Star. — London, England, 1830-06-01 00:00:00

' 11 1! l o. r should not have been found amongst them. Neither did it arise from any hostility to the private bankers. The better sort had nothing to fear ; their connexions were established, and their security well known. As to the weaker banks, it might not be expected that they would, like Blackstone's judge, cry, out of conviction, " Judico me cremare." If it was proposed to burn their out-standing notes, as some of hie wrong-headed coun trymen did during the rebellion, they might have no objection ; but it was only natural that they should exclaim against the introduction of establishments which must affect their interests. But he could not help con ceiving that the extinction of their banks would be effected in a way advantageous to themselves. They should, in fact, form an association with and merge in the more secure establishments which were contemplated, as was the case in his own county, and derive more benefit from their dividends in that shape than from the precarious profits at present. He would venture one word more of advice. Let them proceed industriously but cautiously, and they must succeed. Too much should not be attempted at the outset. The success of a few ascer tained experiments would, he was assured, bring the undertaking to a more complete and even rapid ma turity than a thousand vague prospects and speculations. Lord DARNLET.—Having witnessed the great ex tinction of the poorer sort of banks, and the miseries which they had produced, he could not but feel that Government had no alternative but to take the measures they had done. Still he was aware that the most serious inconvenience had arisen from them, and from all that he had heard from his honourable friends, Mr. Liddel and Mr. Rice, he was perfectly convinced that the pre sent undertaking would prove of the greatest use and benefit to the public ; and though he could not profess himself to be so well acquainted practically with the subject as his honourable friends, he begged to assure the chairman, that so far as his efforts and sanction could go, nothing should be wanting to promote it. The con templated measure, he was satisfied, would do much to alleviate and remedy the distress which existed, and he hoped to prevent its recurrence ; and although, perhaps, he might be more sanguine than others, he looked for the same beneficial results throughout the whole country. The Marquis of BUTE assured them, that he took a great interest in the business of the meeting, from a sense of its importance. As to the injury likely to accrue to the private bankers, he would mention a fact, that the private bankers in Scotland were the great holders of shares in the public banks, and had, by prudently seizing the opportunity, made much more than they could do under the continuance of a system which was as bad for themselves as for the public. The improved system in Scotland arose from its necessity, and he looked for a similar improvement in England. Mr. STEWARD next addressed the meeting, and con curred with the preceding speakers as to the benefits likely to arise from the contemplated measure. Sir HENRY PARNELL said it was unnecessary, after the able statements they had heard from gentlemen so well qualified on the subject, for him to trouble the meet ing at any length. With regard to the currency, he would say to those gentlemen who were anxious for the benefits of a more extended currency, which should be regulated on proper principles, that as the best and the only way to attain it, they should promote such under takings as that now proposed. The Scotch system of cash credits (which few English banks had the means to adopt) would do a vast deal more to facilitate local deal ings than an extension of paper, and the allowing sufficient interest on deposits (which they were equally unable to do) would prevent the possibility of an over-issue of paper, for this simple reason—that when the paper money in circulation became more abundant than was wanted, it would be returned to the banks in the shape of depo sits. The banks would thus act as a reservoir which would keep itself, and the channels through which it dis tributed and received the circulating medium, at a level without the risk of those fatal issues and contractions, of which the effects were too well known. Scotland had made as much use of paper as England, but with this difference—in all stagnation of trade the Scotch banks had relieved and revived it with safety. In England the reverse generally occurred. Neither in 1793 nor in the subsequent panics, including that of 1825, had any dis trust been caused by the unprepared condition or inade quate means ofthe Scotch banks, and be hoped that with the assistance of commercial men, who seemed from what he had heard to appreciate the present undertaking, that the same security and facilities would very soon be en joyed in this country. He would wish to say a few words more : he was