334 PROCEEDINGS OF [1843, 



human intellect, may be exchanged with mutual advantage. In this work of re- 

 ciprocal benefit and deligiit, to the extent, variety, permanence, and frequency of 

 which a limit cannot easily be set, the Institute is calculated particularly to excel. 



All the interests of the country will turn with pride towards a spot which shall 

 identify with each of them the metropolis of the nation. The seat of political 

 duty is necessarily there. Why should not the seat of learning and the arts be 

 there also ? These are benign and pacific influences. Aloof from the exercise of 

 power, this institution will, in unobtrusive perseverance cultivate and encourage 

 them. In the performance of its not ignoble task, it may afford one additional in- 

 centive for confidence m the permanence of a happy union, like that reliance which 

 cheered the latter hours of Washington. The city which bears his name may be 

 distinguished for the promotion of the liberal arts, as well as for the exercise of 

 Irgislative wisdom. 



Nor can the most fervent advocate of rights which were reserved in the forma- 

 tion of the Government, take alarm at the principles on which the Institute is 

 founded. Adhering in letter to the constitution, it lias sought its abiding place on 

 the spot where there is no otlier than federal legislation, a spot which is entitled to 

 its exclusive exercise. The people of this District have no peculiar representation. 

 Their interests, their municipal honor, and their prosperity as a community, are 

 thrown upon the care of the nation. May not the welcome duty be discharged 

 which shall render them a dignified and enlightened society ? This city may be. 

 come a chosen region of the arts — a recipient of the productions of nature from 

 throughout her vast domain — a home for science — a residence for literature — a 

 theatre in which the simplest manners and the least artificial institutions will be 

 found more than compatible with accomplishment in its most varied forms. Tho 

 National Institute will be the ark in which philosophy and the fine arts shall dwell 

 together ; and the genius of liberty shall spread her wings around it, that it may 

 be preserved for ages. 



A charter was granted by act of Congress, approved July 27, 1842, The Insti- 

 tute is thus identified with the nation and its legislature. It is, however, without 

 certain funds or permanent support. Having fully proved its capacity for useful 

 existence, if properly sustained, it will seek for more certain reliance than any 

 which it has heretofore depended on, at the hands of Congress. With a view to 

 this object, and others of less vital character, a meeting of tlio Board of Manage- 

 ment was called at the office of the Secretary of State, who is, ex.officio, a director 

 on the part of the Government. The meeting took place on the 23d of December, 

 and was attended by a considerable number of gentlemen in addition to the official 

 board. The subjoined is a formal minute of the proceedings. 



Board of Management of the National Institute, 



Saturday, December 23, 1843. 



Meeting of the Board of Management of the National Institute, and other gentle- 

 men whose attendance was invited by ike Board, at the Office of the Secretary of 

 State. 



The meeting was organized at the suggestion of the Hon. A. P. Upshur, Secre- 

 tary of State, who moved that the Hon. John Quiucy Adams should take the chair, 

 and that Joseph R. Ingersoll should act as Secretary. 



These appointments being unanimously agreed to, Mr. Francis Markoe, Jr., the 

 Corresponding Secretary of the Society, and one of the members of the Board of 

 Management, at the request of Mr. Upshur, read certain articles of the constitu- 

 tion and by-laws which relate to the Board of Management. 



Tho Hon. C.J. Ingersoll, being invited by tho Hon. Mr. Upshur to state the 

 objects of tho meeting, after certain remarks, moved the following resolutions: 



Resolved, That the Board of Management of the National Institute deem it 

 expedient and proper to memorialize Congress on the subject of tho condition and 

 wanta of tho Institute. 



Resolved, That a committee of five persons be appointed by the Chair to prepare 

 a memorial for thix purpose, to be previously submitted to the Board of Manage- 

 ment for the sanction and signature of its members. 



Resolved, That the memorial be presented to the Senate by the Hon. Mr. Wood, 

 bury, and to the House, by tho Hon. Mr. Adams. 



These resohUionj were unanimoudy adopted. 



