The Express. — London, England, 1847-04-16 00:00:00

the v iii Diets on each separate occa- MM4 v duo* in seder to deliberate with them for Mu end to afford them an oppom I of al e1e.,1",0 t he o mens 'r rights. I have, however, re '""t7eemme right of calling together these great mem wied t he „,,„ -- ` r d• ary occasions , when I deem it good and pro ibreir e an Tl wa ll this willingly and at =Ogg frequent the p - roof that I may act thus j e t/reds, if this Diet gives 'm arred dutiee with al P rejadice to higher h.: " ree . 4 all the laws .1 yip (MU anti free Peon e _ w hi c hlend m y . f a ther have granted them ter the protection da i ir highest intense., hi and especially the law of the •3d of Fo r um with warm gratitude, end woe to m w ho a ga 0 desh their thankfulness with care, or to turn it into ingratitude heron Frustum knows that for 24 years pest all laws • t aint concern his freedom and property have been first e o . oo d by the Orders; but from this time forward let e ery one in my kingdnm know that I, with the sole names. may m eeptioa of t he occurrence of the calamity of war, will wt ., no st a te loan, levy no new taxes, nor increase a o t j ag ones, without the free unseat of all orders. ~ Noble Leeds and trusty Ordent,—l know wi these nglits I rarest a costly merel of , freedom t that o your oo h hands, and that y ea will employ it faithfully. But I know, ea 'aly, that many will mistake and despise this jewel— Mit to many it is not enough. A portion of the press, for ytae.e d e mands outright from me and my government a e volution in Church and of State, and (rum you, gentlemen, importunate ingratitude, of illegality—nay, of dia rel odkoco. m a ny also, and among them very worthy men, look for our safety in the conversion of the natural relation mtween Prince and people into a conventional existence awned by charters arid ratified by oaths. M ae , Weever, the example of the one happy country it em cr . o.l4itUllo . II centuries and an hereditary wudom with oats punnet, but no sheets of paper, have made, not be k o , o p e n us, but Mel the respect which it deserves. If Mae countries find their happiness in another way than that people and otuselves—namely, in the wa y o f • manu wired sad granted' constitutions, we must and w ill praise their happiness an an upright and brotherly meaner We will, with the juetest admiration, consider the aa igo o , e xample, when a strong will of iron consequence, ssd bob intelligence succeeds in delaying, in mastering, an d allaying every crisis of serious importance; and short a ll, when this tends to the welfare of Germany • sad the maintenance of the peace of Europe. p ri ma' , gentlemen—Prussia cannot bear such a state of d o m. Do you ok why ? I answer, cast your eyes at the map of Europe—at the position of our country—at its component parts; fellow the line of our borders; weigh the power of our neighbours ; throw, before an, i an enlightened glance on our history ! It has pleased God to make Prussia strong by the sword of war from without, and by the sword of iutellect from within; — not, surely, by the negative intellect of the age, but by the spirit of moderation and order. I speak out boldly, gentlemen. As in the camp, unless in cases of the meet Urgent daager, or grossest folly, the command t arn only be vested in the will of one, so can the destinies of Ibis country, unless it is to fall instantly from its height, oily be guided by one will; and, u the King of p r .i...uid commit an abomination were he to demand ben his abject's the subserviency of a slave, so would he ' nese a far greater abomination were he not to demand from them the crowning virtue of freemen—l mean obe dience for the sake of God and 'conscience. Whoever is landed at the tenor of these words, him I refer to the de- Momeent of our laws tor a century back, to the edicts of de orders, and, finally, to this assembly and its rights. There he may find consolation, if he will. " Noble Lords and trusty Ord , n—l am forced to the solemn declaration that no power on earth will ever succeed in moving me to change the natural, and in our own case, so imperatively necessary a relation between prince and people late something merely couventional or constitutional ; that, once for all, I will never suffer a written sheet of paper to force itself in, as it were a second providence, &tween our Lord Got in heaven and this people, in order to rule us with its paragraphs, and to replace by them our ancient and timc.hallovied trusty reliance on each other. Between us be truth. From one weakness I feel myself entirely free—l strive not for idle popular favour: who could do so if he has read history aright i 1 strive alone to fulfil my duty so as to satisfy my understanding sod my conscience, and to deserve the thanks of my people, even though it be never my lot to obtain it. • Noble Lords and trusty Orders,—it often caused me care sad impatience during the first years of my reign that I could not remove hindrances which opposed an earlier convocation of your assembly. I was wrong. On both sides we should hare been poorer by many experiences—poorer by ex periences in part of a costly nature, but all of them, if not always good, yet for us of priceless worth. We have now open before us the experiences of seven years, and, by God's good pleasure, not in vain. The working of parties on ens side, and the temper of my people an the other, are now deo and indubitable. It is a splendid privilege of the Kingly office that it can on all occasions call things by their right names without fear. I will do this to-day before you as a daty which I have to fulfil. I beg you now to follow me a moment while with a sharp eye we consider the state of things at home. " The state of necessity which has visited Europe of latter years has also penetrate d to us; if with less severity than in other countries it has, however, found us well prepared, and I can give my . government the honourable testimonial that it has done its part towards alleviating the calamity. Moreover, there are means further to resist it, if God mum as from new failures in the crops. Here I must mention private benevolence, which, in these times bas neaffuted itself anew, so nobly, so cheeringly ; and I pay it here, before you, th e tribute of my admiration, and my gonna le. 'The extinction of the national debt is programing. The taxes are diminished; the finances are put in order. I have today the happiness to offer the provinces, for the us of their treasuries, a donation of 2,000,000 six-dollars. "The management of affairs and the administration of jastice are with us in a purer condition than almost in any weer country; publicity is established in our court.; roads, meals, all kinds of improvements of the land are proceeding tom extent before unknown; science and art are in the nem flourishing condition; the national prosperity is in cluse:lg ; trade and industry—if, alas ! not protected against their European vicissitudes—are comparatively satisfactory ; ;eternal care and good will are certainly nowhere to be nUaken ; the press is as free as the laws of the confedera tion permit ; the freedom of confession is associated with Warding power to our old liberty of faith and conscience ; lad our just pride and strong shield, my army of the line and militia, may be called incomparable. " With our neighbours and with the powers on this and the other side of the ocean, we stand on the beet terms, and ter relation to our allies, in combination with whom we ace freed Germany , and from the happy concord of whom farads the maintenance of a 32 years' peace in a great Mrt of Europe, is firmer and closer than ever. "I could add much which would be calculated to bend our kills in thanks towards God, but this will suffice, for it is quite sufficient to found this gratitude, and a state of con eataient, which, in an honest comparison, in spite of many *wishes, appears quite natural. Before all, one would think that the press must diffuse gratitude and contentment as all sides, for I venture to say that it is the press which, to I particular extent, owes me thanks. Noble lords and futhlul states, I require your German hearts to grant me tame thanks. While acknowledging the honourable entesvour to elevate the press by a noble and nemientious spirit, it is yet unquestionable that a a portico of it a dark spirit of destruction prevails •-• spirit that would loosen every foundation, and tbst dash in the most audacious falsehood, disgrace ful to Glllll2/1 fidelity and Prussian honour. I know that the *sine seam of the people remains firm, but we do net de tain ourselves as to the evil fruits of the evil tree, which wets in the shape of dissatisfaction and want of confidence, attended by still worse facts, inch as open disobedience, mom conspiracy, a declared revolt from all which is sacred to good men—attempted regicide. Even in our churckes are seen thole fruits, together with the two-fold death in in differeace and fanaticism. But ecclesiastic matters do not belong to the Mates. They have their legitimate organs in tie two confessions. One avowal I am in these days unable to suppress, bearing in mind the frightful attempt to defraud Op people of ion holiest jewel—Me faith in the