well aware of the objection in the public mind against what were self-styled " joint stock companies," but the respectability of the parties who supported the undertaking was a guarantee that it was not even brought forward upon slight grounds, much less that it could be what was called a bubble company. He would repeat, that the high respectability of the par ties who came forward was a sufficient guarantee against the remote possibility of such being the case. Resolutions were then adopted for extending the com mittee, and the meeting, after thanks having been voted to the chairman, adjourned to a datappinted. Dr. Doyle, R. C. Bishop, left Carlow on Friday, to attend the Poor Law Committee in London ; he is fa vourable to the Poor Laws. Mr. Henry Baylee of the Customs at Larne, and Major-General Burke, are sum moned by Mr. Rice for examination. METROPOLITAN COUNTRY BANK OF ENGLAND. • (ii. Saturday a meeting of noblemen and gentlemen .0. held at the City of London Tavern for the purpose of taking into consideration the propriety of forming a bank -11,1.! company. Sir HENRY PARNELL, Bart. M.P. in the chair. The Chairman, on taking the chair, read a note from Si: R. Hill, apologizing for his absence (apologies were also sent from Sir E. Knatchbull, Sir T. Lethbridge, Mr. Colville, and others) and proceeded to state that the object of the present meeting was to carry into effect a rt , solution which had been passed at their last meeting on the 27th of March, for the establishment of a joint-stock banking company in London to conduct the business of banking in the country. A committee had been ap pointed for the purpose. From that period they had waited to ascertain the result of Mr. Huakisson's motion, and what course government had determined to take on the subject, as well as the result of the conferences which several gentlemen had with his Grace the Duke of Wel lington. The hon. baronet concluded by observing, that the business of the day would be chiefly confined to the passing of a resolution to increase the number of their committee, and he had no doubt but that a plan would be arranged of carrying on and working the scheme to a suc cessful issue. The Hon. Mr. LI DDEL, M.P. would yield to none in his zeal for the success of this measure, and particularly so when that success was likely to promote the pros perity of the country. When they considered the great fluctuations in trade, and the evils to which the coun try was exposed under the present system of banking, it was but right to inquire whether that system, which must be considered as the basis of commercial credit (hear, hear), were set deep in a rock, or rested only on a sandy foundation—whether, like the house in the parable, it stood firm amidst storms and tempests, or whether in practice it was found able to sustain their shocks. If experience proved the latter, it was high time that that system should be placed on some firmer basis, and here it was fortunately in their power to prove theory by experience by turning their eyes to a neighbouring country. If the banking system in Scot land, established upon sound principles, produced ef fects so beneficial to that country, why need they doubt that, under a similar system in England, results would be beneficial ? The Hon. Member then read some resolutions which had been adopted at Brown's coffee house, Westminster, on the sth of March last, the con sideration of which was calculated to inspire the best Napes of the efficacy of a public banking company on joint stock principles, and concluded, after many very valuable observations, by expressing his conviction that a measure like the present would greatly promote the general security and prosperity of the country. Sir WILLIAM COSIV Al considered that if the Scotch system of banking was modified to English wants and English prejudices, it would produce most beneficial re sults to this country; and as a proof of it, it was only necessary to observe, that during the panic of 1825 not even one Scotch bank failed. SI'RINO RICE, Esq. M.P. apologized to the meeting for trespassing so early upon its attention, but other du ties called him urgently elsewhere. He begged to assure the meeting of his cordial assent to all that had been so ably stated by his hon. friend, Mr. Liddel, both as to the utility and practicability of the important project in con templation, as also to the grounds upon which it had been recommended ; yet he thought that, in forming an esti mate of its probable advantages, it would be better if the order of recommendation were reversed. His hon. friend had recommended it first on the score of public good, and next on the score of private advantage: he (Mr. Rice) thought that the private advantage was the first point to be assured of; for it was only from ascertaining the certainty of that, that we could hope to effect any ultimate and permanent good to the public. This, after all, was the true business-like way of looking at the