The Press.
London, England, 1856-08-09 00:00:00

THE BRITISH ASSOCIATION.

TKE twenty-sixth annual meeting opened on Wed-
nesday at Cheltenham. The college has been placed
at the disposal of the society, and it is anticipated
that the meeting will be one of the most successful
for many years past. Dr. Daubeney, the president
elect, delivered his inaugural address on Wednesday,
taking for his subject "The Progress of Physical
Science within the last twenty years."
The learned President commenced with chemistry,
of which science twenty years ago little was known
beyond what was comprehended within the limits of
tbe mineral kingdom ; but, from the methods of
analyses introduced by Liebig, great practical results
bad already followed, the most important of which
was the possibility of forming by art compounds
supposed to be only producible by natural pro-
ceases :

Aheady, indeed, chemistry has given token of her
powers by threatening to alter the course of commerce,
and to reverse the tide of human industry. Thus she has
discovered, it is said, a substitute for the cochineal insect
in a beautiful dye producible from guano. She has shown
that our supply of animal food might be obtained at a
cheaper rate from the antipodes by simply boiling down
the juices of the flesh of cattle now wasted and thrown
aside in those countries, and importing the extract in a
state of concentration. She has pointed out that one of
the earths which constitute the principal material of our
globe contains a metal as light as glass, as malleable and
ductile u copper, and as little liable to rust as silver; thus
EcLiming properties so valuable that. when means have
tlieigund of separating it economically from its are, it
will be capable of superseding the metals in common use,
and thus of rendering metallurgy an employment, not of
certain districts only, bat of every part of the earth to which
science and civilisation have penetrated.

With respect to the application of chemical dis-
coveries to agricultural purposes, and to the late con-
troversies between Liebig and certain experimental
agriculturalists, Dr. Daubeney observed :

In so far as concerns the relative advantages of mineral
and arnmoniacal manures, I presume there is little room for
controversy; for, although most soils may contain a suffi-
ciency of the inorganic constituents required by the crop,
it by no means follows that the latter are always in an
available condition ; and hence it may well happen that in
most cases in which land has been long under cultivation,
the former class of manures becomes, as Baron Liebig
asserts, a matter of paramount necessity. Now, that the
same necessity exists for the addition of ammoniacal
manures can hardly be contended when we reflect that, at
the first commencement of vegetable life, every existing
species of plant must have obtained its nourishment solely
from the gaseous constituents of the atmosphere and from
the mineral contents of the rock in which it vegetated.
The only divergence of opinion, therefbre, that can arise
relates to the degree of their respective utility in the exist.
ing state of our agriculture, and to the soundness of Baron
Liebig's position, that a plant rooted in a soil well charged
with all the requisite mineral ingredients, and in all other
respects in a condition calculated to allow of healthy
vegetation, may sooner or later be age to draw from the
atmosphere whatever else is required for its full develop-
ment. And does not, I would ask, this latter position
derive some support from the luxuriant vegetation of the
tropics, where art certainly contributes nothing towards
the result? And is it not also favored by such experi-
ments as those carried on at Lois Weedon in Northamp-
tonshire, where the most luxuriant wheat crops have been
obtained for a number of consecutive years without
manure of any kind, simply by following out the Tullian
system of stirring up and pulverising the soil? How, too,
are we to explain that capacity of subsisting without any
artificial supply of ammonia which Mr. Levee is led by
his experiments to attribute to turnips and ether plants
of similar organisation, unless we assume that the
power residing in the leaves of absorbing ammonia from
the air may render plants, in some cases at least, indepen-
dent of any extraneous aid v Still the
practical question remains whether, admitting the theo-
retical truth of Bann► Liebig's position, a lamer expendi-
ture of capital will not be required for bringing a given
farm into a condition to dispense with ammoniao.l manures
than for procuring those materials which contain that in-
gredient ready for use.

