p.. t-uJ 5ee)SO PROJECT FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF AN ACADEMV TO BE CALLED THE HIGH SCHOOL OF MONTREAL, In which provision shall be made for a mora Enlarged and Liberal Course of Education, on a Scale commensurate with that of aimilat Schools In the piinoipal Citiea of th« Patent Country. ^1 ^O make a suitable and sufficient prorision for .1 the education of youth is, in every community, a paramount object of public interest. The des velopment of the mind is, in fact, the development of all the resources of a country, natural, moral, and political ; and consequently takes its place at the head of all other means of public good. This is the true found' .« \ of the power, prosperity, virtue, glory of a nc ' ; for knowledge is power, and mind is the ^at spring of all that enlightens, exalts, and hun.anizes mankind. It is not enough that a due provision be made for the general and elementary instruction of youth ; but whenever there is, in any community, a considerable portion of the citizens able and willing to be at the expence of imparting a higher kind or larger measure of in< tellectual culture and refinement to their children, ' it is the duty and interest of the cammunity at large to establish suitable institutions for the f alfllment of this end. It is out of the more opulent families of such a society that the learned professions are, for the most part, filled This portion of the youth are, consequently, the chief hope of their country— destined. to be the teachers, the judges, the ir.agistrates, the legislators, the conductors, of the press, the literati of their day and generation ; and in some one or other of these various capaci« ties and functions, they will becaiied, in after life, \.a preside over all the great departments of public business,— to direct all the great movements of the social and political machinery,— to watch over, enlighten, and iniuenee public opinion,— deter- mining, in a principal deforce, by their talents, in- telligence, learning, and virtue, the rank and re* putation of their country among the nations of the earth. To provide a sufficient education for this portion of our youth is an object of supi'.mfl and univeiMl interest, and lies at the very founda* tion of the well being of our city, and, therefore, of our country, of which this city is, without all question, the centre and heart. An institutiap. to fulfil this all.important end, is of such magni- tude and importance to the public, that it must not be left to he moulded and fashioned ac» cording to the self-will and interested views of any one sect or party ; but should be framed upon principles, and administered in a spirit, which will be equally beneficial and satisfactory to all, whose means enable them, to avail themselves of the ad. vantages which it offers. It is better, therefore, that such a design should originate wi'h and ema- nate from those, for whose benefit the institution is mainly established, and who have, therefore, the greatest interest in its reputation and success— who can have no temptation to consult any interest but that of the institution, seeking that plan for its foundation, and that course for its conduct and ad- ministration, which shall be meat eSeotual for the iccomplishmentof the end. Actui ted by these views, and impressed with a r"i' iiiii^ intinn iff tli« utllliv and value oi such a I £500 currency per annum The other tbtee mas. I ters should also be accomplished ^holars ^nd ex- perienced teachers, and their salaries ougit not to be less than jESOO or £250 per annam, ll will be desirable— and on this point the advice of the nomineess will be of great value— to identify,' as far as possible, the interests of the Masteu with those of the institution, by making the rate of their salaries to depend upon the prosperity of the Ssmi n- ary. The following gentlemen are appointed*^ give full information of the views of the proj^Vrs to such as may be interested and to call uponiLvho »liall receive this Prospectus, or who may fwo^ie design, for their patronage and subscriptims; — ALEX. BUCHANAN, Esq., Advocai', B. HOLMES, Esq., DR. M'CULLOCH, WM. LUNN, Esq., J. G. M'KENZiE, Esq, D. FISHER, Esq., Advocate, and JAMES PER- RIER, Esq. When it appears that a sufficient number d sub- scribers has been obtained, a general meetng of them will be called, finally to complete the woik, by sending home a lettei of attorney to the noninees, with instructions to frame the model, and t) ap« point the teachers, and send them out with all con- venient speed. Montreal, 24th March, 1842. I, MIU EXPOSITION OF THE PLAN OF THE rROJECTED HIGH SCHOOL OF MONTREAL. IN pursuance of the design already announced to the public in the printed Prospectus which the Projectors of the HIGH SCHOOL OF MOlfr TREAL have recently issued and circulated, the following explanatory statement is respectfully mitted to the attention of the public, preparai to the call which will be made forthwith upon who are favorable to the design ard interested in its success, to become subscribers. The great aim of the originators of the Project for the Establishment of a Seminary to be called " The High School of Montreal," is to p ovidc a system of Education for our youth, who tre destined for the liberal professions oi' (he higher walks of life and