The Sun.
London, England, 1850-11-01 00:00:00

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SECULAR EDUCATION.
Oa Wednesiev a "Conference" took place in the
Mechanics' Institution, Manchester, for promoting " a
general system of secular instruction, maintained by
local rates and managed by local authorities?' Up-
wards of 350 persons were present.
The Following was handed to us as a list of some of
the persons present :—Mr. R. Cobden, M.P. ; Mr.
J. B. Smith, M.P. ; Mr. Brotherton, M.P. ; Mr. W.
Hargreaves, Mr. W. E. Hickson, the Rev. R. Thorp,
Rector of Burton Overy, near Leicester ; the Rev.
W. F. Walker, Oldham ; Mr. W. S. Forster, Raw-
don-bill, Leeds; the Rev. Dr. Bacon, Newhaven,
United States; Mr. S. Lucas, London ; Mr. J. Jen-
kins, M.A., Swansea; Mr. R. Heywood, Bolton; the
Rev. J. A. Baynes, Nottingham ; Mr. Alderman
Weston, Mr. Alderman Cutler, Mr. Councillor Good-
rick, Mr. C. Shaw, and others, Birmingham ; Messrs.
C. E. Rawlings, jun., W. Ferguson, J. Aikin, and
others, Liverpool ; Mr. S. Smiles, M.D., and the Rev.
W. Heaton, Leeds ; Mr. J. Barker, Wortley ; Mr.
J. Batley and Mr. Phillips, Huddersfield ; Mr. Alder-
man Sunderland, Mr. J. Mills, and Mr. J. Brooks,
Ashton-under Line ; the Rev. A. Macdonald, Mr.
W. Fisher, jun., and Mr. R. Solly, Sheffield ; Dr.
Satterthwaite, Tulketh-hall, Preston ; Mr. J. S.
Smith, Halifax ; the Rev. P. Brewster, Paisley ; Mr.
Gaskell, Warrington ; Mr. H. Reid, Nottingham ;
the Rev. J. G. Teggin, Mansfield, Notts ; the Rev.
A. F. Blythe, Chesterfield ; the Rev. H. W. Cross•
key, Derby ; Sir E. Armitage, Rev. J. R. Beard,
Rev. W. M'Kerrow, Mr. G. Wilson, and Dr. J.
Watts.
Mr. Ilemar, M.P., said that in consenting, at the
request of the committee of the Lancashire Public
School Association, to take the chair on the present
important occasion, he had to express his regret that
the office had not been confided to abler and more ex-
perienced hands. He had called the meeting an im-
portant one, and he had no doubt they would agree
with him in considering it peculiarly so, whether they
looked at the astonishing progress which the Lanca-
shire plan of education had made in the public mind
since it was first proposed, about three years ago—to
the encouragement which had thereby been given to
continued and increased efforts—or to the cheering
hope which it held out that the advent of a recogni-
tion by the Legislature of a national system of secular
instruction, maintained by local rates, and under the
management of local authorities, elected by the rate-
payers, was not so distant as some of its friends might
imagine.—(Cheers.) After briefly describing the
objects of the meeting, the Chairman said,—lt was
thought that, by those changes, and by availing
themselves of the advantages of that strength which
lay in union, the great object of establishing a na-
tional system of education, in which all persons might
unite, would be more readily effected, that the prin-
ciples which they advocated were founded in com-
mon sense, and in a sincere regard for the improve-
ment of the social, moral, and religious condition of
the people.
Mr. SAMUEL LUCAS, of London, stated that the
Lancashire Secular Education Society arose in the
autumn of 1847, and was formed by some gentlemen
who objected to the minutes of the Council of Edu-
cation, then just published, and wished to agree
upon a plan of education which should be open to
all, irrespective of creed and class. These gentlemen
were of opinion that the people who paid for the
support of the schools should locally control them,
and, whilst they admitted that a central authority
was requisite to regulate the schools, they contended
that this authority should be elected. A scheme
based on these principles was propounded in July,
1847, and the first public meeting in its support was
held in Manchester in January, 1848. Again, in
March, 1849, another public meeting was called iii
Manchester to ascertain whether the plan had the
support of the public. On that occasion the decision
was against the scheme, because the Church party
exerted itself to obtain the attendance of its friends at
the meeting. That defeat, however, only stimulated
the friends of secular education to fresh exer-
tions, and one of the results of those exertions was
