was in the hearts of the people of Birmingham a well-spring of philanthropy and benevolence which was ready to well up if rightly appealed to, and that they acted according to the golden sentence dropped from the lips of one whom they had recently lost, "As there is no sectarianism in misery there should be no sectarianism in mercy." Mr. WHATELEY, in moving a resolution expressive of the Board's gratitude for the result of the effort, said that one of the things which ought to make Birmingham proud of that day was the unanimity which had existed among the ministers of religion in working together so as to make the appeal a successful one. There could be but little doubt that great and lasting good would flow from this awakening of a whole community to an interest in their suffering fellowcreatures. (Hear.) Hitherto many had contented themselves with the knowledge that the hospital was in existence, without thinking much as to how it was supported; but now he hoped that this and other charities would reap a lasting advantage from the recent appeal. Manufacturers especially, whose dangerous machinery and hazardous processes constituted so heavy a tax upon the resources of the hospital, ought to think seriously of their duty in this matter. Mr. COHEN having seconded the motion in a brief speech, it was passed unanimously. On the motion of Mr. MASON, seconded by Mr. LLOYD, a vote of thanks was passed to Dr. Miller and other members of the committee; on the proposition of Mr. Lucy, seconded by Alderman CUTLER, a similar compliment was paid to the Press of Birmingham. Mr. Cutler took occasion to enforce the arguments of Dr. Miller and Mr. Whateley as to the duty of the manufacturers of Birmingham in regard to the cases relieved without recommendation. From his works being near the hospital, applications were made to him which proved that, notwithstanding the enormous amount of relief given within its walls, many of his fellow-creatures went down to death from their inability to obtain a share of that relief. (Hear.) The three or four thousand pounds which the relief of Birmingham accidents annually cost the hospital, must simply be held to be the debit of the manufacturers of the town; and now that Dr. Miller had placed the matter before them in a con. cise form, they must take care that it was wiped off. (Hear, hear.] Mr. BACHE acknowledged the resolution, thanking the committee for their efforts, and bore hearty testimony to the debt of gratitude they owed to Dr. Miller for the courtesy and urbanity with which he had presided at their meetings. It was probably unprecedented that fifty or sixty clergymen and ministers should have met on two occasions without utterance being given to a single word that any one would wish to have recalled. He hoped all would do their best that the Divine blessing which had been bestowed on that movement might not be frittered away or lost, but that it would stimulate them in the cause of general benevolence, and in cherishing that spirit of mutual love which became those professing to be ministers of the God of love. The deputation then retired. At a meeting of the Weekly Board (made special), held on Friday, the 6th January, 1860, the Right Hon. Lord Calthorpe in the chair, It was moved by J. W. Whateley, Esq., seconded by R. Spooner, Esq., M.P., and resolved unanimously,―That the cordial thanks of this Board be presented to the Rev. Charles Clarke, for the very able and successful manner in which he advocated the claims of the General Hospital, at the Old Meeting House, on Sunday last, which resulted in the liberal collection of £203 18s. 6d. in aid of the funds; and the board also desire to express their sincere acknowledgments to the congregation of the Old Meeting House, for this welcome assistance. It was moved by J. W. Whateley, Esq., seconded by the Rev. G. W. Murray, and resolved unanimously,-That the best thanks of the Weekly Board be presented to those clergymen who have kindly preached sermons on behalf of the hospital, and to those congregations who have contributed collections in aid of the funds, since the report presented to the Board on the 16th December last. WILLIAM R. HUGHES, Secretary. SPECIAL FUND, NOV. 13th, 1859.-GENERAL BALANCE SHEET. £ s. d. 17 7 0 20 0 0 21 0 0 10 10 0 Oct. 27. By amount paid to General Fund of General Hospital Ditto ditto ditto ditto 37 19 3 4,358 18 10 275 3 5 £4,720 18 6 WILLIAM R. HUGHES, Secretary. BIRMINGHAM MUSICAL FESTIVALS. These Festivals commenced in the year 1778, for the benefit of the General Hospital; from that period to the year 1796 there were seven meetings held, and the whole of the profits amounted to £4,092. In the year 1799, arrangements were made upon a much larger scale, both with regard to the talent and number of the performers, and the festivals have been held triennially, except upon one occasion, to the present time, with continued success, as will be seen from the following statement : --- Receipts. Profits. £800 £299 * The sum of £1,200 was paid this year out of the Festival Receipts towards lengthening the Town Hall. The magnificent organ in the Town Hall, valued at upwards of £5000, together with a valuable library of music, the cost of which has been defrayed by the festival receipts, are the property of the General Hospital. The next festival will take place in 1861. * The sum of £1000 was appropriated from the receipts on this occasion towards lighting and decorating the Town Hall and organ. |