business, upon a more comprehensive scale, and with greater efficiency in the practical conduct and administration, than can possibly be attained in private Schools and x\cademies however respectable. With this view they have been induced, after mature and impartial consultation, to give a decided prefr rcnce to tlie general model of the best Schools in Scotland, as being in their judgment and without any disparage- ment to other Schools and systems, best adapted both in their plan and working lo the present condition of society in Canada. This will be readily admitted by all who are ac- quainted with the characteristic merits of the Scot, tish system of Education. In the first place, U it emituntly praetieei and fitted to qualify those who go through its complete discipline and training for all the offices and duti^ of active life. In the second place, it i$ compr*- hen$ive and comptele in the range of the kitudies which it embraces. It gives no undue preference or disproportionate attention to Classical, orer Ma- thematical and Scientific Uarning. It gives lo each of the great branches cf a liberal Education its due place and just proportion of time and cul- ture. Nor IS it the least recommendation of this Icbratad academy confesaedly doea, at the head of all the great public schools in that country ; and they have further deemed it advisable, in conformi- ty with the principle above stated, to commit the whole modelling of the projected seminary, as well aa its management and administration, so far as the education is concerned, to the hands and heads of those who are professionally and experimentally familiar with the principles and the practice of the B/'tcm At the same time they desire to assure the public, that so far are they from entertaining any narrow or sectarian views, to which their whole plan is utterly repugnant, end every suspw cion of which is set at rest at once by the simple enunciation of the fact, that among the originators and abettors of the design will be found not mere- ly the members, but for the most part the very heads of every sect and representatives of almost every party of our population; that, on the other hand, they have the most earnest de- sire to transplant, as far as may be practicable, the peculiar excellencies of the English and Irish Schools, and to ingraft them into their institution. F«r this purpose they conceive that all due provi' sion is made not only in the choice of the mosten« lightened and liberal minded nominees, to whom will be communicated the necessary instructions respecting the views of those interested and the peculiar circumstances of the country, but still more in the supreme power of the Propiietars and Directors together, to model according to their, will and judgment the institution and the system, aa weli as to control and direct the teachers. Nor is ft contemplated to follow servilely even the copy which they have selected, rather for their free imiu- tion than literal transcription. In the present stage of the progress of society in this city and country, it must be obvious to all enlightened judges, that it is not mitrely a Classical and MsUiemailoal S«tiuol that is required to fulfil the great ends of education, ..for, in this case, the very best models might have been found in England and Ireland. The semina. ry now to b« established must not merely be capa- ble of accomplishing all the ends of a Classical and Mathematical School, but even still more, of pr>}* viding a course of liberal instruction suited to that numerous aud important class of our youth, who have not time or perhaps means to attend the Uni- versity, but who, nevertheless, in the progress of life may be called to serve society and their country, in the most responsible and honorable stations and capacities demanding the highest intellectual qualifications in those who are worthy to aspire to them. Now it is a well known fact, that educa-> tional institutions, uniting all those distinct requi» sites, have long been in operation and repute, not only in all the great cities but in almost ever) Provincial town of any note in Scotland, whereas in the Sister Kingdoms they have only sprung up recently, have been transplanted from t!ie former country, and in a great measure founded and con- ducted by natives of North Britain, If the suggestions of the projectors, as set forti) in the sketch printed herewith, of the basis of a constitution, whioh it is proposed to transmit to the nominees to serve as the groundwork of the scheme to be by them matured and peifectcd, be car> ried out, the institution as it is establishec for the ed- ucation of our youth generally, will be constituted and conducted upon principles conformable with the views and inteiests of those who are most imme. diately concerned in its good government, effi- ciency and prosperity, and if the fundamental laws, tamtrnmrnmi m^^^ and approved the merits of the institution ani, .lie system, in their actuKl woiking, the only aim at present (and to this our views ought to be confined,) la to do what is essential, tor the most economical and compendious attain- ment of the end, by securing with all expeJi- tion accomplished masters for the School, and putting into prompt operation the course of in^truc- tiun. La pursuance ot this safe, simple and efil'ctual