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 JUNE, 1848. 
 
 fo. XLIX. 
 
 Jieto £mcj(. 
 
 Price 6rf. 
 
 IIETY FOR THE IMPROVEMENT OF THE CONDITION 
 OF THE LABOURING CLASSES. 
 
 FOURTH ANNUAL MEETING OF THE SOCIETY. 
 
 |e Annual Meeting was held, on Thursday, May 18th, 1848, 
 [Freemasons' Hall, Great Queen-street, Lincoln's Inn Fields, 
 jiong other distinguished persons present, were the Duke of 
 Iryll, the Marquis of Westminster, the Earl of Effingham, Lord 
 iRussell, Earl Fortescue, the Bishop of London, the Bishop of 
 Iford, the Bishop of St. David's, the Bishop of Salisbury, the 
 |hop of Norwich, Lord R. Grosvenor, Lord Radstock, Lord 
 
 tard, Lord Haddo, Lord Feversham, Viscount Castlereagh, 
 fd Ebrington, Admiral Bowles, Captain the Hon. Dudley 
 [ham, the Hon. and Rev. B. W. Noel, the Hon. W. Cowper, 
 P. ; Mr. Shirley, M.P. ; Mr. Heald, M.P. ; Mr. G. A. Hamil- 
 
 M.P. ; Mr. Napier, M.P. ; Mr. Greene, M.P. ; Mr. Frewen, 
 f\; Mr. Mackinnon, M.P. ; Mr. J. C. Colquhoun, Mr. J. 
 
 j>ouchere, Sir Digby 3Iackworth, Rev. Dr. Whewell, and 
 
 iv gentlemen, who, together, with a great number of the 
 Jrgy, took their seats on the platform. Among the many 
 les present in the body of the meeting were the Duchess of 
 jherland, the Duchess of Argyll, the Countess of Gains- 
 |)ugh, Lady Ebrington, and many others of the aristocracy. 
 
 [1 twelve o'clock precisely, H.R.H. PRINCE ALBERT, 
 having paid a lengthened visit to the Model Lodging 
 
 ise in George-street, entered the Hall, and took the Chair. 
 
 rer having been offered by the Right Rev. the Lord Bishop 
 
 london — 
 
 ). XMX. G 
 
 

 D 
 
 70 
 
 E 5 
 If 
 
 JUNE, 1848. 
 
 No. XLIX. 
 
 Price 6rf. 
 
 SOCIETY FOR THE IMPROVEMENT OF THE CONDITION 
 OF THE LABOURING CLASSES. 
 
 FOURTH ANNUAL MEETING OF THE SOCIETY. 
 
 The Annual Meeting was held, on Thursday, May 18th, 1848, 
 at Freemasons' Hall, Great Queen-street, Lincoln's Inn Fields. 
 Among other distinguished persons present, were the Duke of 
 Argyll, the Marquis of Westminster, the Earl of Effingham, Lord 
 J. Russell, Earl Fortescue, the Bishop of London, the Bishop of 
 • Oxford, the Bishop of St. David's, the Bishop of Salisbury, the 
 Bishop of Norwich, Lord R. Grosvenor, Lord Radstock, Lord 
 Lilford, Lord Haddo, Lord Feversham, Viscount Castlereagh, 
 Lord Ebrington, Admiral Bowles, Captain the Hon. Dudley^ 
 Pelham, the Hon. and Rev. B. W. Noel, the Hon. W. Cowper, 
 M.P. ; Mr. Shirley, M.P. ; Mr. Heald, M.P. ; Mr. G. A. Hamil- 
 ton, M.P. ; Mr. Napier, M.P. ; Mr. Greene, M.P. ; Mr. Frewen, 
 M.P.; Mr. Mackinnon, M.P. ; Mr. J. C. Colquhoun, Mr. J. 
 Labouchere, Sir Digby Mackworth, Rev. Dr. Whewell, and 
 other gentlemen, who, together, with a great number of the 
 Clergy, took their seats on the platform. Among the many 
 ladies present in the body of the meeting were the Duchess of 
 Sutherland, the Duchess of Argyll, the Countess of Gains- 
 borough, Lady Ebrington, and many others of the aristocracy. 
 
 At twelve o'clock precisely, H.R.H. PRINCE ALBERT, 
 after having paid a lengthened visit to the Model Lodging 
 House in George-street, entered the Hall, and took the Chair. 
 Prayer having been offered by the Right Rev. the Lord Bishop 
 of London — 
 
 NO. XLIX. G 
 
82 THE LABOURER'S FRIEND. 
 
 His Royal Highness said — Ladies and gentlemen, when, four years 
 since, this Society for the Improvement of the Condition of the 
 Labouring Classes was first established on its present footing, I ac- 
 cepted with great pleasure the offer of becoming its president. 
 (Cheers.) I saw in this offer a proof of your appreciation of my 
 feelings of sympathy and interest for that class of our community 
 which has most of the toil and least of the enjoyments of this world. 
 (Cheers.) I conceived that great advantage would accrue from the 
 endeavours of influential persons, who were wholly disinterested, to 
 act the part of a friend to those who required that advice and assist- 
 ance, which none but a friend could tender with advantage. (Cheers.) 
 This society has always held this object before its eyes, and has been 
 labouring in that direction. You are all aware that it has established 
 model lodging-houses, loan funds, and the system of allotments of 
 ground in different parts of the country, (cheers ;) but it has been 
 careful only to establish examples and models, mindful that any real 
 improvement which was to take place must be the result of the exer- 
 tions of the working people themselves. (Cheers.) I have just 
 come from the model lodging-house, the opening of which we cele- 
 brate this day ; and I feel convinced that its existence will, by de- 
 grees, cause a complete change in the domestic comforts of the 
 labouring classes, as it will exhibit to them that, with real economy, 
 can be combined advantages with which few of them have hitherto 
 been acquainted, whilst it will show to those who possess capital to 
 invest, that they may do so with great profit and advantage to them- 
 selves, at the same time that they are dispensing those comforts to 
 which I have alluded, to their poorer brethren. (Cheers.) Depend 
 upon it, the interests of often-contrasted classes are identified, and it 
 is only ignorance which prevents their uniting for each other's ad» 
 vantage. (Hear and cheers.) To dispel that ignorance — to show 
 how man can help man, notwithstanding the complicated state 
 of civilized society, ought to be the aim of every philanthropic 
 person ; but it is more peculiarly the duty of those who, under the 
 blessing of Divine Providence, enjoy station, wealth, and education. 
 (Much cheering.) Let them be careful, however, to avoid any dicta- 
 torial interference with labour and employment, which frightens 
 away capital, destroys that freedom of thought and independence of 
 action, which must remain to every one, if he is to work out his own 
 happiness, and impairs that confidence under which alone engage- 
 ments for mutual benefit are possible. (Cheers.) God has created 
 man imperfect, and left him with many wants, as it were to stimulate 
 each to individual exertion, and to make them all feel that it is only by 
 united exertions and combined action that these imperfections can be 
 
THE LABOURER'S FRIEND. 83 
 
 supplied, and these wants satisfied. (Much cheering.) This pre-sup- 
 poses self-reliance and confidence in each other. It is to show the way 
 how these individual exertions can be directed with the greatest benefit, 
 and to foster that confidence upon which the readiness to assist each 
 other depends, that this society deems as its most sacred duty. There 
 has been no ostentatious display of charity or munificence, nor the pre- 
 tension of becoming the arbiter of the fate of thousands, but the quiet 
 working out of particular schemes of social improvement ; for which, 
 however, as I said before, the society has only established examples 
 for the community at large to follow. The report of the proceedings 
 of last year will now be laid before you. I must say — I hope I may 
 say — that the society has proceeded satisfactorily towards the accom- 
 plishment of its objects ; and that is owing particularly to the kind 
 feelings, the great experience, and undoubted zeal of Lord Ashley. 
 (Cheers.) The next step which we contemplate taking is the erection 
 of a model lodging-house for families. I have no doubt that the 
 meeting will enable us to carry out that step, and that the attention 
 of the public will be more generally directed to the objects which we 
 have in view. (Long and continued cheering, during which his 
 Royal Highness resumed his seat.) 
 
 Lord Ashley then rose, holding in his hand the Annual Report, 
 which is here given. 
 
 FOURTH REPORT. 
 
 That the Fourth Annual Meeting of this Society takes place at a 
 very remarkable period of the history of England and of Europe is 
 too obvious to be questioned. And, in truth, were the formation of 
 such an institution to be now for the first time proposed, the motives 
 of its promoters might naturally seem open to suspicion. Malicious 
 minds would be ready to suggest that alarm, rather than benevolence, 
 was the most probable origin of the scheme — alarm, felt by the 
 higher and middle classes of society, with reference to the desires and 
 purposes of the multitude. Happily, however, a glance at the history 
 of the society at once repels all such suggestions. The original asso- 
 ciation, under the title of " The Labourer's Friend," took its rise in 
 the beginning of the reign of King William IV., and immediately re- 
 ceived the cordial patronage of his Majesty and his illustrious consort. 
 In 1844, it appeared desirable to extend its plan of operations ; and 
 accordingly, a larger committee was formed, the present designation 
 adopted, and the countenance of her present Majesty and of your 
 Royal Highness solicited, and most graciously accorded. The labours 
 
 g2 
 
84 THE LABOURER'S FRIEND. 
 
 of the last four years have been carried on alike in seasons of com- 
 mercial prosperity and of commercial depression ; in days of the 
 greatest tranquillity as well as in periods of trouble and excitement ; 
 and if its friends assemble this day in augmented numbers and with 
 growing earnestness, it is mainly because your committee have in- 
 creasing efforts to detail and enlarged successes to exhibit. 
 
 Yet your committee have never concealed from themselves — and 
 had they done so, the criticisms of the public would have made them 
 aware of the fact — that they had undertaken a vast field of labour ; 
 nor is it with any surprise or disappointment that they once more 
 confess that they have been, up to the present moment, unable fully 
 to occupy it. Of the three departments to which reference has been 
 made in former reports, of land, dwellings, and money, they have still 
 to acknowledge that, in the improvement of the condition of the 
 labouring classes, in matters connected with either saving or borrow- 
 ing money, they have been unable hitherto to accomplish anything. 
 The fact is, that this department of labour is so extensive, embracing 
 loan funds, benefit societies, deferred annuities, and several kindred 
 topics, that it requires the undivided attention of a separate sub-com- 
 mittee, and such a sub-committee has not yet been obtained. Hence 
 this whole question remains, as in former years, in a state of abeyance. 
 The committee would glady receive the names of any gentlemen who 
 might be willing to devote their attention to this matter, and would 
 be delighted to place at their disposal all the results of the experience 
 of the last four years. 
 
 Turning, however, to the other two departments, the committee 
 are happy to be able to make a very different report. Commencing 
 with land, divided among the agricultural labourers in allotments, 
 they are able, as in former years, to state the continued success of the 
 system, and its advance in various quarters. By their own agent, the 
 committee accepted an offer, in October last, of eleven and a half 
 acres of glebe land at Margate, which land was subsequently divided, 
 under the direction of F. W. Cobb, Esq., and a local committee, 
 among eighty-two tenants, and more than twenty other applicants re- 
 mained unsupplied. At Chatham, the land referred to in last year's 
 report, was entered upon at Michaelmas, and thirty tenants imme- 
 diately commenced its cultivation. 
 
 In March last, at Willesden, in Middlesex, Mr. Dickenson gave up 
 to a local committee about three acres of land, which was divided 
 among thirty allotment tenants. At Brenchley, in Kent, Mr. Monck- 
 ton offered to let to the committee about ten acres of land for a 
 similar purpose ; but at their suggestion, he has carried out the plan 
 by means of a local committee. At Tooting, in Surrey, the Rev. R. 
 
THE LABOURER'S FRIEND. 85 
 
 W. Greaves has appropriated, with the assistance of the society's 
 agent, about two acres of glebo to twelve allotments ; and at St. 
 Peter's, in Kent, the Rev. J. Hodgson has set out thirty allotments of 
 twenty perches each. 
 
