Star.
London, England, 1823-11-12 00:00:00

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. - . set of laws for the Sobetitntion aildr Xerntnent of the Institute, and
To illestrate the benefits which were likely to arise from that these laws be submitted to a Meeting to be held on theh Lod
such an institution, he would merely recapitulate a few day of Dec. netzit, whichtal Meeting chore
edaand who, **tilt of
fn
theal adoptionw tom,'
simple facts. He would remind them of the example ,
tnhuempes
roposed" bewsp,reorvotou
suycla other la'ws as thy tinyll°
approve, shell
of the illustrious Galileo, who, by observing the oscilla- in themselves constitute The London Michanics' Institute."
tions of a lamp saspended from the ceiling, discovered The whole of the Resolutions were received with ae-
one of the most important laws of motion. He would clamation.
. remind them of our own, immortal Newton, who, by Mr. Sheriff LAMB rose to propose the first Resola-
noticing the descent of an apple, discovered that great tion. It afforded him the sincerest pleasure to witness
kW Of naitne which regulates and binds together the the manner in which the Resolutions which had just
planetary system, and pervades the most distant parts been read had been received. It proved the sympathy
of space. ' He would recal to their recollection the ex- of the Meeting with the feelings of those who had
ample of Cavallo, to whom the observation of a soap- promoted this Institution. Ile lamented that his mast
bubble, the amtisement of our boyhood, suggested the esteemed friend, Mr. Brougham, was not there to de-
most successful mode .of aerial navigation; and of light the Meeting by the powers of his all-grasping
Franklin, an animating example„ for he was himself an mind, and that be (Mr. Laurie) should have been selected
'operative mechanic (Applause), who-, by means of acom- as the substitute of that extraordinary man. There was
,non paper kite, achieved cue of the greatest discoveries one sentiment, however, in which he was confident they
of the last century, obtaining for his name a, place all participated, and that was, the desire of doing every-
among those of " Sages old, immortal sons of praise." thing in their power to enlighten and enlarge the minds
. As an instance of the applicability of science to the or- of their fellow-countrymen—(Applause.)—lf there was
.: dinary purposes of life, he might refer to the name of one class of men which deserved to be enlightened more
.Watt, who bad extended the glory of his country by the than another, it was that of the Mechanics of England.
successful application of philosophical principles as to —(Applause.) —They had dome more for their country
the nature of heat to the steam-engine. Ile might refer than all thepoets and imaginative writers that ever lived.
.. to the name of Bramah, who by the application of the Ile had, in his official capacity, examined into the cases
. principle called the hydrostatic paradox, lead produced of the prisoners in Newgate, both those who were tried
one of the most ingenious and powerful machines of and those who were untried, and he was happy to be
modern times, the hydro-mechanical press. He might able to state, that there were very few mechanics there
mention, also a machine of that distinguished mechanic, _.(Applause). In going round the prison before the last
• Mr. Perkins, though time hadnot yet been afforded to Old Bailey Sessions, he had advised many of the psi-
establish its merits, which exhibited in a simple tube an sorters to write to their friends, but not one in ten ceald
ingenious application of a principle of heat, detected write—so true it was, that ignorance was the gout ce of
by an experiment of Count Rumford, and which shewed profligacy and crime. There would be no danger in
in what manner ingenuity might apply the refinements the proposed Institution from the discussion of political
of science to the purposes of mechanical and civilized or religious subjects, of which he had seek the baneful
life. These were results which confirmed the declara- effects in debating societies. He was glad that the me-
tion of Professor Stewart, that when theoretical know- chortles were to contribute a small sum towards the
ledge and practical skill were combined in the same support of this Institution, for this would give them a
individual, their union produced the highest Pt- proper feeling of independence. The Worthy Sheila
sible degree of intellectual power. Ile would not, concluded by pfoposing the first Resolution.
by intruding longer on the attention of the Meeting- Mr..Roren (Barrister) seconded the Resolution in an
detain them 1: orn hearing other Gentlemen, who would able speech. • .
address them with mach greater effect than he could I Mr. R. TAYLOR said it was entrusted to him to sub-;
do ; and lie would only add, therefo'c, that they veer: , mit the second ItesolUtion to the Meeting. He regretted
now called upon to decide whether science should per- the absence of'Mr. Bt ougliarn, who, from his intimate fa-,
vade all the workshops in the kintdom, or whether fce• miliai ity with this subject, would have made them ac-
Isle and uncertain experience should alone prevail the, e; (painted with all its interesting and useful details. How.
whether the condition of the mechanics of England I ever, he saw, in the favourable disposition of the nume-
should be permanently ameliorated, or whether some! ;‘,„5 assembly now convened, that the design of the '
future bard, when contemplating .tile last abodes of the!
