e devolve? to what body or class of men, or to which of our
numerous departments, does it now become an honourable and an imperative
duty to afford them assistance in this their utmost need?--where are the
national funds for such an object, to supply ample means for the
hazardous attempt, to reward the brave efforts of those who succeed, or
to relieve the destitute families of those who perish in so honourable a
cause?

The melancholy catastrophe closed, every human being on board having
perished, or having quitted their shattered vessel in despair; the laws
and usages of recompense are clearly defined;--salvage for the property
preserved, in proportion to its amount.

But in the dreadful crisis between these two extremes, does one law of
the land, or one National Institution, hold out the established claim to
certain reward for a life saved?

In the nineteenth century, surrounded by every improvement and
institution which the benevolent can suggest, or the art of man
accomplish for the mitigation or prevention of human ills, will it for a
moment be capable of belief, that there does not, in all our great and
generous land, exist one National Institution which has for its direct
object the rescue of human life from shipwreck?

The protection of property is in every stage a subject of legislation
and of care;--the rescue of life from shipwreck has never yet been
adopted as a national and a legislative object.

With the exception of the recompenses voluntarily given by the liberal
institution of Lloyd's, the very few associations scattered thinly on
the coasts, and the valuable inventions and gallant efforts of those
brave and enlightened individuals who do honour to their country, our
shipwrecked seamen are left in this awful situation, to the spontaneous
exertions of enterprise and humanity, the chance of the moment, or the
mercy of the winds and waves;--or rather let us say, to a greater mercy,
and a higher Power.

It may be thought that this picture is overcharged; but unhappily, I
believe it will be found too faithfully correct.

I am firmly convinced, that these appalling facts have never yet reached
the great majority of the nation; but the veil once withdrawn, the
honour, the justice, and the humanity of Britain will be deeply
compromised, if the evil is not promptly and effectually redressed;--not
any human means should be spared to atone for the past, and to alleviate
the future.

In bringing this deep