Third Annual Report of the Kensington Parochial Institute Part 1

Third Annual Report of the Kensington Parochial Inst.i.tute.

by Anonymous.

THIRD ANNUAL REPORT.

THE Council of the Parochial Inst.i.tute have pleasure in submitting for the adoption of its members, and the consideration of the inhabitants of Kensington, their Third Annual Report.

Having upon former occasions detailed the circ.u.mstances of its formation, and demonstrated upon solid grounds the expediency of meeting the increasing intellectual requirements of the community, by the establishment, throughout the country, of societies for the diffusion of a healthy literature, and a cultivated taste, it will be their present purpose to recount their own success in stimulating these objects, while suggesting to their fellow residents the privilege, policy, and duty of enabling them to develop the existing agencies of mental recreation, by liberally conceding to their claims an united and comprehensive support.

Nor will such a retrospect be interesting only to those more immediately concerned in producing the results recorded. The popular use of reading-rooms, libraries, and lectures, is not connected with questions of merely individual or local importance; it is of imperial bearing: for while their multiplication and prosperity afford criteria for determining how far the desire of knowledge animates the people, indifference to learning and incapacity for self-instruction are attested by their failure or neglect. These are amongst the outward manifestations of those unconscious tendencies by which the philosophical observer estimates the bent and genius of the age. As in the mult.i.tudes who throng to gaze upon the line of armies manuvring in the pomp of mimic war, he reads the love of military glory, if not the l.u.s.t of conquest; as in an inordinate devotion to games, and theatres, and spectacles, he sees the traits of frivolity; so in the steady application of the faculties to the improvement of the mind he recognises the characteristics of a wise and understanding people. But these diversities of national choice and temperament cannot be consigned to the speculations of the theorist.

They enter largely into the deliberations of the practical statesman. By their influence, the distribution of political power is confessedly affected. Rights that could not be confided to an ignorant, are freely accorded to an educated population. Already the principle of an educational qualification has been mooted as the safest mode in which the extension of the franchise could be granted; and in considering the claims of various const.i.tuencies to a partic.i.p.ation in the representation of the country, it is far from impossible that the government would accord a preference to localities, maintaining in efficiency and prominence well organized inst.i.tutions of social and intellectual progress.

It is pleasing to reflect that this neighbourhood need not shrink from such an inquiry. For though its growth has been unprecedentedly rapid for the last ten years, private liberality and public munificence have combined to preserve its ancient pre-eminence over other suburban parishes. It is still in truth, as well as name, "the Royal Ville" of Kensington. But whilst it is creditable to its patriotism that it has erected, within this recent period, four new churches, has built a dispensary, and raised other public structures of much architectural merit and of great utility; whilst in these edifices, dedicated to the n.o.blest ends, religion and humanity, evidences are shrined of an enlightened and active desire of improvement, no attempt commensurate with the importance of the town has yet been made to purchase or erect a building where neighbour may meet neighbour in a spirit of good-will and unity, and by intercourse and the exchange of daily courtesy, and the pursuit of knowledge, which civilizes and blesses parishes as well as nations, communities as well as individuals, and which ought ever to be found in alliance with religion itself.

Kensington, central Kensington, with its parks, and gardens, and palace, the birthplace and residence of monarchs, rich in historical a.s.sociations, almost the home of genius; where Cromwell swayed the destinies of Europe; where William of Orange sojourned, Lord Chancellor Nottingham dwelt, Sir Christopher Wren planned and built, and Sir Isaac Newton solved the problems of astronomy; where George II.'s children played, and Queen Victoria was born; which is linked in memory with the names of Addison, Horner, Canning, Wellesley, Moore, Wilkie, and Wilberforce, and still retains within its limits some of the most distinguished authors and artists of the day, possesses no Public Museum, no Public Library, not even a Lecture-Hall.

But though it be a matter of shame and disgrace that this omission has never been adequately supplied, much of the substantial advantage attached to the Athenaeums of the manufacturing towns, and the Bibliotheques of the continental cities, has been modestly provided by the Parochial Inst.i.tute.

