wmm IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) // ^/ , i %^4 ^^7^ Z 1.0 !.l ^1^ Ih ISf 1^ I2.Q ut lii M^ 1^ *■ Hioto^raphic Sdmces Corporation 23 WtST MAIN STRUT WnSTM.N.Y. MSM (71«)«73-4»03 '4^ 4^' CIHM/ICMH Microfiche Series. CIHIVI/iCIVIH Collection de microfiches. Canadian (nttituts for HistorJcal Microraproductiont / Inatitut Canadian da microraproductiona hiatoriquaa T«chnicaf and BibNographic Not««/Not«s tachniqucs at bibliographiquaa to Tha Inatituta haa attamptad to obtain ttio baat oriainal copy avallobia for filming. Paaturaa of thia copy which may ba biMiographically uniqua. which may altar any of tha imagaa in tha raproduction, or which may aigniftcanthf changa tha uaual mathod of filming, ara chackad balow. QColourad covara/ Couvartura da coulaur I — I Covara damagad/ Couvartura andommagia □ Covara ravtorad and/or laminatad/ Couvartura raatauria at/ou-pallicuMa □ Covar titia miaaing/ La titra da eoMvarturr manqua □ Colourad mapa/ Cartaa giographiquaa wn eouknir D D D Coiourad ink (i.a. otiiar than blue or bbick)/ Encra da coulaur (i.a. autra qua biaua ou noiral □ Coiourad plataa and/or illuatrationa/ P^ianchaa at/ou illuatmtiona m% coulaur □ BourMi with othar matarial/ RalM avec d'autraa documanta D Tight binding may cauaa ahadowa or diatortion along intarior margin/ Laraliura MrrAa paut cauaar da I'ombra ou da ia diatoraion la i '-fei' INTRODtJ(?rOtlY S' •1).';/ J '.lilt « ..I'i'Avfi. ,':( 5.'--i ADDRESSES. f^,;;-^V t-"t<*' ■■■' :'<:.,.!. LECTURE SEASON, COUMENOINa IVdTESIBER lYth, 1868» fi. SAINT JoHij, ir. fi. ^. ik A. M'MILLAN, PRINTERS, 78 PRINCE WM. STHElBt^ 1864. litfl. .J ri:^'m'^l:i:iJ'■■Y■ml ■f t V;|t' , MkuYu \}' ^ * i: I OPENIi [In tho •Kseiiib J? •^*?S;:s .■■ r\ny { On I mo.^ vour ciate flistar the y( Bideni confe iLadk It I The! is one to hoi pectG( Thi of Le< the Ir that ] made respo: ocr, t 107^3/ \\ , / ■ , . i;' :|. OPENING OF THE TWENTY-SIXTH ANNUAL COURSE OF LECTURES, BY ISAAC WOODWARD, Esquibe, Prenidcnt of the Inttitute, and Mayor of the City, [In tbo presence of His Excellency the Lieutenant Governor, and a larg* •MscmblHge of Ladies and Gentlemen, on Tuesday evening, 17th Nov. 1863.] «CiCD O' May it please your Excellency : On behalf of the Members of the Mechanics' Institute, I most respectfully tender you my sincere thanks, for your being present with us this evening, and we appre- ciate the honor the more from the consideration of the distance you have come, and especially at this season of the year, so unfavourable for travelling ; this last con- aideration greatly enhances the favor which you have conferred. , . . . ,; \nt Ladies' and Gentlemen: „, ' It becomes also my pleasant duty to bid you welcome. The Position I occupy in connexion with the Institute, is one I much value, many years ago I had the honor to hold it, and my re-election to it was not more unex- pected than it was gratifying. . I, . . ',«, eu,, This evening we inaugurate our twenty-sixth course of Lectures, twenty-live years having passed away since the Institute was established, and 1 am happy to say, that notwithstanding the many requisitions we have made on the time and labour of our friends, they hav« responded to our applications in the most cordial man- ner, to occupy the platform this winter. The Hundredth t^salm was then sung by the audi- ence, Mr. Card presiding at the Organ : Before Jehovah's awful throne, Ye nations bow with sacred joy ! . : Know that the Lord is God alone, He can create and he destroy. /'JjiJrA.iV His sovereign pow'r without our aid, Made us of clay, and form'd us men : And when, like wand'ring sheep, we strayM^ He brought us to his fold again. , , . . WeMl crowd thy gates with thankful songs^ '" ' High as the heav'ns our voices raise, I' • And earth with her ten thousand tongues, Shall fill thy coilrts with sounding praise. Wide as the world is thy command. Vast as eternity thy loVe; Firm as a rock thy ttuth shall stand. When roiling years shall cease to move. ' Mr. "Woodward then resumed as follows: — May it please your Excellency, f)vt f ; Ladies and Gentlemen, This presJent, is an epoch in the history of the Insti^ tute ! it has had an existence of a quarter of a century, and is now entering upon another quarter of such a» J)eriod-^a8 it is an ancient custom to mark the anniver- sary of important events, by nations or states as also by associations, and individuals, we propose to follow sucii an example by a short notice of some of the prominent occurrences oi the past twenty-five years. In the month of November 1838 one quarter of a centdty ago, the " St. John Mechanics' Institute " was established, it may therefore be interesting to those ;^resent, who Were present then, as well as to those who are less familiar with its early history, to take a rapid glance at some of the leading landmarks in its progress. To Dr. Birkbeck belongs the honor of founding the firat " Mechanics' Institute. " In the year 1800 he waa engaged to lecture for a scientific institution in Glasgow^ he was struck with the intelligence of the workmen le audi' e Insti-* lentury, such a mniver- also by 3w sucii )miiieiit :er of a ;e" was o those )se who a rapid rogress. ing thd he waa lasgow* orkmeii who assisted him in the construction of his apparatus. He formed a class and gave to them a free course of lectures, it continued to exist to the year 1823, when the Glasgow Mechanics' Institute was established. In the same year Dr. Birkbeck was in London and aided in the formation of the first Mechanics' Institute in that City, on the list of its earliest patrons were the names of Brougham, Denman, and Lushington — Like Institu- tions were rapidly formed in the chief Cities and Towns of the three Kingdoms. It was a time of peace and great commercial prosperity, it was the age of " the march of mind and not the march of armies" "The Schoolmaster was abroad." « •. -li;!' .