matter, for in matters of business, as in morals, selfishness and generosity generally led to the same end, and it was useless to expect that individuals would or could do much for the public in an undertaking which was adverse or immaterial to their own ad vantage. He himself had not the slightest doubt upon either head ; but private advantage was the best test to proceed upon, because it was not only essential to the practicability of every public good, but was a thing that could be prudently weighed and estimated ; whereas the " public good" was a matter of undefined profession and speculation. Having said thus much, he would assure the meeting that he concurred with the most ardent sun- A curious circumstance took place lately at the church porters of the undertaking, having not the slightest doubt of St. Louis. At the moment when the cure was about of its success, and he said this as one who had no little to give the nuptial benediction to a young couple, he was experience in undertakings of the same nature. In the obliged to suspend the ceremony, the mayor of the ar next place, it was very necessary to be explicit, not only rondissement having just obtained proof that the be es to what they intended to do, but what they intended trothed were both of the feminine gender !—Figaro. not to do, that the public might not be drawn to a wrong ALARMING FIRE AT MANCIIESTER.—Sunday conclusion. It unfortunately happened that there were morning, about 4 o'clock, the valuable and extensive pre very opposite opinions on the question of currency ; some mises, occupied by Messrs. Gale and Mayor, dyers, cal were for all gold, others were for all paper. But the lenderers, and finishers of muslin, calicoes, &c. situate promoters of this undertaking must not be supposed to in Back Poolfold—the most ancient and valuable part enroll themselves with either party. In the attempt to of the town—surrounded by very valuable indigo, silk, render useful the operation of that great discovery of mo- and new fancy and figured muslin and gingham ware dern commerce—the circulation of paper—which to a houses and manufactories, were discovered to be on fire. certain extent is indispensable, and within certain limits These premises are situate within 150 yards of the Town is beneficial to commercial intercourse, great care should Hall. The conductor of the fire engines, the deputy, be taken, not only against abusing, but of being sup- and other constables, together with the police, were soon posed to contemplate the abuse of a good principle, as he upon the spot. The Water Works Company's servants was convinced that more mischief arose from the abuse were also soon in attendance ; the fire plug in Marsden of a good principle, than from the mere operation of a street, supplying a tolerable quantity of water, which bad one. On the question of issues, the great mischief was very judiciously employed—saving that valuable Inn of the present system of country banking is the want of and Tavern, known by the name of the Gibraltar Tavern, connexion, and conscious dependence on the great focus and the valuable and extensive buildings contiguous. of foreign exchanges, from whence arose imprudent ex- Had there been a strong wind, the consequences would pensions and contractions of the currency, the existence have been much more serious, the streets being particu of which was not even known to the bankers until the larly narrow. By the uncommon exertions of several of pressure and revulsion which they produced made them the neighbours—much to their credit—the progress of acquainted with the fact. It should not therefore for a the flames was confined to the premises of the occupiers. moment go abroad, that they made themselves par- Many dyers, finishers, &c. will, by this calamitous event, ties to producing an expansion of the currency, fur- he totally unemployed for a time. Every man, on this ther than the prudence which men of business would' alarming occasion, " did his duty." By seven o'clock, dictate. Next, as to the present banks. There the fames Were thoroughly arrested; but the valuable ought to be no misapprehension of their views.— goods and the buildings are totally destroyed.—Our cor- Their pro ceeding a arose from no distrust or jealousy respondent adds that business in Manchester is tolerable, of the of England. If that were the case, he but prices are very much too low. THE WALL FLOWER. What fragrance in that simple flower, It needs no Gardener's rare. Majestic stands on wall and tower. And breathes the purest air ! On sacred walls delights to creep, To waft its sweet perfume, Where silent sadness seems to weep The sorrows of the tomb ! And there unheeded droops its head, To wither and decay; But when stern winter's blasts are fled, Buds forth and blooms in May ! Great !:Itllinrougli-sireet. M. POTTER. LAW INTELLIGENCE. COURT OF EXCHEQUER, MAY 31. LEWIS'S TOPOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARY. LEWIS AND OTHERS Y. PARKINS. The Plaintiffs in this case are the Proprietors and Pub lishers of a work called Lewis's Topographical Diction ary. The Defendant was employed by them for the purpose of collecting subscriptions for that work. By an agreement entered into between the parties the Defend ant was to receive 10s. for every large copy he sold, and 7s. for the smaller ones. A formula was for this purpose printed, in order that subscribers might insert their names therein. Several of these were given to the Defendant, who had obtained a great number of subscribers. At the latter end of the last year there was a balance due to the defendant from the plaintiffs of 311. 3d. at which period an action was tried against the defendant in the Sheriff's Court, where a verdict passed against him ; the plaintiffs were bail for him, and paid his costs, to the ' amount of 311. Is. 6d. being Is. 3d. more than was his due. The defendant refused to give up his book con taining the names of the subscribers, notwithstanding a written notice was served upon him by the plaintiffs for that purpose. And the present action of trover was brought to recover possession of them. The defendant pleaded the general issue. Since the delivery of the no tice, the defendant had been calling on the subscribers, soliciting them to subscribe ss. each towards defending any action which might be brought against any person who refused to take the work, representing the work to ithem as a mere take-in. The witness called proved these facts. Mr. RICHARDS, on the part of the defendant, made a preliminary objection to the form of the action, observing, that he considered it ought to have been an action on the case, as there was no proof that the books in the posses sion of the defendant were the plaintiff's property. The LORD CIIIEF BARON overruled this objection, observing that be thought Mr. Richards had better address the jury. Mr. RICHARDS then addressed the jury for the defendant. He should prove that his client had a lien on the books for the amount of commission on sub scriptions obtained at Oxford, and also that there' was a sum of 361. 6s. due to the defendant for extra payments on the London subscriptions ; the de fendant had rendered an account of this to the plaintiffs, which they did not deny. The learned counsel then l called Mr. Ewins, a certificated conveyancer, who proved, that he bad shown a copy of the account to Mr. Lewis,' who referred him to his solicitor. ________ Mr. Jea.vts replied. The LORD CHIEF BARON summed up, and the jury found a verdict for the plaintiff.—Damages 5001. subject to be reduced to Is. on the delivery of the books. OLD BAILEY SESSIONS, May 31. OLD COURT. John King was indicted for stealing in the dwelling house of John Kingston, a brooch, a gold ring, and several articles of wearing apparel, the property of Mary Ann Kingston. Mrs. Mary Ann Kingston stated that she is a widow, and that her husband kept the Cock public-house at Hol loway. The prisoner slept at her house on the night of the 17th of May, and, taking a bundle away with him the next morning, her suspicions became aroused, and she insisted on examining its contents. The prisoner for some time objected to this, but finding that she would not suffer him to leave on any other condition, he at length reluctantly consented, and in the bundle she found the various articles mentioned in the indictment, which had been taken from the drawers in her bed room, to which the prisoner had gained access, by means of skeleton keys. He was then given into custody, and on him were found forty-six skeleton-keys, of all sixes and de scriptions.—The prisoner made no defence, and was found Guilty. Charles Callent, aged 27, and Ann Callent, his wife, were capitally indicted for having traitorously and felo niously coined and counterfeited 12 sixpences, to re semble the current coin of the realm. Mr. SCARLETT (with whom was Mr. ELLIS) stated the case on behalf of the Mint. He observed that the crime with which the prisoners stood charged was one of a most serious nature, and one which, contrary to the rule applicable in ordinary cases of felony, rendered a married woman liable to all the pains and penalties annexed to such an offence, notwithstanding she might have acted under the direction of her husband. In the reign of one of our earlier kings, this offence was made high treason, and consequently punished with death ; but it would be going too far to say that the rigour of the law would be put in force in the present instance. Mr. C. PHILLIPS, on behalf of the prisoners, said he must object to this line of observation on the part of his Learned Friend. His Learned Friend had no right what ever to refer to what might or might not be the punishment inflicted in'the present case. The prisoners were charged with a capital offence, for which many convicts had been dragged on a hurdle to expiate their guilt on the gallows. The punishment which the law annexed to the crime was