gears ago; but those who indulged in the interesting clamour

of deep-rooted agitation and discontent, and in no section of the

_8@ that very few could ayail themselves of an opportunity to

of his tenants he gave no leases at all. The consequence was,

extensive and valuable estate, Mr. Worrell became wretchedly

as himself, under the operation of the escheat delusion began

ed to Mrs. . cuted | » at all hours to. . ! classes in Ludia, | ® bebee make die—all rake die very quick ?” ified that he could not express his: terrible impression his words convey- tress was dying, we rushed into the. {met us was sufficiently startling, but a) ~ fat Margaret Douglass and her aunt were | i convulsions, Hazara, supported between | Amats; and before we had time to ask for or | _Aativan, the wretched girl with a shrick fell back, |

(To be concluded.)

he

LAND PURCHASE —THE LOAN.

a Examiner. J

.I., JANUARY 5, 1857.

Tue announcement made in the Royal Gazette of Thursday last—which we copy into this day's paper—leaves no doubt | that our Government will have the meaus within their reach, in the course of a few months, of purchasing the greater part of the proprietary estates in this Island, if the House of Assembly do not prove silly and obstinate enough — a state of things we by no means apprehend — to refuse making the necessary provision for the payment of the Loan.

That the Opposition will echo the stereotyped abuse of their organ, and ring the changes on such cries :—*‘ 0, the country will be ruined °— The money borrowed will be swindled ”’— and—*‘ The people shall be taxed to pay it ’—must be expected as a matter of course wherever the Opposition finds strength enough to raise a ery. All this nonsense was heard for the first time when the Worrell Estate was purchased two or three

ate dumb and stupid as asses when asked to point out the in- dications of ‘‘ ruin’’ that have fallen upon the country — the instances of “ swindling ’’ that have been perpetrated ; or the increase of taxation which has resulted from the purchase of the Worrell property.

No one denies that the leasehold tenure has been the source

country did these evils prevail to a greater extent than on those townships which have recently become Government property, bat which property is now being rapidly and steadily trans- ferred to actual settlers. AV ith a kind and generous disposition, which frequently prompted him to acts of benevolence towards the more destitute of his tenantry—Mr. Worrell united the most siggular notions with regard to the tenuro of land. It was but rarely he could be induced to sell small portions of his nk, and when he did, the prices charged were exorbitant,

beeome freeholders. . And as to tenancy, we have understood that he never gave a longer lease than one of forty years, and this at a rent of about two shillings an acre. Indeed, to most

that the poor farmers who settled upon his property had no heart to labour to improve their oecupations—and in the absence of that desire for progress and improvement which stimulates the energy of a freeholder, /it is no wonder that many a poor tenant fell into arrears, Th¢ demand for rent, and the inability to comply with it—could nt fail to give rise to irritation be- tween the proprietor and the cultivator of the soil. With an poor ana immersed in débt; while the tenantry, nearly as poor tu question his right fo demand rent at all, and readily joined in th pitition for ‘free land,” by means of confiscation, which has so materially retarded the prosperity of the country. When the Estate was handed over to the tender mercies of the “Trustees, matters became a little, but very little, better. Leases were given in several instances—the terms by no means Jiberal—and bonds end warrants taken for the arrears, which afforded very handsome pickings to the Solicitor of the Estate, who had the good fortune to squeeze about eight hundred pounds out of it in the course of a year; but his profits since, from the kame quarter, have been on a much more ambitious scale.

