The Sun.
London, England, 1846-10-23 00:00:00

,-
e.,, 1 OC TO BE R 23, 1846.

were to be consulted, I should look upon them with
greater confidence. But I have learned to distrust pub-
lic men.—(Hear, hear.) I am bound to inquire, and
shall still inquire, from what Ministry most can be ob.
tained for the people. I hope that Lord John Russell
will outbid Sir Robert Peel in his efforts for the well
being of the community. I hope he will uproot abases
more courageously—that he will introduce reforms more
rapidly and more perseveringly—that he will give more
ample effect to those liberal principles which he
professes, than we could expect from a Government
which called itself Conservative. But if he fail. lam
not the servant of the Government. And if Sir Robert
Peel can outbid Lord John Russell, Sir Robert Peel
shall have my support.—(Cheers.) Parties, as 3ou are
aware, are broken into pieces. The very Parliament
that was sent to support monopoly was the instrument
for its destruction—the very Parliament that was sent
together to oppase the demands of the people ceded
those demands—the very Parliament with whose advent
Toryism triumphed has given Toryism to the wirds.—
(Loud cheers.) But now what is to be ddne fair Ireland?
fliere are millions of men famishing in that country.
No one who holds a seat in the Legislature can consider
the question of Ireland without feeling the high and
awful relsonsibility which attaches to him. Let the
laws which govern Ireland govern England.—(Cheers.)
Let us have no separate legislation.—(Cheers) Let
Irishmen, aril Scotchmen, and Welshmen, and English-
men be held equal in the judgment of the law. I would
not impose on Ireland any peculiar burdenS, because I
love Irishmen ; I will not give to Ireland any peculiar
benefit, because I represent the English. But let us
have justice for all—(Cheers)—the same rights, the
same laws, the same recognition of privileges which in
every free country belong to every Free man. I know
that there are many amongst the Irish landlords who
think that the representatives of England will give them
a poor-law in Ireland to be paid for with English money.
I don't think that fair. Ido not think it fair for us to
put our paupers upon them. There are some who think
that it would become England to endow the Irish
clergy. I strongly dissent from that. lam not for en-
dowing any clergy of any sect out of the public funds.—
(Cheers.) I wish you to understand this subject ; for
there are some persons who think that the Irish clergy
can be bribed with English money, and that the Irish
people will be silent under whatever distress they may
suffer. I would rather that the Irish clergy should be
supported by the Irish people, and be content with the
voluntary aid which they receive from their consci-
entous followers. With regard to the education of ne
people, I look upon it as the foundation of the people's
happiness, and I shall aid any measure proposed for their
general instruction. I propose voluntary education ;
and I do not hesitate to say, that I would much rather
the community would do what is done in many parts of
Europe—provide for the instruction of the rising gene-
ration. I know countries in which there is not a child
who is not taught to read and write by the spontaneous
'liberality of the public ; and I wish that were the case
here. I wish that everybody could be convinced that
the peace and prosperity of society depends on raising
the people higher and higher, and not in trampling them
down lower and lower.—(Cheers.) They must be edu-
cated, but not in a sectarian spirit, nor in a way that
will offend their religious prejudices. I would not
have creeds taken into the school, for this might
arouse religious prejudices in their breasts. If Parlia-
ment understand its high mission, it will occupy itself
in inquiring how it can improve the social state. Some
attention has been paid towards improving the dwel-
lings of the people, and attempts have been made to
make water cheaper and more accessible. Other laws
have been introduced for improving ventilation and
drainage, and I hope we shall see more improvement
in the recreation of the people, such as providing public
parks. One of the advantages of peace is, that men will
not be carried away into foreign regions, to have their
passions excited by tales of bloody battles and unproduc-
tive victories—tales of men brought together, not for the
purposes of mutual benefit, but of mutual destruction—
not to serve the interests of peace and love, but those of
war and hate to one another. I have great reason to
believe that the question of the improvement of the con-
dition of the people will be amongst the subjects next to
be brought before Parliament: for now a greater neces-
sity is felt for the enactment of laws that will improve
and elevate their stations in society. Such inquiries will
have my cordial aid. The other day I moved in the
House of Commons, for the third time, for a return of
the money taken from the pockets of the people, and
which never went into the Exchequer, and which was
paid again without any Parliamentary sanction. Would
you believe that it amounts to seven millions sterling?
Seven millions sterling are received by the different de-
partments of the Government, and paid out again with-
out any previous Parliamentary sanction or control. I
have known particular offices in which the parties, when
they wanted money, got it by selling old stores. I would
not allow any department to sell old stores; and if they
did, I wou!d take care that the money which they pro-
duced should go into the Treasury. Having stated his
willingness at future times to give an account of hi,
stewardship, Dr. Bow ring sat down amidst loud cheers.
In answer to a question from an operative named
RIDER

Dr. BOWRING declined t 3 vote fur the Ten Hours' Bill.
A vote cf thanks was then given to the Doctor for his
general Parliamentary conduct; and after a vote had
teen jwsed in favour of the Tea Hours' Bill, the pro-
ceedings terminated.

