From a statement in the Courier, it appears that the
produce of the Edinburgh Annuity Tax has been annually diminished since 1830.
The Town-Council and University of St. Andrew's have trans- mitted petitions to the Treasury, through Sir John Campbell, for a grant of money to complete the University buildings in that city. Eight or nine years ago, the Treasury, proceeding upon the recom- mendation of the Royal Commission, who had inspected the ruinous state of the buildings, ordered new edifices for the United College and repairs for the Divinity College and the University Library, ac- cording to a plan furnished by the King's architect. The repairs of the two latter buildings were executed, and about half of the requisite buildings were erected for the United College, when the funds failed ; and half of the classes continue to be taught in the old ruinous edi- fice,—which look especially shabby when compared with Bell's school, recently built and very handsome. The University of St. Andrew's has a claim on public munificence, as the Alma Mater of some of the most distinguished men Scotland has produced,—Sir John Leslie, Ser James Ivory, Professor Playfair, Dr. Chalmers, and (we hope he will not forget it on this occasion) Sir John Campbell. When we see large sums voted annually to keep such jobs as the Record Commis- sion afloat, we hope that 10,0001. (for that will be sufficient, as we learn) will not be refused to complete buildings undertaken and corn. menced by the express sanction and order of the Government, for the oldest University in Scotland.
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