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 and not liable to recur, but extending their destructive ravages to every sea and to every coast--each year sweeping thousands to a watery grave, and certain to continue their devastating effects to thousands yet unborn; augmented, in the number of their victims, in proportion as our commerce shall extend itself over the globe.