it is needless further to trace the history of the management of this property. The exploits of the great Capt. Sleigh are fresh in the memory of our readers. Ilaving eajoled poor Mr. Worrell, and gota cart-load of title deeds to the Estate without paying a shilling—he thought to humbug the Trustees in turn by making a tremendous dash with Simeon Draper’s money, and fairly set some portions of the tenantry wild by showering silver amongst them, promising to build canals, and offering fabulous priees for cattle and produce, to be taken, of course, in payment of rent. He received some amount of ‘ plunder ”’ in this way ~— and the agents and factors continued to enjoy their share of the spoil. But the Trustees were too cunning to be overreached, and the Sleigh bubble burst very soon after it was i _ Next we find that one of the Trustees, the former

pwn right— the majority of them having joncy inyested in the speculation as the

ne ownership of the property did tranquilize the minds of the Jthe power and the means property when it was ¢ cost less money ir. Worrell him- they had no swith his intely ve

ry nin= | attended with, | hot reasonably expe

pe other parties, become suddenly possessed of ;

Eccaputencenidliinssedll

If, ther

s miv nase with an e

tension of the Government's erations when the contemplated Loan shall be effecter Land agents and specu- lators will endeavour to obstruct this measure as much as they possibly can, because it will lessen their profits and perquisites, and cut off their speculations. They could not imagine that the British Government would so readily give the guarantee, after refusing some of the other Provinces a similar fayour. “Don’t you wish you may get it?”? was the cant exclamation of more than one of them, when the application was first sug-

gested on the floor of our Assembly. They had, probably, in

their recollection the application which was made by the Tory Government in 1848 for the Imperial guarantee for a Loan of £12,000 sterling, to pay off Treasury Warrants to that amount, which Lord Grey politely declined to enter- tain, from a judicious consideration, no doubt, that the Colony had already incurred more debt than it could easily discharge. Jand speculators and agents will promptly receive assistance in their opposition to the measure from all grades and classes of the Tory faction — for they are bound to support each other. These will use their utmost efforts to stir up the dying embers of escheat, which they laboured so hard to extinguish a few years ago — knowing well enough that escheat is a mere ignis fatuis, but nevertheless sufficiently alluring to lead the igno- rant portion of the people astray. But let them put in requi- sition all their machinations and devices ; we have faith enough in the country to warrant us in believing that an overwhelming majority of the people are in favour of accepting the offer of the British Government, even though it might lead — which we do not apprehend — to the loss of some thousands of pounds to the Colony. It will be far better for our people to be out of the clutch of the land speculators than to be zn debt; and if we can convert the mass of our population, who are now tenants, into independent frecholders— the work will be an eminently praiseworthy and patriotic one, even though its accomplishment should cost‘a year’s revenue.

(From the Royal Gazette of the \st instant.)

Aw intimation was some time since given in one of our Island papers that the Imperial Government would, in all) likelihood, comply with the joint request of the two Houses of Legislature of this Colony for the guarantee of a Loan saf- ficient to extend the operations of the Land Purchase Bill, and by that means, in process of time, convert Proprietary Estates, all through the Island, into small freeholds. We have now much satisfaction in stating, that His Excellency the Lieutenant Governor has received by the last English Mail a despatch from the Seerctary of State for the Colonies, inform- ing him that Her Majesty’s Government are Sg ret, to give the required guarantee for the payment of a Loan of One Hundred Thousand Pounds Sterling, should so much be re- quired, the debentures for whatever amount may be drawn, to be redeemable in twenty years. We do not suppose that anything approaching to this amount will be borrowed by our Government; but it will be satisfactory to know that their finances will be amply sufficient for the purchase of any Es- tates which the Proprietors may choose to bring into the market. We need offer no comment upon this generous con- cession of Her Majesty’s Imperial Government. As it con- templates a vast improvement in the material prosperity of the country, we have no doabt that it will be hailed with the liveliest satisfaction by the great majority of our people.

‘

-e—mwoe ss -

CENTRAL ACADEMY.

We beg to call our readers’ attention to the report of the Acting Head Master of the A¢ademy, which we pudlish In tlils day’s Examiner, It is the most important document on the subject of education which has appeared for some time. It carries conviction to the mind, not only of the soundness of the principles advocated, but of the competeney of the writer for the important charge confided tohim. We feel well essured that Mr. Kenny claims eredit for nothing more than he has accom- plished, and therefore regret exceedingly our inability to be present at the examination, On many points touched on in this report we should like to make some remarks, but this we must defer till some other time, as other matters connecte: with the institution demand*prompt and serious consideration.

