1834.] Literary and Scientific Intelligence. posing-is calculated to produce more influence than that of a commoner, and the manners and talents which his Royal Highness exercises and displays on these, as on other public occasions, are at once bland, courteous, and dignified. The Presidents of the Astronomical Society, Mr. Baily-of the Geological, Mr. Greenough, are in the habit of having frequent dinner and evening parties of the members of their respective societies, and thereby contribute very materially to promote science and a friendly intercourse among its lovers and patrons. These gentlemen are rarely ever absent from their presidential duties, and thus manifest a laudable zeal and a positive attachment to that science over which they are elected as professional guardians. Two of the Duke of Sussex's meetings have taken place since Christmas, and two others are named on the invitation cards. For the purpose of gratifying the company, and furnishing matter for conversation, various objects of art, science, vertu, literature, &c. are placed on the tables, and the choice treasures of the library are accessible through the obliging attentions of Mr. Pettigrew, his Royal Highness's librarian. The unrivalled collection of Bibles is a source of great interest to many persons. Among other objects exhibited have been a series of marbles of different countries and qualities, on which Mr. C. H. Smith has lectured; a model of a machine for polishing lenses; a very curious model of the Great Pyramid of Egypt, made by Mr. Davidson; and a series of drawings illustrating the Architectural Antiquities of different ages and different countries, being part of Mr. Britton's extensive series for his lectures. ROYAL GEOGRAPHICAL SOCIETY, March 24. John Barrow, esq., in the chair. Eight Fellows were elected; others proposed. There was read a portion of a communication, entitled "Papers descriptive of the countries beyond the north-western frontier of the Bombay Presidency, relating chiefly to the principalities of Joodapoor and Jaysulmar," &c. compiled from the notes of Lieut. Burnes, collected in 1829-30, while surveying these countries under the orders of the Bombay government. April 7. Mr. Hamilton in the chair.Lieut. Burnes gave a vivâ voce account of a portion of his interesting travels in India. The narrative was descriptive of some of the countries beyond the northwestern frontier of the Bombay presidency, and was illustrated by reference to a capital map, constructed by Lieut. 541 Burnes himself, under the fostering aus server LONDON UNIVERSITY, The petition from the proprietors of the London University for a Charter, which would give to them alone, of all the schools in London, the privilege of conferring Degrees in Arts, Medicine, and Law, is immediately to come before a Committee of the Privy Council appointed for that purpose. The prayer is opposed by Oxford and Cambridge, on general grounds; by the College of Surgeons, as adverse to the interests of me. dical science and by the medical lecturers of the metropolis, as calculated to The latter body, constitute a new and unjust monopoly in medical teaching. amounting to above 100 of the most eminent members of the profession in London, have petitioned for the establishment of a great Metropolitan University, without reference to Ecclesiastical distinctions-in which all the efficient schools would stand on an equal footing, and be considered as Colleges: the duty of examining candidates being placed in other hands than those of their own teachers. The parties are severally to be heard by Counsel. A museum, consisting of many valuable specimens and preparations of morbid anatomy, midwifery, and casts, with numerous prints and drawings, collected by Gore Clough, esq., of Upper Nortonstreet, Fitzroy-square, at an expenditure of nearly 3,000l., has been presented to the London University for the Use of the Students of the new North London Hospital, which will be opened at Michaelmas with 110 beds. The preparations are for the most part in excellent preservation, and will be deposited in a temporary apartment till the large room, about to be fitted up, is ready for their reception. DUKE OF YORK'S MONUMENT. April 8. The Statue of the Duke of York was raised to the top of the column in Carlton Gardens: the following details respecting this magnificent work will be found interesting. The subscription for a monument to commemorate the public services of the Duke of York, as Commander-in-Chief of the Army, having, in the year 1829, amounted to the sum of 21,000. (which was afterwards increased, by an accumu lation of interest and further contributions, to about 25,0007). the Committee of Nobleman and Gentlemen for managing the application of that fund, invited seven or eight of the most eminent architects in the country to offer their suggestions and to make designs, with a view to the accomplishment of that object. Great zeal and talent were displayed on the occasion by the several competitors, who, in the month of August, 1829, delivered in their respective designs and estimates. The Committee, however, did not come to a decision upon those designs until the month of December, 1830, when that which had been submitted (at the same time with the rest) by Mr. B. Wyatt, was finally adopted. Mr. Nowell, the mason, of Grosvenor-wharf, Pimlico, became the contractor, under an engagement to complete the column, for the sum of 15,7602. 98. 