The Statesman.
London, England, 1815-02-17 00:00:00

THE STATESMAN.

REFUGE FOR TILE DESTITV7'E.

The friends of this most excellent and truly bene-
volent Institution held their eighth anniversary din-
ner yesterday at the London Tavern, his Royal
Highness the Duke of York, the President of the
institution, in the Chair. His Royal Highness the
Duke of Kent attended also as one of the Stewards,
and seldom have the promoters of any charity seen a
more numerous or respectable company met to sup-
port its object and do honour to the principle.—
Among the distinguished characters present, we ob-
served, Mr. IVilberforce, Dr. Jenner, Mr. Protheroe,
M. I'. for Bristol, Ileeston Long, Esq. several
clergymen who have evinced their active philan-
thropy in favour of the Institution, particularly the
Rev. Mr. Crosby, its Chaplain and Secretary, and
the Rev. Messrs. White and IVltitaker ; also several
Members of the Corporation of London.
We have already (vide• the STATESMAN of the
3d inst.) given our Readers a view of the object of
this Society, which is to provide a place of refuge
for persons discharged from prisons or the hulks, un-
fortunate and deserted females, and others who, from
loss of character or extreme indigence, cannot pro-
cure an honest maintenance, though willing fo work;
and to restore the victims of vice, by suitable in-
struction, and by taking from them the plea of neces-
sity, again to the paths of virtue and society.
His Royal Highness the Duke of York took the
Chair, at six o'clock.
After dinner Non Nolds Domine was sung in a very
impressive manner by Messrs. Dignum, 'fyrell, Sled,
Goss, and Master Tyrell.
The " King"—" Prince Regent," " Queen, and Ro3al Pa-
mily," _ . .

were successively drank• with enthusiasm and three
times three ; and
.were followed by national songs
by the Vocal Gentlemen.
Mr. WiLutnroncE then rose and gave—
" The health of the Duke of Y.•rk, Patron of the Inititu
film, and prosperity to the Society.". _ . .

. . .
Mr. W. prefaced this toast by observing, that it
was unnecessary for him to enlarge on the benefits
resulting to society in general and the cause of virtue
from this Institution. No one could read the papers
presented to the Meeting without acknowledging the
great and gratifying advantages which it had already
produced. The number of persons who were pre-
sent, and the progress which it was making,
were a sufficient proof that its good effects were felt
and appreciated. It was founded upon a system of
benevolence which came home to the heads and to the
hearts of all, and constituted a character for itself,
by the benefits which 'it diffused upon the cowl:Jo-
:My. A friend of his who sat near him (ee believe
Mr. Crosby) had just informed him that no less
than 33 perscies were invited that day who had for-
merly experienced its fostering aitl.—(Applausc.)
So conscious were they of the advantage derived to
themselves, so conscious of the probable advan-
tages to be derived by others, that they did not hesi-
tate to accept au invitation, which some might have
conceived humiliating, though they regarded it in the
more proper light of establishing an useful example.
No one who advocated severity of punishment could
deny the propriety of rooting out the seeds of *ice,
and no one who preferred the milder course of 'hu-
manity could refuse his assent to those measures which
were calculated not to crush but to reform. It was
gratifying to see one of the Royal Family (the Duke
of Kent), so nearly allied to the Throne, gracing
,tba Institution with his ivame and his presence, recog-
nising his place in society, and conferring upon
himself a greater honour than the most exalted
rank or birth could bestow, that of standing at
the head of the moral institutions of his country.
It was also gratifying to observe another of the same
illustrious rank (tile Duke of York) encouraging and
patronising their efforts in so good a cause. He had
many duties to perform in his public capacity, and
many 4f them were unpleasant, but it must be a
cheering rettection to him, that in some cases he
could combine his duty with his enjoyment; and that,
by the part he had taken.in favour of that establish-
ment, he had contributed to lead thousands into the
paths of virtue, who would otherwise have become a
burden, and, perhaps, a disgrace to society.—[Loud
applause.]-11e concluded by repeating his toast,
which was drank with three times three.