 The allotment land held by the committee at the present moment 
 is as follows : — 
 
 At Rushet, Surrey 4 acres, with 16 allotments 
 
 „ Yetminster, Dorset... 26 „ 144 „ 
 
 „ Tolworth, Surrey ... 8 „ 16 „ 
 
 „ Winchmore Hill 4 „ 32 „ 
 
 „ Herne-bay 4 „ 74 „ 
 
 „ Stanmore 11 „ 40 „ 
 
 „ Cholesbury, Bucks... 10 „ 15 „ 
 
 „ Denton, Northampton 8 „ 64 „ 
 
 „ West Mailing, Kent 20 „ 40 „ 
 
 „ Margate 11 „ 82 „ 
 
 „ Chatham 11 „ 30 „ 
 
 Eleven places 553 tenants. 
 
 So that between five and six hundred persons, and the families depen- 
 dent on them, are at this moment enjoying this great benefit through 
 the direct instrumentality of the committee, in eleven different 
 parishes. But your committee would wish it to be borne in mind that 
 they always avoid, if possible, assuming the management of land in 
 distant places, preferring to place the services of their agent at the dis- 
 posal of any local committee that may be formed. In this way, the 
 allotment system has been introduced into hundreds of parishes, and 
 the committee rejoice to know that at this hour there are several 
 thousands of industrious labourers raised, by this simple and easy 
 expedient, to circumstances of comparative comfort and independence. 
 
 As a channel of communication, and a centre of information and 
 advice, the operations of the society are daily augmenting. Not a 
 week now passes — in fact, scarcely a day — in which the secretary is not 
 consulted from various parts of the kingdom, on all the subjects con- 
 nected with the welfare of the labouring classes. Its publications, 
 also, issuing regularly into every county, excite and increase the same 
 feeling of interest in these topics. Were it proper to encumber this 
 report with such details, the committee could give instances in great 
 number, of cottages building on the society's plans, of loan funds 
 and benefit societies, and of allotment associations extending over 
 whole counties, almost the whole of which date their origin from the 
 publications and correspondence of this society. 
 
 The allusion just made to the improved cottages now buildinf in 
 many parts of the country, reminds the committee to state that they 
 
86 THE LABOURER'S FRIEND. 
 
 have received from their honorary architect, Henry Roberts, Esq., 
 at different times four sets of plans and specifications for cottages for 
 agricultural labourers. These plans have been lithographed, and sold 
 at about the cost price, and a considerable number of them have 
 been applied for by gentlemen who are desirous of adopting such 
 improvements. 
 
 From this subject the committee are naturally led to refer to the 
 chief remaining topic — namely, their efforts to improve the dwellings 
 of the poor in this metropolis. 
 
 Although still in its infancy in this respect, (for the Labourer's 
 Friend Society did not embrace this object,) the Society, since its 
 re-construction in 1844, has expended on this class of operations 
 between 13,000/. and 14,000/. 
 
 In Bagnigge Wells, St. Pancras, it built a number of small houses, 
 now giving a comfortable home to fifty-four tenants at a cost 
 of 6400/. 
 
 In King-street, Drury-lane, it purchased the lease of a single house, 
 which now accommodates twenty-four lodgers, and for which they 
 paid 150/. 
 
 In Charles-street, Drury-lane, it obtained a lease of three houses, 
 and thoroughly repaired and furnished them, for eighty lodgers, at a 
 cost of 1200/. 
 
 And in George-street, St. Giles's, it raised from the ground the 
 model lodging-house, in which 104 persons are now accommodated, 
 the cost of which was 5500/. 
 
 On the internal character of these dwellings, the committee will 
 not here dilate, trusting that most of the members of the society have 
 personally inspected them. But of the success of these various ex- 
 periments it will be proper to say a few words. 
 
 Among four different establishments, some of which are occupied 
 by nightly lodgers, vacancies from removal will naturally occur. But, 
 to take the last week in April as an example : in that week, on some 
 nights, there was not a single vacant bed to be found in all these 
 houses. The whole rents received from the four establishment 8 
 amounted for that single week to the sum of 28/. 12s. ; which is at 
 the rate of very nearly 1500/. per annum. 
 
 Such, then, having been the complete success which has attended 
 even these efforts of the society, the next cpuestion which suggests 
 itself is, what may be considered its path of duty for the future ? 
 Surely upon this point there can be no difference of opinion. 
 That which was heretofore speculation and hypothesis, now be- 
 comes proof and fact. The hope which was entertained, that good 
 might be done, is now changed into certainty — that good has boon 
 
THE LABOURER'S FRIEND. 87 
 
 done. Will it be suggested, then, by any one, that at this point the 
 society's efforts should cease ? 
 
 If it be asked, however, in reply, whether the society's duty, in 
 these respects, has no limits, the obvious answer is, that the work it 
 is, however inadequately, attempting to' do, is, the improvement of 
 the condition of the labouring classes ; and that this work will not be 
 effectually done by merely showing that their condition may be im- 
 proved, but by actually improving it. A single effort, or even half a 
 dozen, will not effect this purpose, but perseverance, under the bless- 
 ing of God, assuredly will. 
 
 The desire of the committee at present is to repeat its recent ex- 
 periments, with such improvements as experience may point out, in 
 different parts of London, and for different classes of persons. What 
 chiefly recommends itself to their notice at present is, the desirable- 
 ness of a large model lodging-house for families, to be erected in 
 some central position in London or Westminster. The effect of such 
 a work, if properly carried out on a sufficient scale, would unques- 
 tionably exceed that of all the society's previous undertakings. 
 
 The committee, however, have been somewhat retarded in this 
 effort by opposing circumstances. Last year, the large contributions 
 required for the alleviation of the distresses of Ireland, rendered any 
 appeal for funds plainly inexpedient. This year, in the month of 
 February, the committee laid their plans before the public, and con- 
 tributions to the amount of about 1500/. were sent in, when the dis- 
 charge of the British workmen in France, and the call upon the public 
 for their support, rendered it necessary to postpone for a short time 
 the urging of the subscription for the proposed lodging-house for 
 families. It will now, however, be needful at once to proceed with 
 that proposal, and to use every effort to obtain the requisite funds 
 before the present building season shall have passed away. 
 
 Considering the usual liberality of the British public, the unques- 
 tionable desirableness of the object, and the moderate sum which it is 
 needful to raise, the committee cannot allow themselves to doubt for 
 a moment the result of such an appeal. What case can be more in- 
 teresting to Englishmen — what can more urgently recommend itself 
 to the benevolent mind than a deliberate and promising effort to ele- 
 vate the whole condition and character of the industrious workpeople 
 of this great metropolis ? 
 
 If it be asked how this is to be effected by building one or two, or 
 even several improved dwelling-houses, the committee answer by 
 appealing to facts. Such has been the effect produced by the George- 
 street house upon the public mind, that already four different cases, 
 in which independent parties have begun to entertain or carry on 
 similar undertakings, have come to the committee's knowledge. Of 
 these, it may be enough to particularise, that the corporation of 
 London is now seriously entertaining the purpose of erecting some 
 extensive dwellings for labourers, on a part of the ground recently 
 
88 THE LABOURER'S FRIEND. 
 
 cleared for a new street now forming. This is but one instance out 
 of many which might be adduced, of the beneficial and reproductive 
 tendency of such plans as those upon which the society expends its 
 labour. 
 
 Your committee, therefore, feel greatly encouraged to persevere. 
 Several different classes of houses are greatly needed in this metro- 
 polis ; one, especially, for the poor workwomen of London, towards 
 which a benevolent lady has already offered a donation of 100/. Your 
 committee, however, will be content to move forward, not attempting 
 to effect everything at once, but each year breaking up new ground, 
 and exhibiting some new effort, — all tending to further the same ob- 
 ject in different ways. 
 
 And surely it would not be much to ask, that in this wealthy 
 metropolis, and for a work so purely philanthropic, in which all 
 classes may join, and with which no differences, either of politics or 
 religion, can interfere — it cannot be much to ask, that the public would 
 contribute, at least, some such sum as 5000/. or 10,000/. per annum? 
 With such support, your committee confidently trust and believe, that 
 before the expiration of ten years, so great an improvement in the 
 condition of the labouring classes would be visible, as would furnish 
 the amplest reward to all those who might in any way have assisted 
 in producing so desirable a result. 
 
 It is with much satisfaction that your committee learn, that the 
 various efforts now making by religious societies, such as the Pastoral 
 Aid Society, the Scripture Readers Society, the City Mission, and 
 the Ragged School Union, to improve the spiritual condition of the 
 poor, have met, in the past year, with much success, and have been 
 supported, even under the pressure of the times, by larger contribu- 
 tions than at any former period. Your committee trust that a similar 
 sympathy will be exhibited for the kindred work which they have 
 in hand. They will not attempt to draw any parallel or comparison 
 between the things of time and those of eternity ; but they believe, 
 with one of the most exemplary of the London clergy, who ad- 
 dressed their last annual meeting, that it is often rendered nearly 
 impossible to do spiritual good to the poor by the state of extreme 
 misery, filth, and degradation in which they are allowed to remain. 
 As essential auxiliaries, then, to all these labours of love, your 
 committee would call upon those who are so actively engaged in 
 promoting missions among the poor, not to forget the importance 
 of doing something to raise the labourer out of the defiling and 
 demoralizing condition in which he is too often left. Not for- 
 getting one of the warnings of God's word, " That the soul be with- 
 out knowledge, is not good," let us remember also that the same word 
 lias told us, that in certain cases, " the destruction of the poor is their 
 poverty." 
 
 England stands, at the present moment, in a most remarkable posi- 
 tion in the eyes of the whole world. It seems, amidst all the nominal 
 Christianity and apparent civilization of Europe, to be almost the 
 only spot in this, the leading quarter of the globe, in which the supre- 
 macy of law and order is still acknowledged. We may not doubt, 
 
THE LABOURER'S FRIEND. 89 
 
 that the principal reason of this distinction is, that in her, more than in 
 most other countries, the word of God — the only fountain of law and 
 order — is honoured ; and a Christian profession is, to a certain, 
 though most inadequate extent, followed by a Christian practice. Let 
 the praise which is due be given to Him " from whom all holy de- 
 sires, all good councils, and all just works, do proceed." But let a 
 just sense of this inadequacy be our warning. Let it say to us — " Be 
 not highminded, but fear." We have cause for thankfulness, but we 
 have no cause for boasting. Nay 1 let those who know the internal 
 diseases and disorders of this metropolis — the 800,000 heathen within 
 its limits, who on each Sabbath day refuse to bend the knee to their 
 God — the haunts of vice amidst which they dwell, and the pestilence 
 which is still permitted to hover over them — let such say, if the 
 thought of boasting must not be utterly excluded. Rather may we 
 yield to a salutary fear lest our present exemption from " the mad- 
 ness of the people " may be merely that reprieve described in the 
 gospel, when the vine-dresser said to the lord of the vineyard, " Lord, 
 let it alone this year also ; and if it bear fruit, well ; but if not, then, 
 after that, thou shalt cut it down." 
 
