The Sun.
London, England, 1851-11-04 00:00:00

DESTRUCTIVE FIRE.

Yesterday morning, at an early hour, a fire, attended
with a serious destruction of property and almost fatal
consequences to seven or eight persons, broke out in
the mansion belonging to Colonel Michell, C. 8., at No.
5, Langham-place, within two doors of All Souls' Church,
Portland-place. There were sleeping on the premises
the Colonel, his lady, the steward, butler, three or four
female domestics, and a young gentleman on a visit to
the family. The fire was discovered at a few minutes
before three o'clock, at which time it had obtained a
firm hold of the first floor front. The police officer on
duty in the street without a moment's loss of time sprang
his rattle and commenced knocking at the street door
and ringing the bells, but some considerable time
was lost before he could make the residents
sensible of their great danger, and not until.
the flames were rushing out of the drawing-room on to
the staircase. The inmates, in order to escape, were
obliged to resort to various expedients, but fortunately
they were enabled to reach the street. The escapes of
the Royal Society, with the engines of the 'parish, Lon-
don Brigade, and West of England Company, were im-
mediately sent for, but in spite of the strenuous exer-
tions of the firemen the flames were not extinguished
until a serious amount of property had been reduced to
ashes. How the fire originated is unknown, but there
seems no doubt that it had been smouldering all night,
for as early as seven o'clock on Sunday evening a strong
smell of burning wood was experienced, which caused
the servants to make a minute searcb, but without
tracing out the cause. The two adjoining mansions, oc-
cupied by Mrs. H lismaden and Mr. P. Robin, have
also sustained some damage, more especially the former.
Fortunately the Gallant Colonel was insured in the
Westminster Fire-i,ffice.

A meeting of gentlemen assembled from West-
minster, Ma-ylebone, and Lambeth, was held last night at
Charing-cross, to co-operate fur the purpose of presenting
simultaneously the addresses to Kossuth from the me-
tropolitan boroughs. A committee has been appointed for
the purpose of communicating with Kossuth and the
other boroughs which have already adopted addresses, or
are about to hold Meetings for this purpose. The meeting
at Lambeth takes pla:e on Friday, at the Horns, Kenning..
ton, but it is not yet stated when the meetings for the bo-
roughs of Finsbury and the Tower Hamlets are to be held.
THE MONMOUTHSHIRE BANK FAILURES.—The
Registrar of the Bristol District Court of Bankruptcy, Mr.
S. Puckett, has, in pursuance of an order of the Court, at-
tended several days during the past week at Newport, for the
purpose of taking proofs previous to the choice of assignees,
which will take place on Tuesday next, in the matter of the
petition "Re Williams," the Newport Old Bank. On Mon-
day last 152 proofs were taken, on Friday upwards of 250,
on Wednesday 150, and on Thursday 105. The amount of
the total number of proofs exceeded 53,0001., and in conse-
quence of these proceecings a large number of the poorer
classes of the community resident in Newport and the neigh-
bourhood will be saved the expense of attending the exami-
nations at Bristol.

