The Sun.
London, England, 1841-01-29 00:00:00

TB E SUN, LONDON, FRIDAY, JANUARY 29, 1541.

REPEAL OF THE CORN-LAWS.

ADDRESS FROM THE REFORMERS OF MA-
RYLEBONE TO THE ELECTORS OF WAL-

SALL

Yesterday a numerous meeting of the Electors of the
borough of Marylebone, Members of the Borough of
Marylshone Reform and Registration Association, tools
place at the Association Rooms, Warren-street,
roy-squarr, pursuant to the following requisition, signed
by fitteen members of the Society To the Secre-
tary of the Borough of Marylebone Reform and Re-
gistration Association, We , the undersigned members,
request you will convene a general meeting of the above
Association, to consider the propriety of forwarding an
address from this Association to the electors of Walsall,
to incite them to perseverance in the struggle they are
now making to return to Parliament a determined op-
ponent of the present iniquitous Corn laws."
J. BAGSHAW, Esq. (late M.P. for Sudbury), Presi-
dent of the Association, occupied the chair ; and amongst
the large and influential body of the Reformers present
were—Joseph Irving, E3q., Professor Key, J. B. Bacon,
Esq., the Rev. Mr. Kidd, George Houghton, Esq., J.
T. Willmore, R. Nelms, Esq., Mejor Revell,
Boddingeon, Esq., &c. &c.
Mr. ALLEN, the secretary, having read the requisi-
tion he had received to convene the meeting,
The CHAIRMAN observed that it was a matter of vast
importance to all grades of Reformers, the great battle
which was heir).- fought in the borough of Walsall in
Staffordshire. Itp was more especially so inasmuch as it
was the battle of the bread-tax.—(Hear.) It was true
that there were various opinions even amongst Re-
formers with respect to the continuance of the present
Coral tws. S.,mc were for a fixed duty, others for a
total repeal, but he believed there were few who were
not desirous that some alteration should take place.—
(Hear, hear.) The principle, however, upcn which
the Corn-laws of this country were in future to be
based, was not the object they had met to discuss—that
was an after consideration. It was sufficient for them
to know that the present Corn•laws were not only cruel
but unjust, and that before an amendment in them
could take place, they must first be repealed.—
( Hear, hear.) It was therefore identified with
them as Reformers, that they should endeavour to se-
cure the return of such men as J. B. Smith, the candi-
date for Walsall, to the House of Commons, who was
pledged to that repeal. The Hon. Gentleman pro-
ceeds(' to show the unfairness of the mode in which the
averages were taken, and which enabled the wealthy
holder of corn to keep back or dispose of that commo•
dity as he pleased, according to the rise and fall of the
market, which he could contrive at his own pleasure.
He concluded by urging the meeting to pursue any dis-
cussion which might arise upon the question, with tem-
perance and kind feeling.
Mr. HOUGHTON moved the first Resolution, to the
effect—" That the Association having, amongst other
objects, that of promoting the cause of general and local
Reform, by all legal means, do present an Address
to the Electors of the Borough of Walsall, congratula-
ting them 'on the noble efforts they are making to
return a Member pledged to a Repeal of the Corn
Laws." The present struggle at Walsall was a most
important one, and he considered it not only within their
province but to be the duty of every Reform Associa-
tion in England to lend their aid to the people of Vs'al-
sail, in order to secure the return of a gentleman pledged •
to a repeal of the Corn-laws.—(Hear.) He agreed
in the opinion of Mr. M'Gregor and other eminent
men upon the subject, that if the Bread Tax were
repealed or modified the import duties of this country,
instead of being as at present ;21 millions, would begin-
creased to 1d millions sterling annually.—( Hear, hear.)
The effect would be that employment would be efforded
to every able-bodied man in the kingdom, and
workhouses and union houses would be known
merely as a name. A reduction of the import
duties in this country would have the most
beneficial effect. As a commercial men, he could state,
that from the last advices dated the `filth of Septem-
ber, Muscovado sugar was to be obtained at 10
guilders the pecul, which was equal to 14s. per hun-
dred•we 'gilt. The freight for this would be 45.,
therefore, if the import duties were removed partially,
