during the night. Presently one of the men, who was very anxious to obtain something from his chest, ventured to return; but, before he entered the room, was observed by the Serang to be alone, who directed the Lascars not to take him till the other made his appearance, as he supposed he would soon follow, and then to chain them together; when he would affix a block, which he had that morning procured for the purpose, to draw them up as before, and give them another beating. The man having got what he wanted from his chest, and shutting down the lid, happened to cast his eyes behind another chest just by, when he saw the chain of a shark's fish-hook concealed; and, fearing it might be prepared for him, took the first favourable moment to leave the premises. Another of the Lascars soon followed, and confirmed his fears in reference to the use intended to be made of the chain. These men were then taken under the protection of this Society.

Afterwards, information was received, that prior to the above instance of oppression, a Lascar had been beaten in a similar manner by order of the same Serang; and although the punishment had then been inflicted about seventeen days, his back exhibited a dreadfully bruised and lacerated appearance. This man was directly placed under the care of a respectable medical gentleman by this Society; in the course of a few days he became very ill, from having lain so long on his chest on the bare boards in the barracks, as he could hardly endure the pain arising from his wounds when he lay on his back or on either side.

It is but justice to state, that the East India Company pay a very large sum annually for the support of these people; and that when, through some of the Directors, the Committee of Shipping were informed of the circumstances, they gave an order to two respectable persons who applied for it, with power to select a third, to visit the barracks at any time they might think proper. Accordingly, the next day they went, and saw four more Lascars who had been beaten in like manner; two of whom showed marks on their bodies of great cruelty, nearly resembling the case above mentioned. One Lascar was found in a lock-up room, with some straw; another hand-cuffed, and not allowed to leave the premises.

Once only after this the order admitted the bearer to visit the buildings. Since that, it has been uniformly resisted, on the ground, that, as the order particularly mentions two persons by name, who are to choose a third, therefore no third person can be admitted by that order, unless accompanied by the two whose names are inserted.

On the first of the present month recourse was had to another mode of inflicting punishment by the Serang already alluded to. On that day he ordered a Lascar to come to him at his lodgings, and at the same time sent for five more of his men. When assembled together, the door of the room was locked, a keg of spirituous liquor. was then produced, from which the five Lascars were supplied, who

were then all ordered to knock or throw down their countryman, to keep him down, and to kick and beat him with their fists, which they did on most parts of his body, while at intervals the Serang handed each assailant a fresh supply of liquor, assuring them repeatedly that he had plenty of money to protect them in what they were doing. In consequence of this, the man was sore all over his body; but his face, and particularly one of his eyes, were in a most deplorable state; and ten days after the assault, there remained evident marks on his face of great cruelty.

Information has also been received from a person employed some time since in repairing the barracks, that he saw several Lascars tied together at one time to the pump which stands in the Barrackyard; and in that situation he saw them beaten unmercifully; that one man in particular was materially injured by the beating which he received, and which, from the roof of the house, appeared to him to be inflicted by some kind of cane.

One morning in December last, nine men were found in the barracks dead on the floor, without bedding or bed-clothes. The next morning seven were found dead in a similar situation. This morn ing by ten o'clock, seven men were buried from the barracks, who were all living at seven o'clock the preceding evening, and between those hours were all found dead on the floors, having neither beds nor hammocks.

Having obtained clear proof of the existence of the facts herein stated, as well as of some others, whereby the comfort of this class of our fellow men and fellow subjects is materially affected, and not knowing that any provision is made by any other society for the protection of these strangers in the peaceable enjoyment of their privileges under British laws while in this kingdom, this Society, having had their feelings painfully excited by the investigation of their deplorable situation, and shocked with the many instances of oppression and cruelty practised upon them, are decidedly impressed with the necessity of reform in the administration of a system which admits of such, almost, intolerable hardships on the MANY THOUSANDS of their fellow creatures who annually come to, and for months remain in, this land of benevolence; and confidently anticipating a similar feeling in the hearts of those of their countrymen who will take the pains to inform themselves on this highly important subject, are resolved to endeavour to promote such inquiries as may best lead to a full development of these abuses, and to take measures to prevent their recurrence. They have accordingly adopted the above designation, and the following

RESOLUTIONS.

1. That, on considering the evidence produced to this Society, it appears that, notwithstanding the large sums of money which it is understood the East India Company annually pay for the support of the Asiatics brought here in their vessels, these people have been

hitherto subject to grievous hardships and abuse, to which they are, from their ignorance of the customs, manners, and language of this country, peculiarly liable.

2. That, for the purpose of ameliorating their condition, "A Society for the Protection of the Asiatic Sailors employed in the East India Trade, while in this Country," be formed.

3. That the business of this Society be conducted by a Committee, consisting of twenty-four Members, a Treasurer, and Secretary; and that three members form a quorum.

4. That no member of this Society shall receive any emolument from its transactions.

5. That subscriptions be received for the objects of this Society, by the Treasurer, Edward Forster, Esq., at the house of Sir John Lubbock, Bart. Lubbock, Forster, and Clarke; by the members of the Committee, and by the Secretary.

6. That no money be paid but by drafts signed in the Committee, by the Chairman, and two Members.

7. That four Sub-Committees be appointed (immediately on regular admission into the premises occupied by the Asiatic sailors being obtained) whose duty it shall be to visit the said premises in rotation, twice a week or oftener, and report the situation of the several compartments separately,- of the medical department,—of the food, clothing,-and treatment,-and of the general deportment and conduct of the objects of the care of this Society.

