144 Thursday morning, Aug. 20, 1835. The Lyceum met agreeably to adjournment. On motion of Mr. Holbrook, Resolved, That the several specimens of minerals, &c. and books presented to the Lyceum, be placed in the hands of the Curators. The following resolutions, were unanimously adopt ed, viz. Resolved, That the cultivation of the generous, benevolent and other moral faculties of children cught to be considered the foundation work of education, both in schools and families. Resolved, That the only effectual mode of cultivating moral faculties is by practical exercise of them in acts of kindness and generosity. Resolved, That Natural History, or the study of minerals, plants and animals, is peculiarly appropriate as an elementary study for children, and that it greatly accelerates their progress in spelling, reading, writing, geography, arithmetic, and all other branches usually taught in schools. be instructed to procure or recommend at their discreResolved, That the board of officers of this Lyceum tion an Agent or Agents to act in behalf of the Society. Resolved, That it would be highly gratifying to this Lyceum, if Messrs. J. Holbrook and Rupp would consent to enter into an engagement with the Ex. Committee to act as agents for the establishment of Lyceums and the promotion of popular education throughout the State, during such time as shall by them be found practicable. Resolved, That the publication committee of the Convention be also constituted a publication committee for the Lyceum. Resolved, That the cordial thanks of this Lyceum be presented to Mr. Josiah Holbrook, of Boston, for his indefatigable and highly successful efforts, in promoting the cause of Education. The Lyceum having concluded its business, adjourn ed to meet at York, on the 2d Tuesday in August, 1836. A CHALLENGE.-Three gentlemen in West Chester, have offered to do as much in procuring specimens of plants, to present to Lyceums which may be formed in each of the forty-four townships, in Chester county, as the whole borough of West Chester, besides, will do in furnishing collections of minerals for the same object. The challenge was promptly accepted, and both parties are upon the alert in preparing for the conflict on the 13th of the coming September; not with sword and pistol, but with weapons of plants and minerals as pure, Resolved, That Cabinets of Natural and artificial productions for the use of Lyceums and schools and families, collected by young people generally, are emi-as harmless and as beautiful, as they come from the nently calculated to promote useful knowledge, prevent vice, and produce elevation of intellectual and moral character, in individuals and nations-and that such Cabinets may be easily obtained. Resolved, That a general system of exchanges in specimens of nature and art, by Schools and Lyceums, in all parts of the country would be well calculated for the diffusion of useful knowledge, to strengthen the bonds of our National Union, and for the promotion of universal education. Resolved, That practical Geometry, embracing Drawing and Mensuration, is of the first importance as a fundamental branch of common practical education, and that it furnishes exercises peculiarly appropriate and agree. able to young children. Resolved, That it is of fundamental importance to secure the influence and aid of females in the promotion of intelligence and sound morals, and that all ladies engaged or interested in teaching ought to be invited to become members of Lyceums that are or may be formed throughout the State. Resolved, That the organization of County Lyceums ought to be selected as the first step to be taken towards accomplishing the purposes of the State society, and that township, neighborhood, school and family Lyceums are appropriate and important objects to be aimed at by said county societies. Resolved, That it be a prominent and an immediate object of the officers and members of the State Lyceum of Pennsylvania to encourage and aid the furnishing of Schools and Lyceums in counties, townships, neighborhoods, schools, and families, with Cabinets of Natural and artificial productions. Hand which "formed every plant which is good for food and pleasant to the sight, and which weighs mountains in scales and hills in a balance, and takes up the isles of the sea as a very little thing."-Village Record. THE REGISTER, PHILADELPHIA, AUGUST 29, 1835. We observe that the "Chester County Cabinet of Natural Science" in accordance with the recommendation of the Convention, have already invited an Education Convention for that County to be keld in West Chester, on the 12th September, for the purpose of adopting measures preparatory to organizing Township LyWe trust other counties will soon manifest an ceums. interest in this important subject by following the example of Chester County. The Banks have discontinued receiving fippenny-bits at a greater value than five cents-so have most individuals. Printed every Saturday morning by WILLIAM F. GEDDES, No. 9 Library street. The publication office of the Register has been removed from Franklin Place, to No. 61, in the Arcade, West Avenue, up stairs. HAZARD'S REGISTER OF PENNSYLVANIA. DEVOTED TO THE PRESERVATION OF EVERY KIND OF USEFUL INFORMATION RESPECTING THE STATE. for present subsistence, and the desire of securing those and province; and in the year 1743, he drew up the comforts which previous habit has rendered indispensa-plan of an academy, which he communicated