The British Press; or, Morning Literary Advertiser.
London, England, 1825-11-11 00:00:00

I

FrESTERN LITERARY AND SCIENTIFIC
INSTITU7'ION.
Leo aldbt a meeting was he great room of the Free-
r,. Tavern, Great Queen.streer, for the purpose of establish-
rss Literary and Scientific Inatitution, for the accommodation of
„igaged in commercial and professional pursuits in the
P.,„,7.-0, pa
Then of the metropolis.
aiiOntlign intended to be offered by thia Institution are—
], A Library and Reading-room, an a place of rational recreation
_L.. instruction, for persons whose stn ndanee in business is not re.
"7ifeti during the evening; 2dly, The procuring of Lectures, to be
:tiered on various branches of Science and Literature, and the
,n,„,,sojet of chimes for the teaching of languages, by which means
Laniittles fro acquiring valuable instruction at a moderate ca-
ved' will be sit'''ded•
per.. 2%,,,,, object being to form a lib+ary. a donation of books,
____•"-to. is well as of money, will materially advance the ends
promoters tit this Institution hove in view, and every
•fri7i tithed iffusion of knowledp and the estension of science is
*a/ et sat the establishment of an institution so well adapted to
the illienigeOCe and welfare of the community.
Themennblage convened on this occasion was very numerous
sod Nossniblo. Among the distinguished persons present who
beJ 00e forward to lend their support to the institution of the So-
ca, we obverted Mr. Brougham. Mr. Thomas Campbell. Mr.
Hai,„iyom, Pr. Birkbeck, Mr. Peter Moore, Dr. Mitchell, Mr.
tom the banker, Sir J. Paul, Mr. J. Wright, &c.
!Inman Ditu )(MOND, Esq. was called to the Chair.
TSeCHeIIMAX obverted, that placed As he hail been in the
tier, sad called to preside over the meetirg assembled for a pug.
'Tog of which he highly approved, he thought it his duty to state
ib, motives which rendered his attendance on the present occasion
awe( peculiar pleasure to himself. It was because he thought
the lastitution they were about to establish calculated to be a
bicrly naeful arid beneficial one, that he experienced that pleasur-
able toehrgt while engaged in giving his humble, but sin.
nessuppott to its formation. This Institution held out a prospect
of sonardinary advantages to persons who, from their situation,
modem otheesriae be benefited. It wan intended for the improve.
young men engaged in commercial pursuits, whose agora-
my, eathioyed them during the day. hut ending in the evening,
fr,..ently left them in a state of idleness, which not uncommonly
;Lutist in frivolous and sometimes hurtful pursuits. Under
owe circumstances an Institution which held out to these indivi.
duals inducements and facilities for useful occupation after the bu.
sine's a the Oar wax concluded, could not fail to be highly advert.
mows. as well to the young men as their employers. Those ad-
„men owe meant to be secured by the formation of a library,
worm, and the collection of apparatus for scientific purposes. All
0,„, were °Nem of the utmost importance, and means the most
likely to Meow the moral and intellectual habits of the parties
designed to he Micelitted. It would be, in his opinion, bent that the
msnagestent of the institution should principally vest itself in the
your:glom themselves, who, as they would hare to provide the
funds were best qualified to undertake their management. ( Ap-
,
ow.) However, he felt happy to announce that several distill.
guislkd individuals who had been applied to cheerfully consented
to lend the sanction of their names and patronage to the new insti-
tuuoo. The Right Hon. the Attorney-General and Sir Richard
Thane had agreed to act as Vice-Presidents. Lord Aberdeen had
been app!led to, and expressed his regret that he was unavoidably
permed from acceding to their request. Mr. Heath kindly con-
sented to act in the capacity of Counsel to the institution ; and lie
vu haver to have it in his power to inform the assembly that they
might reckon on the present of a small library of about 300
%Imes. Weal It only remaiutal to add, that Messrs. IVright.