Redeemer, Lad and King of half and of us al. This avowal is as fol. lews—[Here his Majesty arose, and spoke the words stand leg, and with right hand uplifted],—' I and my house, we serve the Lord.' " I turn my troubled glance from the observadoue of a few to the whole of my people. There does it grow bright with tears of joy ; there, my lords, amid all the heavy tumbles of government, is my consolation. My people IS still the old - Christian people—the honest, true, valiant People—which has fought the battles of my fathers, and the honourable dualities of which have only grown with the Mettles and prime of their country, which once, like uo : Onto, in the days of trouble, bound itself to it. paternal sad we live, as it were, upon its shoulders from vic tory to victory- a people, my lards, often tempted by the arts of Seduction, but always found proof against them. Brea out of the strongest of their trials it will come forth Part. Already is the impious sport with Christianity, the abase of religion as a means of distinction, recognised in its fres form as aacrilege, and is dying away. My firm oi um upon the fidelity of my people, as the surest means of extinguishiag the conflagration, has been now nobly re warded both by the older and the younger sons of our Prussian country, even where another language than Que. Zr Therefore, hear this well, lords and faithful states, and "fill the country hear it throagh you, From all the in !bodies to which I and my government have been expoied for some years, I appeal to my people ! From all evils which Perhaps are still in reserve far me, I appeal beforehand to ay people? My people know my heart, my faith and love to it, and adheres in love and faith to me. My people does lot wish the association of representatives in the govern meat, the weakening of rank, the division of sovereignty, the breaking up of the authority of its kings, who have handed its history, its freedom, its prosperity, and who alone can protect its dearest acquisitions—and will protect Kum, 0011 willing, as heretofore. "Know, my lords, I do not read the feelings of my people ut the green gates and huesu of the festivi do ty ; leas in the praise and blame of the press, or in the übtful, some times criminal, demands of mittens addressee, which are sent to the throne, and states, or elsewhere. I have read them 'nth say owe eyes in the touching thanks of men for bene fit' promised, scarcely begun ; here, where broad di41. 1 17 land stood under water ; there, from men ' ca reolY recovered from hunger. In their fine joy, in their R ea eyes did I read their feelings three yeers ago, when the Gemof myself and the queen were so wonderfully pre -79d. There is truth—and in my words is truth—when Y, that is a noble people ; and I quite feel the happiness - Mending over such a people. And yuur hearts is uu raterid me and accord with me when in this great house I teg i ently call upon you—' Be mirth,' of this people ! ' my lords of the nobility and my faithful "'"flnon, and commons, are, I am firmly persuaded, im proosi wfailict Net, lid We this day, and in this hour , your acs 'the int et your nuitective orders ; but, there- Lure, also, the protectors or yottr Irkeira renown. Look at this throne ! Your iathe.te and mine many princes of your race, and of mine, and I myself —have tight for the preservation, the deliverance, and the honour of this throne, and for the existence of uur native land. God was with us! There is now a new battle to be fought on behalf of the same glorious posse:alone—a peaceful one indeed, but its combats are not less Imp:Muse than t h ose of the field of war. And God will be with Ali yet again, for to battle is against the evil tendencies of the age. Your menisaity with me, the prompt expression of your wish to GM MO In improvirg the domain of rights (that tette field for tamp Mesa of kings), will make this Diet a pitched battle suliolApiost every evil and lawless influence that troubles sad adieoutu Germany; and the work will be to your swam Mid that of the country, and the contentment and sodeltollou of the people. ives of the nobles, be now and for the future, as a i r:f i l l : w first to follow the banner of the Hohenzollern, that for three centuries has led you on to honour. And you, burghers, give to the whole world • living testimony that the intelligence, the great mass of which you are proud to re re sent, is among us, that right and true one, which ennobles by its development of religion and morality, and by the love of your king and country. And you, representatives of the commons, you and your order are never the last when your country and tour king call upon you, whether it be in pence or in war. flea/ the voice of your king, that tells you they require you again! " In my kingdom neither of the three orders ranks above or beneath the other. They stand beside each other on an equality of rights and honour, but each within its limits, each within tie own province. This is a practicable and reasonable equality. This is freedom. "Noble Lords and Trusty Orders,—A word more on the question —yes, the question of existence between the Throne and the different Orders. The late King, after ma tore consideration, called them into existence according to the German and historical idea of them ; and in this idea alone have I continued this work. Impose yourselves, I entreat you, with the spirit of this definition. You are German Orders in the anciently received sense of the word— that is, you are truly sod before all • reprceentatives and defenders of your own rights'—the rights of those Order. whose confidi nee hos sent here the far greater portion of this assembly. But after that you are to exercise these rights which the Crown has recognised as yours, you have farther conscientiously to give the Crown that advice it requires of you. Finally, you are free to bring petitions and complaints, after mature deliberation, to the foot of the throne. _ " These are the rights, these are the duties of the German Orders—this is your glorious vocation. But it is not your vocation 'to represent opinions,' or bring opinions of the day into question. That is wholly un-German, and, be sides, completely useless for the good of the community, for it would lead necessarily to inextricable embarrassments with the crown, which must govern according to the law of God and the land, and its own free unbiassed resolution, but which cannot and dares not govern according to the will of the majority, if ' Prussia' would not soon become an empty sound in Europe. Clearly recognising my olSce and your vocation, and firmly resolved to treat that recognition faith fully under all circumstances, I have appeared among you and addressed you with royal freedom. With the same openness, and as the highest proof of my confidence in you, I here give you ray royal word that I should not have called you together had 1 had the smallest suspicion that you would otherwise understand your duties, or that you bad any desire to play the part of what are called representatives of the people. 1 should not have called you together for that purpose, because, according to my deepest and most heartfelt conviction, the Throne and State would be en dangered by it, and because I recognise it as my first duty, under all circumstances and events, to preserve the Throne, the State, and my government as they at pre sent exist. I remember the axiom of a Royal friend, ' Confidence excites confidence.' That is this day my bright sat hope. That my confidence in you is great I have proved by my words, and sealed by my act. And from you, my lords, I expect a proof of confidence in re ! turn , and in the same manner, by acts. God is my wit nese, I keve summoned you, as your truest, best, and moot faithful friend ; and I firmly believe, that, amongst the hundreds before me, there is not one who is not re solved at this in 'meat to preserve that friendship. Many of you were at Konigsberg on the 10th of September, IRO, and I can even now hear the thunder of your voices as you pronounced the oath of fidelity that then penetrated my soul. Many of you, on the day I assumed the government of my hereditary estates, joined with thousands in the ' Yes,' with which you replied to my demand whether you would 'in word sod deed, in heart and spirit, in truth and love, help and assist me to preserve Prussia as it is, and as it must remain if it would not perish ; tat you would not let or binder me in the path of considerate but vigorous progress, but endure with me through good days and through evil.' Now redeem your word ; now fulfil your vow ! It it one of your most important duties to choose from among you faithful and upright friends of the throne and of our good purposes for your committees—men who have comprehended, that at this time it is the first duty of the orders to encourage and support the good disposition and fidelity of the country by their own example, and on the contrary to strike down and diseounte name, every kind of faithlessness; men who, enemies of! every kind of slavt ry, are above all enemies of that shame- k I yoke which a misguiding opinion (branding the name of freedom of thought) would lay upon your necks. This selection is a very critical act, one pregnant with copse