The Inauguration of the Dudley Observatory took place under the same
tent which was appropriated to the dedication of the Geological Hall,
and on the day following that event. An immense audience was assembled,
drawn by the announcement of Mr. EVERETT'S Oration.
At a little past three o'clock the procession of _savans_ arrived from
the Assembly Chamber, escorted by the Burgesses Corps. Directly in front
of the speaker's stand sat Mrs. DUDLEY, the venerable lady to whose
munificence the world is indebted for this Observatory. She was dressed
in an antique, olive-colored silk, with a figure of a lighter color, a
heavy, red broché shawl, and her bonnet, cap, &c., after the strictest
style of the old school. Her presence added a new point of interest.
Prayer having been uttered by Rev. Dr. SPRAGUE, of Albany, THOMAS W.
OLCOTT, Esq., introduced to the audience Ex-Governor WASHINGTON HUNT,
who spoke briefly in honor of the memory of CHARLES E. DUDLEY, whose
widow has founded and in part endowed this Observatory with a liberality
so remarkable.
Remarks were offered by Dr. B. A. GOULD and Prof. A. D. BACHE, and
Judge HARRIS read the following letter from Mrs. DUDLEY, announcing
another munificent donation in aid of the new Observatory--$50,000,
in addition to the $25,000 which had been already expended in the
construction of the building. The letter was received with shouts of
applause, Prof. AGASSIZ rising and leading the vast assemblage in three
vehement cheers in honor of Mrs. DUDLEY!
ALBANY, Thursday, Aug. 14, 1856.
_To the Trustees of the Dudley Observatory:_
GENTLEMEN,--I scarcely need refer in a letter to you to the
modest beginning and gradual growth of the institution over which
you preside, and of which you are the responsible guardians. But
we have arrived at a period in its history when its inauguration
gives to it and to you some degree of prominence, and which must
stamp our past efforts with weakness and inconsideration, or
exalt those of the future to the measure of liberality necessary
to certain success.
You have a building erected and instruments engaged of unrivaled
excellence; and it now remains to carry out the suggestion of
the Astronomer Royal of England in giving permanency to the
establishment. The very distinguished Professors BACHE, PIERCE,
and GOULD, state in a letter, which I have been permitted to see,
that to expand this institution to the wants of American science
and the honors of a national character, will require an
investment which will yield annually not less than $10,000; and
these gentlemen say, in the letter referred to,--
"If the greatness of your giving can rise to this occasion, as
it has to all our previous suggestions, with such unflinching
magnanimity, we promise you our earnest and hearty coöperation,
and stake our reputation that the scientific success shall fill
up the measure of your hopes and anticipations."
For the attainment of an object so rich in scientific reward and
national glory, guaranteed by men with reputations as exalted and
enduring as the skies upon which they are written, contributions
should be general, and not confined to an individual or a place.
For myself, I offer, as my part of the required endowment, the
sum of $50,000 in addition to the advances which I have already
made; and, trusting that the name which you have given to the
Observatory may not be regarded as an undeserved compliment, and
that it will not diminish the public regard by giving to the
institution a seemingly individual character,
I remain, Gentlemen, your obedient servant,
BLANDINA DUDLEY.
Judge HARRIS then introduced the Orator of the occasion, Hon. EDWARD
EVERETT, whose speech is given verbatim in these pages.