And in propounding the question of public health, before congratulating the association upon much hopeful progress, Lord John did not hesitate to sound an alarm which may well arouse serious attention. 'On the question of public health,' he said, I find this statement in the registrar-general's report of the quarter ending June 30, 1858. "Upon dividing the population into two portions (1) the 8,247,117 people living in rather close proximity to each other, and (2) the 9,680,592 living much further apart, the result is, that the mortality in the dense districts was at the rate of 24 73, nearly 25 in 1000; while in the other districts, over which small towns and villages are distributed, the mortality was at the rate of 19:58, nearly 20 in 1000 of the population." Thus it appears that five persons more die every year in every 1000 of the 8,000,000 of people living in large towns than of the nine and a half millions of people living in the country; in other words, the excess of deaths in the large towns is 40,000 a year. When we add to this result the fact that temptations to intoxication and to vice of every kind are far more common in towns than in the country, that the means of education are likewise in large towns either less complete or less used, it is alarming to find by another statement of the registrar-general, that in England and Wales the town population is increasing much more rapidly than the population of the rest of the country. I suppose every one will agree that the tide of population cannot be checked or diverted from its channel; yet we cannot deny the importance or the urgency of the following questions. Now, in England and Wales the town population is increasing much faster than the population of the rest of the country; and the question is therefore becoming every day graver -How is the health of the nation to be sustained in the midst of the new dangers which millions of its people are encountering?' Passing in review all which is being done in the various departments of social progress, the president did not hesitate, however, to avow his faith in ultimate substantial success. We are not,' said he, 'like some philosophers of the last century, enamoured of an age of reason which will never come to pass. Nor do we share in the dreams of philanthropists who ten years ago imagined that if property, and capital, and competition were put down by authority, the human race might sit down in happiness and contentment. Our task is more humble, but, as we conceive, more in accordance with the decrees of our Divine Creator. To mankind is allotted labour as its portion and perpetual inheritance. If any think that he has nothing to do but to eat, drink, and be merry, in that very night as fearful a doom may fall upon him as it did upon the tyrant of old. If any suppose, like the masters of the Roman empire, that the sword has done its work, and that nothing remains for them but luxurious enjoyment, that very luxury may revenge the conquered world. If any imagine that to them belongs dominion, and that they may indulge in contempt of the unlettered and ill-fed multitude, that very multitude may overwhelm them in bloody and merciless retribution. It is for us to work as truly as the man who forges the iron bar, or the woman who works at the factory loom. It is for us to endeavour to inprove the laws by which the community is governed. It is for us to show how education may be extended and diffused. It is for us to examine and record what has been done for the reformation and punishment of offenders. It is for us to confirm and animate the efforts which are being made to sustain the public health, and thereby preserve for this country her eminence as the home of a vigorous and independent race of men. It is for us to investigate the conditions of the great problems of political economy, which may often admit of exceptions, but never of refutations. In so doing we shall but consult the welfare of the present and future generations; in so doing we shall follow the path traced out for us by Almighty Benevolence and Almighty Wisdom.' After the address of the president a vote of thanks to Lord Brougham, as the abdicating potentate, was proposed by Lord Shaftesbury and seconded by Sir John Pakington. And then rose the old man, whose name was in all mouths, and whose honour was in all hearts, whose head has grown gray in the service of the people, and who, in spite of human frailty, seems determined, in the mature wisdom of his last years, to rival the usefulness and fame of his youthful zeal. The few words he Lord Brougham on Popular Literature. he addressed to the meeting indicated not merely that the skill of the orator had not been forgotten, though a little rusty from disuse, or perhaps a little stiff with age, but that, in the emphatic words of Sir John Pakington, 'the giant intellect of Henry Brougham was as fresh as ever.' With this tribute to the originator of the association, the interest of the opening meeting culminated, and the assembly rapidly dispersed. The following day was devoted to the inaugural addresses of the presidents of the various sections. Over that of jurisprudence the Lord Chancellor