The Express.
London, England, 1851-06-26 00:00:00

ST. LUKE'S HOSPITAL FOR LUNATICS.

Yesterday, the celebration of the centenary fes-
tival of this Institution took place, at the London Tavern,
Bishopsgate-street. The chair was taken by the Right
Hon. CIIRLEB SkILW LIFEVRII, M.P., and Speaker of
the House of Commons; and the right hon. gentleman was
supported by the following friends of the institution :—.Lord
Dyersville, lord Erskine, B. B. Cabbell, Esq., M.P., Col.
Brownlow Knox, M.P., Captain De Bathe, Rd. Blakemore,
Earl., M.P., T. Booker, F-sq., M.P., M. Portal, Esq.
M.P. 11. F. Stephenson, the Archdeacon of Not-
tingham, John Tidd Pratt, Esq., Henry l'ownall, Esq.,
Sir Norton Knatchbull, M.P., Sir J. 11. Maxwell, Burt.,
Sir A. P. Jodrell, Dart., Major-General Caulfield, the trea-
surer, Henry Francis Leferre, Esq., T. Baring, Esq.,
M.P., H. Kemble, Esq., Dr. Sutherland, the physician.
When the routine toasts had been disposed of,
The CHAIRMAN, in proposing the toast of the even-
ing, observed that front this report it appeared that
of 18,000 patients admitted front the commencement, nearly
8,000 bad been discharged cured. But, though the report
told them of the cures which had been effected, it did not
allude to the happiness which it had diffused or to
the misery which it had alleviated, amongst those families
some of whose members had unfortunately been visited
with the greatest of all human calamities. It must be re-
membered that every case which was enumerated in the
appendix to the report comprised not only the disease of the
individual, but the sorrows, and probably the despair, of
an afflicted family. It was gratifying to think what im-
provements had been made in the management of poor lu-
natics since the formation of this institution. That system
of coercion which too often, even under the ablest superin-
tendants, degenerated into the most cruel tyranny and tor-
ture had passed away ; compassion and tenderness
had been substituted, and the patients had now
a greater share of comforts within the hospital
than many of them enjoyed at their own homes.
In connexion with these improvements he might mention
that in the last year nearly 70 per cent. of the patients ad-
mitted had been discharged cured. (Cheers.) lie ear-
nestly hoped they would all exert themselves in support of
this humane undertaking, and that that which he had now'
the honour of proposing as the toast of the evening would
become still more apparent, namely, " The prosperity of
St. Luke's Hospital."
The toast was enthusiastically responded to.
The CHAIRMAN then proposed the health of Lord
Overtone, the president of the institution.
Lord OVERSTONE returned thanks, and in concluding
proposed the health of the Chairman, which was drunk
with great cordiality.
The CHAIRMAN, in reply, said he was proud to state
that his conduct as Speaker during the last 12 years had
met with the approbation of the House of Commons, and it
gave him great pleasure to find that approbation confirmed
by the present assembly.
The next toast proposed from the chair was " The Mem-
bers of the two Houses of Parliament who have honoured
us with their attendance on this occasion."
. _ .

117iiiiilalii;;;;WedTiaidWO;behalf of the Room
of Lords, and Mr. T. BARING on behalf of the House of
Commons.

- ----- . .
The submnphons announced during the evening amounted
to 2,3001.

