one general association, or national
Institution for the preservation of Life from Shipwreck.

The humane attention of the British nation has at length been roused to
this important object,--this void in our benevolent establishments has
been supplied, by the formation of the Royal National Institution, under
the immediate patronage of the King.

The objects contemplated by this Institution are, in their nature,
deeply interesting to the cause of humanity--important to the naval and
the commercial interests of the nation, and calculated to extend their
beneficial influence to every age and every country.

It will be seen by the preceding documents that it takes within the
scope of its efforts, the preservation from shipwreck--not only of the
seamen and the subjects of these kingdoms, but those of every nation who
may become exposed to that misfortune on the British shores, equally in
peace and in war. It invites to its aid the humane and the brave, urging
them to the rescue of their fellow-creatures, by supplying them with
every means, that their attempts may be made with all attainable safety
to themselves--conferring honorary and pecuniary rewards for their
generous efforts--rendering every practicable relief to the destitute
widows and families of those who unfortunately may perish in their
attempts to save the lives of others, and for those who happily may be
thus preserved. It purposes to provide them with that food, clothing,
medical aid, and shelter, which their forlorn situation may require--to
enable those who may belong to this country to proceed to their homes,
or to the nearest port where they may obtain future employment. And the
subjects of other powers to return to their native land, or to place
them in safety under the care of the accredited authorities of their own
nation.

This Institution also confers honorary rewards, on the authors of such
inventions as shall be the most effectual, for the preservation of Lives
from Shipwreck.

Such are the leading features of that system, which is presumed to be
the best calculated for calling forth the energies of a great maritime
people--to stimulate those feelings which have but too long remained
dormant, or hitherto have only been partially exerted, and to arouse
our countrymen to the rescue of the best bulwarks of British power from
those direful calamities to which they are perpetually exposed--which
are not the casual misfortunes of a day, once overcome