and interests, to make their voice heard in suppoit of this proposed 

 public-spirited legislation. 



I shall watch the progress of these two bills with great interest and 

 anxiety, and trust that we may have in due course of time the great 

 satisfaction of hailing their passage through both Houses, and en- 

 joying the excellent effects likely to ensue upon their execution. 



I have thus, gentlemen, complied so far with the promise I made 

 through your columns the 6th of December last, by discussing in a 

 hasty manner the interesting topics which presented themselves to 

 my mind as matters of public concern. For the kind indulgence 

 with which you have so long given me no small space in your 

 crowded journal, you have my warmest thanks. That indulgence 

 I will have to claim for some numbers more, deeming it important 

 that I should enter upon the examination of certain other topics of 

 much moment to the people of this Republic, and to this commu- 

 nity in particular. 



I have, therefore, in compliance with the engagement I entered 

 into with my readers, given a sketch of the rise and progress of the 

 National Institute. I have endeavored to show that its birth was 

 auspicious, its motives and ends pure and practicable, its operations 

 of general benefit. I have strived to prove that, being purely 

 National and American, the Institute had a claim on the notice and 

 patronage of Government and the people ; that it has received the 

 approbation of some of the first men at home and abroad, and that 

 it contains within itself all the elements of usefulness if fostered 

 and allowed a theatre for their operation. I have brought the best 

 evidence of the present precarious and needy state of that Institu- 

 tion, and indicated a feasible and easy way of giving the assistance 

 it so imperiously requires and so richly deserves. I have written 

 on the subject of the Smithsonian Bequest, given its history and its 

 present discreditable and neglected condition. The opinions of 

 distinguished men have been cited to show that this neglect of a 

 solemn duty on the part of the great trustee, our National Legisla- 

 ture, is a reproach to the country, and a stain that should be wiped 

 off without delay. I have referred those whose duty it is to do 

 something in the matter to Rush, Adams, Wayiand, Preston, &c., 

 for the mode of carrying out the will of the testator, and ventured 

 upon sundry suggestions of my own, which can be seen by refe- 

 rence to my letters. I have endeavored to draw the attention of 