^ At the Session of our Provincial Legislature in 1839 an Act of Incorporation was obtained, as the design of the founders of the " St. John Mechanics' Institute '* was that it should be a permanent organization, " not like a temporary flame burning bright for a time, and then expiring giving place to returning darkness." The first Officers of the Institute were - BEVERLEY ROBINSON. President. ~ JOHN DUNCAN, ) v:^„ PrP«5rlpnf, ^ GEO. D. ROBINSON, J ^ »°'' Presidents. *^^ M. H. PERLEY, Corresponding Secretary. ■^rS. J. SCOVIL, Recording W J. G. SIIARPE, Treasurer. DIRBCTORS. *ALEX. LAWRENCE, - - THOS. ALLAN, — -EDWIN FAIRWEATHER, - WILLIAM JACK, -BARZILLAI ANSLEY, -JAMES McGregor. - .i1 if WM. LAWTON, ■'■ THOS. RANKIN. GEORGE FLEMING. RICHARD DUFF. - THOS. NISBET, Jr. JOHN GRAY. (,^ \l ii) ? Of the eighteen members seven are now no more. The introductory Lecture was by Dr. Gesner, he followed it with a course of eight on Geology. The, Rev. Mr. Andrew delivered two on Astronomy. Pro- fessor Gray of King's College, Fredericton, eight on Natural Philosophy. Mr. Foulis two on Chemistry and Mr. Elliott one on tlie Steam Engine. It was not long before it was discovered here as well as in the mother country, that Lectures Historical, Biographical^ , JIuniorous, and on topics connected with passing events, /9 were more attractive and popular than lectures purolj Boientiiic. As Institutes like ours depend for support on the patronage of the public, its taste must be cou- Rulted. Lectures on Science are more adapted to the Class-room and College, than a mixed assembly, of late years it has been difficult to obtain Lectures with illus- trations and experiments on scientific subjects. The Institute has some valuable apparatus, a portion of which was obtained from the Philosophical Society, the members of which united with the Institute at its establishment. There is also a costly set of dissolving views connected with which are views of the heavenly bodies for an astronomical course of lectures. ;» ^i; ' The dissolving and other scenes when successfully shown are very tine. It is to be hoped that some of the vouns: members of the Institute wil! turn their attention to the studv of them and tavor us each season with a course of illustrated lectures. . ^^ 'v,...r ^ . v.^L^ Tho want of a suitable place for the purposes of the Institute, lecture room &c., was soon felt, this to an organization sharing largely of the public favor, was not of long continuance, a subscription list wns opened, and a large amount subscribed in sums from §4 to $100. The Legislature at tho Session of 1.8?t), marked its approval of the enterprise by a grant ot $2000 from the public treasury. On the 27th day of .Mav of the same year, the (corner stone of the Building in which we are now met was laid by the Lieutenant Governor, Sir John Harvey, with Masonic honors, assisted by the diiferent Trades of tho City and Portland with their ombloms and Banners. In the summer of 1850 the Building was enlarged at a cost of over $4000, increasing the accommodation of the Lecture Room more than one third, affording a larger and more suitable rooni for the Museum, as well as furnishing accommodation for the residence of tho Keeper. Tl o Hall was in the winter of 18G2 [ilaccd at the disposal of the proper authorities for holding divine service for the accommodation of the troops while here, on their way to Canada. ' ' ; : -^^-r w s piirelj support bo ooii- rl to tho ', ol* late itli ilhia- pc>rlibn Society, to at it» saolving icavenly jessfully some of rii their li season s of the is to an vor, was opened, [1 $4 to marked 00 froru e (corner net was ey, with s of tho iners. arg-ed at ation of rdino: a as well e of tho laced at X divine ile here, In tlie sammor of 1842, a Bazaar was held under the patronage of Lady Colebrook, who with the Lieutenant Governor, honoured it with their pveflence, it was a great success, placing in the coffers of tne Institute over fSOO, this was the act of the Ladies' of the City to whom our special thanks were given at tho time, and now hftv^ pleasure in repeating them. The crowning movement of the Institute was reserved for the year 1851, when the first Imlustrial Exhibition ever held in New Brunswick, took place under its man- agement; it was opened by Sir Edmund W. Head, Lieutenant Governor, with a speech appropriate to the occasion. Lady Head was also present, with all the beauty and fashion of the City, and neighbourhood. '^' A temporary Building in addition to the Institute, was erected for the purpose from a design by Mr. Stead, Architect, it occupied the space of Street in front of the Hall extending from Wellington Row, to Peel Street. The design of its originators, was to stimulate the in- dustrial classes of the province, and not with the view or hope of deriving any pecuniary advantage. The enterprise was however 90 eminently successful, that it left a balance over the cost, of ^400 to the Institute. It also led to the holding of a similar exhibition the following year in Fredericton, under the direction of the " New Brunswick Society for the encouragement of Agi'iculture, Home manufactures and Commerce," , The second Provincial Exhibition was held in Sussex, in the fall of 1361. The Provincial Board as now>'^?]- stituted, is required by Law, to hold one Exhibition every third jeav, it was not unreasonable, on the part of the Institute and the Citizens of Saint John, to expect that the next Provincial one would have been held here. From the number of contributors in the City and suburbs with its population of over 30,000, and from its central location, comraandinflf River, Boy, and Railway travel, stretching from Chai'lotte to Restigouche, a degree of success could have been guarranteed to an Exhibition in St. John, which could not be looked for in any other part of the Province. The Directors of tho Institute I- e ^d all in their power to secure for St John the coming Exhibition, but without success. York having made the ofier of suitable buildings, and on that ground Fredericton was chosen. . . , i •■■■'>. ■>nii * As it is chiefly through the medium of Exhibitions, that the Pr^ivincial Board, which is kept up by a largo annual ^/rant, aims to stimulate the industrial classes^ and as the largest number of contributors, and the most attractive articles come from the Foundries and Work- shops, it is a subject worthy of consideration whether a Board composed entirely of Legal