The Sun.
London, England, 1854-01-18 00:00:00

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---dtieatiCirL They are further of opinion that, while the I
want of proper securities for discipline in the case of such
students would be the cause of &jury to those students
themselves, the evil would extend necessarily, by the
'force of example and association, to other students ad.
mitted as at present to reside in connexion with colleges.
"The advantages of such connexion with colleges in ,
'respect to discipline appear to the Syndicate to be justly
described by the University Commissioners in.page 16
' of their report. They remark that the moral disci-
pline of the University 'is in a very great measure sus-
tained by the internal system of the several colleges.
The domestic constitution of a college contains in
itself a combination of the most wholesome and bene-
ficial influences for this end. In the first place, all
the; members of it are subject ' to a code of internal
laws and rules framed for the maintenance of good order

suggestions and recommendations of the Commissioners ;1
and they finally made a fourth report, dated Nov. 30,
1852, recommending such modifications of, or additions
to, the proposed statutes as, after mature consideration,
appeared to them desirable.
' Graces embodying the recommendations of the Syn-
dicate were offered to the Senate on three successive
days in February, 1853; and it will be seen in the co-
pies of the Syndicate's Reports attached to these re-
marks what the several propositions are, which, having
been approved by the Senate, may be considered, so far
as depends on the University, to form part of its future

power, though not necessarily so in knowledge, influ-
ence, or experience; is the Master. The Masters of the
Several foundations collectively are called the "Heads"
of their respective houses, and it is into the hands of
these college officers, to the exclusion of every "main
elemeht" in the University constituency, that the whole
government of the. University has fallen. The choice of
the Senate in the' election of the Vice-Chancellor and
Council was confined to'certain restrictions, which gave
to an upper class of electors the power of " nominating."
Two persons were nominated for the Vice-Chancellorship,
of whom the Senate selected one, and two " lists" were
proposed of the Caput, from which that body was formed.
Originally, the nomination for the Vice-Chancellorship
was confided to the Doctors in the several faculties,
and, as these graduates were in those days a consider-
able and independent body, there was some reason in
the regulation. Gradually, however, the heads of col-
leges; who were mostly doctors themselves, eliminated
the independent doctors from the nominating body, and
confined this privilege to their own small class exclu-
sively. Having done this, they passed a rule of their
own, deliberately providing that no person but one of
their class should ever receive a nomination for the
office in question. The consequence was, that the chief
magistrate of the University ceased to be a representa-
tive officer, that the choice of the Senate was utterly
nullified, and that this important appointment went in
rotation through a small body of 17 individuals, who
monopolised its advantages most completely.
The University, Council was just as effectually de-
molished by the same process. Of the two " lists'!
provided, one was given in by the Vice-Chancellor, and
it soon became prescriptively the list adopted. The heads,
therefore, after establishing the Vice-Chancellorship as
a perpetual inheritance in their own class, nominated
every single member of the Caput. This, however, was
of no great importance, for as a single negative vote in
the Caput could stop all legislation, and this the
heads always possessed in the person of their own
nominee who presided, it was of little consequence how
the rest of,the Council were upplied. But the results
did not stop here. The Heaillig, who every year appointed
one of their own class to the Vice-Chancellorship, were
by no means disposed to part with their own power for
the interval. They claimed to be the Vice-Chancellor's
"natural advisers," to be by him consulted on all occa-
sions ; and they thus substituted themselves as the
acting " Council " of the University, monopolizing the
initiative in all its business, and demeaning themselves
as the true University representatives, to the utter de-
struction of the statutable Council, the members of which
were left without any more connexion or communication
with the Vice-Chancellor than the other members of the
Senate. This system has now been pursued for so many
generations that it would be unjust to attach any per-
sonal imputations to those who are at present carrying
it out, but the reader will admit, we think, that a more
perfect example of" political appropriation was never
brought before him.
Some of the deliberative business, of. the Senate is
transacted by means of committees termed "Syndi-
cates," and the authority claimed for the conclu-
sions thus established is sometimes imposingly
paraded. The point will illustrate very conveniently
the manner in which the University constitution,
as at present interpreted, is found to act. A
Syndicate is "appointed by the Senate," but, as the
whole proposition to "this effect must come from the
Heads, they, in fad,_ possess in every committee the
controlling voice of their own Vice-Chancellor, who is
always made to preside,. as many places for themselves
as they choose to take, and the nomination to all the
places which remain. The Senate, it is true, can reject
the proposal for appointment, but only at the cost of
getting no Syndicate at all. It can also reject a report,
but only at the cost of getting no report at all. As it
is not a deliberative body, and as no amendment can be
moved to any proposition, the class monopolizing the
initiative in all proceedings can always reduce it to the
alternative of taking their measures or none.
After these explanations of the. University consti-
tution, the reader will not be unprepared to find
that the University proposals for its amendment,
though purporting to issue from the whole com-
munity, are somewhat defective in providing for this
community's emancipation. They simply recommend
the establishment of a new representative Council,
according to regulations which we shall examine
on another occasion. This, in point of fact, is nothing
burarestoration of one department of the constitution--
that of the University Council—to something like its
proper functions, nor would there, in reality, have been
any great necessity even for this, if the existing Caput
had been formed and elected as it still might have been,
and treated by a representative Vice-Chancellor as his
real and proper Council. We do not enter more par-
ticularly at present into the further bearings of the new
proposal, but what every reader will at once discern is,
that it deals with only one-half the abuse—viz., that
concerning the Council, leaving that concerning the
chief magistracy entirely unamended ; that it still pre-
serves the elements of unconstitutional monopoly, to
conflict with the elements of self-government and free-
dom ; and that, when a true University Council has
been once established on such important and compre-
hensive foundations as those now suggested, it will as-
nsuredly be both disposed and entitled to undertake a
good many duties beyond those to which it is designed
.o confine it.

