deceased Associate, Robert Fulton, lately read Such was the generosity of the author, that it became expedient to inquire in what manner the proceeds of so valuable a dona- tion should be applied. It was easy to dis- cover that his feelings inclined him to the erection of a Monument to the honour of his Friend. The sentiment was so conge- nial to the wishes of the Committee, that it was instantly determined to employ all Resolved, That the proceeds of the sale be appropriated towards the erection of a THE LIFE OF UNIV. OF ROBERT FULTON; READ BEFORE THE LITERARY AND PHILOSOPHICAL SOCIETY OF NEW-YORK; &c. GENTLEMEN, IN compliance with the practice of institutions similar to our own, this Society has resolved to preserve on its records, memorials of the lives of those who have been its distinguished associates, who have contributed to its reputation and honour, by their virtues, their genius, and by the employment of their talents. It is greatly to be lamented that the first subject for a record of this kind, should be an associate taken from us in the prime of his life, and in the midst of his usefulness;whose virtues and manners endeared him to all who knew him, and whose loss has been lamented as a public calamity. B We cannot think that it will be imputed to an undue partiality for our regretted associate, if we say that there cannot be found on the records of departed worth, the name of a person to whose individual exertions mankind are more indebted than they are to the late Robert Fulton. The combined efforts of philosophers and statesmen have improved the condition of man; but no individual has conferred more important benefits on his species than he whose memory now engages our attention. When we have taken a view of what he has done, and bestowed some consideration on its effects, it will not appear that this praise is exaggerated, and we shall be obliged to acknowledge that though others may have been conducted in the paths of science by superior learning, and may have had a more dazzling career, the labours of no individual have been more honourable, meritorious, or practically useful. The establishment of steam navigation will form an important epoch in the history of our species.-The name of the man who accomplished it will live to the remotest ages, if he be not robbed of the fame which is due to the employment of a superior genius, with surprising courage, industry, perseverance, and success. If the construction of a bridge, or the formation of a canal, has often given a celebrity which has been transmitted through many ages, what fame and what gratitude does not he deserve, who has furnished a means of transportation which may bring the inhabitants of the world nearer to each other than previously subjects of the same territory considered themselves; which will spread with a facility before unknown the influence of religion, civilization, and the arts; which will bring the whole human species to an intimate acquaintance with each other; and will unite mankind by the bonds of mutual intercourse. This is not the only, nor per haps the most important view which may be taken of this invention. If the anticipations of our deceased associate should be realized; if the art of steam navigation should make a progress at all commensurate with its improvement while it felt the influence of his genius, it may so far change the character and nature of warfare, that naval conflicts will be at an end, or will be confined to the high seas. Should this be its happy effects, each nation, when its coasts and harbours may be protected by a force which will defy all maritime assaults, will feel itself independent; no nation will dare to call herself mis, tress of the ocean, and the world will no longer be vexed and disturbed by power derived from naval armaments. No longer will the citizens of one nation, when borne on that element which nature has spread out in every direction for the common benefit, be exposed to the insults or lawless power of another; but the great deep will be the com mon highway, free for all. |