Dr. Daubeney then touched upon the departments
of botany and vegetable physiology, two branches of
natutal science which had not taken such rapid
strides as chemistry or geology, though through the
improvements in the microscope many interesting
and useful discoveri,'s as to the propagation and
structure of plants bad been made by Brown, Brong-
niart, and others, and many curious andogies be-
tween plants and animals clearly traced. With

THE PRESS.

respect to geology, among the principles recently re-
garded as axiom 4 none seemed so little likely to be
disputed as this :

That the classes of animals and vegetable which pos.
sassed the most complicated structure were preceded by
°thereof a more simple one ; and that when we traced back
the succession of beings to the lowest and the earliest of the
sedimentary formations, we arrived at length at a class of
rocks the deposition of which must be inferred, from the
almost entire absence of organic remains, to have
followed very soon after the first dawn of creation. But
the recognition of the footsteps and remains of reptiles in
beds of an earlier date than was before assigned to them
tended to corroborate the inferences which had been pre-
viously deduced from the discovery, in a few rare in-
stances, in rocks of the secondary age, of mammalian re-
mains ; and this has induced certain eminent geologists
boldly to dispute whether from the earliest to the latest
period of the earth's history any gradation of beings can
in reality be detected.

Dr. Daubeney next traced the progress of geographi-
cal science, summed up the various schemes of
discovery now on foot, and concluded his address by
an eloquent defence of scientific studies against the
vulgar prejudice that they are inimical to revealed
religion.
Lord Stanley addressed the Association on Thurs-
day on the subject of economic science and statistics.
The noble lord, in the course of his remarks,
said :
Statistics are the function of the State in a sense in
which no other science is so. The details of population,
of employment, of instruction, of religions worship, of
commerce, and of health, are already recorded in official
publications. Those of agricultural production we may
hope will shortly follow. The branch which 1 principally
note as deficient is that which relates to civil and criminal
judicature. Lord Brougham has brought this subject
before the House of Lords, and even embodied in a bill
the data on which information is needed. We require a
regular and uniform record to be kept of every fact con-
nected with the administration of the law. We require to
know, in civil proceedings especially, the number and na-
ture of snits that go to each court, the length of time occu-
pied in their decision, the nature of that decision, and
the cost to the parties. Our criminal returns might he
fuller than they are. They give us at present absolutely
no information respecting that vast class of offences (of
late much increased) which aro dealt with under sum-
mary jurisdiction. It is not wise in any country to copy
servilely the practices of another; local differences may
create and necessitate diversity of procedure; but I may
refer to the annual reports (two yearly volumes) of the
Minister of Justice in France as a sample of an almost
perfect arrangement of complicated statistical details.
One result of that publication is to show a vast local differ-
ence between department and department in the nature and
amount of crime. It is that when such a difference is shown
by the lapse of • suffic4ent period to be chronic, and not
merely casual, the Government whose attention is thus in-
vited must feel itself bound to investigate the source of
the evil, and, if possible, to provide a cure. In fact, an
executive regularly supplied with such knowledge may be
said to have its finger on the pulse of every province,
ready at the first symptom of disease to intervene with
requisite remedy.
There is another suggestion which I may make, and
which, indeed, connects itself with this last. I allude to
the advantage—l might almost say the necessity—of estab-
lishing a statistical department of Government charged
with the annual publication of such facts relative to the
management of national affairs as are reducible to nume-
rical expression. We have statistics enough presented to
Parliament every session, but they are, in the great majo-
rity of cases, called for by individuals. They are drawn
out to snit the particular purpose of those who move for
them : they are accordingly deficient in unity, and often of
no use beyond the moment. Now, I speak from some
personal observation when I say that, at a cost hardly
greater than that of these desultory fragmentary isolated
returns ( which have in addition the inconvenience, coming
as they do at unexpected times, and without any regularity,
of throwing a sudden increase of work on particular
officers), it would be possible to present to the nation such
a yearly résumé of administrative statistics as should to a
very great degree supersede the present system (if system
it can be called) of moving for returns as and when they
are wanted. !Hear. hear.) I have said that I think a
statistical department desirable instead of a statistical
branch in every department, because the former method
gives better security for unity of plan, and because the
work will be best done by those whose sole and undivided
business it is.

have not referred to the meetings of the International
Congress of Brussels and Paris because, on such a subject,
I could offer no remark that would not natnrally occur to
those whom I address. Such meetings have a twofold
value ; first, they extend the field of statistical research,
and we have seen that accuracy of result varies directly as
the magnitude of the area of investigation ; secondly, they
form a new link between nation and nation, because,
though speech differs. arithmetical notation is the same
everywhere. In proportion, therefore, as numerical is
substituted for descriptive statement, we approach nearer
to that otherwise impracticable dream of philosophers—a
universal language. There is. I believe I may state, a
probability of the congress of 1857 being held in London,
an expectation which seems both natnral and reasonable,
ins-much, as has been averred in public and not denied,
that the first design of holding such international meet-
ings was sturgested by the analogy of the Hyde-park Exhi-
bition of 18.51. Should the event I allude to take place,
it will become the duty of all concerned in statistical
science to see that such an opportunity does not pass un•
improved; so that him may find us with a thorougUy

SATURD,

organised system for the annual collection and pul,
of national facts, assimilated, if possible, to the sv.
France and Belgium ; for it must be borne in nii
the objects to be arrived at are two—one, the adopt
method as perfect in itself as possible; the other, a
milation of that method to those which prevail else
so that nations may mutually profit by each other's
rience. (Hear, hear.)
. _

The society, it is believed, is about to be rep
to hold its next yearly meetiug at Manchester.

•MNIM
ion

MAJOR-GENERAL WINDHAM, who was entertained
at a grand banquet at Norwich last Friday, the Ist
instant, and presented with two swords of honour, in
the course of his reply, after alluding to his old absc-
ciations with the county, said that Norfolk men were
famous for their attachment to their homesteads
I well remember one old man at Felbrigg who lived to
to be upwards of 90, and who was only beyond the hundred
of North Erpineham three times in his life—twice to come
to Norwich, and once to go to Lynn—(laughter)—and
when he arrived at Lynn he was so near the confines of
the county that he at once became ill. ( Renewed laughter.'
I well remember the first attack on the Redan on the 18th
of June, 1855. I was not employed in that attack. I was
merely in reserve, and I incurred no more danger than
any of my friends whom I see around me. I happened to
be sent by Sir H. Bentinck to find out what was going on,
when I saw a man two or three yards ahead of me walking
along the trench. A round•shot flew over the parapet, and
almost hid him in dust. I thought he was killed; but
when the dust subdued I saw an individual whose coun-
tenance presented a curious aimixture of fright and joy.
Scratching his head, he said to me, " Why, dash my
buttons, but that was most amazin nigh." (Laughter.)
The moment he opened his mouth I knew from what
county he came—( a laugh)—and I said, '," Ay, ay, my
boy, we'd much better be digging trenches at 3d. a rod in
Norfolk than fighting here." (Renewed laughter.) He
was astonished that I bad bit upon his native county, and
his only reply was, " What are yew few from Norfolk ? "
( Laughter and cheers.)
The chairman, Lord Albemarle, in proposing the
gallant general's health, called him the " Hero of
the Redan." General Windham said :

I feel some delicacy in allowing that title to be conferred
upon me. I received orders from General Markham to
attack the Redan about three o'clock on the afternoon of
the day previous to that on which the assault took place.
I received those orders, I trust, calmly. I looked into
them to the best of my ability. I went home. I arranged
all my affairs for this world, and, as far as time would
allow me, those of the world to come. (Hear, hear.) I
said my prayers that night with sincerity; I slept soundly;
I woke early, and entered the battle. If that constitutes a
hero, you may give me the title. (Cheers.) There were
many others who did their duty just as well as I did.
When I look at Welsford, and Hanxick, and Gough, and
Unett, who commanded parties of the light division ; when
T look at Tyler, and Cuddy, and others in my own division;
when I look again at Lysons of the 23rd, and Maude of
the 3rd, who fought with the enemy hand to band at the
Madan, I must say I should be a dirty and a scurvy fellow
if l appropriated all your praise to myself. (Loud cheers.)
Believe me, that my title as " Hero of the Redan " is more
due to my seniority than to my superiority. I detest false
humility as much as Ido vain boasting. I don't pretend
that I did not do my duty like a soldier ; but I say also
that there were scores of others, of all ranks, who did their
duty quite as well as I did. (" Hear," and cheers.) I feel
proud that Sir James Simpson singled me out to spviik of
me with kinduesas ; that General Markbam mentioned me
in terms of approbation ; and that my much respected
friend, Sir W. Codrington, the commander-in-chief in the
Crimea, did the same. When I cast my eye round this
table, F see many young officers present who, I doubt not,
will own I did my duty fairly ; arid 1 trust no one will be
able to say that I ever did, or that I ever will, bear my
honours with undue pride. (Loud cheers.)

The gallant general concluded by again thanking the
company for the cordial reception they had given
him, and resumed his seat amid enthusia.tic applause.
In the morning General Windham had been pm-
seated with an address from the corporation. In
reply to the Mayor, the gallant general told the
history of the attack upon the Redan, and put the
matter upon its proper footing :
With regard to the attack on the Redan, in connection
with which you have been pleased to speak so kindly of
me, I may say that I believe, in a military point of view,
no one doubted that the distance was too great ; but Sir
James Simpson had no power to alter the arrangements
when it was decided that the French should attack the
Malakoff, and various points of the town. We had, then,
nothing to do but to attack the Redan. It was attacked
with good apirit—(cheers)—but from an immense distance.
We held it for an hour, but we were ultimately reptil•ed.
Surely, if we lost any prestige by having attacked the
Redan, and not having carried it. we should have lost in-
finitely more if we had been cowards enough not to make
the attack at all. (" Hear," and cheers.) We canto t
blame our commander•in-chief for having said, " Although
we are not ready, and in proper position to attack the
Redan at the distance of 9.249 yards, it shall never Le said
that the English army stood by with folded stills and
allowed the French to take Sebastopol." ( Loud cheers.)
If we have lost prestige as it is, we should have lost infi-
nitely more if we had not made the attack ; and, although
I don't pretend to he the hero you would make me.
would rather have been buried in the ditch of the liedan
with the second division and the light division above toe
than that the British army should not have borne its fair
share in the assault on that occasion. (Loud cheers.)

AUGUST 9, 1856.

-
THE WEST RIDING MAGISTRACY assembled at
Wakefield on Friday, for the purpose of considering
the best means for carrying into effect the new Police
Act. The Hon. E. Lascelles, presided, and the
meeting was fully attended. A resolution detailing
the duties of the clerk of the peace, and moving for
the appointment of a central committee of magis-
trates to carry the police acts into effect, was proposed
by Mr. E. Denison, M.P., and carried nem. con.,
while a second resolution proposing that the com-
mittee should meet at Wakefield on the 12th Sep-
tember was also agreed to.
THE EDINBURGH AUTHORITIES have resolved to
give a welcome to the sth Dragoon Guards and 72nd
Highlanders on their return from the war. It is ex-
pected that a grand banquet to men and officers will
be decided on.

