The native American. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1840, 1839-03-09

'..:. WALTER JoSEs, -. =.
FRASc1sS S. KEY,
...MArrHEw ST.. CLAIR CLARKE'
THOMAS SEwAEL.*'
The proceedings of the meeting thus conSeneo
" q, motion of the Hon. B. F. BUTLER, OF Ne"
york The meeting was organized by calling to the
Chair the Hon. JOSEPH STORY, OF MASSACHUSETTS,
and, ,,u.I
On motion Of francis S. Key. Esq, OF Wash
ington City, the Hon. ROBERT STRANGE Oh NORM worm
Carolina, was appointed Secretary :,
NJ Trsr1cE Story, on taking the Char, SAID !;
That he deeply regretted that the choice had not
fallen mon some other person better qualified than
himself to introduce to the meeting some EXPOSE
ton of The nature of the views and objects OF the
Soc;.tv for the Diffusion Of Useful knowledge.
NJ one however, could we'll doubt that they were
Of great importance, and general interest, and en-
titled to the most favorable consideration or the
public The leading objecto the society was as ne
understood it, to secure, through an extensive pup
lie patronage, the publication OF series OF works
nc moral literary and scientific character, adapted
to the wants of the American people, which by
THERE extraordinary cheapness and excellence should
aid the cause Of education in our common SCHOOLS
and carry home to the humbest cottage IN the
country, the means of intellectual improvement,
and rational entertainment. 1t is well known thal
a society Of a similar character has been for a
number of wears, established in England, under
the auspices of Lord Brongham and other gentle
men of distinguished rank and attainments, and
that it has been eminently successful IN ITS opera
tons. Under its patronage, a series OF lTeauses
have been compiled and published, not merely
adapted to the wants of English society, but highly
useful throughout the civilized world. They have
found their way wherever commerce has extended
the reach of human enterprise, and nave no Wnere
been welcomed with more. sincere satisfaction than
in America, as means Of solid instruction, as well
as Of refined and elevated pleasure: Inc last age
had been Justly celebrated as the era Of the estab-
lishment Of Sunday Schools, BY WINCH moral and
religious instruction have been: widely dltfused
among the humbest classes Of society, and thereby
new barriers have been erected against the des-
olatng inroads Of infdehty and vice. =. IN,
The present age may be truly characterized as
the era of Education Societies, whose noble pur-.
pose it is to advance the common cause OF learn
Ing, BY elevatng its standard, and refining its ma.
terals; and at the same time, to warm and cheer
the heart by calling into more active play the
powerful influences and consultations Of religious
truth. The moment is now arrived, when the Ell
forts of such Society are demanded from every
quarter, to supply the Increasing wants OF the
public. -" .,., :
It's the glory Of nv native State that within the
first eight wears after the foundation of the colony,
it created system of instruction by the establish
ment of common schools, while the wilderness be-.
fore our intrepid ancestors was as yet 'uncuvated
and the reluctant soil scarce yielded the scantles
food for their pressing necessities system which
not only furnished model to all the neighborng
colonies but which at the distance of two hundred
years still guides and directs the policy of that
State-and yet, benefcent as have been the effects .
of this system, | may truly say, that no where in
our country, more than in Massachusetts,, will the
Importance of such an institution as that, which
now soicits public attention. be more justly appre
ciated or more deeply felt. Indeed, if rightly con-
Quoted it cannot fail, essentially to promote high
er and more intellectual Education, and spread far
Their and wider the beautiful lights of science while
il nourishes sound and healthy literature, which
will purify the taste, support the morals, and in
crease the happiness Of the whole community.
The Chair will be grathed in hearing any OBJ
servations from any gentlemen who may be disposed
to favor the meeting with their views upon the
present occasion. .r'. .. ...".'|
Prof JOHN PRoUpFIT. Of New York, in behalf
of the Executive Committee Of the Society, intro
duced the objects of the meeting, as follows: !,
Mr.. CHAIRMAN: We have the honor to appear
before you and this respected auditory, this even
ing, as a Delegation of the American Society for
the Diffusion Of Useful Knowledge. l feel it quite
unnecessary; sir, to go into any detailed descrip-.
tion Of its nature and objects. These are sufi-
GENTLY described by its title It is an association
Of American citizens from all parts OF. our coun
~, flor the organization Of this Society, as well as
its objects are naiona for the attainment Of results
connected we firmly believe with the intelligence
morality, and happiness Of our countfymen. For
the accomplishment Of these objects, it takes its
place among the voluntary associations Of the age
and uses the same iastrumentaiities whichare COM
mon to them ali, Much has been said, Mr.. Presi-
DEBIT of the dangers and possible abuses of such
associations; but 10 US they appear a new and