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Leader (1850-1860), 22nd May 1852, Edition Town of 2, Page 481, Untitled Article

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      progress or association . tJNlOlf OF MECHANIGS ' INSTITUTIONS , _ , _ ^ offress of the Associative idea is now very r ^ iPn tlv manifested in our chronicle of current freque nu ^ ^^ tance and illustration will be ? ?' in the Transactions of the Society of Arts on Sav May 18 th , 1852 . „ Our readers will remembei- that we mentioned a • t which , it now appears , originated with Mr . wirv ' Chester , for consolidating all the Mechanics ' Stitutions " in Great Britain , under the central direction of the Society of Arts . The metropolitan nd provincial institutions were consulted , and prompt replies were obtained to a query as to what advantages thev supposed would arise out of such an union . These rep lies , condensed , are interesting . They run as follows : — i - t

      __ ___ . _ -. « Facilities for making engagements , on known terms , at a cheaper rate , and in greater variety , with eminent lee hirers in whose principles confidence may be placed ; for Mmfer ' riag respecting the comparative merits of lecturers , and for creating a fresh supply in such departments as may he reauisite . Systematic courses of lectures , and lectures having the character of progressive lessons . Circulation of MS . lectures . Occasional exhibitions and circulation of works of art , diagrams , natural objects , drawings , models , and specimens of useful inventions , loans of expensive books Interchange of natural objects of different localities I nterchange of reports and practical suggestions . materials ior classes

      Supply of instructions ana drawing , and circulation of models for Such classes . Purchase of books casts , specimens , and illustrations at wholesale prices . Advice and assistance in selection and purchase of books , &c . Communication of new discoveries and facts . Exact information of events interesting to institutions . Regular and complete statistical returns . Joint action for the benefit of institutions , andfor promotion of science , literature , fine arts , &c . Direction of attention to facilities for investigating practical subjects . Knowledge and experience of the working of the plans of kindred institutions . Annual or other conferences of the representatives of institutions .

      Inventions rewarded by the Society of Arts—a valuable nucleus of exhibitions . Copies of transactions and weekly papers of Society of Arts . Circulation of class teachers of singing , drawing , &c . Development of local resources and local talent . "The strong institutions mi g ht assist the weak . The cards of membership of an institution might admit the member , under certain restrictions , to the exhibitions iand lectures of the Society of Arts , and to the lectures and reading-rooms of institutions combined in the union . The publication of an institutional periodicals The publication of an annual report , embracing the principal exper ience of the institutions . Occasional arbitration to

      heal differences . Assistance in formation of new institutions . A higher tone and new life to many institutions . An increased prestige , calculated to excite an increased interest , and to command increased support . The cultivation of an esprit de corps , and of a kindly spirit of co-operation among tho officers and members of institutions . The more effectual publication of the existence , objects , and advantages of institutions . Facilities for improving advantages of institutional visits to the metropolis , by providing compotent persons to accompany the members to scientific exhibitions and institutions , and familiarly explaining tlie objects , &c . " .

      These replies , so readily obtained , encouraged the Society to call a conference of delegates from all tho institutions . One hundred and thirty attended on Tuesday , some being representatives of already united localities , Tho names of the towns sending delegates avo these : — Slough , Portsmouth , G-uildford . Newton-Abbot , Dunmow , Winchester , Halstoad , Holbeck , Gloucester , Warwick , Wiatharn , Battle , Biggleswade , Bacup , Jews and General Institution , Barnstapk ) , Bristol , Bexley-heath , Islington , ^ luchoster , Sovenoaks , Norwood , Fordingbridge , West ¦ London , Ely , Basingstoko , Horsham , Highgato , Margate , wantham , Shrewsbury , Bakewell , St . Andrew ' s , N . B ., i uth

