The British Press; or, Morning Literary Advertiser.
London, England, 1825-06-06 00:00:00

• • - THE BRITISH PRESS.

in a manner equally creditable
,to the excellence of his understand-
ing and the goodness Of his hetet. I feel peculiar pleasure in con-
gratulating this Society on the very great progress it has mrde
stage we last met here--a progress which proves how. efficacious
has bees the system we have adopted, and at the same time evinces
a disposition on the part of the people to promote the objects of the
Institution, which 1 have ever deemed of paramount importance.
and which I have always had closely at heart—the education of
the poor. Next to the support we have received, l• look upon the
opposition we have met with as another symptom of our success.
We have been opposed in this undertaking. and opposed, too, in a
quarter in which we have been opposed before.
Mr. ST APi 1. r suggested that Mr. Brougham meant to say "sup-
ported before."
Mr. Ba oe ea Ira st—No, I mean no such thing—l mean, "opposed
before." Support was one sympto a of oneness and was useful ;
but opposition was another symptom of success, and was also some-
times useful I mean to give those who oppose us full credit for
their consistency ; and indeed when the opposition has been con.
ducted with the candour and liberality which it has been on
this occasion, it is highly serviceable. I cannot in much call it
opposition, as the soggestion of some doubts as to the usefulness
and practicability of the plan we have adopted. Such an antago-
nist have I found in • Rev. Gentleman, a Clergyman of the Es. !
tithilshed Church, et Rath, who has done me the honour to address
• letter to me on the subject of education. My Reverend Friend a
gentleman for whose talents I have a high respect. expresses him.
self hostile to the establishment of Infant Schools. I cannot but
think the Rev. Gentleman-has net well weighed the eysteta, a hich
he says is one of prennoure education, and which has a tendency
(to use his own expression) to make the children " priggish little
animals ." Now the precise in:ening of this word " pnycgish" I
own I de not profess to undentehd ; (a laugh,) but 1 suppose that
the meaning lie wishes to convey by it is that the children in these
schools are pert, formal, and mechanical little persons. Now I
can assure him it it no such thing, anti if the Rev. Gentleman will
. only go into one of these Infant Schools, he will find that lie
never saw children leas stiff titan they are, leas formal, or to use his
own phrase, less priggish. (Laughter.) I can give him the as.
susa'ice of my personal experience, that such is the fact, that the
chttiren are easy and natural, and that the treatment they receive
is that which is Lest for them and most agreeable to them. As I
ha ye not really time to answer the Rev. Gent, by letter, I hope he
will take this explanation as a reply hi his communication. It is
gratifying, however, to know that all the Clergymen of the Es-
tablieheil Church do not lake the same view as this Bee.
Gentleman on the euliject of lancing education. As formerly,
when Joseph Lancaster the Dissenter. took tip the subject
of national education. the Clergy of the Established Church were
unwilling to be outdone by the Dissenters, and they took up
what it was very fitting for them to take LW, the subject of national
education; so now they evinced a disposition to engage in infantine
' educatkm, and I heartily wish them every success. I hope that
with us they may run an honourable rivalry; and I shall not be
jealous, hot Isbell rejoice. if their exertions exceed ours. Scarcely
six years have elapsed since my Noble Friend who now tills the
Shaw. Int Hon. Friend (Mr. I. Southend myself, established the
infant echoed in ‘Vestminster; and we have already not only ex-
perienced the good effects of its institution, but we have seen its
excellent fruit also in the convention' of so leas a body than the
Very Reverend Bench of Bishops (it laugh.) It was with infinite
pleasure .hat ate meeting for establishing infant schools in London
I perceive that tine Bishop moved and another seconded the resolu-
tion. Conduct like this deserves the highest commendation, and
a greater act of charity and of useful benevolence they could not
