260

GLASGOW GOSSIP.

It is

SOME ladies of our acquaintance, have, lately, been listening to a call of charity from Fife and engaging their fair fingers in framing little pieces of handiwork for a Bazaar in that quarter. now a considerable time since any public sale of ladies' work has taken place in this city. Might not our beautiful citoyennes, instead of bestowing their labours upon other places, form another combination for the benefit of the suffering poor, similar to that which was attended with so much success in the year 1829. Judging from the proceeds of a Bazaar which was got up lately in Greenock, and which realized £540, we think such a thing We might be productive of much advantage amongst ourselves. would offer our congratulations to the ladies of Greenock on such unprecedented success attending their exertions in the cause of charity. The result is equally creditable to their good taste and industry, and to the liberality of so small a community, which was never known to resist a fair appeal to their sympathies or their purses.

KILLING NO MURDER.

A CERTAIN Cotemporary, in his anxiety to send forth a full list of victims to the Cholera, has, in his zeal, killed off poor Jamie Blue, alias the Glasgow Demosthenes. The following epistle addressed, however, to a celebrated Bibliopole shews that the killing here is no murder:

BLUE THOOMBS.

SIR, I am happy to inform you that the above interesting personage is at present in the enjoyment of excellent health, at his country residence, Duke Street Lodge. As soon as Choleraphobia shall permit, he will have the honour of submitting to your notice a number of literary and scientific pamphlets. Yours, &c. Wednesday forenoon.

LONDON THEATRICALS. From our London Correspondent.

THERE has been little novelty in the Theatrical world since I last addressed you. At the King's Theatre, the Opera of Pietro l'Eremita has been performed, with its usual success, and although the cast was by no means good, the music is always certain to secure approbation.

It is said, in the dramatic circles, that Miss F. Kemble has written another tragedy, besides "Francis the First," and, what is still more important to tell you, that rumour says, that it is much better in plot than her former work. Another attempt has been made to induce Mr. C. Young to return to the stage this but the attempt has failed.

THERE lived about fifty years ago, in the County of East-Lothian, a crazy fellow of the name of Alexander, or rather Sandy, Blackhall. He was possessed of some small share of that dry humour and roguery which are often found in natural idiots; but gluttony seems, from the stories told of him, to have been his chief characteristic.

Among the many houses which he used to visit, in his wanderings, was that of a gentleman, remarkable for his corpulence, a very portly individual indeed, well proportioned in all his limbs -his legs, arms, feet and hands, and above all his head, corresponding in magnitude to the hugeness of his trunk. Sandy Blackha' happening once to forgather with this man-mountain, was thus accosted by him, "Weel, Sandy, whare's this ye're for?" true Scotchman-like style, Sandy, without replying to the query, said to his interrogator: "I was just thinkin'-and here he paused, casting a waggish look on his large friend. ye thinkin', Sandy?"-" Eh! I was just thinkin', Mr. what a fine patfu' o' kail your head wad mak'!"

In

"What was

At another time, an honest housewife, on whom he had found some excuse for calling, set before him a goodly supply of cakes and cheese, with a large roll of butter, from one end of which but a very little portion had been sliced. The glutton commenced tooth and nail on this ample store of eatables; but, in the middle of his repast, the old lady discovered that he had committed the grievous offence of helping himself to butter from that end of the roll which had not been touched: "Sandy, man," she cried, "ye've begun at the wrang end o' the butter." "Ou, aye, guidwife, but I'll come in by the richt end."

THE LADIES-ADEPT FIBBERS! Now what I love in woman is, they won't, Or can't, do otherwise than lie, but do it So well, the very truth seems falsehood to it.

BYRON.

It is said that the proprietors of Drury Lane and Covent Garden have in serious contemplation a very important change, by materially reducing the price of admission to all parts of the two houses, If so as, in this respect, to compete with their smaller rivals. the experiment be tried, and it fails, they will not find it a very easy task to raise the price again; but that it is at present too high, considering the difference in the value of money now and twenty years ago, can hardly admit of a doubt.

