or to serve, or to be employed in any such service or employment as aforesaid, as an officer, soldier, sailor, or marine, either in land or sea service, for, or under, or in aid of any foreign prince, state, potentate, colony, province, or part of any province or people, or for, or under, or in aid of any person or persons exercising, or assuming to exercise, any powers of government as aforesaid, or to go, or to agree to go, or embark, from any part of his Majesty's dominions, for the purpose, or with intent, to be so enlisted, entered, engaged, or employed as aforesaid, whether any enlisting money, pay, or reward shall have been, or shall be actually given or received or not, in any or either of such cases every person so offending shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanour." Are we to violate law, and so begin with licence, to gain liberty? Surely no.-LEX.

The European complications which Garibaldi's expedition involves — the want of a defined publicly announced purpose it shows-the politic aversion he displays to the announcement of his designs and the unguaranteed action he may take-are all premises on which to withhold English help till his ultimate aims are known, not guessed.— O. P. Q.

If it be illegal in our country to urge on rebellion and upstart mutiny in any other country, then we do wrong to support however right they may be in their aim-the objects of Garibaldi's expedition.-GRANT.

We have no more right to invade a country with our money than with our military, unless on a declaration of war. Every contributor to the Garibaldi Fund is a violator of the laws of nations, inasmuch as he is an invader of another's coasts, while the Government under which he lives is at peace with the Government of that country. Non-intervention is a misnomer if this can be allowed.-T. R. Y.

Those who subsidize the expedition hamper the Government in subsequent action, and lead to inferences not legiti

mated by the public opinion of this country.-T. H.

Dictator Garibaldi may win a throne by the contributions of liberty-loving Englishmen which may become as plaguy as another President-Dictator whom we did our best to help to a seat, his security in which makes us uneasy.-FACT.

Would it be agreeable to the British Government that European Romanists should pour in treasure, enticement, and excitement into Ireland, to free it from the oppression it (as it is said) endures? "Do unto others as ye would others should do unto you."-L. K.

John Bull is far too apt in his honest zeal for freedom to credit pretenders especially Italian ones-e. g., Mazzini, Gavazzi, &c., without certificate. Have we got full proof of Garibaldi's honesty of intention now? Have we no reason for suspecting the Napoleonization of Italy?-A. N. Y.

Self-reliance is the only true basis of liberty. To acquire freedom by charity is to gain it without the struggle which gives it value. Cheap liberty is too likely to be thought worthless liberty; and the charity of to-day may be sold to the highest bidder to-morrow. sympathy of Britain is enough to show Italy that it is right, the pocket of Britain is very likely to lead them wrong. -TOUCH.

The

Private charities cannot secure national esteem; and hence, though we may help Italy to freedom, it will not feel bound to our land on account of that help, and it may prefer a neighbour nearer and more politic, who knows when to help a success just in time to make it look as if he had accomplished it. If it be right to help Italy, let us do it in our national character, and not in an eleemosynary manner; and we may rest assured our Government will never lend a hand as long as the people of Britain are willing to tax themselves for the performance of that duty which ought to devolve upon and be provided for by the State. Private charity is a public evil in this as in most cases.-TIM.

So long as the English people support and encourage Garibaldi's expedition themselves, so long will the Government hold aloof from affording any help. Governmental help alone can be efficient in the long run. For success in arms may be defeated by diplomacy. Let us, if help is really needed, which may be doubted, urge upon our representatives to give it, assuring them of our support, but do not let us fritter our efforts down into penny patriotism, and become mere pecuniary promoters of proletarianism. To be true to Italy we must see justice done, not charity given. Life and liberty are too precious to be holden as donations from anybody. -QUÆ.

The noblest nations have struggled for and gained liberty for themselves. Wallace, Tell, Hofer, Kosciusko, Washington-who gave them penny subscriptions, bazaar profits, concert proceeds, theatre benefits, ninepin alley bets, &c., to help them to ennoble the people for whom they fought? The worth of liberty may well excuse any endurance to gain it but this-that liberty should be made a fashionable pauper. The Italians ought to be quite able to take liberty, without exposing themselves to the charge of being the mere lazzaroni

of European freemen. Honour the brave, do not dishonour them.-C. B. D.