The will of the late John Deacon, Esq., banker of
London and Windsor, disposes of the entire property to his
relict for life, including the mansion and estate at Mabledou
Park, and the furniture in any of his residences, advowsons,
freehold, copyhold, leasehold, funded, and personal property,
the personal estate being valued at 250,000/. ; and authorises
her to continue in any business in which he might have
been engaged, or to discontinue the same, if she thinks
proper; and after her decease the property to be divided into
fourteen parts among his eleven children or their issue, his
elder son to take three shares, his younger son two shares,
and his nine daughters to receive one fourteenth share each,
and to his executors who are acting under the will in con-
junction with the widow, viz., John Deacon, Esq., the son,
H
G. C. Courthope, Esq., son-in-law, and the
on. T. L. Mel-
rifle and John Labonchere, Esq., of the firm, each a legacy
of 5001. The stamp duty was 3,0001. Windsor Express.
GERARD'S HALL.—Gerard's Hall, in Basing-lane,
City, F ith its very extensive crypt, was the last place named
for examination by the British Archwological Association, as
here the party were afterwards to dine. Stow says of Gerard's
Hall, " I read that John Gisors, mayor of London in the year
1245, was owner thereof, and that Sir John ors, constable
of the Tower, 1311, and divers others of twat name and
family since that time owned it. So it npeareth that this
Gisors' Hall of late time, by corruption, bath been called
Gerrarde's Hall for Gisors' Hall." The end of the thirteenth
century would probably not be too early a date to give the
crypt. The columns and groins are of stone, the vaults of
chalk. It was originally very lofty, about 16 feet high, per-
haps, to the crown of the arches, but there is now about 3
feet of ground in it, so that, except at one part, where it has
been removed, the bases of the columns cannot be seen.
This very interesting remnant of ancient London comes
Pettigrew in
ww oauy believelda bep thatr
overlookedepreserving
vexpressedi thisn
gwnia_l
,n 1
on,
the line of the intended new street, and as it would stand
somewhat above the general level, is threatened with de-
struction. We sincerely hope, however, that efforts will be
made to retain
so.tfr
the difficulties
gndtdihrffiiehs
ceaudviiienutinretesehare:snor:otiahrtd.eo
e
e
qwuishees of the Association stohceiaptuiobnliconwetrheissohmeeatdi.meMs
nr.otßauwnanrie,g:d
saidrsteuhsuch
tlh3i
as:gS s'retplouo fknt
Ahwde e crypt in question, that it should be preserved
if possible.— Builder.

IMPROVEMENT IN THE CONDITION OP THE WORK-
ING CLASSES.—A respectable grocer of this town (who has
had long experience in his trade, and made his observations
on the uernands of his customers) informs us that a few years
ago, when food was dear in consequence of the operation of
the corn-laws, the working classes consumed large quantities
of red herrings, Scotch barley, oatmeal, and rice of inferior
quality, at the same time consuming chiefly the lower aorta
a
of tea, sugar, and coflee. Of late years, however,change
has taken place in these respects: of the first•namwi article.
with regard to
the sale has almost entirely diminished, and
the latter he observes that only the finer betteranodniy
the comferta
are generally sold—thus proving that no
--demand for lump
of the mass of the people. The increased
icester
Chronicle.
sugar is particularly remarkable.—Le
but the luxuries of life have been broughtt
of Christ is peace and
veithin the reach
RELIGION.—The religion of
in war and ill-will.
—Landon
good will—the religion of Christendom

—.—. -
GLASGOW,
in the cotton wool market, an prices for
Nov. I.—Cotton—This has been
d a. week
be
eecreased from %d. to 14d. per lb.
of great lassitude
month just closed do not exceed 7,000
quoted 41/2d. per lb.; Sea Island
however, is rather higher.
's
are also flat, the news by the Indian
The sake
ocmofor ynwlg,dhaskri
cndihnsu Orleansda
nrisisndclagmast
orhvacold,
all
mbaalirto-day being considered very unfavourable. On the
coarser kind of yarns there is a fall of from 2 to 21% per cent.
Pig Iron—Since our last pig iron has experienced almost no
alteration; rather more disposition to sell has been shown,
but the quotations remain nominally the same, viz., mixed,
Nos. f.o.b. warrants, 395. ; No. 1, g.m.b., against b.k., 395.
to 395. 3d. ; and No. 4, Gartsherrie, 415., cash.
A chimney connected with the steam power at a
paper mill, at Ecclesfleld, which was in course of building,
and had reached the height of about 35 yards, fell suddenly
on Tuesday last in the middle of the day, but fortunately no
person was injured.

A " COLOURABLE" ANSWER.—A connoisseur hap-
pening to be in a celebrated artist's studio, an animated dis-
cussion arose as to the colour of immaterial objects. "Thus,"
said the one, " how would you colour a tempest, supposing
there were no clouds ?" " Why," replied the artist promptly,
" I should say—the storm rose, and the wind blue."
UNION OF THE ORIGINAL SECESSION AND FREE
CHURCHES.—The Perthshire Advertiser, of Thursday, states,
apparently on authority, that a union between these two
denominations of Christians is in contemplation, and fa•
numbly t utertaiod ou botb aide&

ELEMENTARY DRA WING AND

MODELLING SCHOOLS.
TO THE EDITOR OF THE SUN.

sta,—l am instructed by the Council of the So-
ciety of Arts to forward you the inclosed notices lately
issued by them on the subject of the education of the
lower classes in drawing and modelling. The increas-
ing anxiety shown by the public for the success of the
important movement of which this forms a part war-
rants my hops that you will take soma notice of it in
your journal.