 Loud Ashley said — It is my duty, as chairman of the committee, 
 to set before your Royal Highness and this meeting a statement of the 
 operations of the society during the past year. When we consider the 
 opportunities which we have enjoyed, and the means at our disposal, 
 we have, indeed, reason most heartily to thank God for the measure 
 of prosperity and success which has already attended our efforts. 
 When the society was founded in 1844, it had for its object the 
 amelioration of the condition of the working classes ; but the prin- 
 ciple on which it was founded, and the means by which it sought to 
 effect that end, were not to make it the medium of disbursing charity 
 in the shape of food or clothing, or any eleemosynary assistance ; 
 the object was to show in what way the working men could, by 
 means within their own reach, be raised to independence and comfort, 
 and be ultimately enabled to support themselves and their families 
 by honest and unaided industry. The society proposed at its outset, 
 three distinct objects — loan funds, the allotment of land, and the 
 establishment of model lodging-houses of various descriptions. With 
 respect to the first, I will read you a passage from the report ex- 
 plaining the reasons why it has not been found convenient to establish 
 loan funds : — 
 
 [His lordship then read the passage, which will be observed in the 
 Report.]* 
 
 With reference to the second point, the allotment of land, I have a 
 much better story to tell. The society possesses 117 acres, which have 
 been let to 553 tenants, in eleven different parishes. Our great object 
 has been not to let allotments of land on a large scale, but in different 
 parts of the country to set examples which may be followed. We have 
 undertaken the hazard, difficulty, and cost of the experiment, trusting 
 to others to follow it up. The allotment system, in consequence of the 
 
90 THE LABOURER'S FRIEND. 
 
 experiments which have been made by the society, has been carried 
 out in nearly 2000 parishes, and with the greatest possible benefit. 
 The best proof of this which can be given is the statement I 
 am enabled to make, that with great contentment, great industry, and 
 great desire to improve their condition, not one of those to whom 
 allotments have been given owe a single farthing of debt. (Cheers.) 
 In the matter of lodging-houses I have a most satisfactory report to 
 make. Perhaps this meeting has very little knowledge of the state 
 of the dwellings and the modes of life of a very large proportion of 
 the working classes in the metropolis. We do not in the present 
 report touch on the condition of the dwellings in the agricultural 
 districts. Those dwellings are bad in the extreme, in too many 
 places in this wealthy country ; but for the present we must leave them 
 to the superintending care of the landlords and the gentry resident on 
 the spot. Our attention has been more immediately directed to the vast 
 masses living in this great and swarming hive of industry, who have 
 no means of taking care of themselves. The condition of many of 
 the low lodging-houses may be described in a few words — they 
 are scenes of filth, of misery, of vice, of every species of abomina- 
 tion. From twenty to forty individuals are often occupants of a 
 single room, without either supplies of water or any other means of 
 cleanliness and ordinary decency. This is the condition in which 
 the working population of London is to be found, and to such 
 lodging-houses those who come up to the metropolis seeking employ- 
 ment invariably have resort. The society began by getting up a 
 number of houses at Bagnigge-wells, intended for artizans of a better 
 description. Twenty-three small houses were built, and let at the 
 rate of 3s. 6c?. and 6s. a-week rent. The best accommodation, every- 
 thing that comfort and decency require, is afforded in these 
 houses ; there being three apartments in each, at a rent which was 
 formerly paid for a single room in other parts of the metropolis. 
 We also constructed, along with these, thirty single rooms for poor 
 widows, which are let at Is. 6d. a-week. We then proceeded to 
 construct lodging-houses for the unmarried ; in King-street, Drury- 
 lane, a house was taken, and converted into a lodging-house. Another 
 house, in Charles-street, was also taken, and furnished for eighty lodgers. 
 at a cost of 1200/. Having also obtained funds sufficient to erect a 
 lodging-house from the foundation, one has been built, which his 
 Royal Highness did us the honour to visit this morning. (Cheers.) 
 It holds 104 persons, and was constructed at the cost of 6000/. In 
 these four different establishments, many of the lodgers being only 
 nightly inmates, frequent changes must no doubt have occurred, but, 
 taking the whole month of April, there has been scarcely a night 
 when a single vacant bed could be found, so great was the desire of 
 those poor people to obtain better accommodation. (Cheers.) The 
 institution, in accordance with the principles which have been laid 
 down, is self-supporting, and although we give nightly-lodging with 
 every accommodation for cleanliness and decency, at the rate of 4d. 
 a-night, so entire is the success, and so remunerative the profit 
 obtained, that, upon a sum of about 13,000/. or 14,000/. expenditure 
 
-f- 
 
 THE LABOURER'S FRIEND. 91 
 
 on the model buildings and the lodging-houses, we are now receiving 
 a gross income of 1500/. a-year. (Loud cheers.) I have stated 
 that these houses are to be considered only as models. V\ o 
 do not pretend from our own resources to set up a sufficient 
 number in London for the accommodation of its labouring 
 population, but we have shown, by the success of this experi- 
 ment, that profit may be combined with humanity — that the ex- 
 penditure of capital in these matters is not injurious to him who 
 devotes it to such objects, and that he may, over and above, have 
 the satisfaction of knowing, that while he has consulted his own in- 
 terests he has done something for the honour of God and the welfare 
 of his fellow-creatures. (Hear.) His Royal Highness has stated 
 that the next step we are about to take is the construction of a model 
 lodging-house for families. (Hear.) It is proposed that a large 
 house shall be raised, having a common staircase, from w r hich 
 suites of apartments of three or four rooms shall branch off, in which 
 families may reside, and enjoy, at a moderate rent, all the comforts 
 which are so essential to domestic decency and the proper training of 
 their children. It is found that families now pay for a single room 
 4*. or 5s. a-week, without any accommodation whatever beyond the 
 bare walls of the wretched apartment. In that single room all the 
 members of the family live — the father, mother, sons, and daughters. 
 Everything has there to be transacted — cooking, and washing, and 
 drying of clothes. I have frequently visited such apartments, and 
 on " the great washing-day," as it is called, when the clothes are 
 hung up to dry, an exhalation arises which makes it impossible for any 
 one long to remain. Indeed, I was told by medical men who accom- 
 panied me, that this is the source of many of those diseases which 
 beset the condition of working men ; nor is it to be wondered at 
 that, in the absence of all comfort at home, the laborious artizan 
 betakes himself at night to the pot-house or gin-shop. In conclusion, L- 
 
 I only wish to say, that I] have seen enough to prove to me that the 
 work in which we are engaged is not an useless labour. (Cheers.) 
 Those on whom we bestow this care are not an ungrateful people, 
 unmindful of the benefits conferred upon them. It would do your 
 hearts good if any of those I address would go some evening to this 
 model lodging-house, and hear its inmates contrast their present with 
 their past situation, and the degree of thankfulness they express to 
 God for having put it into the hearts of their brethren to do some- 
 thing to raise them from their disgusting condition. Your Royal 
 Highness may depend upon it that there is nothing which the people 
 of England require but that there shall be an exhibition of sympathy 
 for their sufferings. (Cheers.) It is not to the giving of money or 
 signal acts of generosity that they look. What they require is, that 
 there shall be some interchange of kindness, some little personal inter- 
 course between the different classes of society, and I do believe that ' 
 the sympathy which your Royal Highness has this day exhibited for 
 the working classes, (loud cheers,) by going among them, by seeing 
 with your own eyes, and hearing with your own ears the condition in 
 which they are, and the condition in which, by God's blessing, they 
 
92 THE LABOURER'S FRIEND. 
 
 may be placed, I do believe that sympathy so exhibited has struck 
 a chord in their loyal hearts which will find a response throughout 
 the country. (Loud cheers.) I believe I am speaking the sentiments 
 of all in this room — I know I am speaking the sentiments of hundreds 
 of thousands of the subjects of the Queen — (loud cheers) — when I say 
 that they are not a people given to change, (loud cheers;) they love 
 the institutions under which they have been reared, (loud cheers ;) it 
 is their ardent prayer, and, should occasion require it, will be their 
 united effort, that their beloved Queen and her illustrious pos- 
 terity should sway the sceptre of these realms in piety, prosperity, 
 and peace, until that great and final consummation, when " the 
 kingdoms of this world shall become the kingdoms of our Lord and 
 of his son Jesus Christ." (Loud cheers.) 
 
 The Secretary then read the cash account for the year. 
 
 The Duke of Argyll — Totally unexpected by me, the first 
 resolution has been put into my hands by the Noble Lord who has 
 just sat down. I came here totally unprepared to address this meet- 
 ing on the great and important subject which has been so admirably 
 brought out, first, by the illustrious Prince who occupies the chair, 
 and next by the noble lord whose name is inseparably connected 
 with Social Reform. (Cheers.) I should be ashamed to offer merely 
 my own feelings, but I am sure that I shall express the feelings of 
 deep gratitude and hope with which this assembly sees this Society 
 presided over by your Royal Highness ; and also those feelings of 
 gratitude and hope with which we have heard the sentiments which 
 have fallen from your lips to-day (cheers), because we see in those 
 sentiments an additional proof of that, of which, indeed, we were 
 well assured — I mean, the deep and personal interest which is taken in 
 the welfare of her people by our most gracious Sovereign, the 
 Queen. (Rapturous cheering.) Sir, there is another subject on 
 which I will express my feelings of gratitude and hope. Allusion 
 has often been made to those events which have recently tilled us all 
 with some anxiety and alarm ; but I would express my feelings of 
 gratitude and hope in that it has not been after, but before these 
 events that your Royal Highness has taken up the work of promot- 
 ing social and moral reform among the labouring classes of England. 
 (Hear, hear, and cheers.) It is not that he has been moved by fear, 
 but by Christian love and charity ; and so long as we go on animated 
 by these feelings, we may sit secure amidst the storms which rage 
 around us. (Cheers.) It has been finely said of the human heart 
 that we are never sure of its presence except when it is touched by 
 feelings of anxiety and alarm ; then we feel how easily it might be 
 raised to fever heat, and its pulse perhaps be stopped for ever. And 
 so it is with the body politic ; it is well for us that we should have 
 seasons of anxiety and alarm ; it is well for us that we should be 
 sometimes called upon to remember that it is a body " wonderfully 
 and fearfully made" — a body which is more affected by moral than 
 by material causes ; and that unless we attend to those principles 
 which are the foundation of the Christian religion, we shall subject 
 ourselves to dangers as sudden as they are tremendous. (Loud 
 
THE LABOURER'S FRIEND. 93 
 
 cheers.) The great work of our day is eminently acknowledged to 
 be the work of social reform, and not of mere external change. 
 May I be allowed to remind every one of you, however humble in 
 life your position may be, that you can all take a part in these works, 
 and that it is your duty to take a part in them ? It is not only for 
 those who occupy the highways of political life, it is also for those 
 who are treading the bye-paths of humble and Christian life, to 
 spread among their fellow-subjects and fellow-men those principles of 
 knowledge and improvement which lie at the foundation of all the 
 works which have been proposed, and so ably supported by my noble 
 friend, Lord Ashley. (Cheers.) I have only now to say that I hope 
 every one of you may feel, and may take up the sentiment expressed 
 in those fine lines of the American poet : — 
 
 " We cau make our lives sublime, 
 And dying, leave behind us 
 Footprints on the sands of Time." 
 
 (Great cheering.) The resolution I have been requested to move is, 
 " That the Report now read be adopted and circulated under the 
 direction of the Committee, and that this meeting approves of the 
 measures hitherto adopted by the Society for carrying out its objects 
 — namely, the improvement of the condition of the labouring classes." 
 The Rev. Dr. McNeile — To co-operate, under any circumstances, 
 in any of his labours of Christian benevolence, with the noble lord 
 who brought this Report before your Royal Highness, I esteem a very 
 distinguished privilege. (Cheers.) I readily, therefore, obeyed the call of 
 his lordship three years ago in this interesting cause. But I must confess, 
 his request that I would occupy so prominent a position on the present 
 auspicious occasion has made a demand on my nervous system at this 
 moment such as I never before experienced, and under the influence 
 of which I must throw myself on your Royal Highness's gracious in- 
 dulgence. Our immediate object, after " repining progress" for the 
 past year, is so to commend the objects and operations of this society 
 to the public generally, as that the pecuniary resources and conse- 
 quent practical usefulness of the institution may be largely increased. 
 One point connected with its operations, alluded to by our illustrious 
 president, and again by the noble lord, is calculated in an eminent 
 degree to give us favour in the eyes of really practical men, because 
 it is calculated to show that we are not engaged in a chimerical 
 enterprise. I mean, that we are only setting examples, and from the 
 report it appears that our examples are being followed. The direct 
 operations of this institution, compared with the work to be accom- 
 plished, are, it must be confessed, on a very diminutive scale; but 
 the passage in the report to which I have referred shows that the 
 effects produced are by no means to be confined to our own direct ope- 
 rations. (Hear.) It is this: — "Such has been the effect produced 
 by the George-street House upon the public mind, that already 
 four different cases in which independent parties have begun to enter- 
 tain or carry on similar undertakings have come to the committee's 
 knowledge." This is hopeful. (Cheers.) English proprietors are 
 
