rogative. When it is held for short terms at the pleasure We now close our analysis of this extraordinary publicaof the constituent body, you take away, in a great measure, tion. It embraces many minute topics of vituperation and the motive and the opportunity to contrive plans for its ex- calumny, which we have been compelled to overlook; but tension. Make it hereditary, and you create the strongest we have endeavored to discuss its main points as fully as incentives in every successive generation to labor for its our limits would permit, refraining, if possible, from the use augmentation. The schemes and the policy devised for of intemperate language. We do not charge Capt. Marrythis purpose, are regularly transmitted from father to son, att with wilful misrepresentation; but we believe he came and pursued with undeviating perseverance. If you chain here, possessed of inveterate prejudices, laboring under a its prerogative with the strongest fetters, it eludes all your political calenture, which disqualified him for the task of restraints, and, under the insidious form of influence, prose- fair and candid examination; and that, to increase his mencutes with equal success its projects of usurpation. The tal obliquity, the real or supposed ill-treatment which he fountain of all honor and emolument in the state, it ad- encountered during his stay in the United States, left bedresses itself to the strongest passions of the human heart--hind a soreness, a rankling spirit of resentment, which has the avarice and ambition of men. Corruption becomes its given a tincture of bitterness to all his remarks and specusettled habit of action, and, what it cannot carry by storm, it lations. Were we to judge from the spirit of this work, accomplishes by sap. Such is the tenacity of its will, that we should pronounce Capt. Marryatt to be a man, such as a scheme of aggrandizement, once formed, is never relin- Tacitus so graphically describes, Odia in longum jaciens, quished, and it seldom fails in the end to make every power que reconderet, auctaque promeret. We might be well justi in the state subservient to its purposes. Even our elective fied in inquiring whether one, who deals his foul charges executive, with its limited power and patronage, has been right and left with such remorseless severity, is himself of found to exert a dangerous influence, and wise men are spotless manners and character. But we have no taste for now laboring to subject it to more effectual restrictions, private scandal, or public defamation, and we forbear therethan those imposed by the constitution. The history of fore from the ungracious task of investigating Capt. MarryEngland is replete with illustrations of the truth of these att's personal merits. The internal evidence of this work, remarks, and its wisest and most patriotic statesmen have however, authorizes us to say, that he is a man of gross frequently deplored the dangerous and overweening power perceptions, and vulgar propensities; for none but a person of the crown. of that description, would have polluted his pages with those vulgarisms and ribald anecdotes, which he must have picked up in the dissolute society of steamboats and hotels. His declarations, that "he came over to America well-inclined towards the people," and that "he expected to find them more virtuous and moral than his own," we must pronounce disingenuous, and designed to give greater effect to his work; nor do we believe, that any impartial man can read this Diary, without coming to a similar conclusion. It is a remark of Capt. Marryatt, which we are not disposed to controvert, that the spirit of democracy is favorable to a state of peace; in other words, that it is not of sufficiently solid materials to encounter the shock of war. He could not, in our judgment, have bestowed a higher eulogium on republican institutions. Fortunate would it be for nations, if their governments were so constituted as to deter them from those cruel and sanguinary conflicts, which, to the disgrace of human nature, have so long desolated the The principal object of this criticism has been to vindiworld. The proposition might well be reversed in relation cate our country and its institutions from unmerited asperto monarchy; for, as according to our author's confession, sion. The occasional allusions to England, its history and war has a tendency to strengthen the government, the so- government, were made with no invidious design, but simvereign has a manifest inducement to disturb the peace of ply to expose the fallacy of our author's reasonings and the world, and thereby to multiply the sources of his influ- conclusions, by the argument of analogy. All praise or ence. The experience of mankind is a melancholy record censure is but comparative; and if it be demonstrated, that of the belligerent propensities of monarchy. Look at Eng- the faults imputed to us, belong, in an equal, or greater deland, groaning under a debt of 800 millions sterling, and of gree, to a nation, whose moral and political greatness are 50 millions annual taxation incurred in the prosecution of unquestioned, every inference, derogatory to our character wars set on foot mainly in compliance with the caprice, or and political institutions, which may be derived from a the interest of its chief magistrate. Even were it true, as view of those faults, is at once repelled, and confuted. Capt. Marryatt declares, that our financial administration We lay no claim to perfection, in manners, or morals. Our is deficient in economy, our expenses are a mere pepper- most prominent defects we inherit from our British ancestorn, a bagatelle compared to this stupendous extravagance. try some, doubtless, are the offspring of our peculiar cirIt is not necessary to test the correctness