National Republican., 1883-04-20

England and Germany has not been wholly ex.
empt
This, be il observed, was his position within the
domains OF pure science For the region beyond,
whether u is called the domain OF philosophy or
the dopain OF faith let II suffice 10 say that he had
100 positive a respect for bis own mind to doubt
i2r an instant Tint this intellect was the reflex OF
that supreme Intellect which susains and controls
the universe which the scientist interprets. The
exisenee OF personal God was accepted by him
as wel-nlgh self-evident truth as necessary to
opr conhdenoe in scientific study as TO our hopes
for mans social and moral well being. Tho moral
and spiritual capac ties and destiny Of man were
regarded as dominant facts and chief ends In the
universe made up OF spirit and matter, facts and
ends so important aud 80 pressing as TO croAie the
need and establish the truth Of the CHRISTIANS
fhith aud hope. He believed, moreover, in no in.
neTsnt dIH, lswoI progress In human nature or human
that our supreme hope Of such progress, even in
soientiio culture and achievement, must rest on
ditions.
The orator then dwelt on Henrys fixed
idea that immortality Is incompatible with
the exercise of great mental pewer in scicn-
tific research. He had proposed to prepare
paper for the philosophical society on the
relations Of religion and science, and also upon
the true import OF prayer. This, however, he
was not permitted to do. But he believed in
and found joy In prayer. Almost his last
words were Upon Jesus Christ, the one
who for God affiliates himself with men,
rest my faith and hopep He concluded with
inc loiioWlnB porOraJlon \
For more than fry years, the most memorable
aud critical which the sciences Of nature has ever
seen, he has been indeed guiding star TO their
devotees In all this land, ever shining with Sc.
During the critical years ofits young and buoy.
ant life American science has found much Of the
childlike yet kindly spirit And now as il rejoices
In the security Of Its position, and Its inoreas
ing honors; Il is most fitting that is assembled
representatives should here gratefully acknowl-
edge their obligations 70 their eminent beneactor
and distinguished leader and cordially welcome
this stature. which by It's commanding presence
BY his presence and associated with his name.
Long may II stand to express TO them and 70 other
sight, the benignant spirit the soaring yet docile
genius. the self.relying, yet devout tenn
their conquerlng hosts. And as here by day and
BY night, In sunshine and in storm, our honored
friend shall ever, as in his lifetime, keep watch
aud guard over the scene of his cares and labos,
Of his conflicts and triumphs, so may his memory
be kept In fresh and grateful recollection, by the
emineHtly theicreation of his mind, shall become
more and more busy IN its activities, and moro
aud more conspicuous in its usefulness and its
fame may the spirit Of Its eminent originator con-
tnuc 10 inspire Its aims, and direct It's counses to
the strength aud glory ofthe nation and the we'll
ITO the woll-oelng Of man." For let us never
forget that science knows no nationality least OF
all In This place, and in this institution, which
land, whose sacred trust and solemn duty has
BEEN us Il ever should be- TO promote ''the In
crease and diffusion Of knowledge among men,"
President Porter was frequently inter-
rupted by applause as he eloquently depicted
the life and character Of the distinguished
scientist. At the conclusion Of his address
he was greeted and congratulated by Chief
Justice Waite and number of other eminent
men, among whom were the general Of the
army, the commissioner of agriculture, Secre-
taries Teller and Lincoln, Representatives
md hn ntt aptysC
missioners, and many others.
During the congratulations the marine
band executed " Schiller" grand triumphal
march by Meyorbeer, and the exercises were
concluded.
After the exercises were over the marine
band and many of the vocalists repaired to
Abner's where complimentary collation. was
awaiting them, (which was rendered by Mr..
Carl w. Schuermann, the property clerk of
the Smithsonian and national museum.