Small though its reading-rooms unquestionably are, situated in a street removed from the central thoroughfare, and of outward appearance but little in unison with the wealth, respectability, and literary reputation of St. Mary Abbott's, they still are known and patronized. From the date of their opening, three years ago, they have been becoming more and more frequented. At first they were attended only by those who had joined the Inst.i.tution with the wish to encourage so good a work. Now they are subscribed to by many who appreciate their convenience for their own sake. This is a wholesome sign-the turning point of success in such an undertaking. For though it be necessary and right to bring to bear upon an infant project all the extraneous aid that can promote its object, no fact.i.tious support will permanently avail. To ensure a prolonged existence, it must be sustained by its own merits. It is not till interest comes to strengthen principle that the prosperous future is secured. But in a country constantly and triumphantly calling attention to the freedom and purity of its press, it can hardly be necessary to expatiate on the benefits accruing from its wide and impartial circulation. From the publication of Milton's Areopagetica, these have been acknowledged. None can say how much the English habit of reading newspapers tends to enlarge the national views. Men cannot see, day after day, the various problems of political and social moment, debated before them by the ablest advocates, without confessing that cogent reasons may be urged on either side. Half an hour spent daily in perusing the current reviews and magazines is usefully employed. By it the mind is kept informed of the events of contemporaneous history, is enabled to form an independent judgment upon measures requiring the sifting of discussion, and led to correct, modify, or expand any sentiments too carelessly adopted, too obstinately defended, or too narrowly based.

Thus silently, it may be, and unconsciously, prejudice succ.u.mbs to reason, party strife is mitigated, and argument, not force, enthroned the const.i.tuted arbiter of conflicting wills. Hence arises the desirableness of a Newsroom in every populous place, in which each phase of opinion may be represented by its own peculiar organ. Few private establishments enjoy this privilege-most persons confine themselves to a single journal, entertaining ideas precisely identical with their own. They have consequently nothing but a reflection of themselves. They lose the advantage of filtrating their notions through other minds. Of old it was said, "beware of the man of one book." But the man of one paper is infinitely worse. He usually fails to rise above the natural tendency to a contracted sphere of thought, and rapidly subsides into a state of one-sided conviction, as illiberal, as it is irrational. This is a trial to which no sensible inquirer after truth would willingly subject himself. On the contrary, he will concur in forwarding any plan to obviate its danger. The Parochial Inst.i.tute embodies such a plan.

Therefore, he will enrol himself upon its list of members.

It must not, however, be supposed that facility of access to the ephemeral publications is either the sole or the main intention of this Society. For whatever necessity exists for affording to the industrial and operative bodies opportunities of consulting periodicals of approved ability, morality, and loyalty, it can only be subordinate to the study of more substantial literature. Experience demonstrates that the habit of reading once acquired, is seldom lost. No obstacle ought consequently to be suffered to interfere with its attainment. The incipient student should be free to range the entire field of knowledge. All that its ample page contains, should be unfolded for his choice. And though his early flights be wild, his attempts discursive, he will gradually contract his circle, and settle down at last. This has been instructively verified by some of the quarterly subscribers, whose thirst for light reading was at first excessive. Three sets of novels per week scarcely sufficed to satisfy this eager craving. Now all this is changed. The catalogue of books procured from Churton's, for 1852, shows a most remarkable diminution in works of a romantic character. Even those demanded, are of a higher and better description. But the staple orders consist of travels, biographies, histories, and treatises on religion. Such facts throw light upon the probable working of free libraries. They bear out the belief, that if judiciously selected, and kept up by successive additions of modern writers, a numerous attendance and issue might be expected. Nor would such an enterprise be attended by any ruinous expense. Excellent histories are now published for three shillings a volume, while the pamphlets on miscellaneous subjects, currently known under the name of Literature for the Rail, embrace some of the most interesting essays, travels, and disquisitions in the language. The Council would bring this topic strongly before their fellow-parishioners, in the hope of inducing many to make presents in augmentation of the library that they now possess. Its after increase can be only a question of time. A free library is the corollary and supplement of national education. Other parishes are beginning to understand this. Liverpool, Manchester, and Birmingham are setting a good example. Marylebone is about to follow in the same wise path. It is too palpable an error, to give the people an appet.i.te for reading without furnishing them with the means of satisfying it, for a long continuance, in a country so practical as England. Only let it be admitted, and the remedy will not be withheld. May Kensington take the initiative in its rectification by applying it to its own requirements.