8. That a Committee be annually chosen, and that three-fourths of the members who have most regularly attended the former Committee be reeligible.

9. That the Committee meet the first Wednesday in every month, at four precisely in the afternoon; Secretary to give notice of the place of meeting.

10. That any three members of the Committee, collectively, be empowered to call Special Meetings.

11. That the Treasurer and the Secretary be ex-officio members of the Committee.

12. That donors of ten guineas,-annual subscribers of one guinea, and legatees paying bequests of 201. or upwards, be members of this Society.

London, 14th of March, 1814.

LOAN BANKS FOR THE INDUSTRIOUS POOR.

In the last number of THE PHILANTHROPIST, pages 14 and 15, the writer seems to be of opinion that "frugality banks" might be made conducive to the accommodation of the industrious poorwho may have occasion, and sometimes very allowably, to borrow small sums of money-and expresses his wonder," that in Great Britain, in which a want of charitable liberality is certainly not one of our faults, an undertaking (of the nature of a loan bank) calcu

lated to save so much misery, should never have met with patronage and support."

This benevolent and intelligent writer, not appearing to be acquainted with a most useful philanthropic Institution established in Bath about nine years since, "for the Investigation and Relief of occasional Distress, the encouragement of Industry, and suppression of Vagrants, Street Beggars, and Impostors;" he is respectfully informed that a considerable branch of it embraces the very object that he appears so desirous of recommending.

This Society is composed of gentlemen who devote a great portion of time and labour to the service of the poor, to the infinite benefit of all orders of the community; and with a small capital of about 2501. have been enabled by repeated issuing of the sums repaid, to assist about 900 applicants with loans amounting to 22714 free of interest.

PROPOSAL OF A PROVIDENT INSTITUTION AT BATH.

(Dr. Haygarth's Circular.)

Since 1806, on the benevolent recommendation of the Right Hon. Lady Isabella Douglas, some servants of this city have been enabled to place what small sums they could spare in safety, and at interest, on the credit of some very beneficent ladies and gentlemen, who are responsible for the fund as far as 2000l. The proceedings of this Society have been so successful as to suggest the advantages of enlarging the plan. In consequence of a requisition to the mayor for this purpose, he summoned a general assembly of the citizens and visitors of Bath by public advertisement on the 19th of March 1813; who appointed a numerous Committee, highly respectable in rank, talents, and benevolence, to devise the plan of a Provident Institution, which might enable the lower class of people in general to deposit their money safely and profitably.

On attentively considering this business, it soon appeared to be a very arduous task. There was no example to follow nor even to imitate. The wisest statesman had never yet devised such measures; though they manifestly would be very conducive to the comfort of a numerous part of the people, and to the prosperity of the whole nation. Nothing of this kind appears to have been successfully attempted where it was most likely to be found in the excellent Reports of the Society for Bettering the Condition of the Poor-which contain an account of all the private associations that have been formed for their benefit, during many years, by the most benevolent and intelligent persons in the kingdom. In frequent conferences, for several weeks, the subject was discussed with an uncommon degree of perspicuous, argumentative, and even pathetic eloquence, perfect candour, and a zealous spirit of patriotism and philanthropy. At the meeting of the Committee on the 29th of March, the principles of this Proposal was

submitted to their consideration. In forming an Institution so new, so extensive, and unsupported by experience, some hesitation and doubts might be fairly and properly expected. This delay has afforded opportunities to consult many persons most eminent for political wisdom, and best qualified to foresee and obviate difficulties. As improved by more deliberate consideration and suggestions, it is hoped that the Proposal may merit and obtain, what is very desirable, unanimous approbation. Not a single fact nor reason has been adduced or alleged, which proved the following plan to be impracticable; neither during all these very free disquisitions of the Committee; nor since that time, by any one to whom it has been communicated.

REGULATIONS.

1. That deposits of shillings shall be received; but not to bear interest till they amount to 20s.

2. That each depositor of money in one or more even pounds shall become a stockholder, not in his own name, but under the trust and management of the Provident Institution.

3. That a donation of 51. shall constitute a Member of the Provident Institution. He is never to have any profit, nor any further expense, after it shall be completely established.

4. That the Members shall select a Committee of 21; being 4 Trustees of Stock, 16 Managers, and "a Treasurer," who together shall appoint their successors on vacancies; and an Actuary.

6. That a table shall be calculated to determine how much stock in the public funds each deposit has purchased at the time when it was invested, according to the variations of the 5 per cents., from 80 to 110; with columns, showing what is the dividend upon the said stock; what is of the said dividend which may be reserved to pay expenses; and what are ths of the dividend which may be the depositor's annual income, reckoning from the next quarter-day. [See the annexed Table.]

6. That in a book kept for the purpose, the Actuary shall make an entry of the money deposited into the Provident Fund, in the presence of the person who brings it; and also upon a sheet of paper kept by the depositor.

7. That after the investment in the public funds, the Actuary shall give a

Certificate to A. B. that he has deposited one pound, or ; which, on the 25th of March 1813, was vested in the 5 per cents. when they were at 88; that it has purchased 11. 2s. 84d. Stock; and that the Income which he is to receive upon each pound in April 1814, and every future year, as long as it remains unsold, will be elevenpence; (or, if the Property Tax be paid, tenpence.)

Signed,

Actuary.

8. That the payments of dividends once a year shall be indorsed upon the certificate; and that after the stock is sold, the depositor shall receive the current price of his stock in money, without any