The British Press; or, Morning Literary Advertiser.
London, England, 1824-12-03 00:00:00

EQUITABLE ASSURANCE COMPANY.

A Quarterly I;eneral Court of Proprietors of the above l'eturaur
s.l cM yalrfeay at the Oilier, hi Ilritigc-strect,lacktriarv, to
eeosuleraiion tte following motion, moire of which hail
at. ID
Mr.. Ilushunn, at the last 4.2uarterly licneral
en garo l'y 31

mi--
.. That in consequence of the grime Increase in value of the
:.p. fund.. '25 per cent. on the Capital Stock belonging to the
fdribuith divided among the revere! parties now in-
:„d ;be additions made tn and declared ',pan their re-
".tire policies, and to be fiwthwith id in reduction of such
rOjoes rateably and in proportion with such additions ; mit+
jciioll to be trade in l'onitola or Reduced after the rate of Hu per
or in money, at the option of the Directors: and ouch ex-
'nir calculated upon the soma added by way of bonus, tip to
• of the period to which the computations were made

irM "
dircussion, Mr. BUSUNAN withdrew his motion t
,ien duo, acemding to the existing laws of the Com.
rot be carrica into execution, and would prejudice
tir.oe persons who hare recently become proprietors.
• them gate notice of a motion for suspending all in.
thr present deed of settlement shall have been rc.

end that the funded capital of the Company amounts
ten millions. indenciolent of about 610,0001. lent on
us account substankially agrees with the following
he funds, *Lich has been handed about amongst the

'rd. ems.ls
Reduced
Cents. .

Banters

X 4.543.000 0 •
4,320 ee• e •
430.000 0 •
1Pri.237 I 1
24,•0• • •

Cla.Mis,= 8 I
-ice of Proprietors at the Misting yesterday was so
room avoid not contain them.

'ECIIANICY INSTITUTION.

the Ant some of the Mechanics' institution Lecture-
] by Pr. Ilirkberk, and the other (Hikers of the
tia circular vase eif glass, containing the names of the
the Institution- the book of the Laws, the 11th number
if's Magazine, coutainirqc an account of the tint
the Institution, and a portrait of Dr. Hirkbeek
ora-
, were deposited in the centre. It contained the following
lartrkm !
this STON't, THE FIRST OE THE LECTURE 10011,
WAS LAID ON THE SECOND or DECEMBER, Wit,
NM. TUL riarr ANNIVEORSr ARY OF Tete erreaLtantaziT
THE
LONDON MECHANICS' INSTITUTION,
RT
GEOSGE BIRKBF.CK, M.D., PRESIDENT,
IN TIE raSSENCE OE THE sEVERAL orris:gas OF 'fur
INXTITUTION.
At tbermchision of the cemnony, Ih. Birkbeek ciune forward
yokels follows :
" Nor hare we founded an edifice for the diffusion and ad-
amant of human knowledge. Now have we begun to erect a
woe, wherein man shall extend his acquaintance with the uni-
,fmind„ and shall acquire the means of enlarging his do.
rim over the universe of matter. In this spot hereafter the
e chums of literature shall be displayed. and the powers of
• • Mall be unfolded to the most humble inquirers ; for, to
'lhe Feast of Reason,' which will be here prepared, the invitation
dl he sr unbounded as the region of intellect.
for an undertaking so vast in its design, and so magnificent in
objects (nothing short, indeed, of the moral and intellectual
Aeration and aggnualizement of the human race), the blessing
DIM, I humbly trust, will not be implored in vain. If, in
is lthilution, we seek to obey the mandate which has gone forth,
is krowledgc shall he ;norraserl ; if we act in obedience to the in-
istian, that in all our getting% we should get under4taniting t if
lacceed in proving. that tie the existence of the mental wilder-
es, the tentinuance of which we all deeply deplore, we ought • to
lime the entente, not the soil ; if by rendering man more perci-
inet of the order, harmony. and benevolence, which pervade the
mese, we more efft:0111illy • 091VLIT eternal Providence, and
•;eniy the ways of God to man ; and if thus we shall be the happy
woof rendering it palpable, that the immortal essence within
aOn freed from the deformity of ignorance and vice, has been
mud in the express ima,:e of lied, then may we confidently hope
tk thoni,cience will favourably behold our rising structure, and
it in its futon 'ingress, Ontnipoter.ee, without whose eminency
i ham endeavours arc rain, will confer upon us a portion of hie
peas
" Whilst I remind yon that the illustrious Bacon, lang ago,
Isieniaed that • knowledge is power,' I may apprise you that it
*inn his time, been established that knowledge is wealth—is
neat—la security—is enjoyment—is happiness. It has been
tal to complcitly to mingle with human affairs, that it renders
tr.,l life more endearing; has given to morality move uptight-
se; and, peliiieally, has produced more consistent obedience : it
skein= 'density some of its bitterness, and enlarges the sphere,
ohs augment% the sweetness, of every !sudable grafi:L.36°n ;
lotly„ unquestionably one of lie brightest iotluenees—it N-
ess at ores an avenue and a guide to that • temple which is not
selaVah. hands: eternal its the Warns.'"