to the Rev. ble to the enjoyment of life, are apt to divert the atten- Richard Peters, with the hope, that, as this gentleman tion from objects of less immediate interest. The set was then out of employ, he might be induced to take lers, while contending with the physicial difficulties of upon himself the superintendence of such an establishtheir new situation, have little regard for the intellectual ment. Failing, however, in obtaining the desired cowants of their offspring; and forgetting, or imperfectly operation, and occupied with other public affairs, which appreciating the advantages they had themselves en- appeared to be of more pressing importance, he dropjoyed in early life, think that they perform all the duty ped the scheme for the time; and the war which soon of parents, by procuring for their children an exemption afterwards broke out between Great Britain and France, from those inconveniences, which they have learned to the effects of which were extended to the colonies, regard as the greatest evils. Education, therefore, is prevented its renewal for several years. Upon the con more or less neglected; and it not unfrequently hap-clusion of the peace of Aix la-Chapelle, and the consepens, that the community, contrary to the usual course of events, falls back, for the first generation, towards a state of ignorance, instead of advancing in knowledge and civilization. This remark applies, to a certain extent, to the early period of our own history. Though a few individuals born and educated in the colonies, were elevated into distinction by the force of native talent, yet the great majority of those who were remarkable for literary attainments, had either emigrated from the mother country, or had received their education in her schools. quent restoration of tranquillity in the provinces, his thoughts reverted to the subject; and in the year 1749, he entered with zeal upon such measures as he supposed would most promote the success of the project. As the first step, he endeavoured to interest in his favour several friends; of whom Thomas Hopkinson, Tench Francis, and the Reverand Richard Peters, seem to have been the most active and efficient. Having secured their approbation and assistance, he next proceeded to write and publish a pamphlet, entitled "Proposals relative to the Education of Youth in Pennsylvania," The first colonists of Pennsylvania, were, perhaps, less which he took care to circulate extensively among the negligent in providing the means of elementary instruc- most respectable inhabitants of the city. The proposals tion, than those of most of the other settlements. In attracted much attention, and several of the most influthe year 1689, only seven years after the foundation of ential citizens, to the number of twenty-four, having Philadelphia, a public school was established in this city, met together, determined to associate themselves into a by members of the Society of Friends, which was incor- Board of Trustees, for the purpose of carrying the deporated in 1697, and after undergoing various changes sign into effect. Their first object was to establish in its organization, received, in 1711, a final charter certain regulations for their own government. It was. from William Penn. Fifteen "discreet and religious determined that they should not "for any services by persons, of the people called Quakers," were constitu- them as trustees performed, claim or receive any reward ted a Board of Overseers, and were vested with all the property and privileges of the corporation, together with the right of supplying vacancies in their own numbers. George Keith, a native of Aberdeen, a man of learning, and famous in the history of the Friends, was the first teacher employed. In the school were taught the Latin language, the Mathematics, and the rudiments of an English education. Though supported by funds derived from the Society of Friends, and under the exclusive direction of members of that society, it was open indiscriminately to individuals of all religious denominations; and for more than sixty years, continued to be the only public place of instruction in the pro vince. or compensation." It was also determined, that the original number of twenty-four, should “always be continued, but never exceed upon any motive whatsoever;" and that vacancies should be supplied by the choice of the board from among the inhabitants of Philadelphia, or persons residing in its immediate neighbourhood. These rules were established as fundamental, and declared to be unalterable: others were also drawn up, adapted to the object in view, but alterable at the pleasure of the board. They were signed by the trus tees on the 13th of November, 1749. Having thus constituted themselves governors of the proposed institution, they proceeded to provide funds for its establishment; and on the day following that of But, before the end of this period, the school had be-the signature, very liberally subscribed among themcome entirely inadequate to the demand of a rapidly increasing population; and though private schools were not wanting, still the means even of elementary education were very deficient. In the higher branches of knowledge, instruction was accessible only to the sons of the wealthy, who were able to support the expense of a residence abroad, either in the mother country, or in one of the older colonies of New England. There was, therefore, an ardent demand for a seminary, founded upon