TWENTY-NINTH CONGRESS, 1845-1847. 363 



I proceed to notice more particularly the general characteristics 

 of the plan. I pass over the organization of the Institution as a cor- 

 poration, not regarding that as a matter of any importance. As this 

 feature is opposed, I am very willing to see it altered. I approve the 

 elasticity and freedom of action, very wisely conferred upon an insti- 

 tution, new and untried in its application to the great objects in view. 

 Very considerable latitude of control as to the means to be used is 

 given to the board of managers, and the ends to be aimed at are 

 described in comprehensive terms. But the most ample guaranty for 

 the wise and faithful use of this discretionary power is obtained in the 

 fact that the board will consist of the Vice-President of the United 

 States, the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, three Senators, three 

 members of the House, and six others to be chosen by joint resolution 

 of the two Houses, who are required to submit to Congress annual 

 reports of the operations, expenditures, and condition of the Institu- 

 tion. In addition to all this there is reserved the power to alter and 

 amend the charter, as the results of experience may render necessary 

 or expedient. All these provisions seem to be wise, and make it almost 

 impossible that any abuse or misapplication of the fund can ever take 

 place. 



The sixth section of the bill provides for a "professor of agriculture, 

 horticulture, and rural economy," giving him power to employ such 

 laborers and assistants as may be necessary "to cultivate the ground 

 and maintain a botanical garden" "to make experiments of general 

 utility throughout the United States" "to determine the utility of 

 new modes and instruments of culture, and to determine whether new 

 fruits, plants, and vegetables may be cultivated to advantage in the 

 United States." These provisions comprehend all which relates to the 

 great agricultural interest. No one, I presume, will question the prob- 

 able usefulness of these provisions to aid and benefit by far the largest 

 number of our citizens who employ the greatest amount of capital, 

 and whose productions are the very basis of our prosperitj^, wealth, 

 and happiness. I regret, sir, that in connection with this arrangement 

 there is no express provision for a professor of chemistry; but as a 

 chemical laboratory is provided for, and as the professors are required 

 to be of the most useful sciences and arts, I presume this professor- 

 ship would be considered first in importance, and would by no possi- 

 bility be omitted. 



In some parts of the country it is not unusual to hear objections 

 against the application of science to agriculture. I have heard it 

 questioned even here whether experiments and investigations con- 

 ducted in Washington City can be of any use in other latitudes, soils, 

 and climates throughout our extended country. I maintain, sir, that 

 science in agriculture is practicable, and that its cultivation even here 

 at the seat of government may be made to contribute most important 

 benefits to all parts of the Union; for, let it be remembered, science 