THE GREAT FIRE AT

transpired yesterday to clear up the mystery which over-
hangs the origin of this terrible conflagration, and it still
remains clouded with suspicion. At 8 o'clock last evening
the fire was raging fiercely within the ruins, and from ap-
pearances it will be some days ere it will be suppressed.
Very little salvage is anticipated. The lofty walls fronting
the waterside premises have been shored up, in order to
prevent any disastrous accident. On inquiries being made
at the hospital respecting the unfortunate engineer of the
Brigade, Edward Burch, we were informed that he
continued in an unfavourable condition. He is shock-
ingly burnt about his face, head, neck, and arms.
The agents of the insurance offices continued to receive up
to late last evening notices from parties holding floating poli-
cies on property reported to have been destroyed in the ware-
houses. Amongst the list of insurances wo may state with
accuracy the following :—Messrs. Wigan and Co., the hop
factors, have 60,0001. insurances effected on their stores
destroyed in A, B, and D warehouses, divided among the
Sun, Royal Exchange, Phomis, Guardian, Atlas, Monarch,
Alliance, and other offices. Mr. Alderman Humphrey
and Sons have upon their property, viz. the four
warehouses and the building of the Bridge House
Hotel, insurance to the extent of 43,5001. in the Sun and
other offices. Messrs. Waterman and Co., hop-factors,
have 18,0001. insurances in the Sun and other offices. Mr.
Hewett, cheesefactor, 3,0001. in the Union. Messrs. Hum-
ble and Co., hop-factors, 3,0001. in the Sun. Mr. Harry-
man, hop merchant, 7,0001. in two offices. Messrs. Allen
and Anderson, American provision merchants, 10,0001. in
three offices. Mr. Hollingsworth, paper manufacturer, of
the Turkey-mills, near Maidstone, 9,0001. in the Kent and
West of England, and Mr. Burrell, proprietor of the
Bridge-house Hotel, 1,6001. in the Monarch &e-offlos.

NATIONAL PUBLIC SCHOOL ASSOCIATION.

A general meeting al the members and friends of
this association took place last evening, at the Hall of Com-
merce, Threadneedle-street, for the purpose of bearing from
several members of parliament and others an exposition of
the principles and objects of the association. Sanest.
LUCAS, E.g., presided; and there were present Mr. M.
Gibson, M.P.; Mr. J. Vaughan, barrister-at-law, chairman
of the metropolitan committee ; Mr. John Dillon, Mr. J. H.
Palmer; Messrs. E. Swaine, Welter Ferguson, Liverpool;
E. Plimpton, W. A. Wilkinson' E. Lucas, George Wilson,
Samuel Harrison, A. Baden, S. Westhrook, Bastard,
Pritchard, Espinasse, It. Howell, Rev. Mr. Unwin.
The CHAIRMAN, in opening the proceedings, said the
object of the association was one of the greatest importance;
and, but for the attractions of the Great Exhibition, it was
probable there would have been a larger audience. This
association was the metropolitan branch of a national asso-
ciation which had existed two or three years at Manchester,
and had branches in various parts of the country. Its ob-
ject was not destructive, but coLstructive ; the only enemy
with which they grappled was ignorance. (Hear, bear.)
They were not opposed either to the church or the dissent ;
they sought not to in'orfere with the Committee of Council,
though deeming that the principle on which assistance was
rendered was radically wrong. The operation of this prin-
ciple was, that most assistance was given where it was least
required; this was the only ground on which they quar-
