trackling and subserviency to France. It is thrown to the French emperor as one throws a bone to an angry dog, whose fierce growl seems to denote a longing to make a meal of one's calves. -Z. The clause relating to the remission of the coal duties is of itself sufficient to condemn the treaty. Whatever Mr. Bright and his followers may say about the absurdity of preparing against a French invasion, the people of England do well to guard against such a contingency. The emperor's conduct has never been such as to inspire confidence, and his last act-the annexation of Savoy and Nice, against the protestations of every nation of Europe, and in violation of every principle of honour and rectitude-sufficiently proves that his will to make aggression is only limited by his power: and in the face of a probable war with France, it is suicidal to supply her with the very material of which she has greatest need. Moreover, the coal question has another phase. Dr. Buckland and others concur in saying that the coal seams of England cannot possibly last more than three centuries. Coal is the great source of our wealth; and when that fails us, our commercial prosperity will fail too. How contrary, then, to every principle of justice and common sense, to endeavour to hasten that time by recklessly squandering it upon a hereditary foe.-Y. The Societies' Section. THE LITERARY SOCIETIES OF EDINBURGH. THE city of Edinburgh, though no longer the metropolis of an independent kingdom, has still many glories. The stranger is captivated by her palaces and towers, the grim majesty of the Old Town, rich in historical associations, and the luxury of architecture and of view which distinguish the New Town, with the rural and marine prospects stretching away nearly at his feet. While many of her recent architectural and other features have been blurred by bad taste and active Vandalism, the citizen of the olden time, were he again to walk the streets, would recognize a vast improvement. He would certainly know with difficulty the antiquated town of which he was once so proud, as a baillie, or a member of the civic guard. He would feel somewhat the same as the original denizens of the Isle of Paris, could they now look round on the stirring quays, and the Boulevards crowned with the Tuileries and the Madeleine, or the fairy splendour of the Place de la Concorde, or the Champs Elysées. But he would be still more surprised at the educational and literary institutions which now spread their influences among the population. Heriot's Hospital, where he spent his thrashing days, and looked out with many a sigh upon the great world, would still seem to frown upon his dim and aged eyes; but, on inquiry, he would be told that, fostered by the bounty of George Heriot, various schools have been founded, imparting the blessing of free education to the children of the poorest classes. Edinburgh has been famed for its distinguished men; and to such, literary association is a kind of necessity. The men, some of them distinguished, as Blacklock and Blair, who extended their patronage to a poor ploughman, called Robert Burns, had their coteries, where they could dwell on his eloquent words, or pander to his social excesses. The convivial meetings of literary men had, however, little influence on public opinion; but towards the close of the The at ast century, arose in the University the academical and speculative debating societies. The first was resorted to by the younger students, who in time became members of the latter, which existed so long as the year 1816. age was inclined to discussion. The lectures of Professor Finlayson and Dugald Stewart had touched the souls of the students. These prelections threw a charm around the study of philosophy, and it became immediately identified with liberal political opinions; and the fact that these were new and dangerous, made them attractive to the young. Lord Cockburn declares that these societies were of more service to him than any other part of his education. The rising liberalism of the younger members, roused into indignation by the expulsion of Emmet from a society in Dublin, was tempted to be borne down by Hope, D. Hume, and other seniors; but, led by Brougham, Jeffrey, Horner, Lord Petty, and other younger members, the Tories were compelled, gradually, to retire. Henry Brougham would thrill with his eloquence his half-a-dozen coadjutors, who also acquired in these societies the art of public speaking. The result was, that public opinion became leavened in course of time. The "Edinburgh Review" was established, afterwards the Scotsman newspaper. Many other important changes, including the Reform Bill, were influenced by the establishment of the societies now referred to. The University still has debating societies, which, however, are not any way remarkable. After being defeated by the rejection of Macaulay, the old Whigs have again gained complete possession of the city representation, leaving the Town Council as the only arena of the sectarian party, whose University patronage has been modified amidst general approbation, and whose transactions regarding the Trinity College church have not merely been found illegal, but have called forth animadversions in different quarters of the kingdom. The ancient glory of the University has returned in the recent election of Brougham as Chancellor, and Gladstone as Rector. In 1821 was founded the School of Arts, in Adam Square. It was, if not the first, at least the second institution of the kind in Great Britain. The idea of it was owing to Leonard Horner, an Edinburgh merchant, the father of the present Mr. Horner, and he took the management of it for several years. It consists of classes for young men; and while those attending them have steadily increased to several hundreds annually, it has never changed its humble meeting place. The teachers have been of a very excellent cast. It contributed to introduce Professor George Wilson, Dr. George Lees, and others, into public notice. Its purpose is entirely educational, and chiefly scientific. It has eschewed lecturing on popular topics, and the students are not admitted to any share in the management. It has a select library of educational works; has been recently enriched with one or two benefactions, and has been generally