New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1875-04-16
THE ADDRESS OF DIR. sToRRs.

MIR. GRESIDENT, MEMBERS OF TIE DIsTOR-
SOCIETY, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN: The anniversary
by which assembled marks the completion of the
10th year OF the useful life Of this Society. 1t
sion OF interest 20 all Of regarded only in this rea
tion. There some present who remember still the
founders Of the Society," EgbeTt Benson, its first PTes
dent, Brockholst, Livingston, Dr. John NJ Mason,
Drs. Samuel L. Mitehi and David Hosack, Rufus King,
Daniel d. Tompkns De Witt Clinton, and others whose
names are less familiar. There many present to
whom recalled memorable faces by the names OF
those who in subsequent years received its hOnOrs
shared Its labors who are not among the
living: John Jay, Albert Gallatin, John Duer,
DR.. McVickar, Gulian Verplanck, Charles King,
Luther Bradish, ROmeyn Brodhead, DR.. Dewitt. All OF
who Of studious habit have enjoyed the abors
and the influence OF the Society, and have been
aged and quichened by it, wei! directly aided
in the small excursions which have made into the
domain OF historical knowledge. 1t source therefore
am OF unfeigned satisfaction 10 all Of TO be able
congratulate the honOred President OF the Society its
officers and its members, the success which IL
has accomplished and the promise OF increasing
prosperity with which its future here sautes us.
In its incorporea and continuing life it has the dignity
of age without its decays Its 20 years have brought
larger fame, ampler resources, wider responsibilities
but it has stl the privilege OF youth the fair and far
outlook OF existence In its prime. IL projects
thoughts, gather tonight the periods which it
anticipates, well that which IL reviews; aud
shall joyfuy unite in the hope that its coming
may be only full Of gladness and growth than has
been it, past and that its influence may constantly
the years augment its possessions and it's fame
Such institutions benencent powers in civilization.
Whatever transports from the present to the past
from the to the remote, widens the mind well
informs IL makes II capacious and reflective IL free
relative Independence Of local impulse and OF
sieut agitation gives IL, In measure, character
polItan and cuture universal Whatever reveals to us
eminent persons, their brilliant and engaging parts,
above all their fortitude, WISDOM self-sacrfce, rein
forces manhood, encourages virtue, and
makes ashamed OF our indOlent sefin-
diligence. OF impatient and itful habit.
community like ours, restless, ehangefu, especially
needs such inspiring impressions from a austere
and temperate past society which presents that
through libraries and lectures is ethical educational
and merely ornamental Inlarger proportions with
copious ministry, il fus the Office Of the statue
of Erasmus, standing always, with book in s hand in
the marketpace OF Rotterdam, amid tho intricate net
work of canals and in the incessant OF
traffic. IL nlateriaizes again the shadowy forms.
It breathes upon communities languid lux
urious an ennobilng fire from vanished actions
and silent lips. Presenting the immediate
vision the earnest and achieving years into whose con-
quests have entered ii makes aware OF the duty
which always attends privileges, and Of the judg
nent which coming time will strictly pronounce upon
our era IL ministers whatever most aspres in man.
10 whatever is wOrthest in civilization. And IL
Germs the public welfare that this society should long
fu its important Office, while the city expands 10 wider
spendor and the years fly With acceerating haste
that this anniversary should be in series stretching
forward beyond life, beyond the life Of those who
succeed u while the country continues the inviting and
afiuent home of men.
But this anniversary IL the only 10 which
thoughts tonight directed. BY the irresistible
progress Of time set face TO face with others
which at TO occur the succession OF which dur
ing several years 20 make large claim upon aten
ton. And there anniversaries in comparison with
whose significance and whose secular Importance the
one which assemblies would lose its dignity II
not itself associated with them. History but picture
events setting forth in their and
quences and indicating the varieties Of action and ohaac
which involved in them. II is has been said
the biography Of communities" These societies. which
promote historical studies have IL for their function 10
collect the materials cultivate the tastes, assist the
minute and complex Investigations out OF which
the ultimate enlghteniDg historical narrative. Their
Office n therefore subordinate and auxiliary though
qnickenng and fine. The Office OF the historians, when
they instruct Is commemorative only, not creative. They
ore the herads who marshal the procession, not the
princely figures who walk In IL They exhibit actions
which they did nos perform and describe events in pro-
ducng they had part When, then, the