New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1851-01-09

We have passed through two wars, from both of
which our country has come out unframed, and
with accessons not only of territory, but also Of
character and influence. Education has become
diffused, and will speedily be free TO all Inc
steam.press scatters forth its sheets like the
sutumnal leaves Of the forest. Since this century
began, it was significantly asked, -" Who reads an
American bookq' Now our writers take their
rank among the classics of the Old World. Our
scholars, our scientific men, our engineers all
hold their own in comparison with those OF every
part of Europe. If there is less Of profound spec
ulation and theory, there is more OF practical en-
ergy and tact Where was steam first success.
fully applied to navigation and TO printing!
Where did Man first tame the lightning and
make it the messenger Of his thoughts vi all
the great inventions and applications OF science
which have thus far marked the progress oil the
century, our country may assuredly claim its full
But all these elements of physical power and
greatness, however glorious in Themselves wlllnot
avail for the greatest good, unless there be moral
and religious agencies oil equal actlVlty ana
strength TO guide them in their Development
Such, in the wisdom of Providence, has been the
consoling fact. Wherever population and clvillza-
tion has advanced il has been accompanied by
the Gospel and its teachers. All our vast system
of Institutions for benevolent operations ana
for moral and religious instruction, with per-
haps a single exception, is the growth OF the
present century There are constant and per
severing efforts to supply the moral wants oil all
at home and the enterprise OF the American
Churches has drawn belt OF missions around the
globe. Their labors have already elevated nations
Of savages to the standing OF comparatively INTEL
Heent and civilized communities they have pene-
trated into the darkest regions they have scatter
ed the light of divine truth they have gwen to
many a benighted tribe what they never nad
before the priceless boon OF written and print
ed language. In the day when 1t shall be remark
ed what precious benefits have flowed out from
our shores to distant lands, then shall many rise
up and call our country blessed.
We, too, have part to bear IN the glory OF Ine
shame of our common country. AS members OF
this historical association it is our duty 20 gamer
up and record the facts of our history as MEM
bers of this great Commonwealth, II lalls 10 US,
each in his own walk to create those facts Ana
aa mon each individual there lies the dread re-
sponsibiity of forming his own character Tor time
and for eternity so it should be borne In mind that
the aggregate of individual character is the charac
terof community, and that thus every lnhaOltant
of our land and especially each one OF us, is under
direct and reversible obligation to aid continual
ly in laying broad and deep the foundations OF the
future character and happiness and glory OF our
country
BUILDING FUND-ELECTION OF OFFICERS.
The Report of the Trustees of the Building
Fund was presented by Frederick De Peyster
ESQ., and showed a gratifying prospect OF the
speedy completion Of arrangements for the cree
ton of fire-proof ediioe-an improvement ur-
gently demanded for the adequate preservation OF
the Society's fine collection. Committee. Of
three was appointed, on motion OF the Recording
Secretary. to address a Memorial to the Legisla-
ture in relation to this subject
The Society then proceeded to the election OF
officers for the ensuing year. Seventy ballots
cast, and tho PrSSSHt ino"naeS's@ "Ioiiiiii0
ly reelected, as follows
ii Tice Pres.... Rev THOMAS DE WITT, ID. ID.
81 Eicc Prcs.... FREDERICK De PEYsTER
E,oy Cor Sec... Rev EDWARD ROBINSON.
Dou Tor Sec .... Hon JAMES w. BEEKMAN.
Rec. Secretary. .MAUNSELL bRADHUKsI FihhD'
T'yeos,ye, ....... WILLIAM CHAUNcEY.
librarian ......... GEORGE H. MOORE.