decide on the subject. And whatever superiority of virtue may exist in the middle and upper classes of society, is no more than might reasonably be expected, when we consider the advantages they possess the good examples and the moral and intellectual cultivation most of them have had-and the restraints, which the sphere wherein they move, imposes on them. "Unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall much be required." On the other hand, if we weigh in an even balance the disadvantages under which the poor labour the pressure of poverty -the want of good examples-the fascination of bad examples to which they are so much exposed the destitution of cultivation, either moral or intellectual-instead of wondering that there is so much depravity among them, the wonder is, that there is not far more.

To sum up all. The success of this plan will diminish the sufferings of poor parents, by enabling them to employ their time to advantage-elevate the character of the rising generation of that class-save our property from depredation by larcenies and burglaries-diminish the business of our criminal courts and in a great degree depopulate our penitentiaries. And are not these glorious objects amply sufficient to excite the benevolent to the exertions necessary to carry this grand plan into execution? What person of liberal mind, can be indifferent to the success of such a beneficent undertaking?

The smallness of the subscription, only two dollars per annum, a sum not beyond the means of a day labourer, together with the importance and benevolence of the object in view, will, it is hoped, insure an unusually large list of subscribers.

P. S. It is highly probable, if this plan be carried into immediate operation, and prove as beneficial as we have reason to expect, that the legislature at its next session, will incorporate it into the system of public schools, and thus render it, as it ought to be, a public charge.

* Among a hundred proofs which might be given of the soundness of this opinion, may be stated the fact, that there is no employment, however degrading, however destructive to health, but finds persons glad to accept itand in most countries frequently at wages barely sufficient to support human

nature.

THE INFANT SCHOOL.

Philadelphia, Dec. 28, 1827.

On Thursday was displayed in Philadelphia a sight not yielding in interest to any one that has been beheld here, since the days of William Penn. This is a strong expression, but has not been used without due deliberation.

About five or six hundred persons, male and female, were assembled in the Infant School in Chester street, to behold the exhibition of the progress of the scholars of that institution. To those who were not present, it is difficult to convey an adequate idea of the delight experienced by the spectators at the order, regularity, docility, and intelligence displayed by the interesting objects assembled, of whom the number was one hundred and twenty-six. The whole number on the books of the society is one hundred and ninety-three; but sickness and other causes detained several of them at home.

It appeared like magic, that children, at the tender age of from two to six years, many of whom had never previously learned a single letter of the alphabet, could have made such extraordinary progress in the short space of less than three months. The result has established an all-important point, beyond the power of contradiction by the most sceptical, that is, that the capabilities of the human mind at an early period of life, have been too generally underrated.

There were originally but three objects in view with those ladies and gentlemen, to whose labours the public owe this beneficent establishment:-to keep the children from the contamination of an education in the streets; to enable the parents to pursue their avocations without the hindrance and molestation arising from attention to their children; and to instil into the minds of the latter the elements of a plain education, and the seeds of good morals, with the first principles of religion. The accomplishment of any one of these objects would be ample compensation for the labour and expense attendant upon the institution. And therefore how nobly are rewarded the efforts of the patrons of the establishment, when the three are combined!

A view of the children on Thursday suggested a fourth advantage, of no small importance. They acquire habits of doci

lity and order, which cannot be too highly appreciated in their effects on future life. But for this institution, these children, if kept at home, would contract habits of restlessness and waywardness. The removal of this disadvantage is to be added to the avoidance of the evils already stated, as resulting from an education in the streets.

The extreme delight felt at beholding the progress made in the education of the children, was greatly enhanced by the contemplation of their healthy and contented appearance, and their interesting countenances.

It will be readily conceived that this school affords but a slender provision for the multitudes of the children of the labouring classes, for whose benefit it is intended. Twenty such schools would not be too many. It is said to be the intention of the managers to open another school or schools, as soon as the liberality of the public will enable them. And from the favourable specimen exhibited; from the blessed consequences which may be anticipated from the institution; and from the unqualified and distinguished approbation it has met with from the numerous and respectable assemblage on Thursday, there is surely every reason to hope for the most extensive patronage. The poorest labourer in the community could afford to become a subscriber; as the subscription, let it be observed, only amounts to four cents per week!

The wealthy classes of society, it is hoped, will duly consider that self-interest, wholly apart from all regard for the public welfare, or commiseration for the sufferings of the labouring classes, should induce them to afford this institution a liberal patronage. It tends to dry up the sources which supply candidates for the penitentiary and the alms-house, by bringing those up in habits of usefulness, who would otherwise be regularly training for those receptacles of human wretchedness. For every dollar expended on Infant Schools, fifty will probably be saved to the community in the diminution of petty larcenies, and the support of paupers and convicts. This is a serious consideration: and it may be fairly doubted, whether in the boundless range of charity, for which this city is deservedly celebrated, there is any mode in which so large a harvest of safety, goodness, and virtue can be reaped from so slender a seed. To wealthy men, disposed to make bequests for benevolent purposes, this institution is most earnestly recommended.

There cannot be a doubt that a similar school, conducted by a suitable teacher, for the children of persons in easy circumstances, who could and would pay liberally, would prove a blessing not merely to the parents, but to the public at large. And it is hoped that such a plan will be adopted, and meet with adequate encouragement. Many parents in those classes of society, at present send their children to mistresses' schools, at three and four years old, merely to keep them, as they say, out of harm's way. At such schools little or nothing is learnedthe children are pent up in small rooms, without sufficient air or exercise-poring over books which they cannot but dislike -and squabbling with each other for want of proper employment. It may be asserted, as a general rule, that they rarely lay any solid foundation of learning, morals or religion in those schools. It is very true there are exceptions, and that some of those mistresses are very well qualified for the employment they are engaged in.

It is respectfully suggested to the very estimable Society of Friends who have become, in an especial manner, the kind protectors of the coloured race, that they immediately form a society for the establishment of a similar school for the infants of that portion of our population. When we call the attention of the Society of Friends, particularly, to this object, it is by no means our wish or expectation that members of other societies may not participate, but that the Friends shall have the honour of the origination and the chief management of it. They have largely contributed towards the existing establishment—and liberal-minded members of other societies will unite with them in the support of an infant school for the coloured population.

As this establishment forms an epoch in the history of the cultivation of the human mind, in this state, it may be proper, at this early period, to put on record some of the particulars of its origin, in order to render honour to those to whom honour is due for its success. At a future day the facts might otherwise be difficult to collect.

The Rev. Mr. Carll, in a tour through England, in 1824, visited some of the Infant Schools in that country; was deeply struck with their manifold advantages to the rising generation; and conceived the benevolent idea of introducing them into this country. On his return he urged several of our public-spirited citizens to undertake a similar establishment. It is not to be wondered at, that a project so entire

ly novel, appeared visionary and Utopian, and that for some time there was little disposition to engage in it. Not discouraged, he delivered an excellent public address on the 2d of February, 1827, developing the plan, and detailing its advantages, of which he printed 250 copies, which he distributed gratuitously. This was followed by some newspaper publications from his and other pens-and by perseverance, and the intrinsic merit of the plan, public attention was at length gradually awakened to its importance: and several ladies, among whom Mrs. J. W. Perit, Mrs. Tho. Latimer, Mrs. R. M. Patterson, and Miss Sparhawk, were the most conspicuous and praiseworthy, opened a subscription about the month of May, and went round with indefatigable zeal and ardour among their friends, to procure subscribers. In this "labour of love" they continued throughout the summer, with the most patient industry, not discouraged by the heat of the weather.

A meeting of citizens, friendly to such a laudable object, was called on the 15th of last May, at which it was resolved to form a society for the establishment of an Infant School or Schools, and a committee was appointed to frame a constitution, which was reported to a subsequent meeting, held on the 31st of that month, when it was adopted, and the officers appointed.

A board of managers, composed of twenty-five ladies, and a board of advisers, composed of five gentlemen, were appointed at the same time. The duties of the latter board are, to aid the managers with their advice and opinions when called upon, and also to recommend such measures as they may judge calculated to promote the benevolent objects of the institution.

The school was opened in an apartment of the public schoolhouse in Chester street, on the 1st of October, under the management of Mr. Bacon and Miss Hyde, who are very well calculated for the offices they have respectively undertaken.

Extraordinary exertions, in addition to the efforts of the ladies, were made to procure subscribers. Suitable persons were employed to canvass the city and liberties, and the success was probably equal to that of any society ever established here, there being at present 35 life subscribers at twenty dollars each, and 298 annual subscribers, at two dollars each. The whole amount of the receipts is nearly 1800 dollars, which includes a number of donations, some of them liberal.

To avoid the humiliation that is apt to attach to gratuitous