Drummond. and —, of the firms of IVrinht, Drummond, and
Loons, the bankers, were to be trustee% The Chairman concluded
by saying, that he had merely endeavoured to afford the meeting
s brief outline of the plan of the proposed society. They would
heo &resolutions, on the basis of which it was intended to found
it, read and discussed, and would in that manner be enabled to
torus better idea of its utility and probable results.
hirJ. PAUL had oely lately heard the principles on which this
inttitutim was to be founded explained, but he could not help
busily approving of it, because he was convinced it would be
equally conducive to the public good and the advantare of indivi-
ends. Much an institution was, in his opinion. calculated to pro-
mote those objects better than any other which it would be possible
to establish. It became the heads of mercantile establishments to

keit tete the conduct and attainments of their young men, both
(or ti.e sake of their own safety and the happiness of those whom
they employed. Idleness was the parent of crime : it became per-
med toKsged in commercial concerns to provide useful employment
for the: clerk, after the hours of business terminated, which would
enable teem to improve their minds, and in that manner prevent
idleness and check criminality. (Hear.) With respect to the
nonsgement of the institution, he entertained little doubt but that
the young men would take it into their own hands, and manage it
much better than their employers could do. However, it was ne-
usury oa the part of the latter to concur in giving the proper im-
petus to its establishment, which might be best done by counte-
nance, encouragement, and the donation of hocks. (Hear, hear.)
.Money, he doubted not, would be found by themselves. (Hear.)
hotly remained for him, having expressed his approbation of the
plea, to conclude by moving the first Resolution :
" That Literary and Scientific Institutions, on a moderate scale
of expense, are eminently calculated to promote the true interests
and prosperity of society.
Mr. Txollll CAA rash—Mr. President, and Gentlemen, I
rise to second the proposition which has been submitted to the con-
sideration of the assembly, under the strongest conviction of the
public fitfulness of the proposed Institution ; feeling at the same
tat, so I do, that I should be wanting in the duct which l owe
torn fellow-citizens, and in the zeal that should characterise my
settees is a sincere lover of letters and the advaneemest of the Lu-
nar mind, If I omitted to do whatever may be within the limits of
my feeble powers to promote the establishment of a Society whose
of::tet ft U to improve and cultivate the minds of a numerates. use-
f.:. end respectable class of the community. I consider the Inati-
Inn se are met together to establish equally commendable in its
1110!:TVI and suainabie in he objects (Applause); and it affords me
snot satisfaction to see that the project appears not to have been
fa tered itectexietence by the force of patronage, but introduced to
our booed by the exert ins and through the instrumentality of the
young Iwo who are to be themselves the suejeets of its advantages.
It is uot going toofar to say, that in the establishment of such In-
miletklae, I think I can disrnver the sure proenmUcs of immense
adnotages, moral and intellectual. They afford the vernal pen-
tniee of that intellectual harvest, which, without being too bold or
tanguirein our expectations, We may one day hope to see over-
weeding and covering the universal domain of society. (Loud up.
please.) lam loth, 31r. Chairman, to lu:tot:nee a remark Pee-
erislly mourning myself in the discussion of a matter so
ineportet as that ,now before the meeting ; but perhaps I
cuy be excused, inasmuch as I wish to show that my
ninety for the success of this undertaking is quite consistent with
the omen, reel/ wily entertained and expressed by nit on another
waive. In urging forward the scheme fur the establishment of a
Luton 17niventty (which if it should succeed, 13 I trust it will, I
demi no other epitaph on my tomb than that I was one of its pro.
totem; (Cheers) in inelearouring so recommend that establish-
mat I certainly have expressed my belief that Institutions such as
that sett oot a suticient substitute toe the due education of youth.
at the same time I was convinced they were fraught with very
alley sal valuable advantages. (Applause.) Institutions like
this num eupply education to the entirely uneducated, or an.
