The Sun. — London, England, 1839-05-09 00:00:00

EVENING EDITION LORD JOHN ItUSSELL'S LETTER [This article was prepared yesterday, but with. held in consequence of the Ministers Resigna tion.] We are not ashamed to avow that we have taken time to consider what course we should adopt in further noticing Lord John Russell's Letter. Nor will we conceal from our readers that we have been anxious to find in it some evidence that the Noble Lord might still be called the leader of the Reform party. We felt great respect for him on account of his many former exertions; we still cherish a lin gering attachment to the Whigs, with whom for so long a period we have co-operated, and our only hope that a revolution or civil war may be averted, and internal tranquillity maintained, rests on the possibility of cherishinc , a belief in the masses that they may procure re dress' for many intoler able grievances without seeking it by physical force, or wholly and violently overturning the Constitu tion. We are reluctantly obliged to give up that hope, and compelled to call on the Liberal party no longer to look on Lord John Russell as a leader or an ally. In the debate on the Irish question, the Noble Lord complained that his observations on the per manency of the Reform Act had been carelessly misreported or carefully misrepresented ; his letter to his constituents was announced to clear up the mistakes and set him right with the public; we expected, therefore, to find in it a renunciation of the finality doctrines, together with the expression of a wish, and the outline at least of a plan, of progressive and gradual, but extensive Reform, while the reasons might have been set forth why, in the present balanced state of parties, it was quite impossible for the Government to propose any part of such a plan with any chance of success ; but our expoctations have been grievously disappointed, and the Letter which was to clear up mistakes and rescue Lord John from the reproach of being a finality man, proves, be yond a doubt, that he has neither been misrepre sented nor misreported, and that he adopts, and glories in adopting the principle, that he is bound to resist the claims of the people for further reform. We are therefore compelled, however reluctantly, to enter the lists against Lord John Russell, and show by his own deliberately expressed opinions that he has deserted our cause. It was expected that the pamphlet would do something to re-unite all Reformers, as well as enable Lord John Russell to return from his excur sion to Toryism. The necessity of union was the continual cry of his friends. His letter has ren dered the hope of it impossible. It is a clever nyinifesto against his own supporters ; sneers and ridicule are combined with arguments to show the impracticability of their views ; and as orators and politicians never pardon a successful rival, he can never hope to be forgiven. We said on Saturday that his pamphlet was able and honest—able in its arguments against Reform, and honest, because to put them forth must be hostile to the Noble Lord's own political interest. Its ability and its honesty make it only the more injurious to his friends, and if he upset the coach, as was said at the opening of the last session, he has now laid it sprawling in the mire, one set of wheels jammed motionless on the earth, and the other revolving in the air, without a hope of ever again righting it. For his friends and for his party his letter is most mischievous, and quite merits the compliments it has received from the Tories. We do not mean to set him down with one epigrammatic sentence, and though we shall be compelled to return to the subject, we shall assign in full our reasons for differing from the Noble Lord Not to do him an injustice we will first notice two passages of his Letter, which are meant, We understand, to indicate two methods of extend ing the franchise. In referring to the 501. tenant-at -will clause in the Reform Act, the Noble Lord concludes that if " occupation were to be the foundation of a right of voting for counties, a 101. occupier in them is as respectable as a 101. occupier in towns," and though the Noble Lord does not say that he is now disposed even to introduce such a provision into the Reform Act, we, are ready to give him credit for wishing so far to extend the franchise. Again, in speaking of the freemen, he says : " It might have been difficult, it was not impossible, to make the freemen the proper representhives of one of the most valuable classes of the community, that of the in dustrious, intelligent, and able mechanics who abound in our great manufacturing and commercial towns, and some of whom only are sow admitted to the right of voting. Such a change in the character of the freemen would do much to purify our elections, and strengthen the House of Corn- ' mons." tVe do not pretend to understand how the free men who had votes only in some few towns and boroughs could be converted into representative: of clever artisans in all towns, nor does Lord John explain by what species of double election he pro poses to make the elected (we presume) represen tatives of the artizans concur in electing Members of the House of Commons. Nevertheless, as this is set down as an improvement of the Reform Act to which Lord John would assent, though we do not comprehend how, we give him credit for wish ing to that extent to improve the Reform Act. We quoted on Saturday the two other passages relative to improving the registration and defernee the rate pay ing c l auses , awl relative to the House of a Lords, which make up every concession to Reform contained in the letter. They are, in our judgment, so very small, so insignificant, so valueless we may say, that they do not alter in the smallest degree its general anti-reform character. But having made this concession of petty detail, we now come to the principles of the pamphlet. Has the Reform Act answered the object of those who framed it ? That is the question at issue, an d L or d J o h n R usse ll' s l etter is written, in fact, to prove that it has. He asks— " Whether it is to be set aside as an experiment, which has totally failed, and a new scheme of le presentation set up in its place ; or whether we may not found upon the Reform Act, the amendments and improvements which all institutions from time to time require ? I have put the question thus, because on th e one sid e t h e present Ministry and their friends have never pretended that amendments of the de tails of the Reform Act might not from time to time he required; and on the other it is obvious fthat nothing but. a total failure of the endeavour Men made to substitute representation for nomi nation, would either persuade or justify the people of England in commencing a new struggle for the sake a change of so extensive a nature as those that have been of late proposed to us." Speaking merely technically, we answer, that as an endeavour to substitute representation for no mination, it is almost a total failure. Lord John Russell admits, that owing to the bribery and inti midation employed at the last election the Liberal party is not now adequately and justly represented in the House of Commons. He admits that the 501. tenant-at-will franchise is mischievous, or makes the counties little better than the nomination boroughs of a few landlords and parsons. He says nothing about it, but he must be sensible that as long as five-sixths of the people are wholly unrepresented, and as long as Harwich, Thetford, Andover, Chip penham, Tavistock, etc., in all ten boroughs, with 2,438 electors, and 47,000 inhabitants, send as many Members to Parli amen t as ten b oro u g h s with 1041.000 electors and 1,776,000 inhabitants, the endeavour to substitute representation for nomina tion, though the authors of the Reform Act may not like so confess it, has been a most wretched and lamentable failure. But there was a higher object contemplated than the substitution mentioned. That was only a means to an end, and the end was the centuntment of the people. In 1830 the country was the prey of dis quiet. Swing and his followers lorded it over Eng land, an d anincipient rebellion was spreading in Ireland. A revolution had recently tumbled one neighbouring Monarch from his throne, and severed the dominions of another. Discontent, with exist ing - institutions, and enthusiastic demands for change, made the masses uncontrolable. It was to nay revolution by extensive reform, that Lord Grey took ,office. Lord John Russell cannot forget the debate s of that period, and he must know that they abound Passages like these :—" The mode,' says Lord G r ey, you must - sek safety :on Nov. 2, 1830, " in which is by s ecu ring the A ffections of Your fello w - su bj ects , an d by redressing_ their '* e nees, and, my Lords, I will pronounoegnthe word, by Reforming Parliament." On the sam not to satisfy e d ay L ord Althorp adverted to an extensive Refo rm , any pre-established harmonies between certain Whig and Tory boroughs, but as a remedy for the various evils under which the people laboured. The speech, at the opening of the Session of that year, insinuated, as Mr. Brougham said, a fear of revolution, and it was to put an end to that, and to satisfy the people, to give them confidence in Parliament, and restore their respect for the Legis lature, that the Reform Act was passed. To such a pitch had the alarm reached, that even the Earl of Winchilsea advocated Reform, to " prevent the destruction of our best institutions." "If the peo ple had grievances," said the Noble Earl, on the 4th of November, 1830, " and God knew they had, and if these grievances were not redressed, there would be no security for property, and their Lord s hips would live to see our best institutions overturned." We were surrounded by dangers, and their Lord ships would be blind to what they owed to them selves, blind to that situation of great trust in which they were placed, and they would neglect the du ties they owed to their country, the confidence of which in the wisdom of Parliament had been much shaken, if they did not take some measure to win back the respect and confidence of the people. In the debates on the Bill the same justifying grounds were taken up, Lord Althorp had every reason, as he is quoted by Lord John, to hope that the Bill would inspire the people with confidence in their representatives. He expected that " the good sense of Me people would be satisfied when they saw the crying evils of the present system got rid of." Lord Grey looked for " permanent con tentment, to be produced by a decisive and exten sive measure." It was the boast of that Noble Earl, on retiring from the Ministry, that " Political and Trades' Unions have disappeared without the application for any extraordinary powers on the part of the Government."—(Speech of July 9, 1834.) The great object then of the Reform Act,—the end to attain which the machinery of representa tion was somewhat improved, was the contentment of the people. They were to be inspired with con tidence in the Legislature, and there was to be an end of Trades' and Political Unions. What is the actual result ? Amongst the unrepresented there is a total want of confidence in the Legislature ; Political and Trades' Unions pervade the land ; they are organized into one body, and the Conven tion sits in London bearding the Parliament. A petition signed by one million and a quarter of per sons for a total change in the Constitution is ready to be presented to the House of Commons, and that number of signatures, we believe, exceeds the number which all the exertions of the enemies of slavery procured at any one time to their petitions, and which were sufficient to induce the Legisla ture to change the whole frame of Colonial society and expend twenty millions of the public money. The Reform Act, far from inducing contentment, and restoring peace and confidence, has exaspe rated the dispute between the miadle and lower classes—between property and labour—into a deadly quarrel, by excluding from any share in legislation all the lower and all the poorer classes. By an extensive change it destroyed all the force of pre scription, and substituted nothing which could or ought to satisfy the excluded masses. Lord John Russell consoles himself, we believe, by saying that the constituencies are with him ; and that few or none of the middle classes belong to the Convention and follow after the Charter. But that is one of the worst features of the times, alarming and dangerous, in proportion as the constituency is a small part of the whole people, as the discon tented are numerous, and as the exclusion is com plete, and effected by law. Prior to 1830 the constituency of the rotten boroughs was perfeetly well contented, and no amendment was obtained till the land was in flames. The constituencies are, we regret to admit, too contented—they would now probably rather have a Tory than a Reforming Ministry ; but that only shows, as the mass of the excluded are in a state approximating to rebellion, that the Reform Act has put hostility between numerous classes It has equally falsified the fears of tive corrupt faction IN hich has long preyed on the community, and the hopes of the great masses by whose instru mentality it was achieved, and to content x‘hom the King's Private Secretary requested the Tory Lords to stay away from the House of Peers. Lord John Russell enumerates a number of Bills that have been passed since the Reform Act, to show that it has not been barren of fruit. But that they were the consequence of Reform, supposing them to be ever so good, is not by any means clear, seeing that, without Parliamentary Reform, the nation obtained the repeal of the Test Act and Catl olic Emancipation, which are equal in value to any two measures passed since the Reform Act became a law. It may be said, too, of the reduc tion of taxation, that it was in progress before Par liamentary Reform was the law, and this last year or two, though assailed by no foreign foes, our income has not been equal to our expenditure. When the Noble Lord pointed out the benefits of the Reform Act, he wisely omitted the coercion law for Ireland, and that conduct as to Canada, which preceded and accompanied civil war, and the maintenance of the iniquitous tax on bread. We shall have more to say of this pamphlet to morrow, we stop now, observing that, on Lord J. Russell's own admission, he is one who has been " bli7.dly deceived himself," and seeks still to pre serve the delusion, and make others share it with him. We have shown that on a most important point the Noble Lord is either an inattentive ob server of what is going on in society, or he treats with contempt the masses and their sorrows, though, when they were to be used to attain or to keep power, they were, in the eyes of his party, of infinite ►mportance. To-morrow we shall show that an aristocratic contempt for the people is at the bot tom of the Noble Lord's injustice. BANQUET at the MANSION HOUSE The Lord Mayor and the Lady Mayoress gave a grand dinner on Monday last in the Egyptian Hall to a distinguished company of the nobility and gentry and many of his Lordship's fellow-citizens, who were invited to meet the Prince and Princess of Capua. Those illustrious persons, however, very much to the surprise of the majority of the company, never made their appearance ; but there were some individuals present who seemed to be aware that forgetfulness was habitual with both of them. The arrangements and decorations were on the same scale of magnificence that distin guished the great Easter entertainment ; the usual state forms were observed, and no expense had been spared to do honour to the Prince and Princess. The Queen's band played in the saloon and in the Egyptian Hall during dinner, which had been ordered to be on table at seven o'clock. The company looked frequently and disconsolately towards the door for the arrival of their Highnesses, or what would have been every bit as agreeable to many whose appetites had been sharpened by the agony of expectation—an apo logy. An eloquent murmur was heard through the ^ drawing-room, and was gradually rising into sounds of complaint, when the Lord Mayor, at half.past eight o'clock, submitted to his guests that it was almost time to go to dinner. At twenty minutes to nine o'clock, the company were most busily engaged in supplying the waste occasioned by their long fast, and filling out their " attenuated forms:' Just after the second course was deposited upon the table, a letter from the Prince was handed to the Lord Mayor, expressing his Highness's regret that he and his Princess were unable to come to dinner with his Lordship and the Lady Mayoress on that day. Amongst the company were Lord Kinnoul, Lord Burghersh, Lord Petre, Lord Combermere. Lord Ashley, Lord Bloomfield, Lord Radstock, the Rev. Lord John Thynne, Sir Thomas Baring, Bart., Sir Felix Booth, Bart., Sir John Jacob Ansler, Sir George Houlton, the Rev. D. Ackland, the Rev. R. Burgess, Doctor Ashurst. Captain Nelson, Captain Locke, Cap tain Alsager, Aldermen Thompson, Copeland, and Kelly, the Sheriffs, &c. &c. The moment the Lord Mayor intimated to those near him, that the Prince had sent an apology there was a general titter, and the seats which had been up to that time kept vacant for their Highnesses were filled. It was mentioned incidentally. that the Prince and Princess were last week waited for at a party at the west-end of the town upwards of an hour, and that the company at last sat down without being honoured by their presence. Many of the Lord Mayor's and the Lady Maynress's guests, who had never partaken of civic hospitality before, expressed themselves highly delighted at the splendid and festive scene, and only regretted the mo ment of departure. . _ Lord Combermere returned thanks for the Army, Lord Radstock for the Navy, Lord Kinnoul for the House of Lords, Lord Ashley for the House of Com mons, and the Rev. Lord John Thynne for the Church, Alderman Thompson for the Magistrates of London, Sir Thomas Baring for the County Magistrates, &c. During the dinner Mr. Whitham, the Superintendent of Police, had continual communications with the Lord Mayor, relative to the movements of the Chartists. SOUTHEASTERN RAILWAY COMPANY. The fifth half-yearly meeting of the Proprietors of the above Company was held yesterday at the Com pany's office, 10, Coleman -street, at one o'clock, Thomas W. Tyndale, Esq , in the chair. The CHAIRMAN commenced the proceedings by re questing the Secretary to show that the meeting had been regularly convened, who accordingly read the notice convening the meeting, and produced different newspapers, in which the advertisements had been in serted, in order to prove that the meeting had been con vened in accordance with the Act of Parliament. The Chairman then requested the Secretary to produce the register of the Proprietors, and moved that the common seal of the Company be affixed thereto, which having been agreed to unanimously, it was affixed by the Chairman accordingly. The CHAIRMAN then moved that the Secretary do read the report, which being carried, the Secretary pro ceeded to read it. It commenced by referring to the report of the 30th of November, 1838, and stated that since the presentation of that report the works had con tinued to proceed satisfactorily ; that two contracts had been entered into for the works at the Shakspeare Tun nel and the works at Abbott's Cliff, which works were nearly completed ; that the works at Beachborough had i been commenced ; that further purchases of land had been made, and that the Directors were treating for the purchase of the whole of the residue ; that 40 miles of road were already under contract ; that an arrangement had been entered into with the London and Brighton Railway Company, which would be submitted to this meeting - for their approval, the terms of which were that when the Brighton Company should have completed their line from and to Croydon and Earlswood, the Brighton Company shall sell to the South Eastern Company at the cost price, and with interest charged thereon the lower half of the line, each Company re taining the privilege of passing over the whole line above stated without payment of toll. That a Bill was before Parliament for effecting a junction with the Line at Redstone Hill. The report then alluded to the progress of the works at Penshurst, and stated that there were 4,367 Shares on which the second call re mained unpaid ; that the Resolution of the last Gene ral Meeting had been carried into effect in declaring those Shares forfeited on which the first call had re mained unpaid. The Financial statement was then read, from which it appeared that the gross receipts of the Company amounted to 170,664/. 11s. 7d., and the gross disbursements 140,216/. 18s. I Id. The CHAIRMAN, in moving that the Report be re ceived, adopted, and printed, said that he should have little to add to it, as the Directors had in the fullest and most candid manner laid before the Proprietors the state of the affairs of the Company in that Report. Since he had been connected with them he had never known the affairs of the Company in so satisfactory a state, and he believed that shortly they would come out with the greatest possible success. It was only a question of time, and that was a question that could only be answered by themselves. If they were true to them selves the road would be opened in a comparatively short period of time. Since the last half-yearly meet ing they had taken an opportunity of opening a com munication with the Brighton Railroad Company, relative to the portion of the line the ownership of which was in dispute, and had come to an arrangement with them, the terms of which were on the table, and although that arrangement had been one of entire concession on the part of