The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1850-10-19
International Exchanges.

We have heretofore referred to the great en-
| terprise of Mons. VATTEMARE in terms of high
commentator and approval. We do so again,
fer the purpose of inducing immediate action
| by all persons who desire to advance the useful
and benevolent objects he has in view
| At PH6tet de VilLe de Paris is the grand re-
servoir of the national contributions made to
France through the instrumentality of M.
VATTEMARE. Here is an alcove for the literary
offerings of each nation. Many of them will
be most magnificently supplied; and it will be
shame to those who fail to performso benefi-
cent a duty.
We are Informed by NJ. VATTEMARE that
| the department assigned to the United States
will be divided into alcoves for the States
severally, and that the utmost care will be
taken in pertecting this arrangement.
1t is his hope to exhibit to the people of
Paris, and to all who visit Paris, including the
many Americans who constantly resort to that
vast metropolis, library Of five thousand
American books Who in our own country
will refer us to library of five thousand .4nleri-
can books? Will not Americans be proud of
such an exhibition? Or do any of them fear
that their offering will not compare with those
from other lands? Such a fear would be I'M
worthy Of us. Neither Europe nor America
should expect or desire such thing. The
world would not credit it. And vet we ven
ture to predict that every visiter will behold in
amazement the display we shall make; and it
will be asked if it can be possible that people
who have but just now felled the rude forests to
erect cities upon their sites, can have progressed
SO far on the road Of intellectual culture, of re-
! finement, and of taste.
! But how are these contributions procured?
By whose money are they purchased? Whence
come they? We reply, that they are collected
by means Of the earnest appeals of NJ. Waite
MARE, by the exhibitions that gentleman has
made of what other nations have done for u.s.
No money is requisite; the liberal impulses of
American citizens, who have been made ac-
quainted with the design Of NJ. VATrEMARE,
and the energetic manner in which he is
consummating that design, have prompted
them to present their offerings to him.
From the honored hero and patriot, General
ScoTT, he has just received that ornament
to American science, literature, and art the
uorks Of .Audibon on ORTHODOXY. From Messrs
GALES & SEAToN, the veteran American edi-
tors, whose names and fame are familiar to the
people of all nations, he has received gift of
inestimabe value-a work that will guide all
future historians in writing the annals of the
past and present centuries. Ii is the files Of
the National hteuigencer for the period of
thirty eight years. These gentlemen have also
contributed their journal Of Congressional De
bates, most acceptable gih. With like libe-
rality, Mr.. RrvEs, the proprietor Of the Globe
has contributed complete files of that able and
important journal. Such examples will be i'm
itated by many Of our citizens, indeed should
be emulated by every one who has book, a
pamphlet, map, chart, engraving, or other
appropriate offering to make. These things
are all most earnestly desired.
NJ. VArrENARE has, during the past few
months, while laboriously engaged in arranging
the gifts he brought from France to this coun-
try, been visited by many distinguished per-
sons, who have all spoken to him words of high
encouragement. Amongst these was the PREs-
rDENr Of the United States, who made an un-
expected call upon him. and passed an hour and
a half in the inspection OF the beautiful colec-
ton Of medals and other treasures with which
he came laden to our shores. The PRESIDENT
expressed his pleasure and approval in decided
terms, and from him NJ. VATTEMARE not only
expects for his collection a fitting memento Of
his favor, but letter in commentator of his
great scheme Of international courtesy and mu-
tual benefits.
As NJ VATrEMARE will continue but a few
days longer with us, we hope many persons
will embrace the earliest opportunity TO forward
70 him their contributions. and thus acquit
| themselves Of an honorable duty, and place
within an American library in Paris the evi
dence Of their reciprocated goodwill to Ia belle
France and her gallant citizens