Poole has written a very amusing piece, in two acts, for Madame Vestris, which is to be acted early next week. It is founded on a few of the many strange anecdotes of Frederick II. of Prussia.

MISCELLANEA.

HUNTING. The price of hounds is perhaps not generally known. Thirty years ago, Sir Richard Puleston sold his to the Duke of Bedford for seven hundred; and, fifteen years since, Mr. Cubit's were sold to Lord Middleton for twelve hundred guineas. A well-known good pack will, in these times, bad as they are, command a thousand guineas. Those of Mr. Warde, Lord Tavistock, Mr. Nicolls, and Sir Richard Sutton, have been sold for that sum within the last few years. But a very short time since Mr. Osbaldeston sold ten couples of hounds for the same sum to Lord Middleton, and we have reason to believe he has hounds in his kennel for which he would not take two hundred guineas a piece. Knowing all this, one can make every allowance for the angry feelings of their owners when they see the chance of their being ridden over and destroyed in the chace. Good hounds are not easily replaced, and it is on this account that in hard-riding counties, and where the covers are small, seldom more than sixteen or seventeen couples form a pack.- Quarterly Review.

DR. CHALMERS AND THE ROYAL COMMISSION.*

THE subject which we are about to introduce to the notice of our readers, is one of so much importance, in every point of view, that we must call upon them for a more than common share of attention.

In 1823, Dr. Chalmers, at that time minister of the parish of St. John's, in Glasgow, was appointed to the chair of Moral Philosophy in the University of St. Andrew's, and, in November of the same year, began his labours as Ethical Professor. The immediate duties of his office afforded no time for inquiry into existing abuses: nor is it probable, that any such were supposed by him to have being. His business, at St. Andrews, was to teach Moral Philosophy, not to enact the part of a reformer. The income annexed to the situation of what is called a foundation Professor in that University, independently of what is received from a class, is made up of the following items:Regular salary, payable half-yearly,

Diet money, or house rent, payable at Laminas, 15 0 0

£111 0 0

But, in addition to this, it has, for many years, been the practice for the Principal and Professors to appropriate a certain sum, derived from the college revenues, which they divide amongst themselves at Candlemas, under the name of the Candlemas dividend. The amount of this dividend is variable. It would seem to average £150 for each Professor, "and one year it was so large as £220."-(p. 43.) The income of a Professor at St. Andrews, including the Candlemas dividend, but exclusive of what he may derive from his class, is, then, £261 a year. In 1747, when the two colleges of St. Salvator and St. Leonard were united by Act of Parliament, the salaries of the Professors were fixed at £160 for the Principal, and £80 for each of the foundation Professors; but, in 1769, or 22 years afterwards, £22 were added to the Principal's salary, and £16 to the salary of each of the other Professors, not by an Act of Parliament, but by an act of the Senate of the University, which consisted of the parties who were to be the recipients of this augmentation, and who were, moreover, those who deliberated over its propriety. It is to be remarked, that no power is vested in the Professors, as a body, which could have warranted this singular step; but, as it left an annual surplus, which might be made available for general College purposes, and as the sum appropriated was not great, it does not seem to have excited any remark. In 1793, however, the system of appropriation was farther extended, and the annual surplus, "including arrears," was reserved in the hands of the Factor, and ordered to be divided equally among the nine masters as additional diet money. This was the origin of the Candlemas dividend.

The above details are necessary for understanding what is to follow. It is obvious, then, that the salaries of the Professors were fixed by act of Parliament, in 1747, and that they were augmented by the Professors, themselves, first, in 1769, and, again, in 1793; and, the natural inference, in ordinary cases, would be,

Letter to the Royal Commissioners for the Visitation of Colleges in Scotland, by THOMAS CHALMERS, D. D. P.T. Edinburgh.

