The British Press; or, Morning Literary Advertiser. — London, England, 1825-12-22 00:00:00

mans set which is to hand down the frame'', memory to an adoring and raters' Posterity, is the handy work of a legislature which down to the year 1806 allowed an set to exist which punished the murder, the aggravated, cruel, cold-blooded, and malicious murder of any hem by a white man. With what ? What do you think ? Beath ? Ne. Banishment ? No. Imprisonment ? No ; but v. eh a line of lel. sterling ! (Hear ! hear !) That act is indeed r pea!ee. and a new law substituted, and what is the purport of the new and amended law ? It is this: if a white murders a black malisiousle or without provocation (mask provocation !) the murder is to be considered a capital offence . Good ! But what in the esti. matlot of the Barbadian authorities is provocation ? Wherein does it menu ? thing is provocation if a man pleases NO to coostrue is Lifting up a finger thus is provocation. Looking with a eonternptuons expression is provocation, if you like. And it there be provocation, say the legislators, why that titers the offence, and the negro is left at the mercy of the former act, anti a fine of 131. sterling. (Hear, hear. hen.) But to retton to the new improved and most merciful Act, which is to cane down the names of its framers to posterity, what says it on the subiect of maiming? Any person mutilating or maiming a negro show may be punished. flow ? By fine and Imprisonment, sr either, as the Court shall think proper! No specific imprison. ssent—.no maximum of fl to la mentioned—lt may be a week or a shilling, as the ('ours shall determine. This is the law for the white man. The slave, indeed, is differently treated. What says , the Act on the subject of mutiny or rebellion—this, any slave' hewing any other slave make use o f any words tending to mutiny or rebelliun, or knowing of any negro possessing gun powder or tire arms, and nut instantly disclosing it, we shall presently see what is done to him. That slave who hews another jalk entein wortle, and who does not immediately make up his mind whether or not these words are mutinous and tebellious in his own npinion—nay, tuore—whether they will be construed mutinous and reselhous by the white inns ; that unhappy negro, who cannot out of hand and in an instant discover, by an intuitive sagacity, what tee whet judge or white jury will opine to be mutiny and rebel. lien—who cannot divine at once the thoughts passing in his master's voted on the subject—what is to be his punish. meet ? Perhaps you suppose he undergoes the punishment his master doe+ for bruising or mutilating him. Oh, no— mottling of the kind if be does not divine the whole opinion 011 the score of mutiny. end instantly disclose what he has beard s he is to suffer death. (Cheers, and cries of "Hear, hear.") Death without benefit of clergy. or such other punishment as the Court may tit. is fit to appoint; making the transaction, in fact, a capital felony. (Hear, hear.) It is needless to go further through the benign provisions of this humane Act, which is to secure for its framers C c tenteenbrance of mankind. It is at least satin. faatory to add, that it did not receive. the thanks of the Govern. Larne. but excited the strong reprobation, as well it might, of the , 1 Preside- t of the is'ettd, who. far Prom sharing in the gratitude to ' be felt by posteriry (a laugh), for its makers. expressed his de. tided woe ilicarion at its tenour, and his inability to recommend it to the sanction and approval of the Crown (Hear.) The sods chosen beta public functionary on each an occasion might be expected to be me derat e and measured : they were to the effect—that" he viewed rot with ut CU prise and mortification—an Act which, he regretted to say, he was not able to advise the Government to approve, be cause it was caaable of being rendered so injurious to the interests of the sire population, without conferring any adequate benefit in regent far the mischief it was likely to inflict." Io fact, he tl.uulbt it likely to do more harm than good to the negro, and well lie Might. Whit is to be thought of a provision to the efleet that if a site shall be discovered swearing, or riding in a faster gait than it ear:, or at most a gentle trot, or negligently drivieg a cart or carnave. or in tact guilty of any disorderly act (and what may not be • r' -orderly act, in the estimation of a white judge, when a eegto is the actor ?) in conviction of the same he is liable to be a n enced to receive nine-snd-thirty stripes ! So that fur going 11 teeter gait than a justice may think right—for disorderly con. dust, anything the Justice may not think " quite correct"—for swearing an (nth, an offence for which a white man is fined one shilling and discharged—the poor negro is to receive on his back nine-and-thirty stripes! (lieu, hear.) That it may indeed be necessary that slaves, as long as they continue slaves, should be treated differently from other men, 1 admit ; but is it not the natural conclusion that we should lose not one hour longer in taking suet effectual steps as are likely to lead to the total, speedy, and entire abolition of slavery. (Immense applause.) Let the abolition be gradual, but its commencement immediate. (Hear.) The Honourable Gentleman then proceeded to say it was, in his opinion, high time to begin those preparatory measures, without which emancipation would be dreadful and dangerous in the ex. treme. That duty bad been too long neglected by the country, and it ever would continue to be r.eglecteil by the colonists, till the voice of this country was heard loud enough to compel them to adopt measures which then, and not till then, would be taken. There was now the authority of Lord Bathurst as well as of the Governor of Trinidad in proof of the statement that the order of Council was suggested by %Vest Indians then in London : be meant by persona connected with the West India islands; anti he must add, that nothing could be more Injurious titan to mix tep the opinion of those parsecs with any system devised for the amelioration of theatres population. In conclusion, he expressed his confidence that the friends of the African race, and he would add the friends of the true interests of the country,—for the interests of the couatry was identified with the cause of hit menhy—would go leeward calmly but firmly, tqmperately but stesdity, until the great object in view had been effected. In this prayer he sincerely joined with his lion. Friend (the Chairman), and trusted that the example now held forth would be followed through the country, sanctioned by Parliament, and ultimately produce those effects which ought to have been anticipated long since • but whit:kits/ft strongly called for by the public voice, would, be really believed, be deferred for another quarter of a cen tury. Mr. F. Buxtrox thought it must be