perform, though they were to live for lire hundred years, and to
flourish all the time (a laugh.) It is by such conduct, truly
Christian and truly episcopal, that they proved themselves worthy
to watch over the care of souls, and to lie at the head of the Church
of which they. were the earthly superintendents. This rivalry in
good actions is a most gratifying spfctacle, and I will prove the
sincerity of my admiration. for their conduct by sending them my
mite on Monde), next. as a test of the sincerity of my praise of their
conduct. The Right Rev. persons to whom I allude are the Bishop
of London and the Bishop of Chester (hear, hear.) The former is,
by virtue of his situation, peculiarly entrusted with the education
of the children of the metropolis, and the latter is identified with its
interests as Rector of the extensive pariah of Bishopsgate. They
are amongst the moat plots- and learned of the Bench of Bishops;
although 1 differ from them on many political subjects, and on re-
ligious questions too, I mean religious as applicable to questions of
the policy of Church goverhment in some respects, yet I am glad
on this °tension to bear testimony to their meritorious conduct,
and I rejoice that in the glorious work of the extension of educe-
thin they are fellow-labourers with me. (Cheers.) I agree with
my Reverend Friend Ihir. Irving) that the instruction in these
schools ought to be most liberal ; that persons of all religious per-
suasions might resort to them, and that the religious hasons taught
there should be such only as the members of all Christian creeds
were agreed upon. The mysteries of no particular sect should be
introduced into these schools ; they might safely and properly be
reserved for aher-acquirement. iThe Resolution refers to the assist.
14,CC which the Society had received from the cooperation of the
ladies ; their services were invaluable from the natural advantages
which their disposition and feelings gave them in treatment toward,
those who were to be the objects of the Society's bounty. I hope
they will not relax in their exertions, and that the great advantage
which their sex will, in a peculiar manner, derive from this Society,
will stimulate than to persevere. (Rear, Lear.) The Hon. and
Learned Gentleman in concinsion begged to add his recommen-
dation to that of his Reverend Friend Air. Irving, that they would
Inc:quote infant schools in their respective districts ; that ogle
district would, as it were. vie in the good work with another. By
this arrangement and attention to local interest* the success of their
undertaking 'maid be better secured by concentrating their force,
than if they were to extend it, and thereby weaken it, over a large
and unlimited tract of country, which would cause a jostling and
conflsction of interests. (The lion. Gentleman sat down amidst
general applause, and shortly afterwards retired from the Meeting.]
The Rev. Mr. Sr•stLe eulogised the objects of the Institution
in proposing the 4th Resolution, which was to the following effect:
1 --`"Fhat from the Increased interest taken throughout the king-
dom in the design of this Society, this Meeting strongly recom-
mends to the Committee to carry auto effect, as soon as circum-
stances permit, the Resolution of last Meeting, to erect a Central
School at which Masters and Mistresses may be properly in-
structed. as this Meeting is fully convinced that the success of the
system chiefly depends upon the efficacy of those who are entrusted
with the education of the children."
Mr. W. T. Mom IT seconded the Resolution, which was unani-
mously carried.
The Marquis of LANSDOW N here intimated to the meeting that
he was obliged to retire. He could not depart, however, without
congratulating the Society on the success it had experienced. At
first be had himself doubts of the utility. or rather the practicabi-
lity, of the plan i experience had removed those doubts ; but it was
a reason why he should be more indulgent to the doubts of others.—
(II ear hear.) lie would beg to cniclude by reading a letter which
had ban handed to him since he came into the meeting. which
was beautifully illustrative of the benevolent objects of the Society.
The Noble Lord then read the following extract from the Spec-
tator:-

LONDON LITERARY AND SCIENTIFIC
INSTITUTE.
On Friday evening, after Mr. IPCulloch had concluded a course
of lectures, the object of which was to show the great importance
of the cultivation of commercial science, and of the employment
of the leisure time of the metropolitan youth in the acquisition of
knowledge, • meeting ties held at the City of London Coffee-
house, tor the purpose of considering the propriety of establish•
ing a new Institution for those engaged in commercial and profess
axonal pursuits, upon the plan of the 31echatiies' Inatirtite A
number of the most respectable merchants, bankers, and traders,
were present, sod between 000 and 71W of the young men beking-
ing to mercantile concerns. Joint Satyrs', Esq. 31.1'. in the
Chair.
The CHAIRMAN said, that although he might not feel himself
equal to the task of previding aver so numerous and respectable a
meeting.,•yet no one could feel more deeply the importmee of the I
object which called them together. '1 same spiritrthat gave
rise to this meeting was extensively manifested in other parts of the
country; and he doubted notjhat Inathutions of this nature would
form the basis of infinite grosperity and happiness to the country
at large (Cheers.) If thenrwas any truth in the stafements of the
most profound observers of human nature. it rnitit be relied
upon, that is proportion as man was intelligent lie in virtuous;
and he need scarcely add. that in proportion to his virtue was his
happiness. (Applause.) The day was past when those above them
viewed intellectual cultivation as befitting only.* few privileged
persons. A spirit of rational inquiry had gone, abroad. Its pro-
gress was irresistible. But he beliesed there was a general desire,
founded on a conviction of its generd utility, that this spirit should
be extended to all. He declared that nothing could be more bene-
ficial in this commercial city than a cultivation of the philosophical
principles of commercial science, Mid that the vast mass of respect-
able youth in the middle rank in the metrapulia could not occupy
their leisure time more advantageously to themselves. or more
agreeably, than in the cultivation of polite literature, and the pur-
suit of that course of study which it was the object of chit institu-
lien to promote. In conclusion, he declared that no exertion should
be wanting, on his part, to forward the interests of such an institu-
tion : and lie trusted he should manifest his teal by unceasing
efforts.
Mr. G. GROTZ, of the firm of Grote and Pre,cot, rose to pro.
pose the fist Hrtielution declaratory of the opinion of the Meeting.
that the cultivation of useful knowledge was the bent means of pro.
moting the Itarminess and prosperity of a people; and that an Insti-
tution be row formed for the promotion of such knowledge amongst
youth engaged in commercial and professional pursuits.
Mr. 11. GILBERT objected to the wording of the Resolution,
and proposed that the elms for w...otit the Institution was more es-
pecially intended, namely, the merchant,' and bankera' clerks,
should be more prominently mentioned. It was one of the laws of
the Mechanic. Institute that the control should be vested in a Com-
mittee, two-thirds of which, at least, should be mechanics. He
hoped that &similar regulation would be adopted in thin Institution.
This proposition was warmly opposed by a great number in the
room, who felt that it would operate as an exclusion to them, and
it was stated that the Institution would no doubt be conducted in
such a manner as to afford useful instruction and entertainment to
persons of every class, commercial and professional.
Mr. Gilbert's, proposition fell to the ground.
JOHN ABEL seconded the original motion in a
speech warmly eul ,gising the plan.—Carried unanimously.
G. P•ISCOTT. Esq. proposed that a Provisional Committee,
at the head of which were Doctor Gilchrist and Doctor Black.
should be appointed to frame a set of laws tor the Institution, and
that in the course of the month a meeting of those who should be-
come subscribers should be held to decide on their adoption. He
said the advantages of such an Institution could scarcely be over-
rated. There were many of the most respectable men who took a
deep interest in it, and from the attendance that evening its success
was beyond all doubt.
W.ll' HIT MORE, Esq. (the banker) seconded the motion, which
was carried unanimously.
Dr. GILCHRIST, in moving the thanks of the meeting to Mr.
M'Culloch, said, these who were present had heard that gentleman,
a circumstance which rendered it unnecessary for him to say one
word in support of the motion.
Doctor SPICA/ seconded the motion, which was carried unani-
mously.
Doctor BLACK moved the thanks to the Chairman, whose name
was ever teen, whose voice was ever exerted, and whose purse was
ever open, to aid the cause of improvement.
Mt. 31•CuLLOCU seconded the motion, which was carried by ac-
clamation.

The CHAIRMAN. in returning thanks, said he had been a trader
in this city upwards of forty years. During that time he had ob-
served a gradual improvement in the feeling., manners, customs,
and general habits of his fellow-citizens ; but now they were ad-
vancing Witt, an accelerated pace he had never before witnessed.
For his ►ervices he was richly overpaid by having the honour of
presiding at the formation of an Institution, in which would be
found an active, and be hoped not an inefficient member.
The meeting then separated, after upwards of two hundred had
paid their sabseription►.

" Would you do e handsome thing without return ? do it for an
infant that is not sensible of the obligation. Would you ilo it for
the public good ? do it for one who will be an honest artificer.
Would you do it for the sake of (leaven? give it for one who shall
be insueeted in the worship of Him for whose sake you gave it."
The Noble Lord then retired from the meeting, atter which J.
SMITH, Esq. M.P. was called to the Chair.
Dr. BIRNIIECI proposed the fifth Resolution. He thought
the main advantage of the Society consisted in preserving the good
health of the children, and of imparting to them a good temper, the
chief ingredients of human happiness. If the romanti.: and melan-
choly poet, Young, had seen these children, and the tendency of
these schools to promote their future welfare, he would not have
'` How sad a eight is human happiness
To him who looks beyond the hour."
--(Appleute.)--He begged to propose the following Resolution,
which was duly seconded, andunanimously carried :
" That the thanks of this Meeting he presented to the Trea-
surer Samuel Loire, Esq., to Mr. James (heaves. Provisional
Secretary, and to the Committee, for their past services. That
Samuel Hoer , E..q and Mr. Jame, °rearm, be reinested to con.
unite their services to this Society, and tthat the following Gentle-
men be the Committee for them:timing year :
Right Hon. Lord I)acre. Dr. liirkbeek.
Sir Thomas Baring, Bart. M. P. Montague Burgoyne, Esq.
Sir J. Alackintosh, Bart. M. P. John Bowring, Esq.
Sir John Win. Lubbock, hart. Henry filanshard,Hsq.
Sir Gregory Lewin. Henry Drummond, Esq.
Dr. Lushington, M. P. Henry Entwisle, Esq.
Henry Brougham, Esq. M. P. George Hammersley, Esq.
John Smith, Esq. M. P. Zachary blar.aulty, Esq.
Thomas T. Buxton, Esq. M. P. John Marshall, Issq.
Thomas Spring Rice, Esq. M.P. James Alcorison, Esq.
Richard 'Wellesley, Esq. M. P. Benjamin Smith. Esq.
Wm. Evans, Esq. M. P. f John Abel Smith. Es/.
Wm. Allen, Esq. I Joseph Wilson. Esq.
Mr. WittioN eulogised the services of the Marquis of Lana.
down, to whose kind patronage the Society was mainly indebted for
the success that it had met with throughout the country. He
begged to propose the 6th Resolution, which was seconded by Mr.
• STAN LY, and unanimously carried—
" That the cordial thanks of this Meeting be presented to the
Most Noble the Marquis of Lansdown, President of this Society,
and to J. Smith, Esq. AI.P., for the seal with which his Lordship
and the Hon. Gentleman have espoused the cause of this lnsti.
tution, and for his Lordship's and Mr. Smith's obliging attention
to the tinniness of this day."
The Meeting then separated at four o'clock.

The Joan Ball states that Mr. Dyson, one of the clerks
of the House of Commons, is the author of the novel of
Trentaine.

Saturday being the 4th of June the young gentlemen
of Eton College had their annual regatta.
An article in the rrankpl Journal of the 29th ult.
dated Berlin, May 24, states that the two Chinese, who
are at Halle, had asked the King's permission to be in-
structed in the Chr'Atiati Religion. After having received,
for ten months, instruction from the Rev. M. Tremann,
they were baptised with great solemnity on Ascension Day,
in a numerous Assembly of the Clergy and Civil Authori-
ties, and on the Sunday following received the Sacrament
in St. George's Church. His Majesty, the King, was
pleased to be Sponsor to Osseng. the eldest, and his Royal
Highness Prince William, his Majesty't brother, to Abo,
the younger of the tw.).