relled with the minutes of council. They thought the
government was doing a ridiculously. small thing; it ought
to do ten times as much. The association comprised mem-
bers of all religious denominations; it could not, therefore,
be hostile to any. In the late debate on Mr. Fox's
'notion, Sir 0. Grey had lauded the new Manches-
ter scheme, from which this association differed. The
object of the new scheme, supported mainly by churchmen,
was to make available existing accommodation. But a
system was required which would supply schools wherever
they were wanted, and not leave them to be built by indi-
viduals for the sake of proselytising. The association
sought an act of parliament to give the people the
power of establishing schools for themselves. Notwithstaad-
mg their opposition to Mr. Fox, the government had, a few
nights after, supported Lord Melgund's proposition, which
was very similar to Mr. Fox's' and applied to Scotland
They also supported the national colleges in Ireland. Let
but the public opinion be expressed, and the government
would nol doubt adopt the principles of the association,
which embraced even Roman cathoiies and Roman catholic
priests among its members.
Mr. VAUGIUN said he was an earnest advocate for the
education of the people at large. Had the means proposed
by this association been adopted years ago the people would
have been much more enlightened, and the state at large
would have reaped the benefit. It was impassible but that
the people would be educated either for good or evil ; the
precept and example of their parents and friends effected
this ; and to this cause was attributable much of the exist-
ing pauperism and crime. To be of any service at all cdu
catiou must be comprehensive and solid. At present not
only was it deficient, but mach of it was of the worst qua-
lity. In many of the so-called schools, the arts of
reading and writing only were taught, while the faculty
of thinking rind reasoning was left untrained. (Hear,
hear.) The system pursued in Germany and Switzerland
was far superior to ours. In Bavaria and Prussia every
child who could read knew a good deal of history and geo-
graphy. This had been rashly designated an irreligious
system; on the contrary, its direct tendency was to excite the
mind to religious feelings. During a certain number of hours
every week, the schools were to be closed to give the pupils
an opportunity of attending the religious instruction of
their several pastors. Wu this an irreligious principle?
'f he books and discipline of the schools were to be regulated
by the county boards—a security against any sectarian
tenets being introduced. The Bible was not to be excluded'
wherever it could be introduced without doing prejudice to
the consciences of any. (hear, hear.) Nothing consistent
with the teaching of natural religion would be excluded ;
the existence of a Supreme Being would he held up to the
children to stimulate and confirm them in habits of piety
and virtue.
Mr. J. DILLON said the great aim of a national system
should be to give the youth of the nation the means of
attaining the elements of knowledge, and afterwards of
educating themselves. lie thought the association had
made the question of secular education only too pro-
minent, and had thereby increased its own ditticulties, by
exciting the hostilities of the sects. The first object was the
establishment of a general system; otherquestions might
fairly be left to be dealt with by the legislature, or by local
committees. _ .