matter of surprise to all pre sent, that amongst the many individuals of great talent and high character who appeared on the platform, so humble an individual as be should venture to conic forward and move a resolution. No map's astonishment on this occasion exceeded his own, for • few slays ago, when he and his friend Mr. Alacauley were employed In streaming the proceedings of the meeting, lie did not think it would hurt fallen to his lot to be intrusted with any resolution. He ex pected to have enjoyed the gratification of being a sileat spectator ; but it was not so ordained, and lee now found that all the resolu. t ors had been intrusted to him. lie would not affect any faint bortedoesempon such an occasion, for he was happy to say that etc cause which the meeting assembled to support had made a great progress, and theta change had been effected which he doubted out would lad to the hnal downfall of slavery. The change to with lie alluded was not a change in the views or conduct of these wit. It whom he had the honour of acting—trey hated slavery now es they had ever hated it, but the change was in the public mind. (Hear, hear.) The true condition of the slave population way at length coming to light, and, when once the public at large knew what that abominable system was, and what was paid to up. Told it, so sure that abominable system would perish. It was olten disheartening to the triends of the slave to observe the set. tied incredulity with which statements respecting the condition of the West India slaves were received, and especially in the House cat Commons. He did not wonder that statenients of such an ex traordinary character were received with caution. It was scarcely matter fur surprise that gentlemen of honourable character and hu. mane feelings, when unacquainted with the West Indies, should disbelieve that such enormities were practised in any part of the British dominions. But none could now plead ignorance. Those with whom he acted were formerly obliged to recur to the testimony of individuals averse to the traffic in slaves ; but now they din. carded the services of persons who concurred with them, anti de. Fended entirely upon West India testimony. Upon the testimony if the planters themselves, it was demonstrated that the system was worse than even it bad been represented by its bitterest ere. hies. To mention one instance as an illustration :—When it was stated in the House of Commons that the cat-whip was the only stimulant to labour and exertion made use of with the West India slaves, the statement was declared to be not only false, but iierobable. Gentlemen of honour, and some of them not altoge. thee unacquainted with the West Indies, rose to express their tape:ion to its incorrectnew. Some Honourable Gentlemen said that they had actually resided in the West Indies, and had never seen the cart-whip, nor heard the music of its belt, and that the statement made by his (Mr. F. Buxton's) mends was all invention. Other Honourable Gentlemen said it was true that on some estates, and those not the very best managed, the overseer sometimes flung • cart whip round his ▪ iaulde-a whilst the negroes worked, but " God bless you! " (said te stie Honourable Gentlemen) "surely you are not foolish enough so belies. dust the cart.whip is applied to the backs of the negroes; it Is only used as an emblem of authority, for awing and not for slogging." Such were mite arguments with which this statement Was met; but now, when the p lanters were called upon by authority to abolish the use of the cart-whip, their reply was that the Vitt whip and the slave tusk were inseparable. ' 'fake away the cart. whip," said they, " and you destroy our property. If you destroy our property we expect compensation, and the compensation we *hall be satisfies! with for that ornament is one hundred and forty millions I " (Cheers.) Ile (Mr. Buxton) had always thought these was no feature more horrible in the system of slave traffic than the manner in which it caused husbands to be separated from their wives and parents from their children. This he felt was crushing the dearest ties that bind man to life. When the cruelty of this :practice was stated, ft was said to be a foul lie. No such practice, it was said, existed. Ile bad seen this boldly asserted in one of the West India newspapers, and in the very same paper he read an advertisement to the following effect : " Air. I. Paynel begs to inform his friends and the public, that lie has for sale Horses, Carriages, and Negroes." And to this was added, with a N.B. that he hut " a nice assort ment of boys and girls, " which he invited his customers to inspect ! lt a omfirmation were wanted as to the existence ofthc cruel prac tice of sem:testing relatives, it may be found in the report of Dlr. ii eons, in which an instance was related where Ale. Padmore (a planter) being about to dispose of his estate, two young negroes Push re) threw themselves at his feet, anti implored hint that the might not be separated. All. Padmore, it was stated, very much to his nein, could. not resist the forcible appeal, but granted their request at a sacrifice of 401. But he might have resisted this fore ode appeal, and there could be no doubt that the feeling entreaties a: relations not to be separated was but too often unattended to. He now came to the main question—the condition of the negroes. As Is. Hon. Friend (Sir J. Macintosh) observed, they were re presented to sport arid frisk about in the highest possible state of enjoyment ; and it was said that the peasantry of England. although tolerably comfortable, liad much reason to complain, when their physical state was contrasted with dist of the negro slaves in the West ladies. It was broadly hinted that a Briton and a freeman, ir he desired enjoyment, would improve his condition by being transformed into a negro slave. The returns of the Fiscal of Be-e -h:cc, sunned by older of the House of Commons, opened the door of the negroes but, and allowed the British public to judge of wba. was passing there. From the statements made it might be supposed that the negro enjoyed a great degree of comfort—that his table was crowned with plenty ; and, if he was offender( or injured, that he had an impartial magistrate, to whom he might resort for redress. But the returns of the Fiscal of Berbice, who was hinteelf a planter, would prevent the repetition of any such statements. These returns were full of all abominations. Ile did nut believe that in the worst days of the Inquisition pitch cruelties had been perpetrated. Men, women, and even children, were (legged and inhumanly lacerated, upon the slightest provocation, or without any provocation. Aod when an injury had been Inflicted on the negro, to whom must he apply ? To the °veneer, whose practice was, when the negro complained of sickness, to give hint flogging fur physic: and when he