“_Royal Institute of British Architects, 16, Grosvenor-street, 9th July, 1856._ “SIR,--The attention of the Council of this Institute has been given for some time past to the correspondence between Her Majesty’s Government and Sir Charles Barry, respecting his professional remuneration as the architect of the New Palace at Westminster, from its commencement to the present time, with especial reference to the principle involved therein. “After careful consideration, the Council deem it incumbent on them to forward to you, in your official capacity, the following resolution, unanimously passed at their meeting on the 5th instant, as a protest against the course proposed to be adopted by Her Majesty’s Government on this occasion:-- “‘That five per cent. upon outlay has been, and is, the only rate of charge recognised by the profession, as fairly remunerative in the average practice of architects. “‘That it is to be deeply regretted that it should be proposed to depart from the above rate in the instance of the New Palace at Westminster, a building involving in its design and execution the exercise of the highest professional attainments. “‘That the example which would be set by Her Majesty’s Government, should the course proposed be carried into execution (a legal appeal against their decision being practically impossible), is to be regarded as disastrous to the future prospects of architecture as a liberal profession in this country, as calculated to lower the character of public monuments in England, and unworthy the Government of a great nation, whose obvious duty it is adequately to foster and protect the genius of its artists.’ “We are, &c., (Signed) “CHARLES C. NELSON,} “M. DIGBY WYATT. } _Hon. Secs._” They received the following reply:-- “_Treasury Chambers, 15th July, 1856._ “GENTLEMEN,--The Lords Commissioners of Her Majesty’s Treasury have had before them the resolution passed at your meeting on the 5th instant, on the subject of Sir Charles Barry’s professional remuneration as the architect of the New Palace at Westminster, which was inclosed in your secretaries’ letter of the 9th instant. “Although my Lords cannot recognise your right to call upon Parliament or Her Majesty’s Government to conform to the regulations or opinions of the society in arrangements which may be made with professional gentlemen undertaking public works, their Lordships are anxious that no misunderstanding should exist in the minds of the respectable body which you represent on the subject of the remuneration of Sir Charles Barry as architect of the New Houses of Parliament.