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he could not resist, to offer himself for a few moments to their attention. First, to discharge an act of duty in behalf of his native land, in the absence of its official representative-an absence as unexpected by him as it was unforeseen, and which had cast upon him a duty he felt inadequate to perform-that of thanking this Meeting for the grateful sense they had expressed towards America, and also to assure them that all that was exalted in station, in talent, and in moral character, among his countrymen, was (as was also to be found in England) firmly united for the suppression of this infamous traffic. It was delightful to him to know that Virginia, the land of his sires, the place of his nativity, had for half a century affixed a public brand, an indelible stigma, upon this traffic, and had put in the claim of the wretched objects of it to the common rights and attributes of humanity.-He repeated his thanks to the Meeting for the flattering reception they had given him.

[The plainness of Mr. Randolph's appearance, his republican simplicity of manner, and easy and unaffected address, attracted much attention: he sat down amidst a burst of applause.]

Mr. JOHN WARRE, M.P., proposed a Resolution of thanks to Spain, for the recent vote of the Cortes, which made the slave-trade penal, by confiscation and ten years' hard labour at the public works. The Honourable Member drew a forcible contrast between the present favourable disposition of the Spanish Government, and that last year communicated in the dispatches of Sir H. Wellesley to the Marquis of Londonderry.

Mr. BoWRING bore testimony to the altered opinion of the Spanish authorities. He said, that the debates of the Cortes upon this subject were last year carried on with closed doors, and an adverse measure carried by the foulest misrepresentation of facts.

A man of venerable appearance here evinced a desire to address the Meeting from one of the side galleries: he wore a gold chain and medal around his neck; but the call of the Meeting being for

Mr. STEPHEN, that gentleman rose to propose a Resolution of thanks to the new Governments of South America, for the ready manner in which they (Columbia in particular) had come forward to abolish the slave-trade. He then read a letter from a correspondent, detailing the particulars of the Columbian abolition act; and that, on the Motion that the children of all slaves born since the revolution should be free at 18 years of age, an amendment was moved to substitute the age of 25, as a recompense for the expense of rearing and educating, which amendment was lost by votes of the Council in the proportion of ten to one. The principal South American landholders were also arranging a sort of property-tax, to establish a fund for the progressive emancipation of all the slaves who had not obtained privileges by other means, such as military service, &c. He contrasted the liberal and high-minded spirit of the South American Governments with that of our own colonies, where the wretched infant was still doomed to a life of servitude, and could be torn from his family, and sold in another island, at the will of the owner.

Mr. W.SMITH Seconded this Resolution, and enforced the necessity of more effective steps to secure the abolition of this odious traffic.

Mr. FoWELL BUXTON, Mr. BOOTLE WILBRAHAM, Sir T. D. ACLAND, and one or two other gentlemen, addressed the Mecting, and enforced

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similar topics, in language which we regret we have not space to convey; and His Royal Highness the Duke of GLOUCESTER, in acknowledging the thanks of the Meeting, took occasion to introduce the name of an illustrious relative of his, who had also steadily pursued the abolition of the slave-trade—he meant the King of Denmark. His Royal Highness also stated, that he had the pleasure of a personal acquaintance with General Bolivar, who had promised him, when in England in the year 1808, that the moment the South Americans had acquired their liberty, the slavetrade should be abolished. General Bolivar had at least redeemed the promise he had made.-His Royal Highness then communicated an apology from Sir George Collier, who was prevented, by a severe illness in his family, from attending the present Meeting.

When His Royal Highness quitted the chair, it was taken by Mr. Wilberforce, and thanks were then voted to Mr. Harrison, the Hon. Secretary.

Philanthropic Institution, St. George's Fields.-On the 2d of May, a numerous and highly respectable Meeting of the friends and supporters of this valuable Institution took place at the City of London Tavern, Bishopsgate-street, to celebrate their Anniversary Festival, Lord Viscount Bulkeley in the chair, in the absence of His R. H. the Duke of York, President of the Society. The Secretary's Report presented a gratifying account of the success of the Institution in the reformation of the children of convicted felons and criminal boys. In the course of last year 28 boys and girls were admitted, some of whose fathers were sentenced to death or transportation, and nine were criminal boys of the most depraved dispositions. In the last year 191, of both sexes, were under the protection of the Institution, in its several establishments, including those who completed their apprenticeship and were placed in service: the numbers now remaining are 55 apprentices, 66 boys, and 42 girls, making a total of 163. Of those who left the Institution in the last eight years, 53 young women were placed in service, and 65 young men completed their apprenticeship; 30 of the young men, prior to entering the Establishment, were criminal offenders, and 35 the children of convicts. Of the above 65 young men, 43 quitted the Institution with considerable sums saved by means of extra work, and are now become industrious and respectable members of Society.

