Star. — London, England, 1816-12-13 00:00:00

-',' ,- fRIIISII AND FOREIGN SCHOOL SOCIEIT. The Annual General Meeting of the Prima, tee this Society, took glace yesterday at the Free Mason?, Tavern His Royal Highness the Duke of Oussez, presided, and was attended by the Russian, Prussian, and Said" Ambassadors, besides many other fo reigners of distinction. The Duke of SUSSEX, in opening the business of the Meeting, stated, that he felt peculiar pleasure in beholding so respectable an assembly, though he coda have wished it had been more numerous, a c:r. camstance which be knew was attributable only to the unfasnurable state of the weather. On the other hand, he had to regret that it had fallen to his lot to,, fill the chair, owing to the absence of a Noble Duke, who generally presided, and to that of his illustrious brother, the Duke of Kent, who was not now in the 'country. He should endeavour,' however, to do every thing in his power for promoting the interests of the Institution, and he had, in the first instance;l to request the attention of Ladies and Gentlemen while the Report of the Secretary was read to them. He WAS instructed, likewise, to state, that in conse• quence of the Secretary (the Rev. Mr. Schwabe), being a foreigner, he had declined reading the Re port, lest he should not make himself distinctly under. stood, and it would.therefore be read by Mr. Forster. Mr. FORSTER then came forward, and read a de- tailed account of the proceedings of the Society, since I the last Meeting, by which it appeared, that the' greatest success had attended their exertions. The system of education adopted by them, was rapidly diffusing itself, not only in this country, but abroad, and particularly in France, where it was powerfully Countenanced by the Government. The Emperor Alexander, also, who when in this country paid par ticular attention to the Lancasterian system of edu- cation, was zealously employed in endeavouring to introduce it into his own dominions and had sent over tbur kussian youths, to London, who were now re ceiving the necessary instructions at the Borough , School, to qualify them for communicating the I know:edge and the blessings of education to the peo ple of that vast empire. From America, the last accounts which the Society had received, were of the most gratifying description, and even Africa would now become a participator in the beneficial effects of the system, for Missionaries had gone out to Senegal, to lay the foundations of instruction in that portion of dee globe. They, therefore, who by their liberal encouragement of the parent institution, had been the =ails of diffusing this widely extended blessing, might now reflect with pious joy and consolation upon the rapidly increasing progress which it was Making in every quarter of the world. In alluding to the funds of the Institution, it was stated that £l4OO were yet wanting to complete the sum neces sary to be invested for the inirpose of erecting the Schuol-honse, and which according to the terms of t):e subszrip;imi, must be raised before the approach. ing Chi ISIIIIAS Day. The reading of the Report being concluded, Mr. Wo.ezams Wieetaits came forward to move the first Resolution. The object of the present So ciety was the universal education of mankind ; and therefore they were willing to engraft upon it any and every other system which could add to its utility or ex:end its influence. They did not wish to discuss or question the respective merits of different systems; they all had their advsntages ; but they were entitled' to say, that theirs was the only one which exclusively professed to bestow education upon all (alatlamse).— They acted too upon that profession. They exacted no test—they required no peculiar qualification; they embraced in their comprehensive scheme all mankind t Europe. Asia, Africa. America ; what. aver was their colour, whatever their clime, whatever their religiOn, they were our brethren, and we offered them our best gift, the means of education (oft/nee.) By educating the ignoranr, we improved their na me, we elevated their moral character, we bestowed upon them new capacities of pleasure, new powers of Utility. and enabled them better to fulfil the purposes fire whielt their CRLATOR had placed them in this world. Another point upon which be wished to dwell a little, was the facility afforded by this I nsti. nation for t he diffusion of education—a facility • wising, in some measure, from its cheapness. An individual paying but a small subscription was ena bled to do snore pod, than he could possibly accom plish by subscribing to any other Society, Nay, the poorest man in the kingdom could not be considered as excluded from this advantage ; for, by paying only ow penny a week, he might thus be instrumental in affording education to his own children. The most gratifying consequences resulted from that part of the plan. Every writer who had considered the subject, every moralist, every divine, admitted that we find men to be useful members of society in proportion as they cultivate a proper degree of self-respect. If, then, by the present system, they enabled the poor man, through his own agency, to obtain instruction, or to communicate it to his offspring, they