course, it is their intention to call upon all t* j friends of Education, as well as of the honor and welfare of our city, to become suli crihers, with the express understanding that every subscri- ber shall have a right to the benefit of the School, to the full amount of his contribution, and that this right shall be transferable, and thatassoonas the subscriptions are completed, and adequate means •hereby secured, a public meeting of. all the sub sciibers shall be called by advertisement, for the prosecution of the ulterior measures which may he necessary for ;ha final consummation of the pru- jeot. In conclusion, the projectors would lespuct. fully state, that, in their judgment, there is no enterprise that could be more worthy of the enlight- ened, patriotic, and munificent spirit of the citizuns of Montreal,— 4hat there is no monument which they could rear that would impress the world in our day with higher sentiments of respect and admiration for this community, or carry down to posterity a deeper sense of gra.i* tude to f.he men of thie age, as the benefactors of their <:ity, and of their country, and as the enlight- ened friends and liberal patrons of Education and Letters. FUNDxlMENTAL RULES OF THE CONSTITUTION 05 THE HIGH SCHOOL OF MONTREAL. 1. The Seminary shall be under the government of a Board of nine Diieciors, tobaelioseK annually by and out of the body of C^e subscribers whose annual contributicQS are not under ten puunls, cur- rency, each. 2. The f.rst three on the roll of Directors shall retire from office at the end of every successive year, and three new Directors shall be ohusen in 'heir stead, at a general meeting ot the subscribers whose annual contributions are not under ten pounds, currency, each. 3. Every annual subscriber of ten pounds shall iiave one vote, a subscriber of twenty pounds two votes, and so on, adding one vote for every ten pounds of subscription. 4. It shall not be lawful for the Directors to make my new laws, or any changes in, or modifications of those that shall have been already enacted, aifecu ing the system oi conduct of education in the Se» ininary ; but they shall merely have power to pr.» vide for enforcement of the established system ,ind of the laws and regulations adopted by the general meetings of the whole body of subscribars qualified to vote, and they shall have authority, of their own -looord. or at the request of any ijire\ve of «uoh iub- scribers to call a general meeting to consider of any change which may appi^ar desiraOle in the existing laws or in the course of instruction. 5. As it is of very dangerous cnnnequence to the best interests of t.he Seminary to allow of any rash innovation or intermeddling vitb t^)e system of instruction wL^n once fixed by men con^.pe- tent to that arduous and delicate ta'/k, no change itiiUHilliiiyMillMiiMiJ^ means enable thenn, to avail themselves of the ad> vantages which it offers. It is better, therefore, that suoh a design should originate with and ema- nate from those, for whose benefit the institution is main/y establishrd, and who have, therefore, the greatest interest in its reputation and success—who can have no temptation to consult any interest but that of the institution, seeking that plan for its foundation, and that course for its conduct and ad- ministration, which shall be meat effectual for the aooomplishment of the end< Actuated by these views, and impressed with a deep conviction of the utility and value uf such a Seminary, a considerable number of gentlemen m ihe persuasion that the timn is now ;irrived when Montreal is capable of supporting it upon a scale worthy of the rank and dignity of the first city in British North America, have felt it their duty to come forward to submit to their fellow citizens the gancral plan of such an academy, which, if it happily obtain their approbation, will bs expanded into its details and finally perfected by the master minds of those distinguished men whom, they would r»< commend, as nominees for this purpose, and to whose wisdom and esperir.nce they would entrust tha complete modelling; of the institution, as wel las the appointment of the masters. The gentlemen whom they would recommend as worthy to be en- trusted witli this very arduous and important res- ponsibility, are the Principal of the University of Edinburgh, Dr. Lee, Dr. Chalmers, Dr. Welsh, Professor Pillans, Dr. Carson, liector of the High School, and Dr. Boyd. They conceive that the best model of an institution of this nature, adapted to the circumstances of Canada, is that of the High School of Edinburgh ; but in suggesting this to the nominees as the best model for imitation, they by no means wish (hem to be fettered by adherence to it, or to copy servilely any model whatever, but are of opinion that they should be authorized and invested with full powers to frame, according to the united lights of their own experience and wisdom, the Plan of the Academy, and to nominate a Uee- tor and three Masters, who shall be qualified to con- duct it with ability and success. . It is the opinion of the originators of this project, that the institution should embrace all the ele- mentary branches of a grammatical, classical, ma- thematical, and scientific education, after the model of the most improved seminaries of this order in the great