Magdalen Hospital-At the celebration of the 64th Anniversary of the Magdalen Hospital, an appropriate sermon was delivered by the Lord Bishop of Llandaff: after which the Governors and other friends to this most useful but unobtrusive charity partook of an excellent dinner, given by the stewards, at the London Tavern; the Hon. Mr. Percy in the chair, supported by Mr. Justice Park and Mr. Justice Richardson. Among the company present were Sir J. E. Dolben, Bart., Sir F. Ommaney, Bart., M.P., M. A. Taylor, Esq., M.P., and several other gentlemen distinguished by their liberal support of most of the public charities in the metropolis. Notwithstanding the unfavourable weather, the chapel and the dinner were well attended.

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Philanthropic Institution.—Magdalen Hospital, &c. 365

London Female Penitentiary.-The Annual Meeting of this most benevolent Society was held, on the 6th of May, in the great room of the Crown and Anchor Tavern, Strand, and was very numerously attended. At half-past twelve o'clock, W. WILBERFORCE, Esq. M.P. took the chair, supported by several eminent characters.

The Report of the last year's proceedings was immediately read by the Secretary, from which it appears that 149 applications have been made to the Society. Fourteen young women had been placed in situations, 39 restored to their friends, 21 discharged or left on their own account, one had been passed to her parish, and one died. Several affecting anecdotes were related of some of the applicants. Letters had been received from those who were placed in service, expressing their gratitude, and requesting permission to become subscribers. There are now 100 inmates in the Asylum.

The Report next detailed the operations of the Society established at Brighton, on the 15th of April, under the auspices of His Majesty, which had effected great good in that town. The subscriptions raised during the last year amounted to 40757. 19s. and the expenditure to 1251. less'; but there still remained a balance against the Society of 5001. The Report concluded by calling for additional pecuniary assistance to enable the Committee to support the many cases which come before them. The Rev. Dr. Winter and Mr. Wilberforce, with other gentlemen, addressed the Meeting in powerful speeches in support of the Institution.

The Report was ordered to be printed and circulated; and thanks were voted to the several officers for their meritorious exertions. The acknowledgement of the Meeting was also voted by acclamation to the Chairman; after which the Meeting adjourned.

City of London General Pension Society for the permanent Relief of decayed Artizans, Mechanics, and their Widows.-The Fourth Anniversary Dinner of this Society was held at the Albion House, Aldersgatestreet, H. R. H. the Duke of Sussex in the chair.

The company assembled were numerous beyond any former Anniversary, and strongly marked the growing estimation in which this charitable Institution is held by the public.

The Royal Chairman, on the dinner being concluded, gave the usual loyal toasts, and the Patrons of the Institution. His Royal Highness, in proposing the next toast, said, he felt it was incumbent on him to offer some statement respecting the Institution which they were assembled to support. It was founded on the benevolent and patriotic principles of providing a comfortable support for persons whose honest industry had contributed to the greatness of their country, and whose honest pride made them most reluctant to solicit parish relief; and it was one of the best effects of the Institution, that it held out to persons in the situation in life to which it was calculated to afford relief, the encouraging hope that by propriety of conduct they would, in the event of being visited by misfortune-which might be the lot of all-be saved from the painful necessity of being obliged to resort to indiscriminate charity. Of all

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the benevolent Institutions which were the pride of the Metropolis, he considered it one of the most useful, and it was most grateful to his feelings to witness its rapid progress.

London Orphan Asylum.-The Anniversary Festival of this Institution was held at the City of London Tavern, Bishopsgate-street, when upwards of 300 of its friends and supporters sat down to a sumptuous dinner, H. R. H. the Duke of York in the chair, supported by the Bishop of Chester, the Marquis of Salisbury, Lord Cranborne, Alderman Heygate, Sheriff Venables, Mr. Byng, M.P., Ch. Phillips, Esq. and several other persons of distinction. In the course of the evening 130 boys and girls educated by the Society paraded the room, and they exhibited a very healthy and clean appearance.

