The Express.
London, England, 1856-03-29 00:00:00

LONDON, S.I7URDAY, MAJOR 29.

Tee inaugural meeting of the Working Men's
College at Halifax, reported in our yesterday's issue.
• at once a pool that much has been already denote
promote o•ol tc oleo, and an omen that far more is on
the eve of teing accomplished. When the supporten
of Joerru LA:MAI...TER first took the field, many of
their opponents candidly avowed their hostility to
the imparting even of a knowledge of writing to the
wocki. g minks—especially to females. Labourers,
it use cult ged, did not need a knowledge of writing to
issab!e them to pursue their avocations, and to teach
it them would only have the effect of making them
feel above their bt.einesa. As for women, there was not
an old I*.dy in the ccuntry who did not gravely declare
that the only use they would turn the secomplish-
meet to would be to write lettere to their sweet-
hearts. Again, then Mechaeice Institutes were
first propounded by Dr. BIRRBECI and his arise-
elates, tr.eir main teak was to allay the apprehen-
sions of the wealthier classes, by assuring them that
they cid not mean to teach the artisans too much. All
that was proposed WAR to convey to skilled me-
chanics such a ncrion of the elements of physical
asks*, u would make them more productive work-
nee—better worth their wages. The cultivation of
the tastes of the less wealthy classes was not so much
us dreamed of; ca for moral instruction, the most
solemn Vedgts were given to the clergy of all de-
sominalions chat t ir monopoly in that line should
not be interfered watt. The present generation have
far outgrown these narrow, selfish, and timid
views. Cirnumatances have compelled all classes
to think on many subjects, and the par-
tial and incomplete education that ham been
extended even to the poor has enabled them to
think more systematically and in general to better
purpose than they otbetwise could have done.
All has not been clear gain ; but it has been made
apparent that the evil admixture has been the conse-
quence of our detective modes of instruction, and
that the true remedy is to extend and improve them.
We have entered upon a path from which there is no
receding. All climes mast be educated, and every
individual must have all hie faculties educated.

A. to the beet meaas of attaining this end, it meet
be confessed we are still lamentably at sea. The
methods of teaching have of late years been much
improved, but they are still susceptible of improve-
Meat. Opinirn is divided as to whether chil-
dren of different faith' ought to be educated in
common; whether religions education most be com-
bined with "ocular instruction; whether the !mina-
tary efforts of individuals or associations, or the
compulsory action of Government, are best adapted
to duseminate education through &Belem" In this
chaotic state of public epinioe, the soiree hitherto
pursued by Government, and about to be followed
up with fresh vigour under the auspices of a Vise-
President of the Cunmittee of Privy Council. with
the aid of the Reeolutious brought forward in the
House of Commons by Lord Joule RUSSELL, appears
to be the best, and indeed the only possible one.
The advocates of what is called the Voluntary System
of Education are right in so far that ideation must
be the work of the people themselves. The advocates
of State Education—es well these who are fordo's-

gating the task to the Central Governnieet as those
who are for entrusting it to local windaistratione—

