PROCEEDINGS OF THE INSTITUTE. 



ADDRESS OF THE PRESIDENT. 



The first meeting of the Institute after the annual election in 

 February, was held on the first day of March. The president 

 elect, General William Hall, on assuming the duties of the office, 

 addressed the members as follows : 



On taking my seat for the first time as your presiding officer, 

 it may not be improper that I should offi^r a few remarks. 



The American Institute was incorporated for the purpose of 

 encouraging and promoting domestic industry in this State and 

 the United States, in agriculture, commerce, manufactures and 

 the arts, and any improvements made therein, by bestowing 

 rewards and other benefits on those who shall make any such 

 improvements, or excel in any of said branches. 



A purpose which identifies itself so closely with the best inte- 

 rests and prosperity of our country, is worthy the earnest con- 

 sideration and co-operation of every good citizen. 



In any plans or suggestions I may ofier, either at this time or 

 during the course of my official career, I trust that those who 

 cannot conscientiously concur will, at least, do me the justice to 

 believe that my sole purpose is to carry out, in the best manner, 

 the design of our charter, organized in February, 1828. The 

 American Institute has now been in existence over thirty-two 

 years, and is the parent institution of the kind in America, and 

 not only for its age but for its general success it is justly looked 

 up to and regarded as a model in the commercial metropolis of 

 the country, the great centre of wealth, and where every depart- 

 ment of science and industry must centre and claim its rewards ; 

 such an institution is almost a necessity, and if conducted, in its 

 various departments, by competent and skillful men, who, with- 

 out expectation of pecuniary gain, will dare to speak and act 

 the truth and give to merit" and genius its just reward, its salu- 

 tary influences will be felt throughout the length and breadth of 



