334 
PROCEEDINGS OF 
[1843. 
human intellect, may be exchanged with mutual advantage. In this work of re¬ 
ciprocal benefit and delight, to the extent, variety, permanence, and frequency of 
which a limit cannot easily be set, the Institute is calculated particularly to excel. 
All the interests of the country will turn with pride towards a spot which shall 
identify with each of them the metropolis of the nation. The seat of political 
duty is necessarily there. Why should not the seat of learning and the arts be 
there also? These are benign and pacific influences. Aloof from the exercise of 
power, this institution will, in unobtrusive perseverance cultivate and encourage 
them. In the performance of its not ignoble task, it may afford one additional in¬ 
centive for confidence in the permanence of a happy union, like that reliance which 
cheered the latter hours of Washington. The city which bears his name may be 
distinguished for the promotion of the liberal arts, as well as for the exercise of 
legislative wisdom. 
<r> 
Nor can the most fervent advocate of rights which were reserved in the forma¬ 
tion of the Government, take alarm at the principles on which the Institute is 
founded. Adhering in letter to the constitution, it has sought its abiding place on 
the spot where there is no other than federal legislation, a spot which is entitled to 
its exclusive exercise. The people of this District have no peculiar representation. 
Their interests, their municipal honor, and their prosperity as a community, are 
thrown upon the care of the nation. May not the welcome duty be discharged 
which shall render them a dignified and enlightened society ? This city may be. 
come a chosen region of the arts—a recipient of the productions of nature from 
throughout her vast domain—a home for science—a residence for literature—a 
theatre in which the simplest manners and the least artificial institutions will be 
found more than compatible with accomplishment in its most varied forms. The 
National Institute will be the ark in which philosophy and the fine arts shall dwell 
together; and the genius of liberty shall spread her wings around it, that it may 
be preserved for ages. 
A charter was granted by act of Congress, approved July 27, 1842. The Insti¬ 
tute is thus identified with the nation and its legislature. It is, however, without 
certain funds or permanent support. Having fully proyed its capacity for useful 
existence, if properly sustained, it will seek for more certain reliance than any 
which it has heretofore depended on, at the hands of Congress. With a view to 
this object, and others of less vital character, a meeting of the Board of Manage¬ 
ment was called at the office of the Secretary of State, who is, ex-officio , a director 
on the part of the Government. The meeting took place on the 23d of December, 
and was attended by a considerable number of gentlemen in addition to the official 
board. The subjoined is a formal minute of the proceedings. 
Board of Management of the National Institute, 
Saturday, December 23, 1843, 
Meeting of the Board of Management of the National Institute , and other gentle¬ 
men whose attendance was invited by the Board , at the Office of the Secretary of 
State. 
The meeting was organized at the suggestion of the Hon. A. P. Upshur, Secre¬ 
tary of State, who moved that the Hon. John Quincy Adams should take the chair, 
and that Joseph R. Ingersoll should act as Secretary. 
These appointments being unanimously agreed to, Mr. Francis Markoe, Jr., the 
Corresponding Secretary of the Society, and one of the members of the Board of 
Management, at the request of Mr. Upshur, read certain articles of the constitu¬ 
tion and by-laws which relate to the Board of Management. 
The Hon. C. J. Ingersoll, being invited by the Hon. Mr. Upshur to state the 
objects of the meeting, after certain remarks, moved the following resolutions: 
Resolved , That the Board of Management of the National Institute deem it 
expedient and proper to memorialize Congress on the subject of the condition and 
wants of the Institute. 
Resolved, That a committee of five persons be appointed by the Chair to prepare 
a memorial for this purpose, to be previously submitted to the Board of Manage¬ 
ment for the sanction and signature of its members. 
Resolved, That the memorial be presented to the Senate by the Hon. Mr. Wood- 
bury, and to the House, by the Hon. Mr. Adams. 
These resolutions were unanimously adopted. 