statute law.
" A few matters which it is considered desirable to
regulate by statutes are now under consideration by. the
Syndicate of Privileges and the Syndicate of Studies,
hereafter to be mentioned ; and when those syndicates
have completed their labours, and the judgment of the
Senate has been obtained respecting the propositions
which may be submitted by them, the entire draught of
a new code of statutes will be proposed to the Senate,
and, if approved by that body, will be then finally sub-
mitted to the Crown for its sanction.

and decorum' and moral and religious habits. Again,
the Master and the Fellows, if they are true to their
duty, stand in the relation of rulers, guardians, advisers,
friends, and examples to the students. As some of the
Fellows are but little removed from the students in

- _
point of age, facilities for personal intimacies and friendly
companionship between the two classes blend happily
with the more grave and paternal authority which the
senior members of the society exercise in their official
functions. Again, the students exert no small or unim-
portant influence on each other. Though.sprung from

" V. SYNDICATE FOR CONSIDERING THE STUDIES o➢' THE

UNIVERSITY.
" The general system of study in the University, in-
eluding as well the course of instruction in the- several
branches of learning and science as the examination for
4egrees, forms a prominent subject in the Commis-
sioners' Report ; and the suggestions and recommenda-
tions made by them, are entitled to the utmost attention.
" After much deliberation respecting the best way of
bringing this subject under the consideration of the Uni-
versity, the Vice-Chancellor offered a Grace which was
passed by the Senate, Feb. 2,• 1853, to appoint a Syndi-
cate to consider whether it is expedient to adopt any
measures, and if so what, for augmenting the existing
means of teaching the students of the University by
public professors and public lecturers, and for regulating
and encouraging the studies so taught ; and to report
thereon to the Senate from time to time, until the end
of the Eastern Term, 1853. _ _ _ _ _

different ranks, with different fortunes, different pros-
pects, yet, as members of the college, they. meet to a
certain extent on a footing of equality. Living under
the same domestic rule ; many of them lodged within
the same walls ; all assembling in the same common
dining hall ; associating in their course of study and in
the routine of the their daily habits, they are naturally
drawn to each other by attractions of mutual kindness.
While particular individuals and snialler groups form
for themselves their own closer intimacies and friend-

ships, a general spirit of sympathy pervades the whole ;
and there is one predominant feeling not to do anything
that tends to bring discredit on the college, of falls below
the tone of good manners and the standard of honour-
able conduct. In this way social sympathy becomes
auxiliary to moral discipline and academical authority.
The students are at an age when they cannot
be subjected to the minute surveillance and rigid con- '
straint exercised in a school, and' when; on the other
hand, they are not fit to be intrusted with Absolute
liberty and independence in acting for, themselves. They
are in a state of transition from the subjection of boy-
hood to the freedom of manhood ; and no system of dis-
cipline.can be properly suited to such a state, unless it
contains in itself a mixture of constraint and liberty—
so much constraint as may guard the inexperienced
against the temptations of youth and the dangers of
wasteful extravagance; so much liberty as may serve to
develops the qualities of their moral character, and pre-
pare them'gradually for the weighter responsibilities and
fuller freedom of after life.' _