death, and counsel, therefore, had no right to comment on what his Majesty might, or might not, in his moat gracious mercy, do in the case of these prisoners. Mr. Justice Li TTLED ALE admitted the propriety of Mr. Phillips's interposition, and declared that the counsel for the prosecution ought to have left the question of punishment out of view entirely. Mr. SCARLETT observed that he was bound to submit to the decision of the Learned Judge. After detailing the facts of the case, the Learned Counsel proceeded to comment upon the probable fine of defence which might be set up on the part of the prisoners. Mr. C. PIIILLIPB again interposed—Counsel for the prosecution ought to confine himself to stating the facts, without hazarding comments upon the defence of the prisoners. Mr. Justice LITTLEDALz—Mr. Scarlett, you have no right whatever to anticipate the defence of the prisoners. You may argue on the law as long as you please, but that is all you have a right to do. Mr. SCARLETT then proceeded to observe upon the statute of William 111. and, in doing so, introduced some comments upon the part taken in the transaction by the male prisoner, against whom the evidence was not complete without inferring his participation in the offence from his connection with the female. Mr. C. PIIILLIPS—My Lord I must again object to these observations. I should have done so long before, but I wished to chew my Learned Friend every possible courtesy. Mr. Justice LITTLEDALE, who had consulted with Mr. Baron Vaughan, said that Mr. Scarlett had, all through his opening, mistaken the line of conduct which should have been adopted by Counsel for the prosecution. Such a course could not possibly be permitted. Mr. C. PHILLIPS—I must say that I never heard such an opening in a Court of Justice in my life : and if this line of observation be persisted in I shall certainly throw up my brief, and leave the prisoners in the hands of the Court, unless, indeed, I be allowed a reply. Mr. Justice L!TTLED.%LE—Tbe Court cannot permit Mr. Scarlett to pursue this line of observation may reason upon the effect of the Act of Parliament. any question that may arise out of it ; but he niubt observe upon either effect of the evidence, or the fl of the defence that may be offered by the prisoners Mr. C. PHILLIPS—My Lord, I have not the alighte,l objection to let my Learned Friend see my brief if 1,._ thinks proper. Mr. SCA RLETT sat down, merely remarking that 1„, should say no more, but proceed at once to examine CI, witnesses in support of the charge. Benjamin Phillips, a police constable of divisi,n, letter G. was called into the witness box. Mr. ELLls—Witness, now tell your own tale, with Hi. requiring me to question you. Mr. C. Pliumrs—My Lord, I must protest agai!i, , this mode of examination. Mr. Justice LITTLEDALE—SO must I; and 1 flu.. request Mr. Ellis to pursue the ordinary course. k sometimes happens that magistrates neglect to furnish ,1 judge with depositions, and then the latter is obliged I.) let the witnesses tell their own tale ; but this is neve allowed when counsel are concerned. Mr. aids then proceeded to examine the while,. who stated that on the 24th of April, in consequence ut information, he and three other constables went into the house, 13, Northampton-street, Clerkenwell, and tliro ug i i a crevice of the door on the second floor saw male prisoner sitting at a table examining some peaces. Witness then burst the door open, and rusk ing into the room secured the prisoners. On exaniiion. the fire-place, witness discovered an old saucepan. in which there was metal in a fluid state. He also fowl.' an iron pot containing pieces of metal and a quantity plaster of Paris, also a mould for sixpences. Cross-examined by Mr. C. Pin t. 1.1 PS —The si th... produced would not impose on witness ; he would be ye:- sorry to take such a coin. Mr. Justice LITT LEDA LE—.Why so? Witness._ Because it is rough and unfinished, my lord. Mr. C. Pitt wrs—Would you take such a sixpen, from your superintendent as part of your salary or pay Witness—No, I certainly would not. Mr. Justice Lyrr LEDA Li—Suppose a person paid yin four or five shillings, which you examined in the way, and that this sixpence was among them, would yo.l take it ? Witness. I would, my lord. Air. C. PitiLLl es—What ! if you were to exult!) it ? Witness—Oh, if I were to examine it, I would not take it, but I might take it casually. Two other police constables were examined to the sain, facts, and corroborated the evidence of the other wit nesses. Mr. Field, of the Mint, proved that he had examti., two counterfeit sixpences, and a bruken mould, and fodtio them to correspond exactly. The sixpences now pro duced and the mould do not at all correspond. Mr. Baron VA L'GH AN—Mr. Scarlett, you have ',f leeted the wrong sixpences. Mr. C. PHILLIPS (laughing)—Yes, my Lord, that the case. Mr. Powell, the Mint solicitor, here handed the two sixpences to the witness, who at once declared them to