amines. Weigh it in your hearts, and choose conscien tiously. Remember, also, that the day of uncertainty as to the forni the activity of the orders is to take is passed. Many! things which, under this uncertainty, forbearance could excuse, have henceforth no excuse remaining. The 3rd of February of this year, like the 3rd of February, 1813, has opened to the real children of our native land that course they have now to pursue ; and the same unspeakable hap piness which then fell to the lot of my honoured father is now also mine—mine in this moment. I speak as he did to the hearts of German, of Prussian men. " So then, princes, counts, and lords, dear and faithful orders of nobles, burghers, and commons, while you proceed with God's help to your task, you will, I ant certain, in this moment, when all Europe is Faxing on you, and through all the future labours of the Diet, prove yourselves true Prussians; and that one thing, believe me, will not be ab sent—namely, God's blessing , on which all things depend. Out of our unanimity it will descend on the present and future generations, and I hope on all our glorious German fatherland in one broad stream, beside, while we may dwell in pesos and safety, as by the sea shore of the blessing bringing waters that encircle the earth. And now once more, and out of the fullness of my heart, welcome ! ebt Oman. .1 The Queen held a drawing-room (the second this semen) yesterday afternoon in St. Jaines'epalace. Her Majesty and Prince Albert, attended by the royal suite, arrived from Buckingham-palace at two o'clock, escorted by a party of the household troops. Her Majesty and his royal I Highness were received at St. James's-palace by the Lord , Steward, the Lord Chamberlain, and the Master of the , Hone. The ladies and gentlemen of the royal suite in attendance were : the Mistress of the Robes, the Duchess of 1 Sutherland ; the Ladies of the Bedchamber, the Countess ' of Mount Edgcumbe (in waiting), the Marchioness of Douro, the Countess of Osinsborov4h, the Countess of ' Charlemont, sad the Countess of Desert ; the Maids of I Honour, Hon. Miss Kerr (in waiting), Hon. Miss Caves. dish (m waiting), Lady Caroline Cocks, Hon. Miss Blur- ray, Hon. Mies Paget, Hon. Miss Stanley, and the Hon. I Miss Dawson ; the Womea of the Bedchamber, Lady Caro. line Barrin gto n, Hon. Mrs. Anson, Hon. Mn. George Campbell. lady Gardiner, Viscountess Forbes and Lady Therm Digby. The Lord in waiting, Lord Byron ; the Keeper of her Majesty's Privy Purse, Mr. George Edward Anion • the Lord in Waiting to Prince , Albert, Lord George Levan ; the Private Secretary to Prince Albert, Lieut.-Col. the Hon. C. B. Phipps; the Groom in Waiting, Col. Berkeley Drummond ; the Groom in Waiting to Prince Albert, Captain Francis Seymour; the Equerry in Waiting, Major-General Wampum ; the Equerry in Waiting t• Prince Albert, Capt. the Hon. A. H. Gordon ; 1 the Pegs of Honour, Messrs. Gordon and Forbes. The Queen wore a very splendid costume. Her Majesty's train yea of blue ribbed silk, trimmed with point lace. The ' potence was of white satin, trimmed with point lace and ' diamonds. Her Majesty's head-dress was composed of feu ' there and a wreath of roses studded with diamonds. Her Majesty and Prince Albert, attended by the great officers of state and the ladies and gentlemen of the court, 1 1 having entered the throne-room, the diplomatic corps were introduced, when the following presentations to her Majesty ' the Queen and lI.RH. Prince Albert took place. By Prince 1 Callimaki, Ottoman Minister, Osman Bay, M. Zohrab, First ' Attaehé to the Imperial Legation ; by Senor Mon, Mexican Minister, General Jon Merin Mendota, attached to the Mexican Legation and late Chars.: d'Affaires; M. Joel de , Lizardi, attached to the Mexican Legation. The Foreign diplomatic circle was attended by M. Van de Weyer, the Belgian Minister, and Madame Van de Weyer; Barra de Moncorvo, Portuguese Minister, and the Baronies de Mascots° ; Baron de Brunow, Rusdan Minister, and le Baron de Nioolay, Secretary of Legation; General Prince Castelecala, Neapolitan Minister, and M. 0. Cenofari, Secretary of Legation; Baron de Hugel, Wurtemberg Minister ; Madame Marquee Lisboa, the Lady of the Bra. silian Minister; Count de Reventlow, the Daniels Minister; Prince Callimaki, the Ottoman Porte Minister, and Princess Callimaki; Mn. Bancroft, wife of the American Minister, and Mr. John R. Broadhead, Chard d'Affaires of the United States of America; Senor fauns the Sp nd anish Minister, the Chevalier de Tatou, First seeistary, a le Chevalier, de Pediments, Secretary of Legation de S. M. Catholique ; Senor Jose Maria Luis Mora, Mexican Minister; Baron de Beast, Saxon minister, and the Baroness Beust • Count de Janne, French Chargé d'Affaires, and Counted; de Janine; Baron de Rehausen, Swedish Cha r g e d'Affaires, and Baroness Heimann ; Count Adrian de Revel, Sardinian d'Affaires ; Mr. &intense Netherlands, Charge Ta f res ; Baron Koller, First Secretary to the Austrian Embassy ; the Viscountess Palmerston, wife of her Majesty's principal Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs . and Col. Cornwell, her Majesty's Assistant Master of the Ceremonies. The general circle was attended by the Lord Chancellor, the Archbishop of Dublin, the Lord Steward, the Lord Chemberlain the Master of the Hone, the C or ps o General of fiCotland, the Captain of the Hon. Corp. Gen tlemen at Arms, the Marquis of Anglesey, Gold Stick in Waiting ; the Treasurer of the Household, the Vice-Chase bertain, the Vico-Chancellor of England, Sir G. Lee, Lieu tenant of the 'Yeomen Guard ; Mr. K. O. Gore, Groom in Waiting to her 11.. away ; L. H. Wyatt, Staudarill3L'arcr of the Hon. Carpe of Gentlemen at Arms; Sir G. Houlton, Ensign of the Yeomen Guard; Capt. Lord J. Murray, Scots Fusilier Guards, Equerry to H.R.H. the Duchess of Kent; Rev. J. B. Wood, Chaplain le hes Majesty Queen Adelaide; Rev. J. Vast, the Deputy Clerk of the Clown is Waiting; Col. Smith, Silver Stick in Waqing; Hos. S. Lyttelton, Marshal of the Ceremonies; Mr. J. B. Curling, Adjutant to the Non. Corps of Gentleman et Arms; Capt. Kincaid, Exon in Waiting ; Sir B. Smith, C.S. ; Sir N. Harris, Grown of the Privy Chamber in Waiting Col. Master, Gentleman Usher of the Privy Chamber in Wait ing ; Capt. the Him. M. S. West, Gentleman Usher to her Majesty in Waiting; Mr. Alfred Monmomety, Gentlemen Usher to the Queen; Major•Genend Godwin, Gentleman Usher to H.R. H. Prince Albert; Col. H. 'kennel, Coldstream Guards, Field Officer in Waiting ; and the fol lowing ladies ; Rrenr..q.—Breafort. MeruTain;aso...7.- - 1. la rolcarde, Exeter, Downehlre. CuegraNam.—Nelson, St. Germana, Marten, Waldegrave, (lama dm. lorteseue, Duele, Grey, Pi:often, Dowager Glasgow, Arundel and SurreT. Cbiamter, promoter Erroll, Leven wad Melville. VI NNW NY MOS. —Com termer r, Milton, attopdard, Maynard, Ebring. ton. Endyn, *sham, CaMereagh, Sydney. Lamm.--froortea, Dowager havers, fl E. H. Vert, G. Egerton, Whittle), Hogg Sondes, 11. C. Kelly, A. Peel, B. Johnstone, L. Agnew, E. Douglas, V. Taylour, M. Taylour, A. Pltralan, L. E liot, Bowater, Maki, E. Lawler, Cockburn, 8 L. Melville, Pakington,Tyler, D. Boyle, LWaldegrave, P. Her, Carmichael, Harrington, E.Wakiestrare, Wawa. eilllk, Lee, Stanley, (. Scott, A. Sett, Templemorr, H. Muatyn, L. Money. E. Drummond, L. Lowthw, Braybrouke, E. L. Melnik, C. Bathurst, Butter, King, E. Dawson. Wenlock, E. Repel!, G. Hominy, J. Hay. Dowager Napier, Anna, Radatoek, Lyndhurst, A. Paget, Raadwell, fauna.* a, L Pelham, E. Plunkett, Dowager ( liaton, C. Prdhurst, 11. Plunkett, M. P. Howard, H. Pelham, E. De Burgh, H. P. Howard, B. summit; Esathope, Gotham, Enzwygram, Y. Fits. dweller, r. Murray. lisansmara.—De atom, De Rothae.hild. lionockaatua.—E. Hurtord, Lady Duff, Mrs, A. Cotton, Mks B. Calton, Mn. G. Hope, R. Wheatley, P. M.arasars Sutton, Miss ltuwols Mrs. Gough, Mrs. J. Stuart Wortley, Mint Stuart Wortley, Lady More Om, E. Napier, Mn. Hodgson, Mr.. Barrington, Mr.. Sanderson, MO. blitabrd, Mn. W. Herbert, Mrs, E. Grinwton, Mn. Smyth, Mrs. L 4 =7 , 1.. Neville, L. G. Nevi ll e, Maw. N. IL Colborne, Mrs. B. Mn.. R. Berton, Min /honor, Mew C. Suitor, Mn. Herber., Mrs. R. Currie. __ . _ _ _ . . . —. ._ iirTaregn..—Howley, Bates, 0. Gore, Erlystocke, Whitely, Ricardo, It. Todd, Lawrence, R. Gosling, race Lee, I. G. Wynne, C. Daring, C.l). Bethune, W. P. Wood, P. 'Puerile, R. D. it. Mac. &raid, It. Alexander, A. E. Onslow, M. Wood, Lumley, W. Cooper, !haler, J. Merrimac, Gilbert, Setein, W. H. hlcdyneux, MeTagwt, Cob Gordon, bionic, Col. Everest, H. Heathase, Fe11a..., D. Het ford, H. Primes, 0. Milford, W. Thornton, J. Townley, Wyndham E. Shirley, Pried, Prays, C. W. Martyr!, L. Blair, Miles, Adm., Ayscough, T. Clifton, Dodd. Mrierni.—Dull, M. Whatley, H. Whatry, B. Whitely, Myra, F. M. Wirtearn Johnstone, B. Johnstone, It. Todd, C. Herbert, Goa ling, V. Gosling, C. Legh, 0. 11. Vern, Wynne, Crookshank, Lee, Fox, Hogg,Hogg, Ihigetocke, E. Brigetocke, F. Emile, Arbuthnot, Mitts Wygram, A. Pits Wygram, Lawson, C. Lawson , Selwyn, Tyler, S. Blair, Gilbert, B. Miles, Pattie, S. Pattie, Morrie, Christie, Butler Lecturrre, Suttee, Fel lows, Jona% Raiford, Y. Monk, 11.11allorda . itsthunt, C. Hill, Y. Brodriek, Low th er, lawoett, P. Monk, F. U. Cole, R. Hill, Pent's, Miles, Hill, E. Mile., Pried, C.ochburn, Gordon, Pack, B. Darner, C. Praed, F. Shaded!, A. Seymour, Chichester, Ayscough, C. Bathurst. The billowing ladies had the honour et being presented to her Majesty : lady L. Agnew on her marriage, by the Comte= ottielaeltereegb. —Lady 11. Chichinter, by the Counter of Yount-rebe.