The Sun.
London, England, 1850-01-01 00:00:00

COLLEGE OF PRECEPTORS.

The half-yearly meeting of the College of Pre-
ceptors was held last evening, at No. 28, Bloomsbury-

square.
The chair was taken by Dr. Wilson at half-past
seven o'clock.

The address was delivered by Philip Kingsford,
Esq., barrister, a member of the council. Having
sketched the rise and progress of the science of uni-
versal logic, which he defined as the science of general
method, he urged the necessity of its careful study
upon all professors of education. He pointed out the
evils arising from the communication of instruction
to youth -by unqualified and ignorant persons, but
observed that, at the same time, the possession of
information by the teacher was not alone
StArliOiCiat to qualify him for his office.
The philosopher nor. being always, nor often, the best
instructor, two other things were necessary. The
first included the process of exposition and cornmuni
cation ; the second,
_the operations of training and
development. For not only should mere knowledge
be imparted, but the individual mind should be taught
universal submission to its humanizing influences.
The habit of controlling impulse and passion should
be generated, and a capability should be impressed
of receiving improvement from the influences of a
continually-progressive civilisation. He compared
the condition of education at present with that of
chemistry at the beginning of the last century; it
was almost exclusively of an empirical character.
But he hoped that the College of Preceptors, and other
institutions of a similar character, would do as much
for education as the Royal Society of London and the
Academy of Sciences of Paris had already done fur
chemistry. He called attention to the numerous im-
provements that had been lately made in the modes
of communicating knowledge, and eulogised especially
" Johnson's Physical Atlas," the " Geological and
Ethnographic Maps," Dr. Arnold's " Henry's First
Latin Book," and other elementary works. He invited
all teachers to unite in the endeavour to exalt their
profession from its present condition; to exclude for
the future all unqualified persons from its exercise ;
to observe constant silence upon political and religious
topics ; as he felt assured that if they did so, they
would not much longer have to complain that their
labours were inadequately remunerated by the
public. in conclusion, he pointed to the living tri-
umphs of painting, sculpture, and poetry, and asked
if, whilst other artists filled the world with works of
beauty, the teacher—the highest artist—should be
alone unproductive ? He should not be unproductive ;
but his works would be unobserved by all save the
reflecting. Few but they would ever remember his
benefits, and from them alone should he expect sym-
pathy and appreciation. The chief reward of the
conscientious teacher was in his own mind. To feel
himself a conscious instrument in the diffusion of
truth and happiness, a living force in the moral uni-
verse, was to know the highest happiness of man,
and to earn the right of believing in immortality.
And the privilege was within the grasp of every
teacher.

The address, which was listened to with great
attention, and frequently interrupted by applause, was

loudly cheered at'its conclusion.
Dr. WILSON moved the thanks of the college to
Mr. Kingsford for his very able 'and instructive
address.

Dr. HODGSON seconded the motion, which was
unanimously agreed to, and the meeting separated.

RECENTLY PROJECTED ASSURANCE SOCIETIES.—
The ti, les of projected companies provisionally registered
during the year 1849 are s:xty-three in number; nine
appear, however, to be duplicates or partially altered,
applying, it would seem, to others previously named
and emanating from the same promoters. The following
is a statistical summary of their various intended opera-
tions:—Accidental death, 5; Colonization, 1; Life alone,
35; Life and fidelity guarantee, 8; Marine, 3; Cattle, 2;
Fire and life, 6; Fire alone, 2; Property, 3; Solvency
and commercial debt, 2. some of the titles are highly
novel, and characteristic of the curious taste of their
progenitors. One starts with a " Champion," and ends
with a "British Homoeopathic Life," suggestive, we sup-
pose, of infiuitessimal assurances. Then follows a "Gas
Protector's Mutual," with the additional variety of
argand and bat's-wing policies. Cambria, hitherto
neglected, enjoys a triple slice; nor are the mining,
trading, and industrial interests neglected. Amongst
the novelties in the shape of as,urances we have a sample
of " Bachelor Policies of Fidelity," but whether the
guarantee applies to pecuniary or hymeneal engage-
ments, the chronicler speaketh not. If, however, to the
latter, we doubt not but the insurers will be well sup-
ported by the fair sex.—The Reporter of this day.
THE LAST NIGHT OE THE YEAR AT THE MAN-
fION-HOUSE.—The Lord May or and Lady Mayoress
gave an entertainment, in the Egy ptiau-hall, to the
juvenile members of families connected with the city of
London. There were present between 600 and 700
young people on this very in:ereatiag occasion. The
Lord May or and Lady Mayoress, with two of their
juvenile guests, opened the ball with an old-fashioned
country dance. The parents and friends of the children
were permitted to join the party about ten o'clock. The
youngsters sat down, in parties of 300 each, to a supper,
provided in excellent style by Ring and Bry mar, and the
festivities of the evening were kept up until the new year
had commenced.
THE EARL OF ELLESMERE AND THE LONDON AND
NORTH-WESTERN RAILWAY.—For some months an
active competition has pre% ailed between the trustees of
the Bri ;gewater Canal and the London and North-
eetert. Railway, in consiqueeee of which the goods
between Liverpool and Manchester were carried at
ruinously low rates. Negotiations have been carried on
or some time between the rival carriers, and have ter-
minated in an amicable understanding. With the com-
mencement of the new year the old rates will be resumed.

