"_Knowledge is power_," and so far as an individual acquires a knowledge of literature and science, above his contemporaries, so far does he possess a power and influence over those among whom he resides. So does a nation, when she becomes characterized for the acquisition of knowledge in the sciences and the arts. Those nations which have made great and important advances in the improvement of science, or in new discoveries, have acquired a pre-eminence of character and standing, among other nations of the world. The United States of America, having assumed a respectable station among the nations, is fast advancing in wealth and power. Her territories are stretched over a vast extent of country; and her population is increasing with a rapidity unprecedented. We are already looked up to, by other nations, as a people of very considerable importance; and as having made a successful experiment in politics and government, which politicians had before considered impracticable. Ought we not then, as a nation, (paying some attention to the progress of science and knowledge,) to hold out inducements for the progressive improvements, and useful discoveries of our own citizens? While the English, the Russians, and the French, are making great exertions for the purpose of discovery, and the advancement of science; will America remain idle and inactive? Will she adopt the unwise policy that individual enterprise ought to be let alone? Other nations act differently; and they have long been directing their researches towards the acquisition of a more perfect knowledge of our globe: and such exertions have always been considered as the most glorious actions on record in the annals of their history. By so doing, they have not only been amply rewarded themselves, but have benefited the world at large, by the acquisition of important information respecting the before unknown parts of it, and by the improvement of science. Will America then sit by inactive and contented, while she is surrounded with plenty, and enjoying a situation most enviable in the career of nations? Let us rather encourage than shackle the genius and enterprising spirit of our own citizens; and not act like an avaricious miser, who directs all his thoughts to the calculation of dollars and cents. Had this "let alone policy," been pursued by the nations that have sent out ships of discovery, what would have been the situation of the world at the present day? Bounds would have been set to the great field of philosophy, and the arts and sciences must have flourished only within a circumscribed sphere. In vain might the revolving planets have forced upon the minds of mankind their beautiful order, motions and attractions;――the extensive continent of America, must yet have remained a gloomy wilderness; and the wild flowers have bloomed upon her fertile plains, only to be crushed by the foot of the unlettered savage.