LETTERS ON PROGRAMME OF ORGANIZATION. 965 



■way confounded with each 'other (inasmuch as it often happens that know- 

 ledge is diffused by the same act which increases it) are -nevertheless logi- 

 cally distinct, and require to be separately regarded. No particular kind 

 of knowledge is specified by the founder as entitled to the preference ; all 

 branches are entitled to a share of attention ; and the order and degree in 

 which they are cultivated must be decided by a wise regard to means and 

 circumstances. Knowledge may be increased by various modes of encour- 

 aging and facilitating the discovery of new truths ; it is diffused chiefly, 

 though not exclusively, through the instrumentality of the press. The 

 organization should be such as to produce results not within the province 

 of the existing institutions of the country. It was, for instance, evidently 

 not the design of the liberal founder to establish a collegiate institution, or 

 a place of education ; nor would it be wise to appropriate his bequest for 

 such an object, already sufficiently attained by the ordinary resources of 

 public and private liberality. Considering the novelty of the undertaking, 

 it would be manifestly unwise to stake too much on the success of the first 

 efforts. The organization should be such as to admit of changes and modi- 

 fications under the light of experience. As several years have elapsed since 

 the fund came into the possession of the United States, it seems no more 

 than equitable that a considerable portion of the accruing interest should 

 be added to the principal, to make up for the loss of time. The committee 

 consider this suggestion as perfectly reasonable, and trust it will receive 

 the favorable con^ideration of Congress. Liberal as is the original bequest, 

 the sum is but small compared with the great objects to be accomplished. 

 This consideration suggests the absolute necessity of economy in any outlay 

 on buildings and fixtures ; in reference to which a prudent regard must be 

 had, not merely to the first cost, but to the future expense of repairs, and 

 the support of the establishment. Great care must be taken not to multiply 

 the number of persons to be permanently supported by the Institution. A 

 clear and settled idea of its organization and mode of operation must pre- 

 cede the adoption of a plan of building, lest, after the completion of a costly 

 edifice, it should be found nearly or quite useless ; or worse even than use- 

 less, by forcing a character upon the Institution which would not otherwise 

 have been given it. All view to mere local arrangement or advantage 

 should be discarded at the outset, in the management of a trust created for 

 the benefit of mankind. 



Such, very slightly expanded in a few of the propositions, are the general 

 considerations proposed by Professor Henry as guides in adopting a plan of 

 organization. They command the entire assent of the committee ; and 

 none of them more so than those which refer to the necessity of strict econ- 

 omy in the expenditure of the fund on a building, and exclusion of undue 

 regard to local ornament. It would not be difficult to point to a memorable 

 instance, in a sister city of the Union, in which the most munificent bequest 

 ever made for the purpose of education has been rendered comparatively 

 unavailing, by the total disregard of these wise principles. It is an addi- 

 tional reason for observing them, that the attempt to erect a highly impos- 

 ing building for local ornament will not only crush in the bud all hope of 

 fuFfiUing the ulterior objects of the bequest, but will be almost sure to fail 

 of a satisfactory result as far as the edifice itself is concerned. 



The Secretary's plan of organization in reference to the increase of knowl- 

 edge is so accurately digested and so thoroughly condensed, that the com- 

 mittee think it would be best to quote his own words : — 



" To INCREASE Knowledge, it is proposed, 



"1. To stimulate men of talent to make original researches, by offering 

 suitable rewards for memoirs containing new truths ; and, 



"2. To appropriate annually a portion of the income for particular re- 

 searches under the direction of suitable persons." 



These methods of increasing knowledge are farther unfolded in the follow- 

 ing " Detail of the Plan " for that purpose. 



" I. By stimulating researches. 