of Ireland nominally assumed directorship; those of education, public health, punishment and reformation, and social economy being respectively placed under the care of the Hon. F. Cowper, M.P., Lord Shaftesbury, Lord Carlisle, and Sir James Stephen. No Every address was characterised by clearness of thought and boldness of expression; and, to add to the already high gratification of the members, Lord Brougham volunteered to deliver his opinions in vindication of the history and results of cheap literature. man could be better fitted for the task. Connected from its establishment with the well-known Society for the Promotion of Useful Knowledge, under whose auspices were produced not only the Penny Magazine,' the first of a long list of admirable weekly papers, but also the Penny Cyclopædia,' a work still unrivalled, Lord Brougham entered with the chivalry of an old knight into an elaborate defence of the proceedings of that society and a vindication of its usefulness. Possibly the best tribute to its worth is the fact that it has become comparatively worthless, because no longer needed. When the 'Penny Magazine' was first established, no less than nine weekly papers were devoted to the circulation of the most abominable matter-morally scandalous and obscene. The Penny Magazine' drove these entirely out of existence, leaving behind them only a feeble progeny, which, skulking in corners, has hardly ever been heard of since. Now, although the Penny Magazine' itself has long been displaced and has departed this life, it has engendered a taste which, supporting its successors, has rendered popular literature one of the most profitable business investments. The London Journal' sells 350,000 weekly; 383 Cassell's Family Illustrated Paper' probably 285,000; the Family Herald' 250,000; and the 'Popular History of England' 100,000 copies. While the Penny Magazine,' at its highest circulation, was believed, according to Lord. Brougham, to have nearly a million readers, there are several of those now published, each of which must have at least twice that number. After two days of the week had been spent in listening to these addresses, and in deriving inspiration from the social intercourse promoted among the members, the serious work of the seetions began. And here, at the outset, was felt the inconvenience to which we have already alluded. The papers sent in to the Committee were so numerous, that it was necessary strictly to enforce the rule which excluded all which had not been forwarded prior to a fixed date. Of this no one could reasonably complain. Many excellent and interesting papers were doubtless excluded; but a rigid adherence to rule is absolutely essential in the arrangements for such a gathering. But a more formidable obstruction to the progress of business existed. On certain subjects many papers were sent in, and of course, being quite in accordance with rule, admitted and read. Thus in that section and on that subject, instead of free, full, and lively discussion, in which those comparatively uninformed may often take part most advantageously, we had a series of careful papers, each excellent, but in many cases containing mere repetition of the same facts and the same ideas. The time for discussion was thus entirely consumed; and we confess ourselves unable, in many instances, to detect any practical result arrived at, or even any substantial benefit obtained. It is very difficult, too, to point out any remedy for this unfortunate state of things. It would be easy to say that one well-considered paper should be read, and discussion on that be promoted with a view to the formation of opinion, the removal of difficulty, or the answering of objection; but the puzzling question remains, Whose paper is to be read? Every author naturally thinks his own production the best, and no committee would willingly undertake the invidious task of selection. But this is a difficulty which must be considered by the committee, and we recommend it to their deliberations. 2D2 We must not be understood to mean more more than this was a drawback, but not a fatal defect. The proceedings of the sections were, on the whole, intensely interesting, and, amid considerable diversity of sentiment, true harmony was preserved. A curious mistake has been fallen into by the Times' and by Mr. Hutt, the Member for Gateshead. Admitting the importance of the various social questions discussed-and these ranged over the entire domain of social morals and social politics-the Hon. Member declared his surprise that one of the greatest--popular intemperance--should have excited so little attention. This would, indeed, have been a grievous mistake; but from the guarded utterances of Lord Shaftesbury to the outspoken entreaties of Lord Brougham, this great question was alluded to by all speakers. Is there any one here,' said Lord Shaftesbury, in the least degree conversant with the state of our alleys, dwellings, and various localities, who will deny this great undeniable truth, which all experience confirms; for if you go into these frightful places you will see there the causes of moral mischief, and I do verily believe that seven-tenths of it are attributable to that which is the greatest curse of the country-that which destroys their physical and moral existence, cuts through their domestic ties, and reduces them to pauperism, with all its various degradation-habits of drinking and systems of intoxication.