the South Eastern Company, yet he felt satisfied that the terms of that agreement were for the mutual advantage of both Companies. Upwards of 9,000 shares had re mained on hand, all of which had been disposed of, ex cept 1,827, which had been declared forfeited by the meetin g in November, and concerning whi c h the fol lowingdifficulty had occurred, which had prevented the disposal of them. Under the Act of Parliament, when shares were forfeited on account of non-payment of the calls, the Directors were to sell such shares, either by public sale or private auction, and to pay up the calls with the produce, handing over the surplus to the sub scribers, and they were not to sell more than would be sufficient to pay up the outstanding calls. Now this question had arisen, whether, seeing the Company were liable to make good the surplus, the holders were not liable to make up the deficiency—under these cir cumstances the Directors bad determined on holding the shares, and these were the only shares that remained undisposed of. He would not allude to the proceedings in Parliament at present, inasmuch as after the general meeting he should have to request them to remain for a few minutes and constitute themselves into a special general meeting, in order to consider of these proceed ings. It was necessary to do this, in order to comply with the standing orders of the House of Lords. He concluded by moving that the Report be received. Mr. lloncrisoN seconded the motion. Mr. TERRELL said there appeared to be a deficiency of 65,0001. on the shares issued. The CHAIEDIAN said that• it had. been-stated at the meeting in March that 9,000 shares had been issued at 3 discount. Mr. TERRELL-What had bee* the loss thereon, and why had it not appeared in the accounts? The CHAIRMAN said there had been no loss, they had merely omitted to receive. The fact was in accordance with the resolution of that General Meeting ; these shares had been sold at 31. per share instead of 151. per share, and if this proceeding was wrong it was the fault of the General Meeting, and not of the Directors. The SECRETARY stated that the whole of that defi ciency was not owing to selling these shares at a dis count, because there were certain shares on which the call of 2/. made in August last, still remained unpaid. Mr. TERRELL asked if all the shares were forfeited on which the calls had not been paid up ? The CHAIRMAN—AII that were ordered to be de clared forfeited by ,he meeting in November. Mr. TERRELL stated that the shares of some of the parties had been declared forfeited, while other parties had receieved letters from the Solicitor of the Company on the subject. The CHAIRMAN said the forfeiture applied to those who had neglected to pay up the 5/. call. The letters were sent to those who had neglected to pay up the 2/. call. Mr. TERRELL inquired why the holders of shares on which 2/. were due had received their letters from the Solicitor instead of being forfeited. The CHAIRMAN-It does not follow that because I choose to forfeit a share when 5/. is due I should do so when 2/. is due. Mr. TERRELL inquired why this deficiency of 65,0001. did not appear in the balance sheet. The CHAIRMAN—Because it has never been re ceived ; therefore it cannot appear in the cash ac count. Mr. TERRELL wished to know how the statements o the Report and the statements of the letter of the solici tor were to be reconciled. The letters of the solicitor stated that they could not give credit for the 11/. per share, but only for the 3/. which had been paid, while according to the Report, it appeared that the contrary is the case—were they to abide by the report or by the letter ? The CHAIRMAN would ask the meeting whether this had any thing to do with the business before it ? Mr. CARVAL l lo—Certainly ; it is of consequence to know whether these Shareholders have credit in the Company's books for LW. or for only 31. as has been stated by the legal adviser. The CHAIRMAN requested the letter might be read. The letter was then read by Mr. TERRELL, and it stated that the Directors would not give more credit for more money than had been paid. A PROPRIETOR—The question is, have they credit for 3/. or for 151. in the Company's books. The CHAIRMAN—No doubt they have had credit given to them in the Company's books for the 11/. No further call will be made upon them for the difference between 15/. and the amount they have already paid. Mr. CARVALHO wished for an explanation of the difference between the statements of the Chairman and the solicitor. The CHAIRMAN—We never take credit for more money than we receive, because that would falsify the the books—but no purchaser of these shares will be called upon to pay more than 35/. per share, in addition to what has been paid already. The SECRETARY—The fact is, the share has credit for I.sl—the person for 31. Mr. TERRELL said, that the estimate had been divided under three heads. Formation of the line, &c., Bal lastry, &c., and Expenses of Management. He would like to ask Mr. Cubitt to arrange the account presented under these three different heads. _ Mr. CGBlTTbegged the Hon. Proprietor to explain his meaning a little more clearly. Mr. TERRELL said the expenses of management had been estimated by Mr. Cubitt at 43,6541. and they had already cost a great deal more ; he had no motion to make, but he did not like to see the Directors so re luctant to afford information. The CHAIRMAN said, he was ready to answer any questions that