04 THE LABOURER'S FRIEND. 
 
 reasonably alive to their own interests, and if it can be shown to the 
 proprietors of'Iodging-houses that it is their interest to improve the ac- 
 commodations of the poor, we may be instrumental in extending to an 
 indefinite amount an amelioration of the condition of the labouring 
 classes, of a most gratifying character. (Cheers.) I am sorry to perceive 
 that the same difficulty, indeed, the confessed impracticability, com- 
 plained of on former occasions in the matter of loan funds still remains. 
 Perhaps one cause is, that the object contemplated is of too high a 
 character, involving sums of money too large for the working man to 
 deal M'ith. No working man can give adequate security for a loan of 
 sufficient amount to make any important improvement in his dwelling- 
 place. (Hear, hear.) I will take the liberty of briefly describing to 
 this meeting a very simple operation on behalf of the labouring poor, 
 which, though on a small scale of expenditure, has been attended with 
 the most gratifying results. No apology is indeed required for it on 
 account of its littleness, since no process on behalf of the labouring 
 poor can be naturally and permanently beneficial in its results without 
 being minute in its operations. (Hear, and cheers.) Arrangements 
 are made for receiving small weekly instalments, or deposits of" money 
 from the working man. By the hand of his wife or child he sends 
 to our treasurer, at an appointed and convenient place, his weekly 
 payment, saved from his weekly wages. To be received on our list, 
 he must be sent to us by some recommending subscriber, i. e., by 
 some friend who pays for the poor man the same amount that he 
 pays for himself. He thus obtains in our book a weekly credit for 
 double the amount of his own weekly contribution, and that without 
 any charge upon us. This goes on the year round, and in the month 
 of October, every year, a supply of warm clothing, full of comfort, 
 and of what is of quite as much value, full of kindness, (loud cheers,) 
 is ready for every contributor. There is no loss here — no risk of 
 loss. Our recommending subscribers keep pace with our poor con- 
 tributors, so that our accounts must balance; while we secure this 
 vast advantage, that the system operates as a perpetual encouragement 
 to the working man to make self-denying, and therein self-ennobling 
 efforts systematically to save a portion of his earnings. (Cheers.) I can 
 speak with some confidence of this operation — of its advantage, both to 
 the working man and to his family ; because I have had the happiness 
 of superintending the progress and result of such an operation for a 
 number of years — for twelve years, in an agricultural parish in Surrey, 
 and also for fourteen years in a populous district of the town of Liver- 
 pool. (Cheers.) I have said that this operation is full of kindness, 
 and this leads me to consider what I think the most important feature 
 in this whole case — 1 mean the manner and tone in which our efforts 
 to benefit the working poor are conducted. (Hear, hear.) The re- 
 presentations commonly made of the state of the working classes, and 
 the statistics commonly given in illustration of their degraded and 
 demoralized condition, however painfully true in themselves, and 
 however urgent in their appeals to us to do something, are not en- 
 couraging. They are not, I think, the way best calculated to interest 
 the public mind. They present us with a dark picture, which, while 
 
THE LABOURER'S FRIEND.^ 95 
 
 it demands interference, does at the same time create repugnance to 
 the effort. (Cheers.) But though true — alas, painfully true — such 
 representations do not convey all the truth. No class of the com- 
 munity, if viewed only from a distance, and as a whole, can be viewed 
 aright. The outline of it may, indeed, be taken with general accu- 
 racy, and the length and breadth of it may be correctly measured ; 
 but this is all superficial. The materials of which it is composed 
 cannot be known at a distance. The agreements or disagreements 
 which exist with and from one another, and with and from a third 
 party — the authorities of the country, these cannot be appreciated ; 
 nor can the willingness or unwillingness existing among them to avail 
 themselves of opportunities of self-improvement. It is such a view — 
 distant, partial, and prejudiced — that the working classes are taught 
 to take of the aristocracy. The higher classes of society are seen 
 from a distance, and en masse. The soft and lovely materials which 
 go so largely to the composition of that mass are not known. The 
 noble generosities quietly and unostentatiously practised by many are 
 not appreciated ; while the notorious vices of a few are wilfully pre- 
 sented by designing agitators as characteristic of the whole class. 
 (Cheers.) This is not fair. It is felt to be unfair. Equally unfair 
 is the parallel view taken of the working classes, when contemplated 
 from a distance and as a whole. (Cheers.) The vices of compara- 
 tively few, after all, are cruelly held forth as characteristic of the whole, 
 and the multitude are decried and suspected as universally the enemies 
 of good order and good government. It is a libel. (Loud cheers.) 
 No, in that mass, also, soft and lovely materials are to be found not 
 a few ; there, also, generosities are practised, truly noble in prin- 
 ciple, though of necessity limited in amount. (Continued cheers.) 
 There, too, it is our happiness, and will be the happiness of every 
 man who is well acquainted with them, to meet with friends and 
 champions of good order, good government, and true religion. 
 (Cheers.) To be duly appreciated, our working men must be known 
 in detail, not merely as members of a class of the community, but as 
 men — as individuals ; not merely as units in a great calculation, but as 
 living beings and free agents, actuated by a variety of motives, and 
 exposed to a variety of counteracting influences, vastly more personal 
 and more powerfully practical than any elements which can enter into 
 a general calculation. (Cheers.) To know the working man aright, 
 you must have access to him when he snatches a few moments from 
 his scanty leisure, (hear, hear,) and beguiles his cares and toils with 
 the sweet converse of his beloved partner in life, to whom he owes 
 and pays an allegiance of heart as pure (hear, hear) as loyalty 
 itself. (Loud cheers.) To know the working man aright, you must 
 have access to him when he sets upon his brawny arm, and presses to 
 his manly bosom one of those prattling pledges of domestic love and 
 peace, dear to him, ay, fondly dear, as a little prince or princess. 
 (Laughter and cheers.) To know him aright, you must have access 
 to him, when he cannot, by honest industry, procure a sufficiency of 
 food for his wife and children, and when at their scanty meal he 
 practises the noblest of self-denial, doing violence to the cravings of 
 

 96 the labourer's friend. 
 
 his own stimulated appetite, that he may spare the morsel which 
 lie perceives is required to stay the last cry of hunger at his homely 
 board ; or worse, sometimes, when that hungry cry cannot be 
 stayed, and he is obliged to turn away from the distressing 
 scene, hastily to tear himself from all he loves best upon earth, 
 lest his rising, maddening emotion should add terror to the cup, 
 already too full, of his poor afflicted wife. (Loud cheers.) He is 
 then a fit subject for the instigations of the lawless agitator, and to 
 know him aright you must have access to him when those instigations 
 are calmly resisted ; and you must see the mine which can be opened 
 in him when, through some kind intervention (often that of his pastor, 
 or the agent, male or female, deputed by his pastor), he is again so 
 employed and remunerated as to be able fully to supply his family ; you 
 should see him, when with a full heart he beholds his wife and children 
 satisfied and bread to spare. Oh, yes, you should see and hear him, 
 when, with a voice broken by the struggling emotion and the starting 
 tear of gratitude, he utters his short, his eloquent, his truly acceptable 
 grace, " Wife, thank God we have enough this week." (Loud and con- 
 tinued cheers.) I am well persuaded that to do such men good — really 
 to befriend them, and to add to their number in the country, the tone 
 in which our kindness is administered deserves our care as much as 
 the material of the kindness itself. Our working men should be con- 
 templated, not merely as subjects of law, creatures possessing rights 
 and addicted to crime, so that they require to be protected from one 
 another — the rights of each guarded by the strong arm of power 
 against the violence of the rest. It is indeed unhappily true, we must 
 admit, that towards some it is necessary to present this aspect of 
 severity and coercion. It is too true that neither allotments of land, 
 nor improvements in lodging houses, nor advantageous opportunities 
 offered for husbanding their little resources, can, in their present state 
 of mind, do such persons any real or permanent service. But their 
 numbers are comparatively few. (Hear, hear.) Surely this is so. 
 Our criminal law, however majestic, and rightly so, in its awful 
 solemnities, and negatively useful, on a national scale, by its deterring 
 penalties, operates positively on but a fraction, and a small one, of 
 our population. (Hear, hear.) We complain of the number of 
 criminals, and the weight of the calendars at our various gaol deli- 
 veries, — and it is indeed distressing that there should be so many ; — 
 but what, after all, are they, compared with the mass of the popula- 
 tion ? The proportions were made strikingly manifest on a recent 
 occasion in this metropolis, when it was deemed advisable that an 
 appeal should be made to the inhabitants as the defenders of order. 
 The result was what might have been anticipated. On the one side, 
 not only all the violent and disorderly, but all who in the excitement 
 were disposed to aid and abet the disorderly : on the other side, the 
 population ; and the effect — perfect tranquillity without the necessity 
 for a single stroke. (Cheers.) If we would do our people good, we 
 must think generously of them; since coercion, however indispen- 
 sable for national defence, is inoperative for individual reformation. 
 (Hear, hear.) Our working men must be contemplated as subjects 
 
THE LABOURER'S FRIEND. 97 
 
 of religion, creatures possessing immortality, responsibility, con- 
 science, feeling; creatures capable of virtues, but exposed to diverse, 
 distresses, and wants, so that they require to be assisted. It is with 
 a smile that we should approach them, not with a frown ; it is with a 
 promise, not a threat ; not with the rod or sword, but with the hand 
 of sympathy to lighten the burden of unavoidable misery with which 
 they are afflicted. (Cheers.) The heart of the working-man must be 
 won. (Cheers.) The heart is the seat of love, and love is labour 
 made easy. (Renewed cheers.) This is the peculiar province of reli- 
 gion, and in true religion we have all that is needful for winning the 
 heart of man. Love is not to be produced by command, nor by 
 reason, nor by recompence held out. These are all important in their 
 places, and they each have a place in true religion (hear) ; but the 
 turning point of the heart, which is the regulator of the whole man, 
 is not in any of these. Love can be produced only by love. We 
 love Him who first loved us, and because He first loved us. The 
 great fact of the Christian religion is the great manifestation of love 
 towards man ; and its legitimate produce wherever it is received, is 
 love in man — pardoning love from heaven awakening grateful love on 
 earth. (Hear, hear, and cheers.) This is what wins the heart ; this 
 is what reclaims the prodigal ; this has power to bring back the wan- 
 derer from all the eccentricities of an irregular — it may be — of a 
 criminal orbit, and restore him to that system, the centre of .w^ich is 
 the Sun of Righteousness. (Cheers.) Only establish love in the 
 heart, and you have the man. (Renewed cheers.) I met a young 
 working-man going into a provincial town, nearly four miles from his 
 residence, between eight and nine o'clock on a fine summer evening. 
 In the afternoon of the same day I had seen him in the field of a 
 neighbouring farmer, finishing a day's work, quite sufficient to ex- 
 haust the energies of any man. On conversing with him, I found 
 that it was not authority exercised, nor recompence promised, that 
 had induced him to add a walk of eight miles to a long day's work. 
 No ! it was something vastly more practical, giving a lightness to his 
 step, and a brightness to his countenance, which must ever be looked 
 for in vain, till the heart is touched. (Cheers.) Who can estimate 
 the practical power of a captivated heart, and above all of a heart 
 captivated with the love of Him who died to save ? This is the true 
 cement of society. This is what makes the office of the executive 
 government practically a sinecure. The magistrates and police have no 
 trouble with really Christian men. (Loud cheers.) The law is not made 
 for the righteous, but for the lawless and the disobedient. (Cheers.) 
 It is the happiness and the glory of the Gospel we delight in, that it 
 raises man above the necessity of law. (Cheers.) It is this that makes 
 the rich man kindly liberal and the poor man patiently contented. 
 (Cheers.) It is this that makes duty pleasure, and the man who per- 
 forms it the true freeman. It is this that, without interfering in the 
 slightest degree with those distinctions which it has pleased Almighty 
 God to establish in society, exalts the brother of low degree in the 
 ennobling consciousness that he has the character of being sincere in 
 his affections, and brings down the brother of high degree, to the 
 
98 THE LABOURER'S FRIEND. 
 
 exercise of a frank and friendly condescension. (Cheers.) Here we 
 have true brotherhood as well as true liberty. This, I am bold to say, 
 is the only genuine liberty that fallen man can enjoy ; this the only 
 equality that can be maintained in a chequered scene like this fallen 
 world ; this the true fraternity which, based and guaranteed in the 
 love of Him who is every man's brother, shall survive the blight of 
 an uncongenial clime, and flourish in unfading lustre in the paradise 
 of his Father and our Father, his God and our God. (Loud cheers.) 
 Only let Christian men carry out consistently their own principles, 
 not only in the matter, but also in the manner of bearing the infirmi- 
 ties of the weak, pointed out in the Bible ; let them bear in practical 
 remembrance that the poor have hearts as well as pockets, moral 
 feelings as well as physical wants ; let scriptural, in happy harmony 
 with social and industrial appliances, be multiplied, and we shall soon 
 see in many places, what it is ouv happiness already to see in some ; 
 we shall see amongst the most apparently hopeless of our population, 
 transformations of character realizing what one of our poets has 
 sweetly sung as the result of a Moravian mission : 
 
 " The wretch who once sang wildly, danced, and laughed, 
 And sucked in dizzy madness with the draught ; 
 Has wept a silent flood, reversed his ways, 
 Is sober, meek, benevolent, and prays ; 
 Feeds sparingly, communicates his store, 
 Abhors the craft he gloried in before, I 
 
 And he who stole has learned to steal no more." 
 