an right in so far that combined and !systematic so-
don is necessary to ensure good education to all. But
both parties are at present somewhat is the mood of
the two knights who, viewing the shield from oppo-
site sides, engaged in mortal combat, the one to
prove that it was silver, the other that it was gold.
The time will come when men will discover that eds.
cation is best promoted by nabbed sod systematic
exertion; when in every locality all the thhaWtants
will associate themselves for the support of 'dues-
Banal institutions open to .U. Bat we aro still in
the missionary epoch of general ethentice. The
Legislature and the Bxentive en at present do little
there than watch over the exerting made by
Individuals throughout the areatry; seeming, sad
advise the prossoten of caseation; and, wbsa sews.
nay Argot them with pants I. aid of the feeds they
ass ran by their own exertion.
This is the posed takes up by Mr. ASitOTD and
the fries& who gathered atoned him on Wednesday
lest. And the anuses whisk he hitherto needed
their efforts, and the thorough keowledge 'Tined by
them of the means by wish they are to attain their
sad, and their clear estimate of their position, are
meet encouraging. Some suggestion wore thrown
eat by Mr. /11110 TD, is his opening epee, which
well deans the attention of Lord Jose BoesszL
la talkies at Lied Jobe Lai ell's plait, I lad he pre.
poen to ensue tell pans ef she teensy pestiy math the
same pylons that we I are bare. I desk be is potently
right la so dons; bat 1 taut ands say, I wish ha wield
bring ether parts of the neatly up te err stases/A, set
hems Ins ionises farm thildtas rstinhalag at WWI% Ike
age ef 16 yi en ; lactase I thigh its esjest. Vet, te MIMS
the but .deisated slams of the wishing amenity, and to
Mlles a still Minn 111 Z epee tbs.. It is Vet itheitable
M Wag all NW ports of the emery up to ear pitch
of petioles. It is nther a beery tax es the
Insides naa that be shield have te pay for the support of
his shill whilst at seheel, from 13 te 16, or, what is the
M thiag, lose the Scone it wield brig kiss, assist.
kg M7L era • yen probably. that if. lastest of ening
the Into • y p patens se none at sebeil INNS 13 to 15, he
wade been with the blasts, theist then is he able te '
son Infers the age of 8, this la saa .she easel greater
rogrete ; sad I kayo Vt. authority sad ezpeeintei of the
aoholleasier. Kr. Aniore a, to import me la sapss that.
eNld who Innis to read Infers he is 8 years of age will he
snob mere sinned, me at LI, teas ens whe begin esly
st 5, sad tenons at sant t U 16.

The system of Mr. AltaoTD is to have ideal
niece iato which children ue received as early as
from three to fire years old, and in whisk the
Pimplest elements of instruction are imparted in an
sosy way, mixed with manias sad ainmenmetj
schools of a more advanced diameter for boys ,
sad girls employed in the betake between the
ages of eight and thirteen t and then, that still
higher instruction which is to Do imparted by the
projected College to adolosceote sad adults. This
system is no vague project of a benevolent 'isles-
my. It bes bees practically carried into effect
seder the auspices of Mr. AIIOTD, who added to
the remarks we have quoted above : °For my own
part I am ready to accept soy general and recog-
nised system of education, whateeer incronvenience it
might ir ftict on myself individually." We know that
there are many others in Mr. Anzono'saitaation who
can conscientiously say as much—who have proved
by their actions that their feelings and principle, are
the suns as his. Aed the success which has attended
the efforts of Professor M MEC' and his colleagues,
and the encouragement which has inducted Mr.

AIICROTD to extend his evening elms into a Working
Men'. College, prove that the classes for whom
benefit this 'chime of education is intended are eager
to promote it by their zealous co-operation.