gentlemen, Merchants and Farmers, some of them representing Counties which can hardly be said to have an Agricultural Society, or if they have, they only exist ^or what they can draw from the Provincial Exchequer ; would it not be improved by an infusion of persons representing the manufacturing interest? '^^ • ■ ' •"-' ' " ' '"^ ■ ' '■ ■ ' • ■ ' '■':'' ■ The property of the Institute consists of its -,. , "building, which was erected and enlarged at a cost of, A Library at a cost value of, - - A Museum, , Philosophical and Chemical apparatus, and Dissolving Views, - - - - A Splendid Organ, - • - . Making a Total value of, $i7,ooa 2,600 2,500 800 2,000 $24,900 The liabilities of the Institute, amounts to $4,750, the interest on which is regularly paid, and part of the ^ principal annually, the whole of whicL, we hope will in a short time be liquidated. ^ Membership —Members now number four hundred and fourty-seven, which privilege can be obtained on the payment of $2, with an annual subscription of $3, this not only admits a Member to the lectures with two Ladies', or two members of his family, bi^t also to the itftrary and i^ea<£m^ room,^ 9 The Museum, was originally the property of Dr. Gesner, and valued by him at $4,000, it was purchased from him by a number of Gentlemen, who after a time generously assigned their Shares without charge to the Institute. ,„ , The Reading Boom is open %.yq nights in the week, ftom 7 to 9 o'clock, on the cables, are all the City papers, Beligious and Secular, as well as papers published in other parts of the Province, together with Nova Scotian and Canadian. The papers from the United States con- sist of the "Scientific American," "Maine Farmer,'* "Boston Courier," " Boston Evening Gazette," "New York Times, " " Journal of Commerce, " " Home Journal," " Harper's Weekly," " Scottish American," and the " Albion. " The old country papers are, the "Liverpool Mercury," "Edinburgh Scotchman," Bel- fast Weekly News," "Army and Navy Gazette," "Illustrated News," and "Punch." The Magazines, " Blackwood and the four Quarter- liep, Hunt's Merchant's Magazine, and Harper's, The Builder, Mechanic's Magazine, and Practical Mechanics' Journal." To the young Mechanic and Engineer, the Btud}'^ of the three last named periodicals, with the Sci- entific American, cannot fail of advancing him in the profession he has chosen, while to all classes, there is a variety of papers and periodicals from the perusal of which they may pasp a pleasant and instructive evening, few places away from our own hearthstone, offer a more quiet retreat^ than the reading room of the Mechanics' Institute. The Library. — The importance of a Library was early recognised. The Board of Directors in the spring of 1839, appropriated $400 for the purchase of Books. A glance at the catalogue will show that great care at all times has been taken in the celection of works. The first book placed on the shelves was Sir James Mcin- tosh's History of England. If the Lectures delivered on scientific subjects are few, there are no lack of scientific works in the Library. In Chemistry there are over thirty volumes by twelve different authors. There are as many works on Geol- ogy from' the pens of the most celebrated students of that modern science. . . Astronomy is there in the works of Ilerschell, Dick, and others, as also a great variety of works on Archi- tecture and Entrineering Ironi Tredgold's costly vol- umes down to the last published scientific Magazine. "Junius" is there, as well as the most celebrated speeches of Pitt, Burke, Fox, Sheridan, Canning, and other statesmen of Britain aiid America. The British modern Essays are also there, with Shakespeare, Swift, Johnston, Scott, Macaulay, Lytton and liicken?, and a few volumes ot Sermons by eminent divines. Of the Historical, Biographical, Travels and other w^orks, numberiris^ three thousand volumes in all, time will not permit of even a' passing glance, yet o^' two we would say a word, one is tlie lite of a gentleman, who iiiany years ago held the distinguished position of Governor of New Brunswick, the late Sir Howard Douglas. From 1824 to 1029 this Province was his home, ijj the latter year he was selected by the British Government, with the late Chief Justice Chipman as a delegsire to ih^ King of the Netherlands, to advise in the settle- ment of the boundary line between Maine and New Brunswick. On the eve of returning to this Province, the ministry introduced into Parliament a Bill for tlie reduction of duties on foreign timber, he immediately wrote a pa.nphlet opposing the measure, called at the Colonial office, and placed his resignation in the hands of the Colonial Secretary, and then presented him a co}>y of his work. Partly through his instrumentality the Bill was lodt, and as a consi-quence Sir Howard received no further favors ai the hands of the Government of the day. The tidings of the defeat of thn measiire was received in New Brunswick witii demonstrations of rejoicing, but there was a universal feeling of regret anci disap- pointment, when the resiguatio'n ot Sir Howard was known, involving, as it did a great personal sacriiice on his part, in behalf of a people in wLoee weliare he always felt the warmest interest. ."' -■ • - - -• -j^** A tew years after he was chosen hy his Sovereign, as Lord High Commissioner of the Ionian Island's, subse- quently he was returned as one of the Representatives to the House of Commons from the commercial T wn of Liverpool. He was a General in the Army, writer of a number of Standard works on Naval (nunnery, naval warfare with Steam, and on Fortification, a copy of the first nann-d work he presented to Prince Alfred throdgh her Majesty, in which he wrote the following inscription : *'To His Koyal Highness Prince Alfred, of H. M. S. *' St George, one of the formost hopes of future .ulorj "to the Hoyal Xavy, this V(jlnme is respectfuilv and "affectionately presented by a Veteran dT four score " vears and five." '* The young Prince sent the following acknowledge- ment. : ■: : > . ;./•• ' *^ H. M. S St. George. i • " ' ' "Port Koyal, 6th April, ISOl. ^ "Dear Sir Howard Douglas, "'^'''''^ '■^- " '" '''^ " Accept my best thanks for your kindness in scnd- "ing mo a Copy of your new work on " Naval Onnnery" "which i received by the Mail to-dav, and which i shall "study with much interest, although I have been only "a short time in the Navy, I have been able to recog- "nise how much it is infUil)ted to you, and I can wish "you no greater satisfaction tiniu, that this edition may "have the same success as the iirst." „, I remain yours truly, ., Alfred. To the construction of " Annour Ships," Sir Howard was most strongly opposed, and it is reniarkable, that a letter should have been i-cceived just as lie exjiired, from the institute of Naval Architects (which had before been strongly opposed to his views,) anunoncing hie 12 spontaaeous election as an associate of that body. Twenty four hours before his death, he said that all ho had stated about " Armour Plates" would prove correct, and that they knew but little of the undei eloped 'power of Artillery. Sir Howard was a warm supporter of the Volunteer Movement, and aided in its organization, addressing a letter of advice to the ** National Rifle Association," he received an acknowledgement in his election as an honorary Member. Sir Howard was as good as he was great, and passed away on the 9th November 1861, at the age of 85, with a firm trust in his Redeemer. r The other work to which we refer is called the British Cabinet of 1853. It contains political and historical Portraits of the Ministry of that day, one which in point of talent (has seldom or ever been sur- passed, Palmerston, Russel, Gladstone, Newcastle, and Graham were of its members, but the chief of the Galaxy of the British statesmen, is the one whose portrait is the frontispiece, and who was honoured by his Soverign, with the post of Premier, and who during a long and active political life, was never unmindful of those claims which science and art had upon him from his early days, having for thirty-four years from 1812 to 1846 held the ofiice of President of the Antiquarian Society^ that distinguished Nobleman was George Ham- ilton Gordon, the fourth Earl of Aberdeen. Sir John Herschell in a work on " Taste for reading" thus beautifully describes the value of a Library. ^ " Were I to pray for a taste which should stand me "under every variety of circumstances, and be a source " of happiness and cheerfulness during life and a shield "against its ills, however things might go amiss and " the world frown upon me ; it would be a taste for " reading, give a man this and you can hardly fail of "making him a happy man, you place him in contact " with the best society, in every period of history, with " the wisest, the wittiest, the bravest, and the purest " characters who have adorned humanity." _ ^ And another writter adds. " To a young man away " from home, books are the friends of the friendless, " and a Library the home of the homeless, a taste for " reading will enable him to converse with men who " will instruct him by their wisdom, and charm him by "their wit, who will soothe him when fretted, refresh " him when weary, counsel him when perplexed and "sympathise with him at all times." A most striking illustration of the advantages of a Library, and a taste for study, is found in the lives 'of the eminent Engineers George and Robert Stephenson. Robert was sent to Newcastle to School, and while there, was entefed a member of the Library and Philoso- phical Institution, the subscription was three guineas a year, he spent much of his leisure time in it reading and studying, and on Saturday afternoons when he re- turned home to his fathers at Killingworth, he usually carried with liim a volume of the Repository of Arts and Sciences, or of the Edinburgh Encyclopedia, which furnished abundant subjects for interesting and instruc- tive conversation during the evening. Many of the most valuable works belonging to the Newcastle Library were not permitted to be taken from the Room, these Robert was to read and study, and to bring away with him descriptions and sketches for his father's information. Robert like his father, was very fond of reducing his scientific reading to practice. On one occasion after reading Franklin's description of the lightning experi- ment, he expended all his hoarded Saturday pennies in purchasing about half a mile of copper wire at a Brazier's Shop in Newcastle. Aftct* privily preparing his Kiie^ he sent it up at the Cottage door, insulating the wire by means of a silk handkerchief. His father's Pony was standing near waiting for the Master to mount, bringing the end of the wii*e over the Pony's crupper, so smart an electri J shock was given that it was almost knocked down. At this juncture the father issued from the dooi* with riding whip in hand, and was witness to the scien- tific trick, played off on his Galloway* *'Ah yoU mischievous scoundrel" said he to the boy, who ran ofi} 1^ u. but he inwardly chuckled with pride, nevertheless at bis son's successful experiment. So highly did Robert Stephenson appreciate the bene- fit that he derived from his connexion with the Newcastle Institute, that he left it at his death, which occurred three years ago, dSSOOO. He was a Member of Parlia- ment, and received from the Queen, the honor of Knighthood. ' -'' ' ' " .. , ;/ •. J Should it be the lot of some youthful reader of the works in our Library, whether engaged in Mechanical, Commercial, or Professional pursuits, to be stimulated on to noble and successful efforts, from the example of those whose deeds are stamped on the page of history, and whose names will never die, may they too, not for- get an Institution, whose power of usefulness is only nmited bv its means. The young should never forget that Education is the work of a Life, and that the acquirements of the school is not the taking of the citadel, it is only the mine and the ladder which aids in the work. To the youui? man no Institution is better adapted to stimulate to study, to strengthen the intellectual faculties, impart mental elasticity and self-reliance, than the Debatinf/ JSockti/, What the Gymnasium is to the body, it is to the mind, the ready speaker who has stronxf common