 (Cheers.) In seeking to benefit the poor, let the Bible, the poor 
 man's book, be honoured. In the honour done to the Bible lies the 
 true strength of this happy land. (Hear, hear, and cheers.) Look- 
 ing around this hall, I am reminded of the personal co-operation in 
 the great work of circulating the Bible, given by a Royal Duke 
 whose portrait smiles upon us from the wall. (The Duke of Kent.) 
 I am reminded of the fact, that for a series of years during the infant 
 struggles of our now noble Bible Society, his Royal Highness de- 
 voted his unwearied attention, his time, and the weight of his influ- 
 ence to the deliberations of the committee. (Hear, hear.) And 
 looking again towards the chair, I am reminded, in the divine deal- 
 ings with the family of that Royal Duke, that it is written in the 
 Bible, "Them that honour me, I will honour." (Loud and continued 
 cheering.) This is the golden sceptre of our illustrious Sovereign, 
 our beloved Queen. This is the true stability of the throne (hear, 
 hear) ; the true security of the liberty of the subject. (Cheers.) 
 This, like the constitution of England based upon it, is at once the 
 assertor of freedom and the guardian of order (renewed cheers) ; 
 freedom never abused into licence, and order never degenerating into 
 servility. (Continued cheers.) Let the Bible be honoured as in the 
 case referred to, and the protection of God will surround not children 
 only, but children's children, and "give peace upon our Israel." 
 (Prolonged cheering.) I have much pleasure in seconding the reso* 
 lution of the noble Duke. 
 
 [The resolution having been put, was carried unanimously.] 
 
THE LABOURER'S FRIEND. 99 
 
 The Bishop of Oxford — It is, your Royal Highness, unex- 
 pectedly to myself, that I have been called upon to take a part in 
 this day's proceedings. I must bespeak, therefore, the kind indul- 
 gence of your Royal Highness in order to give a proper expression 
 of the truth which the resolution that has just been committed to 
 me is intended to embody. The resolution is — " That as the wel- 
 fare of all classes of the community, and especially of the lower 
 classes, is essentially based on the principles of Christianity, the co- 
 operation of the clergy, and all the ministers of religion, is earnestly 
 invited to give efficiency to those various plans by which an improve- 
 ment in their condition may be effectually promoted." (Cheers.) I 
 take, Sir, this resolution myself, and I recommend it to those who, 
 with myself, are labouring in this ministry of Christ's Gospel. I 
 take it as a pledge binding us to the utmost of our power to help 
 forward, not only the spiritual, but also the temporal interests of 
 those among whom we labour. (Cheers.) I cannot for a single 
 moment admit that this is less our duty than the more direct spiritual 
 welfare of those connected with us. If we look to Him who was our 
 great pattern and exemplar — to Him who fulfilled perfectly that 
 ministry in which we desire to follow Him — with such truly inade- 
 quate footsteps and imitation, we find that even the greater part of His 
 time was given to ministering to the bodily wants, and relieving the 
 bodily infirmities, the sicknesses, the sufferings, and the wretchedness 
 which press on fallen humanity. (Cheers.) We are bound never, 
 even in thought, for one moment to attempt to divorce these two 
 ministries — the ministry to the bodies of men, and the true ministry 
 to their souls and spirits. And this we may see, too, I think, 
 from other reflections. No man can have looked at all practically 
 and really into the great work of converting the souls of men, 
 without seeing that, if he wished to be successful, he must begin, 
 in very many cases, by ministering to their bodies, not only that 
 we may win their sympathy and confidence, but also that he may 
 put them into a position in which a spiritual influence might be 
 brought to bear upon them ; because, while it is perfectly true 
 that the extremity of suffering which comes directly from the hand 
 of God is rather a preparation in man for the reception of the 
 ministry of spiritual things, it is by no means so when those sufferings 
 come from man. On the one hand, such suffering was felt to be a 
 preparatory discipline, enabling them to receive the ministry of the 
 truth ; on the other hand, if they felt that they were put, by man's 
 unkindness, or by man's selfishness, or by man's neglect, into a posi- 
 tion of suffering, the resiliency of the heart of man, its natural indig- 
 nation at being injured, steels it and hardens it against even the offer 
 of kindness, which is given to him as an act of pity, when he feels 
 that it is due to him as an act of right. (Cheers.) We must begin 
 by remedying the man's outward position before we can have any 
 reasonable hope of being able to raise his moral and spiritual condi- 
 tion. Let any man go amongst the poor in the neighbourhood of this 
 place — let him go honestly and look at the misery that prevails — and 
 then let him say whether a great part of that vice and that wickedness 
 
100 THE LABOURER'S FRIEND. 
 
 which is the great hindrance to the ministry of the truth, whether 
 they arc not almost the necessary results of the misery in which those 
 people are living. (Hear, hear.) Whether, when they are in habita- 
 tions in which personal cleanliness is impossible, in which the 
 decencies of life are absolutely unattainable, in which they cannot 
 keep that perfect purity of thought and mind which is so necessary 
 for purity of action — whether you must not necessarily remove those 
 evils before you apply the remedies with which you approach the 
 man. (Cheers.) A single practical instance will illustrate what I 
 mean. What is one great cause of drunkenness amongst that class 
 of people ? The noble Lord who opened the business of the day 
 has told you that it is owing to the discomfort of their homes. Let 
 any man go into those courts of wretchedness, and his frame is hardly 
 able to bear the insufferable heat which seems to press upon him. I 
 have been there myself, and know what they are. (Hear, hear.) Let 
 a man be living there during such weather as we have lately been 
 passing through, and he is almost driven to seek for some degree of 
 stimulant to his physical state by having recourse for immediate 
 relief to that which in the end is certain destruction alike of 
 body and of soul. (Hear, hear.) So that you must begin by 
 removing this external evil which is pressing upon him, before you 
 can bring to bear upon him any spiritual remedies. And surely, sir, 
 the poor have aright to expect this of us. (Cheers.) This society 
 very properly, it seems to me, does not tell the poor man that he has 
 no difficulties to contend with, that we are going to do everything for 
 him, and that God has made some rich and some poor ; it goes upon 
 none of these principles : it goes upon the simple statement that it is 
 the duty of a Christian nation to see that those things are furnished 
 for the poor which no exertion of theirs will furnish for them. We 
 know that it is absolutely impossible, under the present state of things, 
 for the poor to build for themselves separate houses, and to furnish 
 those houses with those various things -which are necessary for health, 
 decency, and cleanliness ; and therefore, to say to the poor, with re- 
 gard to these things, that they must help themselves, is nothing more 
 than one of those wretched contrivances which selfishness has invented 
 in order to supersede the consciousness of a great duty, and to allow 
 a man to sit down and say, Let my brother help himself, when he 
 knows that his brother can't help himself. (Cheers.) Christian 
 charity cannot be better exercised, Christian legislation cannot be 
 done more thoroughly, nor capital more properly expended, than in 
 helping the poor. (Cheers.) I believe we are doing that which will 
 make the basis of a Christian legislation possible, while otherwise it 
 would be impossible. (Hear, hear.) And I will, God helping me, 
 set myself heart and hand to do myself, and to stir up others to do, all 
 that is possible to redress these evils. (Cheers.) It is selfishness that 
 makes a man say, I am well to do, and I don't know how others live, 
 and it is not my concern to know how they live. It is the very fear- 
 ful working of this principle that mars even attempts to do good. 
 (Hear, hear.) It is very painful to reflect, that while the metropolis 
 has been improved, it has increased the difficulty and misery of the 
 
THE LABOURER'S FRIEND. 101 
 
 poor. I know that the committee of this society found, in one court 
 in the neighbourhood of their new Model Lodging-house, that the 
 effect of the pulling down of those wretched tenements, in order to 
 open New Oxford-street, was the crowding of the poor, who had in- 
 habited these rather better dwellings, into more dense and unwhole- 
 some courts ; so that the more improvement there is on one side, 
 becomes an injury on the other. This binds upon us the duty of 
 meeting the evil at its head, in the principle of selfishness. Fear 
 cannot do it— it will only excite a deeper hatred in those who fear and 
 those who frighten. Fear will only make the fearful more secretly and 
 more intensely cruel, and therefore it cannot possibly do it. Neither 
 can external legislation do it ; there are springs of action which legis- 
 lation cannot touch ; and therefore it does seem to me, that the 
 ministers of Christ, in their vocation of calling men from selfishness, 
 and endeavouring to bind them into the consciousness of unity, that 
 tbey only can redress those evils which are continually springing up 
 afresh in all civil and social communities. (Hear, hear.) The only 
 constant power which in any nation can counteract the constant power 
 of selfishness is Christianity. (Hear.) This alone can breathe true 
 kindness, counsel, and sympathy for those who have not that which 
 we have ; it, only, can give stability to any institution, and to family 
 life in any nation. (Cheers.) The great social movements in a neigh- 
 bouring country have been, for some new and fancied general frater- 
 nitv, pointed out by some directly, and by almost all incidentally, for 
 superseding family life. Now, here is the very principle of poison 
 most actively at work. God has formed family life to be in every 
 separate family. (Hear.) And there daily sacrifices of self are offered 
 upon the blessed altar of kindness and love towards all. (Cheers.) It 
 is only in family life that this is strengthened, carried out, and 
 abundantlv multiplied. (Cheers.) Let us do then what we can to 
 further the objects of this society, not in the spirit of cant, but of 
 Christian brotherhood. There is nothing the poor man perceives 
 sooner than cant in the man who comes to proffer him assistance. If 
 there is one gift which the poor man possesses more than any other, 
 it is the gift of reality. (Hear.) Everything in his life is real— his suf- 
 ferings are very real ; the antidotes for those sufferings are real ; his 
 works real ; life is a very great reality— very often very stern reality. 
 (Hear.) And when, by the blessing of God, he is brought to know 
 Him, religion becomes a great reality too. (Cheers.) There is a sort 
 of cant sympathy that looks down upon a man with pity as if he were 
 a different being from him who looks thus upon him. And this the 
 poor man soon perceives, and despises it. But let every one who 
 feels with his own heart be kind, and say to the lost and the reprobate, 
 This is my brother, and I will speak to him as a brother ; then you 
 may say great truths to that man— very painful truths, and he will 
 bear it, because he sees there is reality, and love, and affection in the 
 kind pity of him who acknowledges brotherhood as the very ground- 
 ' work of his exertions. (Cheers.) We must learn to treat every man 
 as a brother, because Christ hath redeemed all. (Renewed cheers.) 
 In order to see that these differences between one another are merely 
 
102 THE LABOURER'S FRIEND. 
 
 in outside and evanescent things, we need only reflect that we are all 
 partakers in the common possession of a fallen humanity, in the com- 
 mon heritage of suffering want, in the common mystery of the grave 
 and corruption, in the common blessings of redemption, with all that 
 flows from it. (Cheers.) In all these, we have a true brotherhood 
 with every one whom we meet (loud cheers ;) and from the sense of 
 that brotherhood there will flow an exuberance of kindness, some- 
 times in reproof, sometimes in relief, always in sympathy, which will 
 open to us the hearts of our fellow men, and which will enable us, 
 whether we have to administer reproof or relief, to do it without in- 
 juring the man's own sense of M'hat is due to him, or his forgetting 
 what is due to us. (Loud cheers.) Sir, you will allow me to say, 
 though I could do so much better in your absence, that it is because I, 
 at least, do believe, that your presence here to day is a truth and a 
 reality, and not a pretence of reality. (Cheers.) Sir, I have been 
 allowed to see enough, to know that this is so, and that your visit to 
 that Model Lodging-house was a very declaration from your heart of 
 a true sense of brotherhood, and a reality of sympathy with those 
 whom it is intended to relieve. (Renewed cheers.) It is for that 
 reason that I welcome your appearance amongst us on the present 
 occasion, and not for your adding, as you do add, grace and strength 
 to this cause by the exalted rank and power which God has given you. 
 (Loud and oft-repeated cheers.) 
 