of Capt. Mar- cumstances and institutions. When these are pointed out ryatt's inferences, from the history of the ancient republics. in a spirit of candor and good feeling, if not thankful for Those commonwealths differed widely from ours, in their the reproof, we shall at least manifest no impatience under forms and their situation; nor can any lessons be drawn from just criticism. Neither do we pretend that our government, them, applicable to an era, when christianity, the art of either in its principles or operations, is free from all blemprinting, and the general diffusion of knowledge, have ef-ish. Like all human establishments, it has its faults and fected so prodigious a change in the condition of mankind. imperfections, and carries within it the causes of its own No reflecting man, Capt. Marryatt's assertion to the con- decay and dissolution. We acknowledge the great truth, trary notwithstanding, has ever attributed the rapid growth that virtue is the basis of republican institutions, and, when of this country, in wealth, population, and all the arts of that becomes extinct, that they must soon crumble into ruin. civilized life, solely to the influence of our political institu- To prevent such a catastrophe, or if that be impossible, to tions. We have been indebted, doubtless, in a considerable postpone the event to some distant period, should be the degree, to the circumstances of our situation, for this extra-object of all good, wise and patriotic men in this country; ordinary development. Nevertheless, the character of our nor should they be deterred from so noble an undertaking, people, and our republican government, have had no small agency in producing these astonishing results. They have removed the fetters of the human mind, roused it to unusual energy and activity, and levelled all the impediments in the path of enterprize. The operation of these impulses, in a field so favorable to their exertion, sufficiently account for the preternatural expansion of our resources. by unmanly sloth or selfish timidity, or even the galling sense of popular ingratitude. They should be cheered and supported in this great enterprize, by the auspicious aspect of recent events; for, in a political contest of unprecedented duration and violence, when the incendiaries of the press were using every engine to kindle and exasperate popular prejudices and passions, we have seen the people through out this great confederacy, assembling, day after day, in our race. Let the wrongs and oppressions of bygone times, multitudes, to listen with patience and decorum to public the bitterness of former contentions be blotted from our rediscussion; and, finally, with scarcely a symptom of tumult membrance; and let us be endeared to each other by the or commotion, deciding at the polls an election, which they ties of kindred blood, and the memory of common glories. verily believed involved the future destinies of the republic. We are proud of our connection with such a country; proud In what country under the sun could such a spectacle have to speak the same language, to claim the same lineage with been exhibited? In what country could such a struggle have its great men, and illustrious patriots. Our blood has taken place without imminent risk of riot, disorder, and thrilled with the eloquence of its statesmen, and warmed bloodshed? without shaking the authority of law, the deep-with the productions of its immortal muse; nor would we set fastenings of the social fabric to their very foundations? exchange its works in literature and science, for all that Surely these are proofs, that the mass of the people have human genius has produced in any other tongue." not degenerated from the virtue of their ancestors; and Campbell County, Va., Jan. 27th, 1841. while they continue to exhibit in their political action such evidences of calm deliberation and generous forbearance, we need never despair of the fortunes of the republic. Satisfied with our own government, we do not hold it up for the imitation of other countries. We are sensible, that, though it has succeeded here, there are few nations in the world, to whose genius and circumstances it is adapted. Those subtle propagandists and daring agitators, who are disturbing the repose of the Old World with their innovations and reforms, do not derive their credentials from us; and, as it is not our fault that they plead our example, we should not, in justice, be exposed to the hatred and misconstruction of their adversaries. Capt. Marryatt takes occasion to declare, that the mass of our citizens entertain the most bitter animosity against England. We do not believe it. So far as we know the sentiments of our countrymen, we are satisfied that the assertion, as a general proposition, is utterly groundless; but, if any thing could plant an incurable feeling of dislike in the bosom of both nations, it would be such publications as this Diary. Hate begets hate; and a general belief in England of American hostility would inevitably produce there a corresponding sentiment. We trust, and believe, that the vindictive prejudices manifested towards us by this writer, are not a fair exponent of the feelings of his own party, distinguished as it is for talent, property and influence; much less of the people of England. Many of our author's observations point to the possibility of war between the two countries, and, as it is his vocation, he is, doubtless, willing to accelerate the catastrophe. Such an event should be deplored by all good men as fraught with irreparable calamities, not only to the parties concerned, but to the whole civilized world. Surely two nations, cemented together by so many ties of interest, blood, language, literature and manners, will not suffer themselves to be