The Duke of.Yottx briefly returned thanks. He
expressed his pleasure at seeing so full a meeting,
and hoped it would annually increase. The advan-
tages of the Institution had heen so fully detailed by
his lion. Friend (Mr. IViiberforee), that he should
say nothing more on the subject than to express his
happiness at their success, and his anxiety to promote
their advancement.—[Loud applause.]
Glee.—'' 61oriott. Apollo."

Mr. Fosxua (the Treasurer), rend the annual Re-
port, from %Ilia it appeared, that the Funds of the
Society were in fin flourishing a condition, as to allow
the admission of 32 new objects in the last year.—
He observed that the Conductors of this Institution
were under the necessity of calling upon its friends
for rather more of their assistance this year than had
been necessary for the last, for it had been expedient
to enlarge the premises of the Refuge by building
additional wash-houses, additional work having been
obtained. He said above ta.,..1c: hundred shirts were
now washed there a week. It was with pleasure we
beard mentioned among the report of the contribu-
tions to the Funds 'of the Society during the last year
some sums and legacies of importance. Among the
enumeration of these it was stated, that the Commit-
tee of the Stock Exchange had intimated their
tention of am arding to the Charity 3(;01. out of the
sum remaining in their hands from the proceeds of
the late fraud.--E Loud Applanses.]
Mr. PatrnEttor, in proposing the health of the I
Deke of Kent, took occasion to thank the Duke
l'of York for an additional service to the Institution,
by introducing it to the notice of his Royal Brother.
There were countries, he observed, where Princes
thought it necessary to seclude themselves from so-
ciety to obtain its respect. Happily, however, the
Princes of this country knew 'and practised other
modes for obtaining (be approbation of mankind—by
making themselves httirmstely known to us, and assi-
milating themselves with whatever adorns and bene-
fits-the human race. We now regard rank as a light
placed upon a bill, and expected it to- be as conspi-
cuous for the lustre'of its virtue, as by the eminence
of its statiou. His Royal Highness had evinced his
qualities by kits donations to numerous charities