complained of hunger, to give hint flog. png for flood. (Cheers.) It appeared to be eonsidered a much greater crime for the negro to vent his complaints, than fur the white man to commit a crime; and nothieg could exceed the ten. derness of the magistrate for the white man but his severity to the unfortunate black. In one instance an overseer stole the food of the negroes, and fur this crime he was dismissed. On another oc. -caston, when a black man complained that a white man endeavoured to force him to give up his youthful daughters, the magistrates lec tured the white men upon his info:Within, and flogged the negro for complaining without a cause. These were a few of the numberless instances to be found in the Fiecel'sreturns. This was the system the Lmeeting bad assembled to reprobate. Such was the cause they were called on to support. For his part he would never desert that cause nor cease so cry out against that system of abomination. (Cheers.) He would not impose upon the meeting by expatiating longer on it, but would content himself by congratulating it on the advances slimly made, and he trusted the English public would never desist, until the gradual abolition of slavery was eflected. The subject was to be intruduccd into the House of Commons early in the next Session of Parliament, by an Hon. Friend of his. than whom no man could be better qualified. In the mean time he would say to all thaw who were friendly to the emancipation of the negroes, we have a great and important duty to fulfil, and let us perform it manfully. The Hon. Gentleman concluded by moving the use tulle ns (for which see advertisement). Mr. DLIINAN rose to second the Resolutions. He said, he was at a loss to conceive how his Honourable Friend, who had just sat down, could have expected to be exempted from taking a premi nine part in moving those resolutions, for which the meeting was Indebted to him. (Hear, hear.) It was more surprising that he 1 (Mr. Denman) should be called upon to second those resolutions; but he obeyed the call willingly, for lie was most happy to lend all the aid in his power to a cause which ought to excite interest in the mind of every Englishman. With regard to the resolutions of the Home of Commons on the subject of colonial slavery, it was an experiment which had completely failed. It was necessary, tot only to revert to the spirit in which those resolutions were passed, but to the sense in which they were received, and there could be no hesitation in coming to the conclusion that the experiment had failed. It was absolutely necessary, therefore, to consider whe ther new measures should not now be resorted to. to prevent the object of the House of Commons from being defeated. The planters of Trinidad said all theories were subject to the test of experiment, and that the experiment now was. whether the negro cobld be raised in the scale of society without injuring his produc. five value. If such was the experiment, and that it had failed, it was the duty of England to repeat such experiments until the ne groes should be raised to a higher grade. The negroes were not eligible to appear as witnesses, they were excluded from appearing as witnesses, as if that eras a privilege to any man, and not a duty. He did not see the policy of such an exclusion, unless it was in. tended, by shutting out truth, to prevent the punishment of crimes and the redress of wrongs. With what feeling must that miserable husband have returned to his but whose dark complexioned wife had been cruelly outraged and injured, but who could get no re. dress because his evidence would not be accepted ? Perhaps the le. gislature thought it was into' sistent the a slave to appear with the words of truth on his lips. It was not unreasonable to think that a slave could not act under the irtmulse of conscience or the fear of God. In this country all spoke of the trial by Jury with admire tion, for all partook directly or indirectly of its benefits. But the unfortunate negro slave had no such safeguard. He was not tried by a Jury of his Peers, but by a Jury of his oppressors. No in dictment was preferred against him, so that the charge may be shifted as malice suggested. No bill was sent before a Grand Jury ; no record was kept of the proceedings, but execution followed the decision of that anomalous jurisdiction. When the Court imposed sentence of death them was no appeal for the slave, but his master could appeal, and if wrong had been done, lie received 1001. from the public funds. Ile asked could such a system be endured ? or should Englishmen consent to support it by premiums and boun ties ? IWhen first the great leader, the Nestor in this cause, brought forward instances of the cruelties and oppressions practised upon the colonial slaves, it was complained that he was wounding the ears of those who heard him by describing rate instances. But those statements must now be heard. The state of our West India colonies was one half of the business of Parliament. One year his Honourable Friend Mr. Buxton moved a series of resolutions, to which the resolutions already adverted to were moved by Mr. Canning as an amendment. The next yes; his Honourable Friend (Mr. Brougham) brought forward his memorable motion upon the occurrence at Demerara. At first those occurrences were attempted to be justified; but when the public feeling had fair play —or as much fair play as It could have, tepresented as it was n the House of Commons—the tone was altered, and it was said that Government had taken the matter into its own hands. The Honourable Gentleman next adverted to the destruction of the Methodist chapel at Barbadoes. He understood that the anniver eery of that disgraceful occurrence was kept in the island as a les. tient. A missionary was driven by brute force from his congrega tion. and the house of God destroyed—not by a low barbarous rabble, but by the highest and most cultivated classes in the island. He would ask, was reform to be expected from such persons? There could be no doubt that Mr. Canning anti Lord Bathurst were much disappointed at the erect of the Resolutions of the House of Commons; but the question now was, how long we should' go on sanctioning enoemitiee by sanctioning that system which had given them birth ? There was only one expression which fell from his Honourable Friend (Sir J. Mackintosh) with which he did nut fully coincide. His Honourable Friend had talked of the gradual and slow abolition of slavery. He (Mr. Denman) wished for the gradual but not the slow abolition of slavery ; and he had no doubt that it would at length be effected. We should think on the misc. ties of those whom we had forced from their country. We owed a' heavy debt to Africa—a debt wit ch must be paid, and which ' would be paid, if the feeling of the country was decidedly and energetically expressed. In truth, slavery and leer were hicom- ' patible—it was impossible for master and slave to exist amicably.l No rash impatience had been manifested in this country ; no idle , clamour was heard from the wretched objects they were endeavour ing to emancipate; but the slave population should be told that, they had friends at home—friends in the Government—friends In, every corner of the kingdom—and that not an individual dared to come before the British public and declare himself' their enemy. (Cheers.) Ile saw around him, on the right and the left, the vete. tans of the cause. He trusted their example would animate its more youthful advocates. Having lived longer than some of those to whom he alluded, he would venture to tell them that it was a cause which conferred honour on its champions—a cause, by per severing in the support of which they would forward the best inte rests of their country, and each secure his own happiness by ob lathing the approbation of his own conscience.