sense, enlight- ened with judicious reading, wields a power over other minds, while, "words are only sound and fury signify- ing nothing." In no way can we better illustrate our views than by the following anecdote. George Stephen- eon, (the father of Robert,) was the guest of Sir Robert Peel, Dr. Buckland, the eminent Geologist, and Sir William Follet, at that time Attorney General of Eng- land, were also guests. An animated discussion took place between Stephenson and Buckland, on the forma- tion of coal, the result was that Dr. Buckland, a much greater master of tongue fence than Stephenson, com- pletely silenced him. Next morning before breakfast, Stephenson was walking in the grounds deeply pondering. Sir William Pollet came up and asked Mr. Stephenson what ho was )Iess at e bene- woastlo Jcnrred Parlia- >nor of - '; '•' of the aiiical, minted iple of i story, lot for- is only 1 is the school ne and ^g man study, mental iSocktj/, ! mind, nlight- i' other ignify- ito our epheu* Robert id Sir thinking about, " Whv Sir William, I am thinking over "that argument I had with Bnckland last evenmg, I " know I am right, and if I only had the command of word'i which he has, I'd have beaten him " Let me know all about it, said Sir William, and I'll see what T can do for you ; the two sat down in an arbour, when the astute Lawyer made himself thoroughly acquainted with the points of the case, entering into it with all the zeal of an advocate about to plead the dearest interests of his client. After he had mastered the subject. Sir William rose up rubbing his hands with glee, said, " now I am ready for him." Sir Robert Peel was made acquainted with the plot, and adroitly introduced the subject of the controversy after dinner. The result was that in the argument which followed, the man of science was over- come by the man of Law, and Sir William Follet, had at all points the mastery over Dr. Buckland. " What do you say Mr. Stephenson, asked Sir Robert Peel laughing. Why, said ho I will only say this; that of all the powers above and under the earth, there seems to me, to be no power so great as the gitt of the Gab." George Stephenson at the time of "hi* death was President of the " Birmingham Mechanics* Listitule," he always felt the liveliest interest in it» prosperity, and often reminded its younger members, that the key to his own success was perseverance. Three years ago, the Institute offered two prizes, one of Fifteen and another of Ten Guineas for the two best Essays on "New Brunswick as a field for Emigra- tion, with the best means for promoting it." The Provincial Government marked its appreciation of the act, by having ten thousand copies of the ^vq best Essays publislied, principally for circulation in the Mother Country. The highest prize was awarded to Mr. Ellis, the Editor of the *• Evening Globe," and the second to Mr. Edgar, Editor of the " Woodstock Journal," The authors of the others were respectiveljf Hon. Jas. Brown, late Surveyor General, the late Wm. Till and W. R. M. Burtis, Esq. ; ml rr illi > ill in 1.1 16 Burltiff the twenty five years that have passed smcd the establishment of the Institute, there has never been an omission of a Lecture, notwithstanding the fact that the Gentleman who have occupied the platform on the several occasions, have done so without compensation, excepting when they have come from a distance, in 6uch cases their expenses have been tendered, which sometimes has been most generously declined. Of the three Gentlemen from Halifax, one requested that the amount offered him might be expended in the purchase of books for the Library, it was Lieutenant Duncan of the R. A. The present Prov. Secretary of Nova Scotia, who delivered the introductory Lecture three years ago, also declined receiving any compensation ; both those Gentlemen came expressly for our benefit at a very inclement season of the year. To the Gentlemen who have lectured for us at va- rious times, the Institute is under ajreat obligations, we trust they have found their Vewari in the proud con-^ sciousness of doing good, which to many is higher tjompensation, than any pecuniary offering the Board of Directors could bestow. ♦ Much, and highly as we appreciate the Lectures of Gentlemen from abroad, we feel there is no egotism in the remark, that Lecturers of our own Province would do no discredit to themselves before any intelligent audience. That all the Lectures delivered, have not been of equal merit, should be to none a matter of surprise. The old land experienced miner in search of scientific knowledge, can go deeper than the one who has just commenced his explorations, while the Veteran in the field of Lite- rature, can soar higher into the regions of intellectual Research, than the one who has just commenced his investigation of the boundless field. -' Of the early friends of the Institute, many have passed ftway, prominent among the number, ranks the Rev. William T. Wishart, and M. H. Perley, Esq., endowed with gifts of no common kind, they never failed to fill the BtalL The topics on which they lectured w^ere not IT only widely different, but for neither, as yet, has one heeu found to take their place. The former (Mr, "W.,)» •was a close reasoner and an earnest student, deeply read in the writings of many who hud gone before him. "While the latter derived what he sought to teach chiefly from his own travels and observations. New Bruns- wick was his fiwourite theme, f,,,. f , ...ivi The last time Mr. Wishart appeared before the public, was delivering a Lecture in this Hall, on his return home he contracted a cold that was followed by the disease which terminated his valuable life. He sleeps in our Kural Cemetry, a monument marks the spot a tribute from his friends, few have ever had warmer hearted ones, than the Kev. William T. Wishp^t. The resting place of Moses H. Perley, is on the bleak and rugged coast of Labrador. There is another who merits a passing notice, one who |Wa8 a most efficient Officer of the Institute, for many ears he held the post of Secretary, he died before ttaining his thirtieth year, away from home. His grave s among his kindred and friends in our Rural