The CHAIRMAN said the members of the association
were by no means pledged to all the details of the plan, but
only to the basis, which was as follows: " The National
l'ublic School Association is formed to promote the est*
blishment, by law, in England and Wales, of a system of
free schools; which, supportel by local rates, and managed
by local committees, specially elected for that purpose by
the ratepayers, shall impart secular instruction only ;
leaving to parents, guardians, and religious teachers, the
inculcation of doctrinal religion, to afford opportunities for
which, the schools shall be closed at stated tittles in each
week." . . .

M. GIBSON, M.P., was received with marked
demonstrations of applause. He said he had much plea-
sure in bearing his humble testimony to the excellence of
the principles of this association, which was a branch of the
national body originally founded at Manchester. He, for
one, would not in the slightest degree disparage any past
efforts in the cause of education ; others hail acted as they
best could, with the circumstances around them, and the
state of feeling with which they had to deal. It was impos-
sible to deny the inadequacy of the voluntary aye up to this
time to remove ignorance and spread the elements of know-
ledge generally. It had been said that on the occasion of their
marriages many parties were so nervous that they preferred
" making their mark ;" but this he took to be a mere
pleasantry; he did not believe these parties could write.
With the immense wealth and advantages of this country,
such a state of things was not very creditable to us. (Hear.)
It was said the proportion of those unable to read and
write was continually diminishing, and would ultimately
disappear under the existing system. He feared that period
would be very remote ; for he found that the per tentage
of those unable to write was only diminishing at such
a slow rate that perhaps 300 years must elapse Ise-
fore the satisfactory result was attained of every grown-
up man or woman being able to write his or her name.
(Hear, hear.) Unwilling to wait so long, he therefore gave
his support to the additional means supplied by this associa-
tion. Its system was justly called national, as one in which
all classes would participate and derive advantage from.
Whether education were supported by local rates or parlia-
mentary grant, the principle was the same; but the latter
secured local management and direct responsibility, and
was therefore preferable. (Hear, hear.) Those who had
supported a government grant, however small, had given in
their full adhesion to the principle of supporting education
by local rate. (Hear.) Both funds were from public taxes.
Education thus supported must be =sectarian, otherwise
it would be said, and said with justice' as in reference to
church rates, that men ought not to be taxed to support
schools of which they did not approve. (Hear, hear.)
Seeing that the opinion was growing in the country in favour
of an exclusively voluntary support of religion, it would be
ma to hope for support to religious sectarian schools from
agetral
rate. Such a scheme must be at once dismissed
as =practicable ; its difficulties would increase the longer
it was kept in operation, and there would be a continually
growing hostility against it. The Bishop of London, in a
recent speech, had deprecated the separation of religious and
secular instruction ; he was for founding everything on
scripture, and scripture as expounded by the church.
It is possible to teach children scripture as well as arithmetic ;
but what is the meaning of basing the latter upon the
former ? Let no one imagine that religious instruction
was undervalued by better secular instruction being given.
No country had more ample means of giving religious in-
struction than this country we hail clergy, bishops, and
' archhishops—(laughter and " Too many ")—we had also
numerous and jealous bodies of dissenters. It could not
therefore be said that religious instruction was neglected
when the means for imparting it existed in such abundance.
It was most accessary, on the other hand, to give increased
means for affording that secular instruction which was
needful to every individual who sought to pass through life
respectably. (Hear, hear.) He had recently visited some
schools in Holland conducted on the plan of the association.
Religious teaching was wholly excluded ; Lutherans, Cal.
vinista, Jews,. and Catholics, were all admitted, and joined
in the same =sons. The manager informed him that they
had had a great struggle before arriving at that kind of
education, and expressed his belief that England would
soon yield a cordial support to the same system. The adop-
tion of this system in Holland was the more remareable as
ministers of all persuasions were paid by the state ; but the
advantages of an unsectarian system of education were seen
to he so great, that they had preferred it as most likely to
secure the welfare and intelligence of the community. It
would be far better for this association to support a strictly
=sectarian system, as resting on justice, and being prac-
tical, than to make any concessions to their opponents.
Whether in or out of parliament, he should continue to
give, as he had long given, all the support in his power to
the principles advocated by the association. (Cheers.)
Mr. J. H. PALMER said that, as a churchman, he had
formerly been an advocate for combining religious with
secular instruction ' • but in a country like this, with so many
shades of religious belief, it was impossible to form such •
combined system; and the question -would soon come to
this, whether the people should have next to no education,
or should have secular education alone ? (Hear, hear.)
He was convinced that many clergymen would prefer the
latter alternative. Other conscientious men objected to it,
but they would soon see that the pittance which they got
from the government grant as utterly insufficient for the
purposes for which it was given. Equally evident was it
that the voluntary system must fail to stem the torrent of
ignorance. The returns of all the government inspectors
declared the utter impossibility of meeting the educational
wants of the people by voluntary effort. They must have
meanie to compulsory payments, and of these local rates
would be most acceptable to the country. (Hear, hear.)
The moment this principle was adopted the question of
sectarian differences arose ; hence the necessity of confining
the education so supported to secular instruction. Under
the existing system the inspectors agreed that the religious
instruction given was rather injurious than otherwise to the
cause of religion ; it was more an instruction of the ear than
of the heart. (Hear, hear.) Where religious instruc-
tion was given on a basis of ignorance, the inva-
riable result was bigotry, narrow-mindedness, and sub-
jugation to priesteraft. (Hear, hear.) This association—
with the example of the Anti-Corn-law League before it—
had nothing to fear from any prejudice which might now
exist against it, for such prejudices must yield to fair dia.
mission.
' The CHAIRMAN, in announcing the close of the !go-
eeedings, said this was the last meeting that would be held
for some time, and called on those favourable to the prin-
ciples of the emaciation to send in their subscriptions.

METROPOLITAN CHURCH REFORM •
ASSOCIATION.

Last evening the second conference of this mod*.
tion, the object of which is to procure a reform of the
Prayer-book and public worship, and a removal of the
abuses attaching to church property and patronage, was
held at Freemasons Tavern, Great Queen-street. The
chair was occupied by J. SULLIVAN, Esq.
The CHAIRMAN, in opening the proceedings, said the
necessity for forming and sustaining such an association Si
the present had been vindicated by the Archbishop of Can-
terbury about two years ago, when, in reply to the Rev.
Mr. Maskell, will presented him with a volume of his ser-
mons, and who since then had gone over to the !tannish
church, his grace made use of these remarkable words:—
" Under the specious pretence of deference to antiquity, and
respect for primitive modcle, the foundations of our pro-
testant church are undermined by men who dwell within
her walls." It was to prevent her from being undermined
that this amsciation had been formed. It sought in the
first instance a revision of the liturgy and the canons, some
portions of which did undoubtedly sanction Ito nish doc-
trines, in order that Dr. Pusey and his adhcrente might
have no handle furnished to them for preaching tip the
errors of the papacy within the bosom of a protestant
church. (Cheers.)
The Rev. G. 11. STODDART, the honorary secretary of
the association, then read the following report of what had
taken place since the holding of the first conference .
' " I have received from many quarters most distinct affir-
mations of approval and Pyropathy with this movement for
church reform. Upon so vast and important a subject, and
from people who have been placed in such varied positions,
of course material difference of judgment has been expressed-
While those (whose years and experience, as well as profes-
sional career, have taught them that great reforms are
necessary) press with an unfliehing demand for a thorough
revision of the Prayer-book acd an improved atlininistra-
don of church patronage and church property, there
certainly are others of a more timid and hesitating
character in the advocacy of church reform. Some
plead only for ono or other special reforms of evils
that have vexed and distressed themselves. Others
are held hack by an unwarranted impression that they are
not justified in expressing disapproval of airy formularies,
to which in their earlier years, and in the days of
their inexperience, they gave an unqualified assent.
This is an error and prejudice that will require
time to remove. If such a mode of argument
were sound, it would preclude any advantage being derived
from subsequent years of experience and ini;.roved judg-
ment. Others attain—the truth must not be concealed—
are mere dilettanti reformers. They do sot knee the very
alphabet of Christian liberty. We can respect their fasti-
diousness and repugnance to enter into the stress and fore-
front of the tight, but they must not, on their pert, seek to
repress the more determined steps and settled resolutions of
thorough (church reformers. We have, atter mature de-
liberation, entered upon a resolute effort to remove gross
and crying abuses. We have at our first meeting unfurled
our colours, and, with God's blessing, we intend to advance
under them, till the church is purified from the evils that
deface its noble banner, and it becomes what it vas in-
tended to bc—a blessing to the community at large. The
letters I have received contain various suggestions,
which have been worked up into formal resolutions,
that are afterwards to be submitted to this meeting, and
subjected to their acceptance or improvement. 1 would
succinctly premise that the desirableness of engaging the
warm co-operation of the laity is is most prominent topic in
these letters. The laity have a very great interest in this
matter. I'o secure a truly gospel mini-try for their
families and their neighbours in localities where none such
now exists—to lengthen the cords and strengthen the
stakes of the church, where its tabernacle is not at pre-
sent sufficiently comprehensive, and where it rapidly in-
creasing population has left the deficiency of the church
room and church ministry of previous years now to become
painfully apparent—to be able to provide additional
churches and yet secure themselves from the ap-
pointment of a merely dogmatic teacher of a cold theology,
and a baseless morality—these are objects and desires that
strongly •affect the laity ; and I believe our efforts for
other reforms, however desirable, will be futile unless wo
shape our measures so that the laity clearly perceive that
we stipulate for their interests in the :those respects being
strictly and promptly attended to. The letters which have
been received pointedly insist upon the letter provision for
the spiritual wants of the laity, the extending the compre-
hensiseness of the church establishment, the raising the
qualifications of the clergy that they may Ire truly ministers
of the gospel, and the termination of ail idle ceremonials
and dogmatic infringement in most eisiential matters. I
received by personal communication n valuable suggestion
that is not contained in any of these letters. It is that in
due time we ought to have in support of our movement
(which requires indeed all the support we can muster) a
ladies' auxiliary branch to collect funds, anal thus to enable
us to promote the great objects we have in view."
(Applause.)
Mr. JOHNSON, of Tottenham, moved that the follow-
ing declaration, which, when numerously signed, is to he
laid at the foot of the throne, be circulated throughout
the kingdom fur signatures :
" We, the undersigned, members and ministers of the
Established Church, contemplating with deep regret the
perversions of gospel truth and scriptural pryer:dent in se-
veral formularies and arrangements of the Established
Church—the approximation to papal errors, on the one
hand, and on the other the driving elf godly men to the
ranks of dissent, by sundry expressions in our liturgical
services, and having witnessed the inability of the bishops
to apply an adequate remedy. to prevalent corruptions—do
hereby express our firm conviction that a reform is requi-
site in the constitution, discipline, formularies, and
also in the patronage and the appropriation of
property in the national church. The non-provi-
sion of church accommodation for rapidly increas- •
ing neighbourhoods, and the utter failure, in several
districts, of securing a truly gospel ministry, force us to
believe that the administration of church property and
patronage, and the restrictions of the parochial system, re-
quire some corrective treatment. We conceive that proper
measures of reform, tending to preserve the great blessing
of a national establishment, would be devised by a corn-
mission of clergyland laity in equal numbers, duly ap-
pointed fur that purpose by her Majesty, with the advice of
the Premier and the Primate ; and that the recommenda-
tions of such commissioners could take effect upon being
ratified by the lords spiritual and temporal and the commoners
in parliament assembled. We would specially indicate to
such a commission a revision of the l'ruyer-book, with a
reform of public worship, and the restoration of the laity to
their proper weight and influcace in church governmeut,
and in the care of each parish (by • select and respected
body of trustees or churchwardens periodically elected), as
the amendments that are primarily and most palpably
needed. Finally, in dependence upon the divine blessing
upon our exertions for the good of Christ's church, we
pledge ourselves to use every scriptural and constitutional
method to promote these reforms. '

