New-York daily tribune., 1858-08-10
Mr.. COOPER on THE COOPER LNSTI-
TUTE.
To the Edio, Of The ". Y. Tribune.

To TIE Edio, Of The " y Tribune.
SIR: You will oblige me by publishing the following
in reply 10 al article which appeared in your columns
under date of August g. making inquiries as to my IL
tentons and on what conditions intended to donate TO
the City of New-York the building now known as the
Union for the advancement of scierce and art
In reply, l can trnly say that it affords me much
pleasure to lay before you, and the public in general
the following facts:
The building from its commencement has been, and
is now devoted by H with all s rents and revenues,
of every name and nature, to the object inscribed on
lis front walls viz: For the Advancement of Science
and Art
II is now my intention to place the entire property
in the hands of responsible Board of Control who will
by their trust be required to offer to the Board of Edu
cation the free use of all the educational parts Of the
building, for the purpose of carrying on complete
course of polytechnic instruction, in connection With
the Free Academy of this city. This privilege to be
perpetual on condition that such OF instruction
shall be continued and that the seven rooms nos oc-
cupied 10y some fifty ladies' school of design shall
be secured TO them with at least good privileges as
they now enjoy Of instruction in the arts OF engraving
on wood and stone, drawing painting in oil or water
color decorating china and glass ware with such other
instructions in the useful arts shs be calculated to
widen the sphere Of female employment.
This would have been done 81 an earlier day but for
the fact that the building has cost more than double
tie amount that WAS led to believe il would when 1t
was cominepced THE, together with the fact of its
being built fire proof has delayed the time of compile
ton to much later day than was anticipated
Had the building been pushed to an earlier compile
ton it would have svaed but little, from the fact OF
the removal Of the Tompkns Market TO make loom
for the new Msrket-house and a temporary market
placed directly n front Of the building, covering all OF
the sidewalk and portion OF the street. That portion
Of the shed occupied sh market being placed dl-
recty opposite Of the main entrances OF the inst
tutiop has prevented tho letting Of the stores aod
Offices thereby deprvDg the institution of almost its
entire means of support.
It has been my determination from the commence
ment that the institution should be sesus .inng AMI
owe DO man any thing but the good it can do.
Il will be the duty Of the Board Of Control to let the
large hall and other basement when not required
for the course Of Instruction also the stores on the
ground Aoor together with the offices on the second
story which is 10 form revenue for the support OF
the institution.
1t will ALEC be their duty to appropriate all the rents
10 maintain Of scientific lectures OF the most
useful and practical character, library, and repos-
tory Of the arts together with the current expenses OF
the institution Of every description. The courses Of
lectures to be open and free to all who bring sat-
sfactory certificate Of good character from parent,
guardian or employer.
1t may not be improper for me on this occasion to
state an incident which has almost constantly occupied
nv thoughts and called forth the best efforts of my
life in the accomplishment Of an object that have
fondy hoped would prove blessing to this my native
city and the country over which it eXerts so powerful
an influence. Nearly thirty years have psseed since
became acquainted with gent eman twho had then
recently returned from ffance who informed me thst
while in Paris be hsi attended the POLYTECHNIC lost
tue, where, with the consummate ability Of the in-
strucors and the perfect appliances for Illustration, he
had learned in three months than he had in three
previous years in this country. lie aso stated that he
found hundreds Of young men from all parts Of France
living on mere crust of bread, that they might be
abled to avail themselves Of the benefit Of those ec
tures
1t then occurred TO me tha. there must always be IN
great cities like ouIs hundreds of young men who
would gladly turn away from vieis.ng pursuits 70 en-
10y the beauties and benefits Of ccu-ee o. scientific
instruction.
Iwen remember bow gladly would have svsilea
myself Of the advantage of such an instruction when
an apprentice, without anything On which to rely bot
paied bspds a.d on honest purpose to work my pas
s,ge through life.
the institution shall accomplish smsl PAT Of the
good that desire, i, viii enable me TO bear with ps
terct the uDger Interpretations that have been
circulsted to rjuIe inst uticn for which have
lsbored 30 lorg and srdeny With an esnes hope thst
might secure by lsstrg blessing to my native city
In the belief that the institution will accomplish
good work when shall have passed away,
PETER COOPER
o9o, IA, Psf,, Coorey Iasiaxte Sep York Alx lsS.