 Sir T. Acland said that he was ready to testify his cordial interest 
 in all that passed this day, and in all the preparation which had led 
 to this day, and in all the happy results which, not only had taken 
 place before this day, but in those which he anticipated after this day. 
 (Cheers.) Were he to detain the meeting by anything that he could 
 say, he would be weakening rather than supporting the eloquence 
 which they had been permitted to hear, and which has given at the 
 same time instruction as to what was going on in this great work ; 
 therefore, in seconding the resolution, he should only request those 
 who heard him to carry away with them, deep in their hearts, a 
 powerful elucidation of those feelings of the heart which are common 
 to every class, from the highest to the lowest. (Cheers.) From the 
 district in which he lived, he knew how to appreciate the value of 
 that principle upon which the society acted as its main instrument, — 
 viz., the affording a comfortable lodging to the working man. (Hear, 
 hear.) And, having seen the lodging-houses of the society, and also 
 those which it desired to supersede and extinguish, he could personally 
 approve of what it was doing in establishing cleanly, healthy, and 
 agreeable dwellings for the poor. (Hear, hear.) He concluded by 
 saying, that he was sure every one present felt grateful to His Royal 
 Highness for the example he had set in presiding on this occasion. 
 (Cheers.) 
 
 The resolution was carried unanimously. 
 
 The Bishop of St. David's — A resolution has been entrusted to 
 me, which is most intimately connected with the principal object of 
 the present meeting, and one that appears to me of the greatest im- 
 portance, one which I am well aware would require far greater talents 
 
THE LABOURER'S FRIEND. 103 
 
 than mine to do full justice to it. I hold it to be a most essential 
 part of my present duty to observe the utmost possible brevity in the 
 observations which I shall have to offer prefatory to this resolution. 
 I am the more inclined to do so, because anything that I could have 
 said on the subject has already been forestalled by an eloquence which 
 I could not hope to approach. I would indeed proceed at once, with- 
 out any preliminary observations, to the resolution which I shall have 
 the honour to propose, but there are one or two points on which I will 
 crave your indulgence for a few moments, as I conceive that they lead 
 us by a few simple and easy steps to that which I shall endeavour to 
 bring more directly under your attention; In order that you may 
 understand the point to which I allude, I will take the liberty of com- 
 municating to you the substance of the resolution. It expresses the 
 regard of this society to the duties and obligations inseparable from 
 the possession of property, and solicits the support of the nobility, 
 gentry, landed proprietors, merchants, and bankers, in promoting the 
 plans of the society, and any others by which the welfare of the 
 labouring classes can be advanced, and the harmony and good feeling 
 between them and the higher classes increased and consolidated. 
 (Cheers.) Now, there is one remark — a kind of scruple — which 
 has struck my mind when I reflected upon the title of this society. 
 It is a Society for the Improvement of the Condition of the Labouring 
 Classes. I think, upon the first sound of that description, it might 
 appear to some as if there were a certain disproportion between the 
 extent of the object and the limited nature of the means possessed by 
 this society. With regard to the importance of the object there can 
 be, and there is no question, either within or without these walls. 
 (Hear and cheers.) It is universally felt and acknowledged to be a 
 national question. (Cheers.) It expresses the great aim of all social 
 institutions. The improvement of the condition of the labouring 
 classes is the great business of the government and of the legislature 
 of this country. (Cheers.) If there were a government that did not 
 profess to make that its principal object, you know that it is impos- 
 sible that that government could long be in the possession of power. 
 (Hear, and cheers.) If there were any deliberations in our legisla- 
 ture which Avere not seen to be more or less intimately connected 
 with the attainment of that object, it would be thought that, so far, 
 that were a waste of the time of the legislature upon subjects of in- 
 finitely subordinate and questionable importance. (Hear, hear. ) 
 Then, this being universally admitted, it may appear as if the subject 
 was too large for the operations of any society. Now, I am quite 
 prepared to admit that the object of this society is one for which the 
 government and the legislature can effect a great deal. (Hear, hear.) 
 We hold that property is a creature of the law, and that it is within 
 the legitimate functions of government to regulate, to a certain 
 degree, the use and exercise of property, so as to take care that it 
 shall not be administered in a manner detrimental to the working 
 classes — that it should not be exercised as it too often has been, in a 
 manner which deprives them of the prime comforts and necessaries 
 of life ; 1 allude to the free enjoyment of the air, light, and water 
 
104 THE LABOURER'S FRIEND. 
 
 which Providence has bestowed upon man id an unlimited abundance 
 but which arc sometimes withheld from him by the delects of our 
 social arrangements ; things, however, which are absolutely neces- 
 sary to cleanliness, to decency, to health, to independence, to 
 self-respect, and not only to his physical, but also to his intellectual, 
 his moral, and his spiritual welfare. (Loud cheers.) Government 
 and legislation, I say, can do much to correct that evil ; but it is quite 
 notorious that they cannot do all, and that, on the contrary, they 
 may spoil all by attempting too much (hear, hear) ; and we have 
 had, very recently, some most striking examples of the truth of that 
 observation, and which ought to put us on our guard, and I trust it 
 has put us on our guard against any visionary theories, by which the 
 functions of government may be carried to a pernicious length. 
 (Hear, and cheers.) But, after all that a government or legislature 
 either has done, or can do, it is quite clear that there is ample room 
 and urgent need for the exertions of such a Society as this. What 
 this Society is effecting, a government neither can effect, nor ought 
 directly to aim at. (Hear.) The grand object of this Society is to 
 raise the condition of the labourer, both by teaching and enabling 
 him to rely upon himself and to make the most of his own resources. 
 We have heard that " knowledge is power ;" and one part of the 
 object of this Society is to collect, diffuse, and communicate know- 
 ledge ; but that is not enough, and it is a fallacy to say that know- 
 ledge of itself is power, because before it becomes so, that knowledge 
 must be accompanied by the necessary means ; and therefore it is, 
 that our exertions and those of this Society are requisite to supply, 
 not only the necessary knowledge, but likewise the means which are 
 requisite in order to apply and make use of the knowledge so com- 
 municated. (Cheers.) Now, what I have to observe with reference 
 to the resolution I hold in my hand, is, that this Society has two 
 aspects and two different classes of objects : on the one side it 
 stretches out a helping hand to the labouring man, and on the other 
 it holds out the hand of invitation to his wealthier brother ; it em- 
 bodies and declares the important truth, that property of every kind 
 has its duties as well as its rights (cheers) ; and it takes this oppor- 
 tunity of earnestly imploring those on whom these rights have fallen, 
 to exercise the duties connected with them. (Renewed cheei's.) We 
 have heard of a class in society which is called the dangerous class. 
 There is such a class in every large society, and especially, therefore, 
 in such a society as ours. When I say dangerous, let it be under- 
 stood that I am speaking only of the tendency, not of the actual 
 reality. (Hear.) I do not believe that there is any class amongst 
 us which is dangerous in the sense of being actually formidable to 
 the public peace. Thank God, if any doubt had existed on this sub- 
 ject, it has recently been entirely removed. (Cheers.) But there is 
 another class which I consider to be also a dangerous class, though it 
 does not so often go under that name. The dangerous class I have 
 been speaking of in the first place, is that which is best known under 
 that description, viz., the class of those who, having nothing, desire 
 all the enjoyments of property without any of the labour by which it 
 
THE LABOURER'S FRIEND. 105 
 
 is produced ; but there is another dangerous class, consisting of those 
 who have the property, but who are insensible to the duties belong- 
 ing to it, and who make an irritatingly ostentatious parade of all the 
 luxurious enjoyments which that property places within their reach, 
 but are negligent of the opportunities and means which it affords 
 them of improving the condition of those below them. (Cheers.) 
 That, I hold to be an equally dangerous class, and one infinitely 
 more culpable. (Hear, hear.) The other class is in general merely 
 an object of Christian pity. It is to cause that class to disappear 
 that this Society has been instituted, and I hope that it may also be 
 the means of diminishing very greatly the numbers of the other 
 class. (Cheers.) I feel for my own part, and consider myself as 
 having accepted and acted upon that sacred pledge which was so 
 feelingly taken up by my right rev. friend ; and I know that he then 
 spoke in the name of hundreds and thousands of our brethren who 
 will joyfully take it up and fulfil it, if not with an ability, at least 
 with a zeal equal to his own ; and in their names, and in the names 
 of this Society and of this Meeting, I do, in the terms of this reso- 
 lution, earnestly implore the noble, the rich, and the enlightened 
 classes of this community not to neglect the opportunity which this 
 Society holds out to them. If before it was instituted they might, 
 possibly, have pleaded that, even with the best intentions, they did 
 not know how they could meet, to any considerable degree, the 
 amount of misery which they saw around them, they are noAv entirely 
 deprived of any such plea or excuse as that. (Hear.) This Society 
 gives them the means, and invites them to make use of it. lit 
 beseeches them not to forget this, the highest honour of the most 
 exalted station ; it implores them not to neglect this, the greatest pri- 
 vilege attached to the highest condition ; it entreats them not to 
 forego this, the highest gratification that earth can afford ; and it 
 most emphatically invites them to follow that illustrious example 
 which has this day been given, of the highest station, and the most 
 exalted rank in the community taking the lead in promoting the 
 objects of this Society. (Great cheering.) It invites them more 
 particularly to follow that example, not only in liberal contributions 
 towards the same beneficent object, but also in taking the trouble of 
 inspecting the actual operations of this Society, and of convincing 
 themselves by ocular observation of the vast amount of good which 
 it is calculated to diffuse throughout the community. (Much 
 cheering.) 
 
 Lord Ashley announced that Mr. Colquhoun would second the 
 resolution, and at the same time read a note from Mr. Peto, M.P. 
 for whom this duty was originally intended, regretting his unavoid- 
 able absence, and requesting that his name might be put down, to- 
 gether with a donation of 1 00/. (Loud cheers.) 
 
 Mr. Colquhoun seconded the resolution in a short speech. 
 
 [The resolution passed unanimously.] 
 
 The Earl of Effingham proposed the resolution for the appoint- 
 ment of the committee for the ensuing year. 
 
 The Rev. Dr. Whewell briefly seconded the resolution. Agreed 
 to unanimously. 
 
