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Facts Interesting to Humanity.

BENEVOLENT INSTITUTION AT BATH.

Letter I. Does it not call for our admiration and gratitude, in an especial manner, when we consider that, whilst other nations have been made desolate by the ravages of war, this favoured land, under the protection of Divine Providence, has been preserved in a state of tranquillity; and that, whilst others have been devising the destruction of their fellow men, Britons have been engaged in spreading the knowledge of those divine truths, which will promote the happiness of the whole human race?

Philanthropy hath exerted itself in achieving the grandest works; the difficulties that have arisen have yielded to the greatness of the objects it embraced; societies have been formed for accomplishing the noblest purposes that can interest the affections, exalt the character, or improve the condition of man; and the means have greatly multiplied with the opportunities of doing good.

But among the many excellent Institutions formed for the benefit of mankind, and especially of those intended for the lower orders of society, ONE appears to be much wanted for bettering their condition, by the encouragement of industry, and promoting economy; and for assisting the poor man to deposit his savings in safety, at an interest. The quantum of interest is not so much to be regarded, as a safe deposit for small sums receivable at all times convenient to depositors; and thereby forming habits of œconomy, which will never be departed from; making, at the same time, an honourable provision either for marriage, or the support of a family, for sickness or old age.

The establishment of PROVIDENT INSTITUTIONS* generally throughout the nation is fraught with the wisest policy, and would be productive of the happiest effects, not only to individuals but the state. They would tend to the reduction of the

* Since writing the foregoing, W. Davis has met with an account, in the "Archives of Useful Knowledge," published in Philadelphia, of an Institution under the title of "THE BANK OF SAVINGS," "Le Bureau d'Economie," established by law, at Paris, in the early and most promising part of the French Revolution; which, notwithstanding the distracted state of France, and the crimes that have since disgraced her national character, is said " to have continued in full operation to the present day, and to have been productive of the greatest advantages to the public."

Another Society, on a similar plan, called "The Bank of Industry," was

poor-rates, which (at a time when every eighth person of the whole population of England is said to be a receiver of parochial pay) would be of infinite advantage. They would advance the industrious poor man to that rank in society which his good conduct merits; and would place him above the degrading necessity of seeking parochial assistance, except in extraordinary cases of distress. The love of independence is so much a part of our nature, that few would relinquish a claim to it without regret. Even the poor labouring man, who has not been previously corrupted by bad example or counsel, when first he applies to the parish for relief, feels himself lowered in his own estimation, as well as in that of his industrious neighbours: time, however, and repeated applications blunt his honest pride, and at length he becomes reconciled to his state of degradation.

The poor-rates in this country are become a grievous and almost intolerable burthen; and it is worthy our observation that, in proportion as this tax has increased, the springs of industry have become relaxed, and the morals of the poor vitiated: indeed charitable institutions in general, especially if injudiciously or indiscriminately administered, have a necessary tendency to relax a spirit of self-exertion; but if we destroy the motive to this, do we not destroy that which was intended by Divine Wisdom to constitute a considerable portion of a man's present happiness?

In February and March last, several letters appeared in the Bath Herald, recommending the formation of PROVIDENT INSTITUTIONS; and suggesting the advantage that must arise to society from their general adoption in the principal cities and towns throughout the kingdom. The subject excited a lively interest in this city, and a public meeting was called by the Mayor, at the requisition of many characters of the first distinction, as well for their high rank as for their benevolence.-This meeting was numerously attended, and Sir Horace Mann, bart. a known patron of all philanthropic undertakings, accepted the office of Chairman. The business was entered upon with a zealous spirit of patriotism; the person who first suggested the proposal read the outline of his plan, the principle of which was received with approbation, and supported by many gentlemen present.

The meeting resolved "that a Provident Institution be forth

lately proposed to be established at Philadelphia. Such a coincidence is a little curious, and proves that the minds of thinking men, in distant regions, may be directed to similar objects of national good, without any communication, or knowledge thereof, having passed between them. We hope these facts may animate our exertions, and that Great Britain will be found, second to no other country in works of real philanthropy.

with formed in this city." A large Committee, consisting of thirty-five gentlemen, was then appointed to consider the best mode of carrying this resolution into effect, which was to be submitted to a future meeting, to be called as soon as their report was ready.

I intend noticing the subsequent transactions which have taken place, as the subject of another letter.

Bath, Nov. 17, 1813.

I am respectfully, &c.

W. DAVIS.

Letter II.—The large Committee of the "Provident Institution" held their first meeting 20th March 1813, and successively adjourned until the 5th May following; in the course of which they met ten different times, besides several sittings held by the select or sub-committee. The business was entered upon, and conducted with equal zeal, patriotism, and harmony; and the subjects that came under discussion, displayed ability and candour. The Committee began with forming a digest of rules for the government of the Institution; in which, however, they had not proceeded far before they perceived that the office of Trustees, involving great responsibility, would be attended with some difficulty; to combat which became their first concern.