might be put to him. General HODGSON thought that the Directors were willing to afford every information. Mr. TERRELL would ask the Chairman to class the expenses under these different heads and compare them. The CHAIRMAN said he was not used to compare unlike things with unlike. There was not a gentleman present but what was as capable of finding this matter out for himself as he was for him. A PROPRIETOR would ask if this sum of 43,0001. would cover the expenses of management ? The CHAIRMAN said it would more than cover what would be required, from the time that this estimate was made. Mr. TERRELL believed that this estimate had been for the pu r p ose o f s h ow i ng th e correc t ness o f the former estimate. The CHAIRMAN—On the contrary, it shows that the former estimate is vilely incorrect. Mr. TERRELL asked if the Act did not prevent their borrowing money until half their capital had been paid up. The CHAIRMAN—Yes. Mr. Boveorcrit said the object of the 'Hon. No- THE .'.4IN, LONDoN. TIL R DAY, MAY !', 1 ;se) prietor was evidently to produce an impression that the 1 purchasers of shares at 31. were still liable for 431. per share. Now it was very important that the Chairman should state that the holders of those shares were only liable for 351., in addition to the deposit they had al ready made. The CHAIRMAN reiterated his assurance that such was the case, that they would never be called on for more, and expressed his surprise that any one could suspect the Directors would have been guilty of such a gross fraud. A PROPRIETOR would go further and say they could not call upon them until the old Proprietors had paid up the full a mount of 151. per share. The CHAIRMAN said he did not like to state as much, but such was the intention of the Directors. A PROPRIETOR said that the Act required half the capital to be paid up before they could borrow any money. The CHAIRMAN — The Act says half the capital, not half the amount of each share ; and when half the ca pital is paid up we shall have power to raise money. Mr. CIJBITT begged to state that he had been applied to to give an estimate of the expenses of making the line, not according to the original plan, but according to the deviations which had hen subsequently determined on, and his estimates had hitherto been fully borne out by the results. A PROPRIETOR asked what extent of the line was at present under contract? Mr. CUBITT said from 12 to 15 miles of the most expensive part of the line --the cut at Penshurst for in stance. The works at Dover had been undertaken first, because some persons had declared that it was im possible they could ever be completed ; but now there was every prospect of those works being completed at less than the estimated cost. The Shakspeare tunnel would, in all probability, be completed by next winter. In answer to various questions, the CHAIRMAN then stated that the contractors were bound to complete the works within two years, that no delay had taken place in consequence of any deficiency in the funds, but that whenever the con tractors had applied for money they had been supplied, provided they produced a certificate from Mr. Cubitt. A long conversation then ensued with regard to the forfeited shares, but nothing new transpired respecting them, beyond what the Chairman had stated in his opening address. In answer to a question from a Proprietor, The CHAIRMAN said that the balance at present due to the Solicitor was by no means a large one. A PROPRIETOR asked if another call had not been made ? The CHAIRMAN—Yes, the payment of which is due this day. The motion was then put and agreed to. The CHAIRMAN then stated that Messrs. Baxen dale, Mills, and Boswortbt had :been balloted for to go out of the Direction. These gentlemen were then proposed, seconded, and unanimously re-elected as Directors. The SOLICITOR, then read the agreement between the South Eastern and Brighton Railway Companies, the substance of which will be found in the report above. A PROPRIETOR asked why, when the Act gave them a right to the whole of the line, such terms had been acceded to. The CHAIRMAN said, in the first place, he had always thought that clause hard on the Brighton Company, and that it would not do for two Companies so closely allied to be in a state of hostility ; and in the next place, the Company saved an expenditure of 200,0001. by the arrangement. The question was then put that the agreement be confirmed and the common seal affixed thereto, and passed unanimously. The question as to the forfeiting the shares was then resumed, when Mr. DAVIES said he considered it highly inexpedient to declare any shares forfeited, and exonerate the holders from any further payments thereon if there was the least chance of getting the money from them. He would therefore propose a resolution to the effect that the Di rectors should not declare any more shares forfeited, but forthwith adopt measures to enforce payment of the calls, and when they deem it prudent to suspend taking such measures, they shall make a special report on the subject to a general meeting. Mr. TERRELL seconded the resolution. A PROPRIETOR said the question depended on whether the holders of these shares were men of straw or men of property. The CHAIRMAN—The Directors will ascertain that, and if they are not worth sueing, of course, that will be matter for a special report. The resolution was then put and carried unanimously, Mr. TERRELL then attempted to induce the meeting to investigate the truth of certain charges which had been brought against the private character of two of the Directors in the " Paul Pry," as we understood, but was obliged to sit down amidst loud cries of " Paul Pry.” A PROPRIETOR asked if the attacks had any thing to do with their official capacity, and if they were' amotry mous ? The CHAIRMAN said they were not attacked in their official capacity, and the attacks were anonymous. If the Proprietor would avouch for these attacks on his own responsibility, then the meeting would go into them, but not otherwise. Mr. TERRELL again attempted to go on with the subject, but was obliged to resume his scat in conse quence of the strong expression of indignation on the part of the meeting. A PROPRIETOR then proposed a vote of confidence in the Directors, which was passed unanimously. The CHAIRMAN returned thanks, and animadverted on the conduct pursued by Mr. Terrell. The General Meeting was then dissolved, and on the motion of the Chairman resolved itself into a special meeting, for the purpose of considering the Bill No. 2, now before Parliament, in accordance with the Standing Orders of the House of Lords. The Bill having been read by the Solicitor, the Chairman explained that this second Bill had become necessary i n consequence o f a divergence of the line from the one proposed in the Bill No. 1, already before Parliament, which divergence was occasioned by the opposition of certain owners of land on the line. But it was advisable they should re tain certain powers given under the Bill No. 1, and therefore, under the advice of the Speaker, they had brought in two Bills. The additional expense of the second Bill would be about 1501. in fees, &c. The Bill was agreed to, and the meeting broke up. COLBURN'S NEW MONTHLY MAGAZINE AND HUMORIST, EDITED I3t TIIEODOkE HO OK.—The spirit and ability, with which this excellent Magazine is conducted render it worthy of all admiration. IntkpeieNceumebnetirtifeodr May the ingenious edit or h as an excellent " A Fragment of Modern History Phantom Ship" progress, s bravely. y" Captain Marry a t' s . Perhaps the most attractive piece in the Number, h Trollope's " The Widow Married,"owever will be Mrs. to which amusing lady we would advise our readers t o pay their court imme diately. " The Widow Married" i sn acontinuation of Mrs Trollope's " Widow Baraby.a In the whichpresent number she carries us through three chapter.'are filled with sketchy and characteristic incident. The stress Mrs. Trollope evidently elevates her abovetheprenitity"buotf trivial airs and trumpery observations of her sex. She handles a powerful pen. Her dishes are pleasant and pun gent ; perhaps they will be found to have the latter quality in excess for those whose palates they are intended to cor rect. They are calculated, if properly applied, to improve both tastes and habits; let us hope they will not fail in their effect. These three chapters are illustrated by two free and sketchy engravings ala Cruikshank. The Num ber also contains some admirable productions by Poole, Calder, Campbell, Hon. E. Phipps, Douglas Jerrold, John Carne, &c.—Liverpool Albion. FIRST CARGO FROM THE EAST INDIES.— We have much pleasure in calling the attention of our readers to the advertisement in our columns of the present week respecting the staled the cargo of the ship Ida, Capt. J. Currie, direct from Calcutta, as it is the first which has taken place in this town. We are informed that the cargo is in moat excellent condition, and that the various goods are of very superior quality. The undertaking reflects great credit on the importers, and deserves the greatest en couragement, as it not only affords many advantages to the trade, but cannot fail to increase the prosperity and commerce of the town.— Tyne Mercury. STATE OF TRADE.—There was a further decline of ahout a farthing per pound in the pric e of twist Yesterday, w hi c h h ad the effect of causing some rather extensive purchases on speculation ; and the business done was to a larger extent than for severa l weeks p ast, but, levlof cours e , at prices very far below a remuneratin g In power loom cloth also, there w as a decline of Lid. t o 3d . per piece • and the best 27-inch printing cloth, which, a f ew weeks ago, ' readily fetched 83. Ed. to Bs. 9d, per piece, would not yester d ay com mand more than 7 s. 3 d. is decline has made the situation of the manufacture's by power almost as bad as that of the spinners for export ; and a considerable addition to the number of mills work ing short time may be expected. A n en gagement to work only three d ays bythe a week was yesterday v er y extensivel y signed Spinners and manufacturers at Ashton, Staly. bridge, Hyde, and the neighb o urhood ; and it was ex pected to rece i ve the signatures of the whole, or nearly the whol e , o f the extensive firms in that district. If so, it will C ause a very great diminution in the consumption of cotton, h kit. -u and tend materially to hasten the ..,rea g pof that mischievous speculation in the raw material, which has this year proved so baneful to the trade of Manchester and the neighbourhood.—Manchester Guardian. The Dublin Evening Post institutes a comparison between the punishment for libel, in the recent case of the Times, and the still more recent one of the Pilot, in which Mr. Barrett, the proprietor of the latter paper, was sentenced to three months' imprisonment, although he submitted, after the rule was made absolute. "We have always (says our Contemporary) been advocates for per fect e q ualit y with England ; and we must confess that the system of dealing with the Press in the English Queen's Bench has increased our anxiety for a complete assimilation of the institutions of both countries."' AURORA BOREALIS.