raised him in 4s own estimation, improved his moral character, and cultivated that decent sense of propriety and dig.l sky which was the surest foundation of virtue and decortrm—(Applinue.) He had always been of opi nion, that the pre-emiaent excellence of the present Institution, consisted in those two points which he bad touched upon. But it was also attended with other advantages. In consequence of large portions uf the community being associated together for the promotion of such benevolent purposes, it generated those feelings of humanity and kindness which made us more ready, on all occasions, to assist our fellow. creatures, not merely in affording pecuniary relief, but in ;Wing advice and instruction when required. It deprives us of all selfish and party feelings, and includes us in that universal system of benevolence which ought to actuate every man in every.part of the world. The truth of what he 'had said was ma nifestly proved by the Report they had that day head read; and, above all, it was pleasing to observe its confirmation in thi progress which education was making an Africa. that unfortunate country upon which we, in common with the rest of Europe. had inflicted the deepest wounds, and the heaviest vice des. But. if it were possible to proSideany as. tidate fee such afilictions, it would - be found in . the aysteln of instruttiun which was mow being prompt gated in thatcostotry. through the means of this So ciety $ be hoped sad trusted hi Con that in would net in long beime they had the infested& of Seeing iv catriatto pedsilos.s aid diiirtbst would .", 'laced if any needeilsur.h eetivictleel, it had pludel the AKsailleaTiV"Obre different cokitit io skin; and friVheft. hins terent climate,.he was not there ore mind, the heart, (lithe kelingspf a Man—ifpfiloustri I,t was said by some, that though' they gave educe-, tion, they gave the young mind no early bias in re ligion. On that ground, however, they were per- , reedy ready to meet their opponent' In order to make their system universal in its operation, it was necessary to banish from it all controverted and dis puted points of religious faith ; but at the same time, they left the conscience free and unimpeded ta make its own election. It was true they did not pretend to maintain that the creed which they embraced was the only one that could secure our salvation; but did they therefore peglect all religious instructioas ? He denied thatthey did. They inculc a t ed the great and fundamental psinciples of religion. Every lesson consisted of an extract from scripture 3 and, on the' Sabbath-day, the children were led to a place of worship, and there they received such intructioas as would enable them, if duly observed, to discharge hereafter all the duties of life in an exemplary man ner. He should conclude by mowing, that the Re port be received. odopted, and' printed, under the di rection of the Committee Mr. Joitir - Ssura seconded the motion. He pen reedy agreed with all that was contained in the Re port, and hoped it would be widely circulated. Hi had lately been in France. and observed with great delight, in the parts throogh whiFe he travelled. many persons employed in educating their poorer neigh bours. much according to the British system of in-' struceion. With respect to the deficiency of the funds, he could wish that every one present would make it tin it duty to look round the circle of their friends and relations, and obtain from them contri butions towards raising the sum required. He could only say for his own part, that he would promise to do so for the n at fortnight, (A/t/rioure), and if others would do the same, especially the Ladies, he had no doubt that before Christmas the whole sum necessary to be wanted would be raised. The motion was then carried unanimously. The Sultan KATIE Getty Kum GHIRItY, from the Caucasus, rose to move the second Resolution. The little which he delivered lie read from a paper, in a manner sufficiently intelligible. He observed, that he had ber..l only five weeks in England,. and hoped they would excuse his imperfection. He said he had great pleasure in learning the great things done in England to instruct the children of the poor. He was greatly pleased with the British system of education, and he would d', all in his power to introduce it into his own country, where there were no schools, no education, no true religion. lir considered it to be the greatest blessing which could be presented to the poor to teach them to read the Scriptures.—(Loud applaurer.) lie then moved, 66 That this Meeting, sensible of their high obligation to his Royal High ness the Prince R-gent. for his liberal support to this Society, and to their Royal Highnesses the Dukes of Kent and Sussex, for their continued patronage, do most respectfully present their grateful acknowledge. ments to these illustrious personages." The Rev. .losseu MAINS seconded the Motion.