it ns4;at be received in England at 21d, per pound
instead of as at present id. or Bd.—(Hear, hear.) He
would contend that the contest at Walsall between Mr.
Smith and Mr. Gladstone was on the one hand
for the good of the country, and on the other for
the goad of no one else than to maintain oppression and
his oen purse.—( Hear, hear.)
Mr. STOGY in seconding the resolution, showed
that, no doubt, the struggle going on in Walsall
would be a hard fought battle, and if the effect of
an address from that Association would only have the
effect of gaining over one or two waverers to the right
side, much good would be effected, as such a circum-
stance might perchance turn the scale of the election.
Mr. CHAMBERS moored an amendment. Ile did so •
reluctantly, as, although a Reformer, he was not a
Corn-law Repealer ; and he had yet to learn that to be '
a goc,d Reformer he must identity himself with that
principle. He denied that the Corn-law was the only
abust under which the poorer classes laboured. If they
wish that there should be a free trade in corn, why did
not they also desire to see a free trade in manufactures?
The agricultural pal t of the community was the
greatest, the wealthiest, and the most important part of
the community, and yet it was required that they should
be sacrificed for the lesser portion.—(Cries of " No,
no.") He would contend that the repeal of the
Corn-laws would be the utter ruin of the agri-
cultural interest, and compel tire firmer to sell
in the cheapest market and buy in the dearest. With
regard to the two candidates for Walsall, in a political
point of view, he should not hesitate a moment in l.is
choics ; but upon die other principle he had some
doubts as to which way he should vote. He concluded
by moving an amendment, " That the Association did
not feel justified in forwarding an address to the elec-
tors of any borough or county in support of any candi-
date favourable to a repeal of the Corn-l'iws, unless such
candidate shall pledge himself to advocate in conjunc-
tion therewith the repeal of all laws imposing duties on
the import of manufactured goods, and goods used for
manufacture, thereby evincing that such candidates arc
sincere advocates for free trade in all commodities."
Professor KEY had not the slightest objection to the
latter portion of the amendment, although he was op-
posed to the speech by which it was introduced, and would
second it. The Learned Gentleman proceeded to show
the beneficial iffects of a reduction of import duties in
Austria and other countries, and denied that a repeal
of the Corn-laws would ruin the agricultural interest.
As a proof of this fact, he would call their attention to
the splendid example set by the Duke of Somerset,
Earl Fitzwilliam, Mr. Alcock, the present candidate
for Surrey, and the Member for that borough, Sir Bea-
jamin Hall—all large landed proprietors, and all in fa-
vour of repeal of tile Corn-laws.—(Hear, hear.) The
Corn-laws diminished the franchise. In Marylebone,
instead of 11,000 or 1-2,000 electors, there ought to he
23,000, and all this was to be attributed to the cursed
Corn-laws.—(Hear, hear.)
Mr. BACON was opposed both to the resolution and
amendment, upon three grounds. In the first place, he
denied that the electors of Walsall deserved the praise
about to be bestowed upon them. Their conduct to
Mr. Lyttelton was anything but praiseworthy, and by
that conduct they had stultified themselves in such a
manner as to render Mr. Gladstone the favourite can-
didate, and all the addresses in the world would not
hinder his being the Member for Walsall.—(" No, no,"
and cheers.) With regard to the question of a repeal
of the Corn-laws, he was of opinion that as at present
they were grossly unjust, but the middle course was
the true one ; and he agreed with Mr. Chambers that
a total repeal would be a total ruin to the agricultural
interest. He considered also that it was beyond the
province of that Association to interfere with the elec-
tors of Walsall.
The Rev. Mr. Kidd, Mr. Ivimey, and other gentle.
men, addressed the meeting in support of the original
motion, which, on being put, was carried with but four
dissentients, amidst great applause.
Professor KEY then moved, and Mr. HOUGHTON
seconded, that the following address be presented to
the Electors of Walsall, and transmitted forthwith,
signed by the Chairman, to the Committee conducting
Mr. J. 13. Smith's election :

