The Principality

CARMARTHENr • THIRD ANNUAL MEETING OF THE WELSH NORMAL SCHOOL. The third annual meeting of the subscribers to the Welsh Normal School was held at the Tabernacle Baptist chapel, Carmarthen, on Tuesday last. The attendance was larger than on any previous occasion, and the greatest interest prevailed, occasioned, probably, by the recent discussion relative to the character of the institution. A large num- of the more active and influential friends of the institution was present. At 11 o'clock, William Wallers, Esq., Mayor, of Haverfordwest, was voted to the chair. The Rev. David Rees, Llanelly, engaged in prayer. The Rev. David Rees, Llanelly, and the Rev. David Evans, Swansea, were nominated secretaries to the meeting. The Rev. D, Evans-read, the ordinary regulations for the government of the meeting, which were agreed to, The chairman called upon the Rev. HenryJGriffiths, of T> L- "1.1-- > :.c i :R'EI'ORT'ÖF'tnE imEê(} AGEKtyf^M^fa^EE. In presenting an abstract of our third year's report, your com- mittee deem it quite unnecessary to enter at any length into general matters. Leaving to the Principal all that relates to the internal affairs of the institution, and its dependent schools, we shall confine ourselves chiefly to a simple statement of the money accounts, so that our friends may know, at least approximately, how we stand.. Absolute accuracy we cannot pretend to, as all the bills have not been presented, Dr. Balance of last year's in bank f518 2 From Rev. D, R. Stephen. 30 0 0. Subscriptions and collections 79 11 9j Model school 30 0 0 Wesleyan and Congregational Boards of Education 15 Q 0 Students'subscriptions 84 7 6 E304 17 6 Cr. Expenditure to Sept. 30 352 5 11 I>ue to the treasurer £ 47 8 5 It then appears, in round numbers, that we are actually in debt 450; but if the sums promised can be collected by the end of this month, we shall have 4.50 in hand. We repeat, stated as absolutely accurate, for the auditors have not jretAxamiried the accburits, nor can they do so till jifter the quarter day. But, unless something unforeseen occurs, we feel persuaded the esti- mates cannot rise one way or the other beyond an inconsiderable fraction. v. There is only one other matter to which we need advert just at present. At a meeting of the general committee at Swansea, on the 9th and 10th ult., it was resolved- The premises at Brecon having been taken q-ntil tbe present year, and the Brecon Agency Committee having been only ap- pointed until the end of September, that this meetirig requests the favour of the Brecon Agency Committee to act in behalf of the interests of the institution, as. if their appointment had been co- extensive w ith the term of the premises; and that the general meeting be convened to be held in September next, for the elec- tion of the Committee for the yearly," &q. This resolution having been read at a meeting "f the Agency Committee, at Brecon, on September 15ih, it was unanimously resolved thereon .— That this Committee will feel great pleasure in acting on the above instructions, provided they are guaranteed the funds neces- sary for carrying on the institution until the Christmas recess," James M, RucJdand, Esq., rcthe revotcf the Swansea Executive Con^inittee, Jn consequence of the extreme length pi this report, and the difficulty of giving a correct abstract of it, we have postponed its insertion till next week, wheii we hope to give it at length, Mr. Auckland (in the absence of A,aron Crosgfield, Esq., who w^s absent on account of family bereavement) read the treasurer's report,, the particulars of which we shall give in r our next. Evan Davies, Esq., M.A., being called upon for the report of the internal state of the college, said that as the annual census is usually made in November, he was not in a position to give a detailed statement. Several students had left the institution during the present year, and theae were about to undertake the conduct of schools in different localities. Applications for efficient masters.,were continually coming in, but he regretted to say they were unable to supply the demand. Thex-e were at present twelve young men in the house but at the close of the year he expected the number would be from 16 to 18. The Hev. D, Da vies, president of the Baptist College, Ha- verfordwest, ia moving the adoption of the vepqjts, expressed his gratification with the present cpudition of:tlj £ ie^iety. I he reports were satisfactpry, and highly crediiiibie to the parties who had