The Smithsonian Institution, 1835-1887, Vol. 1 of 2: Documents Relative to Its Origin and History, 1835-1899; Twenty-Fourth Congress to Forty-Ninth Congress (Classic Reprint) - Hardcover

Excerpt from The Smithsonian Institution, 1835-1887, Vol. 1 of 2: Documents Relative to Its Origin and History, 1835-1899; Twenty-Fourth Congress to Forty-Ninth Congress

Many individuals have become entitled to gratitude for gifts to a community or services to their country, but few have acquired distinction as the benefactors of mankind. The desire for posthu mous fame has induced some to erect monuments to themselves by founding libraries, others by endowing schools of learning or chari table establishments; but very few have succeeded in devising a plan by which their names should not only acquire world-wide renown, but their benefactions be of universal application.

To James Smithson belongs the rare and proud distinction that his bequest is for no particular locality and confined to no limited period. His aim is to benefit all men, and is never-ending in its action.

Smithson selected the United States of America to carry into effect his noble design, believing that to confer a benefit on all mankind 'he could confide in a nation composed of representatives of all races, where no narrow interpretation would be given to his words, or selfish limitation be placed on his charity. Turning from the unstable monarchies and decaying empires of Europe, he sought for perpetuity of his ideas in the rising power and wonderful pro gress of the young republic.

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