28 
“ The last section, that of Literature and the Fine Arts, cannot be treated worth¬ 
ily without exceeding very much the limits of this discourse. The importance 
of cultivating and using our utmost efforts to improve the literature of our coun¬ 
try, must be apparent to all. It is the vehicle of science, and upon its character 
the dignity and reputation of a nation depend. It exercises a controlling influence 
on the public liberties. The patriotic citizen who would, in the forum, or through 
the press, warn his fellow-citizens of impending danger, or enlighten them on their 
interests—who would dissipate ignorance, correct error, or reform abuse—must 
borrow the tones and wield the energies of literature. Our freedom reposes on 
the guarantee of our political institutions; and who can wrest them from our pos¬ 
terity, with a competent literature to inculcate and vindicate its doctrines and 
principles, and to proclaim its rights I” 
* * * * * 
“ Here , the people reign—all power is centred in them; and if we would have 
them not only maintain their ascendency, but use their power discreetly, no expense 
or pains should be spared to inspire them with a love of literature, and a taste for 
the fine arts. To effect this, the effort must be made here. It must originate at 
the seat of Government, and spread from this place over the populous plains and 
fertile valleys of the land.” 
******* 
“In a free country, literature may and will flourish by the well-directed efforts 
of individuals; but the arts require the protecting hand of Government.” 
* * * * * * , , * 
“ In our favored land, they would commemorate the heroic deeds of our forefathers 
their achievements and sacrifices in the cause of independence, their deep de¬ 
votion to the freedom of their country. To a certain extent, this has been effected 
by the liberality of Government; statues have been erected, paintings executed, 
and medals struck by orders of Congress. Copies of such pictures, statues, and 
medals, should be spread far and wide over the land, that they may penetrate into 
every hamlet, and inspire the people universally with gratitude and emulation. 
From the advancement of the fine arts, we may promise ourselves great improve¬ 
ments in the architecture of our private and public buildings; in the former, a bet¬ 
ter adaptation of the arrangements to the comforts and conveniences of life; in the 
latter, more suitable forms and arrangements for the purposes of business.” 
******* 
“A collection of models and paintings at Washington could not fa iUo be highly 
useful. It would aid the cultivation of the art of design, which cannot be too 
strongly recommended. It multiplies the resources and enjoyments of the profes¬ 
sional man, and is an essential accomplishment to the architect, the machinist, the 
artizan, and the mechanic. It ought to be taught in our common schools; and every 
mechanic should be able to sketch with accuracy his own plans, and to copy those 
of others, so as to be able to profit by every improvement that comes under his ob¬ 
servation.” 
* * * * * * * 
