5 DECEMBER 1835, Page 2

The proprietors of the London University held a special general

meeting, in one of the halls of the institution, on Wednesday, to con- sider the question of the proposed charter, and other matters relating to it. About 400 proprietors were present; and Lord Brougham took the chair. After some preliminary observations Lord Brougham said- . The Professors of the University, who were more deeply interested than the proprietors, or any other persons, in the prosperity of the University—for they must not only feel anxious for the welfare of their respective classes, but they had also a deep pecuniary interest at stake in the success of the University—had met together, and, after the fullest deliberation and discussion respecting the proposed charter; and having, as he had before said, the interest of the Uni- versity so much at heart, and having so deep an interest in arriving at a proper result on the subject, they bad come to an unanimous conclusion, and he would almost say in an unprecedented manner, in favour of the plan of the Government. He was sure that the meeting would agree with him, that this was a very powerful reason to induce the proprietors of the University to accept and adopt the proffered charter. He admitted that there were some objections to parts of the plan ; but the question was, were these of sufficient moment to Induce the meeting to reject the plan ? He certainly thought not; but still it would be the duty of the Council to endeavour to have these objectionable points changed. He thought that the proposition for limiting the Board which was to form the Senate of the new University was open to some objections. With respect also to the name, he admitted that it might be considered objectionable that the new body should not bear the name they had held from their foundation, and, sinking the name of University, become only a College. He thought, how- ever, if they obtained in substance all they desired in other respects, that they might be content to part with their name. There was one other point, how- ever, which he considered objectionable, and to which he should not so readily feel disposed to agree. He perceived that the degrees proposed to be granted by the new University were not to be precisely the same as those now given by the old Universities. In page 3 of the pamphlet to which he had before adverted, he found the initials of the degrees at the new University differed from those conferred at the old Universities. It might appear a trifliog matter at first sight, but he was satisfied that it was not so; and he did not see why they should -have different degrees from the old Universities. It was an old observation, that under some circumstances "words became things," and in this case it might be truly said that words were things. He thought that if a change was not made in this respect, an invidious and improper distinction would be created between the degrees conferred by the old and new Universities. He felt considerable regret that a distinction of this kind should be introduced into the plan ; but he confessed that he would rather have it with this objection, than reject it merely on the ground that such a distinction was made. Some gentlemen might feel disappointed that that University had not be El empowered to grant degrees ; but he thought all the arguments on this point 1 ad bee care- fully and judiciously treated in the paper of the Senatus. He bad thought that they should have the power of granting degrees in the Faculties of arts and law; but he did not think that the degrees would have less value when conferred by the new College.

Mr. Tooke gave his assent, though with some reluctance, to the pro- posal of Government; and moved the following resolution-

s That although the meeting believed that his Majesty's gracious answer to the Address of the House of Commons of the 26th of March was calculated to raise ex- pectations of his conferring an independi nt charter on this University. io as to enable It to grant degrees in all the Faculties excepting those of Divinity and Medicine, yet his Majesty's Ministers having devised a more comprehensive and edicient plan. em. bracing all seminaries of the kind for el' ucation, and mudding also hi the sufficiency of the Board of Examiners to be appointed to the new University, and this Institution having nalaing to fear from competition with other similar establishmews, recommends to the Council gratefully to accept the proposed charter."

Colonel Jones wished the latter part only of the resolution, which expressed assent to the proposal of Government, to be adopted. Mr. Tooke refused to modify his resolution. Mr. Richard Taylor approved of Colonel Jones's suggestion. He wished that Theological degrees should be conferred by the new Board. Mr. Warburton eulogized the conduct of Mr. Tooke in this affiiir ; but hoped that he would consent to strike out the first part of his resolution. Mr. Hardy (Examiner of the Apothecaries Company) spoke to the same effect. Mr. Hume and Mr. Robinson also pressed Mr. Tooke to give way. Mr. Tooke at length modified his resolution according to the sug- gestion of these gentlemen.

Dr. Brown, Mr. Isaac Lyon Goldsmid, Dr. Cox, Mr. Weymouth, Mr. Tulk, Mr. John Romilly, and Lord Nugent addressed the meet- ing; and then Mr. Tooke's resolution was carried unanimously.