Notes

Abstract

THE ceremonies at Manchester in connection with the Victoria University last week were as successful as the momentous event deserved. The conversazione on Tuesday evening was brilliant and crowded. The meeting on Wednesday for the transaction of the business of the University was harmonious and satisfactory, while the banquet that succeeded was quite worthy of the Corporation, who acted as hosts. The address of that body to the Duke of Devonshire seemed to us to breathe the proper spirit, and to show that Manchester is quite alive to the importance of the great event which has teen celebrated. But indeed we did not require any such evidence of the importance attributed to high education in Manchester; as Earl Spencer pointed out, the Manchester grammar and other schools are among the best in the kingdom, and the existence of Owens College itself is proof enough that Manchester thinks of something else besides the most effective way of loading cotton goods. The speeches were all good and appropriate; the Bishop of Manchester was as liberal and fair as he always is, and his claim for freedom of research and belief in his own line was heartily endorsed by Prof. Huxley, who replied to the toast proposed by the Bishop. Prof, Huxley hoped the time would come when such an institution as Owens would be found in every important centre—a hope we heartily echo. Mr. Freeman was forcible and sensible, and of course took occasion to correct the historical inaccuracy of some one who cherishes the belief that the University of Oxford was “inaugurated” in a desert instead of what was at the time a busy industrial centre.