“That the late James Watt, by his profound science, and by the original
genius exhibited in his admirable inventions, has, more than any other
of his contemporaries, demonstrated the practical utility of knowledge,
increased the power of man over the material world, and extended the
comforts and enjoyments of human life.” This resolution was seconded by
Mr. Boulton, the son of Mr. Watt’s distinguished partner.
The second resolution, that the services of James Watt to the civilized
world demanded a national tribute of gratitude from his own country, was
proposed by Mr. Huskisson, and seconded by Sir James Macintosh. We
cannot forbear to quote a passage from the speech of this philosophical
orator, whose words are now heard no more with reverence and delight:
“In less than half a century, from the Mississippi to the Ganges, the
name of Watt has been pronounced, and the benefits of his invention have
been proved. If such a vast progress has been made in so small a number
of years, what hopes may we not entertain of the future;--seeing that
the combination of the useful and the fine arts has spread general
information amongst such a multitude of minds--that knowledge has been
placed within the reach of the humblest artisan--and that this class of
men, for the most part remarkable for their intelligent, ingenious,
active spirit, are full of the desire of instruction.”
The third resolution, that a monument to the memory of Watt should be
erected in Westminster Abbey, was proposed by Mr. Brougham, and seconded
by Mr. Peel. We cannot better close this notice, than with the
concluding paragraph of Mr. Brougham’s speech:--“It is to honour the
rare and excellent qualities of his character and genius, that we are
assembled with the intention to erect a monument to the memory of the
great engineer. Not that his memory has need of a monument to become
immortal, for his name will last as long as the power which he has
subjected to the use of man; but we are assembled to consecrate his
example in the face of the universe--and to show to all our
fellow-subjects that a man of extraordinary talent cannot better employ
it than in rendering services to the human race. And where could we more
fitly place the monument of this great man, than within a temple of that
religion which preaches peace to all men, and instruction for the poor!
The Pagan temples were decorated with the statues of warriors who had
spread desolation amongst the people. Let ours be adorned with the
statues of men who have contributed to the triumphs of Science and of
Humanity; and above all by the statue of one who, without ever having
given pain to any of his fellow-creatures, has been able to accomplish
works which remain a lasting honour and benefit to society.”
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Footnote 1:
Our brief notice of this meeting is taken from an account in the
‘Discours sur l’Industrie,’ &c., of this writer.
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