The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1848-11-12
COMMUNICATION.
For the Union.
The National Institute.


been for some months past making, by its officers and
members, to restore ii to active existence and enable TO
carry out the objects for which it created. Con
WINGED OF the great importance TO the country OF federal
scientific institution, in harmony with the principles OF
our government and which should place us, in scent
hc point OF view, equal ground with the other enlgh
ened nations, and sensible of the Improperly of esgnng
the advantages possessed by the National Institute a
nucleus Tor such an institution IN It's charter, its coec
tons, and its library, It's members have, May last
held number of meetings to consider its condition. dis
the of its decline and devise measures for
Its restoration to efficient and energetic life.
AT the period of its creation the Institute met with
atterng testimonials OF the appreciation of the country
and the world The necessity for such institution
apparent, and everywhere recognised on this side
the Atlanc while in Europe its establishment was hail
ed new evidence and element of the progress of our
country All other civilized nations had such institutions
permitted the interests OF science Upholstered by
any direct support or encouragement We were to re-
aeem our country from the mpualion of such neglect by
founding, on broad and liberal basis, scientific esab
iishmen truly national which should appeal for its sup
port TT, the principle of national pride
Besides its more strictly scientific purposes one of the
collateral objects OF the Institute was the formation of an
extensive collection of objects of and of natural his
tory suitable for awakening taste for science and
and furnishing the means for their successful prosecution
In the attainment of this object the Institute has been
successful hey ond lis most sanguine expectations Con
oulons TO ITS library and museum have poured in from
all quarters OF our own and foreign lands and nstu
uon perhaps, In short period, has made ex
elsive and valuable collection Of objects OF this kind
Paradoxica as it may appear this unparalleled success
has been the means of parayzng the operations of the
Institute. The donations abundant than it's
means-with no reliable sources of revenue-coud pro-
vide for and, but for the unwearied beaty of few OF
ats officers and members, many of them would have re
turned to the donors for want OF the defray the
expenses of their transportation. The operations OF the
Institute were thus premaurey brought a close for
want of funds and not only the farther extension of
the library and collections prevented but great portion
OF the articles received were, and still are unavailable
Tor any scientific useful purpose being hacked in
boxes for want OF the means for their and
display.
This condition of things was well calculated to produce
arevuslon in public feeling; it natural that the ma
ton should cease TO feel either pride interest in an in
suuon thus Qhough without fault of OWN rendered
incapable of giving valuable evidences of its existence
No such institution could be greatly and permanently
useful without sufficient revenue Its library should
be extensive Its collections well cared for and its means
OF direct encouragement OF science should be ample per-
manent and certain.
1t with to take into consideration measures
for securing these advantages to the National Institute
that the meetings above referred to were held com
nlee was appointed to propose for its relief
VINO brought IN report recommending a memorial to
praying for grant of lands, the ground that
as the United States by the of the nsu els char
ter had reyeIslonary interest in all of its property Con
gress possessed an ndspuabe right appropriate for lis
preservation This proposal was sanctioned by several
distinguished members Of Congress, who arc also mem
bers and warm friends of the Institute
On the goth OF July last general meeting was called
large number OF members present. and the report
of the committee submitted and concurred in and the
committee authorized carry out its recommendations
by taking action thereon" 1t too late in the ses
son however, to hope for aid from Congress before its
TX
gerso the chairman of the committee presented lis re-
port and advocated its adoption in the eloquent remarks
which will be found below
Since the adjournment of Congress- the Tnstute has
resumed its stated meetings. the collection of valuable
books presented to ii, through the hands of M Waite
mare, by his distinguished countrvmen has been nm
packed and added the library which by the lberaty
of the Commissioner of Patents, is provided with ample
accommodation in the Patent Office; and arrangements
use OF the members, The constitution and bylaws are
undergoing thorough revision by committee appointed
Tor that purpose.
Remarks of Mr. MgersoU
MI. J. r. lNGERsoLL said. that having been withou,
his own knowledge placed in responsible position on
perhaps to occupy moment in explanation of the course
which had been adopted and the motives which are un
derstood to have led to the appointment
The National Institute Incorporated bv act of Con-
gress IN lsd0 lis dawn was auspcous # was usbered
IN with cordial support and ardent hopes Among its
W a rends were distinguished officers at the head
manifested BY members of the executive and legsJa
tive departments An impulse thus given at the national
Throughout the country zeal and interest were reflected
back upon the seat OF government Nor this felt
inclination confined TO our own borders spread abroad
and found responsive spirit and corresponding activity
among Me civil and naval officers who placed in posi-
ton to receive and forward generous contributions glad
~ awaited themselves OF the opportunity to give and to
encourage gifts in others Our citizens did not alone
assert for themselves these liberal tendencies Science
manifested Its innate proPees-its universal benevo-
lence and dfuslve facultiesby the prompt energetic
and muniicent cooperation of strangers identified with
us only by similarity of tastes and devotion to principles
OF universal philanthropy Without their powerful aid
one OF the most valuable ingredients in system of inter-
national exchanges would be wanting Domestic aux.
liares may do much, and they are indispensable Fa]
recoliecons prompting the of the soil wherever
found-led by their inclinations duties into distant
realms, and inducing from them of kindnessare of
measurable value Yet foreign assistance alone-assst.
ance positively and In every sense foreign except in feel
ing-can fully complete the development of the rich
resources which Astounding in distant places may be
paratyey little known except those resident among
them who can readily point out and efectuay produce
them: That foreign assistance has not been wanting
froos are abundant OF its generous tendencies and the
practical fulhment OF them. Were an estimate in mere
Pecuniary value to be placed upon the costly offerings
thus laid upon common altar it would be far from in
sgnhcant IL different standard be applied and the
price be graduated according the noble inclination of
the donors, 1t would be inestimable.
1t well known at home and abroad that the minister
ing guardian OF these liberalites native and inhab
ant OF the country 10 which mainly indebted for
them For many years he has obeyed the impulses of
generous nature, under the guidance OF a sound udg
inent and with the perseverance and energy of an act
I'VE spirit in culhvaDg between diHe ent nations of the
ga World The agreeable and useful habit of literary ex
changes An Improvement of kind feeling and much
mutual advantage has been the result Productions and
possessions which peculiar 10 one quarter NAV be
shared with others, without actual permanent loss and
without any material deprivation even for moment
return OF foregn and equivalent productions restores in
value ana more than supplies interest all that has been
bestowed Eacn party becomes gamer. The benefit
may be expanded and enlarged without limit When the
surface over which is spread becomes large and varied
the exercise also becomes easy and the protabIe
nd I hoe,