425 
THE APRIL MEETING^ 1844 . 
tion, the essay, the profound folio, and the tempting magazine, all have found ad¬ 
vocates, and each has probably been productive of useful results. One of the ends 
of the contemplated meeting may be to suggest the most expedient and appropriate 
course for the diffusion of knowledge by the National Institute, besides that which, 
above all, it will claim as peculiar to itself in extent and variety—the system of li¬ 
beral, active, and unintermitted exchange. 
It is earnestly hoped that the various colleges and universities throughout the 
country, may be represented at the coming meeting in strength of numbers which 
will ensure a proportioned degree of intellectual vigor and accomplishment. Phi¬ 
losophy, represented by that venerable society of which Franklin was a founder, 
and Jefferson a president, will appear; associations of geologists and naturalists, 
and historical societies, will furnish their respective quotas of intelligence; indi¬ 
vidual teachers and professors, whose peculiar opportunities have enabled them to 
unfold the mysteries of nature and of art; artists, and liberal minded men, whoso 
employment it has been rather to study than teach—all will find congenial spirits 
who will naturally seek and be sought for, by each other. 
The committee have not sent this circular abroad, before they have ascertained 
that the exercises of the meeting will be full of interest. Different parts of the 
country have promised to contribute papers of value. Individual intercourse will 
be opened between many who have been heretofore strangers, or known to each 
other only through the reports of fame. Personal observation will show how deep 
and universal has been the feeling towards the Institute, and with how lavish a 
hand it has been displayed ; and yet how palpable are the deficiencies of arrange¬ 
ment and reciprocal return. 
The committee scarcely know whether it would be in place to regret that the In¬ 
stitute is yet without any appropriate Hall for the reception of its numerous guests. 
It will receive them with honor and respect, in such expedient apartments as it 
has been able to procure. Should the meeting prove as successful as the hopes of 
the managers in relation to it are ardent, they will expect, hereafter, to welcome 
all who may visit the Association, in apartments peculiar to itself, stored with the 
objects of its honest pride, (marks of universal confidence at home and abroad,) 
and worthy of the distinguished visiters, whom they thus, now and at all times, re¬ 
spectfully and cordially invite. 
JOSEPH R. INGERSOLL, 
In behalf of the committee. 
Committee : 
Hon. JOHN C. SPENCER, Secretary of the Treasury, Chairman. 
“ JOSEPH R. INGERSOLL, House of Representatives. 
“ ROBERT J. WALKER, U. S. Senate. 
« WM. C. RIVES, do. 
“ RUFUS CHOATE, do. 
“ WM. C. PRESTON, South Carolina. 
“ ABBOT LAWRENCE, Boston. 
ALEXANDER DALLAS BACHE, Superintendent of the Coast Survey 
The several circulars issued by the Institute in reference to the 
April meeting occasioned a very large correspondence, embracing, 
besides direct replies, extensive and varied views respecting the in¬ 
teresting objects of the April meeting and of the National Institute. 
