474 [Assembly 



partment of genius and learning, and spread the glory of the republic 

 to the extremity of the universe. 



We stop here to make no encomium on the achievements of her 

 gallant sons, vi^ho have fallen in the service of their country, or who 

 now proudly bear aloft the eagle in the tented field, carrying fear 

 and consternation into the enemy's camp, for they are beyond our 

 feeble powers of panegyric; but we would be unworthy the age in 

 which we live, should we not endeavor to trace, though at a dis- 

 ^ tance, her victorious foot-steps in fashioning the man, that can in- 

 vestigate causes, has capacity to follow the consquences, and unfold 

 the energy of principles. In a word, that practical ability and 

 masculine sense, that can plan and execute stupendous works. Such 

 as divert rivers from their courses, link lakes with oceans, perforate 

 mountains, throw wide arches over broad and deep streams, open the 

 avenues of trade to distant regions by easy and rapid communications, 

 train wind and wave to the car of industry, and make city talk with 

 city at the speed of sunbeams. 



Here all mental training is divested, as much as may be, of ab- 

 stractions. Every thing is demonstrative, practical, and experimental. 

 The monk has left his cell and comes forth all armed and equipped 

 for action. The theodolite, sextant, and telescope, are in his hands 

 as familiar and effective as the keen sabre within the grasp of a 

 veteran warrior. No faltering, no groping in the dark, the way is 

 clear and his vision is cloudless. 



The whole secret of this plan of education is that the young man 

 knows, and can act well what he knows. 



Such a system of public instruction, divested of all the circum- 

 stances of glorious war, I should like to see transplanted to your 

 commercial emporium, for the benefit of the great. industrial classes, 

 but mainly for the propagation of sound theoretical and practical 

 agricultural learning; which will contribute so much to second the 

 efforts of this munificent Institute, and likewise yield a great plea- 

 sure to that community which derive from the earth the most valua- 

 ble organic productions, and at least its crowning labor, in ripening 

 public opinion to countenance and foster this useful and patriotic 

 undertaking. 



For the majority of the inhabitants of this State follow the most 

 ancient employments, and in all human probability this art must hold 

 an ascendancy over every other pursuit. 