liberal principles, and embracing within its plan all those subjects of study, which are necessary to qualify the youth of a growing and prosperous community for the performance of the various duties of public and private life. A want so obvious could not escape the penetration of our great Franklin; and, with his active and patriotic spirit, to be convinced of any public deficiency, was at once to use every exertion for its supply. His attention was accordingly directed, at a very early period, to the means of extending the benefits of education in the city *It appears from an extract from a journal of the Council, given by Proud, in his History of Pennsylvania, that a school was opened in Philadelphia, so carly as the year 1683, by Enoch Flower, a native of Wiltshire, who taught reading, writing, and casting accounts, for eight shillings a quarter. selves a sum exceeding two thousand pounds, to be which are still well known and highly esteemed in Phi- 1835.] UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA. were not immediately available, it was necessary, in the commencement, to have recourse to a loan, and the trustees accordingly borrowed eight hundred pounds, on their own joint bond. The next object was to procure a suitable building; and in this, they were remarkably fortunate. The celebrated Whitfield had arrived in America a few days before this period. Though excluded from the churches of Philadelphia, and compelled to preach in the fields, such was the power of his eloquence, that immense crowds were collected to hear him, and a fervor of religious feeling was excited in the community, of which the annals of the country had afforded no previous example. In this state of the public mind, it was proposed to erect an edifice, which might serve the double purpose of a charity school, and a place of public worship for Whitfield, and other ministers of the gospel, similarly circumstanced. Little difficulty was experienced in obtaining adequate subscriptions; a lot was procured in Fourth, near the corner of Mulberry street, and a large building was speedily raised, which is still standing, and well known to Philadelphians by the name of the academy. At that time, however, it was called the new building, and as people of almost every religious denomination had been concerned in its erection, it was vested in trustees selected from different sects, among whom were Whitfield and Franklin. But the lot having been purchased on ground rent, and money having been borrowed for the completion of the building, the trustees, after the expiration of a few years, found themselves involved in an increasing debt, which the subsidence of the original enthusiasm left them without the means of discharging. Things were in this condition, when the project of an academy was announced. It was thought that the objects of both establishments might be attained by a combination of their resources; and as Franklin was a member of each body of trustees, an agreement was effected, by his agency, satisfactory to both parties. A conveyance of the new building was made to the trustees of the acade. my, on the conditions, that the debt, now amounting to nearly eight hundred pounds, should be discharged; that a free school should be maintained on the premises; and that in the house already built, or in one to be built for the purpose, a place of worship should be set apart for the occasional use of such ministers of the gospel as the trustees might judge qualified to "teach the word of God;" and especially, that its free and uninterrupted use should be permitted to the Rev. Mr. George Whitfield, "whenever he should happen to be in the city, and desire to preach therein." These conditions have been complied with; and to this day a charity school has been maintained, and a room kept open in the building, for the convenience of itinerant preachers. 174 opened in a private house. It was not till the commencement of the year 1751, that they were introduced into the new hall; on which occasion, the usual solemnities were observed, and a sermon was preached by the Rev. Richard Peters * The views of the trustees were at first wisely directed to the communication of that elementary knowledge, which is most essential to the citizens of a rising community, and the acquisition of which is a necessary step towards the attainment of the higher branches. For the present, therefore, they restricted their establishment within the limits of a simple academy, deferring a further extension of the scheme, till the success of their first efforts should have demonstrated its practicability, and smoothed the way for its accomplishment. In the academy were embraced one school for the Latin, one for English, and one for the mathematics, under the care of three masters with their assistant ushers, the principal of whom had the title of rector. A charity school was also opened, in which the children of poor citizens were instructed gratis. It is worthy of observation, that among the teachers originally employed in the academy was Charles Thompson, afterwards rendered conspicuous by his office of secretary to the Revolutionary Congress, and venerable in the recollection of Philadelphians for his virtues and abilities, as well as for the advanced age which he attained was, during four years, one of the tutors in the Latin school, at the end of which time he left it in pursuit of other business, having discharged the duties of his office with