drawn them up. Wffliain Qwen, Esq., Ilaveriordwest, seconded thejpotion, which was unaniniQusly carried. After gome conversation, it w;as resolved tnat tne motion just passed should have reference only to the report of the Swansea Committee. The Rev. D. Evana said that at the meeting held at Swansea, on the 9th of August, various suggestions were made relative to the future government of the institution. Mr. Auckland- then read the suggestions referred to; and after some dilatory eoiivei*ation, it waA, resolved to con- sider each clause seriatim. On the fourth clause being read, The education imparted to consist of secular and religious instruction, on the princi- ples of the British and Foreign School Society," the Rev. S. Evans, Penygrpes, wished to know what were the prin- ciples of the British and Foreign School Society. The Rev. J. Spencer, Llanelly, inquired the meaning to be attached to the term" religious instruction." The Rev. J. S. Hughes, Swansea, asked if it meant any- thing more than appeals to the moral axioms of Christianity? The Rev. D. Rees read the original basis, as contained in the first annual report,, That the Holy Scriptures should be introduced into the Schools, entire as well as in selections. That the education should be religious; but that nothing denominational should be taught in the schoolroom." The Rev. D. Davies, theological tutor of Carmarthen College, wished to know the meaning of 11 titi.geetai-iatt, education." Is the principal to teach his own peculiar views, and leave the students to form their own opinions? The Rev. J. Rhys Jones, IiilsbySuppose an Unitarian were in the college, and suppose the question of the divinity of Christ were introduced, how is the principal to act ? Is he tP teach it and sav, "I must teach this doctrine, but you may make what use you please of it." Rev. D. Rees The Unitarian must put up with the in- -,convenience. The Rev. ftdward Davies, Haverfordwest, said the insti- tution originated with the four denominations, and that the instruction is unseetarian only so far as regarded those de- nominations. The Rev. J. S. Hughes said, if the moral axioms of Christianity were taught, no one could object. He would suggest the adoption of these only. Carmarthen College was an instance in point. There all denominations were taught without reference to dogmatic theology. After some further conversation, the clause was agreed to, omitting the words Oh the principles of the British and Foreign School Society." On clause five being read, "That candidates be recom- mended, for practical piety and general usefulness, by two ministers of different denominations," the Rev. J. Griffiths, Saint David's, suggested it should be a minister, and two laymen of different denominations; which was agreed to. On clause ten being read, That the Committee should consist of 72 individuals, of equal numbers from the Episco- palians, Independent, Calvinistic Methodist, Wesleyan, Baptist, and the Society of Friends denominations," &c., Mr. David Evans, of Cardiff, moved an amendment to the effect that the Committee be formed without reference to denominational peculiarities. He considered it of the greatest importance to the well-being of the In stitution that the principle of the amendment should be observed. Diffi- culties would arise of such a nature as would render the adoption of the proposed plan impracticable. The adoption of the amendment would also have a tendency to weaken denominational feeling and draw attention more effectively to the great object in view. It would further enable the subscribers to choose the most efficient persons to serve on the Committee, whereas the proposed plan would necessarily reject individuals in other respects eminently qualified to discharge the duties of the office. The Rev. J. Spencer seconded the amendment. Evan Davies, Esq., thought the amendment a very im- portant one. The old method had worked badly. The annual elections would remove all objection, and secure con- fidence. William Rees, Esq., would support the amendment. The Rev. Eclward Davies wished to have something to define the religious character of the members of the Committee, and thought the original clause would answer the purpose. The llev. D. Rees thought the amendment a downright infraction of the resolution come to at Llandovery. The Rev. William Jones, Swansea, suggested that the Committee be empowered to allow any friend who may be thought likely to be of service to the Institution, to be added to