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Wiredrawer.

WIREWORKER. Woodmonger. WOOLLEN-MANU FACTURER. WOOLLEN-DRAPER. WOOLSTAPLER. WOOLCOMBER. Writer. WRITINGMISTRESS.

Numbers, whether in evil or contemptible situations, tend to keep each other in countenance; and prevailing fashions are not to be suddenly changed; therefore no violent revolution is to be dreaded in this affair. On the contrary, it is to be apprehended that the deprejudiced on the occasion will but slowly multiply, and their efforts be for a long time of trifling effect against the numerous fraternities who usurp the places of women. These MENWIVES (to adopt a characteristic general title from the hermaphrodite denomination of manmidwife already in use) -these MENWIVES, as fit for little else, in the present generation, than works of MENWIFRY, it is not proposed to expel; but that each MANWIFE should have his place supplied, on his retreat, by a successor, properly qualified, of the female sex. One cannot but flatter one's self, from the great good done by societies established for beneficent purposes, that-A Society for encouraging the Employment of Females in Occupations suitable to their Sex, but which are now chiefly carried on by Men, will not be without success equal to their endeavours. There seems no more likely method of calling a general attention to the subject, and, by the influence of their advice, inducing the public to countenance the measure, and gradually effect a reform in the prevailing practice. Should they be able to persuade the managers of some great charitable establishments for the education of youth to set an example, much good would result from it, as the numbers so engaged together would prevent any disgust from singularity taking place. Suppose, in such a charity as the Foundling Hospital, it were made a rule not to put any healthy lad to an EFFEMINATE TRADE; and to bring up girls (in the first instance for the supply of the concern) to TAILORING, SHOEMAKING, STOCKING-WEAVING, &c.; a supply of mistresses in these arts would be secured for the more convenient instruction of future apprentices. In the mean time auxiliary societies and individuals might exert themselves to prevail on artisans to bring up their daughters and female relatives and friends in a similar way; and also parish-officers to follow such an example. Mr. Rose once projected a plan, for precluding the necessity of press-warrants, of breeding all healthy youths, brought up at the parish expense, to the sea; on the ground that, as they owed their support to the nation, the nation had a stronger claim to their services than that of any other set of men. Why has a measure which promises so much utility, and founded on such a

constitutional principle, not been brought into practice? This would give great room for the more proper occupation of girls.

It is to be hoped that Mrs. Cappe, and her truly charitable coadjutors, and others such, who have been practically engaged in forming benevolent institutions, will take the scheme into consideration, and try to found such a society, regulated by rules which they will be best qualified to suggest. Popular authors have a good opportunity to promote such designs by their influence on the mind of the public. The repetition of their opinions, their censures, and applauses, ever has an important effect. The patriot politician will be glad to assist in a scheme which promises such an accession of hands to the productive labour of the country: the moralist will not refuse his aid, when such an opportunity offers, to promote the improvement of so large a portion of the human species. What is there more deserving the lash of the satirist than a prevailing inveterate abuse? And what will more excite the feelings of the poet, and rouse the eloquence of the orator, than the cause of women in misfortune, and the defence of just and natural right againt oppression ! 20th February, 1815.

WM. DRUTHIN.

British and Foreign School Society.

On Saturday June 3rd a meeting of the friends of the British and

Foreign School Society was held at the Freemasons' Hall, for the purpose of receiving the report of the state of this most valuable Institution. We never remember to have seen the Hall so completely crowded as it was on this occasion. Notwithstanding every effort was used to provide accommodation for those who pressed forward to gain admission, several were obliged to retire without being enabled to accomplish their purpose. The assemblage was graced by the presence of several ladies of the most distinguished rank. It was gratifying to observe at this meeting a considerable number of ladies of that humane and enlightened sect, the Society of Friends, who are ever foremost in the work of education and improvement.

At one o'clock His Royal Highness the Duke of Sussex took the chair, amid loud applause. His Royal Highness then briefly stated the object of the meeting, and expressed a high satisfaction which he felt at being thus received by so numerous and splendid an assemblage. He concluded by calling on their worthy secretary, Mr, Joseph Fox, to commence the usual proceeding of reading the Report of the Institution.

Mr. Fox then came forward and read the Report. He was received with loud applause.

Mr. William Allen, the treasurer, then came forward, and read the state of the funds of the Institution, and remarked that, after all the increasing expenditure which had been sustained, the debt against the Institution was pretty much the same as in the year 1808; indeed, the benevolence of the public kept pace with the wants of the establishment. He then stated to the Meeting, that, with a view of relieving the old debt, a proposition was pendingto raise a sum of 10,000i. among a few of the friends of the establishment, by donations of 1007. each. Two years were allowed for the completion of this sum, and if not raised within that time, the money was to be returned with interest to the parties who had subscribed. Six months had only elapsed since this suggestion originated, and nearly 3700l. was already subscribed, exclusive of remittances which were expected from the country; so that before the next year he trusted the whole amount would be supplied, or nearly so. He would here address himself more particularly to those of his own religious persuasion (the Society of Friends), who could materially assist in the great and good work of general education. They were aware of the benefits it conferred, and, on the opposite side, of the evils which were attendant upon a state of ignorance; to the latter was to be traced the growth of crime, and the increase of that melancholy catalogue of juvenile depredators, which so painfully marked the criminal roll of this city. In that list, during the last year, no less a number than seven or eight hundred boys, between the ages of nine and fourteen, were found systematically connected with older and more experienced thieves: it was, therefore, impossible to contemplate without emotion the prospect which the general diffusion of education, with its moral and religious precepts, is calculated to develop, not only in promoting the comfort and happiness of the individuals themselves, but also in the protection which is ulteriorly afforded to the general interests of society. Mr. Allen then impressed upon the meeting the necessity of each person's using his local influence for the common good, and particularly in calling together, as far as it were possible, the interests and feelings of the poorer classes themselves, in the promotion of the general object. If they were made the agents in the business, much benefit would doubtless result.

