

^04 PROPOSED APPLICATIONS OF SMITHSON's BEQUEST. 



offered, perfect specimens of every production of Nature, 

 and intelligible models of all the useful implements or ap- 

 paratus contrived by tbe ingenuity of Art, which specimens 

 and models should be arranged and preserved expressly for 

 the public instruction. I believe that such an establishment, 

 properly conducted, and of ready access to all who desire 

 to profit by it, would contribute more towards "the increase- 

 and diffusion of knowledge among men" than an other in- 

 stitution which could be devised; and the means being thus 

 provided by the free gift of a generous stranger, I do not 

 perceive how any constitutional phantom could be conjured 

 up to thwart the design by the most transcendental " Ab- 

 stractionist" that ever emanated from the "Ancient Do- 

 minion." 



Being relieved from such obstacles which, though origi- 

 nating in the imagination, are by no means imaginary, as all 

 will admit who have had any experience in national legisla- 

 tion our proposed institution would be enabled to com- 

 mence its career under the happiest auspices. Being the 

 common property of all, presenting nothing but attractions 

 and involving no sinister interests, it would conciliate tin- 

 affections and speedily become the petted favorite of the 

 whole people. Unlike some of our ill-favored and mis- 

 chievous political pets, it would stir up no unseemly jealousies 

 and strifes, but would present a charming neutral ground, 

 where all generous spirits could meet in harmony and good 

 humor, and find a temporary refuge from the eternal bicker- 

 ings of Party. 



What a gratifying spectacle to see an institution such as 

 may now be established, devoted to the pure purposes of in- 

 tellectual improvement, uniting all hearts in its support, and 

 impartially diffusing its benign influences throughout the 

 length and breadth of this mighty Republic ! And why 

 should we not have such an establishment? Nearly every 

 crowned head in the civilized world has taken care to found 

 such noble institutions, and to render them the delight of 

 his subjects and the ornaments of his realm. Like the floral 

 beauties which cluster upon the walls of some antiquated 

 castles, they serve at once to disguise and decorate the un- 

 couth structures which sustain them. Why, then, should 

 not the classic pillars of Our Republican fabric be wreathed 

 with the chaplets of Science and festooned with the gar- 

 lands of Taste? Are the vassals of every despotism entitled 

 to the gratifications to be derived from the means of knowl- 

 edge and the congregated beauties of Nature, and are the 

 free citizens of a Republic alone to be excluded from such 



