The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1855-06-09
SPEECH OF HON. JAMES BUCHANAN.

The London Globe has full and interesting account
of the 'Royal Literary Fund Dinner which given
this year the 22d ultmothe Lord Bishop of Oxford in
the chair In the of the proceedings his lordshp
proposed the following The literature and science
of the United States and the American minister Mr. Blu
chanan.'
Mr.. Buchanan responded as follows:
s.My LORD MY LORDS, AND aEsrLEmES: esteem it a
privilege be invited respond to this sentiment in favor
the literature and science of country The applause
with which it has been greeted by the present dng
company proves that is uneanng compliment but has
from the heart proud of the advance which
my counymen have made in literature and science and
equally proud that this has been justly appreciated by Brit
h audience Of such high authority questions of tera
that there be appeal from its de-
cision o any higher tribunal.
" The time when the question might have been justly
asked this country who reads American book? That
time has passed away and judging by my inter-
with English society, it might with equal justice be
asked who has read American book find that
everywhere throughout the United Kingdom the works Of
American authors published aud circulated These
however, but comparatively small proportion to the
and variety Of the works of distinguished British
tors living dead published and circulated throughout
the United States. In little than half century from
the present hour with the blessing Of God these works will
be read and admired will influence the life and the conduct
and the destiny hundred millions of intelligent Amer
cans between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans speaking
the same language with yourselves What bond of union
must this prove be between the kindred nations
be inferred that, although proud of your APP
probation estimate attachments in literature and
science beyond their proper value We freely admit that
is nothing than the early promise Of healthy and
vigorous youth but live in the confident hope that
maturity will than justify this promise.
We have but fairly commenced the task but aim
excellence in literature and science shall relax
efforts until if possible, attain place in the temple
fame the proud emnence with yourselves. 'We
will try'-yes zoe nM by.' This has become motto Of
country
We have many believing that shall prove
successful Among the principal of these the undoubted
that literature and science occupy that exalted position
in the opinion countrymen which they justly
entitled. This well calculated give impulse
bition There class amongst who stand hgherno,
onehan the class of eminent authors For the truth
of this assertion think might with confidence appeal to
the experience of gentlemen present. Such
everywhere received in the United States public bene
factors.
.'Thc republic of letters is universal republic, and
braces within its limits all civilized nations Several of its
most distinguished representatives within the sound
voice. and the educated people OF all nations their
constituents and judges These true representatives Of the
progress of civilization fail to receive justice from their
be too far in advance of their
age be poserity fails to do them
Justice Whilst the generations Of politicians and with
exceptions Of statesmen, psss away with the
with which they have been identified and forgotten,
those of Shakespeare and Milton and Locke
and Newton flourish in immortal youth and their works
win constitute the Improvement and delight Of all genera
tons
On the other side Of the Atlantic such names spe-
city those OF living authors, familiar household
words only among the learned, bur among
the people These, by the blessing OF Heaven gener
ally received mmonschool education, and able
and relish the standard works OF your best authors
delight ia the reflection and the hope that the literary
and scientific Of Great Britain and the Unted win
perpetual bond OF peace and friendship between
the people of the countries -FOUR Of this
long TO u.s. Of the class bsong to YOU We
have each property in both. They
exercise mutual and happy influence the
tons II has been the misfortune Of both that almost ever
since period Of the American revolution there
succession Of disturbing and dangerous questions between
The two governments The irritation arising from these can
always be aayed and their unhappy consequences may
trust be always ayerted BY the productions and common
sympathy Of the at the head Of the republic Of letters
May arrive when these shall be arrayed
against each ohei The consequences might then be
trous.
Before resumng my in order CRAFTY
own feelings, express unqualified appreciation Of the
rary Society and s praseworthy objects II does
conno the relief which il hesiows British authors alone
bat spirit Of genuine berslty, extends its benefits TO
OF other nations Genius has been justly observed
always sensve and therefore, the bounty Of the society
distributed in the delicate manner 80 that
the feelings Of those who receive spared from public
observation. May this society be always prosperous and