* And with striking and most gratifying advance on previous opinions, though still a little halting, Lord Brougham, in trumpet tones, propounded abstinence as the great handmaid of knowledge. 'We profess,' said he, in his speech on popular literature, already referred to, to encourage reading among the people, and we directly and effectually discourage it, raising the price and lowering the value of everything they read. To a certain degree, however, the people have a remedy in their own hands. Let them firmly resolve to meet the paper duty by practising a salutary economy in the use of their earnings. The tax adds to the price of what they buy to read. Let them deduct as much from their other expenses, and the pressure of the tax ceases. Let them abstain from the use of fermented liquors, not at first altogether, but so far as to in crease by a little the sum they pay for cheap works. They will feel themselves all the better for the change, and will be encouraged to carry it further, so as to give up ALTOGETHER the use of both beer and spirits. That the greatest obstacle to their improvement is also the greatest injury to their health, the worst enemy to their comfort and happiness, is undeniable; nor can there be a more natural or more appropriate manner of meeting and overcoming this adversary than to make the practice of temperance a help to knowledge; thus setting at defiance the obstinate errors of the shortsighted and inconsistent legislature, and showing it by the wise and provident consistency of their own conduct.' Beyond this, at one of the conversaziones held during the evening soirées, the public-house system was submitted to a fuller discussion than could have been given to it in the section, the only disadvantage being the absence of newspaper publicity. The discussion opened by a paper read by Mr. Jowett, of Leeds, recommending the adoption of Mr. Hardy's Bill, was supported by Mr. Pope, the Honorary Secretary of the United Kingdom Alliance, Mr. Lupton, Rev. J. A. Steinthal, and many others, and a very considerable interest displayed on the part of the members. We must not omit a bare allusion to the popular feature of the gathering, in the form of a public meeting of working men, addressed by Lord John Russell, Lord Brougham, Lord Shaftesbury, Lord Carlisle, and Lord Sandon-an enthusiastic demonstration of the sentiments of the masses. It is hard to imagine that any one can look with doubt on the efforts of social reformers as being in Utopian advance of the wishes and feelings of the people. Upon all social questions, the deeper the foundation be sought, the more solid will it be found. Do we desire to remove the temptations to appetite presented by the public-house? From the sufferers themselves comes the most eager assistance. Do we seek to promote public health by strict sanatory arrangements? The active opposition emanates from the owners, but not from the occupiers of the noisome dwellings. Do we inquire for some definite opinion-aye or no-on great questions of social reform? We may obtain it from the hard-handed and hardheaded artisan; but we often ask for it Literary Reviews. in vain from the tradesman and the employer. This is a hopeful circumstance. If the working classes are to be raised, the fulcrum of the lever will be found among themselves. No government, however powerful, must be depended on; no association, however vigorous or however dignified, must be appealed to; the people, for themselves, 385 must, and we have never doubted will work out their own redemption from the slavery of vice and the ruin of intemperance and improvidence. With a grand banquet the Liverpool meeting closed. It has not officially transpired, but we believe Bradford has been fixed upon for the next year's assembly. ART. VIII.—LITERARY REVIEWS. 1. Biography. A Memoir of Elizabeth Fry. By her daughter, Mrs. Frances Cresswell. Abridged from the larger Memoir, with alterations and additions. London: Piper, Stephenson, and Spence. THIS volume is a great improvement upon the former in two volumes. Mrs. Cresswell has exercised a wise discretion in abridging the previous biography, which was dull and heavy. In the present work the beautiful character and philanthropic labours of Elizabeth Fry are ably portrayed. Such a history as that of this distinguished lady is worthy of earnest study, and can scarcely fail to prove an example which many would wish to follow. In her own day Who that saw her pass, and heard the poor, Old men beheld, and did her reverence, Example of their future life. The young Admired, and new resolve of virtue made.' The reform of our prison discipline owed much to her, and in efforts for the improvement of the prisoners she may well be styled the Female Howard. We trust all our readers will become familiar with this biography. The Life of Alderman Kelly, Lord Mayor of London. By the Rev. R. C. Fell, M.A. Third Edition. London: Partridge and Co. 1858. WE are delighted to see a new edition of this excellent biography. Thomas Kelly rose from the humblest to the highest station in London, and his life is a model for young men in business. Strict integrity, filial piety, a patriotic spirit, and a genuine, unobtrusive religion conspired to make him at once successful in trade, happy in mind, and useful in his generation. Mr. Fell has used his materials to good advantage by preparing a biography for young men throughout the land. The Devoted Minister: A Memoir of the Rev. David Wilson, of Cumnock, Ayrshire. By the Author of A Memoir of Mrs. Andrew. Edinburgh: Thomas Grant. 