of acquiring
knowledge. Knowledge is the attribute of his nature which at once
enables him to improve his condition upon earth, and to prepare him
for the enjoyment of a happier existence hereafter. It is by this
attribute that man discovers his own nature as the link between
earth and heaven; as the partaker of an immortal spirit; as created
for higher and more durable ends than the countless tribes of beings
which people the earth, the ocean, and the air, alternately instinct
with life, and melting into vapor, or mouldering into dust.

"To furnish the means of acquiring knowledge is, therefore, the
greatest benefit that can be conferred upon mankind. It prolongs
life itself, and enlarges the sphere of existence. The earth was
given to man for cultivation--to the improvement of his own
condition. Whoever increases his knowledge multiplies the uses to
which he is enabled to turn the gift of his Creator to his own
benefit, and partakes in some degree of that goodness which is the
highest attribute of Omnipotence itself."

"If, then, the Smithsonian Institution, under the smile of an
approving Providence, and by the faithful and permanent application
of the means furnished by its founder to the purpose for which he
has bestowed them, should prove effective to their promotion,--if
they should contribute essentially _to the increase and diffusion
of knowledge among men_,--to what higher or nobler object could
this generous and splendid donation have been devoted?"

After further illustrating the renown of the name of Percy from the
historical annals of England, Mr. Adams proceeds to urge other
considerations, from among which we make the following extracts:

"It is, then, a high and solemn trust which the testator has
committed to the United States of America; and its execution
devolves upon their representatives in Congress duties of no
ordinary importance. In adverting to the character of the trustee
selected by the testator for the fulfilment of his intentions, it is
deemed no indulgence of unreasonable pride to mark it as a signal
manifestation of the moral effect of our political institutions upon
the opinions and the consequent action of the wise and good of other
regions and of distant climes, even upon that nation from whom we
generally boast our descent."

The report continues: