The British Press; or, Morning Literary Advertiser. — London, England, 1825-05-09 00:00:00

1 1 ; fillifill41191111‘11511".11.11 1.5111R"Pmalat, - as the rat for the capital for the ante We *yeah ROW according to the statement of Sir. 2i39•0 'emir. Islookwe ems to pocket cut the want of fairness and common 1'° 4 44 1, in linalint ill that statement , we cannot avoid observing „P neitin pew and palpable imposition in the conclusion drawn hop le . . Prniat4=l7e s' esk ih iVis " ar the "n:rit.ll7l,l!teri:n l oeyte d ent t i: of *imhckik OM edema. aceinsell: „ L a pr mt. grass proles." Tbism.preeemes Co lis ehmatelly ; we shall pore it ro noun the witemea owns Measet. 'The fallow of Zia inhume willies seen from the following table (Dire-fiera sea given). There were in the whole year 26 ,I 4 " A.m.,' the " k in' P r Ila rtior la v t i e z OTlnterest Lent. Month. Per Annum. • ender Is. (say Bd.) . - 75 per cent. 44 - Is. . d. . 50 do. 3744 - Is. 6d. - d. - 32 Gs. ild. Q. - 2s. - • d. - 25 I d l i i: . 3e. - - . . 2s - do. - - cl I- - 28 41* .at an Mope moils!' from 75 to 25. 28,584 at 20 per cent. issawalifit ollispees higher, but in no case less), end 686 01 et iambs ter U punt . ; and yet, with those fans en fil , NS OR ilecrieset, be has the hardihood to sweat, iheh.. 11:tif the Pawnbrokers are only 121. Cs . 214. and ~.. , cent. !il How will the opponents of taw E reconcile these inconsistencies ) We= 4 :iiheree leaked at the notable " extract," taking the statements far es the mount to be correct ; but we deny that it in comm.-end maletsla, that as a document purporting to show the real illiableassewees of the establishment, in which the witness acme cwt of r) , is a journeyman , it contains * Po a ties it the The calculation is made upon the seem dye soh particular pledge was in fora year. But it hi nO sautipome the slge of the Three Golden Balls, that the great eOf dm pledges circulate three or four times in the mon th, l atl!t r ieJlet elle in twenty remain a whole year in the Pawn. broker's seelleibeese As an illustration of the very unfair manner (to MIA Of it ie the mildeat terms) in which this statement is given re the CANWIIdWeIe, we will just suppore—that a Pawnbroker /ends 21. es it sedief sloshes or any other article pledged at the be g a seek, which are redeemed on the Saturday, and that inawy creek to the end of the year. if at that time ad. of the Pawnbroker's business were taken, it would ap pear pear not 21. was borrowed and replaced 52 time., hut that 1041. wisioni. sod the interest would appear as the interest of that 1041.. emitter as she latsest of the 21., which in reality was all the capital advamed. Thee n, a two shilling pledge is put in every Aloe day, and > es Saturday (and thousand% of these coos occur every week in the yaw):, it will appear from the brooks that 82 two-shilling pledges have been taken, on which a sum of 11. 4a. has bete advanced. sod a profit of only 2s. 24. been made. This, of course, eseill appear to wake a very miserable remuneration for the Paeseileolor, whweas, Is feet, the 2s. 2d. should be set down as the peek Of the Pe.; the wily capital ever employed, and which, by as teemesd sassing, produced an interest of upwards of cent. per mt. It le, however, in this way that 11r. Bassett has made up has esitestaist red his calculations. Let not the public be duped by the apeweettly large capital embarked, and the apparently small 1 resin*. lac lir. Benet, when he next comes before the Corn mites, net erdy say how essay shillings, half-crowns, and live shinier, his wester lent ea pledges; but how often he lent those sums on the same identical articles—that is, let him state how often each article circulated to and from his shop in the same year, and then some correct idea may be Named of the real capital employed and the profits it produced. Then, also, will be established the trlsaond of the John Bars conclusion, that the Pawnbrokers charge only seven an& oue third per cent. on their advances to the poor. Bet, independently of the internal evidence of its inaccuracy, the testimony of Basset was positively contracted by more than two respectable and impartial witnesses, one of them a pawnbroker, who had been two-and-twenty years engaged in the trade, and who still carries it on. We do not say that the witness Basset swore that which he he lieved to be false; but we say he was an interested witness. The law of England supposes that even the sanctity of an oath will not prevent an interested party from having a bias unfavourable to the elicitation of truth, and it therefore wisely prohibits him, in many casts. from being received as an evidence. There are, however, a variety of instances in which the strictness of that rule is. for the Pereosen of justice, necessarily relaxed, and ao interested witness is allowed to be examined ; bat in all such cases the evidence of that patty is received with great caution, and in no case is it ever al lowed to wegh against the direct and positive contradiction of other witness. (if uaimpesched character), upon whose mind no im. proper bias is believed to exist. If we can prove, from the tea titoony of such parties, that the profits of Pawnbrokers are more than threefold greater than what the witness Basset states them, his evidence must fall to the ground, and with it must vanish the inferences drawn by the writer in the Julia Ball. In order to put the subject in as clear 3 point of view as possible. we shall place what the welter in the Jahn Ball is pleased to call ••• the Principal Allegations of the Equitable Loan Company " into one column, under the head of " Allegations," and the evidence by which they are supported in the opposite column, under the head of " Proofs." (To prevent mistakes, it may be here neces sary, once for all, to observe, that the evidence quoted was taken before a Committee of the House of Lords last session, and was ordered to be printed in the present session. The extract given in the Jobs Ball is from the same evidence, though by mistake it is mentioned as taken before a Committee of the House of Com mons.) The author quotes the following extracts in support of hit al legations:— ALLEGATIONS. It is asserted, that the Pawnbrokers make enormous profits, great part of which Arne from extra charges, such as, " backing" and charges fir fractional parts of a month, not allowed by law ; also from managing the loans of small sums, so as to bring them within the rate of interest charged upon higher sums. (It may be right here to remark, that no charge for "hacking" is allowed by law—yet the practice of making a charge of Id. at least, and in many cases of 24., 3d., or even q., is invariably fol lowed in the trade.) PROOFS. George Wildman (the eanofe. Pawnbroker), examined. From what you have known of your father's business, and what you have hoard at the dinners of those Pawnbrokers (witness bad before stated his having attended at some " stock " dinners of Pawnbrokers), what is the profit they made?—My father always estimated his profits at thirty per cent. exclusive of the profits arisiog from the price of the duplicate. What do you mean by the price of the duplicate?--The Act al lows them to take a certain price for it. What proportion of the expenses do you think that will cover?— That depends on the extent of the pawnbroker's trade altogether. Ifs Pawnbroker's trade is large, is the receipt on the ticket money large ?—Yes. And capable of paying to that extent the trade expenses 1)p you know any thing of tile practice of demanding three mnnths interest upon backing ?—Yes. 'What is the demand made (for backing.)—The price of the duplicate. And by some, three months interest ?—Yes. Not by all ?—No, by very few. In answer to another question. the witness said. " the man at 31r.tillattliews' refused to back a ,icket for me, because 1 refused in pay the price of the ticket, and three months' interest. James firemen, a Pawnbroker, examined. You are s Pawnbroker residing at 17, Great Smith-street, West. minter ?—Yee. How long have you been in the business P—Very nearly twenty. two years. After tasting that there were nearly 300 Pawnbrokers in Londas and Westminster, including Southwark, that the average capital employed by each was from 7.000/. to 3,oool.—that the expenses vary according to the situation, and that his own expenses acre about n9Ol. on a profit of 6001. a year, made front a capital of lass than 2,01i1d Wimess was asked, how often in the year does the Pawnbroker turn his capital ?—I can speak acconling to my own local knots. ledge; the receipt upon a capital of 2,000 f. would be about 6001. or rather better. That would be threttimes in the year ?—Yes. In calculating profits. do you include the interest of capital, or deduct it ?—The interest of caphal would be about 6001. The in tenet of that capital would be about 1001. Do you in recketing 6001. et.year profit include that interest, or do you calculate money borrowed s—No, 1 do not include the in. terest upon the capital. Then you would make 700 f. ?—Yes. How far does the ticket money go to the payment of the expenses of a Pawnbroker's concern ?-1 have always found dr ticket money covered the licences, the books, and duplicates, and those expenses completely; and pens and ink and other minor articles. In the pledges that come to the Pawnbroker's counter, how many are redeemed within a week on the average P—As near one as poraible. What is the profit the Pawnbroker makes upon articles pledged sad redeemed within a week, from week to week ?—The articles so redeemed circulate four times in the month, that is, four months' iaterest upon each article. What does it amount to per year ?—lt would be eighty per cent upon those articles. Pave you ever had, in vont own practice, instances of articles Tied:zed in the beginning of the week. and redeemed at the end, tor any number of weeks fo r a len g th of time . —l'es ; in some in stances for years: it might happen that in winter time, or hard times, they might then lie a few weeks. Bow many pledges hare you received in the year upon the average ?—Front 4900 to 42,000 in the year. AI:LEGATIONS. Unwillingness of Pawnbrokers to lend halfss•crown. PROOFS. Is half-a-crown $ snm that the pawnbroker likes to lend P—Not exactly. he would rather lend 2.. Why world you rather lend 2s. ?-11alf.crown pledges are not reckoned among the trade so profitable. Do you know whether it is the practice, if half-a-crown is asked by a poor man, to say—" we will lend you 2s. or 2s. 7d. ?—I know t The legal interest is a fraction lower, hut in 00 eases out of 109. the penny per month is demanded and taken for loans of fort shillings. Mr. Barnett. a Pawnbroker, Is asked, in the pledges that came to the Pawnbroker's counter, how man are redeemed within a week upon the average ?—As near one ha lf as possible ! site Pawnbroker's, where it is the practice to sayi—" I will lewd you 2s. 7d." What difference would that make from lending aut P—A half penny is taken for 25.; but, as the interest for 2s. .7d. the Pawn broker would take three farthings, because the stani-cseeeds the half-crown. In answer to another question this witness says, that the majority. of Prtwrihrokers would not lend a sum above of below, for the sake of the difference of intense. On this subject the witness George 'Wildman aye-.lt le a ge neral rule nut to lend half-a-crown ; I have heard that that was an invariable rule where I have known the trade to be carried on. When a half.erown was asked. bow was it evaded P-Whet a half-crown was asked they have offered either 2s. or 3s. " Half a crown is is sum we do not lend" is generally answered. State why ?..-Because the legal interest of half-a-crown amounts exactly to 20 per cent. ; but upon 2s. it is 26 per cent. and on 3s. they tike three farthing., which makes again 25 per cent. The invariable rule is not to lend half-a-crown ?-I have heard so. Have you known instances yourself? -yes. Charles Foulkes. *rho had served an apprentice hip of five years to Mr. Edward Machin, a Pawnbroker, is asked- What was the maztioe of the house as to lending hal&s.erown -We charged a half-penny a month for half-a-crown. Did jou lend half.enivens or avoided it ?-We geeerally avoided it. Al e preferred lending either 2s. or 31. We did not like to lend half-a-crown. It was more beneficial to lend 2.. or 3s. 9-Yes, it wee. On the same subject George Turvey. who had been upwards of five years an apprentice to a Pawnbroker, says- Had vet any custom in your master's shop about half-crown loans 2-Yes, we never lent that sum. Why not ?-It was the order of our master never to lend it. "If it is asked for, lend 2s. or 3e." Is there any advantage in lending 2s. or 3s. above half-a-crown ! -For half.a-crown we can take only a halfpenny, and upon le. are always take a penny. Ni'llat do you take for 2.. P-A halfpenny. ALLEGATIONS. Overcharges on the Poor, where they may be made with impunity. PROOFS. Turney's evidence. What wag lone as to paying farthings ?-We always demanded a penny for 3.. except where people looked auspicious , and then we were to ask three farthings ! Even according to the showing of the witness J. Bassett, who put the ease in the most favourable point of view for the Pawn brokers, the disposition to lend a rum greater or less than 21.11 d. is apparent; we End, by his average calculations, from the pledges re. cowed in one month, that the 2s. pledges in the year exceeded those of 2s. 6d. by 1728 ; that the 35. pledges were also 17211 more; and (by a curious coincidence in Mr. Bassett's accidental selection of one month) the number of 4s. pledges was by exactly the same amount, 1728 more numerous than the 6s. (It may be right to state, that Pawnbrokers in general charge the same interest for four or for five shillings.) ALLEGATIONS. One of the charges against the Pawnbrokers is, that though re. etricted by the Act from lending any sum higher than 101. on one article, and in one transaction, they do nevertheless lend large sums, on which they charge as high as 161. and 20!. per cent. to the ruin of those unfortunate persons 'rho are obliged to resort to them. PROOFS. Charles Hale, who had been a Pawnbroker in Somers Town for two or three years, is asked- While you were in the trade, do you know it was frequent in the trade to advance larger sums than 101.9-Yes. Was that your own practice ?-Yes. How much per cent. ditl you charge on goods redeemed ?-Some times 20, sometimes IS per cent. What is the largest sum you have lent upon any occasion ? - About SO/. Did you give one ticket or more?-One ticket. When you lent more than 101, upon any pledge, did you make it out for less than Id/. ?-Yes, if I had any suspicion of the parry. If you could trust the party, what did you do ?-Made it out for above 10!. Why did you make it for less if you had any suspicion ; did the Act require it P-To secure my interest. To secure what interest?-Fifteen per cent. Stephen Rocking., a porter, who lived for eleven years In the service of ,Messrs. -, examined. [lt can be of no use to the argument to state the names of the in. dividuals mentioned by the witness; and from motives sufficiently obvious they are suppressed.l After describing the individuals with whom he lived as being in the cloth trade, and stating the names of several Pawnbrokers with whom he had pledged pieces of cloth at various times, the witness is asked- Can you give the Committee any idea of the amount 9-No. One thousand pounds 7-Yes. Five thousand ?-Yes. Ten thousand 7-1 should think so. In what quantities at a time did you make those deposits ?- Ten pounds, and upwards of thirty or forty pounds. How did you carry the goods 9--on my back principally. Did you ever carry them in carts ?-Yes, a time or two in carts. Wu the cart full ?-Yes, pretty full. What cloth was it ?--Sometimes West Country cloth, and some. times Yorkshire. After stating in answer to other questions. that, at one time, the cart contained 500/. worth of goods, on which he received from the Pawnbroker (61r. Morris) 2501. and as many tickets as there were pieces of cloth (the ticket being for 101. each, and the piece of cloth being of the value of LW. or 21:0.), witness said lie redeemed this particular parcel (among many others). and paid fifteen per cent. interest. That was the rate he generally paid-never less than that. Have you ever made pledges at the instance of (his employers) with Crouch ?-Yes. To what extent .9-Fifteen hundred pounds. All at one time ?-Not put in at one time, but twenty or thirty times. How much was taken to Crouch at any one time and deposited with him ?-I do not mind (recollect) above 64.11. That was the largest 9-Yes. Did you ever redeem the article.' lodged with Crouch P-Yes. What interest did you pay 9-11 e charged 20 per cent. Did he charge 20 per cent. on the 16001. 7-All I fetched out. I cannot say how much that was. Upon the whole, without troubling the Committee with a detail of Messrs. --'s transactions, how much do you think was the value of the articles you deposited on their account. and received loans from Pawnbrokers far ?-I am sure 1 cannot say bow much. 1)0 you think it amounted to 20,0001. ?-Yes, more than that. Do you think it amounted to 50,000/. ?-Yes, I have no doubt of it I In answer to other questions, witness stated, that to the extent of 60.000/. 15 oer cent. was paid on the redemption .of those articles, but that it did not exceed 15, except in the house in Fore-street, where it was 20 per cent. [lt will not surprise the reader to learn, that the individuals for wham the ruinous loans were negotiated, have long since become bankrupts.l The witness then gees through a detail of transactions he had with Pawnbrokers, fur (various other persons with whom he lived, and in answer to a question he states, that on the whole he thought be had raised money (in that way) to the extent of 100,0041. !! It would be tedious to go through the whole of the evidence ad duced in support of the allegation that Pawnbrokers do lend sums above 191.; and in some instances very large sums, at an interest of 16/. and frequently of 20!. per cent. It will therefore be sufficient tot:draftee, that the fact is farther proved by the evidence of John Page, lon that of Joseph Hunt, by that of John Baeueley, and of James Dessert. Tile two last named are Pawnbrokers' Journey men, and were called for the Pawnbrokers, against the Bill. ALLEGATIONS. It has been urged as an objection to the present system of Pawn brokers, that even on valuable property no surplus is paid to the pledgers in 6~ eases where the artic les have been unredeemed, and suffered to go to a sale. PROOFS. George Turvey, a Pawnbrcker'a apprentice, to whose evidence re ference lute been already made, is asked 'ut was the practice as to the overplus in case of auction pledges Lave seen the persons conic to ask to look at the books. and tender a penny ; I have seen the boolss shown to them, but I bare never seen any thing given to them :-The answer was, that the exeeneer of one and iuterest were more than the value. You never saw any surplus paid to anybody?-No. A gentleman, whose name it is unnecessary to give. states that he had several transactions with a Pawnbroker, with whom he de• posited various articles of valuable property, on which he received advances of 401. and 501.; and on every transaction paid an interest of I d. per cent. He is asked on the 4th of Sept. 1821-Do you remember mak ing Mr pledges at Mr. Dry ' SP-Yes• 11' hat did you do then ?-Ile came to my house and looked out a ease of violins, a glass desert service, and a variety of books, on which he advanced me 60/. What were they worth?-Perhaps better than one hundred, or one hundred and twenty pounds: - How many tickes had you there?-Thirteen. Were the tickets under Ittl. 9-Yes, every one. That transaction was one transaction '.4 did he charge you for the tickets ?-I cannot say. lie gave me a check for 601. I was short of money, and he sent me the tickets some days afterwards 1 sec les. 6d. Is charged over for the ticket. and coach hire. How far had he to go up to your house 2-About a mile and a half. Did you redeem those did not. Finding my inability so to do, I seat the tickets to Mr. Dry, requesting hen to do the best he could with the articles, and if there was any overplus to hand it to me. Did ever get any overplus ?—No. On March 23th, 1822, did you pledge a watch and some plate ? —Yea. 'tt'hat did he give yon ?-onc ticket for 141. ; one for 101.; one for Sil.: one tor V.; and another for till. What did he charge you for each ticket ?-1 do not know. Did you go after the twelve months had expired, to claim the over ;us upon thaw articles ?—I did. I called upon Mr. Dry in last December. saying that so and an was the case, and if there was any overplus corning to me, 1 should be very glad to have it. He *aid he wo: extremely awry that he had sold thetia for a certain sum, and it did not cover the expenses and interest. Hays you seen dime articles, or any of them, sines in Mr. Dry's I window ?-1 have. THE BRITISH Now were they marked P.—The tenatt is marked IBL Ilk upon which helmet me Ili. Vj that one of the articles that be said had been sold, sad that there was no overpins P—Yes. Go on with the other articles 7—l believe I have given you all. Did you see any others?—Tea, but I did not notice the marks against them. It vexed me. and I walked on. ALLEGATIONS. It has been urged—that great hardships and inconvenience wave to the poor tram the misconduct of Pawnbrokers, and from the difficulty of proceeding effectually against them, owing to the want of a particular form of information in the Act. This is • defect, which, as far as they themselves may be eon. Tensed, the Equitable Loan Company propose to remedy. PROOFS. W. 'William Ileresford examined. Are you Chief Clerk to the Aldermen of London, sitting at Duildhaft P—Yee. How long have you been in that situation 7—Twenty years. Has that situation given ymt opportunities of seeing how Pawn. brokers nitithict their business ?—lt has. Have you known that complaints have been often made to the Magistrates of the conduct of Pawnbrokers ?—Yes, at different times during that period. Have those complaints been with regard to the conduct of Pawn brokers towards the poor P_-They have. State the nature of those complaints from time to time P—The complaints have been for charging too much interest ; sometimes for exchanging goods, and property lost. Do you recollect any other complaints having been made ? Complaints hare been made in this way :—When a pledge is ex pired on tire Sunday, the have applied to redeem it on the pre vious Saturday, end the Pawnbroker being very much engaged in business, has desired them to call again next week, and they have so called, and when they have so called they have been denied. " They did not recollect an thing about it ; "— they refer to one and to another, and put it off as it were, and then thej have re fused to let them have the property. Have you known instances in which, through the interference of the Magistrates, property has been restored to people when the Pawnbrokers have refused it ?—Yes, I have. Have you known Pawnbrokers brought before Magistrates to an swer for those complaints P—l have. Have the Pawnbrokers attended to those summonses in the first instance, or have they required to be summoned more than once ? —in some instances they have required to be summoned a second time. What has been the course in your general observation ? has it been necessary to summon them more than once before their at tendance has been procured ?—Yes, it has ; in some cases the hardship upon the poor is in this instance :—when they complain of an overcharge of interest, they (lie Pawnbroker) are summoned ; and on the return of the summons, a professional man attends ; ' then he asks for the information : if there is no information, he tells the Magistrate he cannot proceed, and they must begin de nano. When the information is filed, then he attends, and points out a vast number of objections, and nine times out of ten the informations are quashed, and there are no convictions. From want of form P—Yes. In answer to another question, Mr. Beresfonl stated, that in nine cases out of ten justice has been defeated from want of a special information. The opinion of Mr. Beresfnrd on this subject is supported by that of Mr. Heritage, Chief Clerk to the Police Office in Worship. I street, who states that complaints have been frequent at his office against the conduct of Pawnbrokers, " for refusing to restore pledges to poor perams. and harassing them from time to time." He adds, that it has required the intervention of the Magistrate to , I procure justice to the complaining parties ; and in one instance he was obliged to threaten to commit the Pawnbroker before he con sented to do justice to the complainant. Alleyn, one of the Magistrates at Union Hall. is asked— Is it easy for persons who are aggrieved (by Pawnbrokers) to ob. min retinas P—lt is the most difficult thing in the world ! Do not Pawnbrokers require informations to be drawn out at full length of all the offences charged P—Yes, they do. And in your district, it is an exceedingly difficult thing for the poor man to get redresoagainst any Pawnbroker who has violated the Act ?—lt is almost impossible ! ! (After this will it be contended that some amelioration of the present system is not called for, and what more effectual one can be supplied than full and fair competition ?) • - ALLEGATIONS. Public utility of such an establishment as the Equitable Loan Bank, even if it afforded loans to the poor at the same interest as that which Pawnbrokers may legally demand (not that which they do take). PROOFS. Mr. Dyer, one of the Magistrates of Marlborough-street Office, gives a decided opinion in favour of the establishment of a Public Company, such as the Equitable Loan Bank. He is asked— Are the Committee to understand that you. speaking from your experience as a Magistrate. are decidedly of opinion, that the in. terest of the poor would be better secured by a Company carrying nn the Pawnbroking business, and employing responsible servants, than under the existirg system ?—I think so. supposing them under this Act to be liable to the same penalties for misconduct that the Pawnbrokers are. (The Company seek for no exemption from any penalty to winch the Pawnbrokers are liable.) Mr. Beresford is asked— From your acquaintance with the necessities of the poorer classes of the metropolis, are you of opinion that an establishment which would lend them money at • lower rate of interest than the Pawn brokers do at present, would be an advantage to the community ? It think, DO doubt of it. Suppose the rate of interest to be the same even with that now taken, would the means of having another place at which the poor could get money upon deposit be advantageous to them, so as to induce competition in the market ?—I am quite of that opinion. Upon this point the evidence of Mr. Heritage is quite conclustve. The period to which hit answers refer was about two months after the formation of the Equitable Lean Company. Mr. Heritage is asked— In the course of your experience, have you found, that goods, which have been stolen, have frequently found their way into the hands of the Pawnbroker ?—Yes. Have you found that Pawnbrokers have been forward to make disclosures as to property of that description. or stood in the way of it I—l have lately noticed, that several have stopped goo ds lately, and they have bought them down. ithin what period of time I—Within a few weeks past. Since the introduction of the present Bill I—l do not knew that. Within how many weeks P—Five or six weeks, or two months. Ant I to understand that there has been a marked difference in the conduct of Pawnbrokers in the last five or six weeks 1-1 have observed lately, we have not had occasion to summon them. When you have summoned them, has their conduct and deport ment been different from what it was before?—Lately they have been extremely civil, and wishing to accede to the Magistrates re quest, without a word. Was that their conduct previous to that time ?—No ; I have seen a threat of commitment been obliged to be held out ! ! If the expectation that a competition was about to be esta blished against them, could produce a change in the conduct of Pawnbrokers so favourable to the interests of the public, particu- lady to those of the labouring poor, what may not be expected if surh competition was in full and active operation? We could select a vast number of extracts. besides those already given, in support of " the Allegations of the Equitable Loan Company," but we think that enough has been already adduced to show that they 11.. re been fully borne out. Let the opponents of the Company, instead of selecting a statement " got up " for the purpose of misletding, go over the evidence, and if they find any impartial witness whose testimony can Tette the statements here given, let them send it forth to the world. We shall most willingly abide the decision of the public on the comparative merits of the two. One word more with respect to Bassett's " gross profits of 71. IV. 12}d. per cent. out of which all expenses are to be paid." It was proved by Mr. Basnett that a great deal of the pawnbrok'ng business is carried on on borrowed capital—for which the borrower paid ten per cent. ! Would this be done if the gross profits were only seven and one-third per cent.? We do not quarrel with the Pawnbrokers on account of their profits, but when an attempt is made to hold them up as a set of men " bowed down by the badness of their trade, and struggling under all the di ffi culties of only seven and a third per cent." it Is right that the public should know the truth, and that the p a l t ry effort to defend their ill-gotten gains by the smallness of the amount. should be publicly exposed. To the above extreme I shall only add two questions. Can the Pawnbrokers or their supporters disprove tho statements here given ? If not, upon what just ground can they oppose the Equitable Loan Bill ? J. T. London, May 7. - - The line of packets between New Yerk and London is now finally established, by the completion of the York, which is the last of the five truly beautiful vessels destined to maintain it constant communication between the first port of the United States. and the metropolis of England. On Monday last the York, commanded by Capt. Baker, arrived in the River, after a passage from New York, which was, from adverse winds, of more than usual length. Her cargo, which consisted of New Orleans cotton, being delivered, she went on Wednesday into Rattenbury a dock, where she has since been coppered. On Saturday morning she went out of dock, complete in every ?lancet. The following is the oath taken by every Roman Catholic Bishop: — I frOm this time forward will be faithful and obedient to my Lord the Pore, and to his successors. The counsels with which they trust me I will not disclose to any man, to the hurt of the Pope or his successors. 1 will assist to retain the Popedom and the royalties of St. Peter against all men. I will carefully preserve, defend, and promote, the rights, honours, privileges, and authority of the Pope. 1 will not be in any council, deed, or treaty, in which any thing prejudicial to the person, right , or power , of the Pope is contrived ; and VI shall know any such things treated of by any whomsoever , I will, to the utmost of my power, hindes them, and, with all pos sible steed. signify them to the Pape. will, to the utmost of my power, observe the Pope's commands, and make others Abscise them. A Brighton Paper says it is not true that Mrs. Pitzher bert intends to sell her villa on the banks of the Thames. 