Bepori of tlie President 35 



In other words, a people become truly gi'cat, prosperous 

 and powerful, and thus fulfil the ends of the State, in propor- 

 tion to their loyalty to the best interests of the race. 



It was in view of all the foregoing facts and considerations 

 that so large a number of the leading citizens of the State 

 united their efforts in the movement which resulted in the es- 

 tablishment of this Academy, and that, in the call issued by 

 them for the convention at which the organization was effected, 

 they used the following language : 



" An institution of tlie kind in question would bring into more intimate 

 relations many men, who, though already more or less engaged in original 

 studies and investigations of various kinds, accomplish less than they would 

 had they frequent association with each other, a common storehouse into 

 which to bring their material collections, and some proper medium through 

 which to publish the approved results of their scientific labors to the world. 



" It would awaken a scientific spirit in all enquiring minds, and thus lead 

 to a more fruitful intellectual activity among the people at large and to a 

 wider diffusion of useful knowledge. 



" Through a scientific and economical exploration of the State, to which 

 it would early lead — and which it might with great advantage direct — as 

 well as through the published results of independent investigations, con- 

 ducted by its members, it would do much towards bringing the many natu- 

 ral advantages of our State to the notice of foreign populations, and espec- 

 ially to capitalists, both at home and abroad; thus promoting the more rapid 

 and more economical development of our material resources. 



" It would result in new and important applications of science to the 

 practical arts, and thus advance the industry of the country. 



" It would associate artists of every class, establish higher standards for 

 the execution of works of art, and lead to the formation of an art museum. 



" It would bring together men of letters and promote advancement in 

 every department of language, literature and philosophy. 



" It would also tend to promote the literary and aesthetic culture of the 

 people, and by the quickening, invigorating, and elevating influence it 

 would exert upon all our higher educational institutions, largely contribute 

 to the social progress of the State, and the earlier insure to Wisconsin an 

 advanced position among the most enlightened communities of the world. 



" We further believe that the time has now come, when, with proper ef- 

 fort on the part of those who may be reasonably expected to aid in so im- 

 portant an enterprise, the foundations may be laid for an institution that 

 she ]1 be of great practical utility and a lasting honor to the State." 