' the present 'sleeting. Some friends of secular educa-
tion wished the question to be left to voluntary exer-
tions ; but to prove the inadequacy of that resource it
was only necessary to state that the provision for
education in Manchester was less now than in 1835.
In 1835, when the population of Manchester was
200,000, the number of children under education was
20,000 ; now, with a population cf 300,000, the num-
bcr of children under education was only 2,5,000. On
the 12th of December, 1849, a conference took place
in Manchester, which was well attended, but not so
numerously as the present. At the beginning of the
year the committee of the society thought the time
had arrived when the public feeling in Manchester
should be again tested on the subject of secular
education. Accordingly a public meeting was held
in the Town-hall on the 28th of March last, and on
that occasion a triumphant majority declared in
favour of the plan. Subsequently a petition signed
by 6,000 inhabitants of Manchester, in support of the
scheme, was sent to the house of Commons. The
feeling in favour of the plan continued to spread, and
the Manchester committee received letters from dif-
ferent parts of the country expressing a desire that
the local should be converted into a national move-
ment. In consequence of the receipt of those com-
munications delegates had been summoned from
various parts of the country to declare whether the
localities which they represented would contribute their
share of labour and money to the promotion of the
cause, for on those terms alone the Manchester men
would consent to convert their local association into a
national one.
Mr. A. WaxxiN, after declaring that Mr. Lucas
was the parent of the scheme which they had assem-
bled to promote, moved the following resolution
That the Lancashire Public School Association be
resolved into a society to be called the National Secular
School Association,' for the establishment by law, in
England and Wales, of a general system of secular in-
struction, to be maintained by local rates, and under the
management of local authorities specially elected by the
ratepayers."
Mr. Alderman WesxoN, deputy from Birmingham,
seconded the resolution, and exleressed an opinion
that the people of Birmingham would support a
scheme of national secular education on the principles
laid down b'' nr. Lucas.
Mr. COBD. saw no reason why the origiael name
of the assoe n should be changed. The society
was first called tile " Lancashire Public School So-
ciety ;" it was now proposed to call it the " National
Secular School Association." He knew that all that
was intended was to imply that there was nothing sec-
tarian in the scheme ; but the word " secular" meant
something more than unsectarian. He had sent for
" Johnson's Dictionary "—(A laugh)—and found
" secular" explained as meaning " not spiritual, re-
lating to the affairs of the present world, not holy,"
worldly. Now, he thought the association was not
unspiritual. It did not deserve the name of " irreli-
gious." The society sought to remove ignorance,
which was the parent of vice, and therefore it would
promote religion in its widest form. It would be un-
wise to give their opponents an opportunity of saying
that their scheme was not religious, and therefore he
suggested that the society should call itself the " Na-
tional Public School Association."
Several members of the committee expressed their
willingness to adopt Mr. Cobden's suggestion.
Mr. J. B. Salem, M.P., said it would be necessary
also to substitute the word " unsectarian" for " secu-
lar," in the body of the resolution.
Mr. HoeroKe protested against their being bound by
Dr. Johnson's obsolete definitions.—(A laugh.) For
his part, he liked the word " secular" better than that
of " unsectarian," the meaning of which it was diffi-
cult to define.
The Rev. Mr. APKestitow hoped that the discussion
on this point would be postponed until the course of
proceeding marked out by the committee bad been
followed out.
Mr. R. Solly, delegate from Sheffield, and Messrs.
Barker and Heaton, delegates from Leeds, pronounced
in favour of the plan, but declared they had no autho-
rity to state what amount of money their representa-
tives would provide for carrying out the desired