The staff of masters, as most of our readers.are aware, is reduced to one; and an advertisement in Thursday’s Gazette invites competition for a second. When, on Mr. Cundall’s resignation in June last, a temporary arrangement was entered into, it was on the understanding that application would be made to the Legislature, at its next session, for a new charter and an increased endowment, to convert it into a College. Six months must have given those more immediately concerned ample time for consideration. We, ourselves, have made en- quiries and given much thought to the subject. The conclusion at which we have arrived is, that by a mere change of name, from Academy to Colages SS, would be gained—rather the reverse. We have seen enough of so-called Colleges in the Provinces to desire that one more should be added to the num- ber. Well, then, shall it be made a College in reality—a miniatare University? At this stage of the enquiry, two questions naturally suggest themselves: Ist, Do we need such an institution? 2nd, Could we maintain it? Suppose we were to awake some fine morning and find the Academy ground ornamented with a line of handsome brick buildings; two wings, affording neat and comfortable quarters for the Profes- sors; the centre building surmounted by a dome, pierced for a transit and retracting telescope, and otherwise well supported with an astronomical clock, &e. &e.; the whole set off by a young growth of ornamental trees, enclosed by a white palli- sade. ‘There you have every thing complete—a Library, Philosophical apparatus, small observatory, with three Pro- fessors—one a Cambridge man, an A. M., who had been senior wrangler, the other an eleve of the Ecole Polytechnique, Paris, who, to a knowledge of almost every lng ken in Europe, joins music and many other elegant accomplishments. Only one of the old staff remains. You shall not be called upon to pay the cost of erection, which has been £1500, ster- ling, nor of the outfit, £1000 sterling, only keep the whole ina get state of repair, and pay the Professors’ arlarics ; only mind you, they are men of the highest reputation, and will not teach children. ’ Our first enquiry would naturally be—Since they will not do the kind of work that we need most, let ussee whether we cannot find enough in their own line? Shall we have them to teach theology? If so, it must be handed over to some denomination, and ean no longer be called national ; nor can our people be called on to support such an institution from the general revenue. Besides, there ar: already two Theological Seminaries in connection with the Church of Eng- land, (one at Windsor, the other at Fredericton.) Nearly every Catholic Bishop in the Provinces has one in his own dicots: and the Church of Scotland has one at West River, Pictou, &e. Pupils destined for the medical profession will require to be sent as carly as possible to a Medical College; and we have little else let than to reeruita Bar of about. dozea practitioners. Our three Professors would, therefore, have, for their course of lectures an average attendance of perhaps twelve pupils. It is needless, therefore , to trouble our readers with any enquiry regarding the probable cost,except to state that ings College, i

redericton, costs yearly £254) 2s., New Brangwick currency. What then is to be done? JMither fill up the two vacancies Agt ohee, or leave it all to two M\sters, and exelude all pupils

W a certain age or a certain d&kree of proficiency. Neither e PauTses is entirely free ft h objection Vhat is the c tin: : ts We a - if ’ by proper

88? Two resignations, t tohhew us this, if abries was fixed bo fifty per

R.

———— — <i etn nant eae

#Yor his es ve hear any thing jes, with such

must diminish. Thus,

their saluries are allowed to remain twelve years ago ! Our objection

im in a worse They ha for one of them. Now he tells us,

ition than we have his immediate pre sors. de Mr. Kenny

has been obliged to hear during the past term. We shall

probably return to this subject. i meet for the purpose of taking some action on the matter.

To the Governors and Trustees of the Central Academy. GENTLEMEN,

The present seems a fit occasion for submitting for your consideration some remarks on the present state of this Institution, and of the principles on which it has been our endeavors to conduct it, during the term now about to close.