National independence for Italy has ever been a dream, an unrealizable and entrancing vision; but it has never yet been other than a nympholepsy, because the Italians have never been able to believe that

"In native swords and native ranks, The only hope of freedom dwells." Italy must hazard all upon the die now cast, except honour, and if it do it will acquire independence independently. EXCELSIOR.

We have no right to intermeddle with the internal relations of any country; to bribe a rebellion therein; or to covertly attain our own designs by urging on others to work our work in the belief that it is for their own good. -N. O.

There is a legal way of giving support to other countries; that is, through the State. Let us support the Italians by our representatives; or we may find that the support we give may be rendered only to be made null by the operations of the State machine.-CUT. "Plenty and peace breed cowards; hardness

ever

Of hardness is mother."-Shakespeare.

G.

Birmingham.-Meeting of Readers and Friends of the British Controversialist.-Through the efforts of a few earnest friends of our Serial, resident in this town, a large and interesting meeting was held on Friday evening, August 17th, in the Clarendon Chambers, Temple Street, under the presidency of Dr. Keyworth. Mr. J. A. Cooper, F.R.S.L., stated the circumstances under which the meeting had been convened, and the objects its promoters had in view, and then gave an interesting account of the origin of the Controversialist, the success which had attended it, and

the good it had been known to accomplish. Samuel Neil, Esq., author of "The Art of Reasoning" (who was on a visit to Birmingham), spoke of the proper province of controversy, and the advantages which must flow from it, when conducted in an earnest and kindly spirit. Mr. F. Derry bore testimony to the healthy influence of the Serial in dispelling prejudice, strengthening the reasoning faculties, and in promoting mental culture in general. Mr. J. S. Wright remarked on the advantages of written over oral controversy, and urged upon the assembly

the duty of individually supporting a Magazine the influence of which was so beneficial. The Rev. Henry Boyden, in an eloquent speech, advocated the claims of the Magazine, on account of its impartial character, and its high educational tendencies. Mr. Shrubb expressed the interest with which he always perused the Controversialist, and stated that it was his custom to take in two copies per month, one of which he circulated among his friends, with a view to induce them to become subscribers. On the motion of Mr. S. Edwards, a cordial vote of thanks was presented to Dr. Keyworth, for his kindness in presiding, and to Mr. Neil for the favour of his attendance.

From the interest manifested in the meeting, we anticipate a large increase to our circulation in Birmingham. Might not the example thus set be successfully followed in many of our large towns, especially during the coming autumnal and winter months? We shall be happy to correspond with friends respecting the best means of getting up similar meetings.

Liverpool. (The Byrom Literary Society.) The third annual meeting of this society was recently held in the rooms adjoining the Byrom Street Chapel. The chair was taken at eight o'clock, by Mr. B. H. Grindley (one of the vicepresidents of the society), and the attendance of members and friends was tolerably good. After the disposal of some preliminary business, the treasurer presented his account, by which it appeared that, in a pecuniary point of view, the year had beer a most successful one, and closed with a balance in hand sufficient to meet all the working expenses of the ensuing session. The secretary then read the report of the committee, reviewing the operations of the society since its reconstitution in May last. Previous to this period, two societies were in existence in the same locality-the Byrom Mutual Improvement Society, and the Students' Society; both, however, were languishing; and it was decided, after a revision

of the rules, to merge the two societies into one, under the title of the " Byrom Literary Society." The Committee regretted that the interest exhibited by members at first had not been of a more permanent character, and that the depression under which literary societies had laboured during the year had been allowed to extend its influence to the Byrom. The number of members had slightly decreased. Eighteen meetings had been held during the year, five of which were devoted to debates, ten to essays, two to presidential addresses, and one (as an experiment) to readings and recitations, with criticisms. Essays had been contributed by the following members:-On " Economy of Time," and " Punctuality." by Mr. J. S. H. Evans; "Provident Societies," by Mr. Edwin Carver; "Friendship," by Rev. Thomas Dawson; "Popular Literature," by Mr. B. H. Grindley; "The Life and Character of Napoleon III.," by Mr. Robert M'Gowan: "Britain and her Slaves," by Mr. H. M. Latham, jun.;

