Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1853-05-03
Cumberland, April 5, 1858.
rive Hundred Dollars Reward.

IMPRESSED as am with the controlling influence
Il which is exercised by the fine arts upon the direc-
ton and destiny of human Inirs, has given inf
mite pleasure to witness the bOntG manner III which,
from time TO Time, painting aud staunry has been en-
cOuragcd and rewarded by the councils of The nation.
But while the acknowledgment is due to the discern
ing and worthy patrons of the noble arts IT equal
source of humiliation and sorrow TO behold the aPPa-
rent apathy and indifference ith which they seem to
regard the incomPoinbly more valuable creations OF
poetry. ~, ,,.-;,.,;.. ~
glowing revelations of the pencil, and decorate the
public grounds with the costly CHEF DGUvREs Of the
chiscl, Is omen of good which will be hailed and
applaUdcd by all cheering pledge of the progress
OF refinement. But whilst they lavish their thousands
upon these mmObilc products of canvass and MARBLE
and bronco they offer reward for the eEnitcd
enduring and renowned oyntions of the pen
No fostering hand from these high places hns ever yet
history of country, which with all its harmony of
form and wonder of proportion lies asleep around the
humble vault of Mount Vernon ready 10 spring into
life and beauty at h. first ldneling touch of this genial
inspiration.
Ii surely work of supcrcrogaton to introduce
the proofs that crowd the records ct the past to show
how far aboveall others stands the divinc art of poe
sy. What all the paintings statues, and rcgaa of
Versailles, of FOntainblcau, the Fuifcrics, compared
with the ''NIarSeilles HYMN What the kingIy pano
ply of gold and gems heapc up in the Tower OF Lon
don; what the collections of the ROYAL Academy or
even the time hallowcd shrnes of Westminster 6bey
when compared with the songs of Burns, and Dbdcn
and Campbell? Or what has the worldthat would
take in exchange for IInil Columbia and the "Star
Spangled BanncT?" Well might the British states
man exclairn, 'Lct me but write the ballads OF
As far the living breathing is above the cold,
inscnsatc marble that is made torepresent him; far
the radiant skies of summer above the peishn-
BILE canvass to which the painter has transferred their
feeble resemblance far is poetry above all other arts
that have their mission to console and elevate and in
spire the immortal mind of man.
In view Of these fcts and considering the lanlenta-
bic paucty of patriotic songs in my distinguished and
beloved country and with the hope of being the hum
BILE means of Rrousing proper public feeling upon
this interesting subject, have been induced to offer
and do hereby offer the sum Of five hundred dollars
a prize for the best National Poem, Ode or Epic.
The rules which will govern The payment of this sum
rs follows:
following persons to net Judges arbiers of the
prize thus offered, namely:
The President of the United States.
Hon. A. o. P. Nicholson, of Tennessee.
Hon. Charles Sumner, U. S. Senate.
Hon. Il. NJ. I. Hunter, ditto
Hon. James G. Jones, ditto.
Hon. j. II. Chandler, of Q. S. II. Of Reps.
Hon. Addison White, do. do.
Hon. Thomas H. Bayly, do. do.
HON. John p ReGnedy Secretary Of dg the Navv
DIR. Iorn w. C. Evans, of New Jersey.
DIR. Thomas Saunders.
Joseph Gales,
Geo. II. Armstrong, r,,. D.,
Dr. G. Bailey, vi uie TESS
w. w. SeatOn,
Prot. Henry Of tho Smithsonian Institution.
VIM. Selden, late Treasurer Of the U. States.
Rev. c. NJ Butler, Episcopal Church.
Rev. S. S. Rozsell, NJ. E. Church
Rev. Mr.. Donelan, Catholic Church.
I'd. These gentlemen, any three of them, arc hero
by authorized to meet the Smithsonian Institute,
the I'd Monday of December next NJ such hour they
may appoint, and there proceed to read and examine
the ynfious poems which may lmyc been received, and
to determine which is the most meritorious and de-
serving of the prize. And hereby bind myself pay
the sum aforementioned forthwith, to whoever they
shall present to me as the person who has written,
within the time prescribed the best NATIONAL patriotic
poe and upon their representation that he or she is
American citizen.
Sd. All communications must be sent to me at
Washington, (postpaidl before The FIRST BIan6say
December next NEtlr full and complete conve vance
of the copyright TO and my heirs aud assigns for
| ever.
4th. hereby bind and oblisatc myself to sell the
poems thus sent to me soon practicable fr the
highest prices and to give the proceeds to the poor OF
the city of Washington.
5th. No poem win be considered as subject to this
prize which shall not have been written subsequent
cember Rext. r.. wv. LATHAM.
Washington, Feb2 ls5s-E