precipitated into a deadly conflict, by an empty punctilio, or a dispute about a barren wilderness. While we write the delicate questions pending between the two countries, are involved in still greater perplexity, and it will, we fear, require the utmost forbearance and circumspection on both sides to prevent a serious collision. At such a time, it is, certainly, the part of an incendiary to widen the breach, and embarrass the negotiation, by fomenting national antipathies. For ourselves, we regard England as a proud, powerful and magnanimous nation; nor are we offended with her faults, since they are the specific distinctions of our common Anglo-Saxon stock. In that land of our fathers, the principles of true liberty are better understood, and more effectually secured, than in any country on the globe besides our own. With her dense population, and extended dominions, a government like ours, we are satisfied, could not be sustained; but, with all the evils and abuses that exist there, the great rights of person and property are well protected. In arts, and arms, in literature, science and en terprize, Britain stands preeminent. We are the genuine offspring of this great nation. From her we derive all that gives dignity to our national character, and some of our most valuable political principles. Courage, energy, the love of liberty, the palladium of freedom, are the heritage of EXTRACT FROM AN UNPUBLISHED POEM Yes, such is life! The Soul for Beauty sighs, And when the spirit sees the bright bow curl'd Our Being 's but a mockery ;-a charnel-light, The dreamer back; he sees life but a war, Whose dark folds wreathe us in their weary clasp; Is here: wet eyes, wild shrieks, the choking gasp, Works its own madness, and then, overwrought, Oh! is it not enough that I am brought Awe-struck, but joyous in thine awful sight. Monarch thou art of all-the dark-the bright! And its far splendors, all are thine! The Air, Of lightnings rouse it in the Storm-God's lair!-- Its gorgeous walls and reared its golden spires! Who lives but to enrich, when dead, some burial sod! Can I not still commune with THEE, and find Kissed, like a lover, by the summer wind? Can I not quell the phrenzy of a mind, Maddened by grief, with the deep silence here, Brooding above the wood? Shall sorrow bind The heart, when in thy presence, ever dear? Unfailing Comforter! thou driest up ev'ry tear! SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTE. and judgment of Congress. Had he designed founding an Institution similar to the scientific schools of France, what objection could there have been to his expressing himself to this effect? The absence of express directions may therefore be regarded as conclusive on this point, and that Congress alone was to adopt that plan, which the circumstances and necessities of the country might demand. I do not object to due deference being shown to the subjects which claimed the time and talents of Mr. Smithson. A proper respect to his memory might seem to require a more decided cast to the Institution, in favor of the Natural Sciences, than under other circumstances would be necessary or expedient. But as all the Institutions of the country have given evidence of the high estimation in which they hold these useful branches of knowledge, there is no danger that the wishes of the donor will be departed from in this respect. Whatever form be given to the Smithsonian Institute, the Natural Sciences will occupy a prominent position among the branches of public instruction. The question being settled as to the power of Congress over this fund, it becomes us to consider, in the next place, the manner in which it shall be The disposition of the munificent donation of disposed of. And here I would again join issue with the late Mr. Smithson for founding a National In- your correspondent, who advocates the establishstitution in the city of Washington has been under ment of a Central School of Natural Science. I discussion in the papers of the day for some time think an Institution already exists, which superpast. Several articles of no ordinary merit have cedes the necessity, at this time, of the entire appeared in your useful Magazine, and without fund being appropriated for this exclusive purpose. designing to disparage the views of others, I would The United States Military Academy at West beg leave, through the same medium, to present a Point is such an Institution as your correspondent few observations on this most important subject. proposes to establish. It is emphatically a school While all the writers agree in the propriety of of the Natural Sciences. Mathematics, AstronoCongress acting upon the subject, there is great my, Chemistry, Geology, Mineralogy, Optics, &c. diversity as to the character of the Institution claim the entire attention of its students, and, as which it is called upon to establish. One proposes far as its course extends, it is justly regarded as the establishment of a grand Astronomical Obser- the first Institution in this country. Indeed, it may vatory; another advocates a Museum of Natural proudly compare with similar establishments in History, with a system of public and gratuitous lec-France or Germany. tures on the most popular and practical branches It enjoys a large share of the favor of the goof liberal knowledge; while a third argues, that, vernment and people, is most liberally endowed, inasmuch as Mr. Smithson was himself a friend has extensive philosophical and chemical apparatus, to the Natural Sciences and an intimate acquaint- and is in every way qualified to aid in the great ance of the chemist Fourcroy, his design could work of "diffusing knowledge among men." It have been none other than founding a Central numbers now nearly one thousand graduates, many School of