The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1846-09-09
From the Philadelphis Spirit Of the Times.
MR.. RUSH AND THE SMITHSONIAN IN
STITUTE

STfTUTE.
The late act of Congress establishing this institu,
ion. to found which, "hberal and enlightened
Englishman, in the words of the act, left TO the
United States the munihcent bequest Of half mil
lion OF dollars, goes into opeI a1on on Monday next
being the first Monday ofSeplember, that being the
day on which the regents required by law TO as
sembe in Washington for the purpose OF taking the
nrst steps towards organizing the institution The
occasion will be a very interesting one, for who
shall predict the benefits to flow TO future genera
ions OF our counuymen, when the great object
shall be completed, Of which the formal commence
ment will then be made. The regents, according to
the act Of Congress, are to be fifteen in number,
namely; The Vice President Of the United States,
the Chief Justice Of the United States, and mayor
OF Washington, for the time being; three senators
OF the United States, to be appointed by the presi-
dent Of the Senate; three representatives in Con-
gress TO be appointed by the speaker Of the House
and six citizens at large, to be appointed by joint
resolution Of both Houses Of Congress, two OF
whom the act requires TO be residents OF Washington
leaving the other four TO be selected from any part
Of the Union. The names Of all have already been
published. Among the four selected at large, and
appointed by joint resolution Of the two houses OF
Congress, stands the name Of our fellow citizen and
neighbor, Richard Rush, who, we understand, has
already gone to Washington, in ful6lment Of the
duties OF the appointment.
The mention Of the name Of this gentleman, in
connexion with this object recalls his early and i'm
portant share IN Il, for he IL was, who, when this
manIheent bequest was first accepted by the United
States IN 1886, was appointed by General jackson
TO go TO England, and in the name Of the United
States receive the money, which he did, and brought
home, depostng the whole amount, in gold, up
wards OF hye hundred thousand dollars in the mint
OF the United States, here in Philadelphia He ar
rived with the money at New York, and we remem.
Der TO have heard that soon he reached Phila-
delphia he caused the kegs containing the gold to
be taken direct from the boat TO the mint on drays
and personally superintended the whole operation,
taking the treasurers receipt for the amount, before
he proceeded on TO his residence in the county to
join his family, from which he had been separated
Two years; for Il took him that long even 10 COM
pete the forms necessary TO get possession Of the
fund, OF which at that time the custody was IN the
English court Of chancery. The whole trust was a
most Important one, and was faithfully executed.
We recall these facts now as act OF Justice TO
Mr. Rush; and to show the estimate placed at the
time upon the important service confded to him, we
republlsh from a sterling advocate Of democratic
principles Of that day. the following appropriate re-
marks. We doubt not that they will be read with
interest," that the first practical step is about 10
be taken 10 organize the institution which received
its first official impetus from the sagacious and far
seeing mind ofAndrew Jackson, ten years ago.
From the Boston Post
Hon. RICHARD RUsH.-This distinguished citi-
zen and pure patriot has recently sailed from New
York for England, on one Of the most honorable
missions that could have been confded to him
The Smithsonian bequest is the first gift ever de-
signed for enlarged and liberal education, not for the
few, but for the many President jackson has fully
appreciated the object and has eyinced strong sa-
gacy in selecting Mr.. Rush, the man of all others
the best adapted to perform this trust in an honora.
BILE manner. His long residence in England, and
the great respect entertained for him there will in.
sure the highest consideration for his representation
of the interests, not merely Of the United States but
Of learning and science throughout the wsrld
The manner Of the appointment of Mr.. Rush is
equally honorable TO himself and to the President
The immediate friends Of Mr. Rush know, tina,
since his fearless stand against the United States
Bank, President Jackson has been DESTROYS Of en-
ploying his known talents and great abilities in the
public service. With a delicacy 30 rare as not TO
be properly appreciated Mr.. Rush has declined all
political Office, determined TO give no pretence for
the caumny of his enemies. If he would have &c.
cePted Office, he might again and again have had it,
II was, therefore, with peculiar delicacy that the
President rendered to Mr.. Rush this appointment,
where the duty required is of so interesting char.
acter, entirely without the range Of mere execu.
tive patronage, and wholly disconnected with
party politics. We have always regretted, while
we admired, the motives that induced Mr.. Rush to
decline Office under President Jackson. His &C.
ceptance Of the delicate trust TO which he has been
so specially invited, gives assurance that his valua-
bic services will not be lost to the country.