TWENTY-NINTH CONGRESS, 1845-47. 42D 



was of a much more practical nature than that contemplated 

 either by the gentleman from Vermont, [Mr. Marsh,] or hy 

 the originators of the bill before the House. Mr. Smithson 

 was a practical man ; and although endowed with the high- 

 est learning, he 3'et condescended to devote his time to a 

 subject of the most domestic and homely character. If his 

 intention had been to establish a university, or a magnifi- 

 cent library, and thus to have his name transmitted to pos- 

 terity, it would have been easy for him to have said so, and 

 nothing would have been left to this country but to carry 

 out his enlightened and liberal intentions. But he had no 

 doubt studied the peculiar character of the American peo- 

 ple, and discovered, that whilst they entertained a proper 

 respect for the learning and genius of the German universi- 

 ties, of the sciences taught in the universities of Europe, 

 still there was something in the common sense and practical 

 knowledge of that people which comported with his notions ; 

 and he desired that this money should be devoted to some 

 plan of diffusing practical and useful knowledge amongst 

 them. 



Mr. Morse referring to some portions of the argument of 

 Mr. Marsh, inquired what there was in the learning and 

 science of Europe comparable to the discovery of the steam 

 engine by an American, or of the cotton-gin, or of the 

 magnetic telegraph ? All our inventions had a tendency to 

 improve the condition of the human race, and particularly 

 of the common people; and it was no doubt under a just 

 and proper appreciation of that cliaracter, that the testator 

 left his money to be applied to such objects. Did he intend 

 to establish a universit}^ ? No. Did he intend to establish 

 a magnificent library ? No. He knew that the world was 

 full of musty compilations, of the productions of learned 

 authors, to be wondered at more for their extent than for 

 their usefulness. He (Mr. M.) was not among the number 

 of those who wished to depreciate the learning treasured 

 up for ages past by the book-makers and book-collectors of 

 all nations ; but he proposed to offer to the consideration of 

 the committee a substitute, which, he thought, would re- 

 move some of the constitutional objections raised against 

 the bill, and which would, in his judgment, meet the inten- 

 tion of the donor. 



He did not wish, however, to interfere with the progress 

 of this bill. He concurred in the opinion which had been 

 expressed, that it was a crime, a burning sin, that this 

 nation should have held this money for ten years, in viola- 

 tion of a solemn trust, and in violation of the solemn obli- 



