The daily exchange. [volume] (Baltimore, Md.) 1858-1861, 1859-10-14

Royalty has somewhat changed in England
since the times when the imperious ELIZABETH
looked down upon Lord BACON. Learning and
genius were accustomed then and long afterwards
to bow subsequently before it, as they studied
to gain its slightest notice, and were prompt
to do its bidding. No recompense was thought
too small to be rendered to men whose names
shall live in their lands literature when princes
are forgotten and no service was so mean that
they might not be asked to render it. The re-
wards not unfrequenty bestowed upon them came
mostly in the shape of gratuities which testi-
hed less to the honor due them, than to the
hoerallty of the donors. 1t is true that monarchs
condescended sometimes to become the especial pa
irons OF scholars, and to lend the sanction of their
names to institutions designed for the advance
ment Of the arts and sciences, though in the NIL
tual relations thus established there was no recop
milton OF anything like equality between the par
hes But now the barriers of the divinity that
doth hedge King are well nigh broken
uo"h' ana rs he is forced to respect the opn-
IONS, so he Is compelled, in great degree, to
JON IN the pursuits and consult the tastes of
the less exalted portion of humanity. We have
noticed now and then the interest manifested
by Prince ALBERT in the proceedings of the vari-
Gus societies, which are continually laboring in
England 10 develope and elevate the mechanic
arts, and the zeal with which he has practically
co-operated in their plans. If he is not entitled
to all the applause that loyalty or aduaton often
accord him, he is still deserving of no little praise
for to the best of his ability he discharges some
ouerous duties with credtable activity and in
dusry. His latest appearance before the public
has been in the character of President of the British
Association for the Promotion of Science. TO
which office he has been elected as the successor
of Prot. OWEN The reputation of this Associa-
ton in the scientific world is now second to that
OF none other, and that its new President appre-
GATES the honor of connection with it. and de-
sires that his position in it shall be something
more than nominal one, is shown in the lone
address which he delivered on taking the chair
at its late annual meeting. With BECOMING
modesty he waived all title to rank among the
members of such body, except as "a simple
"admirer and would-be student of Science,n
though he thought himself thus qualified to seek
admission among them, as one object of the Soci-
ETY. was ITO break down those imaginary and
"hurtful barriers which exist between men of
science and so-called men of practiceu He seemed
also disposed 10 base claim TO be considered |
co-laborer in the scientific cause, upon the cronnd
that he was an ardent lover of field sports, and he
"sportsmen," he said, ''can supply the naturalis,s
with many facts which he alone has opportuntv |
"of observing, and which may assist the solution |
"of some interesting problems suggested by the life
"of the deer" 1t certainly requires a lively fancy
to trace the connecting links between the researches
of Prof. OWEN and the pastimes of Prince ALBERT
and the illustration used by the latter does not
satisfactorily account for the fact that they should
both belong to the same scientific society But it
matters little how he got into such company if he
proves by his demeanor and requirements that he
is fit to stay there. And this he has so far done.
for his address is above the level of the productions
of many men who pretend to more cleverness and
higher cultivation. 1t contains no particularly
novel views, nor does it show any great familiarity
with the abstruse or complicated questions which,
It every turn, meet the inquirer who studies
he laws of the physical universe As general
md comprehensive exposition of the purposes of I
he Association, and statement of its previous i
perations, it proves its author to be possessed
knowledge and understanding that most h
the public men in our country cannot afford \