—Lady Nogg, by thr Counter, of W. German—lady A. aa bee mar doge, by the Hon. Lady Dun,.—ThethembreNebon, ea rearrlage, by the Hon. Mts. S. Herbert. —Theosalms etopfordom Isar mairlepe, by lady Soren—Tim Countess Wahlerimik by Ldy lbaseeek.— Mammas Mahe, an km asatieWey the Dadra of lathsehad. Viwountees DistiamO, by the Lanus et Gelmbenegtk—Vis countess thrbigton, on her murky', by Oseiniess Fortreeue—ne COilateils Dowager of Glrgow, by her atentreran-law, Lady F. Fitsclarence.—idy II on her carnage. by Viewers Hardinge.— Lody E. Plunkett, the Corals of Mena—Lady Lam by her mother, Lady) Elisabeth ReyealL—Lady J. Hay, by lady E. H. Vete. —Lady Wharrithrfe by the Countess Fertescue.— Lady L. Wakkgruve, by Genres Waiter: i e.—lady Premiered, by Lady Balta.—lady L. Walderrave, by ter Wridegrase.—Lady P. Hay, by the Dowager Counter of Erro/L—Lady D. Boyle, by bar mother the Counter Dowager of Glasgow.—Hoax. Mrs. 8. Cotton, on her marriage, by Viscountess Combermers.—The Hon. Y. Harbert, by her sister, the Hon. Mrs. G. E. Anson.—The Hon. Km Gough, ca bee marriage, by Lady E. U. Vere.—The lion. Mrs. J. S. Worley, on her marriage, by Lady Whanyelide.—Lady Tyler, by ans. —lady Pakington, by tier mother, lady 8. blorray.—Ma. P C Mame% by her mother, the Bremer de Cillbed.—Tha Berm P. B. Batton, by the Hoe Mrs. traderson.— Lady S. L. Melville, by ha mother, the Countess of Leven and Meirille.—lady Cockburn, by the B. Mrs. lloalgson.—Lady E. Lawley, on bee ... 1111 11.0 by Lady Wenleck.—Lady Malet, by the Vbmountees Palemalem— AA. F. Howard, by the Duchess of Noe b.—lady F, iLybur. by the Duchess of Butherland.—Lady H. ``the Countess of Chichester.—Leidy H. Plunkett, by the dirks j itaga'.l.—lion. Lady Mostyn, on her marriage, by Lod, H. L. 17 - 7!rtni(t7l2r=4:noniT3e4V,:l; 181111rne — Mrs. Mark Wood, on bee marriage, by Lady Templemern— Mr. Robert Alexander ocher marrisge, by lady F. Bernell—Me Arthur E. Ginlow on ire marriage, by Lad y Panthope.—lfin lem on b e mareirige, by lady E. DrumononeL—Mm. Vilnius Urger, ▪ bermarriase, by Mrs. Cooper, of Painehill.—Mrs. Jahn Harm- OM ea he reooge, marriage, by the Decker. of Norfolk—rm. Cot. Eye H her marriage, by the Baroness deal/Fwd.—The Hoe. Mrs. Edward Hannon, by ge , the Counter of Clarendork—Hon. L. G. Neville, on is • by bee mother, Lady B . —Mrs. henry liselbeate, b y Counter Spenori.—Mrs. Fehowee by Lady H. L. lkagm—Mrs. biTaggart, by Mrs. Gordon-11re W. 11. Wyman, by Lady Dalrymple.—Mrs. &Ma, by the Coun ter of St. Gerniene—Mrs. Gilbert, by the lady F. Bernell. — Mrs. Haider, by Mrs. Wyndham.—Mrs. R. D. IL Meedee.lll. by the Counter of Eglinton.—Min F. M. Wigram, by lady Pim. His. yrarn.—Mies B. Whately, by Mrs. Whatriy.—Plias H. Whaley, by Whately.—Mrs. W. P. Wocd, by ltdri. C. W. Ileskyr.—Mrs. F. Estelle, nee Barter de landien, by lady Carom—Mr. C. D. Bethune, by the Counter. of Dublies M. Tyler, by her mother, lady Tyler.—Mias Gilbert, by her mother, L . Gilbert.—Mne IL Bre, byltra. L. Blair.—Mir Tyler, by her mother Lady Ty ter. —Mir law* by ber mother, Men elsein.—Mir C. I t endharn, by Mrs. W Mir Lance, by Lady Braybrooke.— toe Arbuthnot, by ▪ Sm. Mrs. Gough.—Miss E. Tared., by Lady thmoye—ltir B. mo o, by her mother, Mrs. W. Thoenton.—Miss E. Bripieles, *her ther, Mrs. lieigistocke.—Mir Brigeteeke, by her mother, Bes. Brigstorie.—Mir M. L. Fox, by the Counter of Cludiestar.— nr. E. Lee, by her mother, Mrs. Lee—Miss lee, by her mother, Mni. Dn.—Mira Crockehank, by ber aunt, lady Kelly—Mir Wynsally Der mother, Mrs. C. 0. Wynee.—Mbe V. Gooding, by her merles_„ His. R. Goyling.—Mise C. Herbert, by her mother, the Hen. Mrs. W. lanbert.—Mise R. Todd, by her mOtbA . ,_ Mrs. R. Todd . — leis F. Britian, by bee mother. Lady Shades. {.—Mir B. Darner, by bee 'rather, the Hon. Mrs. IL Darner.—Mfr Gordon, by bee moan, Mrs. Colonel Gordon.—Miss Cockburn, by her masher. Lily Cockburn.—Miss E. Miles, by bee maw, Mrs. Mille.— Wm Miles, by her mother, Men Mlles.—Miss iL 11114 . 111 arci, 4i" Mr metre; M D. her mot ila i rrd.—Mle , Mee (et Llanarth), by the Counter of Una. —Miss Fellows., by Mr mireher, Mrs. Pellowes.—MW Suttee, by her aunt, Mrs. I. Bealibieete.—Mint Leehmere, by bee aster, Mrs. B ea = k; BY lintkr, by lady Butler.—Hine Cluirle, by Lady Moan. y her mother, Lady H. Morlyn.— MW Path, by bur dame kW. H. T. Priuyep.—Miss 8. Pottle, by her sister, Mrs. H. itimep. The following noblemen and gentlemen wen also present: Drag—Beaufort. Msatiessie—Hesdfort, Exeter, Downshire. Eger..—Falmouth, Morton, St. Germans, Grey, Chichester, Duck, Auckland. Vuirocrerr.—Maynard, Stopford, Mnbia, Hinckley, Sydney, Ebring. tom, Palmerston. LOlna.—John Chichester, Sondes, Brougham, Heytesbury, John Rama Stanley, Lyndhurst, Camoys. Bisuart.—llithatuay, Hereford, Rochester. ILtoey HONOCIUSI22I.—tiir G. Grey, J. Stuart Wortley, SR J. Gra. ham, G. L. Damen tramer, Sir R. Adair. Ilooornieue.—E. J. Rumen, E. Marlyn, M.P., G. Barrington. BARONZI".—Sir P. G. Egerton, Pyre Nostra, J. Carmichael, J. Weir liege, W. S. Cockburn, J. Mariner& Bias.—Fltsroy Kelly, J. Haze, W. C. Roes, R.A., W. Symonds, Acton a Gcvar~—Mr Ise. Rev. Dorions.—Hampden, Starner. Ere.—Jobe Jerold,. Pepsis of Eton. Miressess.-1. Duff, M. G. Hope, Ponderien, M.P., S. L Fox, B. Taylor, Bainbridge, R. God*, R. Tsid, J. IL Hemble, Gladstone, W. 11. Mime, H. Woodhouse, J. Dalrymple, A. Drummond, J. A. Davis, Lumley, D. Bethune, Dodd, M.P, A. Johnstone, 0. T. leyndowe, J. H Gilbertese, lamas, M.P., B. rdoe, J. Towneley, R. Alexander, Wks, E. Saunders. E. Shirley, M.P., Smyth, H. Moray, Hader, Howell, C. W. Honks*, D. Hellord A. Sandford, W. Lyon. Yieu.4aninesc—The Duke of We Genennt s.—Vineount Combersere lim ,riion. Sir A. Duff, Sir H. Wheatley, Bart., Sir E. Bowater, J. Napier, Sir D. Hill, Sir J. Bathurst. COLONEts. —Air J. M. Burgoyne, Hart., T. Wood, Gordon, Fawcett, Everest, P.R.B, Sir J. R. Eosins. S. Blair, Alrey. C.W.3l4l.—Peneral, H. Austin, C. 8., Cotton, M. Wood, G. F. Spawn, (below, Cole, Trocibridge. LtItITVIANTS.-11. Vere, Hayes, J. P. WooHrwae Wimysa, Hon. G. S. Gough, Dyneley, Praises, C. P. Teesdale, H. G. Sutton, C. Sutton, Hogg, H. Blies, D. L. Mackinnon, E. C. Gordon, Delecombe, Prim E. Watson, G. A. Mlialr. Anniusui.—Earl Walleyes, C. 8., Shlrreff, Sir C. Malcolm, & L:o h. Ascough, lord !S Cirrus, R.N.—J. Hay, Bar 0. Tyler, K.H., R Burton, X.H., Troubridge, D. &Krone. CONSIANDZIN.—A. C. Key, J. H. liolyneux, A. J. Wadley. LIWTIMAXIII, R.N.—J. lilaore, Boys. The Queen and Prince Albert attended by the royal suite returned to Buckingham Palace, after the drawing-room. H.R.H. Prince Albert honoured the Exhibition of the New Society of Painters in Water Colours, at their Gallery, 53, Pall-mall, with a visit immediately after her Majesty's drawing-room yesterday afternoon. H.R.H. the Duchess of bent was p ted, by • severe cold, from attending the drawing-room. Their Excellencies the Count and Cowden Dietrichstein, the Countess Reventlow, and Mr. Bancroft, were prevented having the honour of attending her Majestv's drawing room yesterday. Le Commandeur Margins Lisboa (Bra zilian Minister) was prevented by indisposition from attend ing the drawing-room. ' A deputation from the Directors of the Metropolitan Sewage Manure Company,. aocompanied by their solicitor and acting-secretary, had an interview with Viscount Morpeth yesterday, at the office of her Majesty's Commissioner" of 'Woods and Forests, in Whitehall-place._ The deputation consisted of Dr. Guy, Mr. T. W. Floyd, Mr. E. W. Cox, Mr. J. C. B. Warren, Dr. Hodgkin, Capt. Warren, Mr. H. P. Fuller, Mr. W. T. Kim, and Mr. W. C. Mylne, engineer. Mr. Hawes, treasurer, and Mr. Chattier, Secretary, to the Royal Humane Society, had an interview yesterday with Viscount Morpeth. A deputation from the Liverpool and Harrington Water Works, consisting of Messrs. Banner, Gladstone, and Stainsted, bad as interview with Viscount Morpeth yesterday. Mr. Bnuhfield gad Mr. Solomon, two directors of the Commercial Gas Company (London and Tower Hamlets), and Mr. Thomas, the solicitor to the company, had an interview yesterday with Viscount Bier peth, at the office of the Woods and Forests. The Ecclesiastical Commissioners for England, had • general meeting yesterday, at their office in Whitehall place. THE EXPRESS, FRIDAY EVENING, APRIL 16, 1847. COURT OF COMMON COUNCIL Yesterday a court was held for the despatch of basiness, and also for the resumption of the adjourned debate on the question of National Education. THE HEALTH or TOWNE HlLL.—Deputy PEACOCI pre seated a report from the Centinisaioners of Sewers, stating that they had received a communication from Viscount Morpeth, to the effect that it ia the intention of her Ma jesty's government specially to exclude the City of London from the operation of the Health of Towns Bill, as the commission of sewers is already , in distiaut mansion with the corporation of London.