" TO THE WORTHY ELECTORS OF THE BOROUGH OF

WALSALL.

" Gentlemen,—Feeling, in common wish the Liberal
interest of the whole kingdom, a lively concern in the
result of the contest now going on for the representa-
tion of your independent borough, we cannot refrain
from congratulating you on the noble position you have
taken up, and your glorious determination to elect a
gentleman who is so well qualified to promote the best
interests of the country by his strenuous exertions, and
able advocacy of a Repeal of the Corn-laws. A law
destructive, in the first place, of the commercial and
manufacturing economy of the country, but infinitely
more disgusting for the inhumanity of its effects on the
labouring and industrious classes.
" Electors of Walsall, you are now called upon to
strike the first blow against this unjust, this unholy tax,
by the election of Mr. J. B. Smith.
" Upon you all England has now fixed its eyes. Lct
it be recorded in the history of this country that the
borough which by its example led to the repeal of the
bread-tax was Walsall."

The motion, on being put, was carried all but unani-
mously, and a distinct Anti-Corn-law Association hav-
ing been established, thanks were passed to the Chair-
man, and the meeting separated.

RENNET'S LECTURES.—Mr. G. Rinnet
concluded a course of lectures at the Mechanics' In Ctn.
tion, Chancery-lane, on Wednesday evening to one of the
most crowded audiences we ever recollect seeing within is
walls. The subject he discoursed upon was the morality
of Shakspeare, and he certainly threw a very novel and
pleasing light upon a number of the. characters created by
our immortal bard. Ili„ observations were directed by
good taste and sound judgment, and were calculated to
improve, not only the minds, but the hearts of his auditors.
lie was frequently interrupted by the strongest marks of
rpsatobation.

SIR ROBERT PEEL'S ADDRESS
ON THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A LIBRARY
AND READING-ROOM AT TAMWORTH.

(From the Sinibrdshire Advertiser.)

Our readers are aware that the RiOit Hon. Sir Ro-
bert Peel has come forward most liberally to assist in
the c.:,tablishment of a library and reading-room for
Tamworth and its neighbour hood. We understand
that Sir Robert has given the munificent sum of 1001.
towards the objLct, and has kindly accepted the office
of President. The institution is founded on a compre-
hensive basis, without reference to rank or to political
and rcligiousidistinctions. Sir Fraicis Lawley, Bart,,
is the Chairman of the Managing Committee.
Tile Committee of Management and the Book Com-
mittee having been appointed, a public meeting
was held on Tuesday last, the 19th instant, at the
Town-hall, Tamworth, the Right Hon. President hav-
ing consented to deliver on that day an address explana-
toryof the objects of the institution.

The Twin hull was crowded on the occasion.
Sir R. Peel was accompanied by Lady Peel and
two sons.

