tagonistas Mr. Birkbeck said-was greater than that of the workmaster. It was almost impossible for the working classes to find time for such education as was requisite. It was therefore to supply the disadvantages of elementary schools, to win young men from sensual gratification, to supply them after leaving school with the necessary rudimentary instruction, that their mechanics' institutions and evening schools principally aimed. That was a view of working men's institutes nearly opposite to that which Mr. Birkbeck dealt with; but it led step by step to a view much higher than the one taken by him. Sir J. K. Shuttleworth went on to say that unless government was prepared to follow up elementary schools by night schools, a very large proportion of the means now extended would be utterly wasted and thrown away. The sum now expended upon education was £2,000,000 per annum, of which government supplied £430,000, all of which very large expenditure was very much at stake unless the present means of education were extended by the formation of evening schools. After some remarks upon the relation of capital to labour, the speaker referred to the variety of political interests represented by the gentlemen present at the meeting, and said he could only regard their presence as a most significant phenomenon in the history of the education of the country, and concluded by eulogizing those exertions in the promotion of education.

Mr. Barnett Blake, of the Yorkshire Union of Institutes, supported the resolution, which was carried unanimously.

The next resolution, "That in order to secure the benefits of general examinations, every effort should be made to promote the establishment of classes at individual institutions," was moved by the Right Hon. Sir John Pakington, M.P. The right hon. baronet said that he did not rescind one iota of the opinion he had expressed in public and private, that the greatest boon they could ex

tend to their countrymen was to organize, promote, and extend the systematic and sound education of the people. It was a large and comprehensive word, was education. Schools must be the foundation of all instruction, and all future education. They had all heard of the insufficiency of schools, and of the religious differences which unhappily had too long, and as he thought unnecessarily, beset the subject. There were also the financial difficulties; but all these important matters had been referred for consideration to a royal commission, and they hoped soon to receive a report; and he trusted that that report would show the mode in which several, if not all these difficulties were to be remedied. But he felt sure that however far the commission was successful in pointing out difficulties, they would tell us that in the present state of the population of England, looking to the necessities of the working classes, and the demands made upon them, the rudimentary education must cease at or about the age of twelve. Sir J. K. Shuttleworth had alluded to the admirable Act of Parliament, which required that a certain amount of education should be given to children up to the age of thirteen; but if he took twelve years of age as the age at which the education of the children of the working classes must cease, he placed it at rather a high standard. In agricultural districts it was lower. His belief was, that of all the various distinctions which existed in the social position of the richer and poorer classes of the country, there was none greater than that at which this education ceased. In the richer classes twelve years of age was considered to be the commencement rather than the termination of the period of education; but in the humbler classes, education, in the elementary sense, terminated altogether at twelve years of age. After expressing his satisfaction at the connection to be formed between this union and the Society of Arts, and expressing his conviction that such a connection

would increase the efficiency of the Worcestershire Union, the right hon. baronet concluded by assuring them that he should always continue to take the same interest in the object sought to be obtained that he had hitherto done. The Hon. F. H. W. G. Calthorpe, M.P., seconded the resolution.

The Right Hon. C. B. Adderley, M.P., moved the third resolution:-"That periodical examinations are absolutely necessary for the development of the resources of mechanics' institntes," and in doing so made some practical remarks on education.

Mr. Holland, M.P., seconded the resolution.

Mr. J. P. Brown-Westhead moved the next resolution: - "That manly exercises and other innocent recreations, both out of doors and in-doors, should be encouraged in mechanics' institutions."

The Rev. J. W. Grier seconded it, and it was carried unanimously.

The next resolution was moved by Mr. W. O. Foster:-" That the Worcestershire Union of Educational Institutes is eminently worthy of support."

It was seconded by Sir H. Lambert, and Mr. J. S. Pakington then moved a resolution thanking the officers of the Stourbridge Associated Institute for the cordial reception they had given to the gentlemen from the other institutes in union, on the occasion of this annual meeting.