—This conemnsinehina was received with much ap_probation. THE FREEDOM OF LONDON.—HAID OT THE PROCEED 124A.—Deputy COALE LY Fainted the following report upon the long-contested, subject regarding the freedom of the city : Ore whom. name. ere hereunto euteeribed of your oonnetter, in relatioa to the freedom of Loudon, do entlfl Vat harts; readvdd report 6 tmt th e cky ~pajpijew,, which $ boreuato nomad, stating Platt* otlieitor la the @dim bet Wen the Chambertala sad Kr. Start had premed h le 'rood wit► 4 e wnt of giver, sad that a a few days he will beampelbil to take • fat Cher step to the came, mad having hard Mr. SelJeffor lbeewoo,we peue)eded to madder the subject, aed are tussalereasly ofopinion that the City solicitor should be in structed to diectsdaue the proceeding, in thew of the Cham berlain te. Start, wad that this hooottrabic court thould give soda la. stradboos amedlagly. Deputy CORNET said that, as far se he could collect from what passed around him, the report wn. in unison with the universal feeling of the court. He then moved that the re port be referred back to the City solicitor, to be carried into effect aceordtagly. Mr. ASHURET, immediately the last motion was made, gave notice of a motion that no fen or Aim be required from those who should in future be admitted so A* freedom of the city. THE ADJOURNED DIRCUSHON ON Ties NATIONAL EDU CATION QUEATION.—Mr. BLAKII recommenced the dimes- riCiaUiMe; . Mr. Bennoch's motion, which he ademated upon the usual grounds adopted by th e supporters of that govern ment measure. He was struck with surprise at iscaring a man of such well-known liberality on other quiestienv ' and of such gifted eloquence upon all occasions, as Me. Wise, take so narrow a view of the great plan which had been brought forward for the service of the whole populaitimi of the empire. He contemplated am humane improve- ment in society (rein the adoption of the liberal measure of government, and he ioneated the opposi tion made by the dissenters to the very schemes which they laid themselves long recommended, but which the advocacy of the administration was quite enough to justify them in now holding up to public execration. Hem.) Mr. LANT supported the previous question. Mr. GODSON said the public were deeply indebted to the government for the measure they had brought forward, for the voluntary system had proved a decided failure. Mr. H. L. TAYLOR said that the bill, which it was a dis greoe to the government not to have introduced lung before, would be carried with the most triumphant majority. Deputy COIMIZT and Mr. Joule Woun also supported the proposition of Mr. Bennoch. Mr. BENNOCH replied briefly to the loading arguments against his motion. The previous question moved by Mr. Wine was then put and lost by an immense majority. Mr. Lows then proposed the follewing as an addition to the original motion : But that this court are of opinion that ln every school having go vernment aid chime should be funned for the instruetion of children, in which no creed catechism or peculiar re ligio us principles 'hall be inculcated, re that the children of all religiaas dmoroinations may avail themselves of ishuot instruction without eompromising their penalties. the ouurt would not, however, listen to any interference with Mr. Bennoch's motion, and they negatived the addition by a vast majority. The original motion was then put and carried amidst acclamations, no more than five or six hands having been held up against it. The resolution was ordered to be published in the news papers, and petitions to parliament are to be adopted at the next court. MEETDTG OF MIDDLESEX MAGISTRATES. Yesterday the customary monthly meeting of the magistracy of the county of Middlesex was held at Hicks' Hall, Clerkenwell. Mr. Powaall took the chair. Mr. Wilks drew attention to Lord Morpeth's bill for the improvement of health in towns, and moved that it be specially referred to the parliamentary committee. Agreed to.—Mr. Laurie, on the report of the committee of accounts being read, asked whether there were any charges made upon the county fur the holding of inquisitions in eases of tire where there had been no loss of life. He deprecated the holding of such inquiries under such circumstances, sad considered the police and insurance offices ample security to the public. He could not think it was any part of a coro ner's duty to interfere.—Mr. Hall said the committee would keep a watchful eye on these cases, and when they occurred, they should be fully investigated. There was no item of that nature in the accounts. ABOLITION OF THa PUNISHNINT Or TAB TRIADWILL FOR Esitaia PILISONIRS.— Mr. Walesby brought for ward a motion, which had been once rejected by the court, to the effect that the punishment of the treadwheel for female prisoners in Coldbath-fields prison should be abolished. The learned gentleman denounced the system as revolting in itself, as well as degrading to the female mind. lie was, he said, prepared with medical evidence to show that thisunishment subjected them to diseases of various kinds. I t did not tend to reformation, and he could not c.nsider that, though the state had a right to persisA, it had any right to degrade a criminal.—Mr. Arrmtroug seconded the motion, and it was supported by several other gentlemen.—Mr. Rota said it was a disgrace to the Mid. 61esex magistracy, that while the punishment, as far as females were concerned, was abolished in every other county In England, it was practised in the Middlesex County Prison. He thought if the magistrates did not stop it, the legislature would.—Mr. Talk supported the motion, and moved as an amendment that tresdwheel punishment should be abolished in every teepee—both as regards male as well as female prisoners.—Mr.Wilks thought they would not now ratify what they had once condemned. There were the opinions of the medical officers and the governor of the prison to show that the punishment was not injurious to female health, but on the contrary that it was • source of pleasure as well as a healthy recreation. The amendment was then put from the chair, when there appeared for it 16, against it 16. The Chairman gave a mating vote in favour of the original motion.—Mr. Wilson questioned the chair man's right to vote after the numbers on both sides had been declared. If he had • right to vote under such cir cumstances, his vote ought to have been recorded for the amendment.—A discussion ensued, but the matter was de cided on reference to the standing orders of the court, that it should stand over until the next county day. Witersses' EXPiNSIB.—The Deputy-Clerk of the Pesos laid before the court the following letter from the Home office, respecting the allowances to witnesses in criminal prosecutions Waurressm, Maws 27, 1847.—nir,—As the allowance to tellurium In poamutioss wretch see discharged from the scanty ratio ewe order your supervision, sir Georg* Orgy thinks it = to inform you that ha has the magistrates of the metropolitan police courts, to take care that no slimmer dill los made to police constable., for their attendance before the 111111111iillg magistrate, either in caeca committed be trial or to prom albas ea, initiating in summary convictions; and that when It is saasary fbF the magistrate to certil the expenses Incurred in the sereeyeass of prisoners to prison, or In any other mauler whatever, dry abs Etti care that the polies cautables remise so wend blade slew directly or indirectly.—ffir 0. Grey has sleienjoinie OM= trans, when required to mortify In Taped of say eleeeme upon proseentiOne, te seesaw amilela alb es milk ore es porailne, the amount .Mrs y sag asionselly eipsedel by tasking to he reimbursed, and to snow as Weber em. mai CI: similar caution eat compsnostima isnot Impoutiely ellmisi la OMB of labour, trouhie, or loos of elms.—l am, sir, your daft •111411111, B. M. Phouirrs. fiti;l;ii;; Was ordered to be printed and eireulated.