The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1848-02-16
Mr. Vattemnre, tho COsmcpOlite.-"I International
Literary Exchanges"

We have seen the splendid presents which MIR. Waite
mare has brought to Washington for the various depart
mens of the government of the United States, and the
National Institute from the King of the French from both
Chambers from the Judiciary, the National Institute,
rious other bodies, and the artists of France. We rec
ommend every member of Congress, stranger, and cit
izen of Washington, to visit the which contains
them on the basement floor OF the Capitol Their beauty
is equal to their variety. Noble engravings, elegant
books of all descriptions, collection of fine medals &c.
&C. constitute the collection. These presents, however,
do not comprehend more than tenth part OF what this
perseverng and generous enthusiast has brought with
him to the United States The great mass of his dona
TONS which intended for every State in the Union
has either been delivered or remains in New York for
subsequent distribution.
We have before us variety of pamphlets touching the
munfcen enterprise Of Mr. Vaemare; the proceedings
of the legislatures of different States the resolutions of
the citizens of the United States at Paris and various
other movements of the public mind. expressive of the
value of his Iabors, and of their gratitude for the under
taker We regret very much that is not in power in
consequence of the great pressure on columns give
copous details of these matters, to pour own
feelings of respect for the generous Frenchman who has
come to shores laden with the specimens of the French
arts for our advantage. We to General La Fayee
the favor of Mr. Vatemares having turned his attention
to the New World, and embracing us within the circle
Of the literary International exchanges which he had pre-
viously established in Europe. He came to the United
States in $780, and early enlisted SEINE strong friends
and able minds in behalf of his liberal enterprise We
find in the Washington Globe of June, $780, programme
of the scheme-pointng out what he means to effect
and the in which might reciprocae the favor
What the writer predicted years ago. has since been
realized to great extent
"The Republic of Letters is phrase which should be
realized Amid the jeaousics and contentious which dis
urb and divide nations, it is grateful find common
ground upon which all civilized brothers II
the commerce of material productions be circumscribed
or interrupted by local pretenons intellectual
should be conducted upon generous principles cho
ars such, should be citizens of the world.
'Among the means of contributing to a result so desr
able, there are few eicacous the universal inter
change OF the productions of genius and of Its direct
than that which could not fail to flow from the generous
whe s adopted SPITE up the @ by
partially suggested by enlightened minds has been
who, renouncing lucrative career has, with noble enthu
sas devoted himself for years the ofhis
waited design With this view, he has already uaversed
Europe, and obtained the sanction Of many Of its rulers
as well as OF its greatest in politics. science and
em alone place it above those visionary
projects which excite moments wonder Of applause and
hoped that great and growing republic whose instt
lions and late rest upon popular intelligence, will
a less enlightened spirit. The idea simple one Ii is
but applying the principle of commercial interchange
which the diversified products of and industry
universally distributed the creations of intellect Neither
in mind nor in matter nation produce everything
and all benefited by barter Every county ha su per.
uites which 1t can advanageousy exchange for those
OF another But the commerce of intellect must be
Quoted upon more generous principles than those which
mercantile speculation. Immediate pecunarv in
must not be the only consideration Profit sub
ordinate object 10 that of mental and moral m provement
To accomplish the latter, and should
make some efforts and sacrifices.
'The plan proposed by M Vaemare is calculated great.
ly promote th. desirable end 1t is to exchange the
productions of the American press for those of Europe In
youthful state, the bargain would be much to our ad
vantage. If we cannot always make in kind
supply their place by objects OF history
science, in which our and country abounds
Thus libraries would only be enriched
publishers, &c. be stimulated by comparison to higher
efforts and at the same time knowledge be increased
The great libraries of Europe abound in du pcate works.
which they would be happy to exchange for American
books, natural specimens, &c.
without pretending to instruct Congress the ine
gent committee which has this subject in charge
pears to us, the federal government contribute to this
elevated object Arrangements nigh; be made for the
exchange OF public documents which are so hume
rous, and which would command valuable returns from
abroad. Congress might also provide for the pur
chase of certain number of copies of all the d,mes
~, and exchange them for European books, OF which,
we believe. number is annually procured Itwoud Ger
liny be well To pay in kind money, nothns
be feasible. The Smithsonian Institution what
be the plan adopted, will doubtless contain coIec
ton OF objects of natural science. Ample contributions
distant stations Already such objects frequently trans