entire satisfaction to his superiors. He Finding the schools to prosper, and to present a good prospect of permanent usefulness, the trustees resolved to apply for a charter, which was readily granted them by the proprietors. By this instrument, which bears date July 13th, 1753, they were incorporated by the name of the "Trustees of the Academy and Charitable School in the province of Pennsylvania." A continuance of prosperity soon induced them to extend their views beyond the limits within which they had originally restricted themselves. To the branches before taught, were now added logic, rhetoric, natural and moral philosophy; and it was as a teacher of these sciences that the Rev. Wm. Smith, who in the future became highly distinguished, was introduced into the institution. The study of the Greek language was joined with that of Latin; and a course of instruction having thus been adopted equal in extent to that usually pursued in the highest seminaries, nothing more was requisite to place the academy of Philadelphia on the footing of a collegiate establishment, than the right of assuming the title, and the privilege of conferring degrees upon the students. The hope of obtaining collegiate honours has This transaction took place in December, 1749; but, as always exercised a powerful influence over the youthmany alterations were to be made in the edifice to fit it ful mind; and every seminary, however extensive may for the new purposes to which it was to be applied, and be its plan, and whatever the qualifications of the the trustees were desirous of carrying their design into teachers, must labour under great disadvantages, if desimmediate effect, it became necessary to procure tem.titute of that command over the diligence of its pupils, porary accommodations; and the schools were first honours invests it. As the effects of this deficiency in with which the power of giving or withholding these the academy began to be experienced in the desertion of some of the best students, who sought in other seminaries that testimonial of their proficiency which was denied them in their own; it was recommended by the teachers to the board of trustees, that application should be made for such additions to their charter as might invest them with the rights of a collegiate body. The application was accordingly made; and an additional charter was granted by the proprietors, dated June I find it mentioned on the minutes of the board of trustees, that a lot of ground in Sixth street was offered to them by James Logan, upon which to erect an academy, "provided it should be built within the term of 14 years." The offer was declined, as "the new build ing was, in all respects, better suited to their present circumstances and future views." The trustees, however, expressed "a most grateful sense of his regard to the academy," and returned him "their sincere thanks for his kind and generous offer." It may be proper to state, that one half of this building has been recently removed, and a church erected on its site, by a society of Methodists.Decem. ber, 1833. • This gentleman, though a clergyman, was employed in the secular office of provincial secretary. He was a man of high standing, and very considerable influence; and was the successor of Franklin in the presidency of the board of trustees. 16th, 1755, by which the former style of the board was changed into that of "The Trustees of the College, Academy, and Charitable School of Philadelphia," and all the powers conferred upon them, which are usually attached to such a title. The condition, however, was annexed to this charter, that the trustees and professors, before entering on the performance of their offices, should respectively take and subscribe the customary oaths or affirmations of allegiance to the King of Great Britain. [To be Continued.] infants were found entombed within them, to the utter horror and astonishment of the beholders!" It will require very strong proof, indeed, to make us believe that any thing like these have happened. To say nothing about principle in this matter, it was so evidently against the interest of the parties that, we think, it could not have occurred. The preceding reports are gathered from a Cleveland paper. We do not believe that there is the least foundation, in truth, for them. To the just Protestants of Pittsburgh: ST. CLARE'S NUNNERY, NEAR PITTSBURGH. nine years spent with approbation and an unblemished TO THE PUBLIC. The removal of the members of the institute of St. Clare, from their late residence, commonly styled "the Pittsburgh nunnery," having given occasion to some malignant reports, prejudicial to the character of these ladies, I deem it right to state the real cause of this measure. Some time since a member of the institute, who had been engaged in teaching a school in Michigan, came to the institution, and was dismissed the same evening, as she was not furnished with the usual document certifying the will of the superior. The Bishop of Detroit, who is invested with the authority of provincial of the order, soon after sent an order for her admission; but the lady in charge of the institution, declined to obey, alleging that it was not compatible with the rules of the institute. She was subsequently introduced into the community against the will of the members, who have continued to reclaim against the mea sure. This resistance to authority was, I am convinced, the sole cause of the ecclesiastical censures, which