I am, Sir, your obedient servant,
GEORGE GROVE, Sec.
Adelphi London, Oct. 6, 1851.
" The Council of the Society of Arts have proposed,
for some time past, that the aid and influence of the
society should be directed to promote the establish-
ment of elementary drawing and modelling schools,
chiefly for artisans ; hut the preparations for the Great
Exhibition, which absorbed the energies of those who
were most likely to be interested in advancing that
object, induced the council to pause in pressing for-
ward the proposal until the Exhibition should be
drawing to a close. This period has now arrived, and
the council return to the subject.
" Tne Exhibition has proved that the council did
not overrate the importance of their proposal; and
itself has materially strengthened a growing convic-
tion that one of the most serious disadvantages
under which ornamental British manufactures are
produced, is the want of artistic knowledge and exe-
cutive ability on part of the artisans engaged in pro-
ducing them. Every one competent to judge admits
that the ornamental productions of the French ex•
hibit much more ability, on the part of the French
workman, in drawing, modelling, chasing, &se., than
our own. The council believe that a radical cure
for many • imperfections of British manufactures
will be found in a much more enlarged and liberal
system of art-education than at present exists—an
education which shall make the power of drawing at
least as easy to be acquired as that of writing, and
shall begin at an early period of life. The council
are convinced that there is hardly any handicraft in
which a workman can be engaged, as a carpenter,
mason, smith, tailor, &c., which would not be greatly
improved by an ability to perceive the form of objects
correctly, and represent it with precision.
" The council are strongly impressed with the be-
lief that our young artisans desire to obtain a know-
ledge of drawing, and they are aware of the difficul-
ties which at present impede the acquirement of this
knowledge by them.
" The council do not limit their appreciation of the
advantages of drawing and modelling solely to those
improved facilities in manufacture which they unques-
tionably afford to artisans; but trust that these useful
arts will be found to occupy the young in pursuits
tending in every way to their improvement, and to
provide them with wholesome sources of instruction
and enjoyment.
" Looking to the comparatively slow progress
which has been made in establishing the Government
schools of design, the majority of which have been
,aftentimes officially reported to he mere drawing
schools,' the council consider that it is not ex-
pedient to wait longer in the hope that Govern-
ment may extend schools of design, but that the
establishment of drawing and modelling schools can
be most successfully accomplished by the public
themselves, through their own conviction of the
importance of them. It is tha opinion of the
council that the schools of design can never pro-
perly fulfil their original purpose until it is made
a necessary condition of entrance to them, that the
student has already acquired the power of drawing
and modelling. The council consider that one means
of rendering schools of design effective, is to cruse
elementary drawing and modelling schools to be ge-
nerally established; and they will endeavour to show
how they consider that the public may themselves
establish, support, and manage these schools.
"The principles on which the schools of design
are supported are, partly by a government grant,
partly by students' fees, and partly voluntary sub-
scriptions. Under this system, most of the schools
of deign are in debt, and the progress of them is
rendered doubtful and disheartening. As some time
must elapse before it can reasonably be hoped that
elementary drawing and modelling schools can
be altogether self-supporting, some assistance will be
required temporarily, at least, in the provision of
suitable house accommodation. Having the experience
of the present state of the schools of design before
them, the council venture to advise those localities
which desire to possess the advantage of ele-
mentary schools, not to rely on subscriptions as
any permanent source of income, but rather to ob-
tain power from the legislature of raising a moderate
rate, and to reject the system of conva'sing far sub-
scriptions, or the expectations of obtaining an ade-
quate endowment. It may be estimated that a very
moderate rate indeed, not exceeding a penny in the
pound on the rental in the majority of instances,
would enable many hundreds of localities
to have the benefit of an elementary school. But as
some time must necessarily elapse before the requisite
powers can be obtained from Parliamsnt to levy a
rate, the council recommend that the school be esta-
blished in the meantime by moans of subscriptions
and donations, sidel by fees from the students, which,
at the beginning, ought not to exceed a penny for
etch time of entering the school to receive a lesson.
" The building required for such schools should be
selected rather for the suitability of its position than
for any architectural features, or other advantages not
bearing upon its actual use. Artisans generally hesi-
tate from connecting themselves with, or sending
their children to, institutions in which the accommo-
dation provided appears to be of too elevated a sort,
according to their notions. The more unpretending
the arrangements, so that convenience is pro-
perly insured, the better, both for economy and the
real purpose of the schools.
"As soon as a locality shall have signified its de-
sire to establish an elementary drawing and modelling
school, the council will be prepared to afford the co•
operation of the society upon the following con-
ditions :
"I. That such schools s'eall be cslled by the names
of the localities in which they are established—' The
Drawing and Modelling School in connexion with
the S,,ciety of Arts.'
"11. That localities, whether represented by cor-
porate or parochial authorities, or by a committee,
shall engage to provide, keep clean, warm, and light a
suitable room, and fittings tor the use of the school ;
and also to guarantee a sufficient sum, arising either
from rates, subscriptions, donations, and students' fees,
for the support of the school.
't 111. [hat each locality shall appoint a committee
of management, which shall include some of the mem-
b-rs o' the Society of Arts (not less than three) re-
siding in the neighbourhood.
" IV. That this committee shall adopt the general
rules framed by the society for the government of
their affiliated schools.