At one o'clock,
Sir R. PEEL rose, an'l addressed the assembly as
follows:—It has been usual, on the foundation of an in-
stitution similar to that which it is now proposed to
establish in this town, to open the proceeding with an
inaugural lecture or address, explanatory of the objects
of the institution, and of the regulations on which it is
proposed to conduct it ; and in conformity with that
practice, and because I am sincerely desirous of faith-
fully discharging the functions which belong to the ap-
pointment to which I have been recently elected,
I have willingly undertaken to perform a duty
which is generally assigned to the office of
President. I feel that I shall best perform that
duty by attempting to explain to you, in very simple
and very perspicuous language, the views of those who
have taken a leading part in the establishment of this
institution, and the advantages which we think it holds
out to those who are willing to become members of it.
I feel perfectly convinced that on such subjects as the
extension of knowledge and intellectual improvement
it would be vain to hope to diseover any novelty, either
of argument or expression. I conceive that on such an
occasion, and in such a meeting as this, any parade of
learning would be an idle affectation ; and if I do add
anything to the simple explanation of the objects of this
institution, it will be to recal to your minds truths which
are very obvious and very trite, but which do not, gene-
rally speaking, exercise a practical influence upon the
conduct of men that corresponds with their obviousness
and with their importance. It is proposed to establish a
library and a reading-room, for the advantage of this
town and neighbourhood—the reading-room to be
open for certain hours of every day (with the
exception of particular holidays and Sundays),
under such regulations as the Committee of ma-
nagement shall determine. It is proposed that
the library shall be open to all persons, and
that they shall be permitted, under certain re-
gulations, to have books from the reading-room at
their own houses, for the amusement and instruction of
themselves and their families. We propose that the
advantages of this institution shall be open to all per-
sons of all descriptions, without reference to political
opinions or religious creed, who shall have attained the
age of fourteen years. We propose that the institu-
tion shall be open to the female as well as the male
portion of the population of this town and neighbour-
hood ; because we consider that we should have done
great injustice to the well-educated and virtuous
women of this town and neighbourhood, if we had sup-
posed that they were less capable than their husbands
or their brothers of benefiting by the instruction which
we hope to give, or if we had supposed that they
were less interested in the cause of rational re-
creation and intellectual improvement. We pro-
pose, also, that they shall have equal power end
equal influence in the management of this institu-
tion with others, being well assured that the iliflu-
once which a virtuous woman can hold (if it be neces-
sary to call it into action) will always be exercised in
favour of whatever is sound and profitable in respect to
knowledge, and whatever is decorous and exemplary in
respect to conduct. It would he presumptuous in me
to anticipate the decision of the Committee of Manage-
ment on many points which arc reserved for their con-
sideration ; but I do hope it may he possible hereafter,
and at no distant period, to extend the advantages of
this institution beyond those which are contemplated in
the printed paper. I hope that it may be possible to
make some arrangement, by which, at some hour of the
day, not interfering with the hours set apart for reading,
it may be possible for parents to take their children be-
low the age of fourteen, that they may benefit
by tlce,..-ss to the maps or globes, or books of
reference, which may be deposited in the library. ,
I hope, also, that we are laying the foundation
of a great treasury of knowledge—of stores more
various and more rich than those we at present con-
template.
For instance, I am not too sanguine in hoping
to live to see the day when it may be possible in this
district, not deficient itself in mineral productions, and
bordering upon a great division of England that is preg-
nant with iron and coal (the great incentives to human
skill and industry), to form a collection of minerals
most interesting to a mind inquisitive after knowledge,
and facilitating the comprehension of such treatises
as may be written, and such works as may be pub-
lished, on mineralogy and such kindred subjects. It I
is proposed, also, if our funds will permit, to cause the l'
delivery of plain and popular lectures (comprehensible
by alt) on such subjects as astronomy, botany, I
and-mineralogy--upon the recent improvements that I
may have been made in the arts and manufacturesi—
upon the application of scientific discoveries, and on the
result of the experience of practical observers as to
agriculture and to those various trades and occupations
which chiefly engross the attention of this district of the
country. These are not, I trust, over sanguine expec-
' tations. I think the acquisition of knowledge has a
great tcudency to multiply itself ; and if I can only
persuade you to enter upon that delightful path, I am
sanguine enough to believe that there will be open to I
you gradual charms and temptations which will induce
you to persevere.—(Applause.) The library that we
shall form will, I trust, contain works not merely con-
nected with abstract science, but treatises coming home
to the daily business and daily interests of those who
are concerned in the pursuits of active industry. Now,
let me take two departments of knowledge, on which I
think most useful information might be deposited in a
library of this kind. Let me first speak of works con-
nected with agricultural improvement, and let me make
an earnest appeal to that most valuable and respectable
class of society, I mean the farmers of this country, to
whom we are so much) indebted for their general deport-
ment, whose respectability and success are intimately
connected with the best interests of this country.
I am perfectly prepared to hear from them that they
receive with great distrust the advice of persons who are
not practicaliy connected with farming. No one is
more deeply satisfied than I am that it is much easier
to talk of farming than to farm. I am not surprised '
that they (the farmers) distrust the theories of specula-
tive farmers. I am not surprised that they listen with
distrust to the result of experiments much more exten-
sive than their capital enables them to engage in. I
consider those feelings to be perfectly rational and per-
fectly natural ; but, on the other hand, if the farmers
of this neighbourhood (because they are practical
farmers) think that their experience is all-sufficient
—if they think that they have nothing to learn—if they
think they can safely neglect the opportunities of acquir-
ing knowledge connected with their proper business, let
me tell them that they labour under a greater and more
dangerous delusion than the gentlemen who undertake
to in-trust tbetn.—(Applause.) If you are satisfied
with the limited experience that your own farm affords
—if you really believe that the farming in your parti-
cularparish admits of no improvement—let me remind you
that these were the impressions entertained 50 years
since, and 100 years since, by practicalf armers, who then
thought, I have no doubt, that tleere was nothing to be
learned,and that there could be no advantage in attempt-
ing to benefit by the experience and experiments of others.
Now, with respect to works on agriculture, which might
be included in the library of this institution, let me ask
any reasonable man, whatever might be his practical ex-
perience, whether he does not think it highly probable
that advantages might be derived by his having access,
on the payment of one shilling quarterly, to such in-
formation as may be deposited in this library
R?
Remarks
Ploughing, by Mr.
James Smith.] Was it possible there could be any harm
otaninTediwitnottigrehatiis)ersaohn,isaiggriaciulituDree,epmentionting
—not in a farmer being forced to adept this system of
farming—but in hearing what was the result of experh
ments ? This little book was given to him (Sir It. Peel)
by that eminent man, Dr. Buckland, the great geologist,
on his return from Scotland, after having had an oppor- 1
tunity of witnessing the improvements on the farm of
Mr. Smith. The Right Hon. Baronet, in alluding to
a treatise he had lately received, " A Report on the
Diseases to which the Wheat Plant is liable," ob-
served, that if the farmer told him that he had informa-
tion on the subject already, he would inform him that
Professor Henslow, the Professor of Botany at Cam-
bridge, had stated, in reference to treatises written for
a prize offered by the English Agricultural Society for
the best essay on this subject, that it was evident to him
(Professor Henslow) that the authors were ignorant of
many facts well known to scientific men for many years,
respecting the nature of those diseases, and the causes
producing them ; and that in point of fact no one
treatise was deemed deserving of the prize. It ap-
peared to him (Sir Robert Peel) that the farmer,
whatever importance he might attach to practical expe-
rience, could not deny that
a greatnur
eon
be-
nefit from reading treatises on this and various other
subjects—such
derive
laying er
i e
m
theproper he mighte for
properties of that manure, and
theground, the a:by/ mica, time
the liability of the volatile parts flying off into the atm°.
sp'sere. It had been also suggested that popular lectures
might become a subject of the greatest importtance, upon
the simplest method of keeping account of profit and loss.
i —(Applause.) Now, he was informed that nothing could
be more imperfect than the accounts which were kept