66

Wit," by Mr. Thomas Linton; also a paper on a "Tour to Wales," by Mr. F. A. Latham. These meetings had been pretty well attended, and the numbers of visitors had greatly increased, during the last session, by the admission of ladies,—an extension of privilege whieh had worked most beneficially. The committee concluded by urging upon members the necessity for increased exertions and more diligent efforts in the pursuit of knowledge. The report was unanimously adopted, and the following officers elected for the ensuing year:-President, Mr. B. H. Grindley; vice-presidents, Messrs. W.B. Luckman and James Davies; treasurer, Mr. Thomas Linton; secretary, Mr. F. A. Latham; committee, Messrs. Edwin Carver, R. M'Gowen, Ed. Tinkir, jun., and William Robinson.

Shrewsbury Discussion Society.This society originated, several years ago, with a few young men cultivating literary attainments, and two or three kind-hearted gentlemen, who wished to encourage the members, and cheerfully

gave them the advantage of their more extended education. The society has gradually augmented in numbers, and continued to hold free and spirited debates on the most popular and interesting topics of the day. According to annual custom, it adjourned for the summer months on May 16th, when its fourth session concluded by a meeting to audit and pass the accounts, after which the president, Mr. Robert Rogerson, delivered an address on the objects and advantages of debating societies. He commenced by describing the qualifications requisite to become debaters. He then engaged the marked attention of the audience by describing the untiring labours of Demosthenes, and the plodding perseverance of Cicero; and from ancient orators came down to modern times, and portrayed, in a graphic manner, the career and style of the illustrious orator and statesman, William Pitt, the late Baron Macaulay, Dr. Chalmers, and Lord Brougham. To be great, required the labour of a life, and the germs of greatness, in many eminent men, were first developed in debating societies. Both Dr. Chalmers and Lord Macaulay have left on record how deeply they were indebted to debating societies. We may, like them, learn to overcome difficulties; and though we may not become great,-for only a few attain to greatness,-yet we may improve ourselves, and be useful in our day and generation. He next remarked on the benefit of combining religion with education. In the decline of life, men of cultivated minds would derive happiness from their previous studies, while those who had neglected the improvement of the mind, would find time hang heavy on their hands.

Several other speakers addressed the meeting, and votes of thanks were given to the president and the honorary secretary. The society has, during the past session, held thirty-four meetings, with an attendance, on the average, of thirty-one members and seven visitors at each. There being a fund in hand, it was unanimously agreed to purchase

a complete set of the "British Controversialist," for eirculation among the members of the society, and to continue tahing it in.-J. TASKER, Hon. Sec.

Whitby Wesleyan Young Men's Association.-Some time ago, the members and friends of this young men's association held a social réunion on the last night of the session. The Rev. W. H. Bambridge presided, and gave an address on "Self-Respect." The secretary, Mr. John R. Price, read the report, from which we gather that the society was established in September last, its objects being, "to acquire and communicate information on the principles, and to further the interests, of the Wesleyan Church; to promote friendly intercourse among Wesleyan young men, and to furnish the means, by the diffusion of general and Christian knowledge, for the moral and intellectual improvement of its members." The association numbers thirty-six members, the average attendance being eighteen. Twenty-three meetings have been held. Five lectures have been delivered, three by the president, on Young Men Wanted;" "Mercantile Morals;" "The Study of the Bible." "The Rise of Methodism," by Mr. R. T. Gaskin; "The Poetry of Longfellow," by Mr. J. R. Price. Essays have been delivered on the following subjects, with discussion or conversation afterwards :-Drunkenness; Sunday Schools; Restoration of the Jews; Morals of Business; the Promised Deliverer, and Introduction of the Typical Dispensation; Advantages of the Sabbath; Holy Places of Scripture; Insensible Influence; Witness of the Spirit; Class Meetings; Divinity of Christ; Prayer Meetings; the Study of Theology; Prayer; Unlawfulness of War. After votes of thanks to the president and secretary, a very pleasant and profitable season closed, with hearty words of counsel from the president, and a sincere prayer for the happiness of the members.