      iyroo , Greenwich , Workington , Ashton , Yorkshire Union , Colchostor , Westminster , Yorkshire , Portsmouth , lonbiidge Wells . Bedford , Tonbridgo , Yeovil , London , iJlandibrd , City of London , Dover , Peterborough , Hastings , uxbridgo , Glasgow , Newport , Newbury , Kontieh-town , wudbury , Cheltenham , Southampton , Horveian , Coggeshall , Jiorn matlo , Lowos , Woolwich , Northampton , Woburn , Aimiwo , Promo , Warminstor , Hytho , Roigato , Maidon" « w , Salisb ury , Folmouth , Brighton , Windsor and Eton , ^ nutbourno , East London , Lynn , Gravosond and Milton , 01 . Loonanls , Brentford , Loods , Braintroe and Booking , TfPH Lancaster , Egham , Trowbridgo , llomford , Ipsli ' % ; ° ? » » Sussex , Stamford , Manningtroo , Stafford-Biuro , JLo lmfirth . Gainsborough . Dartford . Camborwoll ,

      iwi y Hi i kn ° y » Stl » inoH , Walwortb , Royston , Hotting-< I , ni ° ' Fftvor 8 ham , Gatoshoad , Manchester , Droyft-™ , thostor , Bury , Burnloy , Wollingliorough , Exotor , Bl , ; f % K » wton 8 tall , Cholmsford , Cantorbury , Hereford-BIl , Liskoard , Tivorton , Whittington Club . •<> moot those rcprcscntativea thoro wore tho Earl of jwrowby , Euvl Gnmvillo , Earl of Carlisle , Bishop of uxjwd , Dean of St . Paul ' s , Lord Ebriiigton , Sir John j «» lo « u Hir C . Eastlako , P . R . A ., Sir 1 ) . Hrewstor , Right " «»• K Strutt , M . P ., Right Hon . T . Milnor Gibson , ' - -, Right Hon . H . TnftidL M . P ., Mr . Hume , M . P ., JJ Moffutt , M . P ., Mr . Ewart , M . P ., Sir C . Lyoll , Dr . ii 1 N ! o \ rofoB 8 W M oso % , Mr . R . D . Grainger , Pro-Jz ° ! ' H" » y » Mr . Babbugo , Mr . Tooko , Mr . 0 . Wonti , J 1 I ) llko « Mr . Leonard Homer , Mr . C . Knight , ^•^ olo , C . B ., Mr . Harry Chester , Bov . Dr . Booth ,

      Captain Owen , B . E ., Mr . Winkwortli , Lieutenant Pasley , R . E ., Mr . Redgrave , Rev . H . Mackenzie , Rev . Professor Maurice , Rev . Professor Harris ; and the whole meeting under the presidency of the Marquis of Lansdowne . Thespeakingwasnotremarkable , exceptfor its brevity ; Lord Granville distinctly stating its intention to be not oratorical , display ,-but practical discussion . In Lord Lansdowne ' s opening speech , however , ihere are some points note-worthy . First , he eulogized the Society of Arts , as the parent institution , for its activity , and the

      number of eminent and noble persons who had belonged to it . He then adverted to the extent over which the desire of acquiring knowledge , of cultivating the intellect , and seeking refined amusements , had spread . There were no less than 440 institutions , representing 70 , 000 persons , in England , and of these 350 had responded to the queries which the Society had addressed to them . It was their object to form a union of all these—rwhich , without giving a centralized power to the Society of Arts , should give a centralized usefulness .

      " I therefore believe that , by putting these societies , scattered as they are in different parts of the country , in communication with the parent society here , great good will be effected , and no inconvenience will be suffered— -that there may be created here a fund of information and of knowledge upon which all these societies may be constantly and usefully drawing , without affecting their own independent action ; and that whereas all institutions in this country have been from time to time accused of a desire to fortify and . support themselves , pecuniarily speaking , out of the consolidated fund , you will here create a consolidated fund of knowledge , upon which all parties may draw without the least risk of its becoming a bankrupt . " ( Cheers . ) The resolutions were then moved and seconded seriatim , in very brief speeches .

