Office of the Historian

No. 394.
Mr. Biddle to Mr. Fish.

[Extract.]
Legation of the United States,
San Salvador, January 19, 1872. (Received February 16.)
No. 19.]

Sir: I have the honor to transmit to you herewith a printed copy of an address delivered at the university by a prominent citizen of Salvador, on the 6th day-of this month, at the inauguration of a “society of arts and sciences,” established for the promotion of the practical arts and the general diffusion of knowledge. It is composed of all the learned in the community, headed by the President.

I was requested to aid in the formation of its constitution and bylaws, as one of a committee of three; and, as the range of the association is wholly confined to literary and scientific advancement, (with, perhaps, a special view to agricultural improvement,) the acceptance of the same seemed consonant to my official duties.

As an evidence of the kindly sentiments prevailing for the United States, I translate the following extract from the inclosure:

One other happy circumstance we have in favor of our growing society, and that is the co-operation of Thomas Biddle, LL. D., the worthy representative of the colossal American nation, which marches as the very vanguard of the civilization of the century, and which has dazzled the world with its marvelous discoveries. Already he has aided us, by his knowledge, in the formation of our regulations, and we hope much from the co-operation of so distinguished a gentleman, who has proffered to us the ideas which, in similar associations, have produced the best results in the United States.

If it might be possible, through the instrumentality of the Department, to throw this “society of arts and sciences of Salvador” en rapport with the Agricultural Bureau of the United States, the National Observatory, the Smithsonian Institution, and other similar establishments, a valuable impetus might be given to the struggles for light of a young state under many difficulties.

With the opening year President Gonzalez has also established a normal school for the instruction of teachers, and also an agricultural institute.

I have, &c.,

THOS. BIDDLE.