The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1841-02-27
THE MADISONIAN.
FOR THE MADIsoNiAS.
PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS.

Ihe National Institution recently iorHeu ~
this city for the promotion Of science and tho usefu
arts, although it has entirely overlooked some OF thu
most deepynteresng and important subjects for the
investigation of reemen, promises, both in the talents
associated, and the zeal with which il has commenced
its abors to elevate national character for scien
tc research, and to be of singular benefit in develop
ing the resources of the country.
The investigation Of the exact and experimental
sciences-a complete exploration and survey OF ou'
own country 10 all the departments of animate and in
animate nature with view to difIuse knowledge
own productions and their uses-the best methods
of applying resources practical purposes of in
dividual and national beneftthc pursuits Of Litera
ture, and the study of the Fine Ars-present an ar
ray of subjects suited to the incnations of those
classes of intelligent men, whose pursuits, genius
leisure, incline them TO philosophical investiga-
ton.
On subject of national interest, introduced in
Mr. Ponsets recent discourse before the Institution
the writer of this article feels spice of jealousy Of
illw at the thought Of being anticipated by such an
overshadowing influence, in the pursuit of long
cherished object Mr.. Poinsett speaks Of the estab-
lishment of Museum, a Botanic and geological
These are subjects to which every nation has devoted
more less attention in proportion to its rank in the
scale of civilization wealth. and refinement In a
country like ours extensive rich in natural pro-
auctions, possessing such facilities for procuring
tics, and when the diffusion Of knowledge is promi-
nent principle in social and political system, they
certainly appear to be worthy of national patronage
As central depository Of the records and official
business Of the nation the seat of Government the
resort Of vast multtudes Of citizens whose curiosity
and pride doubly awakened at the sight Of every
thing novel or striking-and through whom, the
knowledg Of every thing useful valuable would be
disseminated through the community
Will not the people then approve Of making it also
the central depository storehouse of every thing
rich rare or useful Of the products least -four ou
country. This is the view taken by the National
Institution, as scientific body: il is also the view
taken by the Government collateral subject, in
providing a magnificent Hall, for the exhibition OF
American products and manufactures.
Influenced by these considerations, the writer has
been waiting for favorable opportunity to present to
the proper authorities plan which he has long been
maturing, with the two fold object of improving the
public grounds, and commencing National Museum.
The ncipent steps which his attention is fixed at
present. comprehended in plan Of enclosing and
laying out portion Of the public grounds, to contain
specimens of erey tree and plant ofAmercan gro,eh
A future generation may and will extend the collection,
and enlarge the plan, but to this single object pre-
sent attention is mainly directed To combine the
pleasures of favorite passionate pursuit. the culti
walton Of tress and pants,) with views of national
benefit and honor, he intends to seek situation
suitable for commencing this object, and to ask the
public through Congress- if it is not OF national
interest, and ioorhy Of encouragement as
many others, for which large have been expcnd-
ed. II has been remarked by some (and distinguish
ed) men--no appropriation can be obtained But
hundreds of thousands have been expended on works
of mere embellishnuent-to please the eye. Look at
the colonade Of the new Treasury 81 columns "all
in row." Look at the magnificent portico Of l6
MASSIVE Doric columns in double rows, of the Patent
Office Look nj the establishment of the grounds
around the Capitol; certainly beautiful landscape,
but not adapted, in design execution, to combine
UTLE cum dulce. These works Of an economical
Democratic Administration and how much have they
cost If the people have acqulesced in this expen-
dture please the eye will they not assent to small
appropriation, to inform the understanding Is not
the object presented in the above plan as worthy
encouragement to plant public walks with tulips
and box, and dahlias buildings of cxpen-
sive snowy exterior? The latter pleasing, they
may improve the tastethe former, with all these
concentrations, would also afford subjects of study
and investigation to the of science, and to every
inqusitive mind Specimens of every thing valuable,
susceptible of easy preservation and replanting, might
also thence be diffused through the country.
In anoth her respect the subject is worthy of public
attention Congress has, with enlightened liberaty,
required or requested its officers and agents abroad to
send home seeds and specimens Of the products Of
other countries, for the benefit of our own. These
contributions to our national stock have frequently
pcrshed or become unavailable, for want of suitable
depositary for their preservation and propa-
CATION. As part of this plan, facilities might be af
fordcd for rearing preserving, and thence dssemnat-
ing Interpretations
Again the founders of this city seeing, with pro-
phetc eye the rising greatness of the nation laid out
plan sovast and magn fcent that topcrecti requires
the gradual action and aid of the Government to cor
respo nd with the growth Of the country Its founders
never intended to do more than sketch the outlines
never intended the public Improvements should be ex-
cusively for the benefit of at the expense oil the
city The citizens Of Washington take national
pride in the city, and will ever aid in lis emoeliish-
ment and founding useful institutions from palrlouc
motives; but no city could bear the burden of build
ING up itself laid out on the broad scale Of this
Through the lberaty of Congress, almost every
section Of the city has witnessed the commencement
of inn rovements except the great square west OF the
Capitol. This extensive area is in commanding po-
stion in the heart of the city, although population
has surrounded it, is left magnificent zahara OF soil
tude and waste appropriated as a COW pasture ana
frog-pond and decorated with stone-cuters yard,
slaughter. house. and pigpens These 'tlngs are all