The miners' express. (Dubuque, Iowa) 1849-1854, 1850-08-21
WV Aror the ExpreAs.

In view OF the fact that IN the city OF Dp-
buque, there is no union Of effort tending fully
to develope the minds of her young men, or I'd
strengthen and invgorate the intellects ofthose
of ripper years, permit me through the "Express,'
to suggest the proprety of forming upon per
manent basis, literary society, which if entered
into with spirit, and conducted with energy,
will, as matter of local interest, not only give
to our city an additional attraction, but be ofre-
al advantage to many of her citizens.
The association, which I suppose would be OF
essential service, is not one of those small deba-
ting clubs composed of very few individuals,
and which only lasts for a season; but socle.
ty, the organization of which would be such
that all interested in any way in the cultivation
of mind, might and would join. 1t would be
composed of ministers, physicians, teachers, far
mers, mechanics, and merchants; in fine, from
the public at large; each member from his own
particular treasury of knowledge, gathered Ell
peculiar avocaton, or from miscellaneous read
ing and reflection, would be expected to contrib
ute in the form of written essays or lectures to
the entertainment and general information of
the whole. In the discussion of interesting sub
jects, all should participate: such an exercise
would improve the reasoning faculties of the
members, give them greater command of Ian
guage, and an Dir of ease in their style ofspeak-
ing. The ardor of contest would promote &C.
lerity of mental action, and tend to preserve
the independence of thought and character for
which the citizens of all newly settled countries
are so proverbial; besides, laudable emulation
would be excited tending to make all more dill
gent in the attainment of know ledge.
This institution ought not to be of chimerical
existence, but like corporation, which in judg-
ment of law never dies, it should be 80 formed
that by succession it may be kept up as long as
time shall last; indeed, upon its perpetuity az
lone depends one of the greatest benefits it pro-
misses to confer upon the community. The
youth who are being taught from time to time
in our schools, and those who are sent from our
midst for purposes of education may be led,
SHOULD this society be once considered as es.
to anticipate the time when they will
be expected to take part in its proceedings: on
the part of the student, the effect of this an
IN application to academical and col
legiate studies will be secured commensurate
with the height to which youthful hopes and
ambition can be raised. The desire to CRAFTY
parents, friends and schoolmates by credlltable
mental effort, will tend to make the preparation
Tor this forum, and through it for usefulness in
after life, as thorough as possible. On the other
hand, by taking care that this class of persons
be made members, the institution itself would
be perpetuated; for as some would leave, these
would take their places As another means of
securing this permanency library should be
with the society, to be procured by
IN initiation fee of two three dollars from each
member, and donations of books by persons in
terestcd in its advancement; each member hay
ng share in the library. Thus pecuniarv
interest to certain extent, would be created in
avor of the society. Besides, the library itself
would be of great service to many whose means
would not permit them to have complete libra
y of their own. The most effectual method
however, of keeping the matter up, will be by
he regular attendance of the members One
light in each week, during the Fall and Winter
hould be set apart for these meetings.
/ have given an outline Of an institution,
which 1 suppose would be benefit to very
arge portion of the people Of Dubuque, and
AVE made some suggestions as to the means of
aving it from the fate of those societies that
pring up o-day, and are consigned to oblivion
| shall not attempt to prove that
lnion of effort is more effectual in promoting
mental improvement, or in the accomplishment
f any design, than mere individual cxertion
his, is fact generally acknowledged nor will
cndeovor to show that u participant in the ex.
rcses of society, general idea of which it
las been my effort to give, will be benefited, or
hat this community would be interested in lis
enng to the efforts of those with whom they
re every day associated of those that bear to
hem the relation of husband, son, brother, and
t least friend, and that they would rejoice in
heir success. Such, no doubt will be the case.
Now, are there good reasons why we may not
ave such society; or better which may be |
uggested by some one else interested in the
natter?
That our population is a transient one, is not
IN objection; for while some would be leaving,
'thers will be constantly coming in, and variety |
would give interest to the meetings, and curios-
ty to hear some new. conner, would draw, week
tter week, to the hall of the society large audi
,nces, SO that in this point of view, the prospect
S favorable. 1t has been argued that the dill
,ence and energy of business men in the west,
md their extreme anxiety to make money, is an
obstacle in the way of bestowing time and care
lpon measure like the one proposed. Surely
he amassing of wealth is not the only object for
which we live and as to time, no one was ev-
r more completely immersed in business than
vas the great Franklin, yet, who made greater
dvancement in general science than he? 9th
r instances might be cited to show that inclin-
ton is all that is wanting, and the day is not
ar distant, when in the western country, sys-
EN- in the affairs of men, will take the place, and
t the same time accomplish the purposes of
resent confusion and haste, and yet leave time