MANAGERS' OFFICE, TO GEO. R. RUSSELL, ESQ. SEVENTH EXHIBITION OF THE MASSACHUSETTS } Dear Sir:-At a Meeting of the Managers, held this day, it was unanimously voted, "That the thanks of the Board be presented to you for the eloquent and interesting Address delivered last evening at the Tremont Temple, and that a copy be requested for publication." The undersigned had the honor to be appointed a Committee to transmit the above vote to you; and would respectfully urge an early response to the wishes of their Associates. Dear Sirs:-I am highly gratified at your note containing a vote of the Managers of the Exhibition of the Massachusetts Charitable Mechanic Association. As I consider the Address the property of the Society, I send it to you to be disposed of as you may think proper. Yours, respectfully, G. R. RUSSELL. ADDRESS. MORE than half a century ago, the organization was founded which now bears the name of "The Massachusetts Charitable Mechanic Association." Its early records give names which were known beyond the street and workshop; had taken conspicuous parts in that eventful drama, when rebellion had not yet grown into revolution, but was enacting those early scenes which called for an energy of character and devotedness of purpose suited to an emergency, in which submission would have been ignominy, and disastrous opposition, death. When treason became magnified, and, confronting power, marched in hostile array, with unfurled banners, not a band of conspirators, but an army of patriots; the same names were found by watch-fire and on battle field, sharing suffering and leading in danger. When, at last, the work was done, and a new-born empire, giddy with young existence, felt her frail life dependent on the forbearance of those who had produced it, these noble men, fresh from the excitements and license of the camp, returned once more to their old calling, and, resuming the honorable badge of labor, confirmed their devotion to their country, by merging the successful soldier in the peaceful, honest, and industrious citizen. These men understood the sources of true glory; and it is proper, on this occasion, to acknowledge their worth, and to express our gratitude for their wisdom, their virtues, and their example. The Society they originated has grown with the land they defended, and its influence and charities have expanded with successive years. Its periodical displays of mechanical ingenuity and artistic skill, are not more wonderful than comprehensive. They are founded on a broad nationality, intending to embrace industrial art throughout the whole extent of our country. The invitations to contribute to these great festivals are not bounded by State lines, but go to the utmost limit of the Republic. This is not merely a Massachusetts, but an American Exhibition; offering room, inducement, and competition to all. If we show the results of our own invention and industry, we gladly welcome other efforts, trusting that a generous rivalry may confirm our own excellence, or teach us to remedy our imperfections. We are equally willing to benefit others by our own improvements, or to learn from them how to correct our failings, and to gather wisdom and experience from their better knowledge. A just emulation is an incentive to exertion, productive of good to the best interests of mankind; and it is well to bring together the various occupations of active life, that one may learn something from the other, and that all may feel the importance and the dignity of labor. The Exhibition, which is now filling our streets with strange faces, and crowding our halls with eager multitudes, bewildered by the various and novel objects around them, has consequences far more important than the amusement of an hour, or the gratification of mere curiosity. It has a deeper object-a more extended and liberal purpose-affecting results which will endure long after it has passed away. This gathering together the products of the head and hand, showing the affinity be |