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
sufficient to qualify him fur hie office.
The philosopher not being always, nor often, the best
instructor, two other things were necessary. The
first included the process of exposition and corntnuni•
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 com pared
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 Ito) al Society of London and the
Academy of Sciences of Paris had already done for
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 Bonk," and other elementary works. Ile 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 SOCIETIRS.—
The titles of projected companies provisionally registered
during the year 1849 are sixty-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 clone,
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 Hotrcevathic Life," suggestive, we sup-
pose, of infinitessimal 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 assurances 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 butithe insurers will be well sup-
ported by the fair sex.—The Reporter of this day.
THE LAST NIGHT or TILE YEAR AT THE MAN-
VION•HOUSE.—The Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress
gave an entertainment, in the Egyptian-hall, to the
juvenile members of families connected with the city of
L-ndon. There were presuit between 600 and 700
young people on this very intereetiug occasion. The
Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress, with two of their
juvoaile guests, opened the ball with an old-fashioned
country dance. The Farents and friends of the children
tre 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 Burner, and the
festivities of the evening were kept up until the new year
had commenced.
THE EARL OF ELLESMERE AND THE LONDON AND
141;:trwe seontat eh
o r ns
tt (hps s fi
NORTH-WESTERN iiApirLewvaAiYit.,—d
rei7ge.Pwe'tai;ei°ruChininBal and the London and North-
Etticietivue
0' ester!, Railway, in consequence of which the goods
b, twee n Liverpool and Alanchest( r were carried at
luinously low rates. Negotiations have been carried on
or some time betwei n the rival carriers, and have ter-
, ululated in en amicable understanding. With the com-

BRIG111"S VIEW OF THE
IRISH QUESTION.

TO TH2 EDITORS OF THE LIVERPOOL MERCURY.

Gen,lemen,—What is :west to be admired in Mr.
Bright's spfech is that most admirable catholic sprit
which feared not to state the truth—" That there
vvms nothing in the Roman Catholic religion, or in the
character of the Irish people, which could prevent
that country obtaining the prolperity 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—How is
the present distress to be mitigated ?
Surely the circumstances attending the proposed
sale of the Connemara 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 Furch tiers, yet there were none, and
twiny lots were bought in at one pound par acre, the
price fixed a 3 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
preposition, 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 adver►ity,
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 ahould be adopted, holding out a
fair prospect of giving to the Irish peasant employ-
ment, the present calamities will continue.
Yes, must continue; there will be no perceptible
difference bete. een 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 for employment will not
be answered by " the crimes and blunders of legis-
lation."

The amount re quired 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 schem's. 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 th-tt the plan I recommended has,
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 WOCD'S PLAN FOR RELIEVING IRISH

DISTRESS, COPIED FfCDI 'ME "ATHLONE SENTINEL"

'6 ►l'e regret to ,ay that the manner in which the
railroad was commenced nearly occa,iot,ed 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 men belonging to the contractor, Mr. Dangan, who
were strangers 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 ware 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 ymmel, in the Camphine (a vast tract of
chitfly uncultivated land), of an agricultural colony, and
proposing to erect twenty farm• houses, a church, a cler-
gyman's residence, and a school. The Monileur now
publishes a royal decree approving of the scheme cf Mi
sisters, and ord, ring it to be carried into execution.
The Commune in question is situated to the north of
the tirA 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 WASON.

TO THE EDITOR OF THE SUN.
Sts.—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 EnterpriFe who took any drawings of
those 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.—l remain, Sir, your obedient servant,
W. 11. BROWN E,

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
tanners. Mr. T. Nunn, of Manningtree, took the chair,
and addressed the meeting at considerah!e length, re-
plying in detail to many of the arguments by which free
trade is usually support( d, and setting forth, in t,rms
with which the public 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
censured both the commercial policy of Sir Robert Peel
and the public conduct of Mr. Cobden in reference to
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 riga attended
free-trade principles, and the grievances of which the
shipping interest had to complain. The fourth resolu-
tion pledged the meeting to address the Queen on the
distress under Hhich 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 usual
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 Kejesty's
Ministers were waging war against the territorial con-
stitution of the country. The meeting then separated.
There were 500 persnns 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 ‘4 on the receipt of twenty shillings he would
let them hear of something greatly to their advantage,"
but they were too knowing to bo hoodwinked by this
tram

TUESDAY EVENING,