by a farmer of the daily outgoings of his farm
and the profit returned from actual outlay. Nor could
he doubt that if a farmer were instructed as to the
most simple method of keeping such an account, and
was supplied with a book containine the proper form,
the greatest advantages might be derived from his hav-
ing the opportunity, of judgiog of such improvements as
the one be (Sir It. Peel) had been referring to. But
(said Sir It. Peel) these arc merely examples of the in-
formation which might be made easily accessible. Every
newspaper teems with notices of publications, written
upon popular principles, detailing all the recent discove-
ries in science and their connexion with improvements
in arts and manufactures. Let me earnestly entreat
you not to neglect the opportunity which we are now
wiling to afford you. It will not be our fault '
if the ample page of knowledge, rich with the
spoils of time, is not unrolled to you. You
wilt not be able to say that " chill penury " has frozen
" the genial current" of your aspirations for knowledge
and distinction. We tell you that here is access for you
to that information which may at the same time facili- '
tate your advance in your wordly occupations and lay
the foundation for mental improvement.—(Applause.)
Da not be deceived by the seeers that you hear against
knowledge, which are uttered by men who want to
depress you, and keep you depressed, to the level of
their own contented ignorance.—(Renewed plaudits.)
Do not believe that you have nut time (that is what you
will hear) for rational recreation.—(Applause.) Now,
believe me, that it is the idle man who wants time for
everything.—(Laughter and applause.) The industrious
man, the man who is persevering in les pursuits, is the
man who knows the value of the economy of time, and
can find leisure for rational recreation, as well as for
his attention to his business.—(Continued applause.)
Do not believe that the acquisition of knowledge, of
such knowledge as we shall offer you, is inconsistent
with the success of your worldly pursuits. Depend
upon it, you cannot exercise and sharpen your intel-
lectual faculties in one branch of knowledge without
becoming better men of business in consequence.—
(Applause.) Depend also upon this, that there is a
spirit of inquiry afloat, and that there is a degree of
competition requiring the utmost mental activity and
exertion. Every steam-boat, every railroad—all the
facilities of intercourse—are operating as premiums
upon skill and intelligence.—(Applause.) They are
shortening the distance between the producer and the
consumer. It is not safe for you to remain behindhand,
for, depend upon it, if you are inferior in point of
skill, in point of intelligence, in point of general
knowledge, to the manufacturers and producers of
other districts, those increased facilities of intercourse to
which I have been referring will transfer the demand
front you to others ; and you will be labouring under a
fatal delusion if you place confidence in those sneers to
which I have alluded, and if you believe that increased
intelligence is incompatible with worldly success. On
the contrary, I believe that society is now in the posi-
tion that increased intelligence and increased knowledge
are absolutely essential to success in your worldly pur-
suits.—(Applause.) Again, do not believe that science
is not a field which is perfectly open to you, whatever
may be your occupations and conditions in life. I ask
you to consider the names of those men who, at the
present moment, or within your own memory, have
acquired for themselves immortal lance by their
eminence in the arts and sciences. I ask you to call
to mind the names of Mr. Rennie, the great engineer,
of Sir Humphry Davy, of Professor Faraday, of Sir
Francis Chantry, of Mr. Wheatstone, the inventor of
the electrical telegraphs, and of a hundred others I might
name—to consider their first position in life, the diffi-
culties which they had to struggle with, and to search
out in their early origin—not for the purpose of despis-
ine' it, but of admiring the more the interval between
their origin and the eminence to which they subse-
quently attained.—(Applause.) I have mace inquiry
upon this subject, and I cannot help reading to you one
or two of the answers I have received on the subject of
eminent men of the present day who have raised them-
selves by having had the early opportunity of acquiring
knowledge, and by the simple determination to over-
come every difficulty that poverty or a low condition
night oppose, and to raise themselves from it.—( Ap-
pi fuse.) [The Right Hon. Baronet here read a letter,
dated the sth of January, stating that Mr. Grainger,
the great architect, who had rebuilt the town of New-
castle-upon-Tyne, within a few years, in a style infi-
nitely superior to Regent-street, and whom he (the
writer) met at the Duke of Northumberland's a short
time since, began his career as a poor mason's boy carry-
ing a hod of mortar. In the interval between 1834 and
1838 he converted Newcastle front a black and thick clus-
ter of brick to a condition exceeding anything he (the
writer) had seen, except in the hest parts of elinburgh.
In a postscript to the letter it was also stated, that the
late Mr. Harvey, who died at an early age, a Professor
at Woolwich, published an excellent work on meteor-
ology ; he worked for many years as a carpenter in the
dockyard at Plymouth, afterwards became a teacher of
mathematics, and was advanced to the professorship
above-mentioned. The Right Hon. Baronet observed
that he had in his possession a letter from the writer of
this treatise on meteorology to one of the most eminent
