438 
PROCEEDINGS, &.C. 
chief end it is to collect, arrange, and disseminate the productions of mind and art. 
The want of such an association in the United States for the whole Union 
became manifest, and out of that conviction has arisen the National Institute. 
Congress, impressed with its importance, has given it a corporate existence ; and 
the attention of the world, as is proven by the voluntary contributions which dis¬ 
tant countries have already made to its collections, has been turned to it. That it 
has interested in its behalf the men of science of the United States, actively and 
zealously, this assemblage fully demonstrates. The Government itself, I doubt 
not, so far as it is authorized by the instrument of its own creation, will continue 
to it a fostering care. Where can it find a safer depository for the fruits of its 
expeditions, fitted out to explore distant and unknown regions, than the National 
Institute? What can it bettor do for the “increase and diffusion of knowledge 
among men,’’ than by patronizing and sustaining this magnificent undertaking ? 
But I must here cease. When I rose, it was simply my intention to have 
returned you my thanks for the honor of having been requested to preside over 
your deliberations to day; and I will no longer detain you from the banquet which 
awaits you. I now present to you the Hon. Mr. Walker, of Mississippi, who 
will deliver the introductory address. 
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