The Report stated, that since the preceding Anniversary 12 children had left the Asylum, their education being complete; and 35 had been received under their protection; leaving the number now in the establishment 132. It also appeared, that the moneys received on account of the building fund (it being intended by the Society to have a more commodious establishment) amount to nearly 8000l.; but they do not intend commencing the building until the fund increases to 10,000l. At the last election 91 persons were on the list, but only 14 could be admitted; therefore it is the intention of the Board to erect a building for 300 children.

The subscriptions of the evening were very handsome, and we trust 'will soon enable the Committee to realise all their benevolent intentions.

Associated Catholic Charities for educating the Children of poor Catholics, and providing for destitute Orphans.-The Anniversary of this Society was held at the Freemasons' Tavern, when upwards of 100 gentlemen sat down to dinner. The Right Hon. Lord Stourton presided on the occasion, supported by the Duke of Norfolk, and Earl of Surry.-After the usual toasts had been given, the healths of the Right Rev. Dr. Poynter, V. A. L. the Duke of Norfolk, the Hon. E. Petre, and the Earl of Surry, were given, and thanks were returned in appropriate speeches. The boys and girls were then ushered into the room; and one of the former recited an address in a very interesting manner, appealing to the feelings of those present, and enumerat*ing the many blessings derived from their charitable donations. More than 5001. was collected.

Royal Metropolitan Infirmary for Sick Children.-May 30th, the first Anniversary of this Institution, which is patronised by His Majesty, and consecrated to the memory of the Princess Charlotte, was celebrated at Freemasons' Tavern.-Dr. M'Leod in the Chair.

Before the cloth was removed, the Chairman apologized for the absence of the Duke of York, who was to have presided on this occasion, but was prevented by indispensable business. The usual toasts being given, the Chairman stated the object of the charity, of which the title is a full description. The great advantage of this Institution was, that no recommendation was necessary for the introduction of the patient. He concluded by recommending the charity to the support of the Assembly. Rev. Dr. Hamilton (one of the Treasurers) read the Report of the

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London Orphan Asylum.—Associated Catholic Charities, &c. 367. Royal Metropolitan Infirmary; from which it appeared, that since the commencement of the Institution, the total number of patients admitted at various stations amounted to 8475. Of these only 3446 appeared to have been vaccinated, 1884 having had the small-pox, and consequently 3145 remained totally unprotected, a proportion of children which could not be contemplated without much anxiety, and which would render the fatality of that disease very great, should it unfortunately become epidemic. The medical officers had endeavoured to remedy this evil, but they regretted to say that few parents availed themselves of the offers to vaccinate their children. Of those who had been afflicted with small-pox, 1360 had it in their natural form, and 524 had been wilfully subjected to it by inoculation; giving evidence that there are still members of the medical profession who employed themselves in creating those maladies which the exertions of their brethren and the legislature were directed to suppress.

The Treasurer's Report was then read; from which it appeared that the funds were not flourishing in proportion to the excellence of the Institution; but a firm conviction is entertained that the public will come forward with the most spirited support, when the effects are more generally known.

Several gentlemen, amongst whom were Mr. M. Hutchinson, Mr. Harris, and Dr. Webster, spoke highly in favour of the Institution; and Mr. Harris read a list of donations which had been made since the Report was drawn up.

Society in Scotland for propagating Christian Knowledge in the Highlands and Islands.—A General Public Meeting of the subscribers and friends of this laudable Institution took place at Freemasons' Hall, when a numerous and most respectable body of persons assembled, chiefly consisting of ladies elegantly dressed. In the absence of His Royal Highness the Duke of Sussex, the Rev. Dr. Manuel was called to the Chair, and was supported by several eminent individuals. It appeared from the Report, that the Society was instituted in the year 1701, for the improvement of public morals, and in the year 1709 it received a Charter of Incorporation from Her Majesty Queen Anne, and hence it gradually received royal patronage. Upwards of 350 schools are now supported by the Society, and about 20,000 children are receiving the benefits of instruction, and habits of industry are instilled into them. The Scriptures have been translated into Gaelic, and in that and the English language have been widely distributed; and tracts, with a variety of books for elementary tuition, have been circulated in the Highlands and Islands. The population of the Highlands and Islands is estimated at about 400,000 persons. The yearly revenue of the Society generally amounts to 50001. A corresponding branch of the Society has been established in London for the last century, whose sole object is to assist the funds of the parent Society.-Several speeches were delivered, and the company made a handsome subscription before they separated.

East Lothian Itinerating Libraries.-By the Second Annual Report of this Institution we learn that the object of its establishment is to furnish

the

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