Cemetry, enry J. Chubb. -'^ We must not forget (a dear and old friend of our wn) to pay a tribute to the memory of one, whose ociety was ever sought by the refined and intelligent f this community, and who when serving her Majesty, n the distant Empire of China, sent to our Institute a iduable present of Chinese curiosities, and several ases of insects &c., now in our museum. We refer to he late Oliver Goldsmith, Esq., who during his resi- ence here, many years as the Head of the Commis- ariat Department gave universal satisfaction. ' " • ■ Of the living present, we will not speak. Of one ibsent we would say a word, from its first inception he ook a deep interest in the Institute, and for a long ime was a member of the Board of management, and t present is a Life Member, and although for many peare separated from it by the broad Atlantic he has not orgotton it. A short time since he presented to the 18 Museum tbe works of the Euglisli Poet, " Geoffrey; Chaucer," published in 1598, now two hundred and gixty-five years old, described by the donor, as a "Literaiy Curiosity." The Gentleman to whom we refer is Thomas Daniel, Esq., the founder of the "London House," so welt known in this City and Province. f:'^'ii:t^^^m' To none other is the Institute under greater obliga- tion than the Ladies. No appeal having ever been made to them in its behalf, without the most cheerful response. Much of its popularity and attractiveness is due to their presence. May their sons and daughters be imbued with their spirit, and gladden their firesides by reading such books as may be sele'cted from the Library, either grave or gay, which will both instruct and amuse, many of which are from the pen of Ladies. The female writers of our Mother Country as well as of America, have sent to the press, works not only of thrilling interest which while rivetting the attention, improve the mind and elevate the character of their readers. To particularise the names of writers and their works would occupy too much time, for further particulars we must refer you to your catalogue. The Board of Directors for the current year, to mark their appreciation of the services of the Gentlemen who have held the Office of President of the Institute, have had their Photographs taken, and which adorn the walls of the Directors room. The fii^st President was Beverley Robinson ; the second, John Duncan ; the third, James Cudlip ; the fourth. Dr. Robert Bayard ; the fifth, John M. Robinson ; the sixth, Isaac Woodward ; the seventh, William J. Ritchie ; the eighth, James Patterson, L. L.D. ; the ninth, Joseph W . Lawence ; of those nine Gentlemen, eight are still living, and active Members of the community, in their different vocations, the other departed this life in the fall of 1844, and was followed to nis last resting place, by the Members of the Insti- tute ; his likeness was taken from a profile. The past quarter of a century has been remarkable 19 for many important events. The Ocean bridfi;ed by Steaniy and the passage formerly ranging from thirty to iiftv days, reduced to ten. The discovery of the Elecinc Telegraphy belong to the period of which we are speak- ing. The Railroad belongs largely to our day. In New Brunswick one important link m the European and North American Road has been completed; the time cannot we hope be far distant when vrliat was contem- plated in Portland, Maine, thirteen years ago will be finished. ,,,., ,, . Gold has been found in places before unknown ; in quantities almost fabulous, making the names of Cali- fornia and Australia, household words. Let us look at home, the history of our City and suburbs has been one of progress, the churches keeping pace with our increased population, having increased from thirteen to twenty-nine, the oldest of which is " Trinity Church" ; it was erected in the year 1790, and even at the present day is one of the most prominent of -our Ecclesiastical Structures, reflecting as much credit on the Gentlemen connected with its erection, as it does on its Rector (who has preached in it for over thirty- eight years,) and his congregation, for its high state of preservation. To many persons it may not be known that the finely executed "Royal Coat of Arms," over the Governor's Pew, was brought to this Province by the Loyalist's in the year 1783, prior to the American Revolution it occu- jiied a similar position in " Trinity Church," New York. I feel confident that I am only uttering the sentiments of all present, while I express the wish that the day may be far distant, when any other edifice shall occupy the spot where our "Trinity" now stands. As a Memento of a Lo}/al Band who have all passed away, may it long remain, a Monument to their virtues and their Patriotism. ■■,..^....' -,..'i-'. i..:. • , w:/ In the Commercial section of our City, Buildings of Brick and Stone of elegant design, and of large dimen- sions have ta-ken the places of wooden structures, while •+ so the suburbau residence of some of our Merchants and others, indicate taf»te and refinement, and add mnch to the appearance of our environs. Of the buildini^a erected at the first settlement of onr City but few remain having any historic interest, the most prominent is on the corner of King and Cross Streets, erected by " Benedict Arnold^* and at present in the occupation of Messrs Gilmour, and others. Of our public buildings none more favourably impress the stranger, than that noble pile, the ^'Liinaiic Asylum^'* which, while adding to the beauty of our neighbourhood, does honor to the rrovince, and sheds a lustre on our common humanity. The Suspension Bridge in its vicinity is to all an object of admiration and wonder, as well as the River and Falls, either of which, would form a fit subject for an interesting Lecture. Our Ship Yard's have greatly increased in number, while the character of our Vessels have made, for their builders and New Brunswick, a name of which any mnn or country should feel proud. The models of naval architecture which leave our harbour in such numbers, cannot be surpassed in beauty of model and finish and thorough fastfc..:ng, in any country. In enumerating some of the prominent indications of progress which we witness around us, it would be a great omission to overlook the fact of the establishing of the morning papers, the year 1839, gave birth to the " Morning News" the first paper of the kind started in the Colonial dependencies of the British Empire, and that by George E. Fenety, Esq., at present Queen's Printer. To tlie man of business not less than to the man of leisure, the perusal of the Morning papers has become as indispensible as their morning meal. The future prosperity of the Province, will largely depend upon the skill and enterprise of her Mechanic's and Manufacturers, ShiiJ Yards, and Work-shops, the Anvil, the Loom, and the Flough, constitute the hope of New Brunswick. 