that men of their respectability would not have done this without some legal warrant. The fact, however, is otherwise. The surplus revenue was set aside by an Act of the Supreme Legislature, for the purpose of repairing and upholding the buildings of the University; but the Professors, in direct defiance of this Act, and in derision of every elementary principle of justice, set the Act of Parliament aside, by an Act, emanating from themselves, and very decently pocket the University funds, under the modest denomination of the Candlemas dividend. The annual surplus, " if, ununtouched, would have accumulated, now, to upwards of £64,000;" (p. 45,) and, notwithstanding the diminution in the revenues of the colleges, which has been considerable, £1600, over and above their original salaries, "are, yearly, appropriated by the Professors," (p. 44.) Now, it so happened, that, when Dr. Chalmers began to inquire into this matter, he found it to be impossible for him, as a conscientious man, to participate in this wholesale spoliation, and he steadily refused to do so. To his colleagues, he said, since you see no moral impropriety in applying, to your own uses, what belongs to the funds of the united colleges, of which you are the custodiers, you may take the Candlemas dividend, if you will, but I cannot do so, because, it appears to me that an act of my predecessors is not of force sufficient to obliterate an Act of Parliament. I wish to be relieved from the degrading necessity of helping myself, to what does not belong to me; but, if you will obtain the authority of any competent power, external to the college, whether that be a new Act of Parliament, an Act of Privy Council, or the judgment of Parliamentary Commissioners, I will then be satisfied. None of these, however, were obtained, and, during the whole period of his abode at St. Andrews, he never received one peuny of the Candlemas dividend. Not only so, but, in 1826, he submitted, to the Royal Commissioners, for visiting the Colleges, a memorial, containing his grounds of dissent, and explaining, in detail, the reasons which induced him to take the view of the matter which he was conscientiously compelled to take; and, when the queries of the Commissioners were answered, the following exculpatory minute was appended :

"It is proper to mention here, that Dr. Chalmers, Professor of Moral Philosophy, has declined to accept the Candlemas dividend, for reasons stated in a paper, ordered to be kept in retentis, by a minute of the 10th December, 1825. In the meantime, they are set aside by the society, in a situation of security, and bearing interest for his use."-(p. 11.)

When the returns were made to the Commissioners, Dr. Chalmers stood fairly absolved from all participation in that transaction, which, afterwards, called forth their condemnation; but the most singular part of this most singular story remains to be told. The book, containing the answers, and the above note, after remaining in Edinburgh for about a week, re-appeared at St. Andrews,-(how, is not stated) a meeting of the Professors was convened, and, in despite of the most strenuous exertions, to the contrary, on the part of Dr. Chalmers, the obnoxious explanation was expunged, and the document thus amended, was returned to the Commissioners. All this while, let it be remembered, Dr. Chalmers was no participator in the

abuse of the college funds, yet he was made to appear so, by withholding the explanation-by placing the money in a bank, for his use-and, by including his name in the college accounts, as a receiver of the Candlemas dividend, though he had never fingered one of it. There remained, however, an awkwardcopper ness, which it was very desirable to have removed. It was this. The Commissioners had resolved on condemning the practice which had so long obtained at St. Andrews, of applying the public funds of the University to private uses; but they seem to have been unwilling that the conduct of his colleagues should contrast, so unpleasantly, with that of Dr. Chalmers, as it must do, if he was either allowed to have his case fairly stated, or to remain free from the pollution of accepting the money. The first part of the difficulty they got over, by expunging the note containing an acknowledg ment of his non-participation; the second, they obviated in a manner equally novel, and equally just. Six months after he had taken up his residence at Edinburgh, and, without any application on his part, they ordered the following official communication to be forwarded to him :

"College of Edinburgh, May 19, 1829. "The Commissioners took into consideration the state of the question brought before them by the Memorial, and other communications of the Reverend Dr. Chalmers, relative to the application of the surplus funds of the University of St. Andrews; and, understanding that, under feelings of scruple and delicacy, Dr. Chalmers had declined to receive for the period which he held the office of Professor of Moral Philosophy, the proportion of the sums alloted by the previous Resolutions of the College to that Professorship, and that a large sum remained due to him on that account, are of opinion, and hereby resolve, that, under all the circumstances, there is no good reason why Dr. Chalmers, who has now ceased to be a Professor, should not receive and accept of the sums so due to him; and they therefore instruct the Secretary to communicate a copy of this Minute and Resolution, to the Principal of the United College, and to Dr. Chalmers.