106 THE LABOURER'S FRIEND. 
 
 Lord Fortrscue — The resolution which has been entrusted to me 
 expresses the grateful thanks of this meeting to the illustrious Prince 
 who has occupied the chair to-day. (Cheers.) I am sure it will not 
 be considered as a mere matter of form by those who have seen the 
 manner in which he has filled that chair, or by those who have heard 
 the sentiments which he lias expressed, and which, I hope and trust, 
 will be carried forth to every corner of this empire — (cheers) ; and I 
 iiope that this expression of our affectionate gratitude will be voted 
 (by universal acclamation) to his Royal Highness, for the benefit 
 which his presence here this day has conferred upon this society. 
 (Loud cheers.) The noble duke who moved the first resolution 
 observed well when he said that the sentiments expressed by his Royal 
 Highness had not been reserved for the present occasion only, but 
 had been manifested and exemplified by the whole course of his life 
 and action since he came into this country. (Renewed cheers.) There 
 are, however, some circumstances connected with the present occasion 
 which, I do think, give to this society, and to the objects for which 
 we are here assembled, a peculiar and extraordinary interest. The 
 noble lord who so eloquently stated in the outset the proceedings of 
 the society, pointed out to you in a feeling manner the state of the 
 habitations of the labouring-classes, and the dearth, the misery, and 
 the social degradation to which, by no fault of their own, labourers, 
 coming to London in search of honest employment, are driven on 
 their first arrival from the want of means to procure a better habi- 
 tation than that to which they are obliged to retire at the end of 
 a hard day's labour to obtain their natural rest. But what upon a 
 recent occasion was the conduct of those classes who are subject to 
 these privations and degradations ? Could we ever forget the 
 manner in which the poorest of them came forward to unite with 
 their fellow-citizens in the defence of property, of which, unhap- 
 pily, they have little or no share, and in the maintenance of the order, 
 tranquillity, and peace of this great city ? (Loud cheers.) I do 
 therefore say, that, in my opinion, these circumstances of the pre- 
 sent time give a peculiar interest to societies established for the 
 purpose of bettering the condition of these classes, and to none more 
 than to this society, which is calculated to remedy some of the worst 
 evils, both moral and social, to which these classes are subject. 
 (Cheers.) It was, as is well-known, proposed by many benevolent 
 individuals to establish what was called a Good Order Testimonial, 
 in commemoration of the events of the 10th of April. I, for one, 
 rejoice that that undertaking was given up ; because, in my conscience 
 I believe, not that the duty which those events we supposed to in- 
 volve ought not to be performed, but that it may be better performed 
 by distributing the sums intended for the foundation of a new 
 institution, to this and to other similar institutions which are in 
 need of extraordinary aid and support, (cheers;) and it is on that 
 account that I feel particular satisfaction at the dignity and importance 
 which has been given to this meeting by the presence of your Royal 
 Highness upon the present occasion, and the stimulus which I 
 hope and believe will be given thereby to the benevolence which 
 I am happy to see collected around me. (Cheers.) The objects of 
 
THE LABOURER'S FRIEND. 107 
 
 the society have been so ably enforced by many of those who have 
 preceded me, that I will not weaken the effect of their speeches by 
 attempting to add anything to them ; but I would simply beg you to 
 recollect this, that the contributions which you may give to this 
 society will, as has been shown you, be given towards the extension 
 of its objects, and thereby show to benevolent individuals that they 
 may realize a fair interest for their money, whilst they are manifestly 
 advancing the moral and physical condition of their fellow-creatures. 
 (Cheers.) I beg to move our grateful and respectful thanks to his 
 Royal Highness for the honour he has done us in presiding on the 
 present occasion. (Loud cheers.) 
 
 Mr. Labouchere — It is unnecessary for me to add anything to 
 what the noble lord has said. I am sure, however, that every one 
 present has a deep sense of the obligation we are under to the illus- 
 trious Prince in the chair, for his having done us that honour, and 
 also for the interest which he has taken in the progress of the society 
 from its very commencement. (Cheers.) But, ladies and gentlemen, 
 I should not be acting consistently with my own feelings if I did not 
 say, that being connected, as I am, with many of the religious and 
 charitable institutions of this great metropolis, and being, as I might 
 say, a beggar by profession, I should not, I say, be acting justly if I 
 did not take this public opportunity of saying, that I do not remember 
 a single instance in which I have made an application to the illus- 
 trious Prince, either for his countenance or aid, without meeting, on 
 his part, with a cordial and liberal support. (Loud cheers.) And I 
 trust that a blessing may be richly returned upon your own self. In 
 conclusion, I would say to your Royal Highness, that you cannot 
 take a more effectual mode of gaining the hearts of her Majesty's 
 subjects, than by coming forward and showing your readiness to 
 promote the moral and religious Avelfare of the inhabitants of this 
 great empire. (Loud cheers.) 
 
 Mr. Labouchere then put the resolution, which was carried by 
 universal acclamation. 
 
 Prince Albert : I thank both the mover and the seconder of the 
 resolution, for the kind terms in which they have spoken of the small 
 part I have taken in this day's proceedings. I have felt it to be my 
 duty, to-day, to undertake in person the duties of the office of presi- 
 dent of this society, which I have hitherto performed by deputy. 
 (Cheers.) If I have looked for any reward, I have received it amplv 
 in the opportunity afforded me of listening to the many fine senti- 
 ments, and the eloquent expression of those sentiments, which you 
 have all heard to-day from the gentlemen around me. I regret that 
 I have not been better able to express the feelings of my heart, and 
 the more so as those feelings are entirely and warmly shared by her 
 Majesty, the Queen. (Long and continued cheering.) I hope the 
 society may continue in its sacred labours, generously supported by 
 the public, and that by next year we may show that we have pro- 
 ceeded successfully on the road which to-day has been chalked out 
 for us. (Loud cheers.) 
 
 On the Prince's vacating the chair, the National Anthem was sung; 
 after which the meeting separated. 
 
108 THE LABOURER'S FRIEND. 
 
 RESOLUTIONS 
 
 At the Fourth Annual Meeting of the Society, H.R.H. Prince 
 Albert, K.G., &c. &c, in the chair. 
 
 i. 
 Moved by his Grace the Duke of Argyle, and seconded by the 
 
 Rev. Dr. M'Neile, 
 That the Report, now read be adopted, and circulated under the 
 direction of the Committee, and that this Meeting approves of the 
 measures hitherto adopted by the Society for carrying out its objects 
 — namely, the Improvement of the Condition of the Labouring 
 Classes. 
 
 ii. 
 Moved by the Lord Bishop of Oxford, and seconded by Sir 
 
 Thomas Dyke Acland, Bart., M.P., 
 That as the welfare of all classes of the community, and especially of 
 the lower, is essentially based on the principles of Christianity, the co- 
 operation of the clergy and of all the ministers of religion is earnestly 
 invited, to give efficiency to those various plans by which an improve- 
 ment in their condition may be effectually promoted. 
 
 in. 
 
 Moved by the Lord Bishop of St. David's, and seconded by John 
 C. Colquhoun, Esq. — 
 
 That having a due regard to the duties and obligations inseparable 
 from the possession of property, this Meeting earnestly solicits the 
 support of the nobility, gentry, landed proprietors, merchants, and 
 bankers, and in promoting the plans of the Society, and any others 
 by which the welfare of the labouring class can be advanced, and the 
 harmony and good feeling between them and the higher class can be 
 increased and consolidated. 
 
 IV. 
 
 Moved by the Right Hon. the Earl of Effingham, and seconded 
 by the Rev. Dr. Whewell, Master of Trinity College, Cam- 
 bridge — 
 
 That the following gentlemen be the Committee for the ensuing 
 year, with power to fill up vacancies : — 
 
 Committee : 
 The Lord Ashley, M.P., Chairman. 
 
 Rev. Edward Auriol 
 Henry Blanchard, Esq. 
 John Bridges, Esq. 
 Rev. S. R. Cattley 
 Enosh Durant, Esq. 
 E. H. Eitzherbert, Esq. 
 Alexander Gordon, Esq. 
 William Gregson, Esq. 
 R. W. Grenfell, Esq. 
 
 Edward P. Hathaway, Esq. 
 Rev. Edmund Hollond 
 Julius Jeffrey, Esq. 
 William Long, Esq. 
 Major Little 
 
 Charles A. Moody, Esq., M.P. 
 Rev. H. J. O'Neile 
 John Dean Paul, Esq. 
 Henry Roberts, Esq. 
 
THE LABOURER'S FRIEN 
 
 109 
 
 P. Rose, Esq. 
 
 Thomas R. Tweed, Esq. 
 
 Robert B. Seeley, Esq. 
 
 J. M. Strachan, Esq. 
 Rev. Thomas Tate 
 F. L. Wollaston, Esq. 
 
 v. 
 
 Moved by the Right Hon. the Earl of Fortescue, and seconded 
 by John Labouchere, Esq. — 
 
 That the sincere and most respectful thanks of this Meeting be 
 given to his Royal Highness Prince Albert for his continued patronage 
 of this institution, and for his kindness in presiding over the pro- 
 ceedings of this day. 
 
 COTTAGES FOR AGRICULTURAL DISTRICTS.— No. 5. 
 
 The Plans hitherto published by the society provide exclusively three 
 sleeping-rooms ; but as in some cases, without any infringement of 
 decorum, two sleeping apartments would be better adapted to the 
 wants and circumstances of the occupants, and remove the temptation 
 to the taking in of lodgers, the committee on dwellings propose publish- 
 ing a Plan prepared by their colleague and honorary architect, Mr. 
 Roberts, with a view to give the option of providing either two or 
 three bed-rooms, without any material change in the ground-floor 
 arrangement, which they consider peculiar, convenient, compact, and, 
 at the same time, economical. It is intended to publish these Plans 
 in an early number, and lithographed working drawings, with spe- 
 cifications, which may be had of the secretary. 
 
 DONATIONS TO THE SPECIAL FUND 
 
 FOR A 
 
 MODEL LODGING HOUSE FOR FAMILIES. 
 
 The Committee have to acknowledge, with thanks, the receipt of 
 the following donations: — 
 
 £ s. 
 Her Most Gracious MAJESTY the QUEEN, and \ 
 
 His Eoyal Highness PBINCE ALBEET . . J *. '* " 60 ° ° 
 
 Her MAJESTY the QUEEN DOWAGER 150 
 
 Her Eoyal Highness the Duchess of KENT . . . . . . 100 
 
 Her Eoyal Highness the Duchess of GLOUCESTEE . . 50 
 
 £ s. 
 
 Sir Jos. Copley, Bart., two don. 110 
 
 His Grace the Duke of Bedford . 100 
 
 Eight Hon. Earl Spencer. . .100 
 
 Eight Hon. Lord Feversliam . . 100 
 
 S. M. Peto, Esq., M.P. ... 100 
 
 Eew E. Hollond 100 
 
 Miss Portal 100 
 
 Messrs. Barclay and Co. . . . 100 
 The Eight Hon. the Earl For- 
 tescue, two donations . . . (10 
 
 The Most Noble the Marquis 
 
 Cholrnondeley 50 
 
 Eight Hon. Lord J. Eussell, M.P. 50 
 
 Eev. Sir S. Gierke Jervoise, Bart. 50 
 
 Eev. E. Brown 50 
 
 Anonymous, per Mrs. Hoare . . 50 
 
 ExecutorsoflateJ.W.Allan.Esq. 50 O 
 
 The Eight Hon. Earl Cornwallis 30 
 
 Eev. Dr. Ellerton 30 
 
 The Lord Haddo 25 
 
110 
 
 THE LABOURER'S FRIEND. 
 
 £ s. 
 
 Right Hon. Lord Kenyon ... 2ft 
 
 Mr. Justice Erie 25 
 
 H. B. Hickman, Esq 25 
 
 The Lord Bishop of Durham . 21 
 
 The Lord Bishop of London . . 20 
 
 Viscount Newark 20 
 
 The Lord Stanley 20 
 
 Evel. J. Shirley, Esq., M.P. . . 20 
 
 Phil. Rose, Esq 20 
 
 Miss Goodwin, hy ditto . . . r>0 
 
 John Weyland, Esq., F.R.S. . . 20 
 
 Rev. J. Ware, two donations . . 20 
 
 W. L. Farrar, Esq 20 
 
 Rev. F. Bevan 20 
 
 John Baring, Esq 20 
 
 C. Young, Esq 20 
 
 J. O. Harris, Esq 20 
 
 Mrs. Elsden 20 
 
 L. B 20 
 
 Enosh Durant 20 
 
 Admiral Bowles 20 
 
 R.A. Slaney,Esq.,M.P.,twodon. 15 
 
 Sir J. C. Hippisley, Bart., two don. 15 
 The Right Rev. the Lord Bishop 
 
 of Oxford 10 10 
 
 Sir Thos. D. Acland, Bart. . . 10 10 
 
 Sir John Shaw, Bart 10 10 
 
 W. J. Denison, Esq., M.P. . . 10 10 
 
 Commander F. Holland, R.N . 10 10 
 
 Captain F. Madan 10 10 
 
 W. Davison, Esq 10 10 
 
 John Watson, Esq 10 10 
 
 John Dean Paul, Esq 10 10 
 
 W. Peek, Esq 10 10 
 
 H. Morris, Esq 10 10 
 
 The Marchioness Cornwallis . . 10 
 
 Right Hon. Countess Falmouth 10 
 
 The Earl of Dartmouth ... 10 
 
 The Earl of Verulam .... 10 
 
 Right Hon. Earl Brownlow . . 10 
 
 Earl of Harrowby 10 
 
 The Right Hon. the Earl of 
 
 Strafford 10 
 
 Right Hon. Lord Crewe ... 10 
 
 Right Hon. Lord Radstock . . 10 
 
 Right Hon. Lord Ashley, M.P. . 10 
 
 The Lord Viscount Downe . . 10 
 
 The Lady Dynevor 10 
 
 Right Hon. the Speaker of the 
 
 House of Commons .... 10 
 
 Hon. Miss Vernon Harcourt . 10 
 
 Admiral Sir G. Munday, Bart. . 10 
 
 Sir Richard Sutton, Bart. ... 10 
 
 Sir T. R. Wigram, Bart. ... 10 
 
 Sir C. Trevelyan, K.C.B. ... 10 
 
 Sir J. P. Boileau 10 
 
 George Pearce, Esq 10 
 
 Miss Perceval 10 
 
 Miss J. Perceval 10 
 
 Frederick Roberts,' Esq. ... 10 
 
 Dr. lkberdeu 10 
 
 £ s. 
 