Ws assure our readers that the following extraor-
dinary document is a literal transcript of the reply
of the mistress of a boarding school to the application
of a young lady foe the appointment of governess:
Modami,-1 this evening received your note through the
medium of /4z. L., and begin to reply, to give you some I ar-
ticulars of the situation in question. lem in want of a lady
from 2.5 to 20 peen of age, of decided/sr religious character,
to devote herself nudely and exclusively to the sr h,,trowal
from a gutter beton 7 is the monsiog until after the young
ladies are in bed cf a tagnt, during which time she is not at
lib•rty to do anything for herself. She has to tin at 6,
throughout the year, sad takes the entire charge and re •
sparsib.lity of tae young isd.or, and of everything twin g ng
and Watts's them ; end in said:tins to the donna at the
choolrows, has to writs notes and letters at the end cf each
ha t-year. Whoever 6.11, this situat on mist /sage eery good
heakA. 'lv carnage, =alien, habits an of a gent ew inns,
and be tally e-napetnt to teach elder pupils in the Euglish
and French lawns's, writing, arithmetic, histrry,
hio-
grnoty, chroaology, composition, theory of the ebbes and
astronoi y, end must have a sulficieet knowledge of wain
t . give It a.oets on the piano for the first few years. I ap-
point aid arrange even th.nr, and an et in the schoolroom
part of the day. Belay 301. or guineas, according to cir-
cumstarc s, r sauna., and the coach fare outside to the
situation paid. lam alto in meat of a young person to do
anything sad f verythine which r might require of her
The duties of this situation an multifarious, and inoluir, in
some Ugric, those of an ender teacher, companion, needle•
woman, lidy's maid, waling maid, upper nurse, house-
to @per. The position in the family is that of an under
teacher, wale the dutin are mazy of then those of au upper
smut. The young parson with whom 1 engage must have
eery good iisalrh, be capable of enduring much fatigue, free
from say particular detect or infirmity, noxious to please,
competent to assist in the schcotrcom, and to give mime
lesions • o the yammer pupils; dever at needlework, careful,
thoughtful, attentive, inch:striae., active, sod humble ; mho
very clean, neat in ell her habits and ways. It is of no ale
for any omit to apply woo could not In trusted to do things
thoroughly arid pr p rly, and to act property es all CICOW
lli3oll. Toe T nog person who fills this r•nation is to rise at
sit throughout the year, audit is generally 10i before she
Inn get to bed. &Lary 10 guineas per annum, and the
ouch fare outside to the situation to In paid. Should you
coca der either of my aitoetions likely to suit you, I nal;
be hat py to give you oil /huhu petticulars; but should
you not wish to obtain either, there will bo no (cc sin to
writs.—l an, madam, yours obediently.
What a fearful picture of the struggle for exis'-
enc4e which many talented and accomplished women
have to wage for a bire existence is contained in this
letter. A person capable of teaching all that is enu-
merated by the writer, is expected to toil like a galley
slave from seven in the morning till at least ten at
night. She is to instruct the stupid as well as the
intelligent. She I. to keep the mutinous in order,
and to make the tawdry and slovenly neat and tidy.
She is to take the "entire charge and responsibility,"
not only of the "young ladies," bat of "everything
belonging to them." In addition to this she is
to act as secretary, and " write notes and letters a'
the end of each halt-year." Day after day, from
seven in the morning till ten at night, "she is not at
liberty to do anything for herself." And her remu-
neration is to be 301. a-year ! About 11s. 6d. a-
week ! We had forgot : the coach fare outside to (not
from) the situation is to be paid. But the establish-
ment includes a still harder-worked drudge : one who
is expected " to do anything and everything" for 10
guinea' a-year, or about 49. a-week. Her " position
in the family is to be that of an under teacher, while
the duties are, many of them, those of an upper
servant." The ditties include " those of under
teacher, companion, needlewoman, lady's maid, np-
per nurse, housekeeper," and many more. All this
for 4s. a-wes 16 Talk after this of over-waked
and underpaid needlewomen. Well may the considerate
female who expects to get all this work out of two
young women foe yearly salaries of 301. and 101. re-
spectively, say that they • must have very good
health." bile is also very particular about their
" religious character ;" to supply, we suppose, her own
deficiencies in that respect, for surely no wally reli-
gions person could ever dream of imposing such bur-
dens upon fellow beings. It is not, however, with the

