Edwardsville spectator. [volume] (Edwardsville, Ill.) 1819-1826, 1820-09-19

may CAUSE inc ilpill Vi liuql 10 DGAlIl Win
refulgence on the morning day of the
people for whom they legislate,
Suppose the geological and mineral
productions ofAIL the states, conceprat-
ed by complete collection OF speci-
mems, in any peculiar spot-whata field
of inform alton what material for ex-
periment9 what authority for literary
reference ? what birds eye view ofthe
wonders Of creation, would they present
to man.
Materials would be thus concentrated,
to enlarge various departments Of know
ledge, which cannot fail to exalt, adorn
and dignity any nation, in its possession.
The organic remains of the most ancient
times would also arise to view, with all
the veneration with which remote ages
can cover any of their relicts, and cause
the admirig citizen to eXclaim--
"Of one departed world
81 see the mighty shadow ~
The specimens Of soils and produc-
tons would furnish materials for map
of the sarface of the land, accompanied
by minute tables Of the produce. The
geological strata, Tie connection and
course Of minerals and metals, would
furnish materials for suitable maps on
an accurate and extensive scale. Here
then is the means Of forming register
of national resources-pointing out an
Interchange for mutual beneft--a clue 10
mineral and metallic treasure. What
scenery of wonder, Instruction and de-
light will such collection present to the
astonished beholdcr Is there any item
in these measures which, once realized,
would not afford a mental feast 10 every
inquiring mind?
If the student, the scholar and the
christian may anticipate Joy at the pros
pect contemplated, is there no room for
Americans to eXultwith patriotic feelings,
at the distinction which this country may
attain among the nations That nation
which shall be first, from patriotism and
from principle, to realize such national
collections, will command The homage
Of the present and future ages. VIII
not the eyes of the world, as well as those
of the disciples Of learning and lovers of
science, be turned en- people who may
take The lead in such measure May
rot Americans thus teach, by example,
nations ancient in history, while their
own nation has not yet seen hall centu-
ry, before they thus take rank in the
vigour Of political and Intellectual ma
turity +? Would not such measures show
the world that American genius is of
Hcrcuiean growth--that it has strangled
the monster ignorance, tie curse Of ma-
tons, as a serpent in the cradle, and
risen to that eminence of mind which
alone can qualify individuals or legisla-
lures, justly to appreciate and improve
their resources, and place public legis-
lators in the position of men who can
clearly see, and firmly pursue noble
object--men who have attained the art
of accomplishing great purpose by the
smallest possible means. Ilondon and
Paris may justly boast Museums Of
curiosities, of wonders, that at once
astonish, entrance and enrich the mind.
But has any nation ever reared such ex-
tensive establishments, at public expense,
as national patriotism may rearin Ameri
ca? Yet, my friend, while ! anticipate
the advantage of such unfivalled collec-
tons will be fully admitted, l expect that
l may be told that the warmth Of
generous heart has carried me into the
imaginations ola fairy land that you, as
a nation, have not the resources to de-
fray the attendant expense, or the ener-
gy TO effect such stupcndous measures
as those which may leave the mature in
stitutions of scientific Europe at a dis
lance. As to the question of expense,
little patience will shew that it is the
Patriotism, and not the focHeta, ofyour
citizens for which / am forming a plan
of taration. As to tie want of energy,
| must respectful ayow myself not dis
posed to credit the existence of such
apathy, till time himself, with his grave
countenance and unbending tirmness,
shall do more than l expect-shall tell
me that your energies are dead, not DOR
maat-that your patriotism is made on
ly of gun-powder and the largest pro-
portion Of this stock has evaporated away
amidst the shoutings Of battle and cla-
NOR of victory.
There are three common methods of
raising such museums
/. AT the national erfenSe;
.. On individual risk
8. BY donations Of the possessors Of
curiosities.
The last affords me the foundation of