THE MAN CHESTER ATHENEUM
ENTERTAINMENTS.
MANCHESTER, THURSDAY. The grand soiree and
ball, which have usually comprised the whole of the
annual entertainments given by the directors and mane-
gers of the Athenaeum, have been this year preceded by
a public breakfast to the principal guests, at the Albion
Hall, Piccadilly. The breakfast was given yesterday
morning in the handsome apartment denominated the
concert-room, where covers had been laid for about eighty
gentlemen. Mark Philips, Esq., M.P., President of the
Institution, took the chair, and on his right were seated
the Mayor of Manchester, his Grace the Archbishop of
Dublin, the Right lion. T. M. Gibson, M.P., William
Brown, Esq., M.P., Dr. West, and John Potter, Esq.;
on the left of the Hon. Chairman were Joseph Brother-
ton, Esq., M P., Charles Swain, Esq., G. Dawson, Esq.,
M.A., and James Heywood, E.,q. At the other tables
were W. Chambers, Esq., A. Ireland, Esq., W. Gibb,
Esq., Malcolm Ross, Esq., Edward Blackmore, Esq.,
J. C. Prescott, Esq., D. Gaskill, Esq., T. Baker, Esq ,
Z. Leigh, Esq., J. J. Hayes, Esq., E. P. Lamport,
Esq., B. Syddall, Esq., T. S. Clayton, Esq., J. M‘Greeor,
Esq., T. B. Potter, Esq., Charles Mackay, Esq., LL.D.,
John Sudlow, jun., Esq., J. A. Turner, Esq.. W. 11.
Myers, Esq., Rev. H. H. Jones, R. Leake, Esq., S.
Bamford, Esq., G. Greaves, Esq , C. Puuntney, Esq., Dr.
Booth, vice-principal of the Liverpool Collegiate Institu-
tion ; Dr. Hodgson, E Chadwick, Esq„ poor-law com-
missioner ; J. Kennedy, Esq., James Burton, jun., Esq.,
E. T. Bellhouse, Esq., Peter Thomson, Esq., 11. T.
Ilobberds, Esq., Peter Royale, Esq., W. Marsden, Esq.,
G. Winter, Esq., W. H. Ainsworth. Esq., Dr. Satter-
thwaite, Dr. E. Holme, C. H. Cope, Esq.
The vice-presidents on this occasion were A. Watkin,
Esq., and James Crossley, Esq.
The breakfast covers having been withdrawn,
The CHAIRMAN rose and said,—As the very unworthy
individual who occupied pro tern. the office of President of
the. Manchester Athenaeum, it had devolved upon him to
occupy that chair, and, with their permission, he would en-
deavour to state the objectof the present meeting, and why
it was that the directors of this institution thought it de-
sirable to bring a few of the gentlemen who had con-
sented to honour them with their presence at their an-
nual soiree together this morning.—(Hear, hear.) The
directors thought that as there were many distinguished
individuals present from different parts of the empire,
many of whom would be probably unacquainted with
each other, and with the nature and history of the insti-
tution they were met to honour, that it was desirable the
directors and they should have some little opportunity of
an interchange of sentiment and conversation befcre we
met for the more important proceedings of the day, which
was the soirée to take place in the evening.—(Hear.) Mr.
Edwards, one of the directors of the Athenmum, was
prepared and anxious to state concisely to their friends
from a distance what were the objects of the Manchester
Athenaeum—what was its present state of prosperity as
contrasted with the past—and, as to the future, they
would leave that to the anticipations of its friends ;
soliciting at the same time the assistance of their friends
who had so kindly come from a distance, as to any sug-
gestions they might be able or willing to throw out for
promoting or increasing the welfare and usefulness of
the institution, which we in Manchester cherish with so
much pride and pleasure. It was pleasing to him, he
was sure, to think that their institution had weathered
the storm so far. It had been in peril, it had been
threatened with destruction, but it was now they had
reason to hope, lined upon a rock, and could be able to
defy every danger with which it might be assailed.—
(Loud applause.) They were not dependent upon the
support of royalty or the great; many of the institutions
of the town, such as the Infirmary, and another institu-
tion having for its object the fostering of art—the Royal
Institution—had the benefit, and weil deserved it, of the
royal patronage ; but he was not aware that the support
of royalty could of itself make this a more valuable or a
more useful institution.—(Hear.) We in Manchester
had been taught to rely mainly upon ourselves, upn our
own efforts, and he thought there was no town in the
kingdom which could give nobler examples of how
much might be accomplished by a reliance upon such
means.--(Near, and applause.) They did rot expect to
be complimented by strangers upon the sate of
the streets, upon the architectural beauties of
their principal edifices, or upon the sewerage or
sanatory regulations of the town; but this he would say,
that there was great progress making in that direction.
He hoped, however, that while they were thus attending
to the improvement of the outward and physical com-
forts of the community, it would not be supposed they
were neglecting that more important duty, withoutwhich