— It was with him a principle of conscience to honour the King, and that principle naturally led him to re spect and honour the King's sons, to whom he wished all p r iv a te happiness and public prosperity) ;ad tine wish he expressed in an especial manner towards his Royal Highness the Duke of Sussex, whom it bad of ten been his lot to see engaged in promoting the hap pines' of mankind. They felt themselves deeply in debted to him and his illustrious Family. as inure ments in advancing the ends of the Institution. bet still they knew that the hand which wielded those is. strurnents was divine. He should now beg leave to put the motion to the Meeting, as it was one which the Royal Chairman could not submit himself, from obvious reasons of delicacy. The motion was put and carried with *spleen. The Duke of Sussex said it would be presumption in him to rise in order to express the thanks of that illustrious personage who at this moment acted lathe name and on the behalf of his Majesty. He should therefore merely mention, as a mark of respect, tkat in the aid which his Royal Highness the Prince Re gent gave to the Institution, be was only treading in. those steps which his illustrious Parent bad trod be fore; but it might justly be considered as a pledge of his sincerity in its support. There might be various opinions upon the relative merits of different Institu tions. Into those be should not enter; but be con ceived that that Institution which was the most ex tensive, and which embraced the greatest number of objects, was the one whirl ought, its meeting like the present, to make the greatest impression. They ap pealed to the public In behalf of universal education; they solicited all to be partakers of their benevolence. whether Churchmen, Sectarians, Dissenters, Presby terians, or Catholics.—(Appleres.) He had laud with peculiar satisfaction the mention made of the Emperor Alexander in the Report. While that Monarch was in this country , he (the Duke) was witness of his anxious endeavours to esquire every information respecting our system of education which might benefit - his own people ; and be had proved his sincerity by sending individuals over here to be instructed. :they were told that 0n1e,41400 were wanted, and if that sum were collected, they would be furthering the interests of other similar in stitutions, at )bey same time that they promoted their own. That *as an additional reason for carrying the object into effect. The Meeting was greatly be houred by the presence of . several foreigners of dis tinction, and particularly by the indiiidual who stilted that he bad been only five .weeks in this country. A Meeting like the present was a novel sight to this. They found that in this country, however iudividoale might be accidentally placed is kigher or lower sto tions, when they were engaged in one common can* they were all brothers and sisters (Applara) ) and* considered that link of society the securest bulwark 'lt. the defence of our weldable Constitution. They.eiesa, embroiled is no contests about id iota or politined sentiments : they met merely to promme der welling of all mankind, the glory of Gogh and tbeioteresoi religion. It was on those principles that his -Sovereign undertook to encamp , des 1 • upon those principles his child** bad affeetiniitaki amaiz ,protsetion--aod upon those pei,eipbeiallar tints to ptede his bast esdeseolue *fin 'cif its4iroeferi A tim ose tmieffikeirs4' , wcii r 7 :737 "uP 14 Dr. Scow to tuild.-tut Aliso That state, that aisfadion id lotaware eneet lid) such an Octiasion must exeite, though from the .4fficulties 'of speaking in a foreign language, he felt himself in capable of exercising. He had, however, had his command and desire to say, that on his Excellency's Visit to the Schools of the Institution, much as he was led to admits the admirable mechanism of the sys oafrdthaengdrseoalticpiuturpdoert wasto ► for him, in the name of Baron Just, to propose th absorbedtwe 1 1 l s e u nh great tl e I contemplat ion eo l b ns e t c i Institution u o t f i o his n reg tended. It only remained of ße th d e jo r d e , et th in e g P h be t in; d e s et % n t t; d t o t o the th at G hiost the t the t u h k a e n k o s f Noble, the Right Honourable, and others, the Vice- Presidents, for the continuance of their patronage and support to this Society." Mr. Hums seconded the Motion, which was carried unanimously. Sir JOHN JACKSON was glad to observe that some of the most leading patrons of the Institution were members of the Church of England. That establish. ment w.ei mainly indebted for its existence to the principle of universal toleration, and was bound in return sacredly to r?spect the virtuous source from which it :prying. What were the distinctive tenets of the Established Church ?