Mr. Millward, of Redditch, seconded the resolution, and after a vote of thanks to Mr. Foley, for his conduct in the chair, the assembly broke up.

The Southampton Society for Mutual Education.-In this society lectures are delivered every Friday evening; readings and recitations, followed by critical remarks, take place on Monday and Thursday evenings; discussions are held on the last Thursday in each month; a manuscript magazine is circulated monthly; the library is one of great usefulness, and is accessible to the members on Monday and Friday evenings; the reading room is open

every evening from seven to ten o'clock, and is well supplied with periodicals; arrangements are made for playing at chess and draughts; a museum is in course of formation; and educational classes are conducted in connection with the society. The whole of the meetings are held at the society's rooms, No. 19, Hanover-buildings, commencing punctually at half-past eight o'clock. The following are the lectures delivered, or to be delivered, for the fourteenth session, during the quarter ending Christmas, 1860:- Oct. 26, Musical Entertainment; Nov. 2, Mr. W. Buckler, "The Volunteer Movement;" Nov. 9, Mr. Harvey, "Patriotism;" Nov. 16, Mr. J. A. Barling, "Manners and Customs of the Chinese;" Nov. 23, Mr. Maw, "An Evening with the Poets;" Nov. 30, Mr. Stott, Subject to be announced; Dec. 6, Mr. Cox, "The Earth;" Dec. 14, Mr. S. Winship, "John Pounds, the Founder of the Ragged Schools;" Dec. 21, Mr. W. Hebb," Oliver Cromwell, and the Times in which he lived;" Dec. 28, Mr. C. V. Lewis, "Animal Life." The terms of membership are, an entrance fee of 1s., and a quarterly subscription of 2s. 6d., payable in advance. Members and their friends are admitted free to the lectures and readings. Secretary, Mr. E. Bance, No. 19, Hanover-buildings.

Seaton Delaval Mechanics' Institute. -At the annual soirée, held Oct. 20, 1860, T. E. Forster, Esq., in the chair, the following report was read, viz., “In laying their report before the members and friends of this institute, the committee have great pleasure in stating that its progress during the last year has been satisfactory. The number of names now on the books is 54, an increase of 17 over last year. The number of books now in the library is 422. By amalgamation with the Northern Union of Mechanics' Institutions,' we now receive every two months a box, containing from 18 to 20 volumes of excellent books. The annual income has been £28 14s., including donations (which we thankfully acknowledge)

from the following gentlemen.Mr. Green, of Gateshead, £1 1s.; Mr.Bagnall, of Newcastle, £1; and Messrs. Wilson and Son, of Newcastle, 10s; and the expenditure £25 7s. 7d., leaving a balance of £3 6s. 5d. The newspapers and periodicals received into the reading room are the Northern Daily Express and the Newcastle Daily Chronicle, the Leeds Mercury, three times a week, the Illustrated London News, the Alliance, Reynolds's Newspaper, and the Morpeth Herald; the Family Herald, Cassell's Illustrated Family Paper, Leisure Hour, Chambers's Journal, and Punch; also the British Controversialist, monthly, and the Scottish Quarterly Review. During the winter months we have had, in connection with the institute, a grammar class and a reading class. The former was well attended, and the committee give their cordial thanks to Mr. Edward Patterson for his kindness in officiating as teacher. Although we have made some progress during the last year, yet it is to be regretted that, out of about 600 working men and lads, there should only be found 54 names enrolled in the books of an institution that has for its object the dissemination of knowledge, and the elevation of the working classes." [Here follows a well-written and effective address to the inhabitants of the district, which we regret want of space does not permit us to give.] The report is signed, John Robinson, Sec.