seer ds !serene% of an University. because theirs is another and
difereetobj.et, and the means by which each eflteted its purpose is
equally dissimilar. Hut there is no inconsistency in an advocate of
the Location University coming forward, and warmly wishing suc-
cess code present Institution. (Cheers.) 11' oh such feeling I can
ireleorce your "teems, and say welcome to your chairs to be be filled
by Letereed proteeson, under whose auspices you shall rival other
and older establtshwents. and contend with them for the palm of
rant and renown. Gertlemen, it the remarks now offered were
=to go rn farther than this room, it would be equally
and imperement to oder a single observation on
some prejadices which appear to have found room, not
uselsed.in the minds et the great majority of the public, but
.a the narrow and limited understandings of • very small mino-
r.ty. However, the existence of such prejudices against the exten-
sion of knowledge and the general diffusion of information can no
bagger be. concealed, unhappily for those who entertain them ; and
d libet,a,ng as we des, and as it is right we should do, under the
eoeniza- ce of the leglUh public, it may be necessary to refute
ti,ellrealice. however absent, and oppeoe opinions, which it is
Flan. ko"I2 locr presence here, none of you can entertain. It is
!hie regret I sand that the objections which have been urged to
the diffilsion of knowledge are no: confined en the seandalma and
"'iberal portion of the public press, but appear to have infected
wince( s more respectable and respected class. Such sentiments
4°t elati,tie peculiar to the nightmen and scavengers of liters-
iure, *he live by pandering to the basest appetitin of their sup-
Ime7e, but blue unhappily found their way among men of a dif.
'tar: destript.on, who are no doubt well meaning. though fetich
"Iv°iirl. Ih. Id in my hand • publication, by a person who gives
ahem/eh Ih. 11.1.1itaker, of whose L know notiiine whatsoever.
t 464"" Pre:Millet I shall nothing, except that 1 consider his
h7°'''''re 10 he most erroneous and absurd. This writer expense.;
leeelf rt.: the strongest teem.; of disapprobation when speaking of
u'len f'}nbl6l" libraries, and apprehends the greatest
4tirr Leery description of public interest in the general circus
Wel.% tie declares that the iuformation so attained,
it is calculated in raise men of no profession into maims.
towed in'Pnnalee, is equally certain to sink into insignificance
itpfk4".4l,,,''°l. Pewee regularly qualified to h.:tint:An a respectable
; Of Ih. Whitaker, I repeat, I know nothing per-
°wee!, but my love of truth, and desire to see knowledge darned,
aye:. me den publicly to confute his opinions. lie declares he is
°:•:r.rt7t that pablie libraries are certain to corrupt public prinei.
;i can (slily occur b) containing boil books ; but I would
Pe choices libraries more likely to consist of such books
b,reozentli,e in.several individuals, mid they must there)
. .

to tbe inspeet:on of many eyes tbito in Private c°ll"tidnB.
a4re concealment is practicable, soul the only bar to their intro:
consists in the conscience of the individual possessor
p+r•) Public )boric-.corrupt public,principle+, by the same
r's of rrisnliag it will appear that private libraries must cor-
"Zt,"xli/tilinds. The argument is fallacious, and proves too
, It militates at once against the press--nay the very pew-
rut:. et. tuning, lent presume, to argue against the propriety of a
• this
itn possible abuse, withou taking note of Its
this pnneirde we should abjure the artt of reading because
isnth • ~ne bad books have been written—we must put out our
,e'n i 7 se
m!'`'4l3 bttrli OUT angers—reject the use of the steam-
'l'. rear the boiler might burst—and shut up our markets
".:47 art *PteretieLiiiin that the butcher may sell us carrion instead
I.Z.nolesyme rasat. (Cheers.) The 1/octor argues that public
"d'v's, learned men below their proper rank In society. To
"odd aniwer, that mains lemming haslitothing to appre-

heod from the diffusion of reading, which can only have the effect
of putting down pedintry and checking unfounded pretension. And
what sort of a learned man is he wlio estimation for knowledge is
only founded on the competitive ignorance of his fellows ? Is he
not a giant only in comparison of the dwarfs about him—a Cyclops
—a one-eyed monarch among the blind ? The Doctor declares his
ennviction that public libraries are unpropitious to scholarship and
deep thinking ; yet he must know that every man of research has
need to consult hundreds of books, quite beyond his ability to pur-
chase ; or which, if he did purchase, it is extremely likely he would
so involve himself as only to be able to enjoy their contents in a
prison. (Hear.) Who does not know that a judiciously-selected
private library is one of the greatest comforts and most chinning
consolations of life, but (as any bookseller could have informed Dr.