Natural Science. From a forced con- of whom occupy distinguished positions in the struction to the expression, "diffusion of know-scientific and literary institutions of the country, ledge among men," the conclusion is drawn that and all of whom are returning to the government the donor had reference to no other knowledge a full equivalent for the benefits received. It than that which flows from the study of the Physical Sciences. would hardly seem necessary at the present time to establish an Institution in Washington in which the same branches are taught as at West Point; and until the necessities of the country are provided for in other respects, such a course might be deemed unwise and unjust. Whatever may have been the individual preferences of Mr. Smithson, it is very clear, they are in no manner expressed in his bequest. More general terms could not have been used than those which convey his intention-" diffusion of know- Nor can I agree to the plan which proposes a ledge among men." Thus intimating his design, system of public and gratuitous instruction by leche leaves the disposition of the fund to the wisdom tures on the most popular and practical subjects of human knowledge. I do not believe that any per- make an efficient professor of mathematics, when manent good would result from such a system. A the course is in many instances limited to mere confused and imperfect idea of the various facts mechanical operations? How is it in languages? of science would thus be communicated, without How far do the beauties and defects of the classics any basis upon which to build a practical course claim the attention of the student, so as to fit him of instruction. The auditory continually varying; to criticise the various authors read by his class! few, comparatively speaking, would have the bene- Is it not the fact that our professors are oftentimes fit of a full course of lectures upon any one sub-elected and enter upon their duties, not from a ject, while the lectures themselves would of ne- sense of present fitness, but from the hope that by cessity be of a more popular character than would proper diligence that may in time make themselves be consistent with a full and thorough course of useful instructors? And even with the best natural instruction. abilities, how often are their energies and efficiency he is thus left to rely upon his own resources for whatever attainment he may make in the study of his profession. The writer has felt the inconve nience of which he complains,—an inconvenience sufficient to dampen the ardor and contract the the duty of public instruction for many years, and he has rarely been able to command one volume in twenty, which in the common course of his studies it should be his duty to consult and examine. An Institution that would correspond to the contracted, by the want of proper books for study views of the munificent donor, and meet the wants and reference? Few of the libraries in our State of the whole country, should not be devoted ex-Institutions contain more than five thousand volclusively to any particular branch or branches of umes, and many of them do not number as many knowledge. Give it a direction either for science or hundred. Most of these books are of a character literature, and you thus cut off a large class of per- little suited to meet the wants of the inquirer, and sons from a participation in its benefits. Although all are interested in the results and achievements of science, there are other subjects of great importance which it should also encourage and promote. The labors of the chemist and geologist contribute greatly to the supply of the necessities usefulness of any one. He has been engaged in of mankind, but there are other professions equally important and essential to their comfort and happiness. We should not cramp the influence of such an institution, supported as it would be by the power and patronage of the government; it should embrace every subject within the compass of human acquisition, and aim at the general "diffusion of knowledge among men." It should therefore But it is argued that the donation of Mr. Smithbe a NATIONAL UNIVERSITY. It should be supplied son is insufficient for so extensive a plan. Grant with the ablest professors which this or any other it. But do we depend alone upon this? May we country could produce. It should have an exten- not look for and claim the aid of the General Gosive library, complete philosophical and chemical vernment? With the exception of the Academy & apparatus, and laboratories for practical instruc- West Point, what has Congress done to advance tion. Avoiding rivalry with the State Institutions of the country, its design should be to complete what they have begun. It should be an Institute for men, not boys, and should be designed to supply the defects which cannot be reached by the limited means of the States. How admirably would such an Institution as propose, meet the wants of the country in these respects? the cause of Education? Is it not time that something should be done, and especially at this time, when the astounding developments are ringing our ears, which the results of the late census make known? It would seem as if the donation of Mr. Smithson had been providentially made, to direct the deliberations of Congress to this too long neg lected subject. Five hundred thousand dollars will make a good commencement, and, if Congress will follow out the plan, a noble Institution would be the result. Such an Institution would regulate and elevate the standard of learning throughout the country, and, above all, it would be the means of supplying our Colleges and Academies with thoroughly educated and well qualified professors and teachers. It is in this last respect that the deficiency of