum were not willing to accommodate the public, but only to remark, that if those regulations were attended to which were adopted in other countries, greater facilities might be offered to the public, especially to foreigners.
§ Mr. Fullersaid, that happy it was for this country it did differ from others. Perhaps if a man stole a print from the museum in France, he would be shut in prison for life.—The account was ordered to be laid upon the table. A motion was also made for a return, specifying the number of persons admitted to visit the British museum within the last six months, and the regulations attending their admission. Ordered.—Dr. Grey presented at the bar, the general account of the British museum for 1804, and estimate of account for 1805, and also the British museum new building account.