4 Anniversary Address. 



of interest which the Government now evidently takes in 

 its progress and success. I rejoice to see so many 

 members of the Government present. Occupying the po- 

 sition that I now do, it is of very little consequence to me 

 who is in and who is out of power, although, notwithstand- 

 ing that I am debarred from interfering with political matters, 

 I cannot, as a citizen, exclude myself from taking some de- 

 gree of interest in the actions of those who are in power ; 

 and I hail, as a good omen, the fact of so many of my ho- 

 norable friends supporting this Institute by their presence 

 this evening ; and I trust that they will be prepared to support 

 it, if necessary, by other and more substantial proofs of their 

 regard. Not that I wish for State aid to an institution of 

 this kind. On the contrary, I would wish to see the volun- 

 tary principle applied to it, although I would not for other 

 things. I would fain see science with some recognised habi- 

 tation — where scientific men could meet together and exercise 

 some influence on society, because, as it is, the world, I fear, 

 is too apt to look upon the Institute as a wanderer upon 

 the face of the earth, who has no known habitation; and, 

 perhaps, it may be necessary to trouble the friends of the In- 

 stitute, in order to establish it. So far, and no farther, would 

 I wish to see a demand made upon the public purse. If the 

 Legislature of this country chooses to place funds at the dis- 

 posal of the society, it will, I have no doubt, expend them 

 judiciously and honestly. What we want, are persons with 

 a helping and a lending hand. This is required in the old 

 country, and how much more is it needed here. I do not 

 know the reason why, but, perhaps, it originates in the 

 matter-of-fact disposition which is our main characteristic, 

 Art, instead of following, precedes science. Observe, for 

 example, the Exhibition, and look at art as compared with 

 merely scientific institutions — the one is regarded as a subject 



