and a full discussion amongst themselves. Where the paper is elaborate, and requires a very long and careful examination, or experimental tests, an appropriation may be made under the second division of the plan for increasing knowledge. So far, then, as the settlement of those questions which relate to actual science is concerned, it is probable that satisfactory decisions may be obtained, but when the Secretary of the Institution shall find his hands full of papers relating to other departments of knowledge, such as history, geography, and the vast variety of subjects which will be included under other heads of his syllabus and system of collaboration, we apprehend it will be more difficult to find those whose judgment may be relied upon; there being few, if any, persons, especially in this coun. try, who make a profession of such studies. It might undoubtedly be well if the funds of the Institution would permit a fixed compensation in all cases to those who are called to act in the capacity of counsellors; but there are two features in the charter which seem to be designed expressly to aid in carrying out this feature. Besides that portion of the board of regents which is composed of members of Congress, who are now, and probably will be hereafter, mostly selected from amongst those distinguished for literary or scholastic attainments, six other persons are to be chosen by Congress from citizens at large; whose qualifications are hinted at by the fact that two are required to be from amongst members of an institution which professes to have for its object the promotion of Science. Here, then, will be twelve men, besides the secretary and his assistants, whose discretion in making references, and even in deciding questions, may certainly be entitled to much confidence. Four of these will be selected from different States, and it is to be hoped that hereafter especial pains will be taken in Congress to select such as are exclusively devoted to scientific or literary pursuits, in order that the objects of the Institution may receive a larger share of their attention. And it would be still better if it could come to be understood that they were to be of different pursuits. All the necessary expenses of these gentlemen in attending the meetings will be paid, so that we may with more certainty count upon their presence at the annual and semi-annual meetings of the board. But again, the first section of the charter expressly provides for a board of counsellors and advisors; being the president and other public functionaries who," and such other persons as they may elect honorary members," are thereby constituted an "establishment" by the means of the "Smithsonian Institution," &c. And by Section 8th it is enacted that "the members and honorary members of said Institution may hold such stated and special meetings for the supervision of the affairs of said Institution, and the advice and instructions of said board of regents, to be called in the manner provided for in the by-laws of said Institution, at which the President, and in his absence the Vice-President, of the United States shall preside.' Is there not here a power of conferring honors upon individuals who shall have particularly distinguished themselves-a power which, if judiciously exercised, gives to the regent or faculty (three of whom are members of the body thus constituted) an opportunity of accomplishing much in the way of stimulating effort without the expenditure of money? The great difficulty with most societies for the increase or diffusion of knowledge in this country is, that the privileges of membership are too readily granted, without reference to the qualifications of the candidates, so that the mere fact of being a member of such a society is in itself no evidence of scholarship, and, consequently, of but little value as an honor. The Smithsonian Institution proper has not yet held one of the meetings provided for in the eighth section; but, when that body does meet, it is to be presumed that this subject will command a large share of attention. Suppose, for example, a plan be adopted 1st. Limiting the number of honorary members to be elected in any one year. 2d. Fixing upon certain qualifications as essential to a nomination for membership; such, for example, as the production of some work, the successful prosecution of some research, or a recommendation from the regents for eminence as a counsellor of the board. 3d. Giving to the members thus elected the privilege of receiving copies of all the publications of the Institution during their life-time. 4th. Recommending to Congress that, whenever vacancies shall occur in the board of regents, the vacancy shall, as far as practicable and consistent with the provisions of law on that behalf, be filled from the honorary members. By the first provision, the honor would be more valuable, as being more rare; by the second, it would be made the sure evidence of merit; and the third and fourth, would give it more intrinsic value, the last one securing to the regents men familiar with the course of business, and amply qualified; while the whole would tend eventually to interest in the establishment a number of learned men who would act as counsellors, and who, being familiar with the operations, would always present from their ranks suitable persons to fill the office of secretary. It would be establishing a method of distinguishing men of letters hitherto almost unknown in our country. It is to be hoped that this, too, would be the means of annually drawing to Washington large numbers of such men, and making the Smithsonian halls the place of annual meeting for the various learned societies we have enumerated, since they might expect, from amongst the counsellors and regents, to find many whose presence and participation in the discussions would add greatly to the interest of their deliberations. By such an arrangement as this a strong inducement will be offered to writers, independently of the premiums, and the distinction of having their contributions brought before the world with the stamp of authority which a publication in the "contributions" wonld give to them; for the position of counsellor or "honorary member" of the Institution would be invested with some of those attractions which make a membership of the Academy of Science at Paris so much an object of ambition. By this means the Smithsonian Institution and the city of Washington may be made, in course of time, to occupy the position now held by Philadelphia as the head-quarters of original research; and from this, as a central point, rays of knowledge will be diffused to all parts of the Union -the accomplishment of which must be, in no small degree, aided by its connection with the government, and the number of officers in the army and navy, consular agents, and intellectual travellers who will thus be brought within the immediate circle of its influence, advantages which Smithson no doubt had in view in requiring that it should be established at "Washington." As the regents have remarked, these results cannot be expected at once. The establishment must, like all others, "feel its way," and profit by the suggestions of time. That some mistakes will be made is not improbable. Particular caution will be required in the publication of separate treatises, in order that the Institution may not be taking the place of private enterprise. That there might be some spirit of opposition engendered in the breasts of those who were competitors for the prizes or honors, may readily be believed. But it is to be remembered that the names of unsuccess. ful