men of the present day. That letter was indeed to his
(Sir Robert Peel's) purpose, and he would not with-
hold from the meeting its contents. The author of
it was cold in the grave, but it was a voice from tile
grave, and entitled on that account to the highest autho-
rity. Sir Robert Peel here read the letter, dated the
31st of March, 1834, of which the following is the
seibstance :—" In forwarding these papers for accept-
ance to men bred and educated at Oxford, he (Mr.
llarvey) confessed he felt much diffidence and fear ;
and nothing but the great and unexampled personal
kindness he had experienced during the visits of the
British Association, and the kind indulgence shown
towards Him, could have got the better of those
feelings. He would, therefore, be pleased to
regard the work as the production of one blessed
at that time with nothing like unbroken leisure,
and all whose early days were lost amidst vulgar
associates in a carpenter's workshop, and whose edu-
cation never reached beyond reading and writing. He
wrote this in the fullness of those feelings which beat
high, and which looked back with the most poignant re-
gret on the years that were spent in heartless labour,
and without a friend to open to him a peth which
might have led to academical distinction, and by con-
sequence to some higher and brighter prospects in the
world." Why (said the Hon. Baron: t), if we should
have some kindred spirit in this town that should be
drawn from those heartless• associates, aryl, instead of
spending his time among vulgar amusements, shfiuld have
the means of procuring access to these treatises which this
man wanted, and the absence of which he lamented, shall
we not be tenfold repaid by the reflection that we have
given such a man an opportunity of rescuing himself
from such associations, and of enabling hint to walk in
early life in a path that leads to virtuous fame.—( Ap-
plause.) But if you still want any additional proof
that the heights of science are not closed to the hum-
blest amongst you, look around, I say, at this neigh-
bout hood. If you go to Lichfield, you sec the statue
of Dr. Johnson. It you go to Handsworth, y ou see
the statue of Mr. Watt. Look in this very town,
and who is the man that is now engaged in exten-
sive works, for the purpose of bringing coal and
lime under your immediate command ? Mr. Stephen-
son, the engineer. Mr. Stephenson, I am assured,
worked for three years as a boy in the meanest capacity
in a colliery at 'Newcastle. He saved 1001. by mending
the watches of his fellow-workmen for half-a-crown
a-piece ; ana he devoted that 100/. to provision for his
indigent parents, and set out with a light heart end
conscience for the purpose of accumulating more. The
result has been that he presents a daily example of en-
couragement to our eyes, amid brought within our im-
mediate contemplation in this town. He presents an-
other example, where. from the lowest origin, merit
has been able to raise itself to high eminence and
great respect.—(Applause.) My appeal in my recent I
observations has been addressed chiefly to you who
compose the working classes, or to men engaged in
the pursuits of active industry, to induce you to enrol
yourselves as members of this institution. I now
make an appeal to others in more prosperous circum-
stances, who probably have had an education which
enables them fully to appreciate the advantages of
knowledge, and who are enabled, if they will exer-
cise their power out of their effluent means, to spare
what may be sufficient to insure the perfect sue- f
cess of this Institution. I hope they will not be
deterred from it by any belief that they are
risking injurious consequences, either to the moral
or religious character of the people, by giving them
the opportunity of acquiring such knowledge, and
such only, as that which we profess to give. For my-
self, I cannot believe that we shall be interfering with
any legitimate object of human policy ; or that we shall
be counteracting any of the purposes of that Almighty
Being, who has entrusted us with faculties which dis-
tinguish us from the beasts that perish, and who will
demand from us a severe account of the manner in
which those faculties have been employed. I cannot
think that we shall dissatisfy men with their lot, by
proving to them that avenues of distinction are open to
which merit alone (whatever be the lot and condition
of smen) aan secure access and gain the prize. I cannot
help thinking that by bringing together, in an institution
of this kind, intelligent men of all classes and all condi-
tions in life, by uniting together, as we have united, in
the Committee of this Institution, the gentleman of an-
cient fancily and great landed possessions with the skilful
mechanic and artificer of good character—l cannot
help thinking that we are all establishing a bond of social
connexion that will derive more than common strength
from the pure motives that influence us, and from the
cause inj which we are engaged.—(Applause.) I
cannot help believing that we are hatenonizing the grada-
tions of society, and binding men together by a new bond,
which, as I said before, will have more than ordinary
strength on account of the object which unites us.—
(Loud appleuse.) Nay, I am sanguine enough to be-
lieve that this very institution will efford the opporiueit:
of honourable and appropriate reward to humble merit.
In a society limited like this, small in point of numbers,
it is very difficult to find any distinctions of an honour-
able nature ; but 1 must say, that I was forcibly struck
on Saturday last by a distinction which was paid, and