itt ti.r..yint live o'ck...it, a plain but wellAressed dinner was
%nal ph There were present nearly 300 persons, ampopt whom
we dome& )Ir. Droucham, Mr. Hume, Aldan:tan Wood, CuL
Terms. DT. la...lariat, and Mr. Martineau.
Tla• Coates tx, in proposing the lint toast, adverted to the
ruaitirrnt gn of our linicinus Sovereign, in the ease of the late
Min Wan. Em. who. though humble in origin, was splendid in
miss., and glorious in COfWIIIIOOII. fientlemen, continued the
Champ% I sball Five Tiro—" The Majesty of tiepins."
Taut..." The king ;" with three times three, amid universal
trianr.

foao—u The Duke of York ;" three times three.
The CRAIRMAR said. that in proposing the next toast. lie felt a
rem rimier in introducing to their t. tice another Individual of
&Royal Family—die Duke of Sussex. who, on a recent occasion,
bt drank the ibralth and prosperity of the Mechanics' Institution.
&Royal Ilighness was on all occasions the friend of humanity
std the enlizlitner of ignorance. (Deafening applause.)
lie. PETTIGREW returned thanks on the part of hit ltoyd
eithass, and assured the meeting that their kind expressions
ts. hi fully reported to that illustrious personage, who was in.
!Ts,,,g in his exc:tione to promote the best interests of every sub.
Mit the realm. • _ 2

tso.—" The health of the other brooches of the Royal
lady."

INecuatustsw, in proposing the next toast, 'tail he saw an
*weenie which he hail bcture anticipated relative to this Society.
Le vauld 1101 travel over what b:.d been done ; the crowded as.
iribly here met to-day keen it. (lentlnnen, I shall give 'oil--
sstrity to the London Mechanics' Institution." (Applause
keine minutes.)
Af:er this storm of applause had suhs:ded,
Ilitoreums rose, and said she Wanner of hl. reception
*wet that the Meeting 'nth iirated he was going to propose the
*NO the invaluable Dr. llirkbeek, the President of this Society.
iv thirty pars he had the pleasure of knowing Dr. Dia kbeek,
reliable, his moats, his worth, his talent'', and the singleness of
itiOtioll to their interests and those of mankind at large, proved
/Nthv be was of the tribute they were now to render him. It
.o rot here the system of thew: iestitutions was commenced. fur
rd long been in prognas. It was twenty-four rents ago since Dr.
liAlret laid the foundation of such a Sarkis at Glasgow. whicb,
t,;!strent and real use, was second only to that now established.
Amer Systan would now gradually operate; and though in
'• and the system was known, it wax not followed up till on the
rjrt occa.sioti. 'I'M: School of Arts, it was true, had arisen et
.krbur;h; but the too:s heal not stricken deeply nor widely ; but
ert':e Let twelve months, every !rrcat town in the country bad
awl the example of London. Vices were incident to all great
bet it was a compensation to mankind for such evils, that
x:rlleetie present were instituted. When the metropolis,
"'tr., of the country, was thus imbued, the far-off branch('
are kg:4bn! and aupportal. It wax no wonder that in the
towns this system prevailed ; for there, as if the elements
t,r, slily at a tci.h. to be, called togettxr. tut it was a great
t"',,e to tind the s rnllor towns, toners with 3 or 4.000 ir.lia-

