The New Orleans daily Democrat. [volume] (New Orleans, La.) 1877-1880, 1878-02-04

history. displaying itself In the establ ishment
through individual enterprise exclusively, q
numerous state Historical Societies LII dit-
ferent sections of the country, and 1t 1s not O
little interesting 10 note In this, Us we'll as In
more practical enterprises, that the aphofism,
westward the star Of empire takes its way,
finds confirmation. Minnesota and Iowa have
very respectable historical societies. Wiscon-
with few exceptions, the best State historical
society and library in the union, arising from
the fact that, whereas the Eastern States do
nate nothing, and most OF the Western only
nominal sum. Wisconsin has appropriated
several Thousand dollars to this institution.
This early development Of historical Interest
will secure for the West the most accurate and
reliable records Of her growth, the Importance
Of which, though we may infer 1t, Will only be
comprehended in the FUTURE"
1t has been rightly observed that commerce
and the mechanic arts pursued with whatever
success are not in themselves sufficient to de-
terniine the highest national position, and to
command universal admiration. They are In
| dispensable, 1t is true. but high historic cul-
| ture. next to public morals, Is the browning
| glory Of a people.
II has been further said. STATESMEN In all
humility should more and more sui mit them
selves to the wisdom of the seGul&r records
Our schools and colleges should give to bis
toric studies much greater relative impor.
| lance than they now are permitted to assume
| in the accredited currieula; and what is most
| important above ALL the State should have at
hand the materials to supply the demand foi
historic information, which her auxiliary in
situations may have thus created"
Returning to the State Of Wisconsin, we may
be permitted to mention to your honorable
body that she appropriates $1,000 annually 1ol
that the society either annually or bien
nslly. publishes, in the shape OF O large bount
volume, the most interesting historical docu
ments, purchased or obtained by donation. M
better example can be set before our eyes.
III conclusion we shall extract from one o
the reports Of that institution the following
passage 'fThe Office of an historical society il
not to write history. but to gather the prope
materials and preserve them for the use OF tn
bographer. the statistician and the historian
1t looks to the Past the Present and the Flu
hre. 1t has regard to the actions Of men In
dividually and Of nations-the living and til
dead" 49,.
But to gather those proper materials an
preserve them necessitates considerable OK
pense. The members OF the Louisiana His
torical Society" are ready to contribute to
as much as their restricted pecuniary mean
may permit; they beg, however, to pc cnconl
aged in their individual efforts for the publ
good by the cooperating contribution OF tn
State, for and on behalf Of the people at large
Your honorable body is engaged In maxim,
history. and the publication of your legisla
tive Journals shows the interest you attach t
your occupation. 1t gives US reasonabl
y
extend that interest to a more comprehenslv
sphere Of action.
The great historian, Bancroft eloquent
says "History, as she rcclines in the lap Q
eternity. secs the mind of humanity engage
/, in formative efforts, constructing sciences
promugating laws, organizing common
wealths and displaying It's energies in til
, visible movement Of intelligence. OF all pun
| suits that require analysis, history, therefore
t stands first 1t ID equal to philosophy: for a
certainly as the actual bodies form the idea
so certainly does history contain philosophy
, 1t is grander than the natural sciences; 10
it's study is man, the last work Of creation
. and the most perfect in its relations with til
infinite"
Such is the office of history, and such is In
ferentially, collaterally and subordinately th
office of Historical societies Having as
: sumed such q noble mission, under the sane
ton of your authority, we cannot but believ
, that your honorable body. notwithstanding
the depletion OF the State treasury, will nc
refuse the modest assistance which we solicit
, to wit: $500 annually, with the understandin
, that this sum shall be strictly accounted TO
in the manner which may be provided by Law
!. CHARLES GAYARRE, Chairman.
IL VIM. M. BURwELL,
w. w. HOWE,
GEORGE A. P1KT,
PAUL BOULIGNY, O
, JOS. A. Qu1NTERO.