I original liatneis of this Institution had merited and ob-
unhappy dead, should again have occasion to repeat ties ; tabled their approbation—(l/eer!) The advantages
sentiment of the poet— of such a society as the present were matnfold to him ;
" But knowledge to their eyes har ample page, it .Ippr...aied that none of those advantages were greater
Itich with the spoils of time, did ne tr unfold ;
Chill penury reptess'd their noble rage,
than the tendency it would have to promote social in.
And froze the genial current of the soul.' tercoure among the mechanics themselves, and that
Dr. Bit kbeck sat down amidst lout aed long applause. principle of co-operation towhich persons in the higher
• . Dr. Di RKBECIC expressed to the Meeting the regret he classes of life were mainly indebted for the happiness
..felt at the absence of hir. Brougham, who was to have and superior comforts they enjoyed.
proposed the first Resolution. The Secretor y would Alr. INMAN seconded this Resolution, which, as well
read to them a letter which had been received front that as the preceding, was carried unanimously. •
Gentleman, part of which, he was sure, they would CO!:- J. S. TAYLOR, Eq. Barrister, proposed the third Re-
sider a substantial, and rise rest a very FAtisfa.,:tury apo. solation. It contained an acknowledgment of gratitude
logy for his absence. to the mechanics of Glasgow, for the inspiring example
Air. Roesnasoe, one of the acting Sectetaties, read they have given to those of other cities to establish:
a' c following letter front Mr. Brougham n siosika luststutions. in such acknowledgment the name
(COPY.)—TO DR. BIRKIIRCK. of its founder should not beornitted. It had been said
" Lincoln's Ina, Nov. 10, 11k13. by a Sage of antiquity, that " Philosophy descended
"My Dt.lll Faman.—lleingnufottunately prevented (thin meet- , from Heaven to dwell with man." She had hithetto
• lug you to-morrow evening by the circumstauct which I mentioned dwelt only with one class, and the classes of subordinate
at the Committee on Saturday, I take the liberty of inclosing a tri.
nine contribution, proportioned to toy nt_uns, and nut at all to my rank had been taught to regard her as an incomprehen-
eeal for the ituportant object which we have hi view. I look upon sible and unapproachable divinity. It was the merit of
the successful prosecution of that object as nearly certain, because their excellent Chairman to have combated the preju-
the principle upon which we proceed is uudeuiably sound; that the dices which maintained this selfish doettine ; to have
body of toe people should take upon themselves the care cf their ,
own instruction, after having liaii the means put within their reach, thrown oi.eu the gates of the temple of civilization tti
whoouver they are in want of them. By the means, I understand :ill the votaries of science ; and to have marked out a
the/elementary branches of reading and writing ; those firs par. new line of Communication between man and the Linn
doss of knowledge which are only the instruments whereby the verse of mind—(Applause.) He understood that there
rest may be acquired; that acquisition can only he made either
easily or safely, by the people themselves. The advantages which were sonic who considered. that it was the interest of the
Itilllic result from the Institution now about to be formed, art in. employer that his mechanic should be ignorant. Ile
calculable, both to the comfort and the character of our fellow- hoped this opinion was entertained by few. He would
citizens, in the industrious classes of the community; and I trust desire those who cherished that opinion, .to look to our
that both they themselves and their friends, who ace promoting this
design, will see the necessity of a genera nod united exertion to se-
West India Colonies, and to see there the effect of a
cure its accomplishment. The plan will prosper in exact proportion system which tolerated absolute authority on one side,
to the interest which the Mechanics themselves cake in its details. and imposed abject servility on the other. The evil
It it for their benefit, and ought to be left in their hands as soon as that prevailed there, by the operation of these extreme
possible after it is begun.
principles, tisp,t convince them that there were .As you were the original author of this admirabk ~11-... me above
reci-
-20 years ago, and then carried it on a large scale into execution, ar- procal duties tobe performed between the employer and
low use to congratulate you on the prospect of its adoption in this those whom he employed,- without the performance of
great city, where its benefits and its example are likely to prove of which there could not be arty security, confidence, or
such inestimable value.—Believe me al;vays with the gi......t..;5t re-
oeace. After eoforcing the expediency of the Members
embers and attention,
" Your's most sincerely, of the Institute being made as much as possible inte-
(seated) e 11. lilt0CG11.131." :.ested for its success, he concluded amidst loud cheering.