"An accurate copy.

(Signed)" JAMES AITKEN, Secretary.' Acting on this communication, "as the award of a competent authority," (p. 20,) he received the money, £745-in due time the commissioners make up their report-in due time it is laid on the table of the House of Commons and, in due time, it finds its way amongst thousands of the community, containing, amid other matters, a just condemnation of the practice of misappropriation which had prevailed at St. Andrews; but carefully abstaining from any nocarefully_abstaining tice of the part which the Professor of Moral Philosophy had taken. In the list of defaulters Dr. Chalmers's name is to be found, and that after explanations had been given and memorials written. The ingenious piece of strategy, which had been adopted by these honourable persons, had reduced the Doctor to the rank of his fellows; and, though it be true that this was accomplished by an act of the Commissioners themselves, it seems that this was no justification whatever of his conduct.

It is against this glaring act of injustice that Dr. Chalmers has appealed in the pamphlet before us, and we cannot imagine a more triumphant vindication of his conduct than that which it contains. It is not the petulant production of an angry and turbulent polemic, but the calm, firm, and energetic defence of a high-minded gentleman, and a Christian minister, who feels that, in both capacities, he has been most disengeniously dealt by; and yet it is a production which it is impossible to peruse without feelings of regret and surprise. In the exercise of his Royal preroga

tive, and with the advice of his Parliament, the King selects, from the body of the Scotch nation, a limited number of noblemen and gentlemen, whose rank and attainments might justly place them above all suspicion of subserviency to vulgar prejudices, or to party malevolence, and to them he entrusts the delicate task of inquiring into the state of the Scotch Universities, expecting, no doubt, that the documents submitted by them to Government would bear the impress of truth and impartiality. What, then, must be the disappointment of every man of common honesty, whatever be his rank, when it is found that the statements of these distinguished persons have called forth, from his retreat, one of the most eminent members of the national church, in the novel aspect of a defender of his moral character, and of his personal consistency? and how melancholy is it to reflect, that such a man should, by the suppression of documentary testimony, be held up to the world in the light of a pretender to scruples of which he never actually felt the force? We know not where the blame lies; for we are extremely unwilling to believe that the deliberate purpose was formed, of destroying the fair name of an innocent individual, by men, who, individually, must be esteemed incapable of an act of such atrocious baseness; but, of this, we are certain, that, until some satisfactory explanation of this dark and ambiguous transaction is laid before the public, the conduct of the Commissioners will appear, to every unprejudiced mind, utterly inexplicable. Meanwhile, the pamphlet of Dr. Chalmers has gone forth to the four ends of the earth, as a corrective of the aspersions which have been cast upon him, and, so long as this pamphlet, containing, as it does, the subdued expression of a spirit which has been wantonly wounded, remains unanswered, the doers of this work must not expect that they will be allowed to shield themselves with an official panoply of proof. Achilles's armour would not protect them-they must explain—or abide by the consequences.

The question of chapel attendance, and the reply of the Professors, we will, perhaps, consider on some future occasion

THE CHRISTIAN TRAVELLER.-No. I.

JUDSON.

THIS world is inconsistent in the award of its approbations, its honours, and its fame. Would not applause, the most gratifying, await the philanthropist who, informed of disease and distress in a distant clime, should leave all the endearments of home, the protection of mild and equitable laws, the comforts of civilization, the friends and associations of youth, and the land of his sires, to wander amid savage and uncultivated wilds, that he might alleviate the sorrows of suffering humanity? Would not persons, of all opinions, consider mankind as illustrated and adorned by a character so noble? Would not the storied urn, and animated bust, rise in commemoration of his worth, and his example be held forth as a model for the imitation of the

world?

