28 



" The lastsection, that of Literature and the Fine Arts, cannot be treated worth- 

 ily without exceeding very much the limits of this discourBS. The importance 

 of cultivating and using our utmost efforts to improve the literature of our coun- 

 try, must be apparent to all. It is the vehicle of science, and upon its character 

 the dignity and reputation of a nation depend. It exercises a controlling influence 

 on the public liberties. The patriotic citizen who would, in the forum, or through 

 the press, warn his fellow-citizens of impending danger, or enlighten them on their 

 interests — who would dissipate ignorance, correct error, or reform abuse — must 

 borrow the tones and wield the energies of literature. Our freedom reposes on 

 the guarantee of our political institutions ; and who can wrest them from our pos- 

 terity, with a competent literature to inculcate and vindicate its doctrines and 



principles; and to proclaim its rights V ^ 



• • • • • 



" Here, the people reign — all power is centred in them ; and if we would have 

 them not only maintain their ascendency, but use their power discreetly, no expense 

 or pains should be spared to inspire them with a love of literature, and a taste for 

 the tine arts. To effect this, the effort must be made here. It must originate at 

 the seat of Government, and spread from this place over the populous plains and 

 fertile valleys of the land." 



"In a free country, literature may and will flourish by the well-directed efforts 



of individuals ; but the arts require the protecting hand of Government." 



t » , » » » » » 



" In our favored land, they would commemoraJe the heroic deeds of our forefathers 

 their achievements and sacrifices in the cause of independence, their deep de- 

 votion to the freedom of their country. To a certain extent, this has been effected 

 by the liberality of Government ; statues have been erected, paintings executed, 

 and medals slruck by orders of Congress. Copies of such pictures, statues, and 

 medals, shuuid bo spread far and wide over the land, that they may penetrate into 

 every hamlet, an<l inspire the people universally with gratitude and emulation. 

 From the advancement of the fine arts, we may promise ourselves great improve- 

 ments in the architecture of our private and public buildings; in the former, a bet- 

 ter adaptation of the arrangements to the comfort^ and conveniences of life ; in the 



latter, more suitable forms and arrangements for the purposes of business." 



• •**••• 



" A collection of models and paintings at Washington could not fail to he highly 

 useful. It would aid the cultivation of the art of design, which cannot be too 

 strongly recommended. It multiplies the resources and enjoyments of the profes- 

 sianal man, and is an essential accomplishment to the architect, ihc machinist, the 

 arlizan, and the mechanic. It ought to be taught in our common schools; and every 

 mechanic should te able to sketch with accuracy his own plans, and to copy those 

 of others, so as to be able to profit by every improvement that comc.« under his ob- 

 servation." 