cities of the Parent Country. They think it best to leave, it to the distinguished men above named to define the several bianches and to cir- cumscribe the limiia or the range of the studies in each, to be prescribed to the youth, whether as a complete education to fit them for active life, or as a preparation for the higher instruction of our Col- leges. It is respectfully suggested by the authors of this Prospectus that the institution shall he un- der the management of a limited number ol^ gentlemen, to be chosen by and out of the body of those who are most liberal and steady in its support, and that a certain amount of annual contribution or of donation shall constitute eligibiU ity to this important uffice. It is also suggested, that the Rector or President of the institution shall be a scholar of reputation, eminently qualified, not only to fulfil the high trust of superintending and regulating the whole course of instruction, but also to shed a lustre over the institution by his talents and learning. His salary ought not to be less than wmmmmmmm quainted with the characteristic merits of the Scot* tish system of Education. In the first place, it it emnently practical and fitted to qualify those who go through its complete discipline and training fur all the offices and duti<^ of active life. In the second place, it is comprt- hensive and complete in the range of the studies which It embraces. It gives no undue preferenoe or disproportionate attention to Classical, over Ma- thematical and Scientific laarning. It gives to each of the great branches of a liberal Education its due place and just proportioi. of time and cul- ture. Nor IS it the least recommendation uf this system that while it is universally approved by the most enlightened and unbiassed judges, and has had its merits fully uscertained and attested by time and experience, it is more likely to find favor than any other with a very numerous, intelligeot and influential body of ur citizens, on whose sup- port aaJ patronage in . > small degree, tha establish* ment and success of the Institution, must depend. Another consideration that had some weight in de< ciding this preference, is the greater facility of oil- taining eminent scholars, and able, faithful and la- borious teachers, upon terms more economical from Scotland than from any other of the sister Kingdoms. It cannot be disputed that the Education best suited to the general destination and views of the youth for whom this Seminary is designed is, just as in Scotlandi that which shall fit them for active life, by laying a broad and solid foundation of gen- eral knowledge and intelleetual •ecomplishmeat, in virtue of which they may be capable of rising to the highest usefulness and eminence, in all the re- lations and offices of civil life and business, in all the learned and liberal professions, in all the practical pursuits and employments which are con- nected with the manifold wants and exigencies of society. In founding institutions of any description in a young and rising country, such as this, there is no course so safe and prudent, as that of framing them in conformity with the model of the best in- stitutions of the same kind in older countries, which are placed in similar oiicumstances. Acting upon this principle, the authors of this project conceiwd that their wisest course would be to adopt some cne approved model of undisputed excellence. Having little confidence in purely theoretic plans and con- stitutions, drawn from the fantastic combinaticns of an inventive imagination rather than from the storehouse of experience or framed and pieced to- gether, intoapatchworkoutof variousdiscordant >7S- tems and elements, they sought that unity in ^e spirit, plan and working of the institution which they could only reasonably hope to attain and le- cure by selecting and holding fast to some one model to which time and the judgment of the world had set their seal. Impressed therefore with the ouiiviotion Ihat they shall best realise their own views and fulfil the hopes of this community by transplanting, if with any, certainly very slight, modifications, the Iwig tried and well tested system of the Schools of Scotland, which have filled every part of the Brit« ish empire with their enlightened, exemplary, and enterprising alumni, they have unanimously con- cluded to adopt the special model of the system of the High School of Edinburgh : it has been re- cently enlarged and perfected, standing, as that oe- counlry, and in a great measure founded and con- ducted by natives of North Briuin. If the suggestions of the projectors, as set forth in the sketch printed herewith, of the basis of a constitution, which it is proposarl to transmit to the nominees to serve as the groundwork of the scheme to be by them matured and peifected^ be car- ried out, the institution as it is established for the ed- ucation of our youth generally, will be constituted and conducted upon principles conformable with the views and inteiests of those who are most imme- diately concerned in its good government, effi- ciency and prosperity, and if the fi>ndamenial laws, as exhibited in this outline or elementary sketch of a constitution, be vigorously enforced and steadily adhered to, there can be little hczard that the in- stitution shall at any future period be perverted from its original design to become the mer? tool or engine of a sect or of a faction. An institution founded upon this broad and popular basis cannot fail to command public confidence, and the perma- nent support and patronage of the community, while if it be in other respects unexceptionable- th^re can be no ground to apprehend the witi holding or withdrawing of the aid and countenance of the Legislature or of the Executive govern- ment. Every unprejudiced and public spirited citizen, who has at heart the best interests of the city, and of the country at large, and of the cause of Educa- tion, must rejoice in the erection of an Institution which, while it provides a complete course of liberal instruction sufficient for the accomplishment of the far greater portion of our youth, will be a nur- sary for the University, will aid, further and strengthen it, if it prove worthy of public confidence and favour, will stimulate emulation, will force improvement and have a powerful tendency to prevent or to correct, a narrow sec- tarian and illibeial spirit, on the part of ttie gover- nors or of the professors of the College. Indeed it has appeared to the getlemen who have been the prime movers of this enterprise, that it is not one of its least recommendations to public fovour and patronage, that in the event of the par- tial or absolute failure of the Univetsty of M'Gill College to fulfill the end of its institution, from the undue influence or ascendency of any faction or cabal, it will be easy to extend and carry out the various departments of this Academy, so as to embrace the utmost range of the oourbe of study usually pursued in Colleges, on this side of the At- lantic. Suoh is the candid and unreserved exposition of the views of those with whom this project has ori- ginated, and such are the claims which the pro- posed Seminary presents to recommend it to public favor and confidence, and it now only remains that all, who are friendly to the ob- ject, unite and co-operate to further the ac- complishment of a work in the successful issue of which the best interests of Education will be pro- moted, the welfare and celebrity of this great me- tropolis advanced, and provision made for giving a higher intellectual tone to the next generation in Canada. Nothing can be less hazardous or bur- densome than the method which is now reoom'> mended for raising the ways and means. Leaving it to future time and experieence to pii.ve the way and to provide the means for the erection of a suit- able edifice, when the community shall have fairly vide lor eniorcennent^OI me eSRiBllin'Ba Kybiiirr.nc of the laws and regulations adopted by the general meetings of the whole body of subscribers qualified to vote, and they shall have authority, of their own Hcoord. or at the request of any t^relve of suoh sub- scribers to call a general meeting to consider of any change which may appear desiratile in the existing laws or in the course of instruction. 5. As it is of very dangerous consequence to tha best interests of t.he Seminary to allow of any rash innovation or intermeddling with the system of instruction wh^n once fixed by men compe- tent to that arduous and delicate task, no change shall be admitted in the plan of the school, or in the subject or course of study, without the de- cision of three fourths of the subscribers, quali- fied to vote, present at a general meeting, called at the requision of at least twelve such subscrib- ers, by public advertisement, in all the principal journals of this city, not less than tltn^e months previously to the day of suoh general meeting. 6. When it shall happen that any question shall arise tending to effect any change in the subjects or jourse of study, it shall bo announced in due timi to the President or (lector of the school, aad to ali the bead masters under aim ; and they shall I • ad- mitted to state their views and urge thoir o' 'eo. tions, if not at the meetings of the Board of Di« lectors, "P* 'sr»«inlv a» t>-" ~o-j«.-.;i nno«ting, o tha subscribers q'«t.'<.i...w. .a vote, oai:eu lur piesg purpose of discussing and determining ^U'.h ques- tiODi 7. Although it is necessary to reserve to tue subscribers and directors the right to decide finally on all questions relating to the system of instruc- tion and the discipline and government of the school, as well as its financial affairs, this power shall not be withdrawn, but as seldom as possible, from the hands of those who are best fitted to ex- ercise it, namely, the President or Hector and the Teachers, there being an appeal from them to the Board and the Subscribers. 8. An Annual ileport shall be prepared and submitted, by the Directors , to a ge- neral meeting of the subscribers to be holden on the day of , stoting the num- ber of the scholars in each class, of those who have entered and of those who tiave left the sch( ., the amount of income, fees, subscriptions, donations, the amount of expenditure, together w>e made up of suoh prop~-» lion of the fees and other contributions as may be available after payment of the general expenditure of the year. ALEX. BUCHANAN, Esq., Advocate, BENJAMIN HOLMES, E«j., M. M'CULLOCH, Mi D. WILLIAM LUNN, Esu-, J. G. M'KENZIE, Esq.. D. FiSHEtv, Esq., Aditooate, and JAMES FERRIKR, Esq., Montreal, April 20, 1810.