—The Honourable Gentleman concluded by seconding the Resolutions, which were put and carried nem. eon. Mr. Jotter JOSErit GURNEY (one of the Society of Friends) then rose to submit to the meeting the petition proposed to be presented to Parliament, in accordance with the resolutions just agreed to. Ile said he felt no doubt that the petition would meet the cordial approbation of the meeting, as well as the resolutions upon which it was founded. The friends of the cause had solid grounds for encouragemeth, for he felt assured that Ptovidence had interposed to prosper the good work. The House of Commons had now recognised the principle of emancipation. Tine resolu tions of the House of Commons were the charter of amelioration and emancipation to the slaves ; and without emancipation he was convinced there could be no reel amelioration. (Hear, hear.) It would be well to afford the slaves the benefit of religious instruc tion, and to abolish the use of the cart-whip ; but this would not sufficient unless a prospect of freedom was held out. It would effect much good if it was declared, that even et the end of twenty years all negro(' born should be free. We were all interested in this question—we all gave encouragement to the erten,. Every in. dividual who consumed a pound of sugar encouraged the system. He did not mean to say that it was the duty of individuals to give up Wen India produce, but it assuredly was the duty of every Christian to oppose a system of enormity and oppression. Mr. CHAMBEns said he was much astonished when the paper he held was placed In his hand ; but he would never shrink from con tributing, in any way, to the promotion of the object fur which they were contending. Ile wished it was in the power of the Chairman, as it had beet. in his, to have seen a man who had quitted this country and gone to India fifty years ago, and who had brought an action of trover to recover a slave, defeated in that action ; and in that instance that principle was recognised, that whoever trod British soil was free, and where the British flag was unfurled there was protection for a Briti.b subject. Could it be endured that an action of trover should be brought where British law extended to recover a slave like goods and chattel.? A slave, when he landed in this country, became free ; anti if he walked the deck of a British ship he beesnie, by a solemn decision, as free as if he trod the soil of Britain. He would not detain them with further observations; he felt himself in the position of the poor shoemaker, who, on seeing the bust which the statuary exhibited for public view. observed, that the statuary was entirely ignorant how to make a shoe. He would merely move the Resolution which he held in his hand. Ile could not sit down without adverting to one point. lie wished that the ministers of religion would exert then). selves to forward the object of the Society. It should be made • matter of conscience by those who hail influence to enforce the prin. eiple. Dr. Ixaaiwo'rox regretted that unavoidable engagements had detained him till such a late period of their proceeding , ' He as. cured the meeting that no engagement could be more congenial to his heart than that which then occupied their attention ; whenever any interesting subject was to be discussed, he always wished to be present, and to bear his bumble but zealous part. He thought it most necessary that the people of England should be made ac. qusinted with the state and condition of slaves in our colonies at this period ; he thought it essential that the voice of the people should cheer and animate them in their efforts for the abolition of slavery. Parliament had at length interfered, and by its resolution of May 11823, had proclaimed its repentance; it could only be by the ludifference of that house that the system could have so long existed ; true it was that the friends of humanity had fur years, days, anti hours, urged their arguments for the amelioration cf the slaves. Parliament had st length demonstrated the truth and jus lice of those their claims, but kill they should not depend ou a re. Rflution of Parliament, or on Government : they should appeal tp public opinion and to public support ; they had great difficulties to contend with, and powerful opposition to combat; their 'dyer males had great influeree, and were actuated by self interest Riper severe ; there were fifty or sixty Members In the house of Commons who haul an interest to oppose them, and to sup port a system of slavery. Private interest very often in. diced meet to favour pernicious prejudices and ignorant feelings. There were persons opposed to those measures (to ameliorate the condition of the slaves) who possessed large funds to bribe the public press to advocate their interested views; it was, therefore, requisite that great exertions should be made, and that meetings, stmilar to the present, should be held through. out the country ; those who had exposed the muelties practised on the 'laves in the Colonies had been called libellers, they had been told there was no foundation for the statements they had made ; but out of their own mouth, would be refute them, out of their own records would he convict them ; they had made those men actions until he had had the good fortune to tear away the sell. The mind of man was no where more open to justice than In this country—no when did Wings of humanity grow in greater exit. beranee, There he would take his stand; he would not argue the questio6 on general principles, he knew that wherever slavery pre •ailed, cruelty was practised. It was never given to man to treat his fellow creature with cruelty and injustice: this system of sla very brought into action the dental ity of every passion that could degrade the nature of man. He was aware that he might be tree passing, at that late hour, on the patience of the meeting ; he would only assure them that by every tie which could bind him to society, by every consideration which influenced him, he would never relax in his efforts to obtain what was his object—the abolition of slavery. He knew that slavery was incompatible with an equal distribution of law, but when you once give the slave liberty to appear as a witness in a Court of Justice against his mmter, you destroy slavery altogether. slavery and justice could never co. exist. It could rot be said, so far shall I go in wickedness and no farther. He despaired of the amelioration of the slaves.