Now, all this has been done, and more, and yet the world has not only refused its approbation, but has also attributed false motives to the philanthropist, and scorned and despised all his exertions. Evidence of the benefit of these exertions has, in a thousand different ways, been offered, and rejected. The world has even refused to examine it, as if to remain in igrance of a fact were to refute it. Surely, surely, if the interest, which the simple narrative of some of our christian travellers contains were their only recommendation, many who now remain in ignorant hostility would confess that, at least, selfish motives could not be ascribed to the narrators. The first traveller's memoir we shall introduce is that of the Judsons.

On the 19th of February, 1812, Mr. and Mrs. Judson sailed from Salem, in the Brig Caravan, for

GLASGOW REMINISCENCES.

ST. ENOCH'S CHURCH.

THE following advertisement will show that it was not quite so mighty a matter to build a Kirk during the last century, as in the present.

AS THE MAGISTRATES and Town COUNCIL have resolved to contract for the building of a Church, in the south end of St. Enoch Square, capable of containing one thousand sitters. The Church to be of plain substantial workmanship, without ornaments, except upon the north front ;-to have a foundation laid for a steeple, and carried up to the height of the Church, and the whole expense not to exceed Fifteen Hundred Pounds sterling, exclusive of the price of the ground and levelling the same. They therefore request of such persons, as chuse to give in plans, to lodge the same in the Council Chambers, betwixt this time and the 15th Decemher next, in order that the Committee appointed by the Council may inspect the same, and require estimates of such plans as may be approven of.

Council Chambers, Glasgow, S0th Nov. 1779.

CHURCH ANNOYANCES.

"Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the Church of God."-1 Corinthians, x. 32.

To the Editor of THE DAY.

SIR,-The truly pious portion of our christian community ought to feel deeply interested in the welfare of "The Day," from the praiseworth and zealous manner in which its pages espouse the suppression of those " annoyances," that are so frequently to be met with, even in the most sacred of edifices-the church, and, that, too, at a time when the most solemu service, in which sinful men can engage-divine worship, is, being dispensed. sons of men, how long will ye turn my glory into shame? how long will ye love vanity?" Psalms, iv. 2.

"O, ye

It may appear somewhat strange, that, notwithstanding the numerous list of "annoyances" which have already been discussed, there should yet be another, and a glaring one, too, left me, to bring under your notice; it is so unlike those enumerated, that it applies, alone, to the male portion of the audience, the other sex being, in this instance, justified—nay, commanded by scripture to act as is their invariable practice.

Without farther preface, then, I allude to the unsanctimonious custom, which a number of people have, of entering the church with their hats on, and, which, are, in many instances, retained at head quarters, until the minister makes his appearance, on whose debut, in the pulpit, a scene oftentimes ensues, as would impress a foreigner with the idea of a general huzza! On the conclusion of the service, again, the "blessing" is scarcely pronounced, when a general rush to the hats is made, and, which, are, instantly doffed on the head, without any respect being had to the place of worship. Surely, the most becoming mode, in regard to the subject now described upon, is, to take off the hat at the threshold of the door, in entering, and to put it on at the threshold of the door, in withdrawing. That such offenders will "cease to do evil, and learn to do well," is the sincere wish of, Sir, your most obedient,

George Street, 15th March, 1832.

-

SERMON ON THE DECALOGUE.

To the Editor of THE DAY.

N. S.

SIR, The tone of your Saturday's number is in unison with the feelings of many of my friends, and, to assure you of my desire to serve the important ends which you appear to have in view, I send you the sketch of a sermon, preached last Sunday afternoon, in St. Georges, from Exodus, xx. 14, by the present incumbent. Aware, as I am of the delicacy that ought to characterize such a communication, I deem it right to state; first, That this notice is due to the clergyman for the happy manner in which he treated a subject, which the false taste of the present period, has made one of peculiar difficulty; and secondly, for the purpose of recommending to a number of gentlemen, who usually are seen at the end of their pews pretty regularly, but who absconded on this occasion, to be less apprehensive for the future.-Your obedient servant,

Glasgow, Thursday Evening.

SERAPHINA.

