The Sun.
London, England, 1857-08-25 00:00:00

FLOATING COLLEGE FOR NATIVE

INSTRUCTION.

The following has been issued as a prospectus for
the establishment of a "Floating College for Naval
Instruction and Marine Engineering," for the edu-
cati)n of those destined to follow the mercantile
marine as a profession. The project has excited
much interest among the members of Lloyd's,
especially those who are shipowners ; and it ap-
pears to be-the general opinion that an establish-
ment, such as that contemplated, if carried
properly into effect, could not fail in eventually
exercising a beneficial influence on the mercantile
marine of the country.
"To her naval and maritime rescurces, Great
Britain has long been indebted for her wealth-and
position as a nation; therefore everything conducive
to their improvement and extension, claims support
as a national benefit. The perfection to which
shipping and machinery have now been brought,
admits of little improvement ; but, as concerns the
education of those destined to follow the mercantile
marine as a profession, the above undertaking, it
is hoped, will meet the approval and support of all
enlightened minds, as it will enable pupils joining
this college to acquire a thorough practical and
scientific knowledge of their profession, under the
most talented preceptors, previously to entering
the service for which they are intended.

- " The establibltnent of this college has been pro-
posed for the following reasons :

" Ist. That nothing of the kind exists • and that
the estlblishment of a seminary at which the quali-
fications of a marine engineerand thorough seaman
could be obtained, would be most desirable in a
great commercial and maritime nation like Britain•
2d. That while the Royal Navy has its schoolP,
both floating and stationary, there exists no oppor-
tunity for a highly respectable and enterprising
portion of the community to acquire the qualifica-
tions offered, unless they enter the naval service ;
and as the commercial and pacific constitutes
large portion of the productive and standing
wealth of the country, to every well-
wisher of its future prosperity, such an under-
taking should be hailed with congratulation.
3d. That on inspection of the branches of education
proposed to be taught, viz , navigation,, marine
engineering, gunnery, the higher mechanics, and
collateral science=,this body, our commercial marine,
would be qualified to assume an important position
in the event of national hostilities ;1 an arm of
power, which from its intelligence, would be in-
vincible, arid which, at the present moment does
clot exist.

The undertaking having been submitted and re-
ceived the approval of the highest authorities, it is
intended to fit out a first-class ship, with auxiliary
steam power replete with every comfort and con-
venience, as a floating college, for a limited
number of pupils who, in addition to their ordinary
education, will ln,ve an opportunity of acquiring
practical instruction (the vessel cruising for the
purpose), in navigation, marine engineering, a
branch of the service rapidly extending, gunnery,
&c. ; as also of attending lectures on such other
sciences as are likely to be of use to them in follow-
ing their profession ; while such as obtain certifi-
cates will then be qualified iu every respect to t ike
an appointment with credit to themselves and
satisfaction to their commanders and owners
ceo.eresciaert x ; for
although our merchant service
means of acquiring a knw f•
o 1
ge of seamnship,
affords none of the otheradvantages,
tal or mor 11, whichby this co • are held out ller It
would be highly ad
Valt a ;sous to many to pur,,ue thio
course of study, if not even d,slined to follow it a 5
a profesion, as it would impart health and hardi-
ness to tl e constitution, and such information I
would be ever pre-eminently useful in any Part
the globe. The officers, petty officers, and crew,
as also the preceptors in their various department-,
will be selected froni those possessing the Ilighes.t.
testimonials and scientific attainments ; nor
theirieligiou 3 or sanitary interests be.lost sight of,
'as a ch.aplaiu at d experienced surgeon will be at-
tached to the ship. The most perfect discipline
will be maintained, and every encouragement
offered to talent and perseverance. As soon as the
required number of pupils are entered
the ship
will be put in immedhate commission.