8 ( Assembly 



the repubxican atmosphere of these United States. The emulation 

 which was destined to be excited among the infant manufactories of 

 our country, by a concentrated exhibition of American productions, 

 and the benefits that would flow therefrom, were only appreciated by 

 a few individuals, among whom were the founders of the American Ins- 

 titute. With so little favor, indeed, was it regarded by the public, 

 that a private subscription was resorted to to get up and defray the 

 etpenses of the first fairs. The result of their earliest exhibitions, al- 

 though by no means flattering, were not discouraging, and those sfm- 

 guine gentlemen were determined not to look back, but to press for- 

 ward with renewed energies in the noble work. 



In tracing the Institution from its infancy, it is impossible to avoid 

 the conviction that its success and present high standing are mainly, 

 if' not altogether, attributable to the indefatigable energies and perse- 

 vering exertions of Mr. Wakeman. 



The Trustees cannot permit a person so intimately identified witli 

 the American Institute as was Mr. Wakeman, to pass fiom the field 

 of his labors and iisefulness without this tribute of respect to his mem- 

 ory and worth. 



That the American Institute and its officers should have found ene- 

 inies, and even calumniators and detractors, is not a matter of sur- 

 prise. Such returns are common to all successful efforts of genius 

 and enterprise. They could not, of course, condescend to notice any 

 of the many charges which have been made upon them through some 

 of the public papers. The usual methods of attack were resorted to, 

 stich as vague and indefinite insinuations — mysterious inquiries as to 

 the disposition of the large amount of money received at the annual 

 fairs — pretended discoveries, and promises of disclosures of fraud and 

 peculation, &c., &c. 



Now, if it be not already known to the world, the trustees takfe 

 <his occasion to reiterate the truth, that the American Institute has no 

 secrets, but, on the contrary, particular pains aretaken to give publicity 

 to all their transactions. 



Every member knows, or ought to know, that by a standing rule, 

 before any bill can be paid, the same must be presented to the finance 

 committee, who examine into its correctness, and if found to be cor- 