',re\ artions to have similar ImMindome. At Kendal there was
thitowh m'S.:odantl another. A difficulty was found in
Irr.eing able keoirers, sod such was the zeal of a f,:w good I
'rt. that the people of the towns bad lectures delivered to them,
I 5""7. and every thing to ensure the countenance of such de.
nitutT:rvt. The smaller the towns the greater their praise;
" Ides all, er.couragi .1 by the success in London, wem
:c'461,1 her Ineiiimion, he felt dolt need not live long
1..'" 'very mei:hurtle blessed with an Institution like
I"thotit the IcAl Will operation of the mechanics little could
t.."' done. and i,e . cal' •1 open afl to come forward Rol
vt.inbaut apparr.:fs and books to the Society. Ile eared not
1' hetalkn" ,!oing glod—of being cha:itable and friendly
ranee of fre,iloni, it he saw than allow in their own
a. 11-!:e pombers of mechanics without a local :Ile.
Tilt', It stitiitions could bz adopted by
all sits and ; and as conscientiously as the ilif-
icd tf•fee •*,:ey could agree in principfes of enes.
1""'1.1 explam lii-eelf. The gr.'ot question agitated in
°'"'l wr—hail the people a sufliei^nt stare in the governmrint of
t. some baid tf:vy had; some that they had not:
'est r..•i zt tooli so, and God forbid he should blame
ate wm, s'aoin he (hirer: d. Ifut Insiittitions like this informed
Lnil better t try tees iiiionned the more capable
re,ie:na..ing in the affairs of Government. The
ti: to manage for thenaielves the niora their
03.1 here ie,re fee Ifove.roments who di.l not frzl to ; though
to eo. About ;ill years ago a Frenchman said the
at tFe progress of knowlialge. would see fine things,
ia this enamor—KO in North and South A iiiert..a.
iao;,: v,•ars arrived, lie ventured to say that man-
rer,ral weld Gr:..oirrul to he more gt,r.erous, more li,,tious.
sad cifur".76e. eva. tiro year/ to come. the knowledge,
ar. of ire hethß ti ;.• power of the people, would be found greater.
Zthat knovlctila worked openly or in ~cret. For surto ttry
Inmieh!erl to toe worthy person in tic chair. and he could rot
t ,Re hit I'3'l be•tter than by giting—•• wealth of Dr.
ek•(shoots Of :11)1.111.4SV.)
14.,111,4(11.1111AN—P1:: 111:1111,r in which you hare drank my
to ,o a.
d'u-tit my in ,t ti..atiks. T he erec■ aeh ts icted by my
effort. in- my beet reward. It is enough for me to Fee
heed done, and is sloit.g. 31v efliirts to assist the urt-du-
j z.n.l the clutc. 1 er.joayound to insist were tic.

g'rettd, because the light of reinter did rot shine upon them.
IVe had rot incurs !n go on. But within thelast twelve months,
it would owner that intellect had gained emir/1. fen no aloner was
an appeal =de to the }le hanies of lendan and Glasgow, than it
was immediately at sllefell. Its potent got antic erpearance would
in other times be considered as ttely the work of magic. It was
unnecessary to travel through the history of this Institution or that
of Glasgow, as he bad been ably anticipated on that subject:
however, he would briefly allude to what had occurred that day.
They were that Illy met to commemorate the host aeniversary of
an institution. winch Ginned an ern in the history of the country.
in the temple, of w!lich the fine atone was this ray laid, the mind
would find recreminn, and tf.e moral habits of man improvement.
The intellectual being tumid feel his nature elevated, and man
would learn to find himself :noel after the imeee and likeness of
the Divinity. In that temple, the tom eof keno/ledge would be un-
folded--the riven of retteon eevelevated—science shed her
lights, and our physical enorlitirm be improved. In that temple all
would be admitted; tiny, the invitations to enter it should be as wide
as the domirion of mind itself. It had long ago been said by Bacon,
that knowledge was powerj and every day's experience since fully
confirmed that assertion. knowledge was not merely power—it was
wealth, comlnt, enjoyment. happinesa—it was th.' solace of anguish,
the soothe of disammintment ; it heightened rational ;demure, and
gave a keener relish to enjoyment. The mental faculties would
then be more amply developed ; and it would a 9 meth at wee the
avenue to. and be the guide of. eve useful species of knowledge.
Age w4m141 then he comforted, youth instructed, manhood confirmed
in the principles of science and morality. anti the general condition
of our nature elevated and sublimed ; the grosser passions would be
restrained, and man would 'nit abroad in his elevated omens,.
livery this e on earth was submitted to his control, anti created tow
his nee ; and it was to be hoped. that while he was there taught to
see and feel the beauty and the harmony of all the works of art,
man would poor above his terrene views, and prove, by his better
conduct, and his more refined morality, that he was not ungrateful
to the great bountiful Author of his creation. Ile begged again to
thank the Meeting for their kindness, and sate down amidst general
applause.
Mr. Ilene rose, and was received with rounds of applause.
When silence was Teetered. he proreeded to state, that he would
1+: always happy to nttend Is the interests of this Society. On tt.e
fornier occasion bithiness kept him away, hot in spirit anti in feel-
ing he was with them. It would be waste of time to enter into
detail on the subject of this Institution; but he was happy to say,
that the system was taken up with energy in Aberdeen, as sell as
in almost even, other town of consequence in the kingdom. His
Honourable Friend (Mr. Brougham) had said, that no man
could call himself a friend to the working classes of satiety,
who did not contribute their puree to provide for the instructien of
the mechanics. lie agreed with him; he went farther. and
could not help expressing his great regret, that artists and
others, who had reaped a rich harvest of wealth from the labo-
rious
cur.ings of the mechanics, had tint cone forward on this
occasion. The work well began was half ended, and to 1/r. Birk-
heck were they indebted for that generous offi:r, which enabled
them to contemplate that structure's being soon ready to receive
them, where they would be sure to find Science and her kindred
sisters. Without knowledge. without virtue, without industry,
wealth was but dross, and riches like chaff before the wind. The
Honourable Gentleman then concluded by proposirg the health* of
the Trusters. ( Applause.)
Mr. Iletorottast, on behalf of the Trustees, returned thanks.
and added. that however he differed with his Honourable Friennd,
the Member for Aberdeen, there was one point oh which all were
areed—namely, that no man acted more honourably or disinte-
restedly than that Honourable Member. Ile joined his floe.
Friend in saying, that those who had acquired their fortunes by
the labours of the mechanics, ought to conic forward in support of
this Institution • and he trusted they would do sum before the next
meeting. The lion. (lentleman then gave the health of their absent
friends, Sir Francis Burdett, Mr. John Smith, and other Gentle,.
Men. (Applame.)
The Secretary (Mr. Blake) here read letters from Mr. Joshua
Walker, Mr. llobliouse, and Mr. John Smith, apologising for their
absence from this anniversary.