which 1 cannot help thinking must have a powerful
,ffeet in encouraging men to honourable conduct, and
also to intellectual improvement. The subscribers to this
institution on Saturday last were called upon to give their
VOie3 in favour of those who should be placed upon the
Committee of Management. There wa; one individual
who united, without exception, every vote which was
given. There being 67 votes to give, those votes were
given (Si a single case only) unanimously in favour of
one individual. I did think it was a remarkable and
most honourable and encouraging compliment, on
chancing to cast my eye on the voting papers, to find that
every man (whatever was his condition) had delivered in
a paper which contained the name of " James Simmons"
—(Applause)—and I think you will agree with me, that
that man must be dead to every impulse of honourable fame
who did not envy the feelings of James Siminons,when, by
time unanimous voice of every one entitled to vote, he was
called upon to take his place on the Committee of
Management of this institution.—(Applause.) I can_
not he:iere that there is any risk to religious impressions
mud religious belief by opening the avenues to literary
acquirements. I agree with the Bishop of London in
the opinions which he has delivered upon that subject
in the sermon which he preached on the opening of
King's College. He expressed sentiments, in language
worthy of the sentiments which it conveyed, and in
which I for one cordially concur. (The Right Hon.
Baronet here read an extract from the sermon alluded

to, in which the Bisbnp of London observed, that there
was nothing in the revealed will os God which limited
and restrained the inquiries and conclusions of man in
any branch of knowledge properly so called, or Iv hieh
interfered with the freest exercise of his faculties ; but
that the very constitution of man, which led him to in-
definite inquiry, and which was adapted to it, afforded a
sufficient reason for believing that its Divine Author
intended it for that purpose. The principle of
Curiosity was almost the first which manifested itself in
the human mind. The sagacity of the elephant, though
it might differ in different individuals of the same
species, and although by some it might be dif-
ferently exerted, was at all times a definite qua-
lity ; whereas the faculties of man were sharpened
and strengthened by exercise, the capacities
of LIS mind were enlarged, and past experience was
made the ground of future improvement. Under pro--
per limitations, they might join in the praises lavished
upon philosophy and science, and go forth with their vo-
taries in the various paths of research by which the
mind of man was enlightened and instructed. Such
studies removed the veil which to the ignorant or care-
less observer obscured the traces of Gad's glory in the
works of his hands.) That (said the Hon. Baronet)
• I firmly believe. 1 never can think it possible
.that a
mind can be so constituted that, after being familiarized
with the great truth of observing in every object of con-
templation that nature presents the manifest proofs of
a Divine intelligence—if you range even from the or-
ganization of the meanest weed you trample upon, or
of the insect that lives but for an hour, up to the mag-
nificatt structure of the heavens, and the still more
wonderful phenomena of the soul, and reason, and
conscience of man—l cannot believe that any man ac-
customed to such contemplations can retire from them
with any other feelings than those of enlarged con-
ceptions of the Divine power, and greater reverence
for the name of the Almighty Creator of the Universe.
We believe, on the contrary, that the man accustomed
to such contemplations will feel the moral dignity of his
own nature exalted ; and, struck with awe by the Ma-
nifold proofs of infinite power and infinite w'isdom,
will yield more ready and hearty assent—res, the as-
sent of the heart, and also of the mul.erstanding—
to the pious exclamation, " Oh Lord, bow glorious
are thy works ; thy thoughts are very deep. An un-
wise man cloth not consider, and a tool cloth not under-
stand."—( Applause.) It is the unwise man and the
fool that form unworthy conceptions of the Divine
nature and the Divine power. Far different were the
impressions of those mighty spirits who have the most
considered this, and have made the greatest (however
imperfect) advances towards the understanding of it.
These are the thoughts with which Sir Isaac Newton
concludes his profound speculations into the material
causes which produce, and into the laws which regu-
late the motion of the heavens ; he says, " This beau-
tiful system of sun, planets, and comets, can have its
origin in no other way than by the purpose and com-
mand of an intehigent and powerful Being. He governs
all thing-, not as the Sovereign of this world, but as
the Lard of the Universe. He is not only God but
Lord or Governor. kVe know him only by his pro-
perties and attributes—by the wise and admirable
structure of things around us. We admire Him on ac-
count of his perf:ctions—we venerate and worship
lion on account of Ilis government." These are
the thoughts from which Sir Humphry Davy,: in
his last illness, derived, according to his own ex-
pression, pleasure and consolation, when every other
source of pleasure and consolation had failed him.
He is speaking of the moral and intellectual qualities of
the true scientific inquirer into natural philosophy. He
says—" His mind should always be awake to devotional
feeling ; and in contemplating the variety and beauty of
the external world, and developing its scientific won-
ders, he will always refer to that Infinite Wisdom
through whose beneficence he is permitted to enjoy
knowledge. In becoming wiser he will become better ;
he will rise at once in the scale of intellectual and moral
existence ; his increased sagacity will be subservient to
a more exalted faith ; and, in proportion as the veil
becomes thinner through which he sees the causes of
things, he will admire more the brightness of the Divine
light by which they are rendered perceptible." That
(said the Right Hon. Baronet) is my belief. My belief
and hope are that an increased sagacity will administer
to an exalted fame—that it will make men not merely
believe in the cold doctrines of natural religion, but that
it will so prepare and temper the spirit and understand•
ing, that they will be better qualified to comprehend
the great scheme of human redemption.—(Loud ap-
plause.) My firm belief is, that that superior sagacity
which is most conversant with the course and constitu-