[This letter was received with loud applause), This Resolution was duly seconded, and carried unit-
Mr. Itottenyson informed the Meeting, that the tri- nimously.
fling contribution alluded to in the letter was a draft on Mr. J.-MAartrienu (engineer) moved the fourth Re-
Dir. Brougham's Banker for 201.—(Applawse.) The solution. There could be but one opinion of the bene-
Chairrnats, to whom the letter was directed, had also re- fits that would result frout this Institution, not only to
quested that his name might be put down for the same the "mechanics themselves, but to society at large; for
sum. (Applause). to her Mechanics was England mainly indebted for her
The Cnatitsta re said, that with a view to facilitate present station in &mina When other nations were
the business of the Meeting, the whole series of the Re. making rapid strides to rival us in our comet-fee, k was '
solations would nnv be read by Mr. Ittetert ratite, in most necessary for Institutions likg the present to be pio-
order that they might judge of their general tenor and muted. lie had recently Lind occasion to notice how
tendency. They would air:l-ward, be separately pro- useless were the laws tests:titling artisans from leaving
poised by the Gentlemen who were to submit LLCM to the country, and he was glad to find they were likely to
the Meeting. • be repealed. The only way to keep the mechanics of
The farrowing series of Resolutions was then read bytheir comforts here tins country at home, was to secure i. ..
hlr. Itontsursost. . de was in the habit of employing many men, and he
" 1. Thai the estahlishmtnt of institutions for the instruction of could say, that to promote the knowledge of thi work-
inechanics,.as a cheap rate, in the principles of thwarts they practice, men was romoting the interests of their employers. He
as w.II as in all other branches or useful knowledge, is a measure ite.,t on all to Assi tin promoting the happiness of so
s
6.llcolatetf to improve tztensively their habits and condition, to al. cati the metropolis.
large
a portion of
vunce the arts ami science', alt.t to :rid largely to the power, ie-
sources' end prom Ht.; of thy country. The fourth Resolution was then put and carried.
"E. Mat sue`T imitations are likely to he most stable atisl useful Mr. Alderman. Kay proposed the fifth Resolution. If
when eritticti e;: chiefly .4%llloutea arel enzfizi.fed by mecb.nics a Gentleman possessing such talents and eloquence as
the mielves. their worthy Sheriff felt a diffidence at addressing the
" ::. That thclfreting ar!tno-.vledgelwith approbation the example Meeting, what must be the feelings of one of so much
lifi:kil tgartnea:inics of tlia:tanv have set their brethren Si large, in
being the first to establish, on this principle of self-sUpport and exer- inferior ability as himself, on coaling forward upon
'bon, an,Anatituthart for their own instruction its the arts and sciences. such an occasion? -Ile was, however,- called upon to
" 4.`Th-,t there shall be established an institution in this metro- perform a duty, and he felt pleased at the recollection
polls, to •,•• c:-.l:et: the ' London Tifechanics' Institute.'