Mr. Alderman Wono. (who was received considerable ap-
plause,) said, he MA to reret that he did not before know they
hod intended to build their 'Lecture-room, or he should have been
present toAay at laying the foundation-stone. He was sorry that
huikling was not erected in the city of London. fot he could assure
the Meeting. that in no place would there he paid a greater atten-
tion to their interests and liberties than in the city of London. But,
as they had mho:wine thought proper, he begged to assure them,
that fie would do all in his power to assist the Institution. He
concluded by proposing the health* of Mr. Martineau Pr. Gil-
christ, and John M•lVilliam, Esti., their able and scientific
Lecturers. _ . .

M•neltNi•l7, in returning thanks. expressed a hope that
Institutions like the present would be generally spread throughout
the kingdom. Knowledge would he it:omen-el by them, and in
that knowledge would be found a safer remedy against combination
than Acts of Parliament. (Applause.)
Dr. Glees' RIST said, that his highest ambition was to bear the
wise prerep,s of others, ard do the best he could in practice for
the benefit of this Institution. They were charged by his worthy
friend (Mr. Alderman Wood) with having run away from the mo-
tet-ling wing of the City. But he would explain the reason.
They were to tree a pair of compasses, and every eye knew that one
foot must be firm in the ground berme they used the other. The
ohjert was to look out fur a central situation, and nowhere could
a better be found than that selected. But let not the worthy Alder-
derma labour neater any apprehension, fin soon he might have
to prefect a Alechanies' [munition not oily in the East but in
the West, where he resided. boon might these institutions shine
like thcjail sun, and' be welcomed everywhere in his daily
course. (Applause.)
Mr. :11•11' le t lAX. in returning thank., observed, that however
mechanic. might be talked off with indifference, he still contended
that no class of Society could be valuable without a mechanic. The
farmer, the builder, the shipwright, the Princes and Potentate.,
and the naval men, could do nothing without a mechanic. The
farmer could not make his plough without his aid, the builder
construct his doors or windows. the shipwright build his ship or
hoist the pendant, that proudly floated Oat/ our 'hotel, nor could
Triuccs or Potentates ever carry their crown* without the assistance
of the mechanic. Englar.d was evidently the greatest nation in
the world ; to what was that owing but to the exhaustless spring
of tile English mind, and that spnng being directed by the great
God. who he hoped would continue to prosper their Institution.
Ile di.' not wish to trespass on the patience of the meeting. but
he could nut help saying that all, whether high or low. Omuta be
listened to with patience. The people of old, when they heard I
I long speeches• watt away saying, "Let us fight against l'hillip ;"
and he trusted, that after the speeches they had heard. their 7 I
would be, " Who will be the friend of Mechanic Institutions?" '
Toast—" The Auditors of the Society." (Loud applause.)
Toast—" The Solicitor, Mr. Tooke."
Mr. Tonne, in returning thanks, observed, that be was proud of
the honour thus conferred upon him. lle felt it an honour to have
belonged to this Society, and be rejoiced in the part he had taken.
When he was no more. he felt proud to think that his children after
hint would rejoice at the course he had adopted, as conducive to the
benefit and improvement of mankind.
The that a nag, in proposing the healths of :Messrs. Joe. Ro-
bertson and Nlr. Hoskins, bore testintany to the great services which
I they had conferred upon this Institution at the period of its emu-
mencement. Their labrnirs were able, though unfortunately, from
some cause or other, estranged ; and he was sorer that one only of
the informed editors of the Aftehomire 21fitgazine was now present.
