The Council of the Parochial
Institute 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 circumstances 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 multitudes who throng to gaze upon the line
of armies manœuvring in the pomp of mimic war, he reads the
love of military glory, if not the lust 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
constituencies to a participation 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 institutions 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 noblest 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 associations, 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 Athenæums of the
manufacturing towns, and the Bibliothèques of the
continental cities, has been modestly provided by the Parochial
Institute.
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 Institution 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 factitious 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
succumbs to reason, party strife is mitigated, and argument, not
force, enthroned the constituted 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
Institute 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 appetite 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
Herschell 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 association 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 space. With Weld, explored the coasts and
channels, creeks and bays of those inhospitable regions which,
clustering round the Northern Pole, guard with indomitable
tenacity the Western Passage, 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 Institute has sustained a grievous loss. Yet
amongst its pleasantest associations must ever rank the
recollections of their lectures. The idiomatic phraseology,
homeliness of illustration, 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 God. Alike
disinterested in character, alike confident in the victory of
knowledge over ignorance, alike the firm and generous promoters
of infant institutions 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 association 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 masses 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 association 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 Institutes 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 document 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
Institute? 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 analysis 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 class 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 Classes, held at the Church-court school,
under the superintendence of two masters from Battersea
College. They were instituted for the sake of the young
persons who are unable to attend the day schools, and include a
due proportion of adults. The class for young men and boys
meets upon Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday; 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 class 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
constitute a remunerating class. 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 noble 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.”