A rather lengthy correspondence between Mr. BUCKINGHAM and Lord JOHN
RUSSELL will be found in a previous column. It is plain that Mr. BUCKINGHAM has the advantage of the Home Secretary in this affair. In the first place, it was manifest that no imputation on Lord JOHN RUSSELL'S private character, as distinguished from his public conduct, was intended, or could have been intended by Mr. BUCKINGHAM. Secondly, if there had been an attack of that description, which called for a challenge, Lord JOHN knew perfectly well that Mr. BUCKINGHAM would not fight : that gentleman, if we mistake not, introduced into Par- liament some rather absurd scheme for putting an end to the prac- tice of duelling, thus publicly proclaiming his own resolution not to be guilty of it. Thirdly, there was nothing in Mr. B (Jou NKHAM'S reply to Lord JOHN which in the least degree softened the harsh- ness of the original attack—not a single expression was qualified or withdrawn : yet Lord JOHN was perfectly satisfied ! if so, why did he take offence ? Lastly, Mr. BUCKINGHAM has gained what of all things he most desires, and unceasingly pursues—an op- portunity of puffing himself, his wrongs, his services, his poverty, and his claims ; and of reiterating the cutting announcement to an ungrateful nation, that if he is not otherwise provided for, JAMES SILK BUCKINGHAM will devote the remainder of his days to useful and honourable labour for the purpose of leaving lega- cies to his children. Oh, may it never come to this
The drafts of charters for the London University and the Lon- don University College have been published in the newspapers this week, copies having been obtained by an address from the House of Commons to the Crown in the last session. The London University College charter requires no comment ; it is simply an act of incorporation for the existing institution. The proposed charter for the London University is not satisfactory. It consti- tutes certain parties a body politic for the purpose of conferring degrees on proficients in literature, law, and medicine. This body is to consist of a Chancellor, a Vice-Chancellor, and Fellows; the Chancellor to ba named by the King, and to hold Mike for life; the Vice-Chancellor to be elected annually by the Fel- lows; the Fellows to be named by the King. This body is authorized to hold property not exceeding 10,000/. i t annual value. Their chief duties are thus laid down-
" That once at least in every year, the said Chancellor, Vice-Chancellor, awi Fellows, shall cause to be held an examination of candidates fur degrees; and on every such examination the candidates shall be examined either hy examiners, appointed for the purpose from amonethe Fellows, by the said Chancellor, Vice-Chancellor, and Fellows, or by other ex:unifiers so to be appointed ; and that on every such examination the candidates shall be examined in as many branches of general knowledge as the said Chancellor, Vice.Chineenor, and Fellows shall consider the most fitting subjects of such examination.
" And whereas it is expedient to extend the benefits of colleges and establish- ments already instituted, or which may be hereafter instituted, for the promotion of literature and science, whether incorporated or not incorporated, by comect- ing them for such purposes with the University created by this our royal charter,— we do hereby further will and ordain, that all persons shall be ad- mitted as candidates for the respective degrees of Bachelor of Arts, Mister of At ts, Bachelor of Laws, or Doctor of Laws, to be conferred by the said Uni- versity of London, on ',resenting to the said Chancellor, Vice-Chancellor, and Fellows, a certificate from any of the institutions hereinafter mentioned, to the effect that such candidate has completed the course of instruction which the said Chancellor, Vice-Chaccellor, and Fellows, by regulatiou in that behalf, shall determine.
"That such certificates as aforesaid may be granted from our college called London University College, or from our college called King's College,' or from such other institution, corporate or unineormirated, as now is or hereafter shall be established for the purposes of education, whether in the letropolis or else- where within our United Kingdom, and as ire, under our sine-utaaual Auk hereaf?er authorize to issue such certificates."
With regard to medicine, the Chancellor and his coadjutors are to report to the Home Secretary the names of such schools, corpo- rate or unincorporate, as they deem proper to have the pri- vilege of instructing candidates for medical degrees; and upon the approval of the Secretary, the students of such institutions may appear and claim examination.
It thus appears, that the proposed corporation will have the power of creating a monopoly, or what very nearly approaches to one, in the business of instructing youth. A favoured school- master will be enabled to state in his prospectus—" Young gentlemen educated by me will have the right of claiming the learned degrees at the London University ; an advantage not enjoyed by any similar establishment in this vicinity." This surely ought not to be allowed. The aim of those who have so perseveringly advocated the institution of a new University, was to break down the monopolizing system of the old ones, to have a tribunal to which men of all ranks and religions might resort for testimonials of their proficiency in literature and science. What, in the name of common sense, can it signify where or by whom a man was educated? The question which it behoves the applicant and the public to have answered is, whether or not he has given satisfactory proof of knowledge of certain matters.
This London University charter has a good deal of the appear- ancenf a job. There ate to be fees and salaries, the amount of each to be subject to the approval of the Treasury. Many plea- sant little appointments, with a very agreeable quantity of patron- age, will be created. But this is a secondary consideration : the chief objection is, that it gives certain virtually irresponsible par- ties the power of conferring on their friends and favourites privi- leges which should be open to all.
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