I The Society had to thank them for the past ; and, despite the dif.
ferment which had occurred, the Institution were deeply indebted
to them. Gentlemen, l Gull n^w propose the health' of our friends,
•"The enlightened Editors of the Alcehanle's Alagazint. Their
labours gave an impetus to your ahem ; you followed them; and
hi doing so you lure acted well and wisely." (.Ipplause.)
flose.sts, In returning thanks, regretted the absence of
his friend, the able and informed Mr. Robertson. He rose with
mixed feelings of humility and pride; humility few his own dr.
Science, and at the result of their labours. The Ilortourable
Gentleman then proceeded to read a streement from a forthcoming
number of the Edinburgh Rev:tie, upon "Scientific Knowledge; '
but suit contended that with him and his colleague originated the
Mechanics' Institution ; for, he could state, as matter ot truth, that
when they put forth the proepectua,callieg fey a meeting of the me-
chanics, they were unacquainted with the existence of Dr. H. or of
Iris residence in London. So far he wished to set himself tight with
this saernthly. Now a few words as to the condition of mechanics.
In the time of Cicero it was said that a mechanic was not tolerable,
and a merchant only tolerable when he wan rich. Look now, how-
ever. at the sinneion of tnerhanies--look at them in mines, in the
gas-works. There the mechanics were chymisto of the first order.
Formerly the laws imposed restrictions on the industrious mecha-
nize, but then the mechanics had but little knoaltd4e: now they
were requiring knowledge, and the more they bcennie informed the
higher would be the degree of their elevation. This was a consi-
dastion which should not be lost on them• and with that view he
Treas.(' it en their attention. lie 'banked the Meeting for their
patience, ard begged to say, that lie considered the present day as
one of the proudest of his Lie. (Loud applause.)
Mr. Tor Loa, in a neat speech, proposed the health* of the
Lecturers of this Institution. (Applause.)
31r. I toTc 111:II returned thanks.

Mr. Coo el:It (the Lecturer on Chemlater) also returned thanks,
and obverveil that if the little lie had dine Amerced their tharks, he
would, by his future exertions in their behLit, endeavour to do
more. 1:1 oplause•
Colonel TomeLus, before prep ring the MORS with which he
meant to conclude, contended at souse 'event', that in proportion to
the difliision of t:, lights of science, would the idle animosities
between master and man subside. "'vital would always determine
the price of Llano.; for labour and corsumption would go to-
gether. And when the light of know ledge prevailed, the animosi-
ties which exissed would die away. All men were but links in the
Peale ; destroy one and the others could not go on right 'oftener.
Vulgar at-Woman: whilted to derive the people of knowledge;
but idle and absurd were their caons. I: was quite delightful to
hear the opinions of the great leader of opposition (who hail jug
'yokel') say,that knowledge war t ices try to the welfare and to the
good of the people. In k:ngland tool See:la:Hl there Institutions
pt.:rade!, and superstition must itincime extinct where science
prevailed. The people here advinued in knnwledee. because
they wereet Bacon and Newton, not of the Jlonk in his
cell. or the Jesuit in Ida college. The people here judged by
reperionce whatever lieirids er Jesuits niiidit say. We
bare yxityth•oyy by the use of our senses; far the tint men who
went, hooks and to:d us oraTstier., could only write books and tail
narratives flint ertperience. It was nonsense to mike! fear front
persons who believed differently from out-wives. SliellCY was that
m which our. superiority 1,71 S founded ; it was to he found in our
workslioirt, th.tpite of the pr,lentled mit-at-Its of Ilohntlohe; but
the Catholics ittigitt b:liere abiiurd things if they plenrietl—thicy

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