all otheiimprovements must soon have an end, the cul-
tivation of the mind. And while he spoke of mental
cultivation, he did believe that our Manchester Athe-

nmum would prove one of the most valuable institutions

in the town for that purpose—(Loud applause)— and as
it was supported by the town without reliance upon any
extraneous aid, it was an instance of how much might be
accomplished by a reliance upon local energy and self-
exertion in a good cause.—(Continued applause.) He
should now call upon Mr. Edwards to make his report
without further trespassing on the time of the meeting.

He had felt that it was a mistake on the part of the
Athenmum to have done him the honour of electing him
their president.—(No, no)—because he. knew that his
public avocations were such as to call him from town,
and to prevent him attending their meetings and giving
his attention to the general business of the institution ;
he was, however, wisen he accepted that office, perfectly
satisfied that the office was an honorary one, so long as
it was in the hands of inure able director=, and he had no
doubt that the report which Mr. Edwards would lay
before the meeting would show that the institution was
cherished and conducted by a body of men who desirad
to make it as useful as possible, and who, along e ith
that desire, also possessed the rneans.—(Applatise-0
Mr. Eowartris then read the report, whie'a detailed the
origin and progress of the institution, and stated that
the number of members at present was 2,501.
The CHAIRMAN said he had been requested to state
that though Lord Morpeth had not been We to honour
them with his company to breakfast, he Wag neverthe-
less in the town, and though absent in person was with
them ir, spit it.—(Cheers.) In stating what was at this
time occupying his Lordship's attention, he might ob-
serve that he was! experiencing a difficulty which was
often felt by others—the impossibility of being every-
where at one and the same time.—(A laugh). His
Lordship, as one of the Commissioners of Woods and
Forests, however, was anxious to look at the new pub-
lic parks which led been opened in Manchester—(Ap
plause) —his Lordship being at the present time engaged
in laying out one himself under the direction of the
Woods and Forests, and which 'contained what in the
view of the Manchester people was a great desideratum
in grounds of this kind, no less than nine acres of
cricket ground.—(Applause.) • His Lordship had re-
quested Mr. James Heywood to communicate these
facts, so that it might be understood it was from no
want of sympathy he was not with them this morning.
—(Applause.) He now begged to call on Mr. Charles
Mackay to say a few words.
CHARLES MACKAY, ESil., immediately rose, but spoke
in so low a tone that but few of his observations reached
:he reporter. He was understood to say that he was
called upon most unexpectedly, but be could not help ex-
pressing the deep satisfaction he felt as one interested in
the education and improvement of the people, in being
present on this occasion. As regarded the education of
the people, the foundation of such institutions as this,
perhaps, was hardly connected with it in the sense to
which the public attention was now being generally di-
rected; but at the same time, if education on a broader
basis was to be attempted, and we were to haie
Minister of Education, he hoped institutions like this
would receive his attention; that he might be inducel,
for instance, where such an institution had expended a
thousand pounds, to give another thousand. In a large
and wealthy town like this, perhaps, there might be
little need for such assistance and encouragement; but in
smaller towns, not blessed with prosperity like this, there
was very great occasion for it. In the town with which
he himself was connected (Glasgow) there was no such
institution as this; no public library, no athenmutn, no
public parks ; such institutions had been tried, but had
not flourished. Disgrace attached to them, perhaps, for
Laving failed, but nevertheless it was a fact, showing the
desirability of aid such as he had hinted at.—(Hear.
hear.) He again expressed his gratification in being
present on this occasion.
Charles Pountney, Esq., Wm. Chambers, Esq , of
Edinburgh, and several other gentlemen, having spoken,
His Grace the Archbishop of DUBLIN was next called
upon, and was received with much applause. He said it
would be superfluous to detain them with expressions of
sympathy, because his presence here on this occasion ex-
pressed all that sufficiently.—(Applause.) He certainly
should not have left the very numerous and pressing
callsthe had upon his time in Dublin, to come here for
the purpose of looking at a mere raree- show, or attend-
ing a dance.—(Laughter.) He had thought it incum-
bent upon him to show the interest he had in everything
which concerned the diffusion of knowledge, and with
that view he had great pleasure in attending the present
proceedings, and he must say that, from everything he
had seen and everything he had heard in the inquiries
he had made, he had no reason to repent; for everything
had come up to the opinion he had formed of their in.
