The Express.
London, England, 1867-10-31 00:00:00

LONDON, TIIURSDAY EVENING, OCTOBER 31, 1867.

MR. DISRAELI AND MR. LOWE IN
EDINBURGH.

nobody succeed, in the colonic like • Scotchman, and no
Scotchmai. like one who has Leen educated at one of your
universities. I have only one more thing to say, and that
has been already anticipated, but it cannot be said, per-
haps, too often, that while other universities pride them-
selves in having persons of rank and title at their head,you
have a much higher distinction, for you have at your head
an bon. gentleman, perhaps the first man of science of the
age. (Cheers.) You thus appreciate the fact that by
elevating such men to such positions the university re-
ceives more honour than it confers, and that while it is,
perhaps, not possible for any institution to add to the
lustre of • name such as that of your Vice-Chan-
' miller, the fact that you possess him to rule
I over you is one of the greatest distinctions you
I can possibly confer upon yourselves. Gentlemen, allow
' me to express the great gratification I have received from
the honour you have conferred on me to-day. I don't
think it would be desirable in me to go into any questions
in returning thanks, because what has been done in thin
I a matter I doubt not has been done under a strong sense of
public duty. If I were to speak in reference to what you
have done I must fall into the mei e vulgar practice of
I commending myself, as, on the other band, if I were to
I give way to my own diffidence I must speak against the
' body that has just conferred on me this signal honour ;
lend therefore, gentlemen. finding myself involved in that
ililemmq trottyou will excuse roe if I conclude what.l
have to st. by expressing pie extreme gratififnition I live
I felt that be Senatus ice landaus of the Lrniversity.of
Edinburg* has thought me worthy of the high distinction
it has conferred upon me this day. (Loud cheers.)

THE FREEDOM OF THE CITY.

EDINBURGH, WEDNESDAY.

The proceedings at the banquet last night were
not brought to a close until after midnight. Among the
toasts subsequent to the speech of the Chancellor of the
Exchequer were " Her Majesty's Ministers," responded
to by Lord John Manners ; " The Two Houses of Parlia-
ment," acknowledged by the Duke of Montrose and Sir;
Graham Montgomery ; " The Health of the Duke of
Buceleuch," and " The Health of Mrs. Disraeli." The
last toast was acknowledged in a few humorous remark., by
the Chancellor of the Exchequer.
To-day the proceedings in connection with Mr. Disraeli's
visit have been of a threefold character. At 2 o'clock the ;
right how. gentleman was presented in the Music-hall with ,
the freedom of the city. At half-past three the degree of
LL.D. was conferred upon him by the University, in the
Hotel of the University library ; and at R o'clock he
attended a working-men's meeting, iu order to receive a'
complimentary address.
The music-hell on the occasion of presenting Mr.
Disraeli with the freedom of the city was crowded, and the
right hon. gentleman on entering the hall was loudly
cheered. Among tiliremiteesent wens the Lord PTOTORI of
Edinburgh (Mr. Robert Chambers), Lord Tait Ilitanhei,l
Sir W. Stirling Maxwell, M.P., Sir Graham Montgomery,
Mr. Dundus, of Arniston, Mr. M'Laren, M.P.; Mr. John
Blackwood, Sir James Campbell, Sir W. Johnstone, and
the nuigistrates and town council of the city. Mrs. Disraeli,
accompanied by Mrs. Chambers and the Lord Advocate.
were also present.
The burgher's ticket was presented to the right hon.
gentleman amid loud cheers.
The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER, on rising to
acknowledge the honour, was greeted with applause. He
said he accepted the distinction aa a homage to that pub-
lic life which was the soul of free states. With regard to
political matters, government intended to endeavour to
procure for Scotland increased representation end to bring
forwanl a measure developing more extensively the ad-
mirable principles upon which the Scotch national system
of education was founded. '

Professor CRAWFORD prononnoed the Benediction, and
the proceedings terminated.