66

Dundee Eastern Literary Association. The third anniversary festival

of this association was held in Lamb's Saloon, Reform Street. There was a large attendance of members, and a numerous gathering of ladies. After tea, Mr. D. Stephen Robertson, VicePresident, who occupied the chair, delivered an able address on "Self-Culture, in its moral and religious bearings." Mr. Nicoll, secretary, thereafter submitted his annual report, in which were enumerated the following questions, which have been discussed during the past session, viz.:-"Ought the Franchise to be extended? "Is Reason confined to Man?" "Can Government interfere in the Social Evil question?" "The Character of Queen Elizabeth;" "Is Machinery Beneficial to the Working Classes?" &c., &c. Essays on the following subjects have also been delivered:-" Charity;" "Public Amusements;" "Patriotism;""Leaves from a Note-book" "Watt and the Steamengine;" "Self-education;" "Creation;" "Milton's Paradise Lost:"" "Celebrities of the Present Generation" (No. I.); "Pictures of 1859;" "Portraits from Life;" "The Animal Creation;" "Home:" "Revelations of a Star;" "Hugh Miller and his Works;" "Books and Reading," "Revivalism;" &c., &c.

The report also stated that a monthly manuscript magazine has been instituted in connection with the association, which is contributed to by the members, and is privately circulated among them, together with the British Controversialist; this enterprise is working successfully.

Mr. Preston, treasurer, then submitted his financial account, showing a good balance in hand. After a few songs and recitations from various members, Mr. Scott addressed the meeting on 'Peter the Great," and showed the life and characteristics of that worthy. After an aria, with variations, on the violin, by Mr. Kinnes, an interval of fifteen minutes was allowed. On all having again assembled, a service of fruit and cake was served up. Irish Gentleman" was sung by Mr. McIntyre. Mr. Skinner then delivered

"The

an instructive and somewhat amusing address on "Love," which elicited shouts of laughter. "Anticipation," by Mr. Scott, and the "Downfall of Poland," by Mr. Gibson, were well rendered. During the evening, a handsome copy of Southey's "Poetical Works" was given, by one of the ladies present, as a prize to the best elocutionist. The ladies acted as adjudicators; and, on the conclusion of the programme, they by a large majority awarded the gift to Mr. D. M. Nicoll, who took for his subject, "The Laird o' Luggiehead on Marriage" (!) Towards the close, votes of thanks were passed to the ladies, chairman, speakers, and Mr. Lamb.-THEOCRITUS.

Dundee Literary Association.- On Wednesday evening, 27th June, 1860, this association sat down to tea in Lamb's Saloon, when a numerous and intelligent auditory was present; Andrew Jones, Esq., president of the association, in the chair. In the course of an able and eloquent address from the chairman, he stated the objects of such associations -that their aims were comprehensive and far-reaching, leading men from the solitary walks of their own peculiar study into the broad and varied fields of kindred minds, extending the bounds of empirical knowledge, and thereby forming a basis for original thought; rebutting the flimsy argument that the pursuit of knowledge leads to self-conceit and pride, by the dictum of Lord Bacon, that great learning shows the littleness of men, and leads to humility. Mr. James Lumgair then gave a recitation, entitled "Spanish Champion," in a graceful and masterly manner. song, "Death of Nelson," was sung by Mr. Bruce in a very high class style. A dialogue was then entered into between Messrs. McIntosh and McKay, entitled "Vanok and Valens," which was executed in a spirited manner. Mr. Alex. Rae delivered an address on "Patience and Perseverance," in elegant terms, with numerous and striking illustrations of the force of these virtues. Mr. J. McIntosh then recited "Lochin

The