BRIGEIq'S VIEW OF THE
IRISH QUEz)TION.
TO TH EDITORS OF THE LIVERPOOL MERCURY.
Gendenaen,—What is 'most to be admired in Mr.
Briglit'A ,p-i-ch is hit ino,t adinirabhi nd spirit
which feared not to state the truth--' That there
was nothing iu the Roman Catholic religion, or in the
character of the Irish people, which could prevent
that country obtlining the prosperity which she
deserves, and which Nature has so evidently intended
to be her portion."
Mr. Bright most truly describes the cause of her
present lamentable condition to be entirely owing "to
the crimes and blunders of legislation' and who,
except Sir Robert Peel and his party, will gainsay this
fact ? Mr. Bright then prescribes his remedy to be
" a free trade in land."
I should only weaken your own excellent observa-
tions were I to point out in detail that, however
desirable such remedy may be, yet it can only
operate through a course of years ; but, in the interim,
the question for statesmen to solve is this—lloi,v
the present distress to be mitigated ?
Surely the circumstances attending the proposed
sale of the Cunneinara estates will prove to Mr.
Bright the wisdom of your remark, " That society
will not accommodate itself to a change of system in
a day," for that property was divided into lots to suit
alldeseriptions of Ewell viers, yet there were none, and
many lots were bought in at one pound par acre, the
price fixed as the value of uncleared land in New
Zealand and Australia.
Will not this fact clearly prove to the sagacious
mind of Mr. Bright, that his remedy, however desir-
able to prepare the way for a more healthy state, is
utterly inadequate to meet the present difficulty ?
And then arises the question—ls it just and proper
for the Legislature to use direct means to assist the
Irish people to extricate themselves ?
I have always maintained the affirmative of this
proposition, and that it would be wise economy so to
do ; but I would not attempt this through any plan-
tation absurdity, but use Irish hands, whether be-
longing to Roman Catholic, or to Church of England,
or to Presbyterian hearts, to effect this object—using
that which never yet failed when properly adminis-
tered, " A fair day's wages for a fair day's work."
But assistance is necessary, or the past will be the
history of the future ; and were the question to be
decided by an English jury, Mr. Bright is the very
first witness I would call to show the justice of ren-
dering such assistance, if this country is prepared to
do that which is honest.
What ? Is it possible that he who so eloquently
described the cause of the present distress to be owing
to the " crimes and blunders of legislation" could tell
an English jury that the victim of their unjust laws
should be obliged to drain the bitter cup of adversity,
while those who had caused the infliction should
coolly look on and do nothing ?
I believe that Mr. Bright would repudiate such
conduct, and, although I am not aware that he has
ever expressed an opinion upon the subject, I feel
morally convinced that if Lord John Russell were to
re-introduce his measure for the reclamation of waste
lands, he would be supported by Mr. Bright, Mr.
Hume, and the whole Liberal party.
There can be no rational doubt that, unless that or
a similar measure should be adopted, holding out a
fair pro=pect of giving to the Irish peasant employ-
ment, the present calamities will continue.
Yes, must continue; there will be no perceptible
difference between the number of recipients of paro-
chial relief this year, if account be taken of the
houses that have been levelled, and the inhabitants
driven forth to die, or find their way to some coun-
try where their anxious cry fur employment will not
be answered by " the crimes and blunders of legis-
lation."