E WORKING-MEWS MEETING.
In the evening Mr. Disraeli attended a working-
men's meeting in the Music-hall, for the purpose of re-
ceiving &complimentary address. Nearly 2,000 persons
were present. Mr.C. ikons advocate, presided,and opened
the proceedings in a speech eulogising the services of Mr.
Disraeli loth. country.
The address of the working men was then presented.
They state that they are in no degree influenced by party
spirit, and, after expressing their appreciation of the man-
ner in which the Chancellor of the Exchequer had over-I
oome the enormous difficulties with which he had to con-
tend,
they proceed to say that they hope that the auspi-
cious polite which be has inaugurated is but • prelude to
the passing of many other measures equslly healing and
beneficent in their operation. They expressitheir trust that
as liberal a measure of reform may be accorded
to Scotland, and on • similar basis with that granted to
England. Referring to the discordant elements which are
surging la Ireland, they state that unborn generations
will praise the name of the statesman who shall calm the
storm of passion and prejudice which now exists: They
then proceed to point ont the necessity of an unproved
arrangement in the internal condition of the workhouses
I and in the laws affecting the combination of workmen;
Ibut they state that in their opinion the paramount ques-
tion of all is the education of the people, and that neither
ceremony
At 3 o'clock to-day the of ogee • the degree
of Doctor of Laws on the Chem:otiose( the Exchequer and , religious difficulties nor parental indifference ought to be
permitted to stand in the way of that most conserv:i.
the Right Hon. Robert Lowe, M.P., took place in the col-, time measure, the education of the people. They
legs library. There was a crowded attendance; the gal-
lso point re out the urgent necessity for an effee-
leries and a space around the platform being occupied oy
wife.. Bekaa the
procoodfaas
commanood faa. Disraeli, .five art education for adults, in order to keep Pains&
industry not only in the high position it has hitherto occu-
wel. formed one of a party of ladies from Anniston Castle,
pied, but to enable it to keep far ahead of the competition
was conducted by Professor Lyon Mayfair to • seat at the' labour.
left of the platform. The proceedings of ((weir
having been opened •
•
The I.4thocethoit of the EXCHEQUER, who was received
with prayer, Professor bluirbead presented sucossaivelyi
the Chancellor of the Exchequer and Mr. ,Lowe to the, wlLth i leLieheerer Preerded W say thaa he had been en".
Vice-Chancellor, and the degree of Doctor of Laws was eon- " meet the in that public way, as be had been
(erred upon them amid loud cheers inteinfo 1 regarding , their opinions ; but be had his
.
The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER said—bin. Vico. regarded ch advice, jt was grstifyino to find that the
Chancellor and gentlemen, you have conferred upon me to- i Waking asses of ,Edinburgh •so entirely approved
day an nocour which I highly appreciate by making me a ad eat ew rtigrat act. The_ only arts which
member of • university so ancient and so famous as that 'e Itma Mott in achieving thit @nooses were
adiehurgh. 'ghee, is seeking in yobbo life mare en- to 1431-
when he bad to appeal to an Independent opposition to
couraging than an expression of confidence front any body
remember at all times that they were men of sense and
of our fellow-citizens, but when it comes from • body so
distinguished as the present, so connected with the sacred gentlemen. During a parliamentary career of thirty
years there had been thirty-two acts passed the object of
cause of learning, of science, andof philosophy, I can assure
which was to elevate the condition of the working
you there are few things which can accrue to them in their
public career that can bring anything more gratifying, as classes, end Le had invariably supported every one of
lam sure it can Ming nothing more honourable, than the them. This had been lately recalled to his mind
distinction you have been pleased to confer upon me to- by his friend Lord John Manners. Continuing
to argue that there was no antagonism between the
day. Your public orator has referred to my conduct in
conservative party and the labouring classes, he quoted
parliament, and my influence upon the legislation of the
country, and be has very properly in • scene like the Factory Act—the measure of last session for the
the present avoided any allusion to any public limitation of hours of labour—and the measure reelecting
the contract between master and servant, which was ori-
question upon which any contrary opinions could exist
