340 Mc))ioriaI of George Broivn Goode. 



])equealhiiig them, insensible of its value, and ignorant of the means by which it can 

 be preserved. It will seem as if we had labored in vain, if we leave our work but 

 half accomplished. And surely the task of preserving liberty, if not as bold, is at 

 least as difficult, as that of acquiring it. 



To acquire libert}', comparatively speaking, is the work of few ; to preserve it is the 

 sober and watchful business of all. In the finst operation, a group of well-informed, 

 enthusiastic, and patriotic leaders, step forward to the field of danger, impress their 

 own energy on the miiltitude of followers; who cannot go wrong, because the object 

 is palpable, and clearly understood ; bvit in the second, the impetuosity of enthusiasm 

 is no longer the weapon to be used; the mass of the people are masters; they nmst 

 be instructed in their work; and they may jvistly say, that when their leaders taught 

 them how to gain their liberty, the}' contracted the obligation to teach them how to 

 use it. 



3. The Institution, though established on the broad foundation we here propose, 

 will begin upon a small scale; no larger than its means will render convenient. And 

 the magnitude of the perspective will not discourage its infant exertions, but rather 

 increase them. Its expenditures will not be greater at the beginning than they 

 would be if it were always to be confined to the narrow compass in which it will 

 move at first. It will immediately open a few schools at Washington, where they are 

 nuTch wanted. It may soon begin to receive donations for this and other objects; 

 and by its correspondence, it will be learning the wants of the different districts of the 

 United States, and directing its enquiries how to supply them. 



4. It is believed that several men of science, without anj' compensation, but the 

 pleasure of being useful, may be engaged to give courses of lectures during the next 

 winter, on some of the higher branches of knowledge; such as chemistr}', mathemat- 

 ics, natural and moral philosophy, political economy, medicine, and jurisprudence: 

 that it may no longer be said of the capital of the United vStates, that it offers no 

 attractions as a winter residence to strangers or citizens ; no amusements but such as 

 are monotonous, and unimproving ; nothing to variegate the scene and enliven the 

 labors of those whom the confidence of their country has called to this place, to man- 

 age her great concerns. A few courses of lectures on these subjects, announced in 

 the pu1)lic papers, to be delivered next winter, would draw to this place many young 

 men from the different states; who, being at a loss for the means of finishing their 

 education, are often driven to Europe for that purpose. This would be a beginning 

 for the university, and lead to its interior organisation. It would help to bring the 

 Institution into notice, be the means of augmenting its endowments, and enable the 

 trustees to devise measures for some of their buildings. 



5. It ought not to be forgotten that a central Institution of this kind in the 

 United States would not only remove the disadvantages that our young men now 

 experience, in being obliged to obtain a European education; but it would federalize, 

 as well as republicanise their education at home. Coming together from all parts of 

 the union, at an age, when impressions on the mind are not easily effaced, the bent 

 of intellect will attain a similarity in all, diversified onl)^ by what nature had done 

 before; their moral characters would be cast in a kindred mould; they would form 

 friendships, which their subsequent pursuits in life would never destroy. This 

 would greatly tend to strengthen the political union of the states, a union which, 

 though founded on permanent interest, can only be supported by a permanent sense 

 of that interest. In addition to the other advantages of study, we ought to notice 

 the great political school that will be open to the student, diiring the sessions of Con- 

 gress; the school of jurisprudence in the federal courts; the constant examples of 

 enlarged ideas, and paternal solicitude for the national welfare, which he will see in 

 the several departments of the executive government. 



When the men, who shall have finished their education in this central seat, shall 

 return to it in maturer life, clothed with the confidence of their fellow citizens, to 

 assist in the councils of the nation, the scene will enliven the liberal impressions of 