—To fear GOD. ho nour the King, and do gocd to all mankind. In the two first features of Christian duty, the Institution he then addressed would not 'batik from a comparison with the National, whilst, in respect to the social com mandment of doing good to mankind, the very uni versality of its basis mast ensure it a preference. — Look to Ireland—to Poland—to the rising kingdom under Christophe, in St. Domingo, and it was im possible to deny that the exclusion on religious tenets would have defeated its success, where its influence would be most useful and desirable. The worthy Baronet concluded by moving thanks to William Allen, Eaq. and the Rev. Doctor Schwabe , th e Fo reign Secretary, for their valuable serv ices. Carried unanimously. Dr. SCHMADB returned his acknowTeagments for the expression of thanks He would read a letter officially received from a great and good man, whom to name vim to honour, and who, though conspicuous from his station and family, reflected from his pure personal qualities a splendour on both—he would name a character unlike to many—tile Bishop of Norwich—( Applause.) The purport of the letter was, that uniformly attaced to the great objects of your wise and generous ingitction, because firmly con vinced that every Government will be found respec tively more peaceable and happy. in proportion as its subjects are free, and possess at the same time a good system of education to hinder their freedom from degenerating into licentiousness, it would give me real pleasure to attend the meeting on the 12th of this month, but the cations duties of a very laborious diocese make it impossible for me to be present at it. (Coati:sued a/web:aim) The Rev. Mr. CLAYTON, seconded by the Rev. Mr. Stumm, in most eloquent appeals, moved is that the Thanks of the Meeting be presented to the Committee of Ladies for their valuable aid in conducting the fe male department of the Institution." Mr. Yeos.AND observed, that from a residence in the Island of Malta, out of a population of 100,000. no more than 1000 persons were capable of reading or writing. In one village, .consisting of 6000 indi viduals, from an actual inquiry he was mortified to state, that only thirty were instructed even in ele mentary knowledge. Endeavours were some time since made to introduce the British system; but it did not; he was sorry to state, receive that encourage. ment from the respective Authorities that one would be inclined to expect. The Maltese themselves were willing, and he hoped the system would be adopted. Mr. Pools followed in seconding the proposition, " That the Thanks of the Meeting be presented to the Auxiliary Committeesof Bristol, Southwark, and the North-east district of London, for their zealous exertions to promote the objects and augment the funds of this Society, from whose examples the So ciety anticipate a considerable increase of Schools, on the plan recommended by this Institution; whereby the important object of religious instruction will be attained, by the regular attendance of the children at Divine Service sod Sunday Schools." Mr. Cox moved, " That the grateful Thanks of the Meeting be respectfully presented to his Royal Highness the Duke of Sussex, for his obliging and condescending attention to the business of the day." And he trusted that, on the proposition being put, aal a mark of respect, the Ladies would rise, and the Gentlemen pass it with acclamation, The Rev. Rows.AND HILL rose to second the mo tion. He would be very polite, because fie would be' short—(a lauzls.) He would at that late hour attempt )no moving speech inasmuch as he saw some of thel auditory were moving already. The worthy Vice. President had observed, that he, * sincere friend to the present Institution, was of the Established Church. So he (Mr. Hill) begged also so be considered. if they allowed hitn, but if they shut the door he must go elsewhere—(a laugh.) He differed only from the Royal President in one point. He knew be would pardon him—that was, in his expression that the pre- , sent meeting was not political. In his view it was most political—as no policy could be compared with that, which, by elevating the morality, and increasing the happiness of the subject, give to the Throne a security thit would never be weakened but by mad men or bad men. Times were, and oh, that the annals could be expunged from our history, when a difference in religious sentiment constituted politi cal delinquency. The sun of liberality had now dis persed the gloomy atmosphere, never, never again to o erclond the British mind, and pure religion took its stand on liberality of principle and the effusion of _ happiness. - - His Royal Highness the Duke of Sussex, in retnr ,uting sheiks for the marked expression of their feel ins with whirl be had been honoured, took the op. tnatt- , of J adverting eph i to t e g t tiea t t m e rv id ices of thlaseated e too mesh eulogised, a vy trusted vac co u ld nevertsa no 4ioned by the naanimons opinion of the Meeting, in sweommending that a motion to that effect be forth with aimed to the minutes of the day. The recom seledaties was lattaildy adopted, and bis Royal hams. at WIN' Iketr~t, retired amidst the sp. **lt frespostable Aissekip THE EVENING STAR. LONDON. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13, 1816. PRICE OF STOCKS THIS DAY AT TWEI.Vii.O'CLOe t , Reduced 62j#—Cone. mo. slue—Cons Ell. (vs. eiff ' 4 per Cent. 7bff —5 per Cent. Navy sLut Exchequer Dills, es. es. pr.