The amount required for the support of the poor
will, probably, be something less in consequence of
this cause, and the comparative cheapness of food,
and then you will have such statesmen as Sir Charles
Wood quoting figures to show that Ireland is im-
proving, because in this and that union so many
pounds, shillings, and pence less are required to
support the people; and this is called government !! !
But the pressure upon individuals for this reduced
amount will be heavier in the more distressed unions,
because all who have the means have flown or will
flee from the country, and who will supply their
place ?
If the measure which I proposed, three years since,
had then been adopted in the more distressed unions,
not only would the people have been employed, at
little more than they have cost as paupers, but the
country would not have witnessed that paralysis
which has taken place, and which must continue
unless proper measures are taken.
But the Grey party in the Cabinet, who treat Ire-
land as though she were a colony instead of the equal
of England and Scotland, thought it better to do
nothing, except lend money upon adequate security,
so as to give the Government the least trouble.
But time is sure to test such abortive schemes. The
following paragraph, from the Athlone Sentinel, will
show the folly of Sir Charles Wood's plan for re-
lieving distress in Ireland, while the succeeding
paragraph will show that the plan I recommended hey,
in another country, and without the necessity which
existed in Ireland, been adopted by the wisest
monarch, if not the wisest man, of the present day,
the King of the Belgians :
SIR CHARLES WOOD S PLAN FOR RELIEVING IRISH
DISTRESS, COPIED 111(.11111E "ATHLONE SENTINEL."
" We regret to :ay that the manner in which the
railroad was commenced nearly occasioned a riot, which,
but for the speedy interposition of the police, must have
proved of a serious character. It appears that a numb. r
of mini belonging to the contractor, Mr. Dangan, who
were straraters in the locality, were sent to open the
work. The labourers of the place demanded employ-
ment, which was refused. They took up pickaxes and
other implements and commenced working, when the
police were sent for,"
THE PLAN I PROPOSED FOR RELIEVING IRISH DISTRESS
BY THE RECLAMATION OF WASTE LAND.
" Brussels, Nov. 23.
" The Government forwarded a few days ago a report
to his Majesty, recommending the establishment in the
Commune of Lommel,
in the Camphine (a vast tract of
chiefly uncultivated land), of an agricultural colony, and
proposing to erect twenty farm. houses, a church, a cler-
gyman's residence, and a school. The Moniteur now
publishes a royal decree approving of the scheme of Mi
nisters, and ordering it to be carried into execution.
The Commune in question is situated to the north of
the first section of the Meuse and Scheldt Junction
Canal."

Is it possible that such a measure can be wise in
Belgium and foolish in Ireland—when thousands and
thousands are seeking agricultural employment,which
being unable to obtain, they have their daily bread
doled out to them as paupers.
I am, gentlemen, your very obedient servant,
Cowar, Dec. 6, 1849. RIGBY WABON.

TO TILE EDITOR OF THE SUN.
SiR,--Perceiving that several exhibitions are open
purporting to show views of the Arctic and Polar
Regions, I shall feel greatly obliged by your inser-
tion of my statement—that I am the only officer or
person in the Enterprise who took any drawings of
these regions during the late expedition under Sir
James Ross, and which drawings the Admiralty have
allowed Mr. Burford, of Leceister-square, to use.
Allow me to apologise for this intrusion ; but as
I do not wish to see the public imposed upon, I trust
you will excuse my trespassing upon your valuable
columns.--I remain, Sir, your obedient servant,
NV. H. BROWNE,
Late Lieutenant of the Enterprise.
2, South Bank, Oxton, Birkenhead, Cheshire,

December 29, 1849.

Yesterday afternoon a meeting was held at the
Maid's Head Inn, Thorpe, Essex, of gentlemen con-
nected with agricultural pursuits, as well as tenant
farmers. Mr. T. Nunn, of Manningtree, took the chair,
and addressed the meeting at considerable length, re-
plying in detail to many of the argurnenls by which free
trade is usually supported, and setting forth, in terms
with which the publ:o are already familiar, the griev-
ances of which the owners and cultivators of the soil
consider themselves entitled to complain, and which ap-
peared to him as deeply to affect the working classes as
they did the most opulent members of the community.
Mr. Baker moved the first resolution, which was to the
following effect:—" That the agricultural, shipping,
colonial, trading, and other great interests of this
country are at the present moment in intense suffering
and difficulty, and fast hastening to a most fatal
condition of general distress and ruin, from which no
relief can be expected until the free-trade policy shall be
wholly abandoned, and a system of just protection to
native industry and capital against foreign competttion
be substituted.' Mr. C. Nunn moved the second reso-
lution, which asserted the necessity and justice of giving
to agriculture as much protection as was enjoyed by the
manufacturing interest, through the means of import
duties. In the course of a short speech this gentleman
policy of Sir Robert Peel
and the
Ir. Cobden in reference to
censured thepbuobthlicc
onduet commercialof A
the claims of agriculture. The third resolution was
proposed by Mr. Cardinal, which expressed the
opinion of the meeting on the great injury that our
colonies sustained from the SUCCeSS that had attended
free-trade principles, and the grievances of which the
shipping interest bad to complain. The fourth resolu-
tion pledged the meeting to address the Queen on the
distress under which all the great interests of the coun-
try were suffering, and Sir J. T. Tyrell, M.P., who was
present during the whole of the proceedings, then ad
dressed the meeting, putting before them in his usus•
manner the principal topics by which protection is
generally defended and advocated. The several resolu-
tions were agreed to unanimously, and Mr. Round, in
moving a vote of thanks to the chairman, expressed his
conviction—his solemn conviction, that her Majesty's
Ministers were waging war against the territorial con-
stitution of the country. The meeting then separated.
There were 500 persons present in the room.
JOSEPH ADY IN TIPPERARY.—On Monday last the
notorious Joseph Ady sent some of his friendly letters,
post-paid, to several persons in Clochjordan, informing
them that " on the receipt of twenty shillings he would
let them hear of something greatly to their advantage,"
but they were too knowing to be hoodwinked by this
trap.