6d. within two years from the time of his being put in possession of the ground. Fortunately the great opening from Carlton-gardens into St. James's Park had been decided on before the exact site for the column was fixed upon; and thus an opportunity was afforded for placing this magnificent structure in one of the most imposing positions imaginable, whether with reference to its effect as viewed from the top of Regent-street, or from the Park, below the steps. Possession This of the ground having been given over to the architect and the contractor on the 25th of April, 1831, the excavation of the foundation was commenced on the 27th of the same month, and finished on the 25th of the month following. The peculiar nature of that foundation is not one of the least extraordinary characteristics of this great work. The ground being is an artificial and a very loose state, to a great depth below the general level of Carlton-gardens, it became necessary to remove the loose soil, and dig to a solid stratum of natural earth, which was not found at less than 22 feet below the general surface. In the course of 28 days from the completion of the excavation, a body of concrete, consisting of stone-lime, river stones, sand, coal-ashes, and water, in certain proportions, was formed, of sufficient magnitude and solidity to fill up the excavation, and to sustain the vast superincumbent weight of the column. artificial foundation was, to a certain degree, of a pyramidal form, its base lines forming a square of 53 feet, whilst its top lines formed a square of 30 feet, with all four sides inclining equally and regularly (as towards the apex of a pyramid) from the base to the top. At the height of 11 feet six inches above the base line of the concrete, was introduced a strong course of Yorkshire stone slabs seven inches thick, lying over the whole surface of the concrete at that level, an extent of upwards of 40 feet each way, and composed of stones of such magnitude, that nine of them were sufficient to cover the whole superficies, effectually equalising the pressure from above upon the body of the concrete below. Again at the top of the line of the concrete this same expedient was repeated, and another course of Yorkshire stone slabs introduced, to complete the artificial mass which was to form the foundation for the column and its pedestal, and which, in a short time, became as solid and compact as if it had been a natural rock of granite. Upon this huge newly-created body of composition (which was completed on the 25th of June, 1831) the first course of masonry was, in only three weeks afterwards, commenced. The column is of the Tuscan order, and is composed of granite of different colours, all brought from quarries in Aberdeenshire. Its surface throughout is, according to technical language, "fine-axed" (not polished or rubbed); and as regards hardness, colour, and external appearance, it is not inferior to the red and grey Egyptian granite of ancient times. The pedestal underneath the column consists of 10 courses of gray granite, from the quarries of Aberdeen, above the level of the ground, and is 16 feet 18 inches high, to the bottom of the base of the column, having one course of rough granite (from the island of Hern) between the first of these ten courses and the course of Yorkshire stone slabs on the top of the concrete. The plinth of the pedestal measures 22 feet 6 inches on either side; and its die is 18 feet and three-quarters of an inch diameter. The base of the column, consisting of two members only, viz. the plinth and the torus, are formed also of granite from Aberdeenshire, but of a bluer tone of colour than that of the pedestal; and are, together, five feet four inches in height. The shaft of the column, which is of red granite, contains 26 courses, and has six apertures on one side and seven on the other, for the admission of light to the staircase within. The bottom diameter of the shaft is 11 feet 7 inches, and that of its top, immediately under the capital, is 10 feet 14 inches; whilst its whole height is 84 feet 10 inches, from the top of the basement to the bottom of the capital. The capital consists of two courses of the same coloured granite as the base, and is four feet two inches in height. Upon the outer lines of the abacus of the capital is fixed a plain but very substantial iron railing; and in its centre is constructed the acroter, which at once forms a roof or covering to the internal staircase, and a pedestal for the statue to stand upon. The superstructure is of the same red granite as the shaft, and contains seven courses in height between the top of the abacus and the foot of the statue. The gross altitude of the whole structure, from the surface of the ground to the top of the acroter, is 123 feet six inches. The statue which surmounts the column, was executed in bronze by Mr. Wostmacott for 3,000l. It is 13 feet high, and weighs seven tons. The Duke appears fronting the Horse Guards in the robes of the Order of the Garter, the folds of which assist in supporting the statue. ANTIQUARIAN RESEARCHES. SOCIETY OF ANTIQUARIANS. April 10. Hudson Gurney, esq. V.P. Reader Wainwright, esq. of Lincoln's Inn, barrister-at-law, was elected Fellow of the Society. Mr. William Taylor exhibited a small Roman lamp, of earthenware, found a few months since among some rubbish thrown up near the bridge which passes over the Surrey canal on the Kent Road. It has this mark, STROBIII. A. J. Kempe, esq. F.S.A. exhibited an early and very rare copy of the Military Ordinances, printed by Richard Pynson in 1513, from the library of Mr. Molyneaux, at Loseley house. The reading was continued of Mr. Ottley's memoir on the ancient MS. of Cicero's Aratus in the British Museum. April 17. Mr. Gurney in the chair. Henry Beckley Richardson, esq. architect, was elected Fellow. Edward Hawkins, esq. F. S. A. exhibited a torques of very pure gold, and weighing 74 oz. very similar to that engraved in Camden's Britannia. The Countess of Tyrconnell exhibited