The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1845-05-08
THE NEW NAME.

The Historical Society Of New York would be
much better employed 1--WE repeat il with all due
respecD in fulfilling their vocation of historians, than
in assuming the character Of nomenclators--in
tracing facts, than in manufacturing name for
their country. We have very good one for the
presenta proud one it is-and we shall continue to
retain it without any dispute from all foreign nations
if our own countrymen do not deny our title. 1t
would seem, however, that the proposition must
be on the eve Of abandonment, if we may Judge
from the general tone of our public prints,
as well as from the opinions of those dis
tinguished men whom the Historical Society
has consulted. The cause is now coming to
issue before the society itself Itappears from COM
munication in the last New York Express, that,
on the 9th inst, the society met. II rooms were
crowded with distinguished galaxy of literary
men and scholars, with the expectation that the new
name 'Algana,' would come up for discussion.
The early part of the evening occupied with the
reading of various letters relating to the business or
purposes Of the society--also number from socie-
ties, well individuals, whose opinions had been
solicited concerning the new and distinctive name
for the United States. The replies almost inva
,iably in opposition TO this change, and 10 all change;
peciaIiy those Of Chancellor Keni Mr. Yan Buren, and
Mr.. III. Blocker. After the letters were read, the
discussion, well final action Of the society
deferred until Rev. Rufus w. Griswold, of Phila-
delphia, should read his paper on the growth and
characteristics Of American literature. That was
extended so much, that the final action of the socie-
ty upon the name 'Algania' was deferred until some
future evening. We annex copies of the letters of
Chancellor Kent and Mr. Van Buren,, addressed to
the society in reply to the question propounded"
"LisDENwALp May 3, ls45.
DgAa srn Your letter addressed to me as correspond
ing secretary Of the New York Historical Society in which
they do the honor to ask my opinion in regard to the
expedency of the adoption by this country 81 national
name, accidentally mslaid, and not recovered until
this morning. or its receipt would have been sooner
knowledged.
~ appreciate very highly the particular motives which
influence the society in this matter and have been vvdy
impressed by the reasons OF its committee but have not
been able to satisfy myself Of either the necessity expo
dieney ofthe proposed undertaking. preerng under pres
ent circumstances that the matter should remain as It now
stands.
am sir with the best wishes the prosperity of
the society and deep Of its great usefulness to the
- M. VAN BUREN,.
"NEw YoRK, 26 Union Square April 90, lsa5.
DEAR siR / have the honor to acknowledge the re
cept of your letter Of the 9th instant together with
quest from the committee Of the Historical Society
onal But prefer the present designation Of my
country the United States of America which hashecome
ndelibly ngraed in the constitution laws and kory
is unnecessary to enter into any discussion subject
My Judgment and taste are decidedly ayerse to attempt
at innovation.
II have the honort be- very respectfully your obedent
JAMES KENT
"Jons GAr esq, Domestic Corresponding Secretary Of the
VarE IttOf tcal SnCia .f