IL•hiraker had he made the inquiry) the existence of the public
libraries is one great cause which fosters the taste for reading,
and occasions the formation of private collections. Away then
with Doctor IVhitaker and his objections to public libra-
ries. (Cheers.) But, fellow citizens, the rise of institutions, like
the present, is a feature of novelty in these times; ■nd there are to
be found men who hate novelty, though it brings novelty along with
it, and admire antiquity, however pregnant with abuses. These
men detest novelty tor its own sake, and are like the musty anti-
quary, who entertained such a hatred of every thing new. that he
did not wish heaven to be designated by the name of the " Sew Je-
rusalem." (Laughter.) Let us look this novelty in the face, and
see whether it be

" A spirit of health, or goblin dsmn'd."
The time is not long passed away when the citizen might be found
at the tavern, the gaming table, the catch club, or the theatre; but
how much more noble pursuits and objects than the best and least
harmless of those do we wish to render popular ! (Loud applause.)
Your object is to make the cultivation of your minds constitute the
relaxation of your labours—the sweet oblivion of your care. And
I consider this a purpose, in every way worthy of a man who has
been made in the image of his Creator! (Cheers.) It is not ne-
cessary to be other than brief In combating the arguments of our
adversaries, because their arguments combat one another. At one
time they tell you " knowledge will cease to be valuable be-
cause it is common." And, again, that this dog-cheap knowledge,
which is so very general and universal, will, notwithstanding it has
" ceased to be valuable," render men " proud, saucy, and unwilling
to work !" Away with such arguments! is not knowledge a solid
good, and the stadia the human spirit? 1/'hat if aU men were ha.
bituated to drink impure water and eat unwholesome bread, and
that some one brought to their doors good and pure provisions,
would they refuse to make use of them ? and would any body be
found mad enough to pronounce then, no blessing, and toladd that
" wholesome bread and water would soon grow so cheap as
would confer no distinction ?" That there are more -such
visionary alarmists in England must be unwillingly admit-
ted—men of whose prejudices Continental nations would be
ashamed, and yet such prejudices still linger in England. When I
last visited Prussia, and saw the Literary Institutions established by
Frederick LII, 1 confess for a moment I felt such a sensation of
envy for the possession of Royal Power as no Englishman and
lover of liberty can, in his own country, long permit himself to
entertain where the Monarch is a despotic one. As the most inno-
cent things are capable of being misunderstood, 1 beg leave to say
that when I praise the present King of Prussia for founding Uni-
versities, I most distinctly deprecate any attempt on my part to
praise him at the expense of the august individual who fills the
throne of these realms :—against whom. were I capable of breath-
ing an insinuation, my hideous disloyalty would be aggravated by
personal ingratitude. (Ileur, hear.) Our King has no more power
to found a University than the President of the United Scams of
America, though, according to his power and the extent of his in-
fluence, he has repeatedly proved himself the most munificent pa-
tron of the arts, sciences, and, literature. (Hear.) The King of
Prussia holds the nurse-strings of his realm ; and I am free to
admit, notwithstanding lie is a member of the Holy Alliance, and 1
believe he cannot help it, his endowments have won for him the
admiration of the world. But. fellow.citizens, your metropolis is
richer than the entire Prussian dominions, possessing as it
does so dense and compact a population, enabling all its members
spftdily to coalesce and correspond for purposes like the present.
You have the advantage of 'procuring all descriptions of philorio-
phical apparatus at the cheapest rate. I trust this institution will,
in the best Sense of the word, prove a powerful combination, whose
bond shall be mutual improvement and advance in knowledge. No
man should say, that the desire to obtain knowledge, now preva-
lent, is a passing rage and fashion ; the English mind is not to be
tamed or repressed by time or circumstances ; and I hope the
present object will be pursued with the spirit which in other matters
the world has admitted and felt to be inherent in the breasts of
Englishmen. I greet this Association as a mark of the progress of
intellect in this country, and conclude by seconding the resolution,
and exhorting you to peesevere in your purpose. Having takes
your resolution, may you proceed and
On resolution build resolve—.