—There was on Sunday night (what is not very usual at this season of the year) a striking and beautiful display of aurora borealis. It was particularly b r illi ant about eleven, when the columns of light shot up from an altitude of about 15 degrees nearly to the zenith.—Manchester Guardian. COURT CIRCULAR. The Duke of Wellington bad an audience of the Queen yesterday at Buckingham Palace. Later in the afternoon Sir Robert Peel had an audience of her Majesty. The Earl of Minto and Viscount Melbourne had audi ences of the Queen yesterday morning. Viscount Palmerston gave a grand dinner last evening to his Imperial Highness the Hereditary Grand Duke of Russia, and his Royal Highness Prince Frederick Henry of the Netherlands, at his official residence in Downing_ street. Among the company to meet their Imperial and Royal Highnesses were—Count Pozzo di Borgo, the Rus sian:Ambassador ; Baron Bentinck, the Netherlands Charge d'Affaires; Count Orloff, Marquis of Anglesey, Marquis of Normanby, Earl and Countess of Durham, Earl and Countess of Lichfield, Earl and Countess Minto, Lady Fanny Elliot, Earl of Clarendon, Countess Dowager Cowper, Lady Fanny Cowper, Count and Countess Wo ronzow, Count Charles and Countess Pozzo di Borgo, Viscount Torrington, Viscount and Viscountess Howick, Lord Hill, Lord Morpeth, Lord and Lady Seymour, Lord Holland, Lord and Lady Fitzroy Somerset, Miss Somerset, Lord and Lady Portman, Sir Hussey and Lady Vivian, Sir John Hobhouse, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, and three Gentlemen in Waiting on the Grand Duke of Russia. The Duchess of Gloucester visited the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge yesterday at Cambridge House. The Hereditary Grand Duke of Russia visited West minster Abbey yesterday. His Imperial Highness also inspected the Penetentiary, and afterwards the Royal Hos pital at Chelsea, and the Duke of York's School. The Duke of Wellington, after his audience of her Ma jesty, visited Sir Robert Peel yesterday at his residence in Whitehall Gardens. Sir Robert afterwards went to have an audience of the . Queen, and remained near an hour at Buckingham Palace. _ _ . The Military Secretary to the Commander of the Forces had an interview with Lord John Russell yester day at the Home Office. Despatches from Sir John Colborne, Governor of the Canadas, and from Sir George Arthur, Lieut.-Governor of Upper Canada, were received yesterday at the Colonial Office. SPORTING INTELLIGENCE. CHESTER RACES, TUESDAY. The late Stand Cup, value 100 sovs., the gift of the Hon. E. Mostyn, added to a Sweepstakes of 10 sous. each; three yrs, 6st. 41b ; four, fist. 41b; five, Bst. 121 b ; six and aged, 9st. 81b. Mares and geldings allowed 31b. One mile and a quarter. - Mr. Ferguson's ch. h. Harkaway, a yrs Sir T. Stanley's b. e. Gasparoni, 4 yrs Mr. Buckley's ch. c. Charley, 3 yrs 0 Mr. Price's br. g. Captain Pops, 4 yrs. Mr. Ogden's br. c. Harpurhey, 4 vrs 0 Capt. Lamb's ch. c. Chit Chat, 5 yrs 0 Charley carried 6st. 121 b. Four paid. 5t04 on the field, 12 to 10 agst Harkaway, 15 to 6 agst Pops, 4to 1 agst Gas paroni, 5 to 1 agst Chit Chat, and 6 to 1 agst Harpurhey. Captain Pops headed them at starting, Harkaway and Chit Chat laying close up. Half a mile from home the two last named passed the Captain, and a beautiful race took place all the way, the Irish crack winning only by half a neck. Her Majesty's Plate of 100 guineas ; three yrs, 7st. 12110 ; four, 9st. 21b; five, lOst; six and aged, lOst. 51b. Thrice round. Capt. Lamb's ch. h. Chit Chat, 5 yrs Connelly 1 Sir R. Bulkeley's b. f. Piccotee, 4 yrs Mr. Barrow's b. m. Catharin , , aged 0 Mr. 11. S. Johnstone's br. h. Job Trotter, 6 yrs Fourteen drew. 12 to 10 on the field, 6 to 5 agst Catha rina, 3 to 1 agst Chit Chat, 5 to 1 agst Job Trotter, and 8 to 1 agst Piccotee. Piccotee led them off at an indifferent pace, Catharina laying last. After the first mile and half had been accomplished, Job Trotter went in front at an improved pace; Chit Chat showed in front at the Castle-pole, headed his horses at the distance, and won a fine race by a head only. A Sweepstakes of 25 sous. each, for two years old ; colts, Est. 51b ; fillies, Bst. 21b. Half a mile. Mr. Fowler's b. c. by Saracen . Dodgson 1 Sir T. Stanley's b. f. Susanetta Lord Stanley's ch. c. Cornuto 0 Mr. F. Price's br. f. The Rose of Maelor 0 Sir R. Bulkeley's ch. f. Jenny Jones Mr. T. Walters's ch. f. The Rose 0 Captain Lamb's b. c. Brother to Enterprize 0 Princess Elizabeth and Remedy paid. 2 to 1 agst The Rose, 3 to 1 agst The Rose of Maelor, 3 to 1 agst Mr. Fow ler's colts and 4 to 1 agst any other. The Rose of Maelor took the lead, was collared at the Castle-pole by Susanetta and The Rose. From the distance chair the race was beautiful, the winner coming out a few yards from home, and landing first by a neck in a masterly manner. By some mistake Jenny Jones lost several lengths at starting, but eventually came up, and ran a good third, although not placed. Sixty Guineas (clear), the gilt of the Members for the City ; for three years old colts, fist. Sib; fillies, 6st. 61b ; four year old colts, Bst. 41b ; fillies, Bst. 11b. Heats, once round and a distance. