A Letter to Sir Samuel Romilly, M.P. from Henry Brougham, Esq. M.P.F.R.S., Upon the Abuse of Charities

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1818 edition. Excerpt: ... justify the Committee for venturing to consider those greatestablishments as within itsjurisdiction. But situated as they are in the eyes of all the world, administered by highly gifted personages, superintended by visitors of exalted station, it might be deemed superfluous to exercise, with respeet to them, the inquisitorial power which our instructions gave us. Now, whether beneficially or not, I have no right to determine, but certainly the fact is that great deviations have been made from the original foundation in all those venerable establishments. For the particulars I must refer to the Evidence. I shall here only mention a few things relating to Winchester College, which may serve to shew that such endowments are not less liable to perversion, than more obscure charities. The statutes, as has already been observed, require in the most express terms, that only the poorand indigent shall be admitted upon the foundation. They are in fact all children of persons in easy circumstances; many of opulent parents. The boys when they attain the age of fifteen, solemnly swear that they have not 3. 6s. a year to spend; yet as a practical commentary on this oath, they pay ten guineas a year to the masters; and the average of their other expences exceeds fifty. It is ordered that if any boy comes into the possession of property to the amount of 5. a year, he shall be expelled; and this is construed 66. 13. Ad. regard being had to the diminished value of money, although the warden, fellows and scholars all swear to observe the statutes, according to their plain, literal, and grammatical sense and understanding. It is strictly enjoined that no boy shall be admitted above twelve years of age. This is wholly disregarded. The...