unconscionable *kin•flint who could write such a
letter that we have to do at present. That such a
letter mold he written proves that there are indi.
'ideals possessed of the enumerated requisite', who
are glad to accept of such an engagement to keep soul
and body together, and preserve their virtue at the
same time. This is a terrible glimpse of the dark
side of society.
And the worst is that it is not easy to see how the
matter can be mended. Even such situations are
preferable to death by inanition, or lapse from virtue.
Something may, perhaps, be done by extending the
sphere of employment for educated women. Much
might be dose if the lees wealthy of the middle
climes eould be brought to en their own interest.
At present it is almost impossible to fled good day
schools for girls of the middle classes. The cone-
queen ie, that punts have no alternative but a
goveneas at home, or the boarding school. Either
mode bens hard upon a family of limited means,
especially when the children are numerous. The
governesses at schools are not the only ones who
suffer from the anxiety of parents to obtain
a good education for their children at the
lowest possible rate of remuneration. We have
known • delicate young woman, engaged as
governess in a private family, obliged to walk every
day—nminer and winter—in storm or sunshine
—from cos of the northern to one of the southern
suburbs et London and back, and sped the whole
day in Leeching, for 6s. a week and her meals. Now
leaving commiseration for this underpaid and over-
worked class on of the question, what are the conse-
queens to their employers P It is only the stolid
and incompetent who can long persevere in such a
souse of life. The base•inetructia is necessarily of
an indifferent qoality, and that received at the
"do-the-girls" schools still worse. Now the heads of
families in any tolerably populous neighbourhood
have an easy remedy for this. One or two com-
petent teachers would be sufficient in a day-
school for a onsiderable number of families. A
considerable number of families, by acting in concert,
could, at so great cost to each, make such a school
worth the noeptance of women to whose tuition they
might with a safe conscience entrust their children.
Let the beads of families in any district combine to
establish each a school, reserving to themselves the
appointment and removal of the teachers. They
might the ensure a substantially good education
for their children, at a moderate expenditure. And
It this pasties should become general, neon-
easement maid be held out to really competent
womn to devote themselves to tuition as a profes-
sion. The number of teachers required in a commu-
nity might be ascertained with tolerable accuracy,
and there would be less danger of the profession being
over-stocked. Young women would be better taught,
and the family ties would not be in danger of
being loosened, as they low too often are, by tempo-
rary alienation from the parental roof. Surely
children are better ender the eyes of their parents,
than entrusted to the care clench &rooms in petti-
coat' es could write letters like that we have quoted
above. What we have raid respecting the education
of girls of the middle classes is to a considerable ex-
tent tree piths education of boys also. The coon-
dercion is now of urgent moment. When so much
is being done for the education of the poorer names,

THE EXPRESF, SATURDAY EVENING, MARLS 29, 1958.

it will not do for the middle claws to drift to lee.
ward. If they would hare their children maintain
their plum in society, they mast take oars that they
are thoroughly well trained.

Cbt Court.

WINDSOR, MAWR 28.

The dinner party yesterday included the King of
the ➢ Igiese, the Deets. s. of Kent. the Belgian
M. V4O de W.yer, Latay Fanny Howard, Lady Car line
Barring' 0 ;, Batwing di SpAlt, Sir Genre Cooper, Colonel
de hlcetherke, Captain Prime. end D. etor Itiekes.

The band ..f the 2,4 Lie Guards plats t daring dinner•
Her Majesty's private band afterwards performad is the
Ca.tle.

Tee Qeree acid Prima, with the Prisms Rnyel turd
rflterill Asia, rode oat on horseback this moraine, at-
tended by the 800. Bleats, r Stanley, Il.jor•Osaeral Buck-
ley, sad Capttl the Ws. D. de Roe.

Captain Dane hid en interview with Mr. Seereteey La-
hatcher, yesterday at the Colonial-ofiee.

Despatches front the Goversor of Bermuda were re
weed yesterday at. the Csteeial-oflice.
Deerts'r 'et were scat I is* evening from 'he C
to the G.tvernots of the North American yttrium:a.

Prince Frederick William of Prussia will come to
Ragland at the Inman of May, and remain hire se•eral
weak,.

The Earl of Shaftesbury arrived in town yesterday,
fro a tole in the north.