—The court seen after adjourned. GENERAL CONFERENCE OF OPPONENTS TO GOVERNMENT EDUCATION. The conference met at 10 o'clock yesterday morn ing. The attendance was not nearly so numerous as on the two previous days. Alderman Kershaw having taken the chair, The Rev. J. H. HINTON read a letter from the Marquis of Lansdowne, appointing an interview with a deputation from the conference to take place at his lordship's house that day at one o'clock. Mr. Hinton also said that there were resolutions standing over from the day before, and that new ones had hi en added by the committee. Dr. VAUGHAN rose to explain that he had not been present on the previous day, because he thought the resolution re futing all government aid had been passed during his absence en the first day of the conference; had he supposed that it was going to be brought forward en Wednesday, he should have been there to oppose it. It had been all along, and was now, his conviction, that the ground to go upon in their opposition to the government scheme was the religious ground. With regard to his letter in the Morning Chronicle, which be understood bad been referred to in his absence, be repeated that, in his opinion they ought in the first place to oppose the measure on religious grounds, not that they were thereby committed to any concession, but they ought to oppose the religiose part of the measure as religions men. They 'mould then, if necessary, take a new aspect, and oppose the secular part in their character as citizens. He did not see that his belonging to the Conference should dictate to him his °endue as an individual. He owned that he wished the conclusion to the parags in hie letter to the Morning Chronicle, which had been en much objected to yederday, had bean otherwise worded ; he ought perhaps to have said, " Mossy dissenters would still objets to the government measure." Mr. E. DAWSON Of Lancaster moved the first resoled= : That it le the edema conviction of this Ondffewei that the cir cumstance, of the thews render it the biongen duty of NI who value their civil sod religions liberties is their beet political birth right, and who Justly regard with alarm the mime of mating public monsy is aid of reekeisedcal porpoise is tending to establisis an albeit sad corrupting ecionezion between the government sad the I teachers of religion, detrhawatal alibi to the freedom of "pintos and to the interceta of truth, to make is • imedition of giving their support to any parliamentary candidate that he will oppose all farther grants of public money tir such pepsine. Mr. E. Menu: seconded the resolution. Mr. J. Sa watt. thought this the most practical of their resolutions, and if carried eat it would have more influence than any merges could have. After a great dealof discussion a deputation was appointed to wait on Loud Lansdowne. Mr. TABOR, of Colchester, observed that what they wanted were non-conformists in parliament. A fund mast be raised to further that object; he did not me why 40,0001. might, not be raised. The CHAIRMAN pat the reeoluton. which was carried unanimously. Mr. J. Rorran, of Shaftesbury, than moved the second reaslation, which was assontled and carried, and was as 1 111 = 181 :Zbele the praelljtes or Aramaean allamotoes to even loy anee so erase ethras they thesbeenbilitad reeneset morel their praraloil wistholov. sadbow stablethey era le the rateednenua mime= to wraith lbws Fifties Ise min* Mistisribi sot so et seunte; tab Oth. Orme moth loper eltheet menelly reseememig le Neel okra= the sa et gelen et velbeellsthersd omens of swab( dr nem to the lbws of Orasmosn demi alilliklates ea Set Meet phi to hid meted the slab= it reilsboo liberty, tut wheelseety enimetend whit thole dolma Imply. Iltr.Lra a , of Dover mid that ths Watory of dissenters pve the Da* Nam i the de, whoa that paper said that they were favourable to ignoramus. Mr. J. Swami swot the inn resolution : DIM W es esurandesd to reprd the Wirth developed to the at theutharanse deem/ with the peens jokes, Is dem Imam el ethostlen nisommiseard try bat Illsjestr of this is the Ousts is be antra Into [feet *web% width f pentely bleathel is its gebilelse with that em. bushel Is Ise mean et eseoth, peeled. to theetioe the isittaleittua of • ttltiat hit ea the poomb dram ddldrus is be educated, amid the madame alike b ethelreln these, Oder posidthe to be caromed by the melons* be seod their &Urea to seised. Dr. Manua seconded tits rtoolution, which was tarried. Tb• Rev. J. SLY moved the fourth resolution, which was earriedt • • • - • • 767oipstttisn to the Home of COMMOnt, embodying the &clam tory remintions of this confer/we, aad praying fir hour sot merely to 'oay oo gr et of romity for carrying the minutcsof the commirterr gowseu sics odkutotiou, of August sod December toot, into effect, but also to preset as huntlils midterm to the CtOtra, to mote the order is oouecil *b o re*, the said oorniiiittee *OS apttobiLd, be eigoed try t h e awns.* ua behalf of the conference, aird entrusted far prementation to Mr. Bright. - The fifth resoislio wasu &Mow, : That thin eenyeeenee it awing le tined with satisfaction, that Thome g Li oneone h e , goq. t oosmer for Fthabouy, has given notice of a motion r e , th e 15th toot, I s the Mk owing terms: o to move on Monday neat, or wtios the estimation rim is proposed, that, Previous to Its being made, a select eactunittee be . I thiagoted to imldith into the }notice sod expediency of the proposed eth, me, and it probable annul eitreme ; also, to inquire whether the nig& latices attached thereto, do not con fer an undue influence on the tavern, invade the coostitutional fun. time a/ parliament, and interfres with the religious convictions and civil rights al the =lc" That t.his conference, =Mom to Orion. fo roVr . Dune:mbr for the D .* no ne e blv h:. give fret r to him their respectful and cordial than Thin resolution, after much slisettmion, and after an amendment had been proposed andlost, was carried. The sixth resolution carried was That Mr. Bright be requested, in care tie motion of which native has been given by Mr. Dunoombe should be Wit. to Mere sons further amendment as may seem to him twat adapted to defeat the inteutiona of government, and to place on record the decimal sentiments of this imminence. At this stage of the promedinr, the deputation to Lord Lansdowne returned; and Mr. Hintou stated that his lord ship boil expressed his sorrow that them existed Po much differeme of opinion, he would be glad to promote a national system eteducation which might meet the concurrence of all partim; but he scarcely saw how that wm to be done, and the master now lay in the hands of Lord John Russell. The chairmen said the Dumber of delegates present wig 510. Of the remaining resolutions it is on 4 necessary to give the sentence. ?he seventh was, that circulars containing the remithions carried at the conference and aggregate meeting should be sent to as the members et the Home of Commons. The Ilth set forth that the proceedings should be fully reported is two dimennieg newegspers. 'The 9th, which was thrown aside ow the wore of it being melon to attempt carrying it oat, was, that the Lori Mayor be requested to eall a general meeting oar the subject of education. Another voted thanks to th e chairman ; and the meeting then adjourned till ten o'clock the following (this) morning, at the King's Head, Poultry. AGGREGATE MEETING. A public meeting of the opponents of the prawn :sta. till I of education set forth in the minute. of conocil, tea yesterday evening at Exeter Hall. It wee try the conference which had been sitting for two or three days previously in Crosby Hall. The time appointed fur commencing the proceedings was six o'clock, at which hoar the ball was far from being filled, but soon afterwards it beams densely crowded. Mr. Bright, M.P., occupied the chair. The platform was filled in front by leading oppo nents of the scheme, belonging chiefly to the independent denominiation. In opening the proceedings, The CHAIRMAN said, he did not recollect ever haying Mod before an audience of his fellow-countrymen under feeL ings of greater responsibility than he experienced at that moment, sad nothing but a conviction of the great import saes of the question could have induced him to place himself in such a position. (Hear, hear.) He would take it for granted that those whom he addressed would not by any portion of the public press, or by any of their opponents, be pronounced hostile to the education of the people. (Hear, hear.) There was no fact more notorious than that it was to the nonconformist body pre-eminently that the remark able progress in educational effort, made within the hut 30 or 40 years, was te be traced. It was not possible, he believed, for • priesthood like that established in this country to be very anxious that the great mass of the people should be educated. - It was possible, however, that when it was perceived that other parties were in the field, and that by the extension of education the great mass of the people were being gradually but rapidly drawn from subservience to, and dependence upon, the priesthood, that priesthood should step in, and, by the use of similar weapons, endeavour to maintain and perpetuate its own power. (Cheers) There was something in the very essence and spirit of dissent which involved universal education. If they and their forefathers had not thought deeply on such subjects, there would now be • dull and dead uniformity in religious matters throughout the kiugdom. The very fact that so much thought had been bestowed on these matters, proved that the cultivation and strengthening of the mind had not been overlooked by nonconformists. (Hear.) Now, dissenter hell that it was not a just or Christian course to tax a whole people for the purpose of teaching the tenets of a sect. Upon that point nonconform ists were completely united, and they considered this ques• tion of education in connexion with it. If there were nothing else to complain of in the scheme, it was sufficient to destroy every particle of value in the eyes of nonconformists , that it was intended to establish throughout this king dom the teaching of particular forms and particular creeds in religion. (A voice "No, no.") The meet iag would judge whether the gentlemen who in terrupted him had come to • correct conclusion. He (the Chairman) maintained that the measure wee intended to establish and to make absolute the teaching of certain forms of religion or of religious belief in thousands of schools throughout this kingdom to which the minutes applied. He found it stated in the minutes, under the