Dialectic Section of the Evesham Institute. The annual general meeting of the members of the section was held in the Council Chamber of the Townhall, on Wednesday evening, Sept. 11th. About sixty persons sat down to an excellent supper, provided under the direction of Mr. Alfred Cox, the active secretary of the section; after supper, the president, Mr. Joseph Jones, called upon the secretary to read the report of the proceedings of the section during the past session, from which it appeared that a larger number of members had attended the debates, and greater interest had been manifested in the discus

sions, than at any previous season; after some discussion as to the propriety of establishing the prize essay scheme as recommended by the committee, the report was adopted on the motion of Mr. A. New, seconded by Mr. G. Ballinger. The president then proceeded to the election of the officers for the ensuing quarter, and the following gentlemen were elected; president, Anthony Martin, Esq.; vice-presidents, Messrs. C. Warmington and Roberts; secretary, Mr. A. Cox; committee, Messrs. Jones, Cole, and Kedwards. In the absence of the new president, Mr. C. Warmington, the senior vice-president, took the chair; and, after a short address, called upon the members to give in subjects for discussion. Several subjects were promised. Mr. Joseph Jones gave a summary of the debates of the past session, and urged the members to keep up in the ensuing season the same good tone and friendly feeling manifested during the past year. Herbert New, Esq., addressed the meeting upon the principle of free discussion, which was the foundation of the section; and the Rev. J. C. Lunn made a practical and interesting speech on the value of prize essays; the study of political economy; the respect due to honest, out-spoken opponents in debate, and the power of eloquent speaking, particularly instancing the oratory of the late Sir Robert Peel. The proceedings of the evening were much enlivened by the vocal performances of Messrs. Wheatley, F. Haynes, and H. Smith.

The Amateur Literary Society.Gentlemen who have been debarred from joining this excellent society, by the largeness of the sum hitherto demanded annually of the members, will be glad to learn that in spite of considerable opposition, an "Act of Council" has been passed, wherein the fixed subscription is for ever abolished, and only an admission fee of 3s. 6d. is enforced. The A.L.S. is by no means exclusive, but comprehends persons of every age and rank. The president for the time being is John W. W. Penney, Esq., B.A.,

&c. &c.; and the following have accepted the title of honorary fellows, unanimously conferred on them: Charles Dickens, Esq., W. M. Thackeray, Esq., Rev. George Gilfillan, M.A, J. A. Cooper, Esq., F.R.S.L., Alfred Elwes, Esq., president of the B.L.S., author of "Frank and Andrea," &c. The Rev. George Iliff, M.A., honorary president for last session, and the exsecretary, W. Whyte, Esq., have been placed in the list of honorary associates. The objects of the society have been frequently laid before the readers of the Controversialist, and such as wish to be better informed on the point will find full particulars in the New Quarterly Magazine, published by the society, by Mr. Hope, of Great Marlborough-street. Several numbers of this periodical are now out, containing essays, tales, sketches, poetry, &c.; and the press generally have been favourable to the undertaking. It is much to be regretted, however, that the sale as yet will not cover the heavy expenses unexpectedly incurred; and if the copies on hand are not speedily bought up, it is feared that the project will have to be prematurely abandoned. Prospectuses, rules, &c., may be obtained, on sending stamps to cover postage, of the secretary, J. Ezra Holmes, Esq., Middlegate-street, Hartlepool.

Wakefield Mechanics' Institute.— The soirée of the above institution was held in the large room of the Wakefield Corn Exchange, on the 20th November. Mr. E. A. Leatham, M.P., was in the chair, and prominent amongst the gentlemen on the platform was Mr. John

Bright, M.P., Mr. Monckton Milnes, M.P., and Mr. Collins, M.P., were also present; as were also Mr. Charlesworth, and the Mayor of Wakefield. The ehairman, in his speech, strove to persuade the audience of the fallacy of the idea that evil could result to society from the universal diffusion of knowledge among the people. Mr. Bright's lengthy oration was chiefly political. The following are specimens of his opinions:-"There is nothing more important in the education of all classes in the country than the consideration of the principles on which laws should be founded, and on which the permanent peace and greatness of the common. wealth were based." After this, by reference to wages, strikes, prices, &c., he proved the importance of directing education to the consideration of political questions, and concluded by saying that if these things were studied more, the people would be enabled to see that they might govern themselves more wisely; if they did so, they would raise mankind to a much higher level; they might bring greater glory to their country; they might dispense greater happiness amongst the families of which it was composed, and they might do something

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to justify the ways of God to man." Messrs. Milnes, M.P., Collins, M.P., &c., also addressed the meeting.

