Herald of the times. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1830-1846, 1839-01-17
HON. ASHER ROBBINS.


Of our venerable and distinguished Sen
ator, will be perused with much plea.
sure and interest by all our readers.
Correspondence OF the Boston Atlas
WASHINGTON, Jan. 10, 1899.
The Senate Chamber, which has been 50
frequently, during the present session, the
stage for brilliant display. and angry abuse
was to me, this morning, most charming
brcathing-placc of reposng meditation. Mr.
Robbins of Rhode Island, from the commit.
tee to whom the subject of the Smithsonian
Request had been referred, brought in report
concluding with Joint resolution proposing
10 raise n committee, consisting of five mem-
bers of the .Sennie, and as many members of
the House as may he designated by that body
10 consider the eXpediency of establishing an
institution according TO the wishes of the
Testator: and the character Of the charter
powers and privileges which ought to be
granted, and other matters appertaining to
such an institution.
Mr.. Robbins accompanied his report with
aspeech, which, trust, will very soon be
given TO the public in his own pure, flowing
and vigorous language. l will not impair
the effect of it by an abstract, which could
only give poor and narrow glimpse Of the
richness and beauty Of his style. 1t is q
thousand pities that this GOLD MAN ELo
oUENr" speaks, in general, in so low n tone.
am afraid he could scarcely be heard in the
galleries, at oil, except when, in an occasion
al burst of enthusiasm, his voice expanded
and swelled-and pealed on and on. But
al the Senators most distinguished for intel
ligence and feeling clustered around him
anxious not to lose word. The steps be-
low the Presidents chair were all occupied
too and saw that the tervid sparklings OF
the old mans eyes kndled answering flames
in those of many his auditors.
Few men in this country, | imagine-and
certainly not many in Congress, have so en-
amored familiarity with the soul and spirit
which has been clothed in the words Of an
tiauity as Mr.. RobLias and there was, of
course, an abundance of classical alluslon
and illustration in bis discourse.
This venerable and highly respected sena-
tor is about to pass off from the political
stage. This is the last session he will be
here. It will be gratifying to his friends to
know that he is uniformly spoken of by the
most distinguished persons in Congress, in
terms of serious, deep felt veneruion and
that, with the homage paid TO his highly cul-
fectionate warmth of attachment, such as it
falls to the lot of few men to secure, but
which has been gained for him by his fine
noble heart, and high personal virtues.
The beautiful and touching illusions which
MIR. Senator Preston made TO this venerable
mans character, in the speech with which
he supported the Joint resolution for COM
mittee, show that he will be long remember
ed by those from whose companonship in the
Halls of Legislation he is about to remove
they show that though he may never appear
ngain to grace and dignity the Senate oi the
United States, he may trust.
"The lingering gleam Of his departed life
To oral records and the silent heart"
Unques,ionably, said Mr. Preston, the sub
ject to which my venerable friend, the hon
orable senator from Rhode Island, has called
the attention of tho Senate, is one OF great
Importance, demanding the grave consdera-
ton of Congress. The Smithsonian Legacy
has put the government in possession Of halt
million of dollars, which, by the acceptance
of the trust, imposes upon us the duty of ad-
ministering this fund in the most appropriate
way to accomplish the broad bcnefcence "ot
the diffusion ofIearning amongst men," AS
il is in the order of Providence that as the
mind is enlarged, our moral nature is also
exalted, there con be no object more benefi-
cent or digniied than that which the accep-
lance of this legacy presents to ns.
earnestly hope that our efforts to dis
charge the trust assumed, may be wisely di-
recteI aud crowned with success.
And surely, continued Mr.. Preston, the
establishment Of the Smithsonian Institute
could not commence under more favorable
auspices than 10 have attracted the caro- OF
the honorable Senator, who in every way is
90 eminonty qualified to take charge OF
whatever concerns the interests OF learning
or of clarity. No one bas more experienced
in his own heart, or more exemphhed in his
own character, the benign influences Of edu-
cation, than fhe honorable eenteman--and
no one therefore in this body was go lit to
have submitted the resolution before you, or
to lay the foundations Of an institution, whose
duration we may hope will bear proportion
TO its enlarged objects. am sure, said Mr.
Preston but speak the sentiments OF al
the Senators, when offer him my earnest
thanks for the lead he takes in this matter
Nor can forbenr also to thank him for intro
ducing upon this most ht occasion, those
elegant and elevated topics, which elevate
us for a moment into regions OF calm and
genial air, above the smoke and din ot ON
accustomed and more strenuous efforts on
this floor. 'Tis pleasant to repose, though
but for a moment, upon the green spot he has
presented to us.
rejoice tha, it has so happened that this
subject demands our attention nt this session
Amer a long term of useful and honorable
public service, my honorable friend is now
about to terminate his cooperation with us
on this floor. 1t is his last session. 1t is q
fortunate, as it is a most just and fit termina
ton of his official career, that he should In
scribe his name where it will DC most appro
priately placed-upon an institution Tor The
promotion Of knowledge.
hope, said Mr.. Preston in conclusion. tha
we shall at once proceed to give an earnes
attention 10 these resolutions, and to carry
into effect the intentions of the testaior, will
a liberslity controlled only by our conslitu
tional restrictions.