* 5. :abet ti•.e I aindon Nlechanict' Institute shall, in the brat in-
,tint he was addressing an assembly of Britons, men
stance, comp;ehe::d all chose persons who have already given in their who were ready to make every allowance for the man-
names as mentbers, as well as all those who may do so on or before' ner, when they•felt (convinced of the good intention--
Dren next, on their conforming to the laws to be hereafter adopted I Appiaxse). He felt rejoiced at finding that the metro-
for the conttitutior. of the institute; ant that after the said 2d Dec. %
, eztm envois shall be admitted members on such conditions Ind in polls was about to be rescued from the stain of not phi-
such manner as these laws shall provide. sessing such an Institution—an Institution which would'
" ti. That among the objects which the London Mechanics' In- produce benefit -not only to the City, but to the whole
minors shall have especially in view, shall be the establishment, for Empire. He had often heard it said, that the best
the Benefit of the Members of Lectureships on the different Arts
workmen were the most stupid and ignorant -44
and Sciences, a Library of - ask-mice and Circulation, a heading
Room, a Museum of Models, a School of Design, and an Experk. laugh)--but he well knew the contrary to be the fact.-,
mental Workshop and Laboratory, provided with all necessary in-, he had uniformly found that the best workmen were
stru"ntents and apparatus. the best informed. But, objected many persons, the
7. That the annual subscription to admit a Mechanic to all the
Banefits of the Institute shall not exceed one guinea, which shall be best 'workmen ate generally round to be retorters to
payable at once, or by such instalments as the laws shall direct. ale-houses. - Supporta& this to be the case, he asked
"8. That the Friends of Knowledge and Improvement be fine- where did the fault lie? The Mechanic& were in want
red to contribute towards the-accomplishment °ratite aforesaid Pr- of •wealth to ptirchase that education which was calms-
poses by donations of money,books,.specinsens, and apparatus.
Wed togive , their, minds a right bias-.an evil whisk
• k 9. That the Wowing persons be appointed a Ceminittee, with
gigh
rawer to add to theis numbers, Ave to be a quorum, to drew un a the proposed object world go a great way taratnows, it

•
lit did not obviate it altogether (Applause), as it would
afford them an opportunity of spending their time with
improvenient to thetblelves and benefit td their families,,
instead of pursuing a system of idleness and folly,!
*hick would have the effect of darkening-their minds,
injuring their health, ittining their families, and, he had
almost said, murdering their souls (Loud Applause).
He had only to add that he should give the Institution
every support in his power, both by public and private
exertions in its behalf.
The CHAIRMAN said, that Professor Millington had
kindly promised to move the sixth Resolution, in the
event or his being able to reach the Meeting in time;
but, in the absence of that Gentleman, it would be
moved by Mr. Valiance. The Professor not appealing—
Mr. VALI, AKCIC in the absence of Professor Millington,
who had been prevented from attending, moved the
sixth resolution.

Mr. J. Jontcsorr, a whitesmith, moved the next re-
solution, which -he prefaced by reading an address he
had drawn up for his own trade. He expatiated on the
advantages to be derived by mechanics from such an
Institution, and called on them to support it.
Mr. 1-loncncitc moved the eighth Resolution. He said
he was happy to inform the Meeting that there were al-
ready. abode 150 names enrolled as sub.scribers and sup,
porters of the objects they had in view. For his own
part he did not believe these were anything like the tithe
of m hat they might expect to find enrolled in a very
short period. The resolution %iris put and carried.
Mr. BEVAN, Engineer, rose to propose the ninth re-
solution. At that late /tour of the evening, he telt be
should but consult the convenience of the Meeting, as
well as his own, by simply reading the Resolut.ion,
which was put and ea: tied.
The names of the Committee were read as follows:

D. Birkbeck ; Itichard.Tayior, Esq.; John Marti-
neau, Esq. Engineer, City-road; J. Baynham, Engineer,
Penton viile ;James Parry, Shoe-maker; Thomas Hawes,
Engineer, Lambeth ; John Johibon, Smith; James
Nichols ; Mr. Nash ; J. M.Nlillan ; Hobe! t Motherhead ;
Thomas Alford; John Whittaker, Painter and Glazier,
(loodgc•st!ect. These names were all agreed to.
•A Mr. CROOK, who stated himself ru be an itinerant
lectio er on practical mechanics for above twenty-three
years, rose and entered at some length into the objects
which ought to tall np and awaken the attention of the
members of thkinlant Society. After alhiding to many
noble discoveries made in the arts by laboiving
Mecha-
nics, he related an instance which' he had witnessed at
sbellield, of a mutt technically called amongst cutlers a
knife-grinder, front whose hands notwithstanding, had
proceeded a brass orrery, exhibiting with greater exact-
ness and perspicuity the very complex motions of the
heavenly bodies in onr system, than any he had
ever seen in the possession of either private persons or
raliiic I.,),:iks. It bad been justly stated, that the improvements
mad% by Mr. Watt in the steam-t.•ogine were worthy of the thanks
and gr:,zitude of his country and of the world. filet there was ano-
ther inventyr, whose aline ha did not recollect, who had done much
to Iwnerit mankind—the inventor of the mute for spinning. cotton.