head No. 6: " In schools connected with the Church of England, the children will be required to repeat the catechism, and to show that they understand its meaning, and ere acquainted with the outline of scripture history, and the parochial clergyman will assist in this part of the exami nation." (Laughter.) He admitted that the system did not force every child to learn the catechism, but it was an tab solute condition that no one should benefit by the public funds without proof of adherence to the practice of some form of religion in the school. It was no answer to tell him that the government allowed his parties lar opinions, or peculiarities, robe taught in a school belong ing to his own sect. If that answer were a good one in this case, it would be equally an answer to nonconformists, who objected to the existence of an established church, to say that out of the public funds there should in future be paid to every independent, baptist, or any other minister, a por tion of his annual salary, and that he, too, should De mme dependent on the state. (Cheers.) So fir as it went, there was in the scheme something like an appear gime of political justice and impartiality : but they did not consider the measure merely in its political bear ing, but with reference also to the great question of religious teach ing under the control, guidance, and pay of the date. He felt persuaded that if the dissenters had permitted these minutes to pus without entering a most solemn protest against them, they could not front that time have opened their lips to condemn the principle of • state church. (Hear, hear.) For many years the state clergy bad been found ranged' on the one side, and the rut majority of the people, the dissenting ninieters on the other ; and the former had lately claimed for themselves higher privileges and greater powers than their grandfathers in the church would have dared to claim. (Hear, bear.) Yet it was at such • time as the present that the government stepped in to propose that these men should be the examiners dike children in religious matters, and should obtain the power of granting or withholding a certificate by which the door to future advancement would he opened or shut. If anything could give the clergy power and influence, and bring the people into a subject and depressed condition It was a system hie that which it was proposed to introdnee. (Clears.) A meeting was held on the previous erendag at Freemasons Hall. Amongst those who true present was the Bishop of Norwich. The bishop moldered the government measure a most im partial one, and maintained that the church was making • marvellous concession. It was delightful, at least, to find that it was now felt that the dimmers mut be treated with on equal terms. Albinos was also made to the education in the United States. Why, in the United Mates the township, or parishes formed the educational dis tricts • the government had nothing to de with the mane., and there were limitations providing that err tein gush end eateshins should not be taught. There ems se Mate aura to interfere in the matter ; sad if the Aim of Norwich would consent, in matters of religion awl education, to place the people of this country in the lame position as those of the United States, be ri le d ro l deebt that this question might be settled without any great difficulty. He might, indeed, speak of the taste of the right reverend prelate, in characterising the members of the Established Churches the '‘ more re spectable Clan," and further, in alluding to certain things which had been said by somebody from Leerier" (Laughter.) He had always fancied that the bishop was a sensible man and • gentleman—(hear)--and there we, certainly nothing in the course which Mr. Baines had punned on that question which did ant entitle him to the admiration even of thou who might differ from him. It wee too much ter • good, easy old gentleman, like the Bishop of Norwich. who was provided for se sumptuously by the stata—(latighter)— to speak thug of oae who had done so much for the cause of education. He was sorry to have heard the renews which prevailed as to the government negotiation, with the Wes leyan body, with the view of buying off a portion of the op ponents of the scheme. (Hear.) If the premium% was determined to ally itself with the state church, it woad wen become a matter for cor.aideration whether there could not be some organisation throughout the kingdom, which, if it did not advance noncaeformint pem tip's*, would at least make it unsafe for any go vernment to commit further agreement upon them. (Cheers). They ought to regard neither the taunts of the press nor the sneers of politicians, who could ant compre hend their principles, but firmly and consiatently to main tain the principles which they had so long held, and to which they adhered, solely because they believed them to be tree. (Cheers,) Mr. HAM read • letter from Mr. Harrill, M.P., apolo- gmog for he inability to accept an invitation to attend the meeting en &cement of the noomoity for his presence is the Hume of Oamainea. Mr. Jaws Orono, moved the following resolution Mt Ibis means, hear imesidamd the minutes of the committee et asemffien eimelen of Ursa and Demeter, Ible, and ether ailed ENlNlksati ismasolei therewith, is of opinion that the theme ' thing& dreetepel t sea which whi e affording no reasosahis seem rler bran bNser Mareetlen of the people, mum be canted into OM MON* flotere Witham religious diesominatious which dissent Irina lentlibet ffinsidi, au view series detriment to the beaten and bliellnaines the seummity. Ha said it was Impossible to cant' out the scheme without stall liberty. la es Interview which had been L th dd i Vmassing, the President of the Council said their sagsamets west to show that the money already granted was net applied eta awned principles. He( Mr. S.) believed that the acceptance of public money by dissenters was one of the greatest mis take s they had ever made; but he understood that 5,0001. was being raised to enable the British and Foreign School Society to ?Quern what it had received. (Cheers.) The acceptance of government aid would com pletely paralyse the voluntary principle, and prevent all voluntary effort in future. The sect to which he belonged I had always adhered firmly to voluntaryist' • he believed that the largest bribe would not induce the Society of Friends to take a single sixpence of government money for ' the purposes of education. He urged the meeting to corn ' bine the advocacy of civil liberty with that of religions liberty, in order that they might secure the co-operation of the working classes. The Rev. Dr. HAMILTON, of Leeds, in seconding the reso lution, said he was "somebody from Leeds "—(laughter) —and he was not ashamed of the cause which he appeared there to advocate. Education was a sacred thing, not • thing for the interference either of monarch or constable. The principle of cohesion in the cane of numbers who sup ported the scheme was nothing else but the desire of gain. An insatiate appetite gnawed within these, and they looked forward to the gratification of their cravings from the public purse. He could not otherwise account for the anion of Roman Catholic, Puseyite, evangelical clergyman, and chartist, in the meet ing at Leeds. He denied that the government had any right to educate the people; the government was not the father of the people, but the people the father of the government. (Laughter.) Beside., if it were the duty of the government to educate the nation, why had it been so dilatory? Why had it waited 4) long before opening its establishment for education? If the scheme paged. all edu cation would be reduced to a dead level. Without intending any imputation on the house of Rus sell, he might say that it would be a Bedford fiat. (Laughter.) In the laaguage of the dramatist. the effect would be to "slap a padlock on the mind." (Hear, hear.) Once established, the system would be mernized by the pensions of the schoolmasters; for they all knew that it was impossible to get rid of pensions. 