The Sun.
London, England, 1849-01-27 00:00:00

7ri
;;-J 9 JANUARY 27, 1849.

SIR IL PEEL AT TAIIIWORTII.
TANWOETH, FRIDAY.--The annual meeting of the
subscribers and friends of the Tamworth library and
reading-room was held this morning, at the library, in
Lichfield-street. Some interest was attracted to the
proceedings in consequence of its having been announced
that Sir Robert P, el would occupy the chair. The
Right Hon. Baronet arrived at the library aeon after
twelve o'clock, and immediaely took the honeureible
position which had been assigned to him. The-re was a
large attendance of the geealemen of the town and neigh •
buurhood.
• The report of the society's proceedings for the last
year having been read, the committee and other officers
of the institution wero re-appointed. At the conclusion
of the formal business of the day, the Rev. Mr. it.dge
moved, and Mr. Knight seconded, a vote of thanks to
Sir Hebert Peel, for his attendance and his able con-
duct in the chair. The resolution was carried amidst
applause.
Sir ROBERT PEEL, in acknowledging the vote, said ht
was much gratifies by the kind feelieg evinced towards
him, and the cordial manner is which the rneetiete had
acquiesced in the resolution proposed. He was afraid,
however, that the situation which he had the honour to
fill as their president made no great call .or the exercise
of ability ; but he could assure them that he had
watched the progress of the institution with the deepest
interest. It would be recollected that at the tune the
library wss established great objections were taken to
its formation, because, as it was urged, of its discon-
nection with religion. Now, at the time, he (Sir
Robert Peel) felt confident that the diffusion of know-
ledge, so far from having an injurious effect, would be
the surest means of assuaging personal and political
animosities, find new sources of enjoyment for the
people, further the cause of morality, and
strengthen the very foundations of religion it-
self. To those who urged this objection he
might read the following passage from the report:—
" The Lumber of volumes issued during the year amounts
to 5,009, being an increase of 1,851 above the issue of
the preceding year. Of the books thus circulated 843
have been taken out by first-class subscribers, 986 by
she s, cad class, aid 3,180 by the third class." That he
(Sir Robert Peel) considered to be a conclusive proof
• that the interests of morality had not been injuree by
the establishment of this library and teading-reem.—
(Hear.) Li connexion with the eubject of education, hr
might mention that he was about to enlarge the founda-
tion of the school which his father had most Lber
endowed, and
.by that means he hoped greatly to con
duce to the improved education of the youth of the town
and the welfare of the institution. He thanked man)
gentlemen then present for the kind assistance the)
had rendered him in the promotion of this object.
Arrangements were in contemplation, and nearly
complete, by which ho hoped considerable good e cult
be conferred upon the inhabitants of the town.—(The
Hon. Baronet sat down, but after a pause again rose.;
It had struck him that there were gentlemen present e he
might be absent from another meeting in the town which
he should attend that evening. He would, therefore,
addrses the tele observations (he intended then to offer,
upon the first occasion. His father, as they were aware,
had endowed a school in that town for the education of
he poor, with an rnnual income of 170/. per annum.
Heat SUM it was clear his lather intended should be ep
rropeiated exclusively to the education of tae pour.
With that sum Its (Sir Robert Peel) proposed to do no
sheuid be appropriated to its original de sign ;
nut he did propose to increase the means of giving to
,he youth of the middle, as well as to the pourer,
elusees of the town a moral and religious education.
Now, it always struck him (Sir Robert Peel) that
while, by public institutions or otherwise, provhio,
was made few ti,e education of the poor, the class im
intediately above them were placed in a diseilvautageous
situation. If a tradesman or gentleman in the middle
anks of life was desirous of giving to his son a goon
education, he could not place bins at a boarding school
under a pe)ment of at least 201. or 301. per annum.
ibis had a most unfortunate effect. The education of
the lei•ouring poor %vas, by such institutions as those to
e !tide. he ref, rued, rendered complete, while that of the
yauth of the middle class was comparatively negl, e•ei„
if licit fareotten. It he (Sir Robert Peel) could, there-
tere, make the endowment of his fattier available for
the middle, and still more advantageous than at present
l'or the purer classes, he thought he should be conk'•
rig g a great ben, fit upon the town. He would tell them
what he proposed to do. He would put the school it
connexion Keith the Privy Council ; and first he would
be well assured as to the moral character and competent
qualifications of the schoolmaster. He bad, therefore,
written to Mr. Moseley, one oflthe inspectors of schools,
to assign to him, from one of the training schools, it com•
petent master. When last in London, he hart had written
and personal communications with Mr. Mese ley and
others connected with the Board of Privy Council upon,
that subject. The feet was he (Sir R. Peel) knew the de.
ceit of testimonials; he would rather have a master wle,
had rased regularly through the ordeal of a training
school. Be told Mr. Moseley that he would guarantee
a liberal salary if he would insure the appointment of a
first-rate master. Mr. Moseley informed him that the
call for masters was great—that many were induced.
after passing through training schools—to enter intr.