" A Grace was subsequently passed, May 25, 1853,
to continue the power of the Syndicate until the end o:

Easter Term, 1854.
" The points to be considered being so many and so
important, and affecting (so materially the interests of
the University and all the colleges, it was thought de•
sirable to extend the composition of the Syndicate be-
yond the usual number of such a body. The Syndicate
appointed thus consists of 39 members of the Senate,
and comprehends two or more from every college, toge-
ther with the Regius Professor in each of the faculties
of Divinity, Law, and Physic.
" The Syndicate have been engaged in a course of
long and regular sittings during three successive terms
in the consideration of the questions submitted to them,
but they have not yet made any report to the Senate.
" VI. ADDITIONAL LECTURE Roo ms AND MUSEUMS
SYNDICATE.

" The opinion of the Commissioners upon the advan-
tages of residence in connexion with colleges is again
expressed in similar terms, but at greater length and
with the mention of details, under the head of ' College
Discipline and Expenses,' in pp. 145-149.
" With reference to the admission of the proposed
class of students, the commissioners remark (Report,
page 143) : • .
'!' It has been contended that it would be desirable to
modify this usage' (viz., that every student should be ad-
mitted a member of some college before he can become a
matriculated member of the University), ' and to revert
to the ancient practice so far as to allow of matriculated
students of the University not attached to any college or
hall. This question has received our careful considera-
tion, and we are of opinion that it would not be expedi-
ent to adopt any change of that nature in the present
system of the University. It appears to us that one of
the most striking and valuable characteristics of our
English Universities is to be found in the domestic sys-
tem of their education, by which habits of order and
moral control are most satisfactorily obtained. . . .
The two systems of collegiate and unattached students
seem to us to bo hardly compatible with one another ;
at least we cannot doubt'that great difficulties would be
' experienced in blending them harmoniously together,
if the class of students not affiliated to some collegiate
' body were recognized, and afterwards received any con-
siderable accession of numbers. We come, therefore, to
the conclusion that the extension of the benefits of the
University, so as to embrace a larger number of stu-
dents than at present exists, and more proportionate to
the great increase of our population and national wealth,
must be sought in a corresponding growth of our colle-
giate system, and in such improvements of the existing
foundations as may render them more generally acces-
sible and more practically useful. It has long been the
practice of the University to allow students belonging
to the colleges to reside in lodgings in the town. By
this' means great facility has been given for the accom-
modation of, an increased number of students, inasmuch
as the power of colleges to accept admissions has thus
been limited only by the extent of their halls and chapels
and their own sense of what was due to a proper provi-
sion for the instruction and superintendence of the mem-
bers admitted.' " •
"It appears, by a table printed in the Report of the
Commissioners, p. 145, that on Nov. 14, 1851, while the
number of undergraduate members of the University,
whether actually residing or not, was 1,760, the number
residing in lodgings was 736.
" After describing the conditions under which students
belonging to colleges are allowed to reside in lodgings in
the town, and noticing the arguments which have been
urged for and against the practice, the Commissioners
remark (Report, page 144) :---' We should be unwilling
to interfere materially with the liberty at present enjoyed
by the colleges of admitting a greater number of students
than they can accommodate within their walls. We
think, however, that it would be very advantageous, if
buildings were erected for the reception of students in
immediate connexion with, .and under the direct control
of, the collegiate bodies. For such affiliated halls we
apifehend that no fresh powers are required.'
"Upon the same subject, again, the Commissioners
remark (Report, page 19) :—`The system itself'•• (of
allc4ing students belonging to colleges reside in lodgings
in the town) ' if carefully and vigilantly guarded, appears
to be capable of securing, to a great extent, the substan-
tial benefit of collegiate superintendence, and at the
same time affording free and ample facilities for the ad-
mission of any number of students desirous of the advan-
tages of an University education. An opinion has been
expressed in some quarters that it would be more con-
, ducive to the ends of discipline if, in connextiou with,
and dependence on, the colleges, there were hostels or
public buildings established for the reception of students
under a system of closer inspection and stricter control
than can be attained while they are dispersed in private
lodgings throughout the town. There does not appear
to be any impediment to the execution of such a design,
if adequate funds can be provided for the purpose.'"
" The Syndicate concur in these remarks of the Com-
missioners, and would observe that, in cases where col-
leges do not possess the means of building, the purpose
of providing accommodation for a greater number of
their students might be effected, if occasion required, by
hiring houses in the town.
"111. PROFESSORIAL AND OTHER UNIVERSITY FOUNDA-
TIONS.