the prelate inflicted. I am conscientiously persuaded that no ground whatever exists for any charge of immorality, and that no measure was adopted by the bishop on any such ground. As to the proceedings by which they have been ejected from their residence, I am unable to state how far they were authorised by him. In regard to the attempt made to connect a fact of a disgraceful nature with the community, and to involve, likewise, the character of the respectable pastor of St. Paul's, I presume the public are now fully aware that it is entirely destitute of foundation. The evidence which is ready to be laid before the public tribunals, when the suits for slander which are now pending, shall be tried, will remove every shadow of doubt on this sub. ject. FRANCIS PATRICK KENRICK, bishop, &c. Pittsburgh, August, 1, 1835. On which the Pittsburgh Advocate observes"We are glad to learn that the whole history of the late proceeding at this institution, which have been the theme of so much speculation and private injury will be published in a short time. We know the gentleman who has charge of the materials, and can promise that from his talents, full knowledge of the whole affair, and unimpeachable integrity, the public may look for some curious and interesting developements, which if we mistake not, will blanch the cheeks of some who are now the busiest and loudest bawlers against "slanders, defamation, &c." Much to be deplored is the spirit of the times, which renders it necessary for me, after a period of almost name in the Catholic ministry of this state, and possessing the utmost confidence of a large and respectable congregation in this city, thus publicly to appeal to you in self vindication against the slanderous tongues, which in my recent absence on account of ill health, so wantonly and basely assailed my character. Were those slanders confined to the region of Pittsburgh, and those places where I am known, there would be little to apprehend from the consequences; the tale of falsehood would carry with it its own confutation, and I would be disposed to regard them with silent contempt. But assured of the wide and rapid spread of those infamous rumors, and the additional colouring they assume as they are repeatedly told or pass through the bigoted pages of the sectarian press, I deem it a duty I owe not only to myself, but to justice and truth, to put to silence and shame the maligners of my reputation, by a simple statement of the following facts: 1. It is a fact, that for the last two years and upward, I have had no connexion whatever with the convent of Mt. Alvernia, near Alleghenytown, except as a rare visiter, and even so by special request or invitation. With the spiritual or temporal director of that community or their school, I have had nothing to do. Neither am I concerned in their late removal. They had, and have to this day, for their chaplain, an aged priest, the Rev. F. Van De Weyer, whose age and acknowledged virtue elevate him above suspicion, even in the jaundiced eye of anti-Catholic defamers. 2. It is a fact that the recent removal of the nuns originated, not from any exposure from latent vice-in this they challenge the most rigid scrutiny-but simply from a family dispute about authority, which they refus ed to recognize in the person of the provincial, the Right Rev. Prelate of Detroit, who, in consequence of that refusal, and as legitimate proprietor of the establishment, appointed agents for its management. Of the justice or propriety of their removal, it is not my province, and therefore I forbear to speak. But this I say, that to the piety and virtue of these females, however they may be mistaken on a point of jurisdiction, there are many unsuspected and irreproachable witnesses. 3. It is a fact known to more than 2,000 persons present on the occasion, that on Trinity Sunday, the 4th of June, I announced from the pulpit in St. Paul's church, my intention to retire on a tour of health for a few weeks, during which the Rev. Mr. Carrell had agreed to officiate in my place. Many Protestants and the church, who can testify to the fact. some Presbyterian ministers were present at the time in My departure therefore, could not be termed an "elopement” nor could it be a "secret" or "mystery" to any one in PittsThe public will wait the "developements" spoken of. burgh, who was curious to know, save to those "dreamThe "malignant reports" of which the bishop speaks, ers of dreams," those bigoted slanderers, who to accom. are of an appalling character-as that a parent recently plish their end do not scruple to blacken the fairest called to see his daughter, and was refused admittance. character, by the most wantonly wicked fabrications. He, therefore, rallied some friends to assist him, and on It is well known that since the death of the Rev. Mr. accomplishing his entrance, found his daughter a Maguire, I have been alone to sustain the pastoral charge mother! She, among many others, had been sent there of one of the largest congregations perhaps in the U. S. to be educated; and it is added that "several of the other And to one, who knows any thing of the duties of a young ladies were in a very delicate situation!" But Catholic pastor, it cannot appear strange, if a tempoworse still. We quote: "on searching the secret sub-rary respite should be deemed expedient. terranean recesses of this priest's seraglio, many dead was necessary. How unjust then, how barbarous and To me it |