correspond with the mould. These six pences were in an unfinished state, and he had no doubt that they were formed by the mould produced. They would be rejected at once upon the most cursory ob servation. Mr. Justice LITTLEDALE here stopped the case, ob serving that the pieces produced evidently did not bear such a resemblance to the current coin of the realm as to impose on any of his Majesty's subjects, and therefore, as the law stood, an acquittal must take place. The Jury accordingly acquitted the prisoners. POLICE INTELLIGENCE. -...._ MA RLBOROUG H-STRE ET. Auttiro Roan:MN—As the magistrates were about to retire, at a quarter past three yesterday, two chimney-sweeps, named Chas. Tahoe and James Neale, were placed at the bar, charged with having stolen a quantity of plate, the property of George Watson Taylor, Esq. M. P. It appeared that at about a quarter to four yesterday morning, two sweeps knocked at the door of the mansion, No. 1, Grafton ' street, Bond-street, and said they had come to sweep a chimney. The porter immediately got up and let them in, and having rang the bell for the servants, returned to his bed. The sweeps went down stairs, and were heard of no more until it was discovered that the plate, consisting of six table spoons, nine dessert spoons, eight forks, two cruets, two salts, one ladle, and other articles, had been stolen, together with an ivory case of silver mathematical instru ments. Sir 0. Faustarrr asked if the servants got up ? The poster replied that one did, but went to bed, and did not come down until half past seven—(This is accounted for by do porter's not having spoken to the servant, and her thinking it was a mistake.) Sir OZOROZ said, it appeared a case of great negligence on the part of the porter, to let two strangers have the run of the house, without looking after them. The porter explained, that no sweeps had been ordered ; and as to how they had got out he did not know. He was sure they had never passed him. Mrs. Dooally, the chimney-sweeper to the family, informed the Magistrate that she bad not sent the parties, as she had no orders to that effect, and the chimneys had been swept only last Saturday morning. The prisoner Neale was in her service, and did not leave her house yesterday morning till half.past four. In answer to a question from Sir OEORGE, the porter said he thought Talbot was one of the men, but he could not undertake to swear that he was. Talbot, who had thrown off his sooty habiliments, declared that he had not worn a sweep's dress since the annual feast, and he never wore any thing since but what be had on (the costume of a cotter. mo Two ) witnesses came forward on behalf of Talbot, and swore that he was in bed at the time of the robbery. Sir G. FATIMANT said the prisoners must undertake to be forth. coming if "wanted," and upon this undertaking they were dn. charged. This robbery is somewhat similar to one practised upon the Tra. yellers' Clubhouse a short time since. On the 23d ult. the lady of I. Levy, Esq. of Streatham-hill, Sur rey, of s son—On Friday, the 28th ult. at Fairfield, in the county of Somerset, the lady of P. P. Aeland, Esq. of a daughter—On the 30th ult. in Bedford-street, Covent-garden, Mrs. E. S. Meyer, of a son, still-born—On Friday, the 28th ult. Mrs. T. Bop, of Pall-mall, of a son—At Brixton-place, Brixton, on Saturday, the 29th ult. the lady of C. L. Newton, Esq. of a daughter—On the Slat ult. at Friar -place, near Acton, the lady of C. 11. Curtin, Esq. of a daughter—On the 28th ult. at Islip-house, Northamptonahire. the lady of the late Rev. A. Belcher, of a son. MARRIED. On the 29th ult. at St. Pancras New Church, Mr. H. Coveter, to Miss Harriot Bridger, eldest daughter of Mr. J. Bridgcr, of the Bedford Arms Tavern, Charlotte -street, Bedford4quare. DIED. On the 28th ult. at Costessy-hall, the seat of her son-in-law, the Right Hon. Lord Stafford, in the 83d year of her age, Mrs. Sul yard, relict to the late E. Sulyard, Esq. of Haughley-park, in the county-of Suffolk.—On Thursday. the 27th ult. at the Warden's Merton College, Oxford, Mrs. Dewer, relict of Major-General Dever, of Oilstone, Fifeshire.—On liaarday last, suddenly, at his home in Portman-place, Edgware-road, J. B•s, Esq. in the Nth year of his age.—On the 29th ult. at his residence at Etat Acton. P. A. Ouvry, En. late of the ordnance oflice.—On the 29th u lt. at Clapham-rise, P. L. Border, Esq. of Brussels—On the 28th ult. at Camberwell, after alongand painful illness, Mr. H.Willoughby. aged 18—On the 28th ult i mo, at his residence Cloudesly.terrart, Islington, H. Fox, Esq. late of Dements, aged 54—On the 29th ult. Martha, the wife of J. French, Esq of anstesd, Essex, sled 81.—At Paris, on the Bth ult. Mrs. Marianna Churchill, relict of the late H. Machin, Esq. I la , W ATZR at LONDON-511111GS TO.MOK MOM. Morning 16 asioato after 11 • A tearoom 40 atineee• after 11 • : Paned sod Published by Jou' Nevin, at she Dna °sews No.l, Plekesuplase,Testyle Bar.