THIS is a portion of scripture, which, however important it may appear, is encompassed with difficulties so apparent, that were a sense of duty not to predominate, it embraces one of those subjects that a clergyman would be inclined to avoid. When, however, we attempt to trace the source from whence these difficulties arise, an impartial survey will conduct us to the corruption which springs from our fallen nature and our polluted hearts. The great apostle of the Gentiles deemed it no derogation to his office to ex

press, in the strongest language, his detestation of crime and of pollution, and gave the strength of his arguments and the power of his irresistible eloquence to the preaching of the whole-the unmutilated law. We must do our duty in despite of the fashion or the temper of the times, and we must put down false declarations upon the subject by the assertion, "all Scripture is given by inspiration of God."

First, This commandment prohibits all unfaithfulness to the marriage covenant. This is so apparent, that its force and truth will generally be conceded. Yet men may be found, who, whilst they declare "there is no God," have also denounced this his commandment, whilst others, whatever might be their professions, have by their acts equally disclosed their unbelief. As the christian knows the delight of walking in God's law, so his obedience to this is productive of peace, whilst even in the eye of the world, the violator of this commandment is condemned. Where irreligious sentiments are known to obtain, christians should never form those important connections which have so much influence on the peace and happiness of life.

Second, This commandment prohibits, in the case of unmarried persons, all illicit attachments and connections. Reason itself enforces this moral lesson-a crime so extensive in its dreadful effects ought to be especially guarded against, the desolation is too palpable which it spreads around in the hearts of friends and relatives, whilst the unfortunate offspring bear about with them the reproach of their parents' guilt. In a humble, but honest profession, has the parent toiled, less for his own than for his daughter's sake-he has seen her grow up in innocence and youth, her smile has cheered his labours, and, with his country's honest pride, he declares that his girl can now read her bible. But poverty still presses.

An advantageous situation occurs in the neighbouring town, with tears she leaves her lowly home, and the good old man, with his parting blessing, presents to her a gift more precious than rubies in his eyes, and in her own, even the word of God, and night and morn he commends, and she promises to peruse it, and the hope is ever present that they shall ere long meet in peace; think, oh think, on the villany of him, who by wiles and deceit, dark as ever devised by the father of lies, by promises and by professions, and by oaths, for a sinful indulgence, blasts the hopes of the good old man, consigns his daughter to infamy, and loses his own soul! Whilst the effect of such conduct does not rest here, companions are depraved by the example, and an insult offered to the community.

Third, This commandment requires an inward regard to holiness and duty. Not only are notorious offences forbidden, but all unclean thoughts, words and actions. By the purity of our mind we may judge of our state-as a man thinks so will he act. Let us seek by watchfulness and prayer, to fulfil this command in all its requirements.

Fourth, It enjoins the strictest delicacy in our conversation, and this in its good old English meaning. How lamentable to think that genius should at times have arrayed itself in the ranks of vice, that the lyre which might have been strung to noblest themes, has been desecrated to themes of vice and of pollution, nor has the witching power of music denied her aid, or refused her melody to prolong the lay which impurity alone had suggested. But whatever be the verdict of the few, who only want the ability to be as con. spicuously guilty as the Poet of Licentiousness, a time will come when judgment shall be passed, when they shall stand before the Judge of All, and if offence has been offered to one, even the least of the Saviour's flock, it shall be visited with the fiery indignation, as if offered to himself.

First Reflection.-The deep depravity of human nature, which requires so many safeguards.

Second. The necessity of renewing grace, that we may be inclined to obedience.

THE FOUR FINEST PICTURES IN ROME.-The four most celebrated pictures in Rome are, Raffaele's Transfiguration, Volterra's Descent from the Cross, Domenichino's St. Jerome, and Andrea Sacchi's St. Romualdo.

NOTICES TO CORRESPONDENTS. "THE ASSEMBLY," if possible, on Monday. "Hours of Leisure.-No. IV." will appear in our next Saturday's number.

"Lines on Byron's First Love," is put into the hands of our Poetical critic.

All communications for the Editor of "THE DAY" are requested to be left with the Publisher, MR. JOHN FINLAY, No. 9, Miller Street.

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