—lndia bonds 15s. lee. pre, FRENCH PAPERS. • • This morning we received the Paris Pape been no Monday and Tuesday. There basing Win of the . Chambers since Saturday, they co nta i n no ttlligence of a political interest. A kind of feve r id t anxiety is visible on the part of the French Minh* of Police, (for the Journals are merely his to allay the apprehensions of the inhabitants on subject of a scarcity. It is asserted that the grain pouring into France from all countries: one of existing causes of that restlessness which exists arno tg the French people, seems, theretore, to arise from • real or pretended defickncy of crop. COURIER EXTRAORDINARY OP MONDAY MIMING. The Journal of Toulouse, of - December 3, the following article : ig The Marechal.de.Camp Baron Ronp,e, mandant of Arms of the department of the Mi)B* of the Rhone, has written to M. Boutaud, Chevali St. Louis, Mayor of the Commune of St. St (High Garonne) a letter, dated Marseilles, 2uth November, to inform him that corn is arriving' all parts, in the port of Marsfilles. lie add: there have been purchased in the Crimes for tie of the Mediterranean, three millions of quintals corn, at 13 francs per quintal." . COURIER P.XTRAORDINAEY GE TUESDAY Monty& The King is now entirely free from gout thought that his Majesty will soon be able to as usual. The Duke de Richelieu was with his nearly all day yesterday upon business. The Duchess de Berri cmainues to keep her apart ment, but the state of her heal :h excites no alarms. It is thought that there wall be no public S:ttiog of the Chamber of Deputies, until one of the Cumls. sions nominated to examine the projects of the raw laws, are ready to make their Report. The Duchess of WELLINGTON embarked at Calais on the sth, en her return to London. In the night of the 22d November, a terrible fin broke out in the Commune of Chesny, arrondissement of Vouziers. Four houses have been burnt does, and the whole of the commune might have beeneas• sumed but for the active intrepidity of the Russia troops stationed there, by whose efforts the, progress of the flames was arrested. 6116 ttAffitlAttiot vint4 this Court. Ar l i ff illi age ha d ma cho t 4 .hilt to SUM the • tittee' aar I MA, a l .f 'the mast hare satisfad destitute of the nestatSaeliclithiself,were he not nan—APPliftrit. of tholOability to givetitat twee and enagy whit - _ rhamigh irolll the diffi *tit , 00 11 " deal • 0. 0 it 'Pr' Al t therb , th i e ves, 4 Mitt • et p 9 ipers. o cuing 4 1 . bi in no .1 1. 1 faecish. " 9 - Knitter tete Wpm) . C er II ti OR the 'fittess . ft : ! a le o f the . Ter: is &Mo the E l ri • tt frOto g lre 1 tpedit • a ING. • COCA a! ?,e, Cot, T his e Min* 441 teealiet of .no ni t. ' 20111 s# Ctaua. icing from ." Al adds, that l)iroslitlititlnt:tallellit I rroion .:"Ts i he seas : t en t - 4 eflu t si l mm :to go Olt dth ~Zr. ma 1 riact HAMBURGH MAILS. Two Mails arrived this morning. An article from Warsaw of the 21st ult. gives the particulars of a very important Decree issued by the King of Paws (the Emperor of Roma) on the 17th of October relative to the Military Conscriptions for his sea subjects. We were taught to believe that the Nei were to have an extension of freedom and but from the Decree which was published at on the 19th ult. and which consisted of sixty every person in the Kingdom of Poland Unction of rank, origin, or religion, is for ten soldier, viz. from his 20th to his 30th year. corps of Reserve are to be formed, the first are destined to complete the troops of line, and those of the second come into From the Conscription are free—Foreigners their sons, born abroad ; only sons; one son , each family; brothers as guardians of their brothers ; widowers who have children ; of state ; those married before this decree Betted, or who shall be married in futt ,age of 20; the clergy; professors; lawyers; clans; surgeons; manufacturing artists, journeymen ; aid, among the Jews, a Rabbilf Canton in everyl Commune. Substitutes • ed. The Conscripts of the first Reserve pear at their depot every year on the 15th ,exercise till the sth of June. We shall offer but one remark on this Russia has thus gained an increase of strength at no very remote period, may prove as dat the repose and safety of other States, as %gm, the overgrown power of France. Should Paul. arise, or a Sovereign with more views than ALEXANDRR, great will be the with which Europe will be threatened. But . we say " more ambitious views r' few will more in one reign than to add to his dot another Kingdom as Poland. Accounts from Brandenburgh of the ht that g' the great increase in Manufactures Kingdom of Prussia has obtained by the Lion of the industrious Duchy , of Berg. of ductive provinces on the Rhine, by the the manufactories of iron and steel of the bleach•fields of Bielefeld, of the linen manufactories of Rai , ensburg, which GREAT used to call his good spinning countr i • the new commercial relations in general, ha sioned•the formation of a new Board, ender of Commissioners of Trade and Manufactei b T r h o e ug i h m t fpoorrtwanatrdqreuesestphrtisagirocicehigho c h ave 4 0 . mer e . ol 4 ,. the system to be adopted by Pepsis, and privileges, pee fished at Warm ea )f sixty is and witheat di viss is for ten years Oth year. T the eonscrips he troops* 4111 nto their . —Foreignen 14 ; one son nit is of their ken; the o;.. s decree was b future before I lawyers; artists. with" is !ws, a Rabbi of ki Istitutes are alb 11 Reserve must • he 15th Arlie a k on this subj of strength whit 4 ve as dangesoss ' I ws, as was, Ist& . Should It more amber i ill be the da med. But why 1 s ?" few will his dominions )f the let inst. • tfactures which i by the inc. Berg, of the by the recolul el of Westphalia ,. he linen Rudd* iich Inzugascs suing country, general, has sod ender the