      Earl Granville moved the first resolution . There was not the least desire felt by the Society of Arts to constitute themselves a governing body , but they sought to become a medium of communication , and to act in an administrative capacity among the different institutions . ( Cheers . ) In different parts of the country unions had already taken place , and the system of co-operation now proposed was only an extension thereof , so that HTmight become national in its character . ( Cheers . ) The noble Earl concluded , amidst loud approbation , by proposing the following resolu tion : —

      " That the success of literary and scientific institutions and mechanics' institutes in the cultivation of literature , science , and art , and in the diffusion of useful knowledge , might be powerfully promoted by the combination of many institutions in an union with the Society of Arts , on the basis of perfect security to the continued independence of the institutions and the freedom of their self-government . " Mr . Strutt , M . P ., seconded the resolution , and , speaking as a delegate , bore' testimony to the advantages which had already resulted from the partial cooperation of local institutions . The resolution was carried unanimously . In moving the second , the Bishop of Oxford disclaimed , on the part of religion , any antagonism to literature and science : —

      " Ho was not one of those who had any secret suspicion that any antagonism existed between religion and the highest develop ment of literature , science , and art . Ho protested against the idea that to bo religious it waa necessary to bo ignorant . ( Cheers . ) If ifc was designed by tho hoavenly gift of God that man ' s intollect should bo cultivated , that ho should possess an informed conscience and a reasonable spirit , tho just development of his naturo must depend on tho equal application of e ducation to his general powers . ( Cheers . ) It was truo that knowledge , and literature and Bcienoo might bo allied with what was evil and mischievous , but would they hositato on that ground to commumcato instruction P " Thu resolution , seconded by tho Earl of Harrowby ,

      was as follows : . " That this mooting is of opinion that literary and scientific institutions and mechanics' institutes are calculated to promoto tho interests of relig ion and morality by tho cultivation of Htoraturo , soionco , and art , and by tho diltusion of UBeful knqwlodgtt ; and that thiB mooting earnestly invites all classes to unito in supporting and improving such institutions , and oxtonding their powers of < loing good . Mr . Milnor Gibson , M . P ., and Mr , Joseph Humo ,

      M . P ., appropriately moved and seconded tho pecuniary resolution—Mr . Humo insisting vory strongly , amid grout choering , on tho necessity of theao institutions being made self-supporting : — " That tho pecuniary conditions of union should bo calculated to protect tho society from loss , and to allord to tho inatitutiono tho full value of tho paymdnta wlucli thoy muy ltmko to tho society ' s funds . " Mr . Grainger and Mr , Tufnoll , M . P-, moved and seconded tho next resolution : —

      " That this mooting aocopts tho ' memoranda of replies , &c , as a sufficient statement in gonoral lorms ol the advantages which may bo expected to result from tho proposed combination and union , androauostothai , tho ( society of Arts will appoint a special committee to carry out tho foregoing roBolutions , and that oyory institution in union with tho dooioty will nominate a , roproeontatryo to torn onp

      of a representative council , which shall have ^ quarterly or other conferences with the said special committee . A short discussion followed , a vote of thanks was passed to the chairman , and the company adjourned until the evening , when , with Lord Carlisle in the chair , they dined together , 200 in number , at the Freemason ' s Tavern . Lord Carlisle , in proposing the toast of the evening " , " The Literary and Scientific Institutions and the Mechanics institutions of the United Kingdom ; and success to the happy union this day founded" ( coupling with it in terms of deserved compliment the name of Mr . H . Chester ) , made some allusions to Erance , which created a great sensation in the audience : ¦ ¦ . '