ginated by Lord Elcho, who, Mr. Disraeli added, was
within these walls. But I may perhaps be permitted
certainly not an advanced liberal. The questions re-
with reference to that eubject of my relation to the legis-
lature of this country, to remember with some gratifica- (erred to in their address included the most important
political problems, and they would distrust his judgment
tion that eight years ago I actively contributed, with one
Hbe attempted to solve them at that moment. He should
who is now one of the greatest ornaments of the bench of
this country, to the passing of that act of parliament certainly be no party to • reform bill offering a less free-
'
which gave an accredited position to the graduates in this chime t Scotland than had been secured to the people of
university, and which I hope laid the foundation for those England. The Irish church was in the hands of a
further parliamentary functions which I believe await , commission, and as to the combinations of work-
them, and respecting which I believe there can be no men, he entirely agreed with Lord Derby, that
party feeling in the country. For my part, I have always it would be a moat unjust course to support any laws
desired to see the great seats of learning and of philosophy which would oppose the combination of working men, or
raise their luminous and lettered fronts in the at all affect those unions which they have thought tit to
parliament of this country ; and I shall be establish for the preservation and protection of their in-
very happy at the conclusion of the next seadon,iterests. if the working men considered they had not the
or in due course of time, to see sitting, even if it be before' means under the existing law of exerting their rights, he
me, the representative of the University of Edinburgh. would say, let the whole question be considered, and so
(Cheers.) I know that he then will be sent by a eon. , legislate that they should be able to assert their rights
stitueney who are deeply interested in the cause of awl at the same time fulfil their duties. Mr. Disraeli
science and of philosophy. I know that he will repre. , then went on to speak of the importance of
sent a body who has a Brougham for its chancellor, and popular education. It would, he observed, be most
who has the illustrious and eminent man upon my right unwise to Llot out at once all that for the last 30 years you
for its principal. (Loud cheers.) I know that he will be have with such pains and difficulty accomplished. You
sent by a university whose labours supplied a want in , end
ist Litliliseti.aLftur,,asnccpsosstihbalte aalrel theteinsistietymachilficze,
British literature which was deeply deplored, and without great and 'sacred cause'
of popularaCClllitnion. ;Oyttoruo
must
whose labour on that very difficult and most important of , supplement ; you must invigorate ; you must add to their
subjects that literature would have been the shame of lowers ; but it would be most unwise on your part if
philosophic Europe. With these feelings of respect to you agreed rashly to terminate all that exists so
your ancient and illustrious university you may conceive equivalent and
that cause., without aecuring an
and
evenom anosturener arrangement. (Cheers
my gratification at being selected to-day to receive this prepared myself to say—
distinction. (Loud cheers.) I cannot say that the condition of our primary education
Mr. Lowe (who was received with prolonged cheering) tisheattknll satisfactory in any of the countries which form
said—Ur. Vice-Chancellor, lam very sorry to say that the her thisitttlakatKtiricownYtfionthoef atitukeLsnhiimut weewaimr:ag• tor,crelw;l,,mileun-
right hon. gentleman who has preceded me has left we , the great moveiuent commencedy Y
very little to do except to do that which lam afraid lam' to the improvement of primary education, was
not much iu the habit of doing, that is to agree with him itatilelY snort grievous, and though there
in everything he has said—(laughter and cheers)—but saM great wantse an
nso kutandeeefietTsciesbeenat .Z7enit
before a man teethes he ought to learn ; and everyone this country in regard to primal), education, greeter, in-
whom I have the honour to address knows so much more deed, than in any other country I can refer to. That part
about this university than Ido that I confess to • diffi- of the subject I now dismiss. But there is another part
twuhich refers to the condition, the interests, and the for
deuce not altogether unaffected when I attempt to exer-
cise that license of instruction which you have been kind ntecesh 011 adults—thee
education—education ee
un lcaa tni nre