the Committee. The Rev. J. S. Hughes thought it of the utmost importance. that the UnsECtn. I™, Irtiamttci or TAoruid 1)6: maintained intact. Rev. S. Evans thought that if the committee was appointed uu the fqnal denominational method, the numbers of stu- dents to be admitted should be governed by the same prin- ciple. A long and desultory conversation ensued, and the amend- ment was ultimately withdrawn. Another clause, empowering four-fifths of the subscribers, in case any contingency should arise, to dispose of the pro- perty and appropriate the proceeds thereof to the promotion of voluntary education, was agreed to. Wm. Rees, Esq., suggested the adoption of another clause, empowering the trustees with the usual, powers of exchange, which was agreed to. The other clauses were adopted, with some slight altera- I tions. The following are the clauses in the amended form, as agreed to at the meeting :— 1. The designation of the institution to be The Normal Col- lege for Wales." 2. The object,—that of training school masters and mistresses. 3. The advantages to be open to, and available by, all religious denominations. 4. The education imparted to. combine religious and secular in- struction. The religious instruction not to be denominational, but strictly unsectarian. 5. The candidates to. be recommended for practical piety and general qualifications for tuition, by at least one minister and two laymen, members of Christian churches. 6. The selection of candidates for admission to be determined by the Committee according to personal merit, preference being given to such as appear best fitted for realising the objects of the institution. 7. An annual public examination, of the students to be made. 8. Subscribers of one guinea or more annually, or ministers who make an annual collection of one guinea or more, or donors of ten guineas or more, to be eligible for election on. the Committee. 9. Subscribers of half-a-guinea annually or more, or contri- butors of five guineas or more, or the minister (or member dele- gated by the congregation for the purpose of representing it) making an annual collection of half-a-guinea or more, to be mem- bers of the institution, and entitled, as such, to vote at all general meetings. 10. The management of the institution to be vested, in a Com- mittee of 72 members, elected at the annual general meetings, consisting of equal numbers from the following denominations, so long as they continue their support:—viz., Episcopalians, Congre- gatiorialuts, Wesleyan Methodists, Calvinistic Methodists, Bap- tists, and the Society of Friends. But should any of these deno- nnimtii withdraw from their support of the College, the required number oi'tlie Committee shall be naade up of equal numbers from those who continue their assistance. No undue preponderance being given now or at any future time to. any one denomination. 11. That one-third at least of the total number of 72 shall be residents in Swansea, or within fifteen miles of the institution. 12. The Committee so chosen as above, to poasess ample powers for parrying; into effect the objects of the institution, and for enact- ing and enforcing regulations and bye-taws. 1:1. The treasurer, and secretary or secretaries, to be elected at the annual general meetings of the members. 14. A I I questions not affecting the constitution to be decided by the majority of votes present in person or by proxy in writing at the annual general meetings, each member of the institution hav- ing one vote, and the chairman a casting vote. 15. The meetings of the members of the committee who re- side in Swansea, or within fifteen miles of the institution, to be held at the lea&t monthly, which meetings shall be open to all the members of the committee, and the entire committee to meet half-yearly, or oftener if specially convened. 16. The quorum of the committee on general business to con- sist of five members, and that of its half-yearly or special meetings of seven. 17. No. oontribator or subscriber who has not been a member for twelve months, or whose subscription may be at the time in arrear and payment refused, to. be entitled to vote on any occasion. 18. In the event of the necessity arising from any cause for closing the institution, and of four-fifths of the members for the time being at any special general meeting, either in person or by proxy in writing, deciding upon the sale of the property under such circumstances, the proceeds thereof shall be still applied to the pur- poses of education dsewhew on the voiuntary pfincipie exclusively, in such wiatiner as the above majority shall determine. IS. The committee to havfi the usuy,I powers of sale, mortgage or exchange. 