The public funds naturally presented the best security for investing the capital of this Institution. The Committee generously resolved that the poor depositor should not be subject to any loss that may arise from the fall of the stocks, but that he should at all times be entitled to receive twenty shillings, with interest, for the pound note which he had deposited; in which case the liability to loss would attach to the Trustees, or Managers. It was therefore further resolved (on the motion of a Noble Lord, a member of the Committee) that to indemnify the Trustees from such contingency of loss, some countervailing security ought to be given them; and that the most satisfactory mode of securing them, appeared to be by an honourable and legal undertaking of the nature of a policy, by which the friends of the Institution would engage to bear the Trustees harmless from all loss amounting to the aggregate sums affixed to their respective names; or; in case of a smaller loss, then rateably or in proportion to the sums subscribed.

This sort of security was unanimously approved by the Committee; and as a proof of their zeal, the sum of 2,000l. was immediately subscribed by about half their number then present (with the addition of one gentleman absent, who requested the Chairman to include his subscription). From such a specimen

of liberality among a few, a confident hope may reasonably be entertained, that an indemnity to any reasonable and necessary amount may be expected from a generous PUBLIC whenever the Institution goes forward.

The present time is certainly a most favourable one for investing a capital in the funds, which cannot be expected to remain much longer at their present low price. In the event of a peace they will probably rise considerably; and then, in case of any future reverse, (which from past observation, and the state of Europe, which perhaps never stood more in need of repose, we should hope is not within a short period to be expected) the years of advance being set against a period of depreciation, the balance may fairly be calculated to be rather in favour than against the permanent stockholder, who had made considerable purchases at a low price.

The point of indemnity being settled, and the Committee having observed, that, notwithstanding the close attention they had given to the business, it proceeded but slowly forward, concluded that a small number of active men would be more likely to facilitate it than so large a body as 35 gentlemen. They therefore selected seven of their members to prepare a Plan of a Provident Institution; and these seven gentlemen further deputed two of their number, to whom the task was delegated, namely Dr. Haygarth and W. Davis.

Dr. Haygarth's plan has been printed, and is before the public, who will duly appreciate its merit. That by W. Davis will be subjoined; towards which, "with all its imperfections on its head," the candour of the public is respectfully solicited; the framer of it hopes a favourable allowance will be made for an individual in a very humble path of life, whose only claim to that indulgence is founded on his endeavours to be useful to his fellow creatures. The two plans were presented to the Committee, without any decision being come to on either of them; after which, at their last meeting held the 5th of May, some gentlemen having signified their intention of leaving Bath for the summer, the Committee dissolved itself, but not without considerable regret that they had not fulfilled the object of their appointment, principally in not being able to prevail on a sufficient number of gentlemen to accept the office of Trustees, even under the guarded principle before laid down.

The whole business therefore reverts to the PUBLIC, whose will was so fully expressed at the General Meeting held at the Guildhall 19th March. The suspense that has taken place has not, however, been without its advantages, having afforded an oppor~

tunity of consulting gentlemen whose situations and experience would qualify them to judge of the expediency of the proposed measure. The result has been most auspicious: several gentlemen of high rank, as senators and statesmen, having expressed their entire approbation of the principle of Provident Institutions, have condescended to offer to become members of the one intended to be established at Bath.

It has also been intimated that Parliament would be ready to lend its assistance in promoting establishments which promise such extensive benefit to the community. We therefore trust that the few difficulties that have existed will vanish, and that every industrious man in the kingdom will, ere long, have the encouraging means of depositing the savings of his labour in a place of safety at an interest. Such an event will give a fresh impulse to industry; spread the means of comfort and happiness among the lower classes of our brethren; bring back the morals of the poor to order and to virtue; and promote the general good of society-in short, with the blessing of Divine Providence, it will open a new era in the annals of our country, equal to the best period of our history. W. DAVIS.

Bath, Nov. 24, 1813.

N. B. As a sufficient number of gentlemen of large property in the Committee did not appear inclined to accept the office of Trustees, a handsome and liberal offer was made by one of our City Banks, that, to promote the Institution, they would pay an interest of 3 per cent. on the deposits that may be lodged with them, and furnish the Managers with Government security lo the amount thereof.

A Plan of a Provident Institution for bettering the Condition of the lower Orders of Society, by promoting Habits of Industry and Economy; and for receiving Deposits of small Sums of Money at Interest, the Savings of industrious or provident Persons. Drawn up by Order of the Committee, and intended as a Report to a General Meeting.

Gentlemen,

WE, your Committee, having several times met, with a view of carrying into effect your Resolution of 19th of March, “That a Provident Institution be forthwith formed in this City;" beg leave to present you with the following Plan, viz.

1. That it consist of a President; 10 or more Vice-Presidents, of whom that the Mayor of Bath for the time being be requested to be one.