the —rte.,- of aseeehants.—end 'was ti,w zn,prlL heeeies
given to education had created a great demand for their
services. The Right Hon. Baronet proceeded at some
length to enter into the regulations of the Board of
Education, and probable benefit which might accrue t,
masters when appointed in advantageous localities. He
(Sir Robert Peel) told Mr. Moseley- that he would gua-
rantee 701. per annum, and lot. annually for house rent,
in addition to what the master might obtain by pupil
teachers. Yesterday's post brought him a letter in
which Mr. Moseley stated that he had found such a
master as was required, and he (Sir Robert Peel) in-
tended by that evening's post to sanction his appoint-
ment. The salary ho proposed to guarantee, together
with the amount derived from pupil teachers, would,
he hoped, produce him an adequate income. He
(Sir R. Peel) had also made some provision for the old
master, whose long services entitled him to great consi-
deration. He proposed that there should be two classes
in the school. First, the poor, on the foundation, who
sheuld wear a suitable dress, and who should be selected
out of the town, on the ground of good behaviour, either
of the parents or the child. Another clas should con-
sist of children whose parents paid a email sum for their
education. Ile invited the tradesmen of the parish of
Tamworth, the farmers, and the shopkeepers, to give to
their children in this school a first-rete education. Ile
did not propose to provide a classical education, but
en education in all necessary branches of knowledge—
geography, natural philosophy, history, and erithmetic.
For this education he proposed that the charge should he
not more than 10s. per quarter, or 21. per annum. This
rate of charge for such a kind of education would be ex-
tremely moderate. The wholeof the amount received from
this source it was intended to appropriate to the further
extension of the education of the poor. That was the prin-
ciple uiJoil which he proposed to act—its success would
mainly del end upon the paying scholars. He, hewever,
entertained the greatest hope of ultimate success. In
Hampshire it had eminently succeeded, and in course of
time he had little doubt but in Tamworth it would be
attended with equally beneficial results. He did not
know that he could have selected a more appropriate oc-
casion term the present on which to introduce the subject.
He might state, in conclusion, that as the school was
criginulty founded in connexion with the Established
Church, so would it continue to be. He (Sir R. Peel)
hoped that those present would talk with their neighbours
upon the subject—that they would point out the advan-
teges of a sound moral and religious education, and the
cheap means by which it might now be speedily obtained.
Although the school would be under the Privy Council,
ho (sir R. Peel) should also appoint local inspectors,
who, upon their visits, would have the opportunity of as_
certaining the mode in which it was conducted. In con-
clusion, Sir Robert, in answer to a question put by the
Rev. R. Taylor, said he did not see, if the means would
justify it, why the advantages of the school should not
be extended to the neighbouring parishes.
The meeting then broke up.
Sir Robert Peel dines with tine Mayor and Corporation
in the Town Hall this evening.
TAMWORTIL FRIDAY MIDNIGHT.
This evening an elegant entertainment was given by
the Mayor, Mr. Anson, to Sir Robert Peel, Captain
Townshend, the Clergy and Magistrates of the bo
rough, the Members of the Town Council, and about
seventy other gentlemen of the town and neighbourhood.
The Mayor presided, and was supported by Sir R.
Peel, Mr. tirammell, the Rev. F. Morse, and on the left
by Capt. Townshend, Mr. E. B. Hamel!, Mr. Fowler, &c.
The dinner was supplied by Mr. Rhodes, of the
King's Arms.
After the usual loyal toasts, which were drunk with
the greatest enthusiasm,
The MAYOR gave, " The Bishop and Clergy of the
Diocese," which was responded to by the Rev. F. MonsE:
The MAYOR, in proposing the " Army and Navy,"
expressed a hope that they would not soon be called
upon to light our battles, but was sure, whenever their
services were required, they would not tarnish the lustre
of their renown.—(Cheers.)
Captain TOWNSTIEND returned thanks for the navy.
He believed there never was a time when it was more
necessary that Um navy should be in a state of efri.ciency.
His opinion was—and ho heard it in all quarters, from
those who had lately served—he heard it very recently
from the eon of the Right Hon. Baronet, who, though a
young man, was a very good judge of what should be,
and as good an officer as the service could boast of—
(Cheers)—that the navy never was in a better state;
and he was quite sure it was not only the interest, but
the wish of the country that it should be so.—(Cheers.)
Ile did hope and trust—he also firmly believed—that no
Government would, ever reduce the navy below the
proper amount of force, and that care would be, take:),
that their ships should be fully maimed. If the navy
were allowed to dwindle too low, no one coulddet mostll/10
soon it would be necessary to have recourse to
had
that
ry
11, a
i bh some
odious system of impressment. Mr. Cob
theory about reducing the expenditure of the count
certain number of millions a year, and e succeeded in
his pr. sent attempt, be would no doubt be a very great man
—greater even thee the Right Hon. Baronet on the other
side of the mayor—(' laugh)—but a
e 1)—but it was impossible he
could succeed; end
in although Mr. Cobden had sneered at
the
en rlhich reflected on his own a a .
cha-
racter for peel sense, lie (Captain Townshend) did not
believe be had any idea that he would succeed in the

