The Sun.
London, England, 1844-12-28 00:00:00

DECEMBER

28,

THE MANCHESTER ATHEN/EUM.
(From the Manchester Guardian.)
After the very great interest manifested on behalf
of this institution amongst all classes of our fellow-
townsmen, we believe that a brief sketch of its actual
condition and future prospects at the close .of an
eventful year in its annals, will not be unacceptable
to our readers. Without at all wishing to forestall
the gratifying budget, which it will doubtless be the
privilege of the directory to submit to the members
at their forthcoming annual meeting, we may men-
tion, that of a debt of 3,400/. under which the insti-
tution was rapidly sinking towards the middle of last
year, not one shilling now remains unpaid ; that the
number of members which at one time had dwindled
down to 372, at this moment has reached to 2,210!
exclusive of life members. These are "great facts,"
honourable alike to the individuals who have been
instrumental, by their exertions, in bringing about
this happy result, and to those who have smiled
upon their labours with a generous and substantial
approval.
A glance at the splendid bill of fare for the next
quarter, which will be found in our advertising
columns, affords very gratifying proofs that the Di-
rectors appear to be fully impressed with the neces-
sity to pursue "the even tenor of their way," in that
judicious course of management under which the in-
stitution has attained to such an unparalleled state of
prosperity. Well might Mr. Dickens remark, at last
year's soiree,
" At all times, now in its most thriving, and in its
least flourishing condition—here, with its cheerful
rooms, its pleasant and instructive lectures; its im-
proving library of 6,000 volumes its classes for the
study of the foreign languages, elocution, music; its
opportunities of discussion and debate, of healthful
bodily exercise, and though last not least—for by this
I set great store—as a very novel and excellent pro-
vision—its opportunities of blameless, rational en-
joyment ; here it is open to every youth and man in
this great town ; accessible to every bee in this vast
hive, who, for all these benefits, and the inestimable
ends to which they lead, can set aside one sixpence
weekly."
A. large sum of money has been expended during
the present year upon the library ; and more books,
we understand, have been added than during any
three preceding years after the establishment of the
institution. Whilst all the best current literature of
the day is being regularly purchased, works of esta-
blished repute, and those likely to prove permanently
interesting, form a preponderance of the large addi-
tions lately made to this important branch of the in-
stitution. A library of standard French, German,
and Italian literature is also gradually forming. With
a continuance of the present flourishing state of affairs,
we may hope to see the books, ere long, again re-
moved to their former elegant quarters. A large in-
crease has been made in the number of newspapers,
of which the selection appears judicious, and without
the slightest regard to political or party bias. The
leading French, German, and American journals are
also taken in, as also the principal commercial and
shipping lists. There are various tables loaded
with periodical literature of every description,
including almost every quarterly, monthly,
and weekly publication issued. Brilliant as has been
the succession of lectures delivered this year at the
Athenaeum, the list of lecturers already engaged for
the next quarter leads us to expect even greater at-
tractions in this department for the ensuing year.
It will be seen that the campaign is to be opened
with a course of musical lectures by Mr. Frederick
Horncastle, of her Majesty's Chapel Royal, to be il-
lustrated by himself and three young ladies from
London, as may easily be imagined, at a very consi-
derable expense. We hare heard Mr. Horncastle
very highly spoken of, and have no doubt his lectures
will afford a rich musical treat to the members :
the programme is very striking, and full of
promise. These are succeeded by Dr. Lyon
Playfair's anxiously expected course on Liebig's
discoveries in agricultural and horticultural che-
mistry; after which the inimitable Mr. Charles
Kemble is to delight the members again with a third
series of readings of Shakspeare. Mr. Kemble is suc-
ceeded by Mr. Hodgson, the talented principal of the
Liverpool Mechanics' Institution, with a course of
four lectures on Germany and its literature ; and,
though last, by no means least, to complete this
galaxy, comes Mr. Marston, the accomplished author
of " he Patrician's daughter," with a course of four
lectures "On the nature and value of imaginative
literature." We understand, that to all these lec-
tures, with the exception of Mr. Kemble's readings,
the members will have free admission. It is impos-
sible to conceive a more rational mode of spending an
evening than in a theatres, where, as Mr. D'lsraeli
observed, " Lectures were given; where the experi-
ments of philosophy, the investigations of literature,
and the profusions of art, were rendered agreeable
to the audience by the charms of the human
voice." The concerts, we understand, are to be
continued on the same scale which has ensured
to them their present popularity ; and we hear
that occasionally talent from a distance is to be en-
gaged. The directors would consult the tastes of
the members by confining themselves to mixed vocal
and instrumental concerts, rather than to glee and
choral ones, of which there are already enough in this
town. The various classes established are, we are
glad to learn, generally flourishing ; and the well-
known talent of the gentlemen by whom they are
conducted is a sufficient guarantee of their efficiency.
The essay and discussion society, ever since the
establishment of the Athenaeum, one of its most
important branches, continues its interesting meet-
ings and debates with undiminished success.
The wholesome rule of abstaining from party-
political or controversial subjects remains in force,
and the best harmony continues to prevail amongst
its members. Ladies are admissible to all the
meetings of the society. The gymnasium has been
considerably enlarged and improved of late, and is a
favourite resort of " Young Manchester." We verily
believe it would delight the heart of Lord John Man-
ners to see them indulge in their healthful exercises.
The gymnastic and fencing club, who have the ex-
clusive use of the gymnasium on two evenings in the
week, are, thanks to an active secretary, in a very
flourishing state. The coffee-rooms, though uncon-
nected with the institution, are a- source of great
convenience to the members; they appear to be
well patronised. The letting of the lecture
theatre for various concerts and entertainments
affords the directors opportunities to make arrange-
ment to have the members admitted at reduced
prices. This is no little privilege to those in the habit
of attending there. It will be seen that another of
those delightful reunions—the annual soiree of the
Essay and Discussion Society—is announced to take
place on the 15th January, when Mr. Atherton, the
highly esteemed president of the institution, will take
the chair. The meeting will, doubtless, pass off with
the same eclat that has invariably attended these de-
lightful assemblies. As the number of tickets is to
be strictly limited, all wishing to be present will do
well at once to provide themselves with tickets, as we
understand the Committee have very judiciously re-
solved not to have the rooms over-crowded.
Having thus brought our imperfect notice of the
numerous attractions which this noble institution
oilers to a close, we cannot take our leave of it with-
out warmly recommending it to the support of our
readers. That it has been productive of immense
benefit to youth is universally admitted ; though its
capabilities for doing good are, as yet, scarcely deve-
loped. Its importance is only beginning to be appre-
ciated ; and, with a continuance of the same hearty
support which has been rendered to it of late, and a
judicious management, we feel assured that the Man-
chester Athenaeum is destined to achieve great things.