424 BI 0 GRAPH I C AL S KETC HE S.
Mr. Cauvin was for many years treasurer to the Friendly Society of Restalrig,
whose funds he carefully managed, and in whose concerns he took a
benevolent and most anxious interest. When the ancient chapel was restored,
after his death, there was inserted in the wall of the interior an urn of white
marble on a black slab to his memory, with a short inscription.
The Hospital, for the erection and endowment of which Mr. Cauvin
bequeathed the greater part of his fortune, was opened on the 30th of November
1833. Its management is vested in certain individuals nominated by the
Founder,’ and in the Lord Provost of the city, the Principal of the University
of Edinburgh, the Rector of the High School of Edinburgh, the Ministers
of Duddingston, Liberton, and Newton, the Proprietor of the Lands of
Niddry, and the Factor of the Marquis of Abercorn. The trustees afterwards
assumed Mr. Pillans, the Professor of Humanity in the University, to act along
with them. The recipients of the charity are required, upon admission, to be
of the age of six, and under that of eight years, and are maintained for six
years. It is enjoined that they shall chiefly be the sons of persons of the two
classes with which the Founder himself was so long connected, namely, Teachers
and Farmers. His words are-“ An Hospital for the relief, maintenance, and
education of the sons of respectable but poor teachers j the sons of poor but
honest farmers ; whom failing, the sons of respectable master-printers or booksellers
; and the sons of respectable servants in the agricultural line.” Accordingly,
seventeen sons of teachers, and three sons of farmers are at present (1838)
enjoying the benefits of the foundation. They are instructed in the ordinary
branches of education, and also in Latin, Greek, French, Mathematics, etc.
It is apparent from the following declaration, made by the Governors in the
Regulations which have been framed, by the testator’s directions, for the
management of the Institution, that they have availed themselves of the discretionary
power with which they are invested, for advancing the cause of
education in this country by raising the profession of teachers to greater usefulness:
--“And, first of all, We, the said Governors, taking into consideration that the
Founder was for the greater part of his life a public teacher, and that he has
shown especial good-will to the profession he belonged to, by preferring to the
benefits of this charity the children of teachers, do hereby declare generally, That
we regard it as a leading object of the Cauvin Institution, to lay the foundation
of a professional education for schoolmasters, so that as many of the boys as
circumstances shall permit be prepared to become skilful and accomplished
teachers.” The training of a few, therefore, for the profession of public teachers
may be regarded as a distinguishing feature in this Seminary ; and in this manner,
from time to time, many young men may go forth from its walls qualified for
entering upon the duties of public tuition with decided advantage.”
These were, Archibald Nisbet, Esq., of Carfin ; Jam- Fergusson, Esq., W.S.; John Tweedie,
Esq., W.S.; the late Robert Stewart, Esq., Deputy-Presenter of Signatures ib the Exchequer ; Mr.
David Scott, Northfield ; the 1ate;Mr. John Johnstone, Southfielrl; Mr. George Knight, teacher in
Edinbnrgh ; and Mr. Andrew Scqtt, W.8.’ Mr. Stewart and Nr. Tweedie did not accept.