1 FROM SATURDAY NIGHT'S GAZETTE. Lord Chamberlain's Oiler, May 6, 1825. Notice is hereby given, that the Drawing-Room intended to be held at St. James's Palace, on Thursday, the 12th in stant, in celebration of his Majesty's Dirtli-day, is post poned to Monday, the 23d inst. Office of Ordnance, May 7, 1825. Royal Regiment of Artillery—First Lieutenant Provo William Lawlor to b: Second Captain, vice Rains, removed to the 51st Re giment. Second Lieutenant Richard Fleming St. John to be First Lieutenant, vice Lawlor. Gentleman Cadet John H. Cockburn to be • Second Lieutenant, vice St. John. Second Captain William Ernst Jackson, from half-pay, to be Second Captain. Second Lieutenant William Henry Pickering to be First Lieutenant, vice Foote, removed to the Staff Corps. Gentleman Cadet Henry S. Coombe to be Second Lieutenant, vice Pickering. Gentleman Cadet George Illarkland to be Second Lieutenant, vice Brooke, promoted in the 17th Regiment of Foot. Gentleman Cadet Robert Robertson to be Second Lieutenant, vice Pottinger, promoted in the 6th Regiment of Foot. Gentleman Cadet John Hill to be Second Lieutenant, vice Jones, promoted in the Staff Corp Corps of Royal Engineers—First Lieutenant Thomas Furbor Lancet , to be Second Captain, vice Head, appointed to a Company in the Cape Corps of Infantry. Second Lieutenant George Browne to be First Lieutenant, vice Lancey. BANKRUPTCIES SUPERSEDED. Thomas Morris, late of Oswestry, Shropshire, mercer. Thomas Osborne, of Stroud, Gloucestershire, linen-draper. George William Brealey, of Aidersgate-street, linen-draper. BANKRUPTS. John Trayton Durrant. of Lambeth-mad, victualler, to sur render May 14, 28, at ten, and June 18, at twelve, at the Bank rupts' Court. Solicitor, Mr. Hull, Chiswell.street. Francis Roper, of the Haymarket. hosier, May 10, 21, and June 18, at ten, at the Bankrupts' Court. Solicitor, Mr. J. M. Taylor, len-court, Fenchurch-street. Christopher Woods, late of Stowmarket, Suffolk, corn-merchant, May 16, at six, 17. and June le, at eleven, at the King's Head Inn, Stowmarket. Solicitors, Mr. W. Ransom, Stowmarket; and Messrs. Dixon and Sons, New Boswell.court, Lincoln's Inn. Reuben ihawner, of Banbury, Staffordshire, brick-maker, May 16, at three, 17, and June 18, at nine. at the Red Lion Inn, Ut. leaver. Solicitors, Messrs. Clowes, Orme, and Wedlake, King's Bench-walk, Temple; and Mr. Blair, Uttoxeter. iVilliam Clay, of Cullum.street, flnur-factor, BUty 14, 21, and June 18, at ten, at the Bankrupts' Court. Solicitors, Messrs. Smith and Weir, Coopers'-hall, llasinghall.street. John Foulkes, of Wood-street, Cheapside, tea-dealer, May 10, 17, and June 18. at eleven, at the Bankrupts Court. Solicitor, Mr. J. Wilks, Finsbury-place. Edward Boultbee, of Liverpool. merchant, May 26, 27. and June HI, at eleven, at the Star and Garter Tavern, Paradise-street, Liverpool. Solicitors, Mr. slawdsley, Doran's-lane, Lord-street, Liverpool ; and Mr. Wheeler, Lincoln's Inn-fields. William Quirk, of Liverpool, ale and beer brewer, May 26, 27, and June 18, at twelve, at the Star and Garter Tavern, Paradise. street, Liverpool. Solicitors, Mr. 3lawdsley, Doran's-lane, Lord street, Liverpool; and Mr. Whee!er, Lincoln's Inn-fields. The average price of Brown or Muscovado Sugar, computed from the Returns made in the week ending the 4th day of May, 1815, is Las. O'd . per hundred weight, exclusive of the duties of Customs paid or payable thereon on the Importation thereof into Great Britain. , Average price of Corn from the Returns received in the Week ending May 4. 1825. Wheat. i Barley. i Oats. 1 Rye. Beans. Peas. a. d. a. d. a. d. e. d. a. d. a. d. 17 0 36 3 23 11 38 3 33 10 36 10 MEETINGS OF CREDITORS, AT THE BANKRUPTS' COURT, BASINGMALL-STRZIT, TO-110111FIV. THIRD MEETINGS. Fry, R, sen. East.atreet, Hoxtoo, cheeseanonger Tomse, J. Beaumont street. Mary-la-bonne, grocer . SECOND NEETINO. Moss, A. High.street, Shadwell, slopseller R - 10 - 11 FIMST MEETINGS. . 10 . 10 - 11 1 . 10 Brown, S. Oxford-strect,cheesernottg „ - Foulkes, J. Wood-street, Cheapside, tea-dealer - Martel., T. E. Carshalton, Surrey, corn and coal merchant - Roper, F. Haymarket, hosier . - - DIVIDENDS. Dann, W,. Bentham, T. and B. Raike,, J., Chatham and Sheerness, bankers .. .- . - - - 12 : _ 10 Hodges, J. Aldgate, blanket-warehoustnan MARRIED. On Thursday, the Bth instant, at St. Martin's in the Fields, by George Richards. D.[)., F.A.S., Mr. C. R. Purday, of Sandwich, to Milo Louisa Thompson, daughter of the late Thomas Thomp• son, Esq. of London. On Wednesday, at SValcot church, Bath, Terrier'', Francis I: Estrange, Esq. Lieutenant on half-pay of the Coldstream Guards, and eldest son of Major-Ocnetal L'Estrange, of Larkfield, county of Westmeath, to Almeda Anna Tommie's, youngest daughter of Lieutenant-Colonel Darby, of Green Park-build ings, Bath, On the 311 instant, at St. John's church, Wakefield, the Rev Edward Hawke Itrookabank, Vicar of Tickhill„ Yorkshire, to Han nah, youngest daughter of the late Benjamin Heywood, Esq. of Stanley Hall, near Wakefield. On Thursday last, at Cheltenham, Charles Brodriek. Esq. ne phew to Viscount Middleton, and eldest son of the late Archbishop of Cashel, to the Hon. Emma Stapleton, third daughter of Lora Le Despencer. DEATHS. At Brightor, Lady Herne, wife of Sir William Herne, of Maidenhead Bridge, and relict of the late Robert Stevenson, Esq of Bmtield-place, B ecks. On the lat instant, in the 72d year of his age, Taylor Esq. principal Proprietor, and Alanager for many years, of the King's Theatre. On Monday last, at Oxford, William Hall, E.q. at the age of 7. years. SALES BY AUCTION. SALE OF MR. WICKS'S VALUABLE EFFECTS, 'l'ichborne-street, Re Mr. JAMES DENEW, THIS and FOLLOWING DAY, at 12, CAPITAL OK-MOLU CLOCKS of the highest class, magnificent Candelabra, and ornamental appendages, beau tiful Porelain, including a dinner service of five old Berlin, painted in landscapes, and a pair of lofty Chinese pagodas, groups and figures in wax, by Percy, bronzes, sculptures and carv ings, splen did jewellery . , capital selfacting organs, fine models, and mecha nical inventions, paintings, Mussels tapestry, suits