Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1859-02-11

!
His reputation, as writer, stands high, Tor
patient acquisition, accuracy, and acutencss.-
His conclusions are neither warped by the love
of theory so common in the philosopher nor
by the easy credulity, so natural to the anti
quarry He feels his way with the caution Of a
mathematician, whose steps are demonstra-
ton" Mr.. Prescott is to be associated here
after, with Gallatin and Duponceau among the
rigorous, as distinguished from the hypothetical
class of investigators in this science. He would
not indulge in vain conjectures or speculations
but as an astronomer gazes among the stars,
seeking sure and steadfast meridian line on
which the engineer and geometer may base
their measurements and estimates, so Prescott
went among the lights of history and archeol-
ogy, determining their places and their bear
ings, deducing from them courses, and estab-
fishing positions that might serve as trustwor-
thy guides and landmarks
Hon. Ira M. Barton expressed his gratitude
that meeting of the Society had been called
to give expression to sentiments of respect for
the memory of their late associate, and the
deep sense of the loss they, in common with
the whole literary world, have sustained by
his death. After brief reference to the value
of his historical and archaeological mvestiga-
tons, Mr.. Barton concluded as follows -
Should we not congratulate ourselves
upon the success of Mr. Prescott, as
professional American scholar Is it stated
that he was prevented from entering what
are called the learned professions, by the loss
of the sight of one of his eyes Fortunate ca
lamity But more fortunate, still, for himself,
his true fame, his friends, and the literary
world, that he never was involved in the
American malstrom of public and political af-
fairs, which the professional scholar, at least,
should always avoid"
T. d. Tiffany, Esq, spoke of the superiority
of Prescott as an enlightened, scientific, reli-
gious historian, and paid worthy tribute to
his genius and character. AT the close of his
remarks, the resolutions were unanimously
adopted.
When the above exercises were concluded,
the President presented to the Society copy
of the Statue of Christ leaning on the Cross"
by Michael Angelo Buonarotti, deemed one of
the most finished productions of the chisel of
the great master. The statue stands in the
hall of the library, and will, hereafter, const-
tute its chief ornament and attraction. This is
the only copy known to be on this side of the
Atlantic, and has been the subject of negotia-
ton for the last five years.
The following resolution, offered by Hon.
Isaac Davis, and seconded by Judge Chaplin,
was unanimously adopted
Resolved, That the thanks of the American Anti
quarian Society be presented to the Hon Stephen
Salisbury, for his munfcent gift of a copy of the
statue of Christ leaning on the Cross. by Michael
Angelo.
After some further expressions of satisfac-
ton for this generous and unexpected acces.
sion to the attractions of the Society, by Judge
Barton and others, it was voted to publish the
days proceedings in the next semi-annual re-
port, and the meeting dissolved.
Mr.. CURTIS LECTURE-Geo.. w. Curtis,
of New York, delivered the 9Th of the course
of lectures before the Lyceum and Library As
ISOLATION, last evening, at Mechanics Hall, on
"our Democl attic Principle and its Develop
ment." 1t was one of the ablest and most
brilliant lectures ever delivered in this city.
lie said that the first great blow for popular
right was struck by Luther three centuries
ago. The Puritans were all the sons of Lu-
Their, and the men of l776 the sons of the
Puritans. What Professionalism was in the
Church, Democracy was in the State, but
both had greatly degenerated from their origi-
nal position and principles. In the broad
scope of the true Democratic principle, main
tanned in the Declaration of Independence, and
fought out in the revolution, there was
no such thing as an inferior race, as
has been recently asserted. That noble
charter of our liberties exempted no par
ticular man, or class or race Of men, of what.
ever race, color, or profession, from equal
rights, the recent decision of the Supreme
Court to the contrary, Notwithstanding. 1t
should be the aim of the country, in the future,
to live up to the great idea of our fathers, en-
bodied in that Declaration, and put down the
sham democracy Of this day, which is but a
mockery of the name
but we nave no room Tor extended comment
upon this most excellent lecture, which was
listened to by two thousand auditors, with I'M
divided attention to the close.
The next and last lecture before the Lyceum
will be delivered week after next by the eau
tocrat of the Breakfast Table," Dr. Oliver W.
Holmes.
90 We learn that Mr.. Philander 7. Raw
son who had his head badly injured on
Wednesday, still remained unconscious, last
evening. Notwithstanding the very critical
nature of his case, his physician has much hope
of his recovery.
MECHANICS HALL-Jean Paul Wolfstenberger's
great cosmographic exhibition of the scenery of all
climes from Egyptian Hall, London, will open at
Mechanics Hall: ON Monday evening next, and ev-
cry evening during the week except Thursday, when
the hall is used for the Mechanics lecture.
This great masterpiece of art consists of one hun
bred mammoth panoramic paintings executed by
the best artists in London and representing the gor
geous, stupendous and beautiful scenery of Europe