18 Doc. No, 11, 



as ought to be adopted, out of a regard to our reputation and to our present 

 wants and futuie prospects. What have we done, as yet, to enrich 

 and improve our own tongue ? Besides, when we consider that the 

 English lan«;uage imbodies, perhaps, richer treasures of science and 

 literature than any other, and when v.e consider that it is spoken by 

 two of the most commercial, enterprising, and powerful nations upon the 

 egi th — nations which are doing more than, any other tvvo that can be na- 

 med, in forming colonies, and in diffusing knowledge and the light of Chris- 

 tianity — how powerful is the motive to cultivate and carry it to the high- 

 est state of refinement and power. 



With regard to buildings, it may he remarked that it would be wisest 

 to erect no more than are necessary for the library, the apparatus, a 

 cabinet of minerals, collection of Uiodels, specimens, curiosities, &e., 

 for the accommodation of the professors, when lecturing or engaged in 

 their investigations. The scholars, instead of eating in common, might be 

 accommodated in private boarding-houses. If this course be pursued, 

 the interest which has accrued and which will accrue on the bequest, be- 

 fore the institution can be organized, will probably be sufficient to erect, 

 all the necessary buildings, and leave a handsome sum to be expended 

 upon a library, apparatus, &c-, so that the whole of the original dona- 

 tion may be invested for a permanent fund. 



It will be of vital moment that the professors and students should be 

 rich in the external means of knowledge — an extensive and \yell-chcsen 

 library, instruments, apparatus, models^, specimens, &c. Especially would 

 I recommend that there should be an astronomical observatory connect 

 ed with the institution. The expense of this would not be very gre^,, 

 and the Government are already in possession of many of the requisite 

 instruments. By such means, a meridian may be established, not only 

 for our own country, but for the western continent. To this all our na- 

 tional surveys, our charts. Sic. may be referred. Astronomical observa- 

 tions might'be made, for whicn our position and climate offer peculiar 

 advantages. There is now no observatory worth naming in this part 

 of the world. Let, then, the American Government now build one, and 

 it will not only be an honor to the nation, but it will be a powerful reason 

 for giving permanency to the present seat of Government. 



It may not be thought best to employ any artificial means for stimulants 

 to rivalship, and to seek for literary honors. Congress will always have 

 the right of visitation, and they can, if they please, direct the comriiittee 

 whom they may appoint to attend the stated examinations of the various 

 classes, to award medals, or some other mark of distinction, to those schol- 

 ars who shall give the best proof of proficiency, or the ablest essays on ap- 

 pointed subjects. But it should be remembered that the community at large 

 constitute, in fact, the most efficient board of overseers, and that that insti* 

 tution will be the most honored and frequented, which sends forth the best 

 prepared and the most faithful agents to meet the wants of their country. 



I have the honor, sir, to be yours, with sentiments of great respecf 

 and esteem, 



S. CHAPIN 



To Martin Van Buren, 



President of the United States. 