THE MEMBERS OF THE MILITARY GUN TRADE OF
BIRMINGHAM last week presented Mr. Muntz, M.P.,
and Mr. Newdegate, M.P., with testimonials to mark
their sense of the important services which those
gentlemen rendered to the trade, and to the country
at large, in the small arms committee, which sat two
years ago. This presentation took place at a dinner
given at the Royal Hotel on Friday night. The tes-
timonial to each gentleman took the form of a piece
of plate. The productions consist of two groups in
oxydised silver (fac-simile), one for each of the two
gentlemen. The incident which is depicted is one of
the most memorable episodes in the battle of Inker-
mann, viz., the final occupation by the Guards of
the Sandbag Battery. The groups are executed in
silver, oxydised and gilt, and mounted on pedestals
of Sienna marble, each bearing on the front a wreath
inclosing the word "Inkermann," and on the back a
silver plate with the presentation inscription. In
addition, both gentlemen were presented with a
double-barrelled fowling-piece and a Mime, specimens
of the latest improvement in this arm, both bearing
appropriate inscriptions, but upon the rifle of Mr.
Newdegate making special reference to the exertions
of one of his ancestors, Sir Richard Newdegate, who
in the reign of William 111. exerted his influence to
get the military gun trade introduced into Birming-
ham. Mr. J. Goodman, who occupied the chair at
the dinner, gave a slight history of the Government
and Birmingham factories during the war :
In February, 1854. the Government came before Parlia-
ment with their new plan for a royal factory, founding all
their arguments for its establishment upon this delay.
They asked for 100,0001., and they undertook that it should
not cost more than 150,0001. They promised also to pro-
duce five hundred muskets a day ; that they would produce
guns at 11. Bs. instead of 31. ; that they would thus save
727,0001. a year ; that they consequently would not require
to keep stores ; and talked so much about factories and
machinery that the belief was pretty general that if they
put iron and wood in at one door they would come out
guns and bayonets at another. ( Laughter.) Then it was
that Messrs. Muntz and Newdegate stepped in to the
manufacturers' relief. They asked for a committee, where
the trade could be heard, and the declarations of the
Government sifted. The trade was beard, and they
promised that, instead of 20,000 or 30,000 a year, they
would undertake, if they bad a fair field, to produce within
the first two years 150,090 guns. The committee lent a
favorable ear to the trade, and in consequence of their
report the factory was not removed to Woolwich, and the
grant was reduced from 100,0001. to 40,0001. The report
was made in March, but it was not till November that the
whole of the trade was set to work. And what had they
done? They promised 150,000 in two years. The actual
performance was that they bad sent in the enormous
number of 272,000. And of that number 240,000 were
Minie rifles of a quality that the world never saw, and
such as no other country in the world could equal. But
what bad been done at Enfield? A sum of 40,0001. was
granted; but, according to a return obtained by Mr.
Spooner, they had already spent 106.000/. ; in March they
gut 47,0001. more, making 153,0001.; and 50,000!. more
was asked for artificers and officers. Thus they had a total
of 174,0001. expended on the factory for which they asked
only 100,001., and for which only 40,0001. was granted,
and as yet there had not been produced a single gun .
A MAN NAMED HELSTONE, last week in Leicester-
shire, concluded with ease a walking feat of seventy
miles a day for six successive days. He walked the
distance usually in from twelve to fourteen hours,
and during the week lived on beef tea and underdone
muttm chops.
RAILWAY AcciDENTs have been numerous this
week. Collisions and running off the rails have oc-
curred on the North-Western, the East Lancashire,
the. Wigan line, and the Dublin and Belfast. Several
lives have been lost, and frightful fractures and
other injuries, on nearly every occasion, suffered by
the unfortunate passengers.
A REFORMATORY-SCHOOL. MEETING was held at
Winchester on Wednesday. The Bishop of Win-
chester presided, and Mr. Shaw Lefevre, the Speaker
of the House, also addressed the meeting in favour
of the county establishment at Eling. Subscrip-
tions to the amount of 100/. were announced.
r. SUNDAY BANDS in Manchester will probably be
discontinued. At the City Council on Wednesday,
r. Alderman Bancroft moved and carried a resolu-
tion, by 27 to 18, recommending the gentlemen con-
stituting the bands committee to withdraw them.