IVherever the poor received the benefit of education
.-e-wherever the diseased obtained relief—wherever the
hungry were fed, and the naked clothed, and the
destitute succoured—there was his bounty extended.
The blessing of him who was ready to perish Was
upon him, and for those reasons he was sure the pre.
sent company would drink his health with euten_
siasm.—[Loud upplauie.]
Ilia Royal Ilightiess's health being drank WA
strong testimonies of approbation,
The Duke of KENT said, it sees impossible fee
him to express his thanks lits,ap- adequate manner
for the kindness with which his , health was drank;
and the feeling and flattering -manner in which it
was proposed. It had been stated, that his Royal
Brother had complimented the Institution by intro;
duciog it to his !cline ledge ; he could fairly mikes
the compliment, atul thank his Royal Brother for
introducing him to the institutinn.—[applente.]...
Of all the cite 6( ies to e hick he belonged, this ens :e
one that carried the most powerful recommend:tee,
to his heart arid to the public. Its doors were open
even to the convict—to him who would othermir
have resumed the same course from the necessity of
his condition, and the loss of his character. It also
afforded an asylum to those who were not yet &pray.
ed, but were exposed by their wants to the tempts.
titans of crime and prt,fligacy. It was founded on
such a principle as he should always be glad to
support, not only by his own intlisidual assistance,
but by the introduction of any friends whose con.
duct he could influence.—[Lotedupplause.]
The Rev. Mr. WHITS) after narrating soote in.
teresting particulars of.the progress of the Charity,
and dwelling with merited encomiums on the coo.
duct of Lord Sid/floods, who had Misted a raid
humane arid honoUrable readiness to titre every ale
in his power to the exertions of the promoters of the
Institution, in consequence of' which they had bur.
mounted the difficulties which stood in the way of its
complete establishment, gave the health of that
Nobleman, which was received with the meal
honours.
I The health of the Chancellor of the Exchequer
next followed.
The Duke of. Kest gate
" The Corporation of London ;"
who, It was intimated, had been benefactors to the
' amount of 3001.—Song, Rule Britannia; Digonva.
I Mr. C. Smern, as a Membes of tire Corporation,
returned thanks.
' Mr. JACKS proposed the health of " the Dean of
Canterbury, and the other Revereed Gentlemen who
had preached in' favour of the Institution."
The Rev. Mr. IVeter anted, thanks on the part
of his Reverend hresa' •'
The Duke of Vcratutfroposed the health of " Me
i Wilberforce," who acknowledged the compliment in
an elegant manlier.
Mr. Beestos Losie gave " The Stewards," as a
toast, and warmly professed his readiness to sup-
pot t and extend encouragement as far as the killers of
his influence went, to such hem relent un I.rtikings.
There was no institution of which he had heard
' that afforded him more real satiefactioa to centem.
plate than this, which had both policy and humanity
to recommend it.
The Duke of KENT returned thanks on the part of
the Stewards. - •
1 Mr. blaierree.su gave the " Vice-Presidents ;"
and Mr. Linowsiec proposed the healths of the
"'Treasurer and Committee."
Mr. Forfeit, after paying some handsome and de.
served compliments to the Chaplain, the Rev. Mr.
Crosby, and to the Medical attendants, gave the
healths of these Gentlemen.
I Mr. CROSBY then rose, and in an eloquent and
• impressive speech that did honour to his abilities and
his feelings, and in which he acknowledged the car-
• dial assistance he had received in' the discharge of the
duties which humanity had imposed upon him from
• the Master and Mistress of the Establishment, de.
failed, by a selection of came, the benefits alreadyde-
rived from the Institution. Out of 71 admitted last
year, fifty of whom had been criminatses4 wore
discharged, and, he trusted, restored to virtue
as well as society. Ile had already seen instances•
of their good behaviour, and even that day some of
those so restored had waited upon him to make ex-
pressions of their gratitude. Some of thefemales
had been' respectably married, and had babes, n their
arms. lie particularly turned attentionl pre-
ventive policy, 'and observed, that if the pieventiva
• measures, adopted by the Institution, were Ire only
object of the anniversary, the unusual eta:lions of
the Meeting would be amply repaid by the felicita-
tions that might be indulged. There were, at this
time, under the fostering eye of the Ref ' , titled-
mitted within its walls, their previous good 'tweeter
isl
not demanding such a measure, many intere Rug cha-
racters, whom they hoped soon to recover, eons the
depths of destitution and despair-:--to cotbfort and
the satisfactions of life. Among the rest, the daugh-
ter of a Nautical Captairt., who died six years ago,
leaving his wife, son, and. daughter in effluence—
had been within a few days saved from the tempta-
tions which accompany extreme want, anti was 'erred
in a situation of protection by their prompt inter-
vention. The Chaplain hoped that this numerous
assembly of wealthy citizens would ennble him,
under the sanction of the Committee, to save many
such from utter ruin and destruction. •
At the retiring of the company we learnt th.e.
the sums subscribed and transmitted that ti,:y
amounted to 9731. 15s.

DEAL, Fro. IG.—Came down from th 4 River the
True Blur, Cunningham, for Gibraltar, ind rem 65
with the ary Ann, from Madras.—Arrived sevcel
transports from Portsmouth, and sailid for tist
River; and the Griper gun-b;ig, front a cruise.

CORM EXCHtNGC, FEB. 17.—There twos a gum! ,app!‘
Wheal from Suffolk, at Monthly's prices; hale &mina! for
Foreign Wheat, althou••h the ports toe now shut arMila! ut
further impurtutious for three months.—B irley 1 'owe.
Oats are radial cheaper.—fu Was, Heant,, Kr. uo variaii u.

SMITHFIELD MARKET.—FEn. 17.
Ti. sink the Offal per stone of Bit,.
as4ef ... ss. Od. u. 6s. 01. Head 44 Cattle Oth Ale' t
11111 on . ss. 01. t. 6.. 4,1. Sews
Veol 7c Od, to Ss. 01. Sheep
Pork ....64. 01. to Is. 41. C 41.1•41 ...
Lamb ....ka. Od. to Os. Od. Pigs
ALIALY‘ILA MK F.T.
Hay
Clover
illinar •••• 11. 124. pd. to 1: his, dd.

3,1•20
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