" That column of true dignity in man."
—Stroud applause.)
lite resolution was then put from the chair, and carried unani.
mously.
Mr. J. WRIGHT (the banker)movcd the second resolution to the
following effect :
Resolved, 2d, That such an Institution be now formed, for per-
sons engaged in commercial and professional pursuits at the west-
ern part of the metropolis, ard be denominated „The Western Li.
terary and Scientific Institution."
r. HOBHOCSE rose, amid loud applause, fur the purpose of 1
seconding the resolution, previous to which be beggedto say that
his honourable colleague, who, with himself, had been invited to
attend this meeting, was prevented by severe indisposition from',
coming forward to give his personal support to this valuable insti-
tution. He wished to congratulate the assembly on the circum-
stance of those who derived their wealth and respectability from
commerce coming forward to advance the interests of knowledge
and literature among their dependents. The present era most re-
sembled that of the Aledici, when wealth was exchanged for books,
and those who wielded the sword of empire broughtback along with
their conquests the symbols and the future seeds of science and
literature. He was almost sorry that his eloquent and honourable
friend should have troubled himself with the wretched sophisms of
knowledge. AVithout knowledge religion itself sunk into supersti-
tion, and man became more grovelling than the brute that
perished, losing, as he did, that which conferred on him
the stamp and impress of the Divinity. (Hear, hear.) Ile
thought better days were fast approaching, of which he took the
present assembly, in which he perceived persons of different senti-
ments in religion and politics all endeavouring to promote their
common object, as an earnest. It was the property of literature
and science to unite all men who strove after the noblest objects
unmixed with baser matter. There were moments of adversity,
when nothing could console the mind except a recourse to " those
dead friends who never flatter and never deceive"—books. Speaking
of literary pursuits, Cicero had said. " these studies are the food of
youth, the consolation of age ; they form the charm of private life ;
they grace society ; they accompany us when we travel abroad and
when we remain at home; they relieve the labours of the day,
and beguile the watches of the night." (Cries of " Hear, hear.")
Along with all this, there was a connexion and alliance between
liberty and literature, which no man cauld sunder; despotism was
inconsistent with literature. (Cheers.) It only remained for him
to second the proposition of his Hon. Friend, which he did with
the greatest cheerfulness and pleasure. Ile felt himself highly ho-
noured in being called on to aid io those endeavours, so creditable
to their projectors and useful to society.—The lion. Gentleman sat
down amid loud applause.
Dr. 0. GILCHRIST wished to propose an amendment to the
wording of the Resolution. He wished the word " commercial" to
Ibe omitted. The Resolution now stood, " for persons engaged in
commercial and professional pursuits," &c. It would, he thought,
be rendered more general by omitting " commercial."
Dr. ilirre it ELL supported the original Resolution.
Hr. WRIGHT explained.
Dr. GILCHRIST withdrew his amendment, and the original Re-
solution was put by the Chair and agreed to..

11r. Ditotiuttax rose amid applause and cheers, which conti-
nued fors long time before the Learned Gentleman could procura
a bearing. When the tumult had a little subsided, he commenced
by making a few observations on the resolution just passed, which
he thought much better without the proposed alteration and amend-
ment of the worthy Doctor. If the learned and worthy Gentleman
wished to secure the universality of the resolution, and its applica-
bility to all classes, that would be best secured by permitting it to
remain in iis present state. However, though he looked on the in-
stitution as in its nature gsneral, and had no objection to its conti-
nuing so as far as was practicable, yet he could not disguise from
himself that its great importance would be found to rest in its being
what it would probably soon be called for shortness, and in com-
mon parlance, " • Clerks' Institution." It appeared to be pens.
Hardy adapted to that most numerous, useful, trorthr, and respect.
able class of men, whose days were spent in the honourable pur-
suits and occupations of trade and commerce, but whose evenings
were for the most part unoccupied, and therefore, and for that rea.
Nen, sometimes ill occupied. It could not but be highly satin.
knot), and agreeable to see that class of into coming volun.
tarily forward to institute this Society, which would give them
the means of passing the hours of the day left to them, after
their labours and occupations were over, well and pleasantly,
with profit to themselves and advantage to their employers.