1858. IT has given us much pleasure to peruse this memorial of a faithful minister, having many memories connected with the parish in which Mr. Wilson laboured, though long after his day. It is to be regretted that the record is so brief; but at this distance of time-Mr. Wilson having died in 1822-the materials were probably very few. 2. Social Science. The State of our Educational Enterprises. A Report of an Examination into the working of the Chief Public Educational Experiments in Great Britain and Ireland. By the Rev. William Fraser, Paisley. Glasgow: Blackie and Son. 1858. A MOST valuable document, prepared A Handbook of the Cotton Trade: or, a cotton cotton-merchant, broker, and manufacturer with a portable book of reference, containing reliable information, statistical and otherwise, relating to the origin, progress, present condition, and future prospects of the great trade in which they are engaged; and, secondly, an elucidation of the question of “Cotton Supply," which has of late been so prominently before the public of both sides of the Atlantic.' There can be no doubt of the value of a work professing such an object, and Mr. Ellison has, within the compass of 200 pages, done great justice to his subject. His volume is divided into three books: the first being devoted to the Botany and Cultivation of the Cotton Plant; the second to the Progress of Cotton Cultivation in the United States, the East and West Indies, South America, Africa, &c.; and the third to the Cotton Consuming Countries, Great Britain and the Continent of Europe. This will at once indicate to the reader the character of the work, which contains much information strictly accurate, carefully compiled, and illustrated by numerous statistical tables. Cotton Supply forming an article in the present number of the Review, we need not enter on the general subject, but have much pleasure in commending to our readers the Handbook of Mr. Ellison. Good Times: or the Savings' Bank and the Fireside. London: Groombridge and Sons. THIS pamphlet of sixty pages, in small type, contains a large amount of practical wisdom on subjects of deepest interest to the working classes generally. It opens with a comparison of what was the social condition of Europe and America one hundred years ago, and what now prevails; but immediately after proceeds to discuss existing evils and the best means of ameli.orating them. The author is no Utopian, but a man of strong common sense. His proposals can be practically tested by every working man. Were they generally used, society would be healthier, wealthier, and wiser. We should be glad if our recommendation of this cheap fourpenny pamphlet could extend its circulation by thousands. Our Mourning Customs. Whitfield. 1858. London: THIS pamphlet is a reprint, and sets forth the absurdity and needless expense of our present mourning customs. There is, no doubt, much room for improvement amongst us in this, and good would result from the adoption of some of the author's views. How to reduce Poor Rates: or Fres Public Rate, Supported News Rooms, and Lending Libraries versus Mechanics' Institutes, with Remarks on the Public Libraries Act. By M. H. Feilde, Esq. London: Skeet, 1858. THIS is a letter addressed to the Metropolitan ratepayers, advocating the establishment of free libraries. The author is most impassioned in his appeals, and despite several outré opinions, with which we cannot agree, has a good cause, which he has argued well. A rate for knowledge is the cheapest and the best that can be imposed, and we heartily wish every large parish availed itself of the provisions of Mr. Ewart's Act. Daughters from Home. London: Jarrold and Sons. THIS is one of an admirable series of Household Tracts for the People, which are well written, contain much practical wisdom, are adapted to the wants of society, and deserve to be circulated by every social reformer. Practical Hydropathy. By John Smedley. London: Kendrick. 1858. MR. SMEDLEY has collected many valuable facts respecting hydropathy, and added descriptions and directions that will scarcely fail to induce many invalids to try his establishment. The work is beautifully printed and profusely illustrated. It is pervaded with a high moral and religious tone. John Hampton's Home: what it was and what it became. London: Knight and Son. 1858. ART combines with letter-press to persuade the drunken to become sober, and the godless religious, in this well got up work. It deserves an extensive circulation among the homes of the working classes. |