-- .%Vbile slavery existed there could be no happiness for slaves. If the money that was lavished on foreign conquest was appropriated to ameliorate the condition of the slaves in our colonies; if they were as dear to Government as the possession of a few insignifi cant islands in the West Indies—if he could root out the spirit of ambition-1f he could destroy the thirst for the acquisition of wealth and gain, or if the expense the country had been at to cap ture St. Domingo, had been devoted to the object of the present meeting. he might entertain some hopes of amelioration in the con dltlon of those wretched beings. Their exertions should ha corn mensurate with the justice of the cause, that cause he would intrust to the care of his Royal Highness the Duke of Gloucester, in the House of Lords. He said, they should never forget the zeal his Royal Highness had shown in the cause ; he had embarked his heart In it, and was worthy of their eternal thanks. The petition to the House of Commons he wished consigned to Mr. Buxton, as the distinguished gentleman In the Chair was no longer able to engage in public lite; if he was able to continue his exertions he would not have committed ii to any other hands. The Hon. and Learned Gentleman then eulogised the virtues of Mr. Buxton and his exertions in the cause of humanity. Mr. Caoreen argued that slavery was productive of great mis chief, that it checked agriculture, and was injurious to the cause of religion. Mr. Far E Lt. moved a vote of thanks to Mr. Wilberforce, which was seconded by Mr. Jager. Mr. 11 . 11,11E111'0110E said, it is not for one at this late hour to indulge in any observations that tray trespass on the tints of the meeting ; in the plainest simplicity I say, 1 have endeavoured to do my best. If, as had been observed by my worthy friend on my right, I have laid the foundation, I trust that he will place the top stone of the edifice. We have been charged with prosecuting our object with too much rapidity, but the unfortunate slaves who are the victims of this cruel system do not agree in this ; they du not think we have proceeded too rapidly. Mr. Brougham observed that forty years ago their grievances were laid before the public ; we thought that the situation of those men would recominend them to justice and commiseration, but we were disappointed, and it now becomes the duty of all to emit themselves in this cause ; we cannot hope for better conduct from others than that we pursue our selves. %Ve are bound to this line of conduct by every motive that can influence the human heart, and in recommending it I am in fluenced no less fur the safety of the colonies than for the happiness and security of the slaves. These men must feel interested in what we do; they.must hear of what is going forward ; and when they learn that there are some who advocate their rights, and that others oppose them, what must be their fcehngs of anxiety ; they find their hopes deferred, and when the cup is put to their lips, it is dashed from their eager and anxious grasp. Let us. said Mr. Wil berforce, do our duty, and Parliament will do theirs, and universal happiness will be the result. The Meeting then separated. LIVERPOOL CORN-EXCHANGE, Tt ESDAV, DEC. 20. This week we have had considerable supplies of grain, and this day the transactions have been very limited, owing, in a great measure, to the present pressure on the money market. Prices are almost nominal, and what has been done is at 4d. to Gd. on Wheat, Id. a 2d. on Oats, 2s. per sack on Flour, with other articles in proportion, lower than last. In Bonded Grain us- Flour we do not notice any alteration. GRAIN. VFhcst per Bushel 701 b. s. d. s. d. English - - 9 0 a 9 9 Ditto (new) - 8 9a 10 0 Scotch . - 8 U a 9 0 Irish - . 7 0 a 8 3 Ditto (new) - 0 9 a 9 0 Foreign, ftee - 7 6 a 8 9 Ditto (inbond) . 4 0 a 4 6 Canadian (free) 6 3 a 8 9 . . Oats per Bushel of 4.4 b. Irish Potato - 3 4 a 3 6 English, Scotch, - - and Welsh - 3 6 a 3 8 Ditto (ncw) - 3 G a 3 7 Common 2d. a 3d. lower. Barley per GO lb. English - 5 6 a 6 0 Ditto (new) - 6 3 a G 9 Irish - 5 0 a 5 3 Ditto (new . . 5 3 a 5 6 Rye per qr. - 40 0 a 46 0 131POKTED INTO LIVERPOOL TO THE 191 Wheat (quarters). Foreign - - . 2.593 Ireland . - - 9,059 Coastwise - - 239 Total - - 11,11.11 Oats (quarters). Ireland - - 10,751 Coast wise - - - 821 Total - - 11,572 Barley (quarters). Ireland - . - 890 Coastwise - 12,76 Total - . 2,166 Flour (sacks). Ireland . - - 6,442 Coastwise - - - 16 Total - -6,4 a s. d. s. d. Flour per 2801 b. English - .520 a 54 0 Irish - 50 0 a 52 0 American (per 1961 b.) new -24 0 a 26 0 Canadian (sweet) • 0 a 0 ()anneal per 2401 b. English . -300 a 32 0 Irish - . 25 0 a 27 0 Ditto (new) -29 0a 32 0 Beans per Quarter. English . 50 0 a 52 0 Irish - - 46 0 a 50 0 Foreign in bond nominal . 0 a .-, 0 Peas per Quarter. English, white . 311 0 a 54 0 Ditto grey . 40 U a 46 U Foreign 0 a 0 Malt per 9 galls. 8 6 a 10 0 Rapet.eed,lrish, per last 231 a 261 FROM THE 13T11 DECEMBER, ru INCLUSIVE. Oatmeal (loads). Ireland . 4,630 Coast wise 76 . . Total . . 4,714 Beaus (quarters). Ireland - - . 1,083 Coastwise . - 964 Total . 2,067 Peas (quarters). Ireland 130 Coastwise . 91 Total - EXPORTED SAME PERIOD. Oats (qrs.) - - - 125 Peas (qrs.) :- - . 12 Flour (brit.) - . - 327 Tin. SILK TRADE.--We understand that a meeting is in contemplation amongst the silk manufacturers of this town, fur the purpose of memorializing Ministers against the proposed admission of French silks in July next. A preparatory meeting on the subject was held yesterday, at an eminent silk warehouse, but was adjourned, we be lieve, without cowing to any determination.—Manchester Mercury. MEETING OF THE SILK WEAVERS OF MANCHESTER.