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posed was established at Vienna by the Emperor Joseph II.; who, though justly accused of restless rash and innovation, is allowed by all candid men to have had a constant eye to the amelioration of the many and vast countries under his sovereign power, and to have made many improvements. In this academy of commerce, the pupils are instructed in a variety of foreign languages, and in the art of design and drawing. It is well known, that the Emperor was so intent on the extension of coinmerce, that he made an effort for the establishment of an Oriental Company at Embden. In subserviency to his great commercial views, he founded the academy just mentioned.

If there be a country on earth that has an interest in any academy for instruction in the languages of Maritime States, in different quarters of the world, it is Great Britain; and if there be one spot better adapted than another to its establishment, it is Malta. It were certainly to be wished, that instead of foreign interpreters and agents, often very imperfectly qualified for the business they undertake, and not always to be depended on for their fidelity and honesty, we should have faithful interpreters and agents of our own nation, whether for the purpose of mercantile correspondence, or the transaction of business in person, at factories or other stations; persons qualified to understand clearly, and both to speak and write with fluency Arabic, Turkish,Moorish, modern Greek, Latin, Italian and other languages, or dialects of the same original language. The policy of all civilized nations has generally provided for a due supply of public functionaries, in every department of importance, by furnishing the means of a suitable education; and, of late, the same measure has been resorted to by the East India Company, in establishing a college for the instruction of youth in the Persian and Arabic tongues, and in the history of the past and present state of Hindostan, and the Peninsula of India, and the countries with which our Possessions in the East have or may have most intercourse. Why should less attention be paid to the Mediterranean coast of Africa, so inviting to commerce, and the formation of new political connections? Should the appointment of Consuls, or other interpreters and agents, depend on chance? Or the interest that any person may have to procure a situation for himself under government, however unqualified? A man born and bred in the Western Isles, or the Highlands, and Northern parts of Scotland, cannot well be supposed to be master of

either the English or African languages. Yet these have been for some time the great nurseries of our agents in Barbary. And it is much to be regretted, that though the Barbary powers have always signified an earnest desire to have wellbred linguists from Britain, they have not been treated with a proper degree of consideration in this respect.

If it were at all necessary to illustrate the connexion between a command of languages and a wide range of commerce, it might be mentioned, that it is the widely diffused language of the Koran, that has opened so vast a field of commerce to the Mahomedans.

The facilitation which such a ready command of agency and correspondence is calculated to afford to various and extensive commerce, would contribute, in the same proportion, to the increase of the public Revenue; so that, were an academy for instruction in the languages of all great commercial nations to be established wholly at the public expence, there cannot be a doubt that it would be ultimately refunded to the publick, with large increase. But at Malta, such an academy may be founded, without imposing any burthen on the publick. All' the property in the island of Malta which belonged to the antient order of the Knights of St. John, has, in right, de volved to the Crown of Great Britain. This property may be converted into a fund for the support of proper masters and a few scholars. The grand Library and the public buildings are at the disposal of his Majesty's civil Commissioner, who is at liberty, with the consent of his Majesty's Ministers, to appropriate some part or quarter thereof to public halls," and the residence of the masters and scholars on the foundation. We say on' the foundation, because it may be reasonably presumed that some, nay not a few, of the natives of Malta will be disposed to send their sons to the proposed college; where they may be instructed in the English language as well as the others above mentioned; and thereby be well qualified to act in the capacities of consuls, commercial interpreters, and agents, and as travellers under the patronage of various literary and liberal individuals, or societies for the exploration of unknown regions, and the advancement of both natural and civil history. From Great Britain and Ireland too, ingenious and spirited young men might resort to the seminary at Malta, as the best preparative for such employment as has been stated; than which none can be imagined more creditable or more pleasant. In a word, besides the scholars on the foundation, others

may

may attend the college of Malta in the same manner, as other students, besides the Bursars or scholars, do in our universities, particularly those of Scotland, where they board and lodge in the uni versity towns, or very near vicinity, attend the hours of instruction, and repair to their own lodgings during the intervals between the different meetings of the classes. From the moderate expence of living in Malta, many youths from Great Britain and Ireland would be in duced to make the knowledge of the modern languages a profession, and prove useful schoolmen on their return home, and as linguists abroad. From the circumjacent countries too, as Spain and Portugal, France, Italy, the Grecian islands, and Asia Minor, nay, and from all commercial countries, particularly Russia, if she retain her posts on the Euxine and the Caspian, it is not extra vagant to anticipate, that young men may be attracted in process of time to the Commercial Institution at Malta: in which case, the acquirement of the languages most fitted for commercial agents, and persons travelling for other purposes, would be greatly facilitated by social converse among ingenious youth of different nations.

In proportion to the knowledge acquired by nations of each other's language, mutual intercourse would be promoted, and the asperities that arise from national antipathies be worn away. A liberal and enlarged sphere of sympathy would contribute more to the extension of commerce, than the most successful arms.

That this seminary may be the more alluring to the different nations on the Mediterranean shores, it might perhaps. be thought advisable in case of success in the first attempts, to add some professorships in the liberal arts and sciences. The air of Malta is serene, pure, and salubrious. From its local situation in the centre nearly of the antient civilized world (for a large portion of the North of Africa acknowledged the dominion and influence of the Romans), it is calculated to enliven a thousand recollections of the progress of civilization from the cradle of arts and sciences. No: where could an university be more happily established for a citizen of the world.

If the colonization of some islands in the Ionian Sea by the English, should go hand in hand with the establishment, and gradual improvement of a college at Malta, the advantages which might result from such joint establishments are incalculable. On this subject, the colonization of certain Grecian islands, the, GENT. MAG. January, 1811.

author of this Memorial may perhaps submit his thoughts to the publick at a future period; in the mean time, it is of importance to observe, that both at Malta, and any settlement or settlements that might be made by Great Britain in the Greek islauds, it would be of the last consequence to make provision for publie worship: instruction in the doctrines and duties, and the due and solemn performance of the holy rites of the Christian religion. The alleged indifference and disregard of the English to religion seems, indeed, to render such provision indispensibly necessary.

The reign of his present Majesty has been nobly distinguished by voyages of discovery performed at the public expence, from the exalted motive of advancing knowledge, and thereby multiplying the resources of mankind, and particularly for the purpose of introducing arts and civilization among savage nations. There cannot be conceived any design more humane, more beneficial to the world at large, or more worthy of a King. In proportion to the extended intercourse of men and nations, knowledge is extended; and knowledge, as has been well observed by Lord Bacon, is power: "Homo, Naturæ interpres at que minister, tantum potest quantum scit; natura enim obtemperando vincitur."

But to carry our researches into the inland regions of Africa, where perhaps civilization never prevailed, and into those of Asia, formerly civilized and polished, but now fallen into obscurity and barbarism; to explore regions on the Terra Firma, almost as much unknown to us as the islands were formerly in the Pacific ocean, and with whom we are more nearly connected by various relations, is a design not less humane, wise, or glorious. By travels, as well as voyages,' new objects are discovered-new phenomena, natural and moral; remains of antiquity are found, and new productions · of nature discovered. Traces are found of nations now extinct; and tribes and, nations are found to exist in new and unheard-of circumstances or situations. Thus, the whole map of human nature, to use an expression of the late illustrious Mr. Edmund Burke, is unfolded; : the superfluities, as well as the wants of different countries are found out ; › new political relations are formed; and all the sons of men, brought back as it were again into one family, have it in their power to co-operate for general: improvement in all that gives grace, dignity, and comfort to life. Now, the establishment of a school for the languages

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of the nations around the Mediterranean and the Black Sea, would evidently serve as a means for the attainment of all these objects. Commercial, political, literary, and scientific correspondence, and journeys to remote countries, would be facilitated; travelling, whether for gain or more liberal ends, would be made easy; the sphere of commerce would be enlarged, and a thirst after knowledge more and more excited by gratification.

It is not to be denied, that we are by no means so careful to cultivate an acquaintance with foreign nations, and thereby to extend our power by moral influence, as our neighbours the French. They have at this moment hundreds of emissaries in Persia, Arabia, and Africa, employed in cultivating an acquaintance, not only with the highest, but with all classes of the natives, for purposes commercial, political, and liberal. Their connexions and influence in Turkey are well known: the great number of travels in the Turkish dominions, published by Frenchmen,shews how attentive France has ever been to this rich and interesting part of the world. The decline of the English factories in Turkey is fully accounted for by trade with India, and the Americans having been for 20 years the carriers of Europe. This circumstance is somewhat unfortunate; inasmuch as it may appear in the sight of the Turks, with whom every thing is uniform, fixed, and stable, a mark of declining power. By the establishment recommended at Malta, seconded by settlements in the Grecian islands, our trade in the Levant would be naturally revived, and carried to great extent and great advantage.

It is proposed, that, even at the outset, the pupils shall be instructed not ouly in languages, but arithmetick and the art of drawing. The Professors of English and other tongues most commonly known, or most easily acquired, might consist of travelling Fellows from the Universities; one of whom might be in holy orders, and officiate as the priest of the college. Skilful assistants are to be had at Malta, and in the University of Catania in Sicily. But though it be the interests of commerce, in the formation of such political connexions as these may require, that is the only object proposed by the establishment of an Anglo-Maltese College, in the first place, if this should

* Some years ago, the English Levant Factory Company in Smyrna counted 300 merchants of great consideration, with their apprentices and servants. This company, computed at 14 or 1500 opulent persons in one city, made it cheerful and busy.

flourish to the extent reasonably to be expected, it might be improved into an University for all manner of literature and science; than which no Institution could redound more to the Interests of Britain, and the Glory of his present Majesty's reign.

IRISH NEWS.

Jan. 13. Three female servants of P. Mahony, esq. near Killarney, having unthinkingly placed some coals of fire in a room which had no chimney, two of them were found lifeless next morning, and the third was with difficulty recovered.

Jan. 14. A desperate affray occurred in the streets of Howth between the labourers employed at the new harbour. The parties engaged amounted to 300 men; and, after a severe conflict, were parted by the exertions of Lord Howth and Mr. Lyster, aided by a detachment of the military. Many of the rioters are so severely cut and maimed, as not to be expected to survive; and six of the ringleaders are lodged in gaol.

Jan. 15. A horrid murder was committed this night near Causheen, county of Clare, on James O'Brien: the deceased, in company with his son, returning towards home, was fired at by some unknown assassin, who lay in concealment for him, near his own dwelling, when the unfortunate man received the contents of a loaded musket, and instantly fell; but the murderers not being satisfied that he was dispatched, and having heard him utter some sentences, they immediately approached him (the son having departed for assistance), and with savage brutality, before they retired, nearly severed the head from the body.

The Commissioners appointed by Parliament to enquire into the nature and extent of the several bogs in Ireland, with the practicability of draining_and cultivating them, have made their First Report; in which they state, that the bogs comprize more than one-fourth of the entire superficial extent of Ireland, or about one million of English acres ; that they form, as far as they have been examined, a mass of the peculiar substance called peat, of the average thick ness of 25 feet, no where less than 12, nor found to exceed 42. This substance varies materially in its appearances and properties, in proportion to the depth at which it lies. On the upper surface it is covered with moss of various species, and to the depth of ten feet composed of a mass of the fibres of similar vegetables in different stages of decomposition; generally, however, too open in their texture to be applied to the purposes of

fuel.

fuel. Below this is a blackish turf; at a greater depth the fibres of vegetable matter cease to be visible, the colour of the turf becomes blacker, and its properties as fuel more valuable. Near the bottom of the bog it forms a black mass, which, when dry, has a strong resemblance to pitch or bituminous coal, and having a curvilinear fracture in every direction, with a black shining lustre, and susceptible of receiving a considerable polish. The Commissioners divided all the bogs, containing above 500 acres, in the counties of Kildare, King's County, Tipperary, Westmeath, and Longford, into seven districts, which they assigned to an equal number of engineers, with directions to examine and report thereon. Only one of the reports has been made out, namely, that in the Eastern division; which, according to the engineer, may be drained with facility at an expence of about 147,0001. and which would gain 22,490 Irish, or 36,430 English acres, and be convertible to all the purposes of husbandry.

COUNTRY NEWS.

Jan. 13. The ship Cumberland, Barret master, which arrived in the Downs this night from Quebec, sustained a gal lant contest with four French lugger privateers the same morning, between Dover and Folkestone. Two of them, during a heavy fire with musketry, ran alongside, and boarded the Cumberland. The crew had previously retired to the cabin; but, as soon as about 20 men had come on-board, the captain ordered the ship to be cast off from the privateers, and immediately, at the head of his men, rushed forward, and cleared the deck, the greatest part of the boarders being killed, and the remainder jumping overboard. This attempt was repeated four different times, and frustrated in like manner; and the privateers, at length finding that their threat to give no quarter only animated the crew greater exertion, and having a mainmast and bowsprit carried away, desisted and sheered off. Mr. Caward, chief mate, was wounded in the shoulder, and one seaman has since died of his wounds. The Enemy is supposed to have lost 60 men: Capt. B. killed three himself. The Cumberland's crew consisted of 26 men; those of the privateers of 270. The Lords of the Admiralty have, as a mark of their satisfaction at the gallantry exhibited on the occasion, granted each of the crew of the Cumberland a protection from the impress for 3 years.

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Jan. 14. The Pavilion near Scarborough, the seat of R. Williamson, esq.

was totally consumed by fire. No part of the furniture could be saved.

Jan. 17. An atrocious disposition has been manifested at Mare-field, on the borders of Ashdown Forest (Surrey) to which the Curate, the Rev. Mr. Bingham, has fallen a victim. For some time previous threatening letters had been sent; but at one p. m. on Thursday se'n night, Mr. B. having heard a noise, got up, went down stairs, and perceived a man quitting the house. He attempted to open a door, but was obstructed by a part of the furniture raised against it; he then went round to an outward door, which he had bolted within before he went to bed, and found it broken open, and some furze faggots burning which had been brought into the room, and the furniture placed round them. The fire was so rapid, the parsonage being principally of wood, that it was with difficulty any lives were preserved. Two of the children were obliged to be thrown out of the window, and two were nearly suffocated before they could be extricated.

Jan. 18. Lately a barn belonging to Capt. Boultbee, of Bunny, in the neighbourhood of Nottingham, was accidentally set on fire and consumed, together with a quantity of corn. The accident was occasioned by the servant-man taking some live coals to thaw the pump, which communicated to the building, and set it in flames. The loss is estimated at 2001.

Jan. 19. A serious accident lately occurred on-board the Jason, a vessel. lying in a part of Boston Deeps, called Clay-pole, about four miles from the town. Business calling the Master away, before he quitted the ship he took the precaution to lock up the cabin, in which some swivel cartridges and a quantity of gunpowder were stored. During his absence, the mate of the vessel, to relieve the tediousness of waiting for a fair wind, imprudently forced open the cabin-door, took out some powder, and sallied forth to shoot sea-fowl, leaving on-board only a lad, about 14 years old. The boy, thus situated, amused himself by fetching a handful of powder, and throwing it by small quantities into the fire; but having, it is conjectured, scattered some between the cabin and the fire-place, the flame ran along the train, and instantaneously communicating with the main body of the powder, produced a tremendous explosion, which blew away the whole of the stern of the vessel, and caused her to sink, with a full cargo of oats on-board.

Jan. 21. The Elizabeth brig, a Ply,: mouth trader, loaded with bale goods,

caught

caught fire while lying in Ramsgate harbour, and though every exertion was used, the greatest part of the vessel and cargo were destroyed.

Jan. 21. The new aqueduct cast-iron bridge of the Grand Junction Canal, over the river Ouse, below Stoney Stratford, was opened with the usual ceremonies. The whole length of the iron work is 101 feet; it is wide enough for two boats to pass each other, and has a towing-path of iron attached to it. The bridge is firm and tight in every part, and displays not the least appearance of strain from the great weight on every part. The opening of this aqueduct, and the passage of trade over the embankment, are expected to add 5001. per month to the revenues of the Company.

DOMESTIC OCCURRENCES.
Friday, Jan. 11.

Antonio Cardoza (a Portuguese), Mary Rogers, and Sarah Browne, were indicted at the Old Bailey Sessions for the wilful murder of J. Davis, a waterman, by giving him several stabs in the back with a knife. The two latter were disreputable females; and, having quarrelled in the street with, the deceased, called upon Cardoza, who was known to them, to espouse their quarrel, which he immediately did by stabbing the deceased. The learned Judge stated a distinction to exist between the cases of Cardoza and Sarah Browne. There was a quarrel and heat of blood between her and the deceased, but none between him and Cardoza. Cardoza was found guilty of Murder, Sarah Browne of Manslaughter, and Mary Rogers acquitted.-Cardoza was executed on Monday the 14th, opposite Newgate. He persisted to the last in asserting his innocence. Previous to his being brought from the press-yard, he cried bitterly; but, on mounting the scaffold, he acted with becoming forti tude. After being suspended the usual time, the body was conveyed to St. Bartholomew's Hospital for dissection.

Friday, Jan. 18.

This night a fire broke out in a sugarbaker's warehouse at Puddledock, which destroyed the premises, with a great quantity of goods.

Saturday, Jan. 19.

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Monday, Jan. 21.

The baneful effects resulting from sleeping in a room with charcoal burning, were exemplified at Bayswater; where a poor woman, delivered but a few days before, with her husband, was, on the door being broken open, found suffocated, with the infant alive, and sucking at the mother's breast.

Wednesday, Jan. 23.

This evening a fire broke out on the premises of Mr. Bolland, hatter, in Jewinstreet, Westminster, occasioned by a boy leaving a candle burning near a quantity of shavings. The work-shop was entirely consumed.

Thursday, Jan. 24.

A fire broke out this morning, in an out-house at a baker's in Goswell-street, which destroyed the whole of the premises where it began.

Friday, Jan. 25.

A fire broke out this night, at a wheelwright's yard in Whitechapel, which entirely consumed the premises.

Sunday, Jan. 27.

At 12 o'clock the Prince of Wales, accompanied by the Earl of Moira, Lords Dundas and Keith, arrived at the Chapel Royal, St. James's; when the service of the day began, which was read with great solemnity by the Rev. Mr. Pridden, and the Litany by the Rev. Mr. Hayes. On the Bishop of London (the Dean of the Chapel) and the Rev. Mr. Holmes (the Sub-Dean) entering the altar, to read the Communion-service, they turned to the Royal closet, and made their obeisance to the Prince, as is customary when the King is present. A Sermon was preached by the Rev. Mr. Maddy, from Acts, iv. 12; after which the anthem of "God is our Hope and Strength" was sung; and at a quarter past two o'clock his Royal Highness descended from the closet, and, followed by the three above Noble Lords, went up the aile of the Chapel, and took his seat under a canopy, and the Lords on the opposite side of the Altar; when the Sub-Dean presented to the Prince a gold dish, and his Royal Highness put in his offering, and afterwards the same was presented to the Lords attending him. The Dean, after taking the sacrament himself, administered it to his Royal Highness, and to the three Noble Lords, and Mr. Maddy, who had preached. On his Royal Highness leaving the Chapel, he was again received with military honours.

Wednesday, Jan. 30.

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