self-supporting. The other day a number of the members celebrated the birthday of Watt, a statue of whom they have erected in front of the school; and it now takes the name also of the Watt Institution. An attempt was made, about ten years ago, by a few artisans, to found a Mechanics' Institute, but it failed. From the want of manufactures, the working class in Edinburgh are not so intelligent or enterprising as those of Birmingham, or other great centres of trade. The School of Arts does not supply the place of such an institute; but while the most of similar organizations have had no long duration, it has stood its ground. The Philosophical Institution was established in 1839. It is said to owe its origin to a course of lectures by Mr. Combe, and another by Dr. Murray, delivered in Clyde Street Hall, at the request of a number of intelligent citizens. It has large premises in Queen Street, and in them it some years ago acquired the right of property. These are occupied with a news-room, library, and room for perusing magazines, &c. The library has now about 15,000 volumes. The num It has ber of members is between 1,000 and 2,000. The institution has steadily increased, and is in a flourishing condition. There is no similar one in Great Britain better organized or managed. It has an annual series of lectures, delivered twice a week, during the winter months. brought to this city the most eminent literary and scientific men, from time to time, and has spared no expense in doing so. Many of the lectures have been published, as those of "Delta," on poetical literature, Hugh Miller on geology, Mr Kingsley on the Alexandrian school of philosophy, Mr. Maurice on learning and working. Professor Wilson was its president till his death, in 1848; and he delivered, in connection with it, various brilliant orations, and otherwise worked well in its behalf. He was succeeded by Lord Macaulay. He delivered, when it was founded, an inaugural address, published in the volume of his speeches, and also spoke, with "Delta" and others, at the banquet on that occasion. He valued the honour highly; presented it with works of historical value, and also proposed to lecture before it on a topic which he mentioned, but his life was not spared. It is a purely secular institution; perhaps it carries this the length of bigotry, in the selection of books, and otherwise. In the management, the Whig element largely predominates. The terms are a guinea yearly, and ten-and-sixpence for ladies, who are admitted to the lectures. They used to attend in numbers, but have gradually vanished. Half-guinea tickets are issued, admitting to the lectures alone. While the charge is such as to exclude the labouring class, the advantages offered are such as make the sum moderate in comparison. There may be also noticed the Apprentices' School Association, consisting of classes for instruction in the elements VOL. III. of education; and similar classes estab. lished by Mr. John Hope. Edinburgh has had many young men's societies, but it may be remarked, that in consequence perhaps of the various educational advantages that exist, and of the fact that a society or two, feebly sup ported, is little heard or thought of, differently from the case in smaller towns, where their lecturing machinery affords instruction to the general inhabitants, this city is behind the most of other towns in regard to the power and influence of such associations. The most prominent was the Edinburgh Young Men's Society, founded about twenty years ago. It consisted of a number of young men's mutual improvement meetings, held chiefly in church vestries, and managed by a central committee, to which each branch sent delegates. In consequence of some dispute, there was (after it had been for years in existence) a secession from it, which led to the formation of the Scottish Young Men's Association, as it was called. Both societies had similar principles. The members were required to adhere to a declaration, embracing the evangelical doctrines of Christianity. Religious controversy was forbidden; and the meetings were opened and closed with prayer. The one organization competed for awhile with the other, and the result was, they were both kept in a flourishing condition. At last the other merged in the Scottish Young Men's Society, which went on for several years, but it sank about six years ago. They used to have lectures and sermons; these succeeded very well. There was novelty in lecturing, and the Philosophical Institution did not exist. But they continued their lectures when the public no longer cared for them. Financial difficulties ensued, and one branch after another withdrew. One of the last public proceedings of the Scottish Young Men's Society consisted of a large soirée, attended by Hugh Miller, Sheriff Gordon, and other distinguished citizens. But notwithstanding the 2 c brilliant orations and great assembly, not a single member was added to the roll. It may be said, in general, that so long as these societies relied on their own energies, without calling in the aid of ministers and public men, they succeeded; afterwards they failed. Deputations were in the habit of visiting the branches, to encourage and maintain a friendly spirit. They pushed the cause, with missionary zeal, into the remotest parts of the town; and if one branch fell, another arose. The branches meeting in the session houses of Bristo Street, Albany Street, Broughton Place, and James's Place churches, which formed the united association when it dissolved, exist still as separate societies. The last of these is at least twenty years old: it has often been at a low ebb. On one occasion it had only two members, but they held on: it is at present in a fair condition, and we can, from our connection with it, speak favourably regarding the general intelligence and kindly spirit of the members. About ten years ago was founded the Edinburgh Young Men's Association. It was formed by Mr. James Gall (now bookseller, Jamaica). The writer of this article was its first president, and for several years held chief office in it. Its basis was secular, and it never had an average of more than between 30 and 40 members. Both the essays and discussions, in the days of its prosperity, were regarded as displaying considerable ability. Various