PECKHAM, LONDON, S.E. (Private.) Conducted by JOHN YEATS, LL.D., F.R.G.S. PUPILS enter the UPPER SCHOOL on attaining their Fourteenth Year, or on proving themselves able to do the work of the Senior Classes. Every boy is, as far as possible, well grounded in English, made to Write a hand fit for Business, and trained to be quick at Accounts. French and German are taught by Native Masters, and spoken by the Principal. Eminent special Teachers attend for particular purposes. W. CROOKES, F.R.S., discoverer of Thallium; Professor WILLIAM HUGHES, King's College and Queen's College; H. COULTAS, M.D., late Professor in Franklin College, Lancaster, Pennsylvania; and J. BROWN, Esq., Head Master of the Government School of Design, Spitalfields; were engaged during the Session 1862-3. One certificate of honour and two of merit, for knowledge of the principles of commerce, were awarded to Dr YEATS's Pupils in Professor LEONE LEVI'S evening class at King's College, May last. Peckham Rye Common is near, the School premises are large, and the general accommodation for Boarders is superior. TERMS MODERATE AND INCLUSIVE. The following Circular has been issued by Dr Yeats: TO THE HEADS OF COMMERCIAL HOUSES. Gentlemen,-Employers frequently complain of the increasing difficulty there is in finding youths who have been so brought up as to be useful in business. This may arise from the requirements of commerce being greater in our age of free trade and electric telegraphs than aforetime,- -or from the inadequacy of the provision made to meet those requirements, —or perhaps from a union of the two causes. Instead of spending years in a workshop or a warehouse, and then going into "the office," as was customary when apprenticeships were more in vogue, a youth now tries to save time and trouble to himsel and his employers by remaining longer at school; but he also hopes that his services will the sooner become valuable, and a proportionate salary be obtained. In this, however, he is liable to disappointment, and his friends, therefore, to loss; yet neither can justly infer, as some have attempted to do, that teaching is worthless, and study unprofitable, rather should both correct mistakes made in the kind of information that has been sought, and in the extent to which it has been gained. The best instructed youths are sure to be preferred ultimately: competition is their security. Complaints similar to our own have been heard upon the Continent; hence the establishment of places like the public Trade School of Leipsic. Having witnessed the working of this Institution and kindred ones, during a long residence in Holland, Switzerland, France, and Germany, I opened a private school in 1852 at Peckham, near London, for "first-class business pursuits." Besides sound instruction in ordinary subjects, and more than common attention to the languages of neighbouring nations, special lessons are given here on the principles of commerce, on the applications of science to art and manufacture, on the history and influence of inventions, on the characteristics of different countries, on the facilities for intercourse with each, on the relative distances of places of export and import, on trade-routes; on a variety of matters, in short, which affect industrial enterprise, and which are essential to a merchant, though seldom acquired in a counting-house. The school has been so far successful, that for seven years past there have never been in it fewer than 100 boys, daypupils and boarders,-last year there were 150,-sons of professional gentlemen and of those who are engaged in manufactures and commerce. Among them have been Dutch, French, German, Spanish, South American, East and West Indian, African, and Australian boys, and some from nearly all parts of the United Kingdom. pupils are classed, according to age and capacity, into three distinct departments: the preparatory, the middle, and the upper or finishing. Sons of the opulent, from this latter, have been sent by their relatives into large establishments at home and abroad, where they have uniformly given satisfaction; but others, equally well educated, have had to wait long for employment, through want of necessary introductions. If the notice of employers, as well as of parents, could be directed to the school, well-trained youths would often be met with ready to offer their services; and thus the interests of all parties be promoted. To arrange for the accomplishment of these objects, so far as they apply to my own affairs, is the end I have had in view in presuming to address you. On behalf of youths circumstanced as I have described, and for the convenience of employers also, allow me to ask the favour of your inspection of the School,—and of your friendly influence occasionally, when junior clerks or correspondents are wanted. The visits of strangers, particularly of foreigners, are always welcome. In May, this year, one certificate of honour and two of merit, were given to my pupils at the evening classes, King's College, for a knowledge of the principles of commerce. Of course these were elder boys, who only can take situations, and with the consent of their parents. No recommendations of particular pupils can come from me; full opportunity will, however, be given to competent persons to judge for themselves of the attainments of a number of youths working before them. I have the honour to be, Gentlemen, faithfully yours, The Peckham, London, S.E., 8th September 1863. |