of armour, brilliant glasses, mirrors, and other valuable articles at the Royal Mechanical Museum, Tichborne-street, Piccadilly, the property Mr. Weeks, and collected by him during a long series of years. of May now be viewed and catalogues had. - ----------- LEASE and FURNITURE of a CONVENIENT RESI DENCE, LITTLE S TANHOPE-STREET, MAYFAIR. By Mr. JAIIIES LENEW, At his Auction Room, Charles-stmt, Berkeley-square, TO-31ORROW, at 12, in One Lot, rICHE BENEFICIAL LEASE, with immediate pos 1_ session, of a meat convenient and comfortable HOUSE for a small Family, situate No. 10, Little Stanhope-street, Mayfair , comprising three rooms on each floor, in a very complete state of repair, and held for a term of seven years at a rent of only 701. per annum. The excellent Household Furniture, Fixtures, Carpets, useful and ornamental China and Effects, to be included in the purchase. To be viewed preceding the Sale. Particulars may be had on the Premises, and of Mr. Denew, Charles -street, Berkeley-square. SMALL RESIDENCE, HILL-STREET. BERKELEY-SQUARE, By Mr. JAMES DENEW, At his Auction Room in TO-MORROW, Charles-st at reet, Berkeley-square, 12, AVERY DESIRABLE RESIDENCE, suited to a Lady or Gentleman of fortune, on a small establishment, situate No. 13, Hill-street, Berkeley-square; comprising entrance hall, with stone staircase, dining and breakfast room, good pro portioned drawing-mama, airy bed-chambers, attics, and convenient domestic offices. held for a term of G 3 years from Alichae6nas 1821, at the rent of 130/. per annum. To be viewed preceding the sale. Particulars may be had on the premises, at Garraway's ; and of Mr. Dener, at his office, Charles-street, Berkeley-square. Beautiful Florentine Mosaic Tables, Unique Clock-case, formed of precious stones; very fine Bronzes, magnificent Armoire, specimens of ancient Marqueterie de Buhl, t.cvre and Dreader. Porcelain, and a great variety of other Elegancies, recently con signed from the Continent. IR. SQUIBB and SON respectfully announce to j the Nobility and Gentry, that Tills DAY and ft)-MORROW, they shall bring to SALE, at their Great Boom. Saville-row ueveral extremely beautiful FLORENTINE TABLES (some of large dimensions, composed of valuable mate rials, elaborately and tastefully disposed); a unique clock-case, formed of precious stones, to represent fruits and flowers ; a mag nificent armoire, and several line speeionene of ancient tuarquetcrie de built, in commodes and kneehole tables, library tables, richly ornamented bookcaws and pedestals, ladies' boudoir tables and cheffbniers, with plaques de porcelain; clocks of rich design, in the taste of Louis XIV. and XV. ; ormolu pier and table cande. labra, supported by bronze figures on marble buses, three feet high; massive or-mole bras de cheminee, marquetcrle commodes, cylinder secretaires, tables and jardinieres; a collection of fine antique bronzes, specimens of fine oriental tea-green emlyvand china, with chased and gilt mountings, particularly a pair of bottles, four feet high, magnificently mounted; Dresden and Series porcelain, in vases and figures, some modern French ornamental porcelain. To be p u blicly viewed two days preceding the Sale, when cats .ogues may be had, at Is. each. SALES BY AUCTION. FURNITURE, LIBRARY. BOOKCASES, GLAssg s, LUSTREs, SACRVII.LE-STREET, PICCADILLY. MR. PHILLIPS respectfully announc es , that THIS I/Air, at One, he shall SELL by AUCTION, on th e p e ep i.e., No. 34, tiackrille-street, without reserve, the Mod... useful FURNITURE , including four library bookcase ' , e hi sm ,.. - " &arca. two superb cut glass chandeliers, mahogany dining, e+rd and sofa tables ; an excellent pianoforte , and library table; w pm ' edsteads and bedding, and chamber and kitchen requisites, the property of a Gendeman. May now be viewed, and ett*logues had on the premises ; and at Mr. Phillips's, 73, Bondatreet. COSTLY FURNITURE, BRONRES,'IRARBLES. PORCR. LAIN, PICTURES, TURNING LATHE. &c. t xx. Of a Gentleman, from the West of England. MR. PHILLIPS has the honour to announce, th at THIS and following days. at One, he shall scum* by AUCTION, at his Rooms, New Bond-street, the superb ' . tively elegant assemblage of FURN ITUR E, both useful and deeo, retire, thirteen noble glasses of magnitude and brilliancy ; a tun ,. log lathe. by Holtaaptfel/ ; a magnificent suit of carved and gilt chairs. executed for the late Napoleon ; ar.molu chandeliers splendid armoires, commodes, consoles, cabinets, library tables and aecretaires of the finest work, and time of Boulo and Ram at Japan, Sere, Dresden, and French porcelain, in services, and for decoration ; or-molu clocks and candelabras; valuable bronzes and marbles, in Groups, figures. vases, &c.; several large And tine pieces of Gobelin tapestry ; Persian, Ti ekey, and Aubis•aa carpets, and miscellaneous valuable objects, the property o f Gentleman removed from his mansion in the West of England. Also the Collection of Ancient and Modem Plantes, Prints, a g d Books. May be viewed, and catalogues, at Is. 6d. each, had at Hr. Phillips's, 73, Bond-street. RICH CHANDELIERS AND LUSTRES, CHINA AND GLASS WARE, IN TABLE, DESSERT, AND BREAK. FAST SERVICES, du. By order of the Administrator. IR. PHILLIPS respectfully announce s , that TO-MORROW he shall SELL by AUCT ION, his Rooms, New Bond-street, an excellent and well-selected AS.. SORTM ENT of CHINA and GLASS WARE, romi extensive and handsome dinner, dessert, tea and breakfast set vi ; rich chandeliers and lustre. for 6,8, and 12 lights each, tame•lilly designed; suites of decanters, ewers, Linger basins, wine coolers. ice plates, goblets, tumblers, &c. &c. arranged in lota suitable to domestic purposes, fanning the stock of a respectable manufacturer s deceased. May he viewed, and Catalogues had one day previous to h: sale. at Mr. Philiips's. JEWELLERY, BIJOUTPIRIE. &c. By order of the Executrix of Mr. Delauney. kVR. PHILLIPS resrctfully announces that on A_ WEDNESDAY NEXT, and following Day, he shall SUBMIT by AUCTION, at his Great Rooms, New Bond-stseet. at One o'clock, THE REMAINING STOCK OF JEWELLERY OF THE LATE MR. P. DELAUNEY ; Comprising suits of dress ornaments for taffies, composed of pearls and diamonds and coloured gems, neck ard watch chains. gold watches, rings, brooches, buckles, pins, and a variety of trinkets, musical