      "A neighbouring country , in the great capital of France , there was assembled last week what had been termed a great national festival on their Field of Mars , the splendour of which was insured b y all that great military preparation and consummate artistic skill and complete despotic power could effect , and which was imperial in everything but the name . It must have been as rich and brilliant a scene to the eye as could well be conceived , but we might tell our gay and gallant neighbours that we did not envy them their gleaming standards or their golden eagles , while we offered an asylum to the literature ( immense cheering ) and the genius which they had cast forth ( continued cheering ) : and while we make a home for the liberties which thoy had

      annulled ( cheers ) , while we pursued what we conceived to be the more legitimate ends and the more worthy aims of promoting the intellectual , the social , the moral , and the religious improvement of the whole bulk of the people . ( Great cheering . ) That was their motive for assembling on the present occasion . They felt that it was for the best that they ventured to lay the foundation of another edifice , which they devoted to popular instruction and enlightenment . They hoped that it would lead to the cultivat ion of another portion of the great peacefulfield , and around the altar which they raised they did not seek to pUe military standards or barren steel , but rather to crown it with the fruits and the flowers which illustrated the peaceful career of their national industrji ( Loud cheers . )"

      Mr . Chester replied . Other appropriate toasts were given and duly honoured , and with the customary ceremony , the party went their ways . A second meeting took place on Wednesday , where there was a good deal of discussion on matters of detail . The delegates from the following places took the most prominent part : —Ipswich , Portsmouth , Derby , Bristol , Blandfgrd , Yorkshire Union , Gainsborough ,

      Barnstaple , Romford , Hewbury , Leeds , Nottingham , Lancashire Union , Carlisle , Frome , Winchester , Kentish-town , Shrewsbury , and Gloucester . At the close of the meeting , on the suggestion of the delegates , Mr . Chester selected half-a-dozen of their body to accom * pany the Marquis of Lansdowne , the Rev . Dr . Booth , and himself as a deputation to Prince Albert , president of the society . The prince expressed the interest which he took in the success of the new union .

      EEPEODUCTIVE EMPLOYMENT AT MAJtfCHESTEE . Undee the presidence of the Mayor , and with the assistance of Canon Stwvell , Dr . Watts , Mr . A , Watkin , Mr . T . Grey , and others , a meeting was held at Manchester on Thursday week , " to take into consideration the propriety of presenting a petition to Parliament in favour of such an alteration in the laws for the relief of the poor as will enforce the general adoption , as far as practicable , of reproductive employment of the destitute , in lieu of total idleness or useless taskwork , with the view of reducing the heavy burden of poor rates , and abating the demoralising consequences resulting from the present system . " The Rev . Canon Stowell moved tho first resolution : —

      " That it is tho duty of a Christian community , no loss than tho interest of a wise ono , to seo that those who are reduced to want through causes over which they hayo frequently no control , bo provided for in conformity with tho primeval law , that ' in tho tweat of his face man shall oat bread , ' and without demoralising or degrading their families—namely , by omploying as usefully as possible those whom tho public aro bound to maintain . " Workhousos , ho said , ought to bo culled idlo-housos ; paupers ought to bo self-supporting men , engaged roproductivoly , instead of wasting their timo and losing their self-respect breaking stones , picking oakum , and

      such-liko degrading taskwork . 1 he , system of vagrancy which oxiste / l / afc present in England and Ireland whs u most unmitigated evil . Thousands of individuals wore going up ttiidil « wn tho country , living oix ono parish ultor another , and eating the broad of idloncBH . They must put an end to thin eyHtom , and to tho awarin of vagrants who wero continually coming from Ireland , When a poor man came from Ireland they , must give him work , and if he would not tuko it , send him buck to Ireland ; and . if ho would not work there , ho hopod some legal provision woujd bo onactod to deal with such a jnun . ( Applause . )

      Tho Rov . Mr . Traill , in seconding tho resolution , naid , ho bolvoved the syatem by which tho labour of paupers was made unproductive , was one which wua contrary both to the law of tho Biblo und to sound political economy . There was juut sufliciont opposition from h Mr . J . JJL

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      MA ¥ n , 1852 . ] T H E LEAD E ft . 481

  • Citation
    • Leader (1850-1860), May 22, 1852, page 481, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse-os.kdl.kcl.ac.uk/periodicals/l/issues/vm2-ncseproduct1936/page/5/