An inspection of the subjoined list of classes, will shew that the course of instruction embraces every subject needful in the present state of the colony. It is for you to see whether they have been successfully taught, and every branch kept in due subordination to the rest, and to its own intrinsic importance. With only one assistant, you judged rightly, that it would be necessary to avail ourselves of the services of some of the more advanced pupils. From among those who distinguished themselves by the propriety of their deport- ment no less than by their proficiency in their studies, monitors were chosen. By this means the business of the day was ‘opened by simultaneous classes—thus rendering it impossible for any neglect of preparation of lessons at home, to escape detection. ‘They have rendered important service in superin- tending classes of arithmetic, correct in orthographical exer- cises, assisting the younger pupils in finding the situation of places on the maps. And even in the junior mathematics, whenever a pupil experienced any difficulty in an algebraical problem, or a Trigonometrical formula, he was referred to some one who had lately gone over the same ground ; and thus while every student was, as it were, placed under the necessity of retaining whatever he had once acquired, more time was given to the masters for those things which could not be so well done by others, as well as for the general superintendence of the whole.

It will easily be admitted that a thorough mastery of one’s mother tongue should be the first object, as it is the most essential element of a good education. It is equally undeniable, that this is by no means an ordinary accom- plishment, even among those who have received what is con- sidered a fair education. The greatest care, therefore, has been taken that nothing should be passed over, before it be thoroughly understood. The poetical extracts interspersed throughout the different reading books, have beew analysed, commented on, illustrated, and criticised in every respect, as we ure wont to do with the Greek and Latin poets for our higher classes. This isa novel feature in a mere English Education, and one requiring some expenditure of time ; but it is calculated in an eminent degree to strengthen the judgment and refine the taste. With the same object in view, all the pupils have been required to use their pens frequently, whether in simple transcription, writing from dictation, or committing to paper their own ideas. Spe- cimens of their compositions will be submitted, and may be relied on, as the result of their own unaided efforts. With this view also, the plan has been adopted of requiring a written translation of the whole, or-a part of each lesson, before proceeding to the viva voce translation. In every ease the correction of errors takes place in presence of the class,

The number of pupils learning any other language than English, is not great, and is liable to considerable fluctuations from year to year. It might have heen greater, were it not that I discountenance the practice of commencing the Classics before the pupil shall have made some progress in his mother tongue, as well as strengthened his mind by an acquaintance with the eiements of Mathematics. The advantage resulting from adopting this course, are two fold. In the first place, many persons are saved by it, from misapplication of time, and means involved in devoting one or two terms to the study of the Clas-ics, when perhaps, the circumstances of their parents, or their own want of capacity, might render it necessary to discontinue, without, of course, having accom- plished any thing, while the same pains bestowed on other branches of education, which are needed in the every day concerns of life, could not fail to prove useful. And in the second place, the pupi!s who may be destined for any of the learned Professions, and who can afford to remain the necessury time, will have acquired a sound knowledge of the classics much sooner than they would have by beginning their study earlier. This is practically the case, when part of the English course consists in committing to memory the Greek and Latin roots, The Greeks and Romans were pre-eminently an idealistic people, and their writings, and even the ccnstruction of their languages requires anything rather than the judgment ofa child. The reason usually assigned for putting the Latin Grammar into the hands of children, before they are well able to comprehend the English Grammar, is, that the English being in great part derived from the Greek and Latin, an acquaintance with the latter must greatly contribute to a thorough understanding of the former. But persons who reason thus overlook the obvious deduction from their own premises, namely, that in the very same degree, and for a like reason, that a knowledge of the Latin must favour the study of the English, a knowledge of the English must facilitate the acquisition of the Latin. With the French the case isin many respects very different. This polished language so nearly resembles our own, both in idiom and simplicity of structure, that a pupil of ordinary abilities can, by merely devoting one hour daily, translate with great ease at the end of the first year. A knowledge of French to this extent, is daily becoming more and more necessary. Not only our modern histories but our periodical literature pre-supposes it.