stitution.—(Applause.) He need not say anything about
his anxiety to .promote education, because his life had
been occupied in official or non-official efforts of that
kind; but he must say that he thought it important to
a town like this that they should have an institution
late the Athenaeum. It might not be the warmest pane-
gyric to pees upon them for having such an institution,
but he would say that it not only did the town credit,
but that the previous want of it did them great
discredit.—(Hear, hear.) He thought it incumbent
upon a town like this to see that the progress
of knowledge kept pace with the progress of num-
bers and weath; or it must follow that what had been a
suffici..nt amount of knowledge or education fur a small
population would be disgracAlly small for one very
much increased in that respect.—(llear, hear.) Ot
course he did not expect, nor should he ever supp
that an institution like this would farnis.h to its mem-
bers a complete education. The members of such an
institution were already engaged in professional pursuits
of life, and he did not wish, nor had they any means
giving their time to the going through a regular course
e location such as was given at the universitit s; be',
considering that they had a geod library, which afforded
the means, to those who were desirous of it, of acquiring
knowledge and of improving their minds, making up for
what had been previously left imperfect in their educa-
tion, he thought this institution a most valuable one. lie
was sorry to say that they were very defidient in this
point in Ireland. They had been, till a late period, very
deficient in the means of education generally, and though
a great advaneemement had been made among the poorer
clas-es, their system was still very incomplete. There
had long been, as the company was aware, a university
e. the education of the upper classes, but it appeared to
him that they were cultivating the highest and tt.e lowest,
and leaving the middle classes comparatively neglected.
—(Eiear.) There was some provision for those who
were to be brought up to the learned professions, end
for those who belonged to the class of labourers
and paupers; but for those who were to become
clerks, and shopmen, and apprentices, the despised
class alluded to by a gentleman who had pre-
riously addressed the meeting—(Loud laughter)--
for those there was so great a deficiency of the means
of education, that he was afraid the common labourers
would surpass them. They vranted better schools for
the middle classes, and institutions to furnish books, and
for encouraging a taste fur reading, as well as to supply
lectures. He considered lectures without a library, and
a library without lectures, a very imperfect means of
conveying instruction. The means of access to lectures
and books together furnished, he would not say a perfect
education, but the best means perhaps that could be
,upplied to those whose main time was occupied in the
pursuits by which they were to earn their living, ani
maintain their position in society.—(Hear.) Ile could
suppose that there were many who thought it a crude
sort of education, and that they did not pursue such a
means of education under the best circumstances ; he
could undertake to say that the means of education the
Athenaeum possessed might not the best that could be
bestowed upon those who looked for a learned education ;
but the question was, not whether it was the best, but
whether the young men for whom it was designed should
spend their time in card-playing and drinking, or per-
haps worse, or whether they should have some kind of
mental culture.—(Hear, hear, and applause.) With
respect to the books with which the library was stored,
he supposed they were well chosen ; but as to the
periodicals and newspapers on their tables, of course
they took in those of all sects and parties. Na doubt
the person who had these before him had a vast quantity
of trash. There was no kind of misrepresentation the
public might not find in newspapers—(Much laughter)—
but what would become of that individual who read
only one kind of newspaper !—(Hear, hear.) He would
become associated with some party clique, and his mind
would become embued with narrow sentiments ; but if
he had the is hole, even if he did not choose wisely, he
had at all events the best chance of doing so.—(liear,
hear.) It was the will of Providence that men should
be subject to good and evil, and because this earth was
not heaven men must not be left without hope. All
that could be done by such an institution as this was to
give light.—(Applause.) We ought to lay knowledge
before their members, and if they made a bad use of it,
they could not help it.—(Hear, hear.) If they put it
within the means of men to choose between good and
evil, they pursued the system which the Almighty him-
self had pointed out. We must guide ourselves with the
faculties he has endowed us with. We must say as the
inspired prophet said, " Behold, I have set before you
this day good and evil ; now, therefore, choose the
good."—(Loud cheers.)
Several other gentlemen briefly addressed the corn
pany, which broke up at a little before-twelve o'clock.

