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MR. PRESIDENT : I accepted your invitation to be 

 present on this occasion so full of interest to the lovers 

 of science and good learning, and to you especially, the 

 founder and 'curator of this institution, with a firm con- 

 viction that in all this assembly I should be allowed to 

 enjoy an "evening at home, "and to listen to the remarks 

 of the distinguished gentlemen from abroad who have 

 come here to honor us by their presence and to encourage 

 and edify us by their words. It was not until I was ap- 

 proached by the now existing president and toast-master 

 of this occasion, with the question : -"What shall I set 

 you off with this evening" (as if I were ready to be set off 

 at any time and on any notice), that I realized that I 

 should have any part to perform here. I am reluctant 

 even now to respond ; but I suppose a double presidency 

 must be obeyed, especially in an institution where the 

 voice of a single leader and presiding officer has always 

 been considered supreme. And so I follow the example 

 set me and endeavor to obey also. 



As a citizen of Salem, I feel under great obligations to 

 you and your associates for furnishing us with this oppor- 

 tunity to learn how worthy of all admiration our commu- 

 nity is. The achievements of Salem in time past have 

 not been forgotten by the gentlemen who have preceded 

 me. They have not forgotten the efforts made by our 

 ancestors to contribute their share to the independence, 

 prosperity, intelligence and elevation of the nation of 

 which we form a part. It is pleasant to be reminded of 

 this, and to realize from the testimony of those who have 

 no personal interest in, and attachment to, this spot, how 

 worthy of all admiration is that record of past service, 

 which the Essex Institute is gathering together and. pre- 

 serving with so much industry and care. I am gratified 

 to know that Salem is considerable of a place after all. 