But the readiest access to books, the most unwearied diligence, and the highest ability are not enough to render one man independent in a scientific inquiry of the discoveries of another. The more the philosopher investigates the unseen causes of visible things, the more he is compelled to have recourse to a division of labour. Human life and human memory are alike unable to grasp an universal knowledge. Hence the acutest intellects devote their powers to master definite departments of science. They do not aim at an impossible omniscience. Relying on the truth and ability of their collaborators, they receive their conclusions as their own. Nor are these communicated commonly in special treatises, but through the more familiar media of lectures. On such occasions, he who is the teacher of to-day, is not too proud to be the pupil of to-morrow. Faraday, Murchison, Owen, and Hersch.e.l.l sit alternately at each other's feet. But if this be true of these hierophants of nature, what shall be said of her neophytes? It is clear that to those engaged in following their craft, their trade, or their profession, time is a main object. But if they cannot unravel processes, they fain would know results. These are easily attainable by the method above mentioned. A good lecture will oftentimes simplify abstruse problems, and make intelligible the most complicated machine, when books and diagrams convey no comprehensible meaning. Perhaps no literary a.s.sociation in the metropolis can bear witness to this fact with a more vivid realization of its accuracy then our own. Since the publication of the last report, we have been familiarized with the wonders of creation in all the kingdoms of nature. With Mantell, we have read the records of primeval worlds, traced by the finger of omnipotence in those fossilized remains, which mock the palaces of Nineveh with their recent age. With Morris, gathered up the laws that regulate the distribution of the springs and waters of the earth, and learnt how man can call its spirit from the chalky deeps for purposes of use or ornament. With Noad, investigated the phenomena of light. With Wheeler, ranged from star to star throughout the immensity of s.p.a.ce. With Weld, explored the coasts and channels, creeks and bays of those inhospitable regions which, cl.u.s.tering round the Northern Pole, guard with indomitable tenacity the Western Pa.s.sage, despite the energy, endurance, and perseverance of the hardiest adventurers. With Pettigrew, examined the internal structure of the microscopic insect. With Scoresby, marvelled at the physical organization of the whole. One voice, which we had hoped to hear, was silent. Severe indisposition postponed for ever Professor Cowper's explanation of the cotton-mill. Since then, both he and Dr. Mantell have been summoned to their rest. In the one, practical art laments its clearest elucidator; in the other, science mourns her most attractive commentator; in both, the Parochial Inst.i.tute has sustained a grievous loss. Yet amongst its pleasantest a.s.sociations must ever rank the recollections of their lectures. The idiomatic phraseology, homeliness of ill.u.s.tration, unaffected delivery, and telling earnestness of Professor Cowper, who by this very ease of manner beguiled you into the idea that you were actually learning _with_ him, not _from_ him, will be blended in the memory with Mantell's graceful elocution, refined imagery, and enthusiastic love of his favourite study, by the combined force of which he carried his audience with him, and led their thoughts from nature up to nature's G.o.d. Alike disinterested in character, alike confident in the victory of knowledge over ignorance, alike the firm and generous promoters of infant inst.i.tutions founded to ensure this end, they shone as twin stars in our local firmament, bright examples to the possessors of similar endowments to consecrate their use with the same unostentatious perseverance to the cause of goodness, civilization and truth, bright examples to all as fosterers by personal exertion as well as by pecuniary sacrifice of parochial societies appealing to every moral and patriotic feeling for extension and support. For the many lectures that he delivered in Kensington, Mr. Cowper never accepted any remuneration. Dr. Mantell gave his services for half his customary fee.

Not, however, that they are the sole instances of this discriminating benevolence. To Mr. Weld and Dr. Scoresby, the cordial acknowledgments of the Council are equally due and tendered for gratuitous addresses. In contrasting their generous dedication of time, convenience, and ability to the task of popular enlightenment, with the selfish spirit that repudiates whatever is not subservient to personal benefit or gratification, it is impossible to overlook the elevating influence of mental culture. Of all the pleas for indifference to, or withdrawal from an a.s.sociation for diffusing useful and scientific information, none is so unworthy, so sordid, or so mean as that commonest of excuses, "_It does me no good_."

Such an allegation can only arise from a most short-sighted policy. For, let individual preference be what it may, the time is past for saying to the advancing tide of scientific inquisition, "Thus far shalt thou go, and no farther." The incessant discoveries and inventions of modern years have quickened with the throes of mental energy the ma.s.ses of the nation. Its strong sense is alive to the power of knowledge, and circulates from the head to the extremities of the social body. The magnetic experiments, to which the whole philosophical world is looking with the most intense curiosity, are conducted by one who entered life a shop-boy. The solution of deep metaphysical propositions is not without attraction to the hard-headed ratiocination of the operatives of Lancashire. There are those who have wrestled out; by abstract reasoning, the cardinal verity of the immortality of the soul. The mechanics of London number in their ranks many ardent thinkers. When the recent lecture on cohesion and gravitation was delivered at the Museum of Practical Geology, so large an audience of working men was collected, that, though the issue of tickets had been purposely increased, upwards of two hundred persons were refused admission at the door. Now it is folly to ignore this spirit of investigation. You may guide, you may control, but can neither deny nor crush it. Wisely, therefore, has the government recognised its prevalence; wisely has the Queen recommended in her speech from the throne, its a.s.sociation with practical art; and wisely will those towns and cities act which avail themselves of whatever facilities the legislature may decide upon offering, to give it salutary scope and exercise. In a circular forwarded from the Society of Arts to the different Inst.i.tutes of England, a series of questions was proposed in reference to this end. The answers returned by the Council will be found in the Appendix, for the information of members and others, who will then understand how real the movement is, and how great is the expediency of frankly and heartily ensuring its success. Should the suggestions contained in this doc.u.ment be approved and carried into execution, they can hardly fail to give an impulse to self-instruction; while the annual exhibition of models, inventions, and machinery, would afford an opportunity for the social intercourse and mutual improvement ordinarily attached to the pleasant enjoyment of an evening conversazione.