a jewel, also of very pure gold and high antiquity. It is a cross, each limb of which is rather more than an inch in length, and set with five uncut rubies. It is strung on a gold chain of closely wrought fillagree work, resembling in texture a silken cord, and terminating in snakes' heads (with jewelled eyes), and two minute rings. Two handsome gold sliders, and a rudely formed bead, also run upon the chain. It was found in Yorkshire. A. J. Kempe, esq. F.S.A. communicated a chronological review of the Articles of War, in illustration of the Tract above mentioned. The reading of Mr. Ottley's memoir was continued. April 23. This being St. George's day, the annual elections took place, when the officers were severally re-elected, and the following Council: The Earl of Aberdeen, Pres.; the Duke of Sussex; Thos. Amyot, esq. Treas.; G. F. Beltz, esq.; John Bruce, esq.; the Bishop of Carlisle; Nich. Carlisle, esq. Sec.; Col. Sir Alex. Dickson; Sir H. Ellis, Sec.; John Gage, esq. Director; H. Gurney, esq. V.P.; H. Hallam, esq. V.P.; W. R. Hamilton, esq. V.P.; Rev. Joseph Hunter; Sir Fred. Madden; Sir F. Palgrave; Thos. Phillips, esq.; Thos. Rickman, esq.; Edw. Rudge, esq.; Lt.-Gen. Sir T. H. Turner; and the Rt. Hon. C. W. W. Wynn, V. P. The names in Italics are new Members in the room of C. R. Cockerell, esq. C. P. Cooper, esq., Rev. J. B. Deane, D. Gilbert, esq., R. Lemon, esq., the Bishop of Landaff, J. H. Markland, esq., Rt. Hon. Sir R. Peel, Sir T. Phillipps, and C. G. Young, esq. From the Treasurer's accounts for the last year, it appears that the total income of the Society, including dividends, was 1,7007.; and that the sum expended upon the publications of the Society had been 1,3001. The number of Fellows in the last printed list is 678. HISTORICAL CHRONICLE. PROCEEDINGS IN PARLIAMENT. HOUSE OF COMMONS. April 14. The House resolved into a Committee of Supply.—Mr. Spring Rice moved several grants, amongst which was 8,000l. towards the new buildings at the British Museum. The next grants were 37,000l. on account of works at Windsor Castle, and 13,000l. on account of the National Gallery. Several other grants were admitted without much opposition. HOUSE OF LORDS. April 15. After the presentation of several Petitions in favour of the ESTABLISHED CHURCH, for the relief of the Disšenters, for an alteration in the sale of Beer, &c., the Lord Chancellor entered into a brief explanation of his views upon that important measure, the NEW BEER ACT. His Lordship explained, in giving a history of the measure, that the provision which allowed the drinking of ale upon the premises, and out of which the evils appeared to have chiefly arisen, was not contained in his original Bill, but was subsequently adopted, after an investigation of the subject by a Committee of the House of Commons, and upon their express recommendation. He thought that more time ought to be allowed, in order to try whether the evils were or were not incurable. There was a wide distinction to be drawn between Beer-shops established in towns and villages, and those established in remote parts of the country, where no public-hoses had existed before. It was in the latter situations, where there was no police to look after them, that they produced such injurious effects as were complained of. But, by improving the superintendence of Beer-shops, and only permitting them in towns and villages, it appeared to him that a great portion of the existing evils might be overcome.-Lord Kenyon expressed his determination to bring forward a measure for its correction. -Lord Ellenborough thought that Government should take up the subject.-Lord Melbourne observed that there were great difficulties attending it. The question lay between the present system and the old one, and he thought no one would wish to return to the old one. After a few words, the conversation dropped. In the HOUSE OF COMMONS, the same day, the Chancellor of the Exchequer entered into a statement of his plan for effecting the Commutation of Tithes. The following are the propositions moved by his Lordship: That all Tithes in England and Wales do cease and determine from..... That in future, all land liable to Tithe shall pay an average rate in proportion to its value, in the different counties. That all land liable to Tithe may have such Tithe redeemed, by the payment of twenty-five years' purchase." After a speech of some length from the Chancellor of the Exche quer, Mr. Baring, Sir R. Peel, Sir R. Inglis, and other Members, made a few remarks, expressly reserving their opinions on the plan itself, until they saw it detailed in the printed Bill. HOUSE OF LORDS. April 16. The Lord Chancellor moved for certain returns upon subjects which, he said, had occupied their Lordships' attention, as well as the attention of many distinguished persons, Members of the other House of Parliament. In a large and prosperous country like England, something ought to be done towards educating SCHOOLMASTERS, and not have it left to a casual supply. He did not think any person, however desirous he might be of seeing economical principles acted upon, would object to a sum of money being spent with that view. He was favourable to the establishment of normal schools, as in France, supported by such funds as the wisdom of Parliament should think fit to adopt; and he hoped that the present Session of Parliament would not pass, without some provision of that nature being made. Some institutions were not only not innocent if they did no good-for if they were he would not condemn thembut actually were productive of much mischief. Many of them, whatever persons might think to the contrary, were not only mischievous, but were such as the law ought never to have allowed, and