" The present state of the University with regard to
museums, laboratories, and lecture rooms for the use of
the professors, is described by the Commissioners in 1
pp. 115-124 of their report ; and they recommend
measures: to be taken for obtaining a site erecting the
necessary buildings. •
" With a view of adopting some practical measures
for the supply of urgent wants in this respect a Grace
was passed by the Senate, Feb. 2, 1853, appointing a
Syndicate to consider whether any and what steps
should be taken for appropriating to the use of the Uni-
versity the site of the Old Botanic Garden, and to confer
with the trustees of the Botanic Garden thereon ; also to
consider whether any and what steps should be taken for
erecting additional lecture-rooms and museums.'
"The Syndicate made a report to the Senate March 7,
1853; on the first of the questions submitted to them,
communicating an arrangement, to which the Governors
of the Botanic Garden had expressed their willingness to
consent, for appropriating the site of the Old Botanic
Garden to the use of the University free from trusts and
conditions,to which it was subject, and recommending
that the necessary steps should be taken to procure by
competent authority the confirmation of that arrange-
' ment, and the appropriation of the ground.
" The report was confirmed by the Senate March 11,
1853, and the Syndicate were authorised, in conjunction
with tbe Governors of the Botanic Garden, to take the
necessary steps for the above purpose.
"A further report made by the Syndicate Oct. 25th,
1853, informed the Senate that upon application to the
Court of Chancery an order had been made July 29,
1853, directing that the above-mentioned arrangement
should be carried into effect, and that upon the comple-
tion of that arrangement the land and premises consti-
tuting the site of the Old Botanic Garden should be and
continue vested in the Chancellor, Masters, and scholaris
of the University, released and absolutely discharged of
and from the trusts created with respect thereto.
"The arrangement, involving the outlay of a large
sum of money by the University, has been 'since com-
pleted, and an ample and eligible site has been thus
obtained, applicable for the erection of the required
buildings.
" The Syndicate have recently, December 31, 1853,
made a further report, containing detailed recommenda-
tions respecting the nature and construction of the pro-
posed buildings, and recommending the employment of
an architect to prepare plans and an estimate`for the
execution of the work. A copy of this report is attached
to these remarks.
Vll. SYNDICATE FOR CONSIDERING THE PRIVILEGES
OF THE UNIVERSITY, AND ITS RELATIONS WITH THE
TOWN.
" The Commissioners, in their report, make mention
of a memorial received by them from the mayor alder-
men, and burgesses of the borough of Cambridge con-
cerning certain privileges of the University which affect
the relations between the University and the town.
'The Commissioners sent a copy of this memorial to
the -Vice-chancellor, with an intimation that they were
ready to receive any remarks which the authorities of
the University might desire to make respecting it. As
this memorial involved matters deeply affecting the dis-
cipline and good government of the University, the Vice-
Chancellor offered a Grace which was passed by the
Senate, March 26, 1852, appointing a Syadicate to take
the memorial into consideration and to make such re-
marks thereon as they might deem fit for the purpose of
their being transmitted to the Commissioners. The memo-
rial, as well as the remarks of the Syndicate thereon,
have been printed by the Commissioners among the evi-
dence attached to their report. (Pp. 35-46.)
" The Commissioners having considered the statements
of the University and the town respectively, have made
several important suggestions and recommendations
(Report, p.p. 5-4) respecting the matters which affect
the relations between the two bodies.
" With the view of submitting these suggestions to
the consideration and judgment of the University a
Grace was passed October 29, 1852, appointing the same
Syndicate to consider generally the -privileges of the
University.
"The Syndicate proceeded to consider carefully and
in detail the several suggestions and recommendations of
the Commissioners, but they have not yet made any
report to the Senate, in consequence of a proposal made,
by the council of the borough for a conference between
committees of the two bodies,
" A Grace was passed by the Senate, February 2,
1853, giving the requisite powers to the Syndicate ; and
the Council of the Borough having also named a com-
mittee for the purpose, several conferences have been
held, with the view of making arrangements for the
adjustment of the relations between the University and
the town, which arrangements, if satisfactory to the two
bodies, may be finally confirmed by a special act of Par-
liament.
"T. C. G. GELDART, Vice- "FRANCIS FRANCE.
Chancellor. "JAB. ATLAY.
"GILBERT AINSLIE. " FRAS. MARTIN.
" H. PRILLPOTT. " Joart Mum.
" H. W. COOKSON. " A. THACKER.
"JAMES CARTMELL. " G. M. SYKES.

