THE FIRST HALF CENTURY OF THE INSTITUTE. 45 



ligation, which they encourage by bringing students in 

 contact with objects to be studied, thus creating the 

 object-lesson system, but our higher institutions of learn- 

 ing are now adopting that method in teaching how to 

 pursue special investigations, which perhaps were first 

 suggested by laboratory work in Institutes like yours. 



After seeing the great value of the library and collec- 

 tions you possess, which show the richness of the field 

 from which it has been drawn, that in early colonial times 

 was hardly second to any part of the seaboard of Massa- 

 chusetts and left the interior of the state entirely behind, 

 it cannot be doubted that the same protecting care of 

 interested co-laborers that has provided these collections 

 will secure ample quarters for future development. 



The President then presented Rev. George Batchelor 

 of the Christian Register, as once of Salem, and the writer 

 of one of the best chapters of condensed Salem history 

 that has ever been printed. 



Response of Rev. George Batchelor. 

 Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen : 



I recognize the fact that not one-half of the gentlemen 

 upon this platform have yet spoken, and I know they 

 are all prepared to say something in honor of the Essex 

 Institute. There is only time, therefore, for me to bring 

 you my greeting and congratulation. 



In regard to that historical sketch to which you have 

 so kindly referred, I said to a friend this morning that I 

 considered it my foremost literary achievement. It gave 

 me great pleasure to be asked by the sons of Salem to 

 contribute such an important chapter to the history of 

 this ancient town. I regarded it as an act giving me the 

 freedom of the city and making me an adopted son of 

 Salem. You do not allow strangers to deal with your 