— A meeting of the broad silk weavers of Manchester and the neighbourhood, was held on Monday at the Wilton Arms, Hanover-street, in that town, to take into consideration the depressed state of the silk trade. About one hundred and fifty persons assembled; when Mr. Foster Waddington was called to the chair, and Mr. Henry Rose was desired to officiate as secretary ; in which capacity he explained to the meeting the objects for which they had assembled, and produced a series of resolutions, declaratory, in substance, that the meeting cong!dered themselves entitled to claim the attention of his Majesty's Ministers to their present dis tressed condition; that it was impossible for this country to compete in manufactures with other countries where the cessaries of life were lower in price by three-fourths ; that the weavers of this country were not inferior, either in in genuity or industry, to those of any other country; that the manufacturers of Manchester would be called on to contribute funds sufficient to enable the weavers to lay their case before the proper authorities; and that a re spectful memorial should be presented to the Board of Trade, representing the present state of the silk weavers of Manchester and the neighbourhood. These resolutions were all passed unanimously, with the exception of the last but one, against which two or three hands were held up. EXPORTATION OF ENGLISH Surxr.—We believe it is not generally known that there are now in England se veral Frenchmen, who hold licenses from the French Go vernment for impaiting into that country, duty free, con siderable quantities of worste l yarn, on condition that they import a proportionate number of English long-woolled sheep (1,000 sheli, we heleve, for I,QOO cwt. of yarn); the French Goren ment b ing exceedingly anxious to in troduce the growth of ion; wool into that oountr s , where at present none is produce I, and no worsted manufactures carried cr. LAW NOTICES. COURT OF OF CHANCERY. BEFORE THE LORD CHANCELLOn THIS D.tT. Part heard—Sherwood • Rich. Part heard—Lady Hanson • British Mining Company. Per order—Sims • Ridge. Bankrtipt Petition—Exparte Thompson v Bailims. Cause Petition—Part heard—Macnamara v Wood. Appeal Petitions—Cowell v ilkes—ln re Bethel Hospital. Fatuity • George I Garrick • Lord Camden—two Attorney-General v Smith Petitions Tomes v. Wilkins Wilkinson • Wilkinson BEFORE THE v ICE-CHANCELLOR THIS DAT. Cause Petitions after the remaining Motions. Dyson v Stanefield Kilshaw v Galway Pettit v Pettit Wilson • lil'Kenzie In re Widdington Hospital Dutens • Lord Bulkeley Payne • Long—two Petitions Marckus v Wolf If eathcote v Edwards In re Phillips In re Surrey and Sussex Road In re Manchester Market Act Act In re bleyrick's Charity Davies v Ogden Town v Selater Grainger v Berkeley Attorney-General v Smith In re Rhodes Tucker v Langhorne Brown sr Rippengall Wool v Batchelor Randall v Como Simons • Getteridge In re Gedney Hill Charity Lancaster v Dixon Gibson r Knowles Shefford a Sheffbrd Giber' • Wetherell Miller v Elkins—two Petitions In re Commissionary of Paving, In re Coles Bermondsey Barker v Barker Attorney-Oenetal • Hulton Apsden • Nixon Lord Shaftesbury v Duke of Paterson • Paterson Marlborough Marshall • Holloway Orick v liinney Miller • Elkins Ten Bankrupt Petitions. ROLLS COURT. The Master of the Roth will not sit any more till Hilary Term. COURT OF KING'S BENCH. CAUSES TO DE TWEE/ THIS DAT Ilf LOIIDOX, UT SPECIAL E(lntestis v Ashby Wheeler v Leather Parkes v Creswicke Eicke v Pedder. Burt v Thomas MIDDLtSEX Duneombe v Gibbs Murphy v Donlan Coleman , / Symmons hicagoe v Sy morons Brett v Beaks Brett v Fisher I'rincev Nicholson orne v Farmer Palmer r Kingham Evans r Tennant Shears v The Mayor, &c. of London Grave v liolland The King v Revett, Esq. Cameo Berk eleyE sq. ‘Valsh v Bnwuler Newman v Berkeley The King v Crocks fonl Martin v noby v Abbott, by order The King v Lister Same v Haddon COUR' Court does not 'LEAS. THE BRITISH PRESS. JURIES. Fletcher Sanclersonr Nestor Howe fledge Foot r. Stratton SPECIAL JURY API' FRIDAY, SAW. 13. Johnson v Taunton Brereton v Wilkie Phillips v Boaster Mann v Lovejoy (lee v Bartley Bell v Earl of Belfast Lloyd v Ehn Bull v De Meilheltn SATURDAY, JAN. 14. Thompson v Neve Holliday v Sigel,sen. Baxter v Earl of Portsmouth Doe demiseof Young v Sotheron MONDAY. JAN. iro. IDLESEX SPECIAL JC Hart v Currie Butt v Lord Napier and ano:lier Nugee v Garth LT OF COMMON P 1 t sit tn.day. LAW INTELLIGENCE. INTMENTS. Doe on the demise of Bulkeley v Wilford Doe on the demise of Lord Kingston and another v Forrest Jones v Earl of Eg mont G . mdsicin v Foss Doe demise of Bishop of London v Mar shall mini RTES. }Thant, Bart. ♦ Rich, Bart. Bobine v Manning Bird v Jones, Esq. COURT OF CHANCERY, WEDNESDAY, DEC. 21. lenwttr. r. MOVCRETT• - The Court was occupied all day with the further arguments in this Can in support of the petition fora Commission of Review. VICE-CHANCELLOR'S COURT, WE DNESDA•, Dsc.2l. A vast number of cases were this day disposed of, tut none of the least public interest. COURT OF KING'S BENCH, GUILDHALL, IVEDNESDAY, Dic. 21. Sittings its London &Pre Lord Chief Justice ABBOTT and Spe cial Juries. nossow AND MARSHALL V. SIR CHARLES RICH, BART. - -•-- - This was an action en a bill of exchange for 1,0001. accepted by the defendant, Mr. GuaWEY and 31r. CruTTY conducted the plaintiff's cue; the AT TOIIIXEY•GENER•L and Mr. SCARLETT that of the de• fendant. The bill in question was one of four for a thousand pounds each, which had been drawn by a Mr. Joshua Rowe, in the month of March, 1823, payable at intervals of two, three. four, and five years, and accepted by the defendant, who, at that time, his father being then living, had rot come to his baronetcy, was only Mr. Rich. These bills were given to Mr. Rowe on an agreement that he should advance to Mr. Rich, the defendant, a sum of 2,5001., and if he did not advance this sum. then they were to be returned. The money was, however, not paid according to the agreement, but Mr. Rowe contrived, notwithstanding, to retain them in his possession. They then came into the hands of Messrs. Meyers and Co., but by what means, or whether they gave any consideration for them, did not i appear. Messrs. Meyers and Co. were in the habit of having deal ings with the plaintiffs, who are seedsmen and comfactors, living in the Crescent, America-square, 'anti being indebted to them in a large sum, and unable to advance this sun) when it was called for, they lodged the four bills accepted by Mr. Rich in their hands, as collateral security. At this time it was clear that no consideration was given by the plaintiffs for them, but there were some subse quent dealings in bills between the plaintiffs and Messrs. Meyers sad Co., and it was attempted to be shown, among other things, that a bill of 50UL had been passed to Meyers and Co. by the plaintiffs, in respect of the acceptances of Mr. Rich. The Loao CHIEF JUSTICE told the Jury that it was clear that Rowe had got possession of these bills without giving any consideration for them; he therefore could maintain no action upon them against the defendant. In respect to the plaintiff's, the question for the consideration of the Jury would be, whether the plaintiffs had given Messrs. Myers and Co. any consideration, either in money or credit. If they thought that any consideration had been given in money, they would consider how much, and give a verdict for the plaintiff to that amount. If they thought that no money had been paid for them, but that credit