But are these aids to rational recreation really brought within the reach of the industrial population? Can the apprentices and shopmen of Kensington afford to join the Inst.i.tute? Is not the cost of membership too expensive for their purse? Such can hardly be the case. Admission to the reading-room, library, and lectures is accorded to subscribers of half-a-crown a quarter; while a yearly payment of one guinea gives its donor a voice in the government of the society. The a.n.a.lysis of these sums shows a result of less than a half-penny a day for the former, and of under sixpence a week to the latter cla.s.s of contribution. Frugality itself cannot object to such a scale. Taken individually, the advantages are worth their price;-collectively, they are emphatically a bargain.

Subsidiary to the main channels of intellectual culture, are the Elementary Evening Cla.s.ses, held at the Church-court school, under the superintendence of two masters from Battersea College. They were inst.i.tuted for the sake of the young persons who are unable to attend the day schools, and include a due proportion of adults. The cla.s.s for young men and boys meets upon Tuesday, Thursday, and Sat.u.r.day; that for young women and girls on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. The attendances to the close of 1852 were very satisfactory; 120 girls and 40 boys having enrolled themselves upon the books. An interesting peculiarity connected with the female cla.s.s is its use by servants whose education has been neglected. Several who could neither read nor write on their first entrance, have attained a tolerable proficiency in these subjects; and of those who have grown up to age for service, and taken situations, some have been wise enough to return during their intervals of employment, to pursue the studies with which the duties of their place had necessarily for the season interfered. The subjects now taught are limited to reading, writing, arithmetic, and geography. But it is proposed to add music; and should the Society of Arts carry out its principles in this parish, linear drawing, languages, geometry, and mathematics would also be encouraged, were a sufficient number of names inscribed to const.i.tute a remunerating cla.s.s. The payment for the present course is two-pence weekly, in advance; but proportionably higher fees would be required to ensure the services of masters capable of conducting the higher branches of education.

If these facilities for instruction are not accepted to the full extent that might, prior to experience, have been expected, it ought not to check the genial philanthropy by which they are provided. All that we can do is to offer privileges. It rests with others to turn their use to profit. And if, in the attempt to raise the social and mental position of those who minister to our daily wants, we are unable to achieve all that we desire, it is still a n.o.ble and a worthy ambition, warranting the sacrifice of some prejudices and the risk of many disappointments, to endeavour so to order the arrangement of our literary and scientific agencies that

"Our needful knowledge, like our needful food, Unhedged lie open in life's common field, And bid all welcome to the vital feast."

APPENDIX.

THE chief advantages which might be expected to result from a combination of the Provincial Inst.i.tutes with the Society of Arts would be, in our opinion, the following:-

a. The formation of a Central Library, from which Local Inst.i.tutes might, from time to time, borrow supplies of Books on the same or more reasonable terms than they can now procure them from the large circulating libraries of the metropolis.

. A staff of Lecturers might be provided by the Society of Arts, competent to give interesting and instructive information in a popular form; such staff to be selected by a Council, who, from their position and attainments, would be ent.i.tled to general confidence. Each Provincial Inst.i.tute might be allowed to choose its own Lecturers from this staff, without being necessarily restricted to it.

?. The models, diagrams, &c., now provided by the individual lecturers at a considerable expense, and often with great personal trouble, might be furnished by the Society from a central repository established for that purpose. Many of the articles required, particularly drawings and diagrams, would probably be executed by the students of the School of Design, who would thus possess an opportunity for the practical exercise of their art.

d. That useful inventions and apparatus might be exhibited in the various localities of the Metropolitan and Provincial Inst.i.tutes; and if the specimens were only shown for a short time in each place, a small number of each article would suffice. These circulating exhibitions would probably be attractive, and perhaps excite more notice than permanent museums. The Society of Arts might lend the articles for exposition gratuitously or at a low price, on condition that the Inst.i.tute supplied the room, and made itself responsible for loss or damage.

e. That each Inst.i.tute, in its collective capacity, would be considered so far affiliated to the various Scientific, Literary, and Philosophical Societies, as to receive annually, on application, a copy of the Transactions, and as many tickets, for attending Meetings and Lectures, as each Society may find it convenient to allow.