object.
The Rev. Mr. BACON (Independent), of Newhaven,
Connecticut, said that the common school system
of New England was identical with that which the
present association sought to establish.
The Rev. R. Tiiour, Rector of Burton Overy, near
Leicester, said it was evident that the last speaker
had been educated in the common schools of America,
and the result had been the acquisition on his part of
much common sense; he hoped that Mr. Cobden
would apply his practical sense to carry this queston
through the House of Commons.—(Applause.) The
principles which the association wished to establish
were secular education, local funds, and local manage-
ment. Of those principles he approved, and if they
were good for Lancashire, they were good for his
county, Leicester. As a delegate from the town of
Leicester, he could promise that the people there
would cordially co-operate with the Lancashire person
mittee. Dr. Noak, of Leeds, was the first person

who pr sed to divide religious from secular educa-
nd the reason why that divine was not present
that day probably was, because the society did not
publicly, whatever its members might do privately,
acknowledge the necessity of religious instruction.
If the society would du that, they would conciliate
the Church, in which, otherwise, they would find a
powerful enemy.—(Applause.)
Mr. PHILLIPS, from Huddersfield, approved of
giving the society a national character.
Mr. J. JENKINS, delegate from Swansea, expressed
his concurrence in the resolution.

Mr. IL Gesxnu, expressed himself to the same
effect, as did Mr. FOSTER, of Leeds.
Mr. COBDEN said he did not intend to make a
speech on the subject of national education on this oc-
casion, hut only to touch on one or two points. First,
he had no hidden motive in proposing to substitute
the word " public" for " secular" in the resolution.
All he wished was to avoid the appearance of hostility
to religious instruction. It had been suggested that
he should propose the question in the House of Com-
mons ; but that would be interfering with Mr. Fox,
who had already taken up the subject. When that
gentleman proposed his plan last year, he was listentd
to so patiently that he (Mr. Cobden) began to think
his Bill would he carried. When, however, the mea-
sure came on for the second reading it was met with
a burst of exclamations about irreligion and infidels
which was perfectly astounding. That was frequently
the way in which persons were met in the House of
Commons. No one now said we could have too much
education ; but that was once said. As to those who
contended we were an educated people, he would not
argue with them. Examine an agricultural labourer,
and he would not know the name of the next parish
but one. The present educational system was avow-
edly defective, and that now proposed for adoption
was the only one on which great numbers were
likely to be brought to agree. He hoped that the
Dissenters who stood by the voluntary principle
would soon see the necessity of joining them. Volun-
taryism in religion he approved of, but voluntaryism
in education was indefensible. He wanted to rate the
property in the dark agricultural districts for the pur-
poses of education. In by far the great majority of
cases the landed proprietors in parishes were absentees.
He wanted to tax their property.—(Applause.) The
proprietors would never educate the people volun-
tarily. Talk not of the burden of a tax for education.
If we had schools in every parish we should want
fewer gaols and barracks. It was disgraceful that a
network of military establishments should be spread
over the country because we were afraid of the dense
mass of ignorance prevailing in it. A rate for edu-
cation would be a profitable outlay. This was not a
party question, and probably would not be made
one. It rested on common sense and justice, and be
hoped there would be found men to carry out the
great object. He looked to the young men for this.
It was they who must maintain rivalry in the coming
time with the world, and especially with the young
giant of the west—America. Men were wanted to
canvas for money—that was the best way of obtaining
your object. A man required to be convinced before
he parted with his money, and when he did that be
became one of the most zealous of proselytes, and was
always seeking to procure other converts. In con-
clusion, he promised that whilst he had health and
strength he would devote his best energies to the fur-
therance of this great object.—(Cheers.)
Mr. BARKER, of Leeds, gave his definition of se-
cular education, and thought that some declaration of
the opinion of the meeting on that point ought to be
given.
After some further controversy it was proposed
that the amendment should be withdrawn ; but
Mr.FonsTER said, that if the word unsectarian should
not be adopted, an opinion would go forth that the
society was an irreligious one. He would withdraw
his amendment, but at the same time must request
that his name be withdrawn from the list of the com-
mittee.
The resolution with Mr. Cobden's alteration of the
name of the society, was then agreed to.
Mr. SMILES proposed the second resolution :
" That the branches of the Lancashire Public School
Association, the London Working Men's Association for
National Secular Education, and the associations and
committees which have boen formed to promote the same
object, in Birmingham, Leeds, Leicester, Sheffield, Hud-
dersfield, Halifax, Coventry, and other places, be invited
to resolve themselves into branches of the National Secu-
lar School Association."
He suggested that the association should imitate the
conduct of the Anti-Corn-law League, by sending
lecturers through the country and publishing tracts.
Mr. JEvoNs seconded the resolution ; which wad
carried.
A delegate from Birmingham wished to know
whether each locality would have its own staff of
agitators ?
Mr. M‘lilartaow said it was intended that each lo-
cality should have its own committee in communica-
tion with the central one.
The third resolution was as follows _
" That the following gentlemen, together with the
executive committee of the Lancashire Public School
Association, be a general committee for taking. the mea-
sures rendered necessary by this change; and that the
executive committee of the Lancashire Public School
Association be requested to continue their functions, as
the executive cf the National Secular School Association,
with power to add to their numbers." [Here followed a
list of names.]
It was moved by Dr. Sstterthwaite, seconded by
the Rev. P. Brewster, and agreed to.
Another resolution, pledging the delegates to pro-
mote the objects of the aoclety in their different loca-
lities, was adopted.
Mr. FORSTER retracted the withdrawal of his name
from the committee.
After thanks had been voted to the chairman the
meeting separated.
In the evening the delegates dined together at the
Albion Tavern.