tion of nature, which sees the wonderful preparations
that arc made for the subsistence and enjoyment of the
meanest animal, will be the first to believe that that Al-
mighty Being who has made such preparations for mere
enjoyments has not left in neglect and indiffer-
ence the immortal soul of man. Knowing the difficul-
ties that attend every object which we can see, observ-
ing the gradual system of progression and change, and
that one course of existence is made preparatory for
another, 1 am sanguine enough to believe that that su-
perior sagacity will be the first to turn a deaf ear to
objections and presumptions against revealed religion,
will be the first to acknowledge the complete harmony
of the Christian dispensation with all that reason, as-
sisted by revelation, tells us of the course and consti-

tution of nature. These are serious and solemn sub-
jects, but 1 hope not unfitted for an occasion when we
contemplate an institution of this nature.—(Applause.)
They contain at least an exposition of my views and
hopes with respect to the progress of knowledge,
which alone could induce me to take a part in an esta-
blishment of this kind. I will now release you. I shall
shortly leave you for the purpose of engaging in the
scenes of warfare on the great arena of political conten-
tion; but if I can believe that before my departure I
have laid the foundation stone of an edifice in which
men of all political opinions and of all religious feelings
may unite in the furtherance of knowledge without the
asperities of party feeling—if I can entertain the hope
that there will be the means afforded of useful occupa-
tion anil rational reereatioa—that men will prefer the
pleasures of knowledge above the indulgence of sensual
appetite—that there is a prospect of contributing to the
intellectual and moral improvement of this town and
neighbourhood, then I can safely say that I shall be
repaid, with tenfold interest, for any time I have spent
or any attention I have given to the formation of this
institution. (The Right Hon. Baronet resumed his
seat amidst loud and general plaudits.)
Sir F. LAWLEY, Bart., then rose and said, that high
and elevated as must have been their gratification in list-
ening to the speech they had just heard, he was
quite sure they could not depart to their homes with
any degree of satisfaction if they had not an opportu-
nity of expressing to Sir Robert Peel their heartfelt
acknowledgments for that address—an address dis-
tieguished by so much kindness, good feeling, and
friendship, but above all, by that deeply religious feel-
ing which he had instilled into all their hearts and
minds upon the present interesting occasion.—(Ap-
plause.) lle now proposed to that meeting that they
should all rise from their seats in token of thanks to
Sir Robert Peel.

The company simultaneously rose, and expressed
their approbation amid loud and general applause.
Sir ROBERT PEEL said he was deeply grateful for
the very kind manner in which they had received his
humble exertions. Every effort of his life should be
directed towards the improvement, in every sense, of
that town and neighbourhood, with the welfare of
which his own interests were immediately connected,
and which, from every circumstance of neighbourhood,
residence, of early association, and intimacy of kind
friends, commanded his warmest and most a&ctionate
attachment.
The meeting then broke up.

LAUNCH AT SHEERNESS.—Wednesday fore-
noon the Royal dock-yard at Sheerness was crowded by
persons to witness the launch of her Majesty's splendid
steam-frigate Styx, which took place at high water. She
was built under the direction of Mr. Atkins, the acting
shipwright of the dock-yard. Her dimensions are..
Length between perpendiculars, 108 feet ; extreme
breadth, 36 feet 2 inches; depth in hold, 21 feet; awl
burden, 1,057 tons. Miss Hill; the daughter of Sir John
Hill, Captain Superintendent of the dock-yard,
the
hadcoutrhse
honour of christening the vessel, immediately after which
the supporters were knocked away, and she glided into the
e
waters of the Medway amidst loud cheers.
of the afternoon she was hauled into the north dock to be
c o ?"),ehr c_
c d
followingand
iout a forc o immediatei)).oi
the service,paa r ;a p h
in the
)
Lords' address relative to the birth of the irincess Royal:
We entreat your Majesty to accept
our most sincere
and fervent congratulations on the birth
)
of a
Princess,
we ~,-g to express our unfeigned joy
your this
increase ando
f
ofour M
the domestic felicityat
Royal Consort." Jesty and your Majesty's