[PRICE SD.

object of his present agitation. If the country were
polled to morrow, scarcely one would be found who
would not say, " Let the navy be kept up to a state of
perfect fliciencye"—(Cheers.)
The MAYOR then sail, he had now to propose the
healths of " the Members fur the Borough."--(Loud
ch, ers.) Ile greatly rejoiced to have the opportunity of
giving such a toast, and le warmly congratulated his
iellow to ensmen on the proud pesition they held in
being so ably represented in the Commons' House of
Parliament.—(Cheers.) Their senior Member had a
fame il'ustrious and world-wide.—(Cheers.) He must
be regarded as the forem ist man in a period which had
been remarkable fer commercial reforms and social
pregreseion.— (Loud cheers ) Of their j uni.ir Member
no might say at least he would always be found at his
p at ready to uphold the best interests of the country.
Ile had much pleasure in proposing the healths of the
Right Hon. Baronet Sir Rebell Pea :and Captain
Toweehend, the Members fur the borough of Tam-
worth.
The toast was drunk with three times three.
Sir R. PEEL in rising was received with renewed
cheers. Ile said, lam sure the Members for the bo-
rough must be greatly gratified by the manner in which
you have received the proposal of the chair, and as my
worthy colleague is so well qualified to return his own
aiiknowledgmente, I shall limit myself to the expression
of my thanks fur the honour you have done me. I feel
great obligations, which I think I share with you, to the
Mayor, for giving us an opportunity of meeting on this
occasion.—(Cheers.) It reminds me of former times—
it reminds me of those festivities which we used to enjoy
before the period of municipal reform.—(A laugh.)
Gentlemen, I supported municipal reform, and I have
not a word to say against the advantages it conferred
upon the public; but I must say I think it was a very
great evil that it interrupted those convivial meetings we
wed to have in this hail.—(Cheers.) I do, therefore,
hope the good example which has been set by our excel-
lent Mayor will be closely followed by his successors,
and that he will have the honour of reviving the
custom of assembling together the chief inhabitants of the
borough to pay their respects to the head of the corpora-
:ion. Now, I shall cautiously abstain from saying one
single word which can discourage the revival of such a
eustotr. I shall bear in mind that this is not a political
meeting—this is not a meeting in which our harmony is
co he disturbed by any reference to party politics.—
eas.) I have been in this room when it was the
„Toper object of the meeting that there should be the
expression of strong political opinions.—(Cheers.) I
nave not shrunk from availing myself of the opportunity
of expressing those opinion,, but this is not an occasion
on which I am called upon to say a word in reference to
politics; this is an occasion on which I think the intro-
duction of them would be altogether unsuitable; there-
'ore, with your permission, I will avoid all reference to
.hem. I must say, that even in times of much greater
perry excitement and political feeling than at present
prevails, and even at tine. s when I have felt
ouch deeper interest than I now do in party conflicts,
I had always much greater pleasure in dwelling upon
those topics on which wo were all agreed than
in referring to others which had a tendency to
excite personal or party hostility-- (Cheers)—and there
are topic's on which we are all agreed, whatever may be
our party connexions. Whatever our differences ou
political subjects, I an sure there prevails amongst us
II a sincere desire to promote the interests of this town
and its neighbourhood, and, above all, to advance the
social and moral improvement of those with whom we
ore connected.—(:.;beers.) Now, as I intend to adhere
ro my resolution of abstaining altogether from any re-
ference to political topics, it is not very easy, perhaps, to
end. any subject connected with merely local interests of
cient importance to attract the attention of a purely
convivial meeting; but there is one matter to which I
must call your attention. I think it is impossible not to
e,l that there prevails throughout this country an
earnest desire to promote sound, moral, and religious
..ducetion amongst the lower ord,rs of the community.
A grit at and most successful effort is in progress to
redoes the time that has been lost, to found obedience
to the law and loyalty to the Throne upon
something bet ter than the mere terror of
penal enactments,—upon a rational conviction of the
aitv which we owe to God and man, and the advan-
ages we enjoy under the constitution we have the hap-
piness to possess.—(Cheere.) I fear whilst the effort is
made, and successfully made, to promote education
erucegst the working and labouring classes of the coin-
inuei-y, equal attention is not paid to the intellectual
aip-ovemeut of the class which is elevated by its poei-
tion above the working and labouring classes ; the
middle classes of the country have not the same com-
parative advantages which the labouring classes have
with respect to education; and, depend upon it, if
that disadvantage be not removed, and that inequality
as to education be not redressed, evil consequenees will
ensue; you will have the position and relation of great
classes of the community reversed; you will have the
:ower class more intelligent—possessing more of that
power which results from knowledge than the class
which is above it. I think you will agree with me,
that it will be a great advantage that the children of
.he middle class, who aro hereafter to constitute the
great strength of this country, should have equal means
reeintaining their eetesicos radoens, and should be-
aefi: by the tql,-,-eunities of sound and moral and reit-
aious education. The Right lion. Baronet then, at
;reat length, detailed the new scheme he meant' to
adopt in the :01001 founded by the late Sir R. Peel, and
called upon his fellow-townsmen to give their zealous
issistance in carrying it out. He concluded by saying,
—Depend upon it, these are the times when the
,übjiTts of real importance are subjects like these. The
example we have recently had, when we saw how the
middle classes of this country rallied round the throne,
at a time when other thrones were shaken, and fear
prevailed throughout all nations,—we are bound, I
think, maturely to consider, now the danger is past,
in what way we can promote their social im-
provement, together with the physical comforts
of the humbler classes of the community.
(Cheers.) I have the deepest conviction that I shall
meet with your cordial consent and, I trust, also with
your co-operation, in carrying the system I have pro-
posed into effect.—(Cheers.) I have had the greatest
gratification in all the relations I have maintained with
ou. There is no reflection more gratifying to me than
hat in every proposition which has been made tending
to promote the comfort or the improvement of the
humbler classes of this town and neighbourhood, I have
always received the most zealous co-operation and aid
;row the class of gentlemen I am now addressing.—
(Cheers.) That concert and co-operation will, I am
convinced, still continue in promoting the plans I have
Auggested.—(Loud cheers.)
Captain TOWNSUEND next returned thanks for the
honour done him in drinking his health.
Sir H. PEEL afterwards, in a highly eulogistic speech,
proposed the health of the Mayor, who returned thanks.
Sevcrsl other toasts were drunk, several very good
songs were sung, and the company separated shortly
utter eleven o'clock.

