SOCIAL FESTIVAL.
THE proceedings of a meeting, or party, of great singularity in both its objects and its character, have been communicated to us in almost an official shape; and we notice them in compliance with the earnest request of an esteemed friend and excellent citizen. About nine hundred individuals met last Week at the "Institu- tion of the Industrious Classes," Liverpool Street, New Road, in a Social Festival for removing Ignorance and Poverty by Education and Employment.
The ostensible object of the meeting, was to bring together persons of all classes and parties, with a view "of difinsing among them useful knowledge and kindly feelings." We are told that about an equal number of both sexes, and various ranks, were present, and that "many of the ladies were gaily attired, some in the Polish dress, and others in the new costume of the Association." The amusements were dancing, singing, and musical performances by some infant prodigies and others : whether we are to reckon among them a lecture from Mr. OWEN on Universal Benevolence, and a sermon or speech by the Reverend Doctor WADE, on "Do as you would be done by,' we are not certain. Our report says, yes.
Mr. Ownss told his audience, that there was no occasion in this country for poverty and distress ; and that all that was wanting to secure the happiness and prosperity of the community, individually and generally, was " a new public opinion,"—of course cut out after the pattern in Mr. OWEN'S packet. Dr. WADE explained, that the objects of the Institution were to carry the precepts of Christianity into the actual practice of life. He quoted from ADDISON, the remark that men had as yet only religion enough to hate and not to love.
At the conclusion of these addresses, dancing and music were resumed, and continued till midnight; when the assembly se- parted,—" apparently highly delighted with the evening's instruc- tion and amusement.'
We can see no harm in a large party of this kind ; and, indeed, on the whole, are inclined to think Mr. OWEN'S "drum" likely to be attended with as much satisfaction as any old lad's rout in the metropolis. The preaching of benevolence cannot he much more dissipating than the playing at cards ; and though Mr. OWEN'S schemes may be neither practicable nor wise, much incidental good may arise from the agitation of such questions. Minds may be set to work, knowledge acquired, prejudices dispersed ; and we do not fear the result—even if it should be • attended with a little passing Owenism. Mr. WAKEFIELD, seeing such an assembly as this, would cry, "Take care of your pockets," and expect a prac- tical illustration of the system of Universal Benevolence in re- lieving the richer members of the burden of their portable wealth. Our apprehensions would lie in a totally different direction : we should only fear that they would be too kind to one another.
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