Mr. LEANDER wooded the adoption of this declara-
tion.
Mr. WARNER, of Brighton, who took exception to the
passage referring to the administration of church property
and patronage, moved, u au ameadment, that it be referred
to a sub-committee to revi►e the declaration, and present it
to the next meeting.

Mr. STODDART defended the declaration as it stood,
upon the ground that the uatociution would fail in its duty
to the church and the public if it did not grapple with the
evil of taking money for the non-performance of spiritual
duties.

The amendment was then put and lost, and the declara-
tion was agreed to.
It wee then agreed that subscriptions be set on foot, with
the view of enabling the association to ascertain the mind of
the country on the snbjcct of church reform; that &legates
from the metropolitan u..sociation should be requested to
attend the town and country meetings; and that a large
public meeting of the association be convened in London as
soon as the necessary preparations for that purpose had
been completed.
The proceedings terminated with the usual vote of thanks
to the chairman.

DEPARTURE OP THE UNITED STATES MAIL
STRAW-SHIP BALTIC.-00 Wed (yesterday). after-
noon, the United States mail steam-ship Baltic, 'aptain
Comstock, left the Mersey for Now York diteet ; having on
board a very full cargo, upwards of 100 passengers, and
the mails for the United States and the British provinces.
In consequence of some unusual detention of the down
mail train from London, the Baltic proceeded out to sea
without any of the daily papers, which reached Liverpool
only as the signal guns were tired on her departure.
UNITED L.tw CLERKS' SOClETY.—Yesterday tho
nineteenth anniversary of the United Law Clerks' Society
was celebrated by a dinner in the Lincoln's inn HaLvc,hielt
was kindly granted by the benches on the occasion.' The
chair was taken by the Right lion. the Vice-Chancellor Sir
J. L. Knight Bruce, who was supported by Lord Craw
worth, Sir J. Romilly, Sir 0. J. Turner, the Solicitor-
General, Mr. Freshfleld, M.P. Mr. Maynard, de. After
due justice was done to the substantial viands, which had
been provided on this occasion from the Freemasons'
Tavern, the chairman proposed the usual loyal toasts, which:
received all the honours customary on such occasions. The
secretary (Mr. Rogers) then read the annual report, which;
stated that the claims upon the sickness fund had been 131001
numerous and of longer duration than in the preceding year,
the increase of expenditure in this account alone being mom
than 4001. Since the commencement of the society it had,
afforded assistance of this kind to the extent of 2,4171. 174
Claims for two additional superannuation allowantea had,
been admitted, to the extent of 311. 4s. for each, raising
number who are in receipt of this allowance to eight per-
sons. The interest of a sum of 6,000/. was appropriated to
the satisfaction of these claims. On the decease of each
annuitant his family would be entitled to an additional sum
of 501. Four members had died in the last year, whose
families had received 501. each. The total amount paid to
members and their families on this account amounted to
3,7521. 10s. The benehers of the Inner Temple had,
since the last anniversary, given a third donation of
311. 10s. The invested capital of the society bad increased
during the last year from 12,376'. to 13,4 1„ ril/4.141%1K
total receipts of the year, on account of the • • .
netit fund, amounted to 1,9371., and the expends .'.'4' • f,
The contributions of members within the ye• „, • - v,V.
to 1,0521. From the casual fund 49 pe _
assisted with loans during the year to the ex tfr • • •
The total amount of relief granted from this 6intislp •
society amounted to 3,7851. The report '44.........,C-14"-
aciurivrlcdßing the support which the society • it* k
the profession.—The usual toasts were drank, " via
company seemed mach satisfied with the • • Fik eb+
for their amusement. . ;
•- • -

1