'Mr. Macaulay, who sometimes spoke of the bray of Exeter Hall, said that no man of sane mind could contend fora distinction in principle be tween the application of 10,0001. and 30,0001. That formed au additional reason for opposing the scheme. Ever since the days of Walpole there had been an attempt to buy up all public men by °aces of the state ; and it behoved them to take care lees a sissilar attempt should now be successful in the minor multitudes of the people. (Hear, bear.) The resolution was then put from the chair and tarried, the chairman declaring that about a dozen hands were held up against it. The Rev. Dr. MAR4OII proposed the following resolution : That the virtual entraining of legislative pas er, in a manes of each vast importance as t education of the pinple, to 4 committee of the privy council appointed by Ow crown, is denim., to puble liberty, and that theellating of no great a ahead. by a mere money vote of the House rather than by the wed method of a bill in parliament, is a violation of the spirit and ',nein of the Britads oon atitstion. lilr. E. MIALL seconded the resolution, and took *mei= to express his surprise that the prom had not raised its voice against this measure. The Daily Nemo and the Times were deserving every condemnation. They had deserted the people. This measure was a suspension of the Catholic Relief Aet, of which the whirs boasted, and which the dinsonters had assisted the whi t es to carry. To the noncoofermints it was a destructive measure ; and, if the sings were determined to carry it, they must make up their minds to retire to their Torres Vedras, until they could eon* forth with irresistible might and sweep away not merely these minutes of council, but that which was the root of all their evils—the established Church of England. (Loud cheering.) Let them have civil despotism in its wont and most offensive forms—(even then their minds would be free)—but let them never allow our country and people to become a crouching, whining, slavish, and priest ridden nation ! (Renewed cheering.) The resolution was carried with some dissentient,. Mr. E. BAINES, jun., moved the next resolution. Ile commenced by speaking of himself, and denying that Oil agitation wan a' Baines " agitation. Nevertheless, he was proud at having used every energy of body and mind, and voice, and pen, to rouse hie fellow countrymen upon this subject. He had been designated a " far going " and extra vagant person. The public press, however, and the liberal member, of parliament who thus atigmatised him, were as little acquainted with him as with the question they were discussing. The measure they were met to discuss was of continental origin, having for da object to bring the people within the church system and the state pay. Were they pre pared to say that the task of moulding the minds of the people should be vested in any set of officials in this country? The government was perfectly unqualified for the task. They were almost always behind the people. Their system must either be too rigid or too lax. They must either teach all religions or no religion. They would interfere with the duty of parents, and if they interfered with men's duties the robbed them of their virtues. (Cheers.) But it was said the people did not educate themselves—that immense edu cational deficienees exited. lie denied that they existed to the extent sapposed. We had upwards of two millions of children now in ourday-schools—a proportion of one in eight of our entire population. The quality of our education woe also greatly improving. We had now 211 normal schools with accommodation for eleven hundred pupils. It that was a gross mistake, therefore, to suppose . there was any great need of educational provision. But even if an extension of education were needed, was this the way to extend it ? He objected to the government measure that it would give an amount of influence to the go vernment unprecedented in the annals of the nation. It would place 88000 persons at least in the government pay. It would also give a great extension of power to the clergy of the land. It would be a new state endowment of religion —(" No," and cheers)—adding two millions sterling to the six millions which the church already possessed. It would bo a flagrant injustice to dissenters. Their schoolmasters and scholars would he lured away from them. The measure would also debase the character of the schoolmasters, and the character of their instructions. Every farthing of govern ment money the schoolmasters received would be coined into links of a chain that would bind them irrevocably. He ob jected, too, that this measure would be a gross injustice to the poor. When schools were conducted on voluntary prin ciples, they were supported by the rich ; but if they were to be suppsrted by the government, on whom would the tax fall but on the poor ? In conclusion, be warned the govern ment that if they pressed these measures they would not only ruin themselves but their party, and moved a resolu tion setting forth, that tiehitss, in the judgment of the meeting, it formed no part of Us duty of the government to interfere with Inc education of the people, they recognised the importance of promoting education by voluntary and independent MAMA, and rejoiced at the progress which had bees made in extending it during recent years. The Rev. Mr. Ilietoy seconded the resolution. Before it was put, a gentlemen at the end of the room insisted on speaking, and having obtained a place on the platform, gave the name of _ Mr. W. BROOKS. He said that this question was of too muck importance to be pared over without both aides being heard, particularly when the side which was represented stated its case partially and unfairly. Mr. Baines 's speech had been rather an appeal to their passions and fears than an appal to their judgment and their reason. Let him remind them of the degraded position in which the schoolmaster now stood. Our schools were empty because of the want of proper instruction. Criminals abounded, and prisons in creased. Surely the government, which had tried penal settlements and failed, were amply justified in now tryiag the education of the poor. Being born and bred a din , mentor, and educated in a dissenting Sunday school, he believed the dissenters had no ground to fear op positien from the church. The government only came in to I supply a deficiency, and it was their right and their duty to do so. It had keen said that dissenters schools were to be superintended by church inspectors. He held in his hands the minutes of the privy council, and they expressly declared that dissenters should not be forced is accept inspectors no r less they were approved by the British and Foreign Schools Committee. The speaker, who addressed the meeting with considerable power and determination, concluded by moving an amendment: That, r crime and immorality were increasing in this country, an extension of education was highly desirable. The resolution, having been seconded by a gentleman be low the platform, was put from the chair by way of amend ment. It found several supporters, but the original resole tion was declared to be carried. A vote of thanks to the chairman was the, paned amid acclametions, and tke party broke up. For the most part the holiness of the evening was con ducted in an orderly manner; but there were some interrup tions during theearlier speeches of Mr. Baines, who spoke far a mortal hour and a half, severely taxing the patience of his audience, who at last gave vent to their dissatisfaction in cries of " Time," " Cut it short," and other indications of weariness and impatience. Mr. Brooks, who mowed the amendment, was unfavourably received by a large ponies of the meeting, and a knot of 'reverend gentlemen and others on the platform appeared especially desirous to prevent his being heard. His own resolution, however, sad the justices el a large portion ol those assembled in the hall, secured him at last an attentive auditory. DIPICIENCY or ACCOMMODATION trod "SPORTS'S. —We cannot conclude this account without protesting simian the character of the accommodation provided for the reporters in this place. It combat of a small boa, only capable of holding sin or seven parsons, whilst about twenty sae usually represented here. The approach to it is C P : ri dark passage under the platform, through rhich those who deitin en ati teLare by co a rri lig p: t lled thr tL gh eree i r b on uu sill s. -fersre y. in ,.guiLest do tkr . Nothing would be more ray than to extend the boa the en tire length of the platform, which would give the additional aooonunodation required, and admit of an enemata from a aide door. The trustees, who make an enormous sum an nually by this building , promised, we onderstand, anao time since, to attend to representations which were made to them upon this subject, end it is more especially became they have omitted to do so, that this further complaint is made. THE JUDGMENT OF LEEDS ON THE GOVIEGSMF.NT Scat i OP EDUCATION. — The nineteenth report of the committee of the House of Commons enumerates four peti tions from Leeds in favour of the government scheme. TM petition of the " megistrates, aldermen, and councillors" has 36 signatures attached to it ; that of the " clergy end mien. ten of the Gospel" 31 ; that of " superintendents sad teachers of Suede. schools" 361; that of the " inhabitants" 24,747. " Think of that Master banal INQUESTS, YE-sTERDAT.—ALLEOED DEATH MOM POUION. —By Mr. Carter, an sdiourned inquest on the body of Sarah Fowler, at the Victory Tavern, Mer ton-road, Mitcham. On Good Friday evening the deceased met a gentleman, by appointment, and they west together to the White Hart, at Mitcham, where they partook of • pint of mulled port. They remained there nearly two boon, and as they were leaving, • woman, named Ellen New, noticed that the deceased had been crying. Deceased returned home about eleven o'clock, and went to bed with her mother and sister Fanny. In the course of the night she complained of a severe heed-ache, and towards mom's; became worse ; she vomited, and soon after had fits. Mr. W. Bainbridge, of Tooting, surgeon, was sent for, whit suspected the present* of puison. He asceiteined that deceased was pregnant. Mr. Bainbridgq. gnis deceased to state if she had taken any possft 4040141--, distinctly said '`no." She was soon after sesc4l:l4*** , ./\ A. V S: • oh , •44 - . -?. • • l'ag•••• • ii