A DDRESS on the Eighteenth Anniversary of Patcheappali's Institution : 1861.

It is a customary part of the ceremonies of the day, that I, as Patron, before the proceedings are closed, should address to those who have honoured us with their presence, such observations as seem to me apposite to the matters peculiar to this Institution; and, generally, with reference to the events of the past educational year. It has happened to me to have to explain to several high functionaries of this Presidency, from time to time, the objects, peculiarities, and results of this Institution; and I will ask at starting, if it is possible, at this season of the year, when all the educational institutions of Madras are inviting the Public to witness the distribution of annual prizes, to offer a more gratifying spectacle to those who are interested in the promotion of Native intelligence, than that of this noble hall, filled as it is with the boys, their parents and their friends, the full concourse of the respectable Native inhabitants of this city? The Hall itself is one of noble proportion, and I would mention, as you, Sir,* have honoured us with your presence for the first time, that though at the time it was built, there was much difference of opinion as to the wisdom of devoting so large a portion of the funds to such an object, I think there can be but one opinion on the subject now. Not only does it afford us the space required for decently carrying out our ceremonials and examinations; but it is often of use to the Native public for social purposes; and the European population has often had cause to thank the ready courtesy, with which the Trustees of this Charity have placed the Hall at their disposal, for legitimate political, scientific, and social pur

* Sir William Denison,

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poses; and so far supplied the want which Madras labours under, of public rooms or a town hall. But beyond this, it has given a local habitation to the cause of Native education, and acted as a common centre of attraction to all the minor Native educational seminaries, as is shown by their thronging here to day, to participate in our founder's benevolence, by receiving, as far as we can supply them, assistance in the shape of grants-in-aid. The appearance of the boys is satisfactory in the extreme. They are cleanly, smart, and intelligent. One has only to look at them, seven hundred in number, to be satisfied of their respectability, and the interest they take in the proceedings of the day. I would seek to say a few words on the origin of this Institution. It is peculiar in its nature, inasmuch as it is not dependent upon Government support, or upon that of the European or Native public. It is founded upon the benevolence of one individual, PATCHEAPPAH, whose portrait adorns these walls; aided, to a comparatively small extent, by donations and bequests, of those who have seen how great a benefit is conferred upon the whole Native community, by thus bestowing a portion of their means; an example which, I trust, may more largely followed hereafter. Some doubts having arisen as to the objects of PATCHEAPPAH'S will, a suit was instituted by the Advocate General; several decrees were passed; and in 1841, the Court approved the scheme reported by the Master, and, in conjunction with the Board of Revenue, sanctioned the foundation of this Charity. Another peculiarity is, that the management is entirely entrusted to Native gentlemen; and the fidelity and zeal with which they have discharged their important trust, affords the best proof of the capacity of the Natives for dealing with affairs of such magnitude, while it has entitled them to the thanks and gratitude of the entire Native community. My own office of Patron is purely honorary: sometimes it may be advantageous to the Trustees to ask the advice of a European;

be

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but my office entails upon me no share in the direction or active supervision of the affairs of the Institution; and it is but very seldom that I have been consulted. The Trustees report annually to the Advocate General, thus affording a perfect check upon the outlay, which, I presume, is also reported on by the Revenue Board. Though this is a Charity, we have demanded a small fee from the scholars, because experience has shown us, not only in this Presidency, but throughout India, and especially in Bombay, that the instruction which is paid for is more valued than that which is gratuitously bestowed. From this legitimate source we derive about 300 rupees income a month. The success of our School is beyond dispute. Look at the numbers of the boys. We have gradually risen, since 1852, from 250 to upwards of 700 boys : a number equal to that of the Scholars of Eton; more than that of Harrow or Winchester: greater than any institution in this Presidency, and I believe in India. The average daily attendance has been considerable and encouraging ; it is upwards of 500 a day at the opening of the school after last holidays we had an attendance of 623; and these numbers alone show how eager all are to take advantage of the teaching offered. We are obliged to turn away many applicants, from want of room, and from the staff of masters being fully occupied : but I understand it is in contemplation to build additional school-rooms, and, I trust, to engage additional masters. The Reports which we have heard read show the efficiency of the tuition, and necessarily involve these two gratifying facts; first, that the boys must have been diligent; secondly, that the masters have faithfully and zealously discharged their duties towards their employers and their pupils. The standard of education has been gradually raised; and on this point, I would beg to read an extract from a letter from our Principal, MR. LOVERY. He

writes:

"Four of our pupils went in for the last Matriculation

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Examination, and three of them passed, one for the higher grade, and the other two for the second. Since the introduction of the University Examination, which was in 1857, no less than eight of our pupils have passed the Entrance Examination, which I regard as creditable, considering the difficulties under which we labour. Three, having been promoted to the Presidency College, have been admitted into the Collegiate Department. About ten or eleven years ago, a PATCHEAPPAH'S Free Scholar considered himself fortunate if, on being transferred to the High School, he was admitted into the 2nd or 3rd Class! Our standard of education corresponds with that prescribed for the University Matriculation Examination, which is sufficient to enable our pupils to gain admission into the College, or to obtain employment in the numerous offices which are now open to educated young men."

:

Thus we have kept pace with the advancement of the times as the standard has been raised in the Government College, so has ours; and the matriculation examinations are of no slight difficulty. Lastly, if we follow the lot of the boys in after life, we shall find that those who have passed hence to the Government College as PATCHEAPPAR's free scholars, have taken Proficient's degrees, and have obtained employment under Government and in the Provinces. All of course cannot be so distinguished; but we find them largely employed by the Railway, the Telegraph, and in the commercial establishments of Madras: some have joined the Engineering College; and some, I am happy to say, the NORMAL School. I do not know how a Native can confer greater benefit upon his countrymen, than by dedicating himself to tuition. Now that the office of Schoolmaster has been made by the Government one of honour and fair emolument, I trust that many will seek it as a profession. Certain I am, that in no other will they, at the end of life, be able

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SCHOOLMASTERS-MR. POWELL--MR. LOVERY.

to look back with an easier conscience upon the course which they have run. In conclusion, I wish to mention that MADAVA ROW, the most distinguished of the proficients of the High School, has promised an annual prize of 50 rupees to the most proficient in our school. The conditions under which this prize will be contended for will be proclaimed in ample time by the Principal: but I trust that the boys will shew an additional eagerness in competing for a reward, offered by one who is himself so distinguished an example of what education can fit a man for. When I say that he is the most distinguished pupil of the University, I say so with reference to the rank which he has attained: he now holds the highest post which a Native can hold under a Native Sovereign; he is the Dewan or Prime Minister of the Rajah of Travancore, on which country he is conferring signal benefits, under the enlightened guidance of MR. MALTBY. There may be another as distinguished in scholarship; I allude to RUNGANATHAN SHASTRY; but I speak with reference especially to the distinguished position which MADAVA ROW has achieved above all his contemporaries.

These are all the remarks which I have to make connected with this Institution in particular. Let me now glance at subjects of more general interest and importance. It is always an easy, though a slovenly way of escaping the performance of the duty of speaking, to declare that there is nothing new to be said upon the subject. It is not true. There is something new to be said upon apparently the most threadbare subject: for the regions of thought are illimitable, and its combinations inexhaustible. Thus in science, where, however, we are but at the threshold, there are ever new discoveries; in art, there are constant new inventions and improvements of old: in history, the most discussed passages are the subject of fresh disquisitions; and in poetry, old subjects as well as new are illustrated with new treat