public men delivered addresses before the society. Almost single-handed, with the mere shadow of an organization, and the members affording little assistance, the writer carried on for years courses of lectures to young men. He had the honour of introducing a higher style of lecturing than had previously prevailed here in connection with such societies. Many eminent men lectured, as Mr. Gilfillan, Hugh Miller, Mr. Dove, Professors Gregory, Miller, Blackie, Mr. Maurice, &c. These lectures were, as a whole, very successful. He and his friends were compelled to retire from the management. It first met in the Calton Convening Rooms, where there is at present a debating society; and came back to die in Infirmary Street Hall, where it once had been famous. There was a Youths' Total Abstinence Society, about twenty years ago, which did a good deal for the cause, but it merged into the elder society; also a Nelsonian Society, founded by the pupils of the Rev. Mr. Nelson, of St. Stephen's School, which existed till within a year or two ago; a St. Stephen's Parish Society, and a Sabbath Observance Young Men's Society, which got up two lectures, and then disappeared from public notice. Referring to societies which abound at present, independent of those already mentioned, they are chiefly Congregational: one connected with Dr. Guthrie's church; another, a very flourishing one, with Mr. Pulsford's church; a third, with South College Street church, at present giving a course of lectures; a fourth, with Rose Street church, newly started; and another with Newington Free Church. The members of the last-named society are making themselves active in trying, by moral means, to put down Sunday trading. There may also be a few more similar societies. There is a Sabbath Morning Fellowship Union, consisting of a few meetings of young men in vestries, on the sabbath morning, for religious improvement. There is also a Sabbath School Teachers' Union. The Tusculan Society meets once a week, at No. 2, York Place, for the consideration of law and literature: and there is a Total Abstinence Mutual Improvement Society, in Buchanan's Temperance Hotel. We have the Young Men's Christian Institute, which has lived for some years; its quarters are in Adam Square, beside the School of Arts. By public subscriptions and other means it has acquired its present premises, but it is yet much in debt. It has been more than once organized, in conse quence of the dissatisfaction of the members with the management. Its members are not numerous; they join chiefly for the reading room, and it is not able to keep up even a senior debating society. An attempt is made to hold monthly meetings, where tea is provided, and to which a fifth-rate speaker is invited to lecture to a very slender audience, instead of trying to develop the talent and energy of their own members. You may perhaps meet there one whom you may not have known as a member, and may not see him for a year again, if even then! The institute is founded on the false notion of doing some good to others, while those who try to do so decline to participate in it themselves. They regard it as suited for others, and would therefore merely patronize it. But a society that lives only upon patronage, without a hearty interest on the part of its members, is sure to fail. In healthy young men's associations, those who manage them are the frequenters of the weekly meetings, taking part in correcting essays, and the other necessary procedure. But in the institute it is not so. The managers of religious organizations should be anxious, by honourable and generous conduct, to avoid unfavourable comparison with societies purely secular. In fine, we would remark, there is ample room in this city for a Young Men's Christian Society. There is also felt the want of organizations where young men could cultivate their minds, and get suitable recreation for their wearied powers, free from vicious associations. They are driven to such amusements as the theatre, by the cravings of their nature not otherwise supplied. Such meetings as have been opened in London for entertaining youth would be the carrying out of a truly Christian object. Their good effects would not be confined to the innocent enjoyment of the passing hour. T. U. Edinburgh. LIVERPOOL.-Toxteth Literary Association. The first annual soirée of the society was recently held in Hope Hall, which was crowded in every part, and tastefully decorated with evergreens, banners, and mottoes. The president, Mr. F. A. Latham, in the course of his opening remarks, defended the objects and pursuits of such associations from the attacks which were made upon them, and replied to some of the objections brought forward by their opponents. He traced the progress of the associa tion from its commencement to the close of its second session, and warmly congratulated the members on the great success which had attended their efforts. He stated the objects of this and kindred societies were to draw young men from low and hurtful indulgences to the cultivation of their nobler faculties, and called upon all to assist them in their efforts to roll back the tide of ignorance and vice, and to aid in developing, to their utmost limits, the beautiful and matchless proportions of that grand and sublime structure, the temple of knowledge. Mr. George Lightbound read an excellent paper on "William Cowper," in which he reviewed his poems, and gave numerous quotations from them. Mr. Henry Ellis read a humorous paper on "Love" giving examples of all kinds of love possible. Mr. H. M. Latham, jun., read a paper on "Eloquence;" and Mr. C. W. Luce read one on "Single Blessedness," which he stated was almost an inevitable necessity in the present state of the middle class of society he treated the subject humorously; and his hard hits against the affectations of dress, &c., were highly relished. Mr. Edward George ably personated the "Quack Doctor," dispensing life pills to the delighted audience. Mr. D. H. Grindley delivered an address on the "Christmas Season" of the past, with all its traditionary glories, and of the present, with its happy realities; the Old Year and the New-the great things of note in the Past, and the great hopes for the Future. An amusing dialogue, in which Messrs. Thwaites, Winsor, Robin : |