New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1852-02-26
Csmmemsrstioa Of Cooper.


last night in Metropolitan Hall. which was
crowded to the extent of its capacity with an
audience comprising large representation of
the intelligence and literary culture of the City.
In addition to the distinguished official function
aries of the occasion. the stage was occupied
with number of eminent professional charac-
tiers, celebrated men Of letters, members OF the
press and other conspicuous citizens and stran-
gers. The meeting was opened by short adj
dress frsm WASHINGTON IRVING, Chairman OF
the Committee of Arrangements, who regretted
his inability to make regular speech. as no one
cherished more profound sense Of the genius
and character Of the illustrious deceased, or
would more cordially unite in doing honor to bis
memory He would merely state that 1t was
proposed to erect a monumental statue to the
late Mr. Cooper, and he trusted the object would
meet with general sympathy in this community.
Mr.. Irving closed his very felicitous remarks,
amidst the loud applause of the audience. by in
PRODUCING Hon. DANIEL WEBSTER, who had
been requested to preside on the occasion.
Upon taking the Chair Mr.. Webster said that
he entered upon the duty which had been as
signed to him, with high sense of the distnc-
ton which it conferred, and fervent wish to
honor the illustrious man, whom we have met
to commemorate. Fenimore Cooper was iden-
tilted with the development of our national lit
erature He was the first to extend the fame of
American letters beyond the Atlantic. Distin-
guished for his creative power, he made the
scenery and social characteristics Of our country
familiar even to those who were strangers 10 our
language Nor was his taste less refined than his
genius was original His writings bear the impress
Of genuine patriotism. His love Of country was q
master principle. His various productions have ex-
erted mighty influence in illustrating our national
fame. They are equally distinguished for their
elevated, moral and religious tone. He wrote no
line which tended to weaken the foundation Of
virtue or debauch the morals of his country
Mr.. Cooper was not destined to attain dis
tinciion In the spheres which many persons
most covet. His course was not signalized by the
pomp of military display; no garments rolled in
blood marked his progress. nor did he delight the
ear of listening Senatss by the majestic eloquence
OF speech. The pen was the weapon which he
welded with such potent effect his chosen trumphs
were in the world of intellect by the magic crea-
items of his genius he has stamped his name upon
the memory of mankind. We do well to render our
choicest tribute to like this. The victories Of
intellect the noblest treasures Of a nation. Mr..
Webster pursued this train of remark at considerable
length, and after several letters from invited guests,
which we give in another place, had been read by
Il. w. GRIswoLD, he introduced Mr.. BRYANT, who
delivered the Commemorative Discourse, as reported
in full in our columns
At its close Mr.. Webster said Ladies and Gen.
tlemen, have the pleasure of introducing to you
Mr.. BANCROFT"
Mr.. BANCROFT said that he had been charged by
the Committee to express their sense OF obligation
for the eulogy justproDounced. Nor for them alone
l am sure for your presence here and the charmed
attention with which you have listened to this Just
description of remarkable life, assures me that you
share my admiration of the homage paid by one man
Of genius to another Advertlng 70 the character Of
Mr. Cooper, he said that there was one point not to
be overlooked. MIR Cooper W as emphaticaly New
Yorker. In New-York he was born, amid the gran
oturs and gIaces OF NewYork scenery ne was edu-
Gated, his youth and early maturity belong to your
state ana II Is 1T that In Its metropolis this great
memorial movement should commence. From New
York sail the ships that so rapidly plow the sea--in
New-York concentrates the Commerce OF vast re-
gon, and to Its other flames has this TO addthe pro-
duction OF the first commanding literary genius OF the
country Cooper was the Pioneer, the orerunner the
examplar. The rest regard him as their leader.
Prominently the FIRST of American authors, the
Others content to acknO wlecge him SOLITARY and
only he stood, the oak among other trees 1t Is not
IL.
ing by the grave of him we deplore, we invite you
away from the Present into the Past and Future
away from the shadows of the Present to the reali
ties of Eternity. Mr.. Bancroft spoke of the literary
men OF America, and said that we need not blush
He referred TO the flames already achieved. Letters
ameliorate the harsbness of our potcs-they soften
the asperties of cOntestin the still air of delight
fu studies" we recover our better selves At the feet
Of Madison-himsef not uudstingVished 10 li!era-
ny career-I learned the influence oil. literature upon
politics and shere Is one among us to night who adds
n ntAa m fla fuh- hall
say higher honor OF having embodied the national
thought upon many points, In manner at once dig
Mined and graceful, and In style OF most massive
English. This alluson TO Mr. Webster was re-
ceived with enthusiasm Ladies and gentlemen,
may not further tIespass upon your patience. re-
Joice with you at the promise of this night. re-
10 sTeat NEWCOMER. This beautiful and hospits-
bio City should be made the home of letters. Seated
upon the sea and drawing along its iron arteries
lie OF the West and OF the country L. should add TO
It's force, fneness; to its power, proportion Like
Athens, the commercial emporium, let 1t be, like
Athens, the lover OF literature and artthe haun, of
the MUSES..
Mr.. BANCROFT, whose remarks had been received
with continuous bursts Of applause sat do WI amid
prolonged paudits, during which, Mr.. Webster rose
and shook him cordially by the hand
Rev. Mr.. OsGooD was then called upon by the
Chair, and coming forward said, that it was only
few moments since he had been informed that he
was expected to address the meeting and mus. labsr
under the disadvantage Of speaking without the
slightest preparation He should rejoice to express
all that was In his heart Of love and reverence for
the distir sushed dead but he felt that this was not
The occasion which called for the usterance of his
humble voice The funeral obsequies Of q great
historical character celebrated tonight by men
OF kindred position historical characters them.
seves,-adi dignity, said Mr.. o. to which can lay no
claim tie would only remark that he was grateful
10 men OF exalted intellect who left the record of
lheD genius IN written works, for their influence
As educators OF the public taste. Such men are an
urgent need OF our community. We are almost ex-
clusivey practical men In the present state of our
tonal progress our principal concern is with
material and tangible realities. We need some
ccunteractlng agencies We need voice to remind
US Of iceal beauty OF tho immortal visions OF spir-
ilual loneliness. The materials are prepared the
block Of granite is wn ready for the n,as-