21 At one time tho great staple article of export was Square ph\o 7)'mJ)r)\ it has noai'ly all gone, or is at a dis- taiioo too remote from the rivers, to admit of it being brought to market in that shape ; spruc3 saw logs which give cmploy'ineiit to a large number of our people, and which constitute when manufactured into Deal, the leading export of the day, must from tho largo quantity shipped, in time disappear, or like the pine, be so remote as not to pay as an article of export. The bahance of trade the great disturbing element in commerce, (and when against a country, the retarder of its progress,) in future days will bo largely in the hands of the industrial producing classes. The manufacturing interests \\\ the Mother Country, to a great extent, not only furnishes employment for her commercial Marine, but has phiced her in that preemi- nent position which she enjoys, as well as provides tho means for the payment of her importation of Corn, tropical and other products. To us therefore every indication of advancement in manufacturing enterprise, should be hailed with satis- faction, for the less dependent we are on the labour of other countries, the more rapidly we will advance in wealth and independence, and free us from those commercial revulsions which periodically disturb our present trade. Our Cotton and Woolen Factories, our I Boot and Shoe Establishments, are all movements in 'the right direction. '* From the year 1851, when the Pioveer Exhibition was held in New Brunswick, the industrial classes have been gaining force and strength; may the coming Exhibition of 1864, accelerate theiv onward movement by creating a spirit of rivalry and emulation, and draw- ing out the power and creative genius of the people. ^ If there are any present who still question the benefit or usefulness of our LisH'iiie, and are in doubt as to its success. To such we say look around you. What you witness this evening is only a repetition of that which has been seen during our' winter months for the last 22 !quent than I can utter, that our In- stitute is doing a great, and I may say incalculable good. The stream of intelligence which flows forth from its shelves, week after week, and yeai* after year, cannot fail in being productive of lasting benefit. To parents no sight can be more attractive than to see in their children a taste for health/ readum-, and love for Home. These are the surest safeguards against the approach of vice and immorality. Close up our Lecture Room, shut up the Library, and you leave a blank which you cannot fill. What would the community have done without the HJl for Public Meetings? We trust we have made it apparent that our *' Insti- tution" has been productive of good, and hope that its founders have no cause to regret its establishment. With the experience of the past and its improving finan- cial condition, there is every ground for hope, that its future will be larsre with usefulncKs, mav it be like the rollmg stone gathering force and velocity as it rolls along. To the young may it ever present attractions to win ;and continue them*^ its friends. To the middle aged may it be so managed as to possess their confidence and good will ; while to the old may it be one of the Insti- tutions of our City, which they can commend to the patronage of their children, and their childrens children. When another quarter of a century shall have passed ;away, may he who shall depict the events which will aave transpired between that period and this, tell of ■iichievements performed through the Agency of this Institution which will cause its supporters of that day to r clierisli it witli paternal regard. There* are those hero this evening wlio no douht will be present then, and perhaps some one to whom the post I now occupy, may be assigned, to tell of tho triumphs and progress during the second cpiarter of a century, from the Year of Our Lord, One Thousand Eight Hundred and Sixty-three, to the year Eighteen Hundred and Eighty-eight, of the- '* Saint John Mechanics' Insiitute." And may it over be worthy of the friendship and good will, (as it has been in time past, and is at present,) ' of the Representatives, in this Province of Our Most Gracious Queen. The following l^ational Air was then sung by the audience, accompanied by the Organ : RVLB BRITANNIA. When Britain first at Heav'n's command, Arose from out the a'zure main, This was the charter of the land, And guardian angels sang the strain^ Rule Britannia, Britannia rule the waves. For Britons never shall be siaves. ' 1 The nations not so blessed as Thee, Must in their turn to tyrants fall. While thou shalt flourish great and free, . The dread and envy of them all. Rule Britannia, Britannia rule the waves^ For Britons never shall be slaves. The muses still with freedom found, Shall to thy happy coast repair, Blept Isle veith matchless beauty crowned, And manly hearts to guard the fair. Rule Britannia, Britannia rule tho waves. For Britons never shall be slaves. The following is the Evening Globe's report of HIS EICELLENCY THE LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR'S REPLY. "His Excellency, on rising to speak, was greeted with I loud applause. When it subsided he begged to thank the lecturer for tho pleasure he had derived from the I address, and in doing so he felt sure that he not only 24 expressed his own feelings, but also those of the entire audience. He liad been asked to make some remarks