LETTERS ON PROGRAMME OF ORGANIZATION. 975 



In common witli many others, I presume, I had indulged 

 some apprehensions on the subject of the ??io(/e in which the 

 intentions and purposes of the testator could and would be 

 carried out by the trustee. These apprehensions were not 

 diminished, on reading the reports of the widely different 

 views and plans which seemed not merely to divide but to 

 distract Congress while the subject was under discussion. 

 They were, however, greatly removed by a sight of the 

 programme. 



Those portions of the plan which seem to result directly 

 from the will of the testator, by the action of yourself and 

 Board of Regents, have a character conformable to the de- 

 signs of the testator, and much more of symmetry, than the 

 novel character which the Institution was to bear, warran- 

 ted the hope of realizing so early in its history. I re-read 

 the whole with the special purpose of raising objections and 

 finding occasion to make suggestions, but I freely confess I 

 do not see wherein the portion referred to, could be im- 

 proved, especially as the details are conditioned on their 

 practical and successful character when tested by experience. 

 Neither am I prepared to condemn the appropriation of the 

 means of the Institution by the positive enactments of Con- 

 gress to the formation of a library — especially the kind of 

 library contemplated. But with regard to cabinets, &c., I 

 do not so clearly see in what it will ultimate. More is, 

 however, to be feared from a disposition to modify and 

 change, under the pretence of improving the plan, by the 

 numerous sages who, as members of Congress, will become 

 its guardian s-in-law. 



My hopes of its success and utility are strong while under 

 its present direction, if untrammelled by new restrictions 

 and left free to act. On the whole, the country and the 

 friends of science may well congratulate themselves upon 

 the prospects of the Institution, and especially (allow me to 

 say it in all sincerity) upon the choice of the individual se- 

 lected to direct and superintend its interests, with regard to 

 whom public sentiment is unanimous so far as I have heard 

 an expression of opinion. 



From James Curley. 



Georgetown College, 

 District op Columbia, December 5, 1848. 

 We shall give our opinion as soon as possible of the ad- 

 mirable plan you have formed for the organization of the 

 institution. 