Mrs. Kemble minuunees some " lut readings," to
be preen pretion,l, to bey departure for Am. rite.
_ _

The Hue. William Napier has been deputed by
th cJeunittee of akar/to:den and the board of direetors of
the Grand Trunk or Canada Railway to proceed to C,naL a,
Witt fail po aces to confer and advise with the pr
board, and also with the g >moment, on the best means for
restoring the credit of that andertakiog. Mr. Napier mils
in the Cambria this day,

The Countess of Trapani, daughter of the Grand
Deka of Tuseary, was on the 21st deliv. red of a princes, at
Naples.

Tee telegraphic despatch sent by the Pope in reply
t thet piths Ets eror Napoleon, announcing the birth of
the Imperial Prince, and asking for the op ”ttlie benedic-
tion, see, according to o• e of the Fr ,rch rel•gioue journal',
is the hollowing teens: "I him the Emperor, the Empreee,
the Imperial infant. end France I "

The following sway is told by the Nouvelle Gazette
de Pruss• :—" We are in a posit Kin to give the foil, wine
parties' in relative to the demand made by Eigliod in the
Pans Conferences f.r is destruction of the Tranacauta•isn

fortresses. After as animated discussion between the Earl
of Clarendla end Count o.loff, the latter yore and said 1
appeal to MM. the pnuipotestiaries of Aus rim; let them
say if ever there hie bees a quota's rf destroying the Trans-
caucasia., fortresses. Now,CountEuol,althosgb not is a put-
lion to *film that the question bad I Volt been 'stead, did
not believe i this day to reply in a positive t me—cmduct
by whit* the Russian representatives w. re douhVe,s
offended. As understanding not being 'noised, es appeal
was made to the Emperor Napoleou, who observed to Lord
Clarendon that it was too lata now to mike this dammed."

We read in the Paris correspondence of Le Nord :
—"la spite of the ral g oil denrinstraticeis of our °Evil
pommy's, their conduct at Notre Dim last Einnlay dar-
ted the celebration of tne Te Delia was so little edifying
test the Archbishop of Paris was scandalised, and boa de-
e'szed that he will eomolaia to the Eliptror."
The last mot attributed to the Earl of Clarendon
by the gossips of Petit, is as follows 1 sign a peace at
Pula, and go to open a war in Loadon."

THE CRIMEAN MILITARY INQUIRY.

THIS DAY.

Notwithstanding an announcement made a few days
ago t, at the Board of Gear al 011icm would meet We more-
Lag at Chehea Blo.paal, to sake arraegeonnte for the one-

ukitorment of their rabbi sittings Sally next week, there
se.me to be as mach doubt ea ever as to the day when the
inquiry will nasally begin. Nothing vat known this
morning at Chelsea Hospital upon the sulj,et ; nd, from
*Sethi information obtained in another quarter, it anthers
that Sir !Massada, Woodford, the antiei7ated successor of
Lord Seaton as president of the board, has not yet Nen
f the ...mot by whic► ►ts a7petittmitut
mutt be made not having ncelved the signature
N her Mejesty the Queen up to last night. No
doubt, however, azists u to the fact of the
galut officer having stnified his willingness to
act, and it is expected that the Royal warrant of appoint.
'sect will be signed this day, Sad officially announced is
the next &tutu. It is supposed that the public inquiry
will r p.s in t►e course of nut week ; but it would be pre-
mature, under result clicunistaneee, to announce any pn-
des day.

The following appears ia the United Service GazttN of
this day:
It appears new that the Board is at list formed. Lord
Seaton end Sir Thomas McMahen baying retired, Sir
Alezander Woodford sad Sir (Sorbs Berkeley h►vs been er-
pouted to named the.; the former his arrived iron Paris,
and the sooting Ciliate place la the crane of a few days.
Some of the amen who have been sanunimed fres the
Crimea to give 'videos, have, it is said, already undergone
preliminary ermaistione at the Hors Brawls. Lieutenant

,eleael Mirka:mit, Asaloser Quarternaeter General, bee
arrived hoar the Cries, a, to sive evideeee at the Beard."

