the spirit of the laws on such subjects. Then, sir, time is demanded. A year has been already given. How much more is wanted? A warning should have been given before. By whom? Who had it to give? Failures lead to improvements in human affairs; so knowledge and experience have increased on this subject, and now the warning has been given. Well, sir, to make a long story short, our meeting took place on Saturday last. Mr. Tidd Pratt met us and gave us his views as to what such a society as we wanted should be. His opinion was that our existing societies could not be amalgamated because of their different interests, nor were they likely to make such changes as to reach what was needful. Some gentlemen came to our meeting from the old societies. Never did I see anything more fair, honest, straight-forward and manly than the way those gentlemen met us. I felt proud of my fellow-townsmen, and I thank them most heartily for so handsomely responding to our call. It was not their fault that their societies were not or could become such as those we would co-operate with. Other societies, I understood, were represented by the Rev. Dr. Crosse. Their plea was the great injury such a society as that which Mr. Tidd Pratt proposed would be to them.” “I am, sir, yours &c. Essential Weakness, St. Leonards, March 26, 1860.”
S. Leonardensis also contributed a letter, from which the following remarks are an extract. – “Sir, - As this subject is occupying public attention, I am desirous of making a few observations because the object of the circular to which my signature was attached seems to have been somewhat misapprehended. Indeed, if I had not known that in the circular it was proposed to repair existing societies or form a new one, I should almost have inferred from the letter of my excellent friend, Dr. Crosse, which appeared in your last, that it was proposed to set up some ‘Malevolent Society’ for the express purpose of exterminating certain ‘Benevolent Societies’ of the place which were perfectly fulfilling the objects – present and prospective, for which they were originally instituted. And, according to the opinions expressed by some parties at the Music Hall meeting, a person when invited to forward this provident and benevolent move, should have replied ‘Am I my brother’s keeper’? Social interference is as bad as political intervention. ‘Perish Benevolent Societies’ as well as ‘Perish Savoy’, rather than interfere; although it is true that they are perishing already, and at a fearful rate per cent. The tears of orphans and the wailing of widows accompany their funerals, but you mind your own business; you will only make bad matters worse by opening the eyes of people to the truth. -