It had been well said that idleness opened the door to mis-
chief and misery and it might be added, that idleness was
in itself missy, without exceeding the limits of rational as-
senior., or going one iota beyond the truth. (Hear, hear.) if
on this subject any argument were necessary, or any farther exhor-
tation required, the 'ligament and the exhortation were both pro-
vided by those spa ken who had preceded him, and who left no.
thing to add or desire. But there was one point of view connected
with the completion of their present vitriolic which he wished to
bring before their minds, because it struck him as one of the most
important consequences likely to flow from the establishment of
the Institution. It was this : those persons who had more time on
their hands than swimmerets' men, or in other words, the people who
went by the name of the higher classes, would be stimulated by
such institutions and exertions on the part of their inferiors, to set
about improving themselves when they saw the latter taking such
pains to make advances in knowledge. It would not stop here.
The benefit of their example would extend downwards as well as
upwards, till it reached those who had the least time of all, and
were nearest what were denominated the labouring clues. These
would be encouraged and assisted by it. so that the commercial
men would not only improve themselves, but have the satisfaction of
benefiting others likewise. The improvement of the mercantile
body would go hand in hand with that of this class, and the former
would no doubt be ready to assist the others so as to enable them to
keep pace with themselves. (Cheers.) So that he considered the
institution as occupying • must important place, and exercising •
mast important influence over the nit of the community. They
would not only labour after, and work out their own improvement,
but be ready on occasion to bold out a need:lll and helping hand to

THE BRITISH PRESS.

those who, having less time for their own improvement, would stand
in more need of such encouragement. This assistance would no
doubt be conveyed in the best form, as advice, countenance, en-
couragement, and, where need was, in the shape of pecuniary aid,
as far as that was wanted, or could be safely applied. But, gene-
rally speaking, it was always best to let the bulk of the expense
come out of the pockets of those who would be benefited by
the outlay, in like manner as in this institution, the principal
charges of money would have to be defrayed by the parties
themselves in whose behoof it was originated. (Hear.) Vfith
some little experience in the formation and care of institutions
of a kind such as the present, among various classes of the commu-
nity, he never saw ono exception to the good and general rule, that
they best served the people they desired to benefit, who allowed the
management to remain in the hands el those for whose advantage the
institution was established. There was another rule equally general;
he had never known one exception—and that was that those per-
sons who had afforded needful help in the formation of these
establishments, when they offered sound and useful advice, were
always sufficiently attended to, and every necessary heed given to
their recsmmendations. 'fife Resolution it fell to him to move
was one that embraced in a very clear and concise manner the
objects of the Institution, and they were, the establishment of a
library, the formation of classes for the acquit ition of the languages
and the sciences, andidelivery of lectures on important subjects.
This Institution would be one of the first of the kind formed, but
was not likely to be the last ; for he thought it would hardly fail to
lead the establishment of others, because there was scarcely a large
town in the kingdom where instruction and information were not
wanted in, it might be. a still greater degree than in theme.
tropolis. The Learned Gentleman sat down amid loud applause,
having first moved the the third Resolution as follows:
" That the objects contemplated in the formation of the Institu-
tion be the establishment of a library of reference and circulation,
and rooms for reading and conversation ; the formation of Classes
for the acquisition of the languages and the sciences; and the de-
livery of lectures on the most interesting and important subjects in
the departments of literature and science."
Mr- G. GROTE seconded the Resolution, which was agreed to.
Dr. BIRXRCCIL moved the 4th Resolution,
" That members shall contribute annually the sum of 21., to be
advanced by half-yearly payments ; anti that those persons who
shall, on or before the 24th instant, put down their names and ad-
dresses in the books now opened, and pay their subscription, shall
be considered as original members.
The Hon. D. KINNAIRD seconded the Resolution, which was
put and carried unanimously.
Mr. P. MOORE addressed a few words to the Meeting, and con-
chided by the offer of a donation of a entail collection of books, for
the use of the members of the institution.
Mr. HEATH the Barrister moved the fifth Resolution.
