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14 stage of the cause, that I endeavoured to mark the moment when national progress was set on foot by individual energy. I know that when Lancaster's theory was made public, the Duke of Bedford and Lord Somerville became eager supporters of his scheme; that the King and all the Royal Family warmly assisted him (as they afterwards did his some-time rival, Dr Bell); and that in process of time, the liberality of the public became so general, that the Lancastrian schools seemed supported rather by the levying of a national tribute, than by the payment of collected subscriptions. But that which I insist upon, is the small beginning from which these great results were evolved. Not by national acclamation of an all-pervading plan, but by the resolute and patient struggle of a private individual—that great scheme of National Instruction was begun! When it appeared likely to fail for want of funds, a private individual (Mr