nowi mttetreertisig, eaundi:rhlc't
enough to confer upon me. In the article of teaching I tire, upon which your welfare depends, upon'
have certainly some knowledge, for the early years of my which your prosperity is form), and upon
life were spent in giving instruction in the University'
..,.whiirh, if you do not achieve excellence, you
sdeWirtio,rat ties not merely afs citizens but as human'
of Oxford, but in Out as in many other things I have got a 'l7e;al
little rusty, and then I had the advantage of teaching deregnds much onayOluuelivoens aortellt stateiu of npUel;liachodikii,
subjects which I flatter myself I waethoroughly master of, Ilion on this matter. Now it is impossible that the Bri-
which I cannot cry is altogether the cane in your univer. tish artisan can retain the position he has hitherto occupied
city. But one thing I can say, and it is this—l think the Iby the mere traditionary feeling of the method and manners
Scotch universities, and the University of Edinburgh as (tlblimechrta.bose )
Tw4hontscee t..rtoneetodrted,
ohni,nkohfatvieiedwel
tsevesret md to
ost
much as any, are models in many respectswhich we should accomplished of men was the first who called the attention
do well to imitate in England. I have been engaged, and of the country to this subject. His views were received at
am still, with some friends in an attempt to make the first with incredulity and with that arrogance which ig-
Universities of Oxford and Cambridge, for instance, what ler
kneawl oast assumes a tshoeillh.reinae(Votnratrt
rse
the Scotch universities already are—not places of instrue- of coming events won; prove that he was' right. IlecTtunew •
a,reas right
tion for a particular, and that a wealthy class, but inati. that the foreign mechanic in the acts which he practised ;
tutions that strike deep their roots into the on- WAS fast rivalling, and, if rivalling, must ultimately excel,
tional life, and extend their lower and utility
the British artist. He took steps to arrest that course of de- .
from the highest class in the country down t) called the mierstiinncee
movement, mfrom
wtheichextlreihnaevly e
the lowest. I consider that of all the honours that beneficial effect which it had on the English mechanic,
have been reaped by the Scotch universities, nothing there has been a conviction which has entered the mind of
is so ennobling as this, that while they offer an admirable the public, and of the mechanics themselves that this sub-
education to the children of the rich, they offer an theca-unitifsortounenemsuoe
-fh a g t7easetriboollsywofhheern2aljecested' ; that the flte
tion equally suitable and equally admirable to the chit- 'ended on rightly understanding it, and gat u
istbeceacuke the
dren of the lean ; that they enable persons who might duty of the state as well asof the men themselves to take
appear by the narrowness of their circumstances to be such measures MI should improve the technical condition of
excluded from giving full scope to their talents to obtain the Britishci people. You must have. as you have had in
an education which would fit them for any position of life ; rfej;i,ege:iitryschonoolstboefse 4:ktibjPecrlam..l%"douanr manufacturers
that that they are the nurseries from which are sent out those will languish and disappear it you fail in the arts of de- •
hardy and intelligent men, whose mission it seems to be to sign, and those who practise metaleurgy must be conscious
tithe the lead in all colonial enterprise, and to lay the that it requires the utmost energy to maintain the position
which Britain has hitherto enjoyed. In civilization, so
foundation of future empires in ever part very various and complicated as that which prevails
of the world. Gentlemen, I will make this re- among the population of the United Kiugdo no identi-
mark from the observations I have made, that cal system would suit all parties of the kingdom,' but

The right hon. gentleman resumed his seat amidst great
applause. The Lord Provost called for "three cheers for
the youngest burgess," which were given with enthu- ,
sham, and the national anthem having been played on the
organ, the proceedings terminated.
On the right hon. gentleman leaving the ball he was
greeted with loud cheers by a latge assemblage who bad
congregated outside. Before ehttelag the carriage he
cordially shook hands with Sir Thomas Gladstone (brother
of the ex-Chancellor of the Excheceer), and on taking his
seat in an open carriage along with Min. Disraeli and the
Lord Advocate and Mrs. Gorden, be was again loudly
cheered. He was also recognised' mad saluted on his way
along Princes-street and the nottb and south bridges to
the college.