Oxford Union Debating Society.On Tuesday evening, Nov. 12th, it was affirmed, after debate, by 40 ayes to 28 noes, "that the general tone of the Saturday Review is subversive of the principles of true criticism."

QUESTIONS TO WHICH ANSWERS ARE

SOLICITED.

121. LIBERTY AND NECESSITY.I am anxious to examine, with due collation of authorities, the important philosophical speculation regarding Li

berty and Necessity. Perhaps some of your able contributors on psychological topics would not grudge to favour an inquiring mind with some help towards the attainment of a list of works on this matter, which would afford a fair and

impartial view of the question.-D. N. M.

122. Can you inform me of whom, or by what means, it is likely I could obtain a recommendation which is necessary as a voucher to entitle me to the privilege of a reader at the readingroom of the British Museum?-J. SARGEANT.

123. Will any of your readers be kind enough to inform me where I can procure a first-class work on foreign words, with their English derivations and meanings? Also, say whose English dictionary is considered the best. Price no object.-S. S.

124. When, and by whom, was the variation of the compass discovered?— M. G.

125. What is meant by "Accepting the Chiltern Hundreds"?-Y. W.

126. I have seen it somewhere asserted that the philibeg, or short kilt, worn by the Highlanders, and which appears so picturesque in the London Scottish Volunteers, is an invention of the sixteenth century. Is this true or false?-ANGLO-SCOTUS.

ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS.

112. The National Anthem. - A definite and satisfactory answer cannot be afforded, I fear, to the question of J. Evans. The following excerpt may be of use to him. "Our National Anthem of God Save the King,' composed in the time of George I., has always been considered of English origin; but on reading the amusing 'Memoirs of Madame de Cregny,' it appears to have been almost a literal translation of the Cantique, which was always sung by the demoiselles de St. Cyr, when Louis XIV. entered the chapel of that establishment to hear morning prayer. The words were by M. de Brinon, and the music by the famous Lully:

'Grand Dieu! sauve le Roi.
Grand Dieu! venge le Roi.
Vive le Roi!

Que toujours glorieux,
Louis victorieux!
Voye ses ennemis

Toujours soumis!

Grand Dieu! sauve le Roi.
Grand Dieu! venge le Roi.

Vive le Roi!'

It appears to have been translated and adapted to the House of Hanover by Handel, the German composer." J. E. is doubtless aware of the antiquity of the expression," God Save the King." -J. R. PAGE.

In answer to your correspondent who inquires about the "National Anthem," I refer him to "Notes and Queries" for October 10th, No. 151. It there states that it was composed by Dr. Henry Carey, a natural son of the Earl of Halifax; he was born about 1696, in London. The anthem, both words and music, were composed by him in honour of the birthday of George II. Henry Carey died, in 1744, by suicide. The article is signed, "Francis Dickins,

Dusseldorf."-C.

118. I think the best works on the Isle of Wight are "The History, Topography, and Antiquities of the Isle of Wight," by W. Davenport Adams, price 25s.: Smith, Elder, and Co. And "The Isle of Wight," by the Rev. E. Venables, 7s. 6d. Stanford. Edward Knight.

121. The following list will supply D. N. M. with a collection of the chief works, chronologically and controversially arranged, which have appeared in English literature during the two previous centuries:

LIBERTY.

Of Free Will, in Reply to Hobbes, 1838.

The Boyle Lecture Sermons, by Sam. Clarke, D.D., 1704.

Defence and Vindication of Human Liberty, by Rev. John Jackson, 1730.

Review of the Principal Questions in Morals, Chap. VIII., Richard Price, D.D., 1769.

Origin of Evil, Book V., W. King, D.D., 1781.