HER MAJESTY'S THEATRE.
-4,-.

All scats of rumours are rife with respect to the
reopeaiag of the above time-hosoured estebllehmeat, bat
we (Pon) believe the following to be well Lianded:—Her
If ej.sty's Theatre will probably be reopeaed abort the liith
of April, with Meyerheer's " Le Prephite," in which Ma-
, dues Verddt Garcia will sustain her celebrated ebaneter of
Fides,sad Big. flaleisni, a Maori rebut° of great ociatlass-
, ts l teas, will auks hi Ant appearance Is Ragland u Joba
of Leyden. Ws any add, that Rig. Balviani 01101 much of
his meows to his performaate of the Prophet, which
eAryagheet the last it .rnival-seasea termed the 'thief a'trae-
tioe the Pergola Theatre, Flotsam. Madame Rissole-
saotber eastisental celebrity, soy littlest' be looked
for is ler bet charaetar, La Trsviata, la Vsedre opera of
that saw sad it is probable that Signor Giulia!, a youg
boos, when fresh sad oympathetie votes has recently beta
mace admired is " La Favorite,' " I Puente," ao.,its.,st
the priasipal Guam of Italy, will joie the new einapsay.
Al heroine' of the ballet (whisk is is be ea a very grand
scale). we bar of thew established favourites with the Lon-
don plain, Amelia Ferraris sod Carolina Rosati; sad it
fent se ip Ain tbs. Mr. Belle will 'gala bold the impostaat
pooltien which he Crisply emmpied with so such Maur
to himself and milt to tte mungement, Namely, that of
esseitiel Mum, and conductor. Mr. Balfe hes tees Must
from leglaad surly fear ysan, &wisp wbiele period be has
made a most easceshil preferential tour throagb Ciavesay,
hay, sad Rawls; sad his re-appearance will fern ems of
the man Meet/Ulm hatares of the soproashieg sauce. The
chorus is already engaged, and Mr. Halle le busily eesepteil
is the formatioa of a first rate band.

The following en the neetlege of the Literary
sad Seine& 8 clods@ for die esesiss week :—Koadsy—
bathe% of Ae.uarke, 7, " Os 69 leterpolitioa of Loge-
ritbaks &Wee," by James Ys k., Bog ; BrWsb Arebibseus
8.

of Civil Engineers, 8, "_illoop
Gradients Of Nellemys, es 4 the Losomotives empierd."
by Kr. DeredWo; L mesas, 8. Wedsee4ay—Sestets, of
AM; 8, " DeseripOos of Improved Appaews. for Teufel.,
Neodesha is &Mole." by Profs/woe Walk Than layer
Chologissl.3. Charral ; Pbefogr mble. 8; fleelety of As*
quark., 8; Royal. 81, " Os ttie D odor chars der of MO
Rotifers," by Kr. Goma. Priday—hrebeolediesi
Irti-
tau, 4; Retealeal, 8; Rayed lostitsfies, Bstearelay
A.1.d., 2.

•
The fear calmed allegorical statues Weeded for
the middle ro 4 of tbe sew Means at Balls, sell repro-
sestina Art, Pine*, Frrtese, maid Pram* lutes jut bees
east is else at ditrereet Balls fessibler. They will be
esvered with a seadreee-eoloviredi paint, sad the be
seated at ewes. The mimeo ter the frontispiece, modelled
by Prof. Klee, will sees be gabbed.

A series of Alters ketone on various subject% &-
livered kr ON basalt of the Dresden Bebilsr Feed by the
literary and esieetilk selebritim maul the threes of Leg
Maximilian (Bares lashig the Ant of them), was broanat
to a elms a few days ego in limos Lishig's auditory It
Mania*, by e dissoures of Dr Dtorlstedt, on the husk
Timers &alas the Raga of Tenor.