ADDRESS DELIVERED 



During the 19th Annual Fair of the American Institute, 

 held at Castle Garden. 



By the Hon. George Folsom. 



Mr. President, and Ladies and Gentlemen: 



It affords me unmingled gratification to respond to the call of 

 the Directors of the American Institute, by offering a few remarks 

 on this interesting occasion. 



The objects of this association are such as appeal strongly and 

 deeply to every American heart. Truly national in their character, 

 affecting to a greater or less extent the pursuits, th'e interests, the 

 happiness and welfare of millions of our fellow citizens. Patriotism 

 itself demands their encouragement, and awards the meed of honor- 

 able renown to those whose philanthropic labors are devoted to the 

 promotion of these noble objects. I should deem myself recreant 

 to the love I bear my native land, false to the warmest and holiest 

 impulses of my heart, were I to be backward in a cause that in- 

 volves the prosperity of all the great interests of our common coun- 

 try, the great cause of American industry. Whatever promotes this 

 contributes to the welfare of multitudes of our countrymen of the 

 present and future generations. Our children's children will expe- 

 rience its benefits; and the future exile who has not yet left the 

 desolate shore of the old world, but is destined hereafter to find 

 amongst us a refuge and a home, will come in for a grateful share 

 of the guerdon that springs from the progress of industrial improve- 

 ment. The rapid strides made of late years in the application of 

 the useful arts to the wants of mankind, as seen in the more advanced 

 stages of civilization and refinement, maybe traced to the more per- 

 fect knowledge of the laws of the material world, acquired by men 