6 20. For the purpose of all special and general meetings, tWenty- one days' notice at least shall be given of such meeting, Schick notice shall specify the business to be transacted. 1. p The Rev. D. Rees moved that the following gentlemen btI appointed the trustees, being four from each denomination, and that the trust deed be immediately executed under their direction:— TRUSTEES. CALVINISTIC METHODISTS.—Elias Basset, Esq., Laiitwit Major; Mr. Ebenezer Williams, St. David's; Mr. Griffith Harris, jun., Water-street, Carmarthen Mr. Griffith Thomas, Aberystwyth. INBEPEN OB NTS .Kiias J enkins, Esq., Kilvay House. Swansea William Walters, Esq., Haverfordwest j Mr> Thomas Lloyd, Cardi- gan W. Owen, Esq., Haverfordwest; BAPTISTS.—W. VV. Ehillips, Esq., Esq., Swansea; W. Rees, Esq., Haverfordwest; Charles Conway, Esq., Pontnewydd. WESLEYAN METHODISTS;^—Mr. Phillip Price, Bridgend; Mr. George Bagnell, Carmarthen; Captain Edwards, Swansea; Jaraes Buckley, Esq., Llanelly. EPISCOPALIANS.'—-J. H. Vivian, Esq., M.P.; Robert Eatoa Esq., Swansea; W; Chambers, Esq., Llanelly; L; H. Dillwyn, Esq., Swansea. i'ttiENDs.—Henry Bath, and Joseph Butler, Swansea; Jona- than Rees, Neath; Isaac Redwood, Neath. The chairman read the following letter from thetruateei of the premises in which the school is now held :— 1. Brecon, 18th, Sept., 1848. GENTLEMEN,—As the Normal School is about being removed from Brecon to Swansea, and the taking of the premises which yoji now hold here do expire on the 31st of December next, if you are not prepared with premises suitable, you are welcome to it for a further period; but as there are other parties offering for it for another purpose, a decided answer will oblige, Your obedient servants; For the Committee of the Trustees of the Old Lioii Premises, Wt. POWELL. WALTER WILLIAMS. To the Committee of the Welsh Normal School, Carmarthen; After some conversation, It was moved by Win. Rees, Esq., arid seconded by that Rev. Edward Davies, that the premises at Brecon will not be required after the expiration of the present year, and that; the secretaries be requested to provide suitable premises at Swansea. Agreed. Wm. Owen, Esq., moved, and Wm. Rees, Esq., seconded, that the thanks of the meeting be given to the secretaries for their efficiency during the past year, and that they be requested to continue their services for the ensuing year, Mr. Buckland's name was suggested to be added. Mr. D. Evans expressed his high satisfaction with the able and efficient manner in which Mr. Buckland had dis- charged the duties he had undertaken to perform, and hoped the meeting would be enabled to retain his services. Mr. Buckland said he should be happy to do all in his power to serve the interests of the Institution as far as hit other duties would enable him; but he feared his other engagements would interfere. The name of Mr. Buckland was then added to the list of- secretaries. Aaron Crossfield, Esq., was appointed treasurer. A committee of seventy-two persons was also appointed,, comprising twelve individuals from each of the six denomi- nations already named. The chairman then read; the following lettors fVos* gentlemen who were unable to attend, the reading of which: was received with enthusiastic cheering. Pontypool, 15th Sept., 1848. MY DEAR regret that the nature of my engagements in the coming week will entirely preclude the possibility of my attend- ance at Carmarthen. I do most sincerely regret that any should be disposed to unsettle a question that appears to me to have been de- cided after considerable discussion at Brecon, at the annual meeting:, and confirmed by the resolution of the special meeting at Llando- very. It has been observed that it would be very desirable you should insert the substance of your deed in the PRINCIPALITY* and thus give to all its readers an opportunity of knowing its provi- sions and no doubt other papers would copy from it, and thus your whole constituency would see it. Sincerely desiring that the guid- ance of our heavenly Father may guide your deliberations, I remain, my dear sir, yours very truly, To the Itev, David Evans. W. W. PHILLIPS. Swansea, Sept. 16, 1848. SIB,-Not being able to attend your meeting, I wish to exprcSfJ- my concurrence in the proposition to support this institution by voluntary contributions