The Northern Daily Times.
Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1857-04-16 00:00:00

THE LIVERPOOL INSTITUTE.

Mr. William Rathbone presented the address of the Liver-
pool Institute. _ Ho said : Mr. Brown, in the absence of Mr.
Molyneux, our chairman, I have been requested to undertake
the presentation of this address to you. I need not remind
you, sir, how often you have been pre-ident of this institution,
whether a, the Liverpool Institute, or as the Mechanics'
Institute. I shall not take up more time than just to say lhat,
I believe, this is the oldest institution in Liverpool for eleva-
ting the humbler classes in society, and it was undertaken
when it was not so popular, as, thank God, i/s aims at im-
proving the humbler classes of society have now become.
(Hear, hear.) Mr. Rathbono read the folloving

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TO WIT,LIAM BROWN, WO, M.P.
Sir,—As directors of the Liverpool Institute and School
of Art, an institution which has for its objects the advance-
ment of learning and the diffusion of knowledge, we take a
lively interest in all establishments which aim at similar
results ; and we have watched with peculiar pleasure the
rise and progress of Free Mlle Libraries and Museums,
feeling assured that they are eminently calculated to
instruct and elevate the people, we therefore desire
to join with our fellow townsmen in most heartily
thanking you for your princely munificence in present-
ing to this great emporium of commerce a building for
its Free Pablo Library and Museum, at once worthy of
its purpose and an ornament to the Own. The insti-
tution, in the management of which we have had f
many years your zealous co operation, has so frequently
benefited by your liberality that we are not surprised by
the present instance of it. Nevertheless the ant is as
noble as it is rare, and generations yet unborn will vene-
rate your name and memory while they view or use the
structure of which you are this day to Icy the foundation
stone. May you long be spared to enjoy the satisfaction
of witres log the abundant good fruits which your
generosity will produce, and may your noble example be
largely imitated by all who are blessed with means and
opportunities of doing good to their fellow men.
JAMES MITLLENEUX, President.
A STRUP CARIS., Secretary.
The address was signed by the following :—:William
Rath bone, Thomas Thornlev, M.P., 0 Williams, H M
Hayleck, John Evans, William Santly, junior, W Goodall,
William Bateman, 11 T Mdson, E S Sarauell, John
Robinson, James Chesney, John Murphy, and Astrnp
Cariss, secretary.
Mr. Brown replied as follows :—Gentlemen, when I
consider the very limited time I have been able to devote
to aid in the management of the Liverpool Institute, since
the late Mr. James Brancker and mlself were called upon
to pay every attention in our power to Lord Brougham,
who came down to lay the foundation stone in 1835, I am
really not entitled to have such a complimentary address
presented from parties to whom I have rendered so little
service. At the same time, I can assue you, I have ever
felt the deepest interest in your onward progress to the
position which you now hold as one of the
most important educational seminaries in onr rising
town. My attendance could well be dispensed with
when I found my friends Mr. Holt, Mr. Thorneley,
the late Dr. Blackburn, and other gentlemen,
who paid great attention to the educational question,
superintending and guiding your destinies. Your circula-
ting library, your school of art, and the instruction given
in various branches of education, have been productive of
infinite good. Your establishment hat(given birth to others,
producing a most healthy and honourable competition—
each trying who can turn oat the best scholars. A stimulus
is useful in every walk of life. It draws forth our energies,
and puts us on our mettle, not to be outdone by competi-
tors. I believe it is desirable that there should exist some
difference in our religious opinions. It prothotes inquiry,
and prevents our going to ,sleep over the most important
duty in life. I hope and believe that the library which
we are now about erecting, wilt aid and assist the students
who resort there to add something to their stock...of
knowledge, and to the general good. I look forward, fall
of_ expectEktion, that some of the boys under your care—