The Express.
London, England, 1855-07-02 00:00:00

LONDON UNIVERSITY COLLEGE.

The annual distribution of prizes to the students of
the London University College took place on Saturday
afternoon, in the presence of a large company of ladies and
gentlemen, amongst whom were several members of the
council, and other influential supporters of the institution.
Lord hiCNIZAGLE presided.
The report of the council was first read by Professor
Ds Mostoar, giving a very satisfactory account of the pro-
gress of the college, and of its enlarged opportunities of
usefulness; reference was particularly made to the new
official regulations, by which the civil service of India has
been thrown open to all qualified candidates; and it was
stated that the council have taken measures to provide in-
creased means of instruction in the Oriental languages,
with a view to enabling the students of this college to pre-
pare themselves fa the Indian service.
The 1 professors then read in succession their lists of
the meritorious scholars to whom prises or certificates of
diligence had been awarded, and the young men were called
upon to receive, one by one, the books or documents which
represented their distinction ; the chairmen, in most cues,
dtidresaisg to them a few words of appropriate encourage-
ment and counsel.
Several of the professors acknowledged with pleasure the
industry end attention eshibited by the students under
their charge during the term which has just expired; and
the Principal observed that he had not found it necessary
in a single instance to apply the corrective bye-laws, ad
in two or three cases only had he been obliged to use a
little private remonstrance with individual students.
The formal disuibution of rewards having been con-
cluded,
Alford. klowneohe congratulated these who were con-
>ie
min n University College upon its flourishing condition,
irk nj„and upon its hopeful prospects; expressing . the
plea ? e which he had himself received in being permitted
again icCaike a part in such an interesting pro-
ceediog as this was. He named several of the
founders and supporters of the college, men who bad
not only rendered, in their own day, most efficient aid to
the cause of education, but had distinguished themselves
greatly in literature and science, or in the service of their
country. Amongst the friends of University College had
been persons of sighed rank, such as the lets Duke of
Sussex, statesmen like Lord John Russell and Lord Broug-
ham, the historians Orote and Macaulay, and other eminent
men of the present age. He reverted to the early history
of the London University, which arose in connection with
this college, and which he (Lord Montesgle) had the
honour to mist in forming. The privileges of this univer-
sity were not confined to the University College or to King's
College, but extended to many other institutions, and its
influence had already produced a most beneficial and im-
portant effect upon the educational interests of England,
and even upon those of India and the Colonies. He ob d
with gratification, in connection with the recent opening
of the Indian civil service, the fact that a young Brahmin,
who was seat to this country for his education, had
become remarkable by the learning which he acquired here,
and that he (Dr. Chuckerbutty) was a student of this col-
lege. lie trusted that the Improved official system of India
would not be a merely delusive reform, but a real one, ad-
vantageous 'wily to the vast population of that empire
and to those employed in its administration; with which
view he suggested that the wealth and liberality of those
who feel any interest in this matter could scarcely be more
usefully bestowed than in the erection of some place in
London where young Hindoo students may be received upon
arrival here, and may reside beneath the guarlianship of
Asiatics in whom their countrymen would confide. If such
facilities were afforded to the native youth of sharing an
European education, they might be put in a situation to avail
themselves of the chances of admission to the civil service of
the Indian government. His lordship also referred to the
principle upon which University College was originally
founded, of making public education free front
every restriction of religious sectarianism or ex-
clusiveness. He reminded his audience of the mit-
understandings and obloquy which formerly emba-
rgoed those who ventured to assert that true principle,
and remarked with all the more satisfaction its triumphant
vindication now, for in the sessions et 1854 and 1155 that
great principle bad been twice affirmed by both houses of
parliament, and dissenters had thus become en:itied to par-
ticipate in the advantages of both the older universities,
Oxford and Cambridge, and to receive there all the rewards
of proficiency in study ; and if there were any magic value
In the letters B.A. and A.M., those degrees might belong to
dissenters as well as to any others. The chairman con-
, eluded by avowing his own especial regard for Universitj
College Lin which two of his sons had been educated.
1 Earl FOZTISCIIi briefly proposed the thanks of the NM-
• lag to Lord biontagle for Ms kind and able ands& is