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The increased expense beyond the estimates of last year arises, in some degree, from the necessary changes above referred to, but mainly either from necessary work, not estimated last year, or from the increased expense of works which were estimated. Many of the items going to make this increase of expense, arise from work neither as yet done nor contracted for. Among them are the ventilators, the gas pipes, the stone steps, the piazza, &c., &c. But they are indispensable to the proper completion of the building. To omit them now, would but postpone the time of procuring them at a greatly increased expense.

While the trustees regret that the estimate submitted last year should not have been found sufficient, especially after making, as they supposed, ample allowance for contingencies, yet they are not surprised at a different result. For it usually happens in the erection of buildings by private individuals, and in the construction of public works, that estimates fall short of the actual expense, independent of the changes, additions and improvements, which in the progress of the work are found indispensable. And it is a source of gratification to the board that, with the exception of the addition of quoin blocks, which they are confident will command universal approval, and of the sub cellar, which could not be dispensed with, they have made no material changes in the building enhancing its expense; nor have they expended a dollar which was not called for by the highest duty which, in this matter, they owed to the State.

In making the contracts for the erection of the building, the trustees were careful to avoid any obligation to make payments beyond the appropriation; and inserted a stipulation, that those payments were to be made contingent upon appropriations by the Legislature. Still the security and permanence of the work required that it should not be left in an unfinished state, waiting for legislative action. Greater expense and serious injury to the work done, would have been the inevitable consequence. The contractors were willing to incur the hazard of an appropriation by the Legislature, rather than divide their work into detached and irregular portions. And as the trustees were bound to apply the funds on hand, their expenditure would necessarily involve the whole expense of the building; so that, in fact, it became only a question of time, and not of amount, when this expense should be paid. The interest of the Institution also demanded the most speedy completion of the building, so as to accommodate the numerous applicants for admission, whom they were obliged to reject.

The contractors have now earned several thousand dollars for labor and materials, and this amount is increasing every week. The whole sum will be required during the coming season, and should be paid. It is, therefore, in the highest degree important, that the appropriation for the completion of the work should be made at an early day.

It will be recollected that the law of last year authorized the board of trustees to go on in the erection of the building, "Provided, that the whole expense of said buildings and grounds shall not exceed the amount stated in the report of said trustees."

In compliance with this authority the trustees have, as has been shown, expended the appropriation of last year, and would now respectfully ask the Legislature at this session to fulfill the implied promise of a supply of the necessary funds to complete the building. Though the sum ultimately required to render the building complete in all its arrangements and surroundings, will exceed in a moderate degree the estimates of last year, it has not happened through any intention of the trustees. Those estimates were the common basis both of the recommendation of the trustees and the action of the Legislature.