THE ROMISH-BISHOPS.

It is with feelings of pleasure that we publish the
following official letter, with reference to the sup-
posed sanction of Government to the steps recently
taken by the Pope. It was addressed to a gentleman
in this city :
" Downing-street, Oct. 28, 1850.
" Sir,—l am directed by Lord John Russell to in-
form you, in answer to your question whether a list of
Roaxan Catholic prelates contained in a newspaper is
correct. that he has no other means of judging than
you have yourself—namely, by reading the bull of
the Pope in the newspapers.
"To the second question. Whether the creation
of the above Popish bishoprics, or the appointments
thereto, have received the sanction and approbation
of her Majesty's Ministers'!" lam directed to answer
that they have not received such sanction and appro-
bation,

" I am directed farther to state that Lord Minto,
when in Rome, was not consulted on this measure,
and never gave any countenance to it.
" I have the honour to be, Sir,
" Your obedient servant,
—Exeter Flying Post. " R. W. GREY.

THE STATE LIVERIES kc., FOR THE
LORD MAYOR ELECT.
Yesterday the gorgeous state dresses for the ser-
vants, &c., of Mr. Alderman Musgrove, the Lord
vs
Mayor elect, and hich have been manufactured by.
Messrs. H. and D. Nicoll, were exhibited to the pub-
lic at their establishment in Regent-street, and from
their matchless splendour attracted a large assemblage
of specta•ors throughout the day. They consisted of
coats for the coachman and six footmen, of a beautiful
emerald green, with white waistcoats and continua-
tions; the whole profusely, though chastely, cite).
rated with gold embroidery, gold lace and braiding,
massive aigulettes of the same material depending
from the shoulder of each coat. The postilion's
jacket is, if possible, more rich and 'tasteful than ti
preceding, as, in addition to the enbroidery,
arranged according to the beautiful design of pine-
fruit and leaves, which prevails in all the garments,
the shoulders are surrounded with massive gold
wings, and from the waist depends a deep bullion
fringe. On the right arm is a badge, with the arms
of the Lord Mayor elect, surmounted with the
crest—a lion rampant; and beneath, the motto "Nil
desperandum," the whole elaborately embroidered.
The trumpeters' uniform (for the first time) have been
constructed expressly for the occasion. The colour
is brilliant scarlet, the collars are adorned with the
City arms embroidered, surrounded with a wreath of
laurel in gold, while down the fronts are laurel
branches in gold embroidery, most elaborately exe-
cuted at the expense for workmanship alone of no less
than 401. per coat.
The state livery hats for the coachman and foot-
man, with the cap for the postilion, were yesterday
also displayed at the establishment of Messrs. Barber
and Son, of the Royal Exchange, the manufacturers.
Their design in respect to the decorations particularly
is novel as well as chaste and elegant. The extreme
edges are bordered with a deep fringe of rich black
ostrich feather trimmings, relieved by a splendid
broad gold lace, terminating in bullion tassels. The
hats are looped up with chain enclosing the crest, a
lion rampant in embroidery, relieved by a stripe of
emerald green velvet.
The postilion's cap is of black velvet, but this co-
lour is nearly concealed by the elaborate ornaments of
gold lace, and it is surmounted by a large solid crest,
the lion in embroidery. The whole of the state at-
tire is admitted by all to surpass all which has been
previously witnt-ssed.

THE SHEFFIELD MANUFACTURERS AND THE Ex-
ilic-no?! OF 1851.—The number of firms who have applied
sand the space th(s3, ask . 5,500 feet.
amongacteheis 159,claim sent are the following :—Silver fruit and
dessert knives, by 15 houses; German silver and Britannia
metal, 7 ; silver and plated goods, 11; table knives, 17 ;
13 ; joiners' and edge tools, 11 ; pen and pocket cutlery, 14 ;
razors; 12 ; scissors, 14 ; stove-grates and fenders, 5;- saws,
11; sithes and sickles, 9 ; steel converters, 7; surgical
meats, 2 ; skates, 3 ; cadings, b.