on Mechanics' Institute's, their workings and aims, but it would require more ingenuity than l:e could ehiim, to say anything very striking or original on asuhject that had already been handled over and over again, and which had probably becai treated of at length, at least once in every one of the twenty-five years of the Insti- tute's existence Two points had, however, occurred to him whilst listening to the lecture, which might perhaps deserve the consideration of the audience. The first was whether, though by no means generally inclined to undervalue what we possess, we were fully alive to the importance of all those different springs, and agencies which go to make up the civilization to "which we are accustomed, and which we regard as a matter of course ? Civilization on this continent, wore a somewhat uniform if not monotonous type. In the old world, the contrast between what was ancient and what was modern ; the diversities of language, of manners, of dress, of laws, &c., almost forced some reflection on the facts of modern civilization. But on the North American Continent its aspect presented few diversities ; people were accus- tomed only to very slight modiflcations of language, dress, and habits throughout its vast extent, and were consequently in danger of assuming that things must be as they saw them, and of setting too light a value on all the complicated machinery (among which such insti- tutions as this have no inconsiderable place) which pro- duced the general result. The second jioint was, whether we were not disposed to look to much to the effect of such institutions on the individual — to regard the lectures, the library, &c., as means of promoting the intellectual culture ot the indi- viduals who were inclined to profit by it, rather than as a means of mutual and co- operative improvement? He illustrated his meaning, by a reference in some detail to the "Working Men's "College" in London, ■.• v? . r.«Yn ■ 25 which formed a sart of developement of the idea of Mechanics' Institutes, where working men after their hours of toil, came and formed classes for instniclion in such branches of art and science as they might them- selves choose, under the guidance and superintendence of many of the most distinguished scientific and literary men of the day, who mingled with these fustian jackets and corduroy trowsers, not in any spirit of patronage or condescension, but with the single aim of fiirthering j intellectual culture, and promoting good will and kindly I feeling. Whether any thing of the kind could be insti- j tuted here, he was not aware, but if any step in this direc- tion could be taken, it would be a great gain to every class in the community. Any thing that tended to diminish individual selfishness, and make men lend a helping hand to others, and care for their interects, was a gain. No State in which the selfishness of individual man, regardless of his fellows, was supreme, had ever jheld a noble or lofty position in the annals of mankind. After the French Revolution of 1848, every church land public building and pillar — every blank space of white wall had painted, or carved, or scratched, or scribbled on it the words Liberie, Egalite, lYaternite, — Liberty, Equality, Brotherly Goodwill. — ^It was curious to observe how the two first were in every one's mouth, and how little was said about the third. And perhaps Ithe present state of things in France— Liberty extin- Iguished, Equality converted into equality of servitude lunder the iron yoke of one master, might be in a mea- |sure due to that neglect of the third member of the truid. Here — and in all communities of Anglo Saxon race — we enjoyed liberty to the full — equality in the only rational sense (for the inequality of God's gifts of intellect and physical powers alone are sufficient to pre- sent men being really equal) equality in the only rational jense — an equality of rights and equality before the Ipw -whether the fraternat or the selfish spirit was most strong in us he left to the community itself to determine. Before sitting down His Excellency remarked that he Jould not forget the first time he had stood on the spot iii '^Ifc^t-* U fk^: he then occupied — that was nearly two years ago — ^tl was a time of great excitement, when not twenty-f< hours had elapsed since we had been relieved from 1 apprehension of impending calamity in the shape g great war, and though we knew we had escaped, were still under the influence of the feelings that pc had excited. He should never forget the enthusia that had then prevailed, and he doubted not their ser ments of lo^^alty and patriotism were unchanged. change however there was, and that was a change affc ing himself. He then stood among them almost stranger, but such he felt he was no longer. Howe^ lengthened might be his life or into whatever regie his duty might hereafter call him, he could never for^ the home he had found in New Brunswick. His Excellency's remarks were well received. T National Anthem was then sung, and after consideral cheering the meeting dispersed." y ^ &£tiL /) GOO SAVJEB THE i^UBBM^ ^ "^ ^ JM>»^ •. u*^^ "fw^ Lvv»" U*^" God bhvo our gracious Queen, <^(^«(^ IV«k.HJ ' *■ Long mny Vietoria reign, \^ ^ ^ G;>d save the Queen. 9\iOiA»%, "^ Send her victorious, -" *" tvt L 'Vie /wiAMK**' oww- ^.fevr^ , Happy and glorious, - ^ Long to reign over us, God save the Queen. ^^J^ ^^ j^ m r4- w d\j^ tvMKV*- ,«wV ij <./"'tl|^VMK''*'«i' J.to- »,;---♦ ^:f.., ,-■.* * ^v-. .if-t.WA, ^'Wv^^ V*vt3^^^ ■ <^\ - God save us all. f $ » •**i *^ n Thy choicest gifts in store, » * • On her be pleased to pour, P--^,^C^ T-C* Long, may she reign. *^ * May she defend our laws, ^Ct-^tnu.^ 4 ^^ To s"4TthTart\nTv'oice,*^'*^^*^ M» \;u- God save the Queen. •* ^i— i, f , ;^;: r. '^ years ago — ^thatl 1 not twenty-four relieved from the! in the shape of a| had escaped, w( feelings that peril 3t the enthusiasml ed not their senti- unchanged. Onel as a change affect- g them almost onger. HoweveJ whatever regiod could never forg« iswick. ell received. Thel after considerabh 1*1 ■^.■^«^i. i .TO V - ' ; 3^. 1 > . / • 1^' ' . . t ♦ u \ « ' U , -, t':' i!^ ,*A- ^. 1. . , s M