That the following gentlemen do form a Provisional Committee,
and be hereby authorised to cake all necessary nieassutlis to promote
the objects in view :
Mr. Barwfse Mr. Place, jun.
Mr. Benson Mr. Read
Mr. Biddieston Mr. Ryan
Mr. C3lllllchael Mr. J. Taylor
Mr. Hitchman Mr. Thompson
Ilr. Jackson Mr. Tijou
Mr. Mitchell Mr. Watkins.
Colonel TORRENs, in seconding this Resolution, observed, that
the pretended moralists, who objected to these Institutions, must
be prepared to assert that the middle and lower classes ought to
work until nature MB exhausted, and when refreshed by rest to re-
turn to labour again , without recreation ; or they must be prepared
to maintain, that the best recreation for the youth of this great me-
tropolis was in parading its streets, or frequenting taverns. These
cavillers would have the middle class of this intellectual country
sunk into one mass of depravity ; but he was rejoiced to find that
the march of knowledge was fast destroying their doctrine, which
was dangerous to the safety of the country, as it was fatal to the
comforts and morals of the middle and lower classes of the com-
munity. All sudden changes in political systems were pregnant
with danger, even s chane from bad to good, too rapidly brought
about, might produce evil; but these institutions were calculated to
secure the safety of all, by first improving the country, and then
improving theliuman race.
A GENT Lestare, whose name we could not learn, said that he
could not be satisfied that the Committee should be formed of
gentlemen not possessing influence. He way in hopes that the
Hon. Gentleman who had moved and seconded the Resolutions '
would have formed a past of the Committee.
The CHAIRMAN begged for one moment to interrupt the'
worthy gentleman by informing him that the Committee now ap.
pointed was merely a Provisional Committee until the 24th inst.
These gentlemen were selected to form the Committee, because the
design originated with them.
The Gentleman who caused this reply from the Chairman'
observed, that he ought not to have been put down as he was by
the Chairman ; and still persisted in hoping that the gentleman
who had moved and seconded the Resolutions would act on the
Committee. He then moved that the gentlemen who had moved
and seconded the resolutions this evening be ael?ed to the list of
those whom it is proposed shall form the Committee.
Dr. GiteRRIBT seconded this Resolution. He thought it most
important that every influence should be given to this Institution,
because he duly appreciated its importance. He had lately been
in a foreign land, where every one was kind to his fellow-eseaturea,
and even to the dumb animals under their care. If Mr. Martin
were to go there, he might say, " Othello's occupation's gone."
And what had given rise to this kindly feeling ? He would tell the
meeting—all the people were educated. (Laughter and applause.)
The CHAIRMAN thought that the direction of the Institution
ought to be with those who were to have the practical benefit of it.
The gentlemen alluded to were willing to have their names added
to the list ; bath could scarcely be expected that they should at.
tend to all the details of the formation of this Society. For in.
stance, how could the Member for Winchelsea, engaged as he was
lin the Courts and in Parliament, be expected to conk night after
night, to attend to the minutia of this establishment ? It was not
fair to expect it.
After a few words from Mr. D. KINNAIRD, the amended Reso-
lution regarding the movers and seconders of the Resolution being
added to the Committee, was put and negatived, when the 11th Re-
, solution having been moved by Dr. MITCHELL, and seconded by
I Mr. READ, was read from the Chair, and carried unanimmodr,
" That the Members do meet on Thursday the 24th instent, to re.
ceive the Report of the Committee, and to consider the body of laws
that any be necessaary to the government of the Institution."
The 7th Resolution—. That the thanks of this Meeting be given
to Henry Drummond, Esq. for the seal he hos displayed in pro-
mooing the formation of the Institution, and for Ms conduct in the
Chair," was moved by Mr. J. I.lsuutErrosi, and seconded by
Mr. TIJOr. -

- - - - -
The CHAIRMAN very shortly returned thanks, and the Meeting
broke up at ten o'clock.
A portion of the committee took their stations at the bottom of
tbe room, with books sod checks, for the ;impose of giving receipts
and taking down the names of such individuals as might be inclined
to subscribe to the Institution; and we understand before the room
was cleared a great Dumber of persons had inserted their Denies as
members.