aspirants will, as far as possible, be concealed from those who decide upon their productions, as well as from the public; and the constant changes which will take place in the ex officio members of the Institution will be sufficient security against any one set of views or of prejudices obtaining an undue supremacy for any great length of time. Finally—it is to be observed, with regard to the whole plan, that it is believed to be the first attempt of the kind which has been made in any public institution of this country. Unlike the Girard College, the usefulness of the Institution is not to await the completion of the building. Under the direction of the secretary, one valuable publication is now being made; and, if the present organization shall be adhered to by subsequent boards of regents, four or five years experience will sufficiently indicate what parts of the scheme are practicable, and what not. It is, therefore, earnestly to be desired that the plan which has been agreed upon after so much difficulty will not be superseded by any other until a fair trial shall have been given. Frequent changes of any kind must prove a great drawback upon the usefulness of the establishment. We cannot better sum up these remarks than by another quotation from Mr. Dallas's address, some portions of which we have italicized : 66 The legacy was accompanied by a declaration of its design, and the execution of that design has been assumed, as well by an acceptance of the money as by several open and formal avowals by our government. It was to found an institution at Washington for the increase and diffusion of knowledge among men;" to found, not an academy, not a college, not a university, but something less technical and precise, something whose import and circuit should be bolder and more comprehensive; an institution not merely for disseminating, spreading, teaching knowledge, but, also, and foremost, for creating, originating, increasing it. Where at? In the city whose name recalls the wisest, purest, and noblest spirit of the freest, newest, and broadest land. And among whom? Not a chosen or designated class-not the followers of a particular sage or sect-not the favorits of fortune, nor the lifted of rank-but among MEN-men of every condition, of every school, of every faith, of every nativity! Men! It was with a purpose thus elevated and expansive, thus as well distinct as undiscriminating, that James Smithson committed his wealth to the guardianship of the American Republic. Whatever may be the difference of opinion as to the comparative merits of the many modes of practically realizing this purpose, it is quite certain that the good faith and best exertions of our country are solemnly pledged to its fulfilment. We must try ittry it sincerely, indefatigably, trustworthily try it through all the diversified and promising channels—try it with no narrow exclusiveness of choice or prejudice as to systems, sciences, or arts. The intention of the benefactor was to make his endowment a perennial fountain of wisdom, as well practical as theoretic or imaginative, whose living waters should be unceasingly disturbed to advance the intelligence, comfort, and happiness of human beings. * * * * * * * * * There are some results to be anticipated from the success of the institution which, though not as obvious as others, are nevertheless such as no sound American heart can wholly disregard, and which it may not be misplaced to glance at. That we shall fulfil, in the presence of watchful civilization, an admitted obliga tion, and that the common mind of our country, on which the permanency of its liberties so closely depends, will be exalted and invigorated, are considerations abundantly strong to rally us all to the manly effort. No greater shame, and no greater loss can readily be incurred than would be consequent on ignoble failure. But may it not be justly said that the mild and genial influence of this establishment will strengthen and tighten the cords of our Union, and give to the capital of that Union a new charm, with greater ability? The Smithsonian design is, as I have already suggested, a peculiar one. It cannot, as a scene of educational training, have any pretensions or provoke any jealousies. It is no rival of the many admirable schools which adorn the respective States, and can in no manner intrude upon their spheres of action. Yet it will be a factory and a store-house of knowledge accessible to all the agents of this vast Confederacy-its executive, legislative, judical, civil, military, foreign, and domestic agents. It will be the recipient, too, of such fruits of the labors and such acquisitions of the enterprise and travels of these agents as may contribute to illustrate, and explain, and facilitate the public service, or to give precision and vigor to its oporations of every kind. As a resource and a sanctuary for intellect, the institution can hardly fail to become an object of patriotic pride and attachment, and must be felt as a persuasive inducement to preserve inviolable the constitution, with whose fate its own is identified. APPENDIX. CORNER-STONE OF THE CAPITOL.-Pages 21, 22. SINCE the second chapter was printed in the Magazine, D. Claude, Jun., Esq., of Annapolis, Maryland, has sent the following account of the ceremony of laying the corner-stone of the capitol, copied from a Georgetown paper into the Maryland Gazette, published at Annapolis, Septem. ber 26, 1793, which is appended for the benefit of those who are interested in "the craft." From this it appears that Mr. Elliott was mistaken in supposing the address to have been delivered by the President. The orator of the day was Joseph Clarke, Esq., Architect of the State-house at Annapolis: GEORGETOWN, September 21. On Wednesday one of the grandest Masonic processions took place for the purpose of laying the corner-stone of the capitol of the United States, which perhaps ever was exhibited on the like important occasion. About 10 o'clock, Lodge No. 9 was visited by that congregation so graceful to the craft, Lodge No. 22 of Virginia, with all their Officers and Regalia; and directly afterwards appeared, on the Southern banks of the Grand River Potowmack, one of the finest companies of Volunteer Artillery that hath been lately seen, parading to receive the President of the United States, who shortly came in sight with his suite, to whom the Artillery paid their military honors; and his Excellency and suite crossed the Potowmack, and was received in Maryland by the officers and brethren of No. 22 Virginia, and No. 9 Maryland, whom the President headed, and preceded by a band of music; the rear brought up by the Alexandria Volunteer Artillery, with grand solemnity of march, proceeded to the President's square, in the city of Washington, where they were met and saluted by No. 15, of the city of Washington, in all their elegant badges and clothing, headed by brother Joseph Clark, Rt. W. G. M., P. T., and conducted to a large lodge prepared for the purpose of their reception. After a short space of time, by the vigilance of brother Clotworthy Stephenson, Grand Marshal P. T., the brotherhood and other bodies were disposed in a second order of procession, which took place amidst a brilliant crowd of spectators of both sexes, according to the following arrangement, viz :— The Surveying Department of the city of Washington. Commissioners of the city of Washington, and their attendants. Stone Cutters. Mechanics. (Here follow all the various officers of Free Masonry, amongst whom appears Grand Master P. T. George Washington; Worshipful Master of No. 22, Virginia.) |