MR. STEWART, M.P. FOR RENFREWSHIRE —We
are glad to be able to state, that the sudden and very
alarming illness of the Honourable Member for Ren-
frewshire, which for the last few days has occasioned
such deep anxiety to his friends and the public, has now
assumed a more favourable aspect, encouraging them
to hope for his speedy and complete restoration to
health. Mr. Stewart's public services are very• gene-
rally known and appreciated, but in the county of Iten.
frew where his many excellent qualities in private life
have also contributed justly to endear hits to a numer-
ous constituency, the accounts of his illness caused a
general gloom. which we trust will now be dispelled by
this recent report of his improvement.—Caledonian
Mereu, y.
BRENTWOOD FAIR.—The attendance at this fair on
Thurs:lay, notwithstanding the unpropitious state of the
weather, was very numerous, many of the buyers coming
from considerable distances. The show of stock was
but middling in point of numbers and qtrility, extraordi-
narily high prices were submitted to, and but few things
were left to the second day. Good short-horn heifers
made from 141. to 191. But few sheep were exhibited,
for which a ready sale was found on equally high terms.
Some of the short-horn heifers were sold to .(-) as far as
Bristol, and hundreds for Norfolk.—Essex Herald.
ST. Ives.—Great fears are entertained for the
safety of a small fishing boat, with three men, who
went out on Tuesday night, and have not returned.
The evening was fine, but at four o'clock on Wednes: day morning the wind shifted to the westward, and
blew a heavy gale. She was seen under very low' can-
vass endeavouring to reach the bay.—Falmeutli Packet

ing two.

open to a most pugnacious opposition from the remain-

Mr. HENRY BURN, a director, said he was as anxious
abcut the affairs of the company as any person could be
—he had no other interest to look to—he had no local
advantages to serve. He was independently employed,
and his only object was for the Star Company. He
shote.d regret the boats getting out of the hands of the
company into those of private individuals, and he, quite
agreed with Mr. Redman, and should dissent from their
having a new boat.

The amendment having been put and rejected,~th•
original proposition was carried by a large majority.
On the motion of Mr. ANDERTON, it was resolved
that the sum of five guineas be presented to each ;of
the captains for the judicious manner in which they con-
ducted the vessels during the season, the expen-es at-
tendant on the repairs of the five boats amounting to
only 16/.
The directors, auditors, and chairman baying been re-
elected. after a vote of thanks to those gentlemen for
their past sers ices, the meeting separated.

NEWSPAPER CURIOSITI.
- —lt is not generally known
that there hassifo,hrich,
the last eleven years, a news-
in reference to the periods
resembles birds of passage. Like the
w lows, it makes its appearance each successive season
it disappears at the close of the season. Its
swallows,
the commencement of the summer months, and with
the shallow
opritesrini r
publication,a'r r.g been,ee
existence each year varies' according to the state of the
weather, from four to five months. As a few fine days
in the beginning of the summer summons it from tho
steep of winter, so a few unpropitious days towards the
close of autumn consigns it anew to the grave. The
earliness and long continuance of the fine weather have
given to the Ilarrowgate Advertiser an unusually pro-
tracted existence this year. Its term of life in the year
of grace 1846 extended to five months. The broken
weather of last week put an abrupt termination to its
days, the " Visitors" to the celebrated watering place in
which it is published having suddenly taken flight on
the setting in of the heavy rains. The proprietor, at
the close of each season, gives a farewell address to his
supporters, in imitation of the lessees of theatres, thank-
ing them for past patronage,
and bespeaking future fa-
vours. The editor closes his valedictory address on
Saturday last in these words:—" We sincerely regret
to part with so many kind patrons and supporters, but
we are cheered during the winter months of separation
in the hope of meeting them again, should Divine Pro-
vidence spare us to renew our acquaintamo and pur-
sue our humble labours." This newspaper curiosity
consists of a .small single sheet.. It has five columns in
each page, is published at fQurponce, 4ud is tastefully
got up.