A Gentleman said the 'lame was Arkwright.
M.. Cnoom said, that was not the name; the mule
to which he alluded was an improvement upon that
pla. lir: mac was a hair-dresser, residing at Bolton,
in Lanekill'a-o. •

Mr. Itoixtnnas A: herald, the name was Compton.
Mr. Cno,)ic profeeded*Yes, that was the name. His
invention had made forttniei fz.,r malty, while he re-
mained poor, titizil lately, when he received 1,5001. as
a re'.l.2r..i 167 his exertions. Mr. Crook concluded by
moving, " TbatJ. C. Robertson, Ezq, and T. Hodgkin,
Esq. do continue us Secretaries ad int erim."—Caltied
Mr. Cnourt here observed, that he should most wit.
Tingly give the Institution a course of Lectures gratis.
Mr. IiCSERT4UNT and Mr. flomikix were then re-
quested, by a resolution pat from the Chair, and carried,
co retain their present situation's as acting Secreta: ies to
the Institution.

Mr. lrosp.syrsos .then rtitcl over the list of Sub-
scriptions. Among them were • If. Broughatn, Esq.
M. P. 201. ; Dr. Birkbect, 201.; Alderman Key, 101.; J.
C. ilubhouse, Esq. 31. P. 101. .h!lemy Bentham, Esq.
101.; J. Valiance, Esq. a.; Mr. T. Place, 51.; 13. Don-
kin, Esq five guineas; Lientenant-Colonel Torrens,
five i,v.ilincas ; She' iffLauric, five guineas ; Mr. W. Cob-
bett, Jive guiticas (loud and repeated cheers, mixes with
some disa:Trobat ion) ; lini ht and Lacey, five guineas;
3lessrs. %X. and D. 11.tiley, hve guineas; R. Taylor, five
guineas... There were al,u many guinea subscriptions,
but Cu: Secretary did not know whether they were meant
as oonatiosis or annual contributions.

Mr. Conn err h.iving berri called, came forward amidst
loud applause, interspersed with some hissing. Order
having been restored, he observed that it was not origi.
tally his intention to trouble them with a single wcrd.
lie coactured with those who thought it the duty of
every man to r oifttibutc as much as in his power to the
support of the Institution; with that view he had given
his five guineas to the Chairman, requesting him to in-
form the meeting that he was not actuated by any wish
to become a founder or member of the Institntion, and
he would, iu a few words, tell them his reason for nor
wishing to be either the one or the other. He had all
his life made it his boast and glory that he belonged to
the working part of the people--(Ckeers). He never
effected to be what he was not—he never turned his back
Upon that class out of which he came—(Applause). It
'became those who were not mechanics to subscribe ac-
cording to their ability, but they had nothing, and ought
.to have nothing, to do with the management of the In-
Istitution—pipplauseY.
The CHAIRMAN said, it became necessary for him,
•after what they had just witnessed, to make a few obser-
vations. -Hit had been possible, or if the Mechanics
.themselves had thought it possible that they could of'
aiemselvei commence and establish sbch an Institution,
it would have been left to them—( Hear, Lear). As it
was, three-fourths of the Committee were Mechanics, so
that •it was impossible the interests could be affected,
even if such an intention existed.
Mr. HODGKIN stated, that as soon as the consent of
one or more Bankers could be obtained, it would be an-
nounced in the public papers ; that books of subscrip-
tloll would; in the meantime, be opened at the •bar of
the Crown and Anchor, and at the next Public Meeting
the.subscriptions would be tumounced.
.Mr. S. TAYLOR said, he rose to perform a duty
which was most pleasing to him, and he trusted would
sseccptable to all around him. He had to,call for the
thanks of the Meeting to their worthy Chairman, who
had fulfilled his duty on that evening with so much
dignity, intelligence, and propriety.
Ae.tnotion was carried, with loud-applause.
The CHAIRMAN,, in returning thanks,• assured the
Meeting, that as soon as the Institution was properly
,establithed, it thould be placed wholly in the hands of
thelnechinics ;it shouldbi an Institution f-or their be;
wit, add governed solely by themselves—(4plause).
The Meeting dissolved at a starter before 11 o'clock: