The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1850-01-18
TcommusrcArEp.l

With hundreds Of others, Mr.. Editor, was last
evening delighted auditor of the eloquent, inge
NOUS, and learned lecture of DIR. Bethune "Hol-
land" at the Smithsonian Institute. No one could
have left the hall without sentiments Of high adm
ration and respect for the lecturer, nor without
clearer views and enhanced estimate Of the sin
gular people, singular for their holiness, their
genius, and their indomitable love of freedom,)
whose history institutions and charac formed the
subject of the discourse. In the rapid but graphic
and mastery delineation Of men and institutions,
Of hardy tribes and Astounding cities, Holland
seemed TO rise above the subjugated ocean with
picturesque beauty which few perhaps had been be-
fore accustomed to attribute To her; and her " un-
washed artifcers" and porty burghers took form
and bearing which placed them quite on an equality
in point of interest with the gorgeous chvalry Of
England and France; how far above them, in the
really useful and ennobling elements Of character.
in integrity, sagacity indomitable resolution, and
utter scorn Of all subsection, il would be necessary
TO have heard this admirable lecture throughout in
order properly 10 appreciate.
cannot but hope that through some vehicle IL
will be given entire TO the public, and would hail IL
gratifying earnest Of the instruction and plea
which the people Of Washington and its visi-
tiers may expect derive from this popular feature
Of the valuable institution under whose auspices the
lecture delivered.
With respect 10 the institution nothing eulogistic
need be said, since its popularity y already con-
spicuous in the crowded benches OF the hall, and
the profound and respectful interest OF the
dience. But there Is one part Of the arrangements
which think open 10 censure, ana winch Will DE
found hardly reconcilablc 70 the spirit which die
tatcd the municent bcquest Of Smthson, or TO that
in which, trust, its future interests TO be admin
istcred. The mind of the donor could never have
imagined that when his liberal hand had spread a
feast for all mankind beneath the shelter Of our
Democratic institutions, the haspy spirit Of erci,-
sipism would have been permitted TO intrude its
baneful presence. He could never have designed
that his guests should be divided into classes, and
while some should have the privilege OF the dats,
others, and those the many, should be required 70
sit 'below the salt" speak not, OF course, Of the
necessary reservation in behalf Of those who are
connected with the institution or the exercises Of
the hall-but that large section should be kept
cred for a privileged class; that while the rest Of
the seats are crowded, these should remain vacant
till their destined occupants arrive and give the
signal for the commencement Of proceedings.
This, ! think, could never have entered into the
contemplation OF the transformations donor, can
believe that Il will meet the general appreciation.
No; let leave the halls Of Legislation TO those 10
whom the temporary wielders of popular sove-
reignty choose 10 assign the choicest places; let
and there vfndcatc at will its title TO unboundcd
selfconccit, and equally unboundcd servility; but
let the retreats OF science and letters be sacred from
a spirit which certainly did not animate the sturdy
dyke builders and noble gueur (beggars) Of Hol-
land. II your correspondent, Mr.: Editor, speak
emphatically, II IL because he thinks persistence
in this course calculated 10 impair greatly the BEN
Gifts Of an institution which, in common with all
Americans, he has TO be grateful for, though
but little Of that sentiment Of gratitude might find
its way in the direction Of the Capitol.
OSE or ''rHE RABBLE."
January II, 1910.