had been given —that payments had been postponed on the security of these bills, then also there must be a verdict for the plaintiff's, and the damages must be estimeted according to their discretion. But if they were of opinion that neithef money nor credit had been given, then they would find for the defendant. The Jury having retired from the Court for some time, on their return gave a verdict for the defendant. COURT OF COMMON PLEAS, WEDNESDAY, DEC. 21. Sittings in Lmedon. COOMBE V. IFELLOWES. This was a Special Jury case arising out of the matter of Lord Portsmouth, in which Lord Chief Justice Best is one of the trus tees. His Lordship thinking it improper on that account to preside, Mr. Justice Gaselee sat for him. Only three of the Special Jury appearing, the defendant's Coun sel, Mr. Sergeant VAUGHAN, prayed a tales. The plaintiff's Coun.el, Mr. Sergeant TAGHT, not wishing the trial to proceed with so few special jurors, withdrew the record. This being the only cause tired for the day, the Court rose at half-past ten o'clock. WINTER HOME CIRCUIT. SUSSEX ASSIZES, LEWES, DEc. 20. The Assizes for this county commenced here to-day, before the Hon. 31r. Baron Ilut.cocit and the Hon. :11r. Justice LITTLE DALE. In the calendar there are the names of fifty-three prisoners committed for trial. Sarah Warrener was Indicted for stealing, at Brighton, on the 25th August, a 50/. and a 101. Bunk of England note, the property of Adam Bell. Esq. in the dwellin' .house of Sarah Peckham ; and Wi ll iam Wormier was indicted for receiving the same pro. perty, knowing it to have been stolen. Mr. A strinE we conducted the prosecution, and Mr. ADOLPHUS the defence. The prosecutor is a gentleman of fortune residing in Thayer_ street, Dlanchester.square. In August last he was staying at the Gloucester llotel, Brighton. On the morning of the 25th he gave a pair of trousers to the chambermaid for the purpose of being sent to the wash, inadvertently leaving a LW. and a 101. Bank of Eng. land note in the fob. The trousers were sent to Mrs. Peckham, the laundress. and by her given to the prisoner Sarah %Varrener to be washed. Next morning the prosecutor missed his money, and in consequence of information received, he went to Mrs. Peckham's house, where he saw Sarah Warrener, and charged her with having possession of his notes. She strenuously denied any knowledge of them. A warrant being procured, the constable went to the house where site and her husband and the other prisoner resided, and made an unsuccessful search. In the evening of the sante day he made another search, and at length found the notes concealed in the bottom part of a rush.bottom chair in the prisoner's sleeping apartment. The prosecutor did not know the notes by any marks. lie had received them front his banker's, but there was a person from the banking-house to identify them. The male prisoner was not called upon for his defence, anti his wife said nothing. Some witnesses were called to her character. Mr. Baron II t:LLOCK charged the Jury that they must acqui the tuan prisoner, there being no evidence that the notes were ever in his possession ; and that they must also acquit the woman of the capital part of the charge, as there was no evidence that the notes were taken in 51 rs. Peckham's dwelling-house. lie then left them to say whether there was sufficient evidence to satisfy them th e the female prisoner had actually stolen the notes. The evidenc e o f identity was certainly very loose, but it was for them to say whethe r the notes found in the chair were the prosecutor's property. The Jury deliberated a considerable time, and found the male prisoner Guilly of grand larceny. They Acquitted the liat. band. The prosecutor strongly recommended the woman to mercy, o n account of his own culpable negligence in leaving the money i n his trousers. The temptation was, lie feared, too strong fat h• sistance. The Learned JUDGE concurred with the prosecutor in thinking that Ibis conduct was extremely culp a bl e; an d , under all the ell:: commences, sentenced the prisoner to three mouths' imprisenaient in the House of Correction. MARRIED. On Tuesday, at All Souls' Church, St. Marylebone, Chalk' Bankhead, Esq. Secretary of Legation to the United States of America, to Maria Horatia, third daughter of Sir John Dean Poi Bart. On the 20th init. at St. Andrew's, Holborn, James Advisee,. Eel. solicitor. of Ely-place, to Mary Elizabeth, eldest daughter ,: J. Seabrook, Esq. of Hatton-garden. DIED. At Halifax, Nova Scoti a , on t h e 25 t h October, lady M 4 itchell. 4 widow of the late Admiral Sir Andrew :if itchell. On the 19th inst. at his seat Keyington, in Kent, Joseph Sews. a l Esq. in the 81st year of his age. 'ens At Newfoundland, on t h e 21 st u l t . Dep u ty Commissary-0 6 r Thomas Forth Winter. On the 17th inst. at her house, Loudwater, near Rkkroanstrer , l , Ilerts, Mrs. Elizabeth Morgan. st On the 17th inst. at th e h ou se of his friend, Mr. wha, c. - , John's, Southwark, Georg e B r o o ks, Esq. of St. Mary Cray , s(c " late of Tooley-street, surgeon, in his 24th year. Lately, at Hayti, in his 35th year, Jabes Sheen Birt. ES formerly an eminent surgeon of Tewkesbury. This gentleman England about ten years since, with an appointment as bed! s w . geon to thc/ Emperor Christophe, but having quarrelled tri,h h sable NI sjeaty, he commenced private practice, and establish:. • Apothecaries' Hall, whereby he amassed a fortune of nt t er en 49,0001., the whole of whic h . we understand, has dernlrt.d a young female, a native of Gloucester, whom he induced t to low his fortunes. Atoor!! Cot Itc HIGH WATER AT LONDON BRIDGE THIS DAI Morning, 48 min. after 11. I;* Ch _ _ Sat Printed at THE BRITISH PRESS Office, by J. IV.OO v, Hi /Strand, and published by R. Cast sox, eallA dis of De ant POLICE. GUILDHALL. The examination of Thomas Gray, who stood charged with oi l , taining goods of the value of upwards of 2001. by fraudulent pre , tences, was yesterday resumed, and the inquiry WAS limited to rt e question whether the bill was not altogether a forgery, by b ear ; drawn upon a fictitious firm. JAMAS Martin, clerk to Mr. Amstead, of Clements -lane. silk. noted the bill, now appeared, and stated that about seven o'cl in the evening of the day the bill b ecame d ue he went to Me:n Bond's office in Leatienhall- street, but found the door fist. and en . i n n i g q u h t i i ad t h e k po rt porter, rd h e e rs w a a b s o t u o t ld p t a h y e m c e l n ee t . k s kiwere i r at e far fir e in Fenchurch-street at all. On the part of the prisoner, Frederick William Rutledge, bin. broker and general agent, of 115, Lucas.street, Commercial was called. Ile stated that he let William Bond, the isec epee, en this bill for 100/. the o ff ices in th e E ast I n di a Chambers, Lewdeb„ hall-street. Bond was then lodging somewhere at Camberw e ll, b in he was never at