and other snuff boxes, and miscellaneous fashion. able English and French jewellery ; a few items of plate and plated ware; morocco and Russia leather pocket books, writing cases, &c. &c. ...... ... May be viewed to-morrow, and catalogues had at Mr. Phillips's, Bood-street. BRILLIANTS, JEWELS. AND BIJOU' . ERIE OF THE LATE ALBINIA, COUNTESS OF BUCKIMAIA3I. SHIRE. lUrit. PHILLIPS has the honour most respectfully to J. announce, that (brorder of the Administrators) he shall SUBMIT by AUCTION, at his Great Rooms, Bond-street. on WEDNESDAY NEXT, at One, the CASKET of JEWELS, BRILLIANT TIARA, and other DRESS ORNAMENTS, composed of Brilliants of the finest Water, and an assemblage of Bijouterie, fancifully mounted in Gold, and a few 3liscellaneous Objects, the entire Property of the late A LBINIA, COUNTESS DOWAGER of BUCKINGHAMSHIRE, which will, by di. rection of Administrators, be sold without reserve. May be viewed two days preceding the Sale, and Catalogues then had at Mr. Phillips's, 73, New Bond street. . . . PICTURES, THE PROPERTY OF A NOBLEMAN. M RF PHILLIPS has :t e e 113rhn loot. t a o a r f n a c ii n a :c i e n; t d h a a t o a n , One, he shall SELL by AUCTION, at his Rooms. New Led: street, a Collection of Two Hundred PICTURES, chiefly of cabinet size, and embracing choice and valuable Specimens of the Dutch and Flemish Schools, formed during the last 13yearsprinet pally on the Continent. Among which will be found specimens by Rubens Schell:en Ruysilael Weuvermans I hstade Vandyke Begs Jan Sian Teniers Berchem Rembrandt Verret, &c. A Noble Gallery Painting, by Rubens, and a few of the lialh ft School. by esteemed Masters ; also a Cabinet, and a Grand Pia: o Foie, by Broadwood. Mar be viewed two days previous, and catalogues had at U. Phillips's, New Bonchstreet. BRONIPTON-SQUARE. A HOUSE AND MODERN FURNITURE, In One Lot. 1. (R. l it H I t h L e L I r_ 16thl e iltant t , fu a l t ly O n n o e ti te es eh t a l l i l a !li n I l f i l ( 7 )% by - AUCTION. at his Great Rooms, New Bond-street (unless pre. viously Sold by private treaty), an ELEGANTLY FITTED RESIDENCE, recently built, finished, and furnished with simple elegance, and replete with every convenience for a Small Family. The Fixtures and Furniture are flew within Six Months. The situation is pleasant, with Garden in front, tastefully laid out, and within one mile of London ; held for twenty-one years at a moderate rent. The Douse is fit for the immediate reception of a Family ; having a suit of drawing rooms, three rooms on the ground-floor, two airy principal chambers: and four lofty fiat. roofed attics, and garden in its rear. Coaches pass the Square every hour. May be viewed between Eleven and Four every day till the Sale. by Tickets, which, with descriptive particulars, may be had of fir. Phillips, 73, Bood-atreet. A COLLECTION OF PICTURES. MR. PHILLIPS respectfully announce' that ou SATURDAY, 21st instant, at 1, he shall SELL by AUCTION. at his Great Rooms, New Bond-street, a select and pleasing COLLECTION of PICTURES, combing the Italian, thatch, and Flemish Schools; among which will be found spec:- toots from the pencil. of Rembrandt Erom.niehino Poussin Canned Itlurillo Wm: verrnans Ten iers J. Stein O.tade Sclialken Oreuge Vernet, tie. Several pleasing Compositions by modern Artists of the Englatt and French Schools, the property of an Amateur, long resident in Holland. May be viewed. and Catalogues had two days prior, at 31r. Plai• lip's, 73, Bond-street. PICTURES FROM THE COUNTRY MANSION of a Gentleman. A 1 ,PH I LLIPS has the honour to announce, that on JL it WEDNESDAY, 25th instant, at One o'Cloek. he shall SUBMIT by AUCTION, at his Great Rooms, New Bond.street, without reserve, an Interesting and Select COLLECTION 0: ITALIAN, DUTCH, and FLEMISH PICTURES, princiP• ll l of Cabinet size, among which will be found Specimens by Corregio Stella Berchem ()static Breathe' Poussin West Ruesdael AVouvertnans &Jane, Rembrandt Wilkie, &C. Arynants Teniers Basun particularly a rich little Gem by Teniers, from the Perlin C.ibr(t. with a few others of equally high class, the property ot a licralt• man, removed from his Mansion in the West of England. May he viewed two days prior to the sale, and catalogues then had, at Is. each, at Mr. Phillips's. • LORD I3ER WICK'S COLLECTION or VALUABLE PICTURES. IIR. PHILLIPS most respectfully informs the N o; 1 bility and Gentry, that he shall on WEDNESDAY. ib. lit June, and following day, at one, SUII3II I' by AUCTION, at his Great Room*, New Bond-street. The 6 ENL'INE COLLECTION of ITALIAN, DUTCH, and FLEMISH PICTURES, by Masters of then School., embracing the works of Ruben Poelemberg Jansen (Wads Claude rlurilln Vernet C.lyo Rembrandt S. Rosa GAN. Pounin &a AC. S. Ferrato •P. Veronese Parmegiano Schidnne Berchem A. Catriczi The entire property of the Right lion. Lord Rerwick.by akem they have been collected at v ry considerable enrnse. Those me riting particular attention are a grand Landscape 11 i.h tip :es, by Claude ' the Virgin and Child, a ninguitie•eni anti u ndoubted sPe• • cituen,by Alurillo ; the well-known Grand historical co .r.pnfitioa of the Continence of Scipio. by Rubens ; Ch r i st 11.stcting the Blind, N. Poussin; a Landscape by S. Rosa; Gip'y Girl, by Murillo, &c. May be viewed four days prior to the sale, and Catalogues had at Mr. Phillips's, 73, Bond-sweet. woissiven Printed at THE BRITISH PRESS (Mee. by J.W.Csarsolt , 181, Strand, and published by H. CANnott, same Ply VALUABLE BOOKS, BOOKS OF AWE, LOOSE PRINTS, DRAWINGS, &c. the Property of a Gentleman. M R. on PMIAsI A I7 1 1 1 6 a t 1: 1 i t n h st e an ho d n f o o ll i r ow t i o ng ag y ou a n t 7 3ne th h a e t shall SUBMIT by AUCTION, at his Great Rooms, New Bond street, the Valuable LIBRARY of lit YOKS, of choice Editions,. illustrated with sets of proof and other Plates, and selected at great expense; Books of Prints, Galleries of Art, by Ruben*, Viaecner,. &c. and Prints from Raphael, J. Romano, Parma, Rolls:, &c.. Chinese Drawings, &c. &c. expensively bound in morocco, rose's and vellum, in excellent condition. Also a collection of loon Drawings, and pair of Globes, intludinc Callots and Della Bass Works, many scarce, the property of a Gentleman. May be viewed by catalogues two days preceding the Sale, and catalogues had at Mr. Phillips's.