146 REPORT—1868. 
when, by the offer of pecuniary rewards and medals, and the prospect of appoint- 
ments hereafter, 600 or 700 average papers were sent in for competition in some 
branches of science, and 1200 or 1300 in chemistry. This seems to indicate the 
right method by which the friends of technical education might stimulate the 
classes to whom the higher rewards are not accessible. Associations might be 
formed, so that in the various branches of study the united subscriptions would 
allow of studentships being given, tenable for three or four years. By these means 
the young workman, or even one more advanced in life, may not only gain the 
reward of his ability, but obtain some compensation for the diminished wages 
which may temporarily follow the giving up a portion of his time to increase his 
skill hereafter. The employers of labour of all kinds, but especially those in which 
the higher ability required renders a considerable premium only a fair price for 
admission to the business, might tempt many from the overcrowded professions 
by a judicious offer of remitting the premiums where high distinction has been 
gained. Probably the cost to themselves would be in many cases soon more than 
compensated by the higher theoretical knowledge brought earlier into use. 
‘Tn connexion with this subject, it is impossible not to feel that the munificent 
eift of Mr. Whitworth deserves the heartfelt gratitude of the nation. What effects 
will be produced by thirty scholarships of the annual value of £100 each, in a 
single branch of applied science so important to this country as engineering, and 
mechanical industry, it is difficult to calculate. Not merely the succession of new 
aspirants every three years, but the numbers who, though falling a little short of 
the splendid prize, will yet have given all their powers of mind to obtain it, may 
be expected to create an impulse and maintain a mental activity which will not 
allow England to fall behind in her continental rivalship. It is not to be expected 
that many individuals can offer singly so noble and patriotic a gift, but they may 
combine together, and thus, by the union of isolated efforts, institute similar 
rewards for proficiency in other arts or occupations. That there is amongst our 
industrial classes a large number of intelligent and skilled workmen, with ability 
to compete for similar prizes, may be seen in the admirable volume of reports of 
the artisans selected by the Society of Arts to visit the Paris Exhibition, and 
published by the Society. The deep knowledge of their particular industry, the 
general keenness of observation, the common sense, and in many cases talented 
style of writing, besides the variety of the contents, make it a volume of remark- 
able interest, highly creditable to the class from whom they were selected. 
In the higher branches of science, the universities, colleges, and great schools, 
with their wealthy endowments, will be called upon to move with the times; 
and there are signs of their already preparing to respond in a suitable manner to 
the voice of the nation. The offer of fellowships, scholarships, and exhibitions 
may be made to suit all grades of scientific requirements. Though it may sensibly 
diminish the number of classical rewards, it is probable that it would not really 
lower the high standard of classical excellence in the country, whilst it would 
raise up a fresh career in which renown may be won. Many who by other in- 
clinations may not be the first in classical studies, may achieve a world-wide 
fame = the university or college of their choice, by their attainments in science 
instead. 
In what manner the Government may best be able to second the efforts of the 
friends of education is as yet undecided. Some suggest that they should establish 
secondary or higher schools in the locality of a particular industry, and adapt the 
teaching to the special wants of the population around. But the question arises, 
are these schools to be founded in places where no special desire is felt for the 
higher instruction offered, or in other places where the voluntary efforts, either of 
the masters or workmen, or both, only require additional aid to render them effec- 
tive? It may be said that the former need it most; for how are we to overcome 
ignorance or apathy, if the State will not be at the expense of exciting at least a 
desire for improvement, and teaching the people the adyantages and pleasures of 
knowledge. On the other hand, are those who have proved their earnestness by 
pecuniary sacrifices to be left to struggle on feebly, whilst others who are indifferent 
to scientific education have it brought to their doors? Others, again, consider 
that schools for special science, at any rate for the labouring classes, have gene- 