V. That the counnlttee shall be responsible for
the custody and safe return of the property of the
socie'-v which is lent for the use of the school.

,
" VI. That the committee shall appoint asecretarY
and treasurer, who shall keep minutes and accounts;
and that the committee shall annually make a re-
port to the council of the society of tne state and pro-
gress of the school.
"Upon a compliance with these conditions, the
members of the society engage to render every sup-
port and facility in their power, and to use their in-
laenee to insure the success of the schools established.
Mao!, propose—
"l. To prepare a concise code of general rules,
which shall forma a useful manual of management and
instruction.
" 2. To recommend a suitable trained instructor.
"3. To waist inot
te. provision and loan, until the
school is self-au of suitable drawings, mo-
udeielsf,utti ndexeix)tabmitptolPenaP; rain sufficient to be in themselves a
, occasionally, of books of
refen,nee.
"4. To recommend a rotation of visitors well
qualified to superintend the course of instruction anti
the eonduct of the school.
5. To give, at their annual distribution, by the
hand of their president, medals and w
hive distinguished themselves by ability
e
and good conduct.
" Published by order of Council,
" Sept., 1861." " GEORGE GROVE, Sec.
" SOCIETY OF ARTg.—SPECIAL PEIZEs FOR Co.
LOEB Boxes AND DRAWING INSTRUMENTS.—The
Couscil of the Society of Arts, wishing still further
to prosecute their efforts in bringing a knowledge of
drawing within the reach of artisans and others, and
feeling convinced that the present high price of the
necessary materials is a serious drawback to the
attainment of that end, give notice to the manufac •
hirers of, colours and of implements for drawing as
follows:
" They will present the society's large medal to the
person who shall p:st oduceithe box having the greatest
number of the
bbrushes, which col ours for general use, and
may be sold retail to the public for
one shilling. The maker
agree to make not less
than one thousand of such boxes,
osxes, and keep the same
cn sale.
" The council will be prepared to purchase 'not
oats,
less than one thousand of the su
vided they agree in all respectseve=atihb pro_
pecinam
submitted in competition.
" The council further off:a. the society' a „a
medal for the best and cheapest set of the folis lr
i7g-
ovvi
instruments:
" One pair of 6.inch compasses, with shifting pen-
cil leg.
" One wooden 4 inch triangle (45°).
One ruler with a tiduci .1 edge, one foot lona, a
divided into inches and tenths, and marked with

seale of chords.
"To be contained in a case.
576-7 be pro-p:::Td to purchase not less than
700 arts (,1 the auccesafal case, provided they agree it