exclusively, and to say in case of the niu- JontyofTTEe' sutraciit/tjrs aiie-iltttag treing cairtraiy Opinion. that I request my name may be withdrawn from the list, and that my contribution be returned to me. I trust, however, that Wales will preserve her independence: and, if need be, I shall be happy to double my subscription. I am, sir, your obedient servant, W. STROUD. To the chairman of the annual meeting of the subscribers f.4J.; the Normal College for Wales, Swansea, Sept. 16, 1848. MY I>EAR SIR,—I; hear something about the Normal Collcg« receiving Government money. I tra3t this is not the case. When I was solicited for the subscription, privately and from the pulpit, distinctly understanding that the institution was to be supported by voluntary contributions, I responded to those calls, and I can- not think thb directors can now accept Government money with any consistency. My subscription is but small, but I think that it cannot fairly be retained by an institution, Who solicit on oua principle, and then act on another directly opposed. I trust you are no party to this breach of faith. I am, my dear sir, yours very truly, LAVINGTON E. FLETCHER. Jas. M. Buckland, Esq. Baptist College, Pontypool, Sept. 15, 1848. GENTLEMAN,—As it will be quite out of my power to atten the annual meeting of the formal College at Carmarthen, on Tuesday next, f beg leave, in consequence of what has recently occurred, most respectfully to state my decided opinion that the insertion in the Trust Deed of the new College of any clause em- powering the committee in a certain contingency to receive 60- verlllnentid would now be a gross breach of public faith, and a virtual dissolution of the society. The exclusively voluntary character of the new College having been settled at the last meet- ing at Brecon by the resolution which I had the honour to move, and which was carried 1,1 izent, coit." after ample consideration and discussion and the said resolution definitively fixing the funda- mental principle of the society having been further sanctioned by the meeting at Llandovery, I take the liberty with all due, defer- ence to any dissentients, but with deep earnestness, to protest against the entertaining of the question again at your approaching meeting. In these views all the friends in this neighbourhood i) n, g with whom I am acquainted, and who are contributors to the in stitution, fuily couciir. If in making this communication to you, gentlemen, I am assuming more than becomes so humble an in- dividual, I hope to be pardoned, because the subject broached involves the existence of the society, and,because rfeel very great, interest in its stability and success, I remain, gentlemen, yours truly, TIIOMA3 THOMAS. To the Committee of the Normal College. Air. Bucklawl Kaid he had received several other lettem, of a at ftanal". He had, however, one communication from the auxiliary Committee at Cardiff, which was as follows- At a meeting of the Cardiff Auxiliary Committee for tho. Normal College for Wales, held on Saturday evening, Sept. 16t 1847 it was unanimously resolved—" That inasmuch as this committee was formed With the direct understanding that the Normal College was to be conducted on the voluntary sys- tem exclusively, and that alkr'the promises of subscriptions were made under that impression, any departure from that principle will be considered as releasing the subscribers in this, town and neighbourhood from their engagements." JOHN EDT, Chairman, W. T, EDWARDS, M.B.. Secretary. r The Rev. D. Davies, Haverfordwest, then rose and said that he felt himself compelled, in consequence of certain declarations which had recently been made, relative to th*. Baptist denomination, to protest against the statement that the Baptists were mere looker^ o.ii," in this gteat contro- versy. It was contrary to fact, and lie was persuaded the great mass of the denomination was not only interested in th", question, but decidedly opposed to the reception of Govern- ment grants. He thought that a resolution of that nature should be paaaedJ AVilliam Rees, Esq., at a member of the Bapt ist denomina tion, would licartily second such a proposition. He Con- sidered the statement which had been made by a certairt." individual false arid unworthy of credit; he treated it with utter disdain. [The observations of both were received with immense cheering, especially by the Baptists, a largo number of whom were present.] 'NY 'm. Owon, Esq., referred to, the some subject, and Ç.°1\