his lodging; had seen him write a dozen times, and believed the acceptance on the bill produced to be in his own hand-writing. Bond was alive in August last, and in the habit coining to the chambers at tine date of the bill. When he fowl Bond letting the chambers to other parties he thought the ei stance suspicious, and broke off all connexion with him. Mr. MILLER, the solicitor for the prosecution then called William Bond into the witness box, wh o described himself to be living at Newington-causeway, and a foreman to a builder. H e stated that he knew the last witness well, having accepted bills for him, while he (Bond) kept the Half 3loon in Broad-street, Wan. ping. That in the course of the year 1823 he (Bond) was are e ,44 and thrown into Itillitecross-street Prison, where he remained me. fined until April, 1825. While in the prison Rutledge waited upon him, and proposed to give him a sum of money if he would amp bills, and allow him the use of his name at some chambers, but he declined having any thing to do with the businvos. The last bill transaction lie had with - Rutledge was about November. 1822. Being shown the acceptance on the bill, " Wm. Bond and Co." he declared he knew nothing of that signatute. His reel name yea William Thomas Bond, but he never used the "Thos." He never had chambers so Leadenhall-street or Fenchureii-sireet. Rutledge was re-examined by Mr. Butler, Mr. Harmer's clerk, who attended for the prisoner. The NVillians Bond now in Coen, he said, was not the William Bond of whom he had before spoken. The William Bond who accepted the bill in question was a general agent, and not a bricklayer. Mr. :HILLER now gave up the charge of forgery, but thought there was such an evident intention to defraud apparent all through the transaction, that tl.e Alderman would feel no difficulty in commit ting the prisoner for obtaining goods under false pretences. If. BUTLER insisted that there had been as complete a enetract and sale of the goods as there could be, and that the complainer: mild not be relieved from the consequences of his want of Cantina by a criminal proceeding. Mr. Alderman J. J. Surest said, if the charge of forgery was st an end he must discharge the prisoner; for although there could be no doubt that the prosecutor hod been cheated out of the value for his goods, yet the law would not protect a party showing such great want of caution, such inattention to his own interests as B;. Westrup had done. The prisoner was accordingly discharged. 31A RLBOROUGH-STREET. PoLYGAIIT.--resterdey Joseph Aferchuo, alias Mitchel w ee brought up for re-examination, on the charge of having roared a third wife during the lives of the two previous ones. The meaner appeared much dejected, but upon seeing none of the females whom be had injured, a ray of hope returned to his countenance. Smith, the officer, who took the prisoner into custody, In addi tion to the statement which we have already given, stated that Le had, since the last examination, called on Illerms. Briggs and Mende, solicitors, in Lincoln's Inn-fields, at whose house he had apprehended the prisoner. They stated that he had come, io the name of Emberton, to draw 2001. belonging to the young WY whom he had married : but her maiden name was not made knoet., and all he could learn upon the subject was, that she had an uncle, who was of high dignity in the church, residing Hear Eton. Mr. Briggs was not present, because he had to attend at Mews. Williams, Burgess, and Co.'s, the bankers in Birchio.lane, but if the prisoner was remanded, witness had no doubt but that he could procure some evidence in the course of a few days. Mr. Corraw T—That I cannot do, as there is no evidence before me that lie Is married to snore than one female. Although a certi ficate, stating him to have been married to another young woman, has been given me, yet there is no person present who can identify him. Under those circumstances I ant afraid that I must dis. charge him. Mr.Giet, the eub.overseer. of St. George's parish, said that as the charge of felony could not be substantiated, lie should proceed against the prisoner for refusing to support his wife. Mr. Gist was then sworn, and stated the necessary facts. Mr. Co:weir—What do you say to this charge?—Prisoner, I have had nothing to do since last July ; it was necessity which compelled me to do it. Mr. CONANT—It was a most shameful thing for you to leave your wife and child starving, and deceive an innocent femalemerely for her money ; pray have you now any objections to inform me whe she is ?—The prisoner refused to give any answer. Mr. CONANT—As you do not seem inclinable to say anythinst upon the subject, there will be plenty of time for inquiry, is I shall, upon this charge, commit you to the H ouse o f Correction Pc three mouths to hard labour.—Prisoner, three months, Sir. I suppose that I can have bail ? Bad, replied the worthy Magistrate, when you are going to lit tread-wheel ! On hearing this last piece of information the prisoner Demme quite chap.fallen, and was removed without saying another word. J. Combrs, the young man whose case we gave fully in the British Press of Saturday and Monday last, was brought up tot final examination. 111 r. Brookes and the different witnesses re-stated their farmer evidence, and the prisoner was fully committed to take his trial lot the misdemeanour at the Westminster Sessions. LAMBETH-STREET. Yesterday Samuel Parr, a carter, late in the employment of a Mr. Griffiths, of Tabernacle-place, City-road, was brought up fer final examination, charged with having stolen a large and valuable, quantity of plate-glue, rosewood and mahogany veneers, and look. ing-glasses, framed and unframed, from the premises of 3lr. ward T. Loather, an upholsterer and looking-glass manufacturer in Tabernacle-place. The prosecutor was burned out of his premises on the 12th of September. During the fire the prisoner had carried away dr pro• petty in question. He was taken into custody on Friday sight, with a bag of plate-glue in his possession, for which he could a•: satisfactorily account. His lodgings were searched, and the gala goods found there concealed. Ile was fully committed fot trial. YORKSHIRE ELECTION.—The friends of the Anti• Catholic cause have been occupied, in tIIIS city and is neighbourhood, in engaging inns, horses, carriages, &C. fe; the use of the electors favourable to their interest in thi= county, against the ensuing election. — York Cou►ant. The mamilacturers 01 sovereigns have not been irutten•, tive to the prevailing rage for these articles. At one chop' of extensive business in this city, five counterfeit sotereirs were offered on Tuesday Int.—Bristol Mercury. BIRTHS. At Paekington, Coventry. the Countess of Aylesfora, of s sm• On the 19th instant, at Denmark Hill, Mrs. Henry Blacker, a ton. V a Y~ Pa! I A., 1 1 r peri pal Thi and th e faro Lin Lar rent