"The Syndicate have directed their attention to the
remarks made by the University Commissioners respect-
ing those provisions of the foundation deeds of some pro-
fessorships and lectureships with the lapse of time and
altered circumstances have rendered inapplicable to the
present state of things and' highly inexpedient, if not im-
possible, to be observed ; and they are of opinion that in
all such cases the spirit of the founders' intentions would
be more effectually complied with, if a careful revision
were made of the statutes and regulations framed to
govern the foundations, with reference to present and
future wants and means of usefulness. The same re-
mark may be applied to some of the University scholar-
ships and other endowments.
" It is believed that in some of the cases referred to an
act of the Legislature would be required to enable the
University, in conjunction with the trustees or other per-
sons interested to make the desired alterations ; and
even in cases where the authority of her Majesty's courts
of equity would be sufficient, a great advantage would
be gained, if an opportunity were given of accomplishing
by, less expensive and more expeditious means an object
involving the consideration of a multiplicity of details.
"The Syndicate are encouraged by- the letter of her
Majesty's Secretary of State for the Home Department to
express their desire that the aid of Parliament should be
given to the University for this purpose; and they beg
leave to submit that the object in view might be accom-
plished in a satisfactory manner if enabling powers, to
be exercised for a limited term, were given by an act of
the Legislature to a board of persons, who should desire
the confidence of the University and of the country in
the execution of a work requiring the greatest care and
prudence, and an intimate acquaintance as well with the
wants and duties of the University as with its constitu-
tion and government. In suggesting this mode of pro-
ceeding, the Syndicate are mainly influenced by a desire
to avoid the evil of repeated and minute interference by
Parliament of the University.
" They venture further to suggest, that it should
be the duty of the board to receive and consider
all schemes proposed to it jointly by the Senate
and the trustees or' other persons interested in any
University foundations, respectingthe application
of the property or, the regulations framed to govern
such foundations ; and that it should have the
be to the spirit of the
paclitwenertioandshoefrint
gheasfomunuedherass, traoayratify and establish such
schemes subject to the sanction of the Queen in Council.
"It is fully believed, that, if such au authority were
created, both the University itself, and the persons in-
trusted with the charge and management of university
foundations, would willingly avail themselves of the aid
so afforded to give to those foundations the most useful
and efficient form which they are capable of receiving.
IV. SYNDICATE FOR REVISING THE STATUTES OF THE
UNIVERSITY.
"The,Syndicate appointed to revise the Statutes of
the University, beside the proposal abovementioned for
a new council of legislation, made reports to the Senate,
dated Dec. 10, 1851, and March 23, 1852, respectively,
in which they recommended that graces should be of-
fered to the Senate for the introduction into the pro-
posed new body of statutes of various laws and regula-
tions effecting important alterations in the existing law
and practice of the University. And having revised the
whole body of statutes, with reference to existing and
authorised practice, they also printed and circulated in
the Senate a draught of the statutes representing the form
they would bear, if all the proposed alterations were

adopted.
" The -University Commissioners, in many passages
of their report, express their approval of the proposi-
tions submitted by the Syndicate to the Senate. In some
few instances, however, they recommend modifications
of those propositions, or the introduction of other mat-
ters, not recommended by the Syndicate, into the pro.
posed new body of statutes.
`0 Upen the,publication cri•the Commissioners' Report
the Syndicate
proceeded to consider carefully the severa

THE SUN, LONDON, WEDNESDAY EVENIN_G,_JANUA.RY 18, 1854.