of this class be would name an instance-the Foundling Hospital, with its extensive buildings in the neighbourhood of Guildford-street: and when the leases expired it would have a vast increase of revenue. It was now a hospital for children, it was true; but no longer for foundling children, because such an institution led to great and obvious mischief; and the rule now was, before a child could be received into the institution, its parent must first undergo an examination. In the same manner, when another institution had ceased to be beneficial, it was altered; he meant the Smallpox Hospital, which was built before vaccination was thought of. That which was beneficial at one time might cease to be so at another; or a person with charitable views might be mistaken in the end or effect of it, when he established an institution. It was sufficient for him to have called attention to this matter; it was sufficient for him to state, that if the trustees had the remedy in their hands, and yet neglected it, and if they did not "take heed to their ways," there was a method of providing a remedy. The noble and learned Lord then concluded with moving for the returns in question, which were eventually agreed to. HOUSE OF COMMONS. April 17. Lord Althorp brought for ward a motion for leave to bring in a Bill TO ALTER AND AMEND THE LAWS RELATING TO THE POOR. After dwelling for some time on the importance of the subject, the difficulty of dealing with it, and the ill success which attended many of the endeavours of the Legislature to do so, he referred to the appointment and the labours of the Commission from which the valuable body of evidence had emanated, on the statements of which he rested the necessity of an immediate change. The working of the present system he described as most ruinous-worse than an agrarian law-for an agrarian law contemplated a division of property, but this system promised the destruction of all property. In alluding to the general measure of the Government, his Lordship stated the following to be the principal heads :-To get rid entirely of the allowance system to agricultural labourers; to have Central Commissioners, who should make general rules and orders as to the mode of relief, and for the regulation of workhouses, and the mode of relief afforded therein; to take from Justices the power of ordering parochial relief to persons in their own houses -that is, outdoor relief to the poor; to alter, in certain cases, the constitution of parochial vestries; to give large discretionary powers to the Central Commissioners; every method of acquiring a settlement to be abolished except those only acquired by birth or marriage; children to follow the settlement of their parents, until they attain the age of sixteen years—after that period, their settlement to be the place of their birth; to take away the power of imprisoning the reputed father of an illegitimate child, and to make the mother liable for the support of her child, in the manner and mode of a pauper widow. The motion was agreed to, and Bill ordered to be brought in. GENT. MAG. VOL. I. Colonel Williams rose to bring forward a motion, "That an humble address be presented to the King, requesting His Majesty to signify His pleasure to the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge respectively, that those bodies no longer act under the edicts or letters of James I., 1616, by which he would have all that take any degree in schools to subscribe to the three articles' of the thirty-sixth canon, with the exception of those proceeding to degrees in divinity; nor to require the declaration, namely, that I am bona fide a member of the Church of England,' nor any other subscription or declaration of like effect and import."-The motion was seconded by Mr. Buckingham.—Mr. G. W. Wood rose to move an amendment, that the words of the original motion, after the word "that," be omitted, for the purpose of substituting these words, “leave be given to bring in a Bill to grant to His Majesty's subjects generally the right of admission to the English Universities, and of equal eligibility to degrees therein, notwithstanding their diversities of religious opinion-degrees in divinity alone excepted."-Mr. Estcourt opposed the measure. He said that the object of the motion was to introduce Dissenters into the Universities. - Dr. Lushington supported the measure. He said it should be the endeavour of the Universities, as of the Legislature, to mix up in cordial union every class of His Majesty's subjects, and, by promoting good-will amongst all men, promote the well-being of the whole of society.—Mr. Goulburn said he must enter his protest against the motion then before the House-a motion not only untenable on examination, but unsupported by any thing like argument.-Lord John Russell said that, by admitting the Protestant Dissenters to those great establishments of literature and science (the Universities), and the greater his respect for their distinguished learning, the more anxious was he that Protestant Dissenters should share in it. Sir R. Inglis maintained that the present concession would tend necessarily to completely destroy the existing character and discipline of the English Universities, while, even if the proposed Bill passed to-morrow, there would still be restrictions on Dissenters; there would still remain on their consciences the obligation to take the oath of supremacy, and, on their loyalty, the tax of taking the oath of allegiance. Feeling deeply and strongly upon this subject, as intimately connected with the best interests of the Church of England, he should give the strongest opposition to both propositions, now before the House. From the forms of the House, it would be ne3 Ꮓ |