THE DEATHS FROM CHOLERA

AT TOOTING.

Yesterday Mr. Waltley, M.l'., resumed in the board-
rcom of the Chelsea Workhouse, the adjourned inquest
on M•irtha Pullington, Mary Kelliek, George Hartley,
and Emma Ingus, children who died in the workhouse
of cholera after their removal from Mr. Drouet's.
The board-room was crowded, and amongst those
present were Messrs. Bague, R.N., France, and Froud,
magistrates ; Messrs. Rider, Fielder, Hull, &e.,
guardians ; and the Rev. Mr. Irons.
Emma Ingus proved the death of her child from
cholera, and that her child had not a sufficiency of food,
but of which witness was afraid to complain, lest she
might have got her child into trouble.
James Kellick stated that his daughter, the deceased,
and another of his children, had been at Mr. Drouet's,
where they did not get half enough to eat. On one oc-
casion he brought them two allowances of pudding and
bread and butter, which they instantly ate, although
they had only just returned from the dinner-table.
Both children had good health when they went to
Tooting. Iu consequence of Mary's death he discharged
himself, to take away his other child. Ile saw de-
ceased the day before her death, but she was too weak
to speak.

CORONER—Another child, named Thomas Ridgway
or Hartley, has been buried from this workhouse; has
any parish claimed him? Mr. Sutton, vestry-clerk—
No, sir.

Sir. Whittle, registrar for the Tooting district, de-
posed, that since the 19th of December 150 children had
died in Mr. Drouct's from cholera, while not one died of
that complaint in the village, or within the district; and
from the 12th of April to the 29th of December 34 chil-
dren died in Mr. Drouet's of diarrhoea, consumption, and
other diseases.
Dr. Grainger, one •of the superintendent medical
officers of the Board of Health, repeated the evidence
which ho gave on a previous occasion, and which em-
braced all the main facts of the truly deplorable.
nquiry.
Some further evidence having been received, the
in-
quiry was again adjourned.

TIIE LONDON MASTEn Iv3,ADlEteEegnStiira2ningulaIN
To
i
the
—Yesterday evening i seventeenth
Pension Society, which meetingwas
the London Master Ba,leett; of timed and infirm master
established for the rei
wi,s held at the White hart
bakers and their widows,te,
to receive the report for the past
Tavern, Bishopsega3l,
1848. ThE re are 41 pensioners on
year, ending De
how 26 are males, and who 'receive Bs. a
the society, of 7
k the pension of the females being ss. a week. Mr.
T. Napier wasin tho chair. Mr. Dean, the secretary, read
the report, which showed the amount of the income to
be 9341. 105., which included 2011. Ss. 9d. balance of last
year ; 600/. Is. 6J. suh:.cri
ptions, &e. After paying the
n. cessury expenses, among which was the
sum of 707/.
I Is. 81 for pensioners, there remained a balance in band
of 1341. 3s. Id. The funded stock amounted to 2,5001.
The report was received, after which the officers for the
ensuing year were elected.
JENNY LIND IN NORWICII.--The two concerts at
which Mademoiselle Lind assisted during the week in
this city pruduced the sum of 1,859/. I Is., and above
1,2501. will remain for the charities when the expenses
are pf:id. This will make an aggregate of more than
12,00x1. contributed to charitable purposes through the
agency of Jenny Lind within the last two months.

Soc