 J. C. Colquhoun, Esq 10 
 
 W. Gregson, Esq 10 
 
 T. Twining, junior, Esq. ... 10 
 
 J. F. Scrivener, Esq 10 
 
 W. Smith, Esq 10 
 
 L. P. Shaw, Esq 10 
 
 T. C. Garth, Esq. ..... 10 
 
 A. Mackenzie, Esq 10 
 
 F. Gibson, Esq 10 
 
 John Labouchere, Esq. ... 10 
 
 Miss C. Johnson 10 
 
 Colonel Dixon 10 
 
 Robert Hudson, Esq 10 
 
 J. W. Farrer, Esq 10 
 
 R. Hopkinson, Esq 10 
 
 T. Hicks, Esq 10 
 
 Mrs. Lightfoot 10 
 
 P. B. Duncan, Esq 10 
 
 G., per Messrs. Hatchards . . 10 
 
 E. M. C 10 
 
 R. E 10 
 
 C. W. W 10 
 
 H. Dawes, Esq. 10 
 
 Rear Admiral Sir T. Cochrane . 8 
 
 J. E. Heathcote, Esq 5 5 
 
 W. F. Stevenson, Esq 5 5 
 
 P. Cazenove, Esq 5 5 
 
 C. Cochrane, Esq 5 5 
 
 M. G 5 5 
 
 E. V. Neale, Esq 5 5 
 
 E. B. Lawrence, Esq 5 5 
 
 J. E. Heathcote, Esq 5 5 
 
 The Marquis of Blandford ..50 
 
 Viscount Castlereagh ... a 50 
 
 Lord Dudley Stuart 5 
 
 Lady Brodie 5 
 
 Lady Erie 5 
 
 Hon. Mrs. Colquhoun .... 50 
 
 Capt. the Hon. D. Pelham . . 5 
 
 Right Hon. Sir Alex. Foster, Bt. 5. , 
 
 Sir T. Hastings, Bart 5 
 
 Captain Cuttle 5 
 
 Sir George Smart 5 
 
 Sir G. P. Lee 5 
 
 Colonel Linton 5 (I 
 
 Captain Robinson 5 
 
 Major R. H. Close 5 
 
 Major H. Puget 5 
 
 Rev. D. Barclay Bevan ... 50 
 
 W. Robertson, Esq 5 
 
 Michael Faraday, Esq. . . . 5 
 
 W. J.Earrer, Esq 5 
 
 R. Perry, Esq 5 
 
 R. Twining, Esq 5 
 
 A. C 5 
 
 E. P. Garland, Esq. .... 50 
 
 E. Pigou, Esq. ...... 50 
 
 Mrs. Dumaresq 5 
 
 Miss Louisa Holland .... 50 
 
 W. Slade, Esq 5 
 
 A. F. Greville, Esq 5 
 
THE LABOURER'S FRIEND, 
 
 in 
 
 £ s. 
 
 Miss Holmes 5 
 
 Mrs. Shaw 5 
 
 W. Lyon, Esq 5 
 
 J. H. Phillips, Esq 5 
 
 M. L. H 5 
 
 W. A. Rew, Esq 5 
 
 L. S 5 
 
 G. B. Kent, Esq 5 
 
 W. G. Farmer, Esq 5 
 
 General Mercer 5 
 
 Rev. J. Bartlett 5 
 
 G. W. Chad, Esq 5 
 
 Edw. Penrbyn, Esa^ .... 50 
 
 Miss Scott . . ™ . . . . 5 
 
 Mrs. Hough 5 
 
 F. E 5 
 
 Rev. A. Edwards 5 
 
 F. R. Fairer, Esq 5 
 
 J. Phelps, Esq 5 
 
 Higford Burr, Esq 5 
 
 W. Dugmore, Esq 5 
 
 J. Jackson, Esq 5 
 
 Mrs. E. Deverell 5 
 
 H. B. Hickman, Esq 5 
 
 R. Aldridge, Esq 5 
 
 Mrs. M'Bride 5 
 
 Mrs. Hughman 5 
 
 N. S. Thompson, Esq 5 
 
 W. H. Valpy, Esq 5 
 
 The Rev. Dr. Spranger .... 50 
 
 John R. Lawrie, Esq 5 
 
 S. S 5 
 
 J. H. Urquhart, Esq 5 
 
 Rev. R. Palmer 5 
 
 Mrs. E. Frank ...... 50 
 
 MissDealtry 5 
 
 Miss A. Dealtry 5 
 
 Rev. H. G. Watkins .... 50 
 
 J. J. Hensley, Esq 5 
 
 S. R. Sitwell, Esq. ..... 50 
 
 H. Barnett, Esq 5 
 
 Robert Tidswell, Esq 5 
 
 Miss A. W. Cotton 5 
 
 Thomas K. Hall, Esq 5 
 
 H. Ravenshaw, Esq 5 
 
 Joseph Reynolds, Esq. ... 50 
 
 R. Critchett, Esq 5 
 
 S. M. G 5 
 
 J. Dupre, Esq 5 
 
 G. C. Courthope, Esq. ... 50 
 
 James Morier, Esq 5 
 
 T. M. Bridge, Esq 5 O 
 
 Mrs. Phillips 5 
 
 R. Wilkinson, Esq 5 
 
 F. R. Bonham, Esq 5 
 
 W. Leveson Gower, Esq. ... 50 
 
 Mrs. Phillips 5 
 
 R. Berens, Esq 5 
 
 Rev. H. Hodgson 5 
 
 F. Charrington, Esq 5 
 
 J. Minet, Esq 5 
 
 £ s. 
 
 W. Powell, Esq 5 
 
 J, A.Warne.Esq 5 
 
 Thomas H. Farrer, Esq. ... 50 
 
 A Friend ....... 50 
 
 R. A. Hornby, Esq 5 
 
 Miss Scott 5 
 
 J. H. Farrer, Esq 5 
 
 S. R 4 
 
 Colonel Clarke, Esq 3 3 
 
 C, R. Turner, Esq 3 3 
 
 Sir H. Martin, Bart 3 
 
 Ven. Archdeacon Jeffreys ... 30 
 
 James W. Stuart, Esq 3 
 
 W. H. Martin, Esq 3 
 
 C. Sayer, Esq 3 
 
 W. Beckford, Esq 3 
 
 W. Peek, Esq., junior .... 30 
 
 A. M. T 3 
 
 Mrs. Hamilton 2 10 
 
 Lady Caroline Murray .... 2 2 
 
 Lady A. Wentworth 2 2 
 
 Henry Hussey, Esq 2 2 
 
 H. Sykes, Esq. ...;.. 22 
 
 E. M 2 2 
 
 0. M. Ridley, Esq 2 2 
 
 E. M 2 2 
 
 Lady Trevelyan 2 
 
 Marchioness of Exeter .... 20 
 
 The Lady Noel Byron .... 20 
 
 Lady Frauklyn 2 
 
 Lady C. Fitzroy 2 
 
 Hon. Miss Vernon 2 
 
 Gen. Sir J. Bathurst .... 20 
 
 Major Gen. Daubeney .... 20 
 
 Misses Jeffrey 2 
 
 Rev. A. E. Obias 2 
 
 Julius Jeffrey, Esq 2 
 
 Mr. Clarke 2 
 
 Mrs. Ford 2 
 
 Miss Wagner 2 
 
 J. F 2 
 
 Miss Scott 2 
 
 T. C 2 
 
 Dr. Bliss ........ 20 
 
 Major M'Farlane 2 
 
 M. N. S 2 
 
 J. Hoper, Esq 2 
 
 A Lady, per Hatchards .... 20 
 
 N. Heathcote, Esq 2 
 
 Mrs. Boss 2 
 
 Mrs. Hartley 2 
 
 Mr. and Miss Copeland ... 20 
 
 H. Treacher, Esq 2 
 
 W.Harding, Esq 2 
 
 C. F. V. X 2 
 
 C.y\. 2 
 
 Lady Trevelyan 2 
 
 Mrs. Hudson 2 
 
 Dr.' Bliss ........ 20 
 
 Major H. Puget 2 
 
 Col. E. J. Crabbe 2 
 
112 
 
 THE LABOURER'S FRIEND. 
 
 Donations and Subscriptions, from the 30th of April, to the 
 SlstofMaij, 1848. 
 
 *»* Those names to which (D.) is prefixed are Donations ; all others are Annual Subscriptions. 
 
 The Right Hon. Viscount Castlereagh 
 
 Lady Astley, Eversleigb, Pewsey, Wilts 
 
 Rev. T. Dowell, Wellington-heath, near Ledbur 
 John Edensor Heathcote, Esq., Grenville-street... 
 J. Curteis, Esq., Golden-place, Tavivistock-square 
 
 His Grace the Duke of Grafton 
 
 Rev. H. J. Lodington Yelden, Higham Ferrers ... 
 
 The Lord Bishop of Norwich 
 
 G. Miller, Esq., Old-square 
 
 The Lady Augusta Wentworth, Connaught-place 
 
 Rev. C. Bannatyne, Aldham, Halstead 
 
 T. C. Molineux, Esq., Alderhay, near Liverpool 
 
 E. V. Neale, Esq., North Audley-street 
 
 Rev. J. H. Simpkinson, H arrow- on-the-Hill 
 Rev. J. Lemesuiier, Bradfield, near Reading 
 
 Miss M. 0. Lemesurier, Bradfield 
 
 Thomas Berrington, Esq., King William-street 
 — Thompson, Esq., Oxford-terrace ... ... 
 
 Geo. Pearce, Esq., Blackheath-park 
 
 Miss C. Alexander, Hornsey 
 
 Mrs. Rose, High Wycomb 
 
 Miss Irvine, Montagu-place 
 
 W. N. Alcock, Esq., Gisburne park, Clitheroe ... 
 H. T. Alston, Esq., Gloster-house, Richmond ... 
 
 B. Shaw, Esq., Cambridge-square 
 
 Miles Beale, Esq., Bishopsgate-street 
 
 W. A. Mackinnon, M.P 
 
 J. S. Orton, Esq., Hill-road, St. John's Wood ... 
 W. Pearce, Esq., Whitehall-place 
 
 Rev. S. Barbutt, Chichester 
 
 Rev. Dr. Harris, Torquay 
 
 J. Sayer, Esq., Lincoln's-Inn 
 
 Rev.' T. J. Jerram, Witney ... ' 
 
 C. Goodwyn, Esq., Lynn .. 
 
 Mrs. J. Cranmer, Quenden Hall, Bishop Stortford 
 Rev. R. Eden, Leigh 
 
 Per H. Martin. 
 
 T. Burnham, Esq. 
 Rev. W. H. Wilberforce 
 
 
 £. s. 
 
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 Printed by Thomas C. Savill, at his Office, No. 4, Chandos Street, in the 
 Parish of St. Paul, Covent Garden, Westminster, in the County of Middlesex, 
 and Published by John Wood, at No. 21, Exeter Hall, Strand, in the same 
 County, where all Communications are to be addressed.— Sold by Seeley, 
 Burnside, and Seeley, Fleet Street; Nisbet and Co., Berners Street; and J. W. 
 Parker, Strand, London. 
 

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