.j. Anniversary Address. 



tralia steps in the series of mighty nations ? Might not the 

 telegraph — a talisman of commerce and philanthropy,, a 

 triumph of the genius of science — extend its girdle almost 

 around the globe, and bring, at lightning's speed, this country 

 in close communion with the remotest portions of the earth ? 

 But why, you ask, whilst we are assembled to inaugurate re- 

 newed labors, do I advert to questions apparently so far re- 

 mote ? Because we constitute part of a rising nation, be- 

 cause we see before us, in its grandest bearing, the destined 

 future of Australia — because we are in part intrusted with the 

 direction of new enterprises, which will, we hope, disclose 

 what yet remains mysterious of the interior, will aid in open- 

 ing the resources of the country to thousands of our fellow- 

 men, and will facihtate, immeasurably, the commerce of the 

 world'. Then we are called to share in other labors tending 

 to advance our social position, to smooth, with helping hand, 

 the way by which science, ever beneficial, may exercise 

 amongst us the power of its influence. Are we not expected 

 also to raise this Institution to the standard of others in 

 the mother-countries — to keep pace with those rapid strides 

 made in the path of progress everywhere ? Shall we not 

 likewise aim at that improvement, that perfection, by which, 

 whilst missing yet less the country of our childhood, we may 

 render the land of our adoption more home-like still, and may 

 retain for it its wealth. Keturning once more to the bygone 

 days of the Institute, I do not wish to speak in praise of any 

 of our friends here present, although so many justly claim 

 our acknowledgment for services rendered to the common 

 cause ; but 1 cannot omit to pay to those now widely sepa- 

 rated from us that tribute of remembrance due to them at 

 this festival. One of our honorary members, Captain Cadell, 

 who ranks as the principal promoter of Australian inland 

 traffic, has lately added laurels to his fame by his successful 

 opening of the Darling navigation, thus bringing Mount 