edu- Does any one doubt the power of Congress over cation in this country mainly consists. So limited the subject? Does not the cause of Education come is the course of instruction in most of our Colleges, legitimately within the meaning of that clause of that their graduates on entering upon the duties of the Constitution which gives to Congress the power professors are oftentimes very little better qualified of passing laws providing for the general welfare? than the pupils of the higher classes themselves. What could more conduce to the public good, or in Who can expect an able professor of chemistry, a greater degree promote the general welfare than when the amount of instruction consists in two a prudent and well regulated system of public inor three lectures a week for one short year? No struction? laboratory-no practical instruction—and a bare In one of the first messages of the Father of acquaintance with the more common experiments of his Country to Congress, he thus adverts to this introduced in a course of lectures. Who can important subject,-showing that he viewed the And so, with two-fold value fraught, Thou may'st be proud that thou art sent Maine. UNCLE JOHN. ELIZA. cause of Education as one which it was the duty of Congress to foster and promote. "I have heretofore proposed to the consideration of Congress, the expediency of establishing a National University, and also a Military Academy. The desirableness of both these institutions, has so constantly increased with every new view I have taken of the subject, that I cannot omit the opportunity of once for all recalling your attention to them. The Assembly whom I address, is too enlightened not to be fully sensible how much a flourishing state of the arts and sciences contributes to national prosperity and reputation. True it is, that our country contains many seminaries of learning highly respectable and useful, but the funds upon which they rest are too narrow to command the ablest professors in the different branches of liberal knowledge. Amongst the motives to such an Institution, the assimilation of the principles, opinions and manners of our countrymen, by the common education of a portion of our youth, from every quarter, well deserves attention. The more homogeneous our citizens can be made in these particulars, the greater will be our prospect of permanent union; and a primary object of such a National Institution should be, the education of our youth in the science of Government. In a Republic, what species of knowledge can be equally important, and what duty more pressing on its Legislature than to patronize a plan for communicating it to those who are to be the future guardians of the liberties of the country." Again: in his Farewell Address, he says: "Promote, then, as an object of primary importance, Institutions for the general diffusion of Though the sun that shone from the orient in the knowledge." It would be needless to multiply morning of life, making the dew-drops that were instances in which the most distinguished men of scattered in our way to be to us diamonds and our country have expressed themselves equally fa- pearls, may have risen to the zenith and dried them vorable to this cause; and I have only brought the up, revealing to us the truth that they were indeed, sentiments of WASHINGTON to the public notice, be- not diamonds and pearls, but the evanescent dewcause they must have weight with all who properly drops of the morning,-yet to the eye of memory estimate the character of this great and good man. looking back upon those visions of blessedness, the But I have allowed myself to transgress the sun is still in the orient; the dew-drops still dialimits I had at first designed for this communica-monds and pearls; and the retrospection of them, tion. I hope it may be the means of directing even, is a refreshment to the weary, and too well the attention of others to a subject which is of instructed heart. great importance to the welfare and happiness of the country. BOQUET. S. In the catalogue of graduates from Harvard University for the year 1794, may be seen the name of Johannes W. To gather and secure the fading reminiscences of one who has long since passed away from among the living on earth, is not very unlike catching at shadows or recollecting dreams; but the heart shrinks at the idea that what we have known and loved and delighted in, should perish perfectly from the earth; and when we look back from the animated theatre that we now occupy, through the shadowy vista of the past, and see how much, nay, how almost all we have lost that was the charm of our childhood-how natural is the effort to fan away the dust of oblivion that is fast gathering over the names and scenes that were then so dear to us. "Uncle John!" His name was among the first that fell upon my ear; his figure is among the last that will fade from my memory; and the scenes where I saw him, are among the sunniest that have a place in my imagination. They are bright in fancy's eye-the apple-orchard, covering the broad To a slip of Mignonette, received from a Boquet of Mrs. Ma- and swelling descent from the rear of the house to dison. Thy name was ever dear to me, Thou darling little flower, Thou breath'st thy perfect fragrancy In many a Northern bower; But now thou com'st-though still the same- The mem'ry of a treasured name, Is fragrance to the heart. "the spring," which was surrounded by oaks and the early-flowering maple, and threw up its living waters into its moss-grown reservoir, as cool and as sparkling as the water of "Jacob's well." The grove of pear trees-the bell, the golden orange and the St. Germain-intermingling their branches with those of the purple mulberry and red cherry, and protecting with their interlaced boughs, "the |