Mr. Whitbread rose to propose the adoption of the Report which had been read, and was received with that applause so justly due to his indefatigable services. He lamented that a temporary, although at the moment an oppressive indisposition prevented him from enlarging upon the benefits of the establishment as much as he should have wished. He had the less reason, however, to regret this circumstance, after the lucid and intelligent Report which they had just heard, which showed that the establishment was placed upon a solidand permanent basis.-(Applause.)-They perceived that, under

the present untoward circumstances of the world, it was making considerable progress, and that however transferable was the fate of rulers, in the dispensation of Providence, in our times, the great principle of universal education was holding its steady course, and was likely to enlighten to a certain extent, to civilise and mitigate the sufferings of the nations of Europe, in the horrible scenes of bloodshed which must soon of necessity prevail among a great portion of mankind. In the work which they were met to promote, though much had been done, yet much remained to be effected. They had heard of the evils which ignorance and vice engendered, in the recital of the increase of juvenile crime in the metropolis. There was no way of removing this afflicting evil, but by planting in the bosom of the lower walks of life those moral and religious precepts which education alone was calculated to infuse. It was impossible that this great benefit could be conferred without the extension of those funds which were the spring of the Institution, and which, to be effective, must be commensurate with its wants.They were told how many illustrious foreigners had stepped forward to co-operate in this great purpose, and to cast the influence of their high birth, the force of their talents, and the efficacy of their ener gies, into the common scale of universal benevolence. This foreign co-operation rendered it necessary for them to elect honorary members, for the purpose of enlarging the sphere of their correspondence. The honourable gentleman concluded by moving two resolutions: one of them was for the adoption of the Report, the other for the election of honorary members..

Mr. Alderman Wood seconded the motion. He observed, that the City School had educated during the last year 1150 boys, and that some of them were fit to go into a counting-house. He enforced the necessity of the Institution from the sad state of morals among the lower orders of youth, and said that numbers of most affecting cases of juvenile depravity came before him continually as a magistrate, which he always found to originate in ignorance. One very young offender had been before him ten times, and he was at last obliged to commit this boy; yet, on account of his tender years, it was difficult to know what to do with him. He found, on inquiry, that the family were destitute of the Bible, and that they were unable to read it if they had possessed one. The worthy alderman strongly urged the ladies to exert their influence, over their husbands and brothers, in procuring the benevolent aid of their purses. Upon the resolution of thanks to the Prince Regent, &c., being carried with acclamations,-

The Duke of Sussex, in returning thanks for the honour they had done to himself, as well as to his illustrious relatives, could not refrain from the expression of his regret at the absence of the Duke of Kent, who would have so much more ably filled the chair on that occasion. With respect to the society, he had only to express the deep interest he should ever feel in its advancement. After the re

port of its progress which had been read, little remained for him to say but to express his happiness at the state in which it stood, and his conviction of the wisdom of those measures which were adopted by the Committee for the attainment of its ultimate success. The Ladies' Report gave him considerable satisfaction, as it formed a decisive proof of the propriety and policy of having called in to their aid the energies of that sex, whose station was to command, -(Great applause.)-He had lately read an old statute of Henry VIII. which prohibited the reading of the translation of the Bible, particularly to ladies (Much laughter).-The times were now greatly changed, for they not only read them themselves, but co-operated for their more general distribution. The royal chairman then adverted to the criminality of some of the younger classes in society, which was an additional reason for the schools to be kept on the alert, to embrace that combination of such characters, and to afford them that instruction which would prevent the commencement of their destructive career. Every year, he trusted, would bring them together to hear a Report in prosperous progression; and although the present aspect of the world was gloomy and obscure, yet despair ought not to be their watchword, and every moment should be occupied in seizing the means of conferring additional efficacy on so godly a cause.

The Rev. Mr. Tracey moved thanks to the presidents and vicepresidents. He highly commended the treasurer for his forwardness in every work of benevolence, and particularly as an active instrument in effecting the abolition of the Slave Trade, and in promoting the prosperity of this Institution; and made some remarks on the circumstance of the Rev. A. Fuller having preached his last Charity Sermon for the British and Foreign School Society, in which he took occasion to pay a deserved tribute of respect to that excellent man, who has now rested from his labours. He also mentioned with pleasure the permission granted by Mr. Wilberforce, a few hours before the meeting, to add his name to the number of the vice-presidents.

Charles Barclay, Esq. M. P. moved thanks to the Ladies' Committee, and expressed his readiness to stand forward on all occasions in support of the Society. He felt himself peculiarly called upon to support this society, as he had the honour to be one of the representatives in Parliament of the place in which the institution is situated. From the borough of Southwark had originated that spirit for the promotion of education which now is so rapidly extending its influence all over the world. The hon. gentleman then adverted to the measures which had been adopted in France for the introduction of the British System of Education; and observed, that it was a most happy feature in the present times, when, in order to gain popularity, governors were under the necessity of performing such praiseworthy acts as the abolition of the slave trade, and the promoting of the education of the poor.

Thomas Wilson, Esq. in seconding the motion, illustrated the

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