AZETTE OF LAST NIGHT,

twelve, at the Court of Bankruptcy. Pennell, official
assignee, Dasinghall-street ; Braham, Chancery-lane.
Henry Green, baker, Stoke-by-Nayland, Suffolk, Jan.
27, and March 3, at twelve, at the Court of Bankruptcy.
Whitmore, official assignee, Basinghall-street ; Stopher,
Cheapside.
Henry Holman Wood, victualler, Bognor, Sussex, Jan.
27, at half-past one, and March 3, at one, at the Court of
Bankruptcy. Whitmore, official assignee, Basinghall-
street ; Apps, Gray's-inn.
James Lewis Lane, 'brewer, Norwood, Jan. 27 and Feb.
28, at twelve, at the Court of Bankruptcy. Groom, official
assignee, Abchurch-lane ; Corselis and Hainber, Brabant-
court, Philpot-lane.
Henry Griffiths, tailor, Birmingham, Jan 31 and Feb.
28; at eleven, at the Birmingham District Court. Whit-
more, official assignee, Birmingham ; Ashnrst and Son,
Old Jewry ; Motteram and Knight, Birmingham.
Joseph Camm, miller, Quorirdon, Leicestershire, Jan.
27 and Feb. 17, at ten, at the Birmingham District Court.
Harris, official assignee, Nottingham ; Huish, Donning-
ton, and Motteram and Knight, Birmingham.
Edward Rose, lace cap manufacturer, Nottingham, Jan.
27 and Feb. 17, at ten, at the Birmingham District Court.
Harris, official assignee, Nottingham ; Coope, Nottingham.
Thomas Frudd, innkeeper, Chorley-row, Manchester,
Jan. 30, at twelve, and Feb. 28, at eleven, at the Leeds
District Court. Hope, official assignee, Leeds ; Marshall,
Barnsley ; Bond and Barwick, Leeds.
William Brunton, joiner and builder, Bradford, Feb 3
and 24, at, eleven, at the Leeds District Court. Young,
official assignee, Leeds ; Harle, Leeds.
Cornelius Bowe Palmer, commission agent, Newport,
Monmouthshire, Jan. 31, and March 1, at eleven, at the
Bristol District Court. Hutton, official assignee, Saint
Augustine's place, Bristol ; Cathcart, Newport ; Bevan
and Girling, Small-street, Bristol.
James Frame, stationer, Liverpool, Jan. 27, and Feb.
23, at eleven, at the Liverpool District Court. Bird, offi-
cial assignee, Liverpool ; Bremner, Liverpool.
Mackinsey Bowell, publican, Manchester, Jan. 28 and.
Feb. 23, at eleven, at the Manchester District Court. Lee,
official assignee, Manchester; Cobbett and Wheeler, Man-
chester.

DIVIDENDS. -
At the Court, Basinghall-street.

H. Rose, Manchester and Salford, common brewer, Feb.
7, at twelve—C. J. Webb, Leadenhall-street, silversmith,
Feb. 7, at twelve—T. Holmes, Belgrave-street South, Pim-
lico, and Hereford-square, Brompton, builder, Feb. 7, at
one—H. N. Ginder, St. Martin's-court, Ludgate-hill,
licensed victualler, Feb. 7, at one—J. Slater, Friday.
street, Cheapside, warehouseman, Feb. 8, at one—W. Cob
bett, Bear-gardens, Surrey, plumber and lead merchant
Feb, 7, at two.

In the Country.

E. Harpet, Stamford, draper, Feb. 17, at ten, at the
Court, Nottingham—F. Turfrey, Abergavenny, Monmouth-
shire, brewer, Feb. 9, at eleven, at the Court, Bristol—J.
Robson, Durham, miller and flour dealer, Feb. 10, at
eleven, at the Court, Newcastle-upon-Tyne—A. McKer-
row, Kingston-upon-Hull, Yorkshire, draper, Feb. 8, at
twelve, at the Town Hall, Kingston-upon-Hull.