In the Mathematical department, although divided into classes for the purpose of review and comparison, each pupil is allowed to pursue his own course independently, without having his progress unduly retarded by those of’ less, or ac- celerated by those of greater talent than himself. Twice a week, however, they are examined in classes, to see that each thoroughly understands what he has been doing, and for the purpose of directing attention to the practical application of the principles. The first class has proceeded as far as Ana- lytical Trigonometry, both Plane and Spherical, a point never before reached by any class in this Colony. This may be re- garded as the mathematical limit to a good professional edu-

its many important applications, embracing, as it does, Prac- tical Mechanics, Land Surveying, Civil Engineering and Plain Caeey with its application to Navigation, &e. The first named subject is capable of a wide range of practi- cal application in the industrial resources of the Colony, em- bracing, as it does, every thing from the construction of an ordinary truck, to that of a mill, with the most economical way of availing ourselves of the water power with which naturg grrr untifully supplied us; and we have only to cast ftv ye on the yearly increasing list of shipping, and sce

our Parking trade nearly all in the hands of our neighbours, to Ardent nd the full: impo: of vigution® afi of

ithin the reach of our young men the means of ac-

ial benefit ten pounds each. We have of that kind, and hope we never shall, numerous and excellent free schools, the while the Colony has advanced in

l ticipated in the general prosperity, Bited cox cligited $0 below what they were

to the cther course indicated is, that it would be unjust towards Mr, kenny. After twelve years of faithful

ublie services, he has a i‘ght to expect that we will not _— h eces-

ach of them two masters under them, and in his report,

that the active superintendence of an institution like the Aca- demy is incompatible with the hearing of so many classes as he

feantime, the Trustees will

cation, ~vhether as an intellectual training, or on account of

os .

a “ wae ,

those pupils from the difierent counties, who enjoy the scholar- ships ia connection with the Institution, not only in the mathematical principles, but also in the use of instruments used in Navigation. In this way, great benefits might be expected to result to the Island at large, if those pupils who may be chosen to succeed the — whose scholarships are now about to terminate, should have some knowledge of Ma- thematics before coming to town. In this way, we shall in time be able to effect;what many Governments have been at great pains and expense to accomplish ; those of oar you men who spend the summer at sea, may relieve the tedium of the long winter by qualifying themselves for the proper discharge of their onerous and important duties, on which so much valuable property and life depends. ;

Under the comprehensive designation of general informa- tion, an attempt has been made to pave the way for regular classes in Natural Philosophy, properly so called. Nothing further can be effected in this way, until the necessary Philo- sophical apparatus shall be supplied us. My own private collection has been made available as a Library of reference, and answers very well, but although my own apparatus has been used, it is quite inadequate, nor can it be expected that from my private means such additions can be made to it as

will dispense with the necessity of some public provision for this purpose. The urgent necessity of something being at

once done, by way of a beginning, can be seen by this. That while the Act requires (see. 5) Teachers of the Second Class to be competent to give instruction, among other things, in Land Surveying and Navigation, the Board of Education has not the means of ascertaining whether a Candidate is able to read off a common Quadrant.

With one or two exceptions, the Classes have been marked once a week, each pupil’s place being registered in a book kept for that purpese. The most obvious advantage of this system is, that chance has no part in determining the relative merits of the pupils inter se. When this decision is left entirely to a public examination, and one trial, mach must necessari!y depend on chance—much on the self-pessession of the pupil. That natural timidity which usually aceompanies merit, places its possessor under many disadvantages, in a public examination. In this way, much injustice is often committed. The chief excellence of the system of weekly registration, consists in this: it makes every day throughout

superinduces habits of steady application, and even regular attendance. willingness to go to school without waiting for their breakfast, rather than lose their place by being too late for class. Much of this is no doubt, owing to parents manifesting a solicitude for their children’s progress, aud taking ,care to know their places in their different classes. The classes already alluded to, as not having been marked in this way, are those whose ardour requires to be moderated, rather than stimulated. They are, moreover, such as can be determined at one trial, with considerable accuracy. Besides, the pupils comprising those, have, fur the most part, arrived at the age at which it is necessary to familiarize them with expressing their senti- ments in public. Your co-operation in adjudicatimg on these classes, is therefore earnestly requested.

In conclusion, gentlemen, you are confidently invited to ascertain, by personal examination of every detail connected with the Institution, whether these representations are well founded—whether they are what ought to have, or what ae- tually have been done. At the same time 1 most re- spectfully, to represent to your honorable Board, that LT deem the hearing of so many classes ax have fallen to my lot daring the past Term, incompatible with the active superintendence of an Lustitution like this.

All which is respectfully submitted, Joun Kenny, Acting Head Master.

[We are obliged to leave out the list of classes, above referred to as having been examined, for want of space.—Ep. Exr.]

Vii iv

_-@—e@ es -—_-

NEWS BY THE ENGLISH MAIL.

Tur English Mail, which arrived about one o'clock on Tues-

us dates to the 7th December. We give in our present No. such items of the news as appear to possess most interest.

—~ ¢ »_e@ > ——

The editor of Haszard’s Gazette attended the examination of the Academy and Infant School, and has immortalised himself by one of these brilliant editorials which he alone can indite, and which remind one strongly of the luminous de- cisions of the City Recorder. We can imagine his cons - quential air as the representative of the press—looking wise and taking notes, and all to end in such a miserable piece of senility. The transition of the chair editorial from John Lawson to our old friend, James D. Haszard, will be an easy one, scarcely perceptible to his readers, except in some abate- ment of flash and pretension.

A dark-eyed young countryman of Columbus took up his position before the Bank a few days since, and commenced discoursing his sweetest music, thinking no doubt that where money is most abundant is the best place to seek it. After he had been some time wasting his energy in vain, a gentleman, who happens to be something of a wag, and who does not live 100 miles from the Bank, said to him, ‘* Don’t be losing your time there, my boy ; if Orpheus, vour grandfather, were to come he wouldn’t grind a copper out of these chaps.”’

iF Our Own Reporter has furnished us with some further speeches delivered at a recent meeting of the ‘ Political Alliance,’’ but owing to the fact of our columns being pre- occupied with English news and other matters, we are obliged to postpone their insertion.

—

NEWS BY THE ENGLISH MAIL.

"NAPLES.

Artemrt To AssasSINATE THE Kixc.—Dec. 8.—At noon to- day there was a review. While the troops were defiling, a soldier of the 3d battalion of Chasseurs rushed from the ranks and struck the King on the left side. The King was not wounded. The soldier was knocked down and seized by Col. Latour. All is quiet in Sicily.

Another version of the affair is as follows :—An attempt at assassination has been made on the person of the King. A soldier fired his carbine at His Majesty, who, it is said, was slightly wounded. The soldier was killed on the spot. The intelligence from Sicily is satisfactory.

The Oesterrichische Correspondenz says, that the bayonet of the soldier struck the King on the right side, above the waist.

IRELAND.

A mifre has been placed at the disposal of the Pope by the death of Bishop Murphy, of Cloyne, who expired on Thursday ros at Fermoy,

Father Matthew, the celebrated Apostle of Temperance, is dead. His demise had long been expected. He fell a martyr to his exertions in the cause of philanthrophy both in the Old ‘and New World. His funeral will take place at Cork, when the town council and the other public bodies will take part of- ficially in the melancholy ceremonial.

Tue Mayoratty or Duntix.— The corporationve ha unanimously elected Mr. Atkinson, cabinet manufacturer, to fill the office of Lord Mayor of Dublin for the ensuing year.

Corx.—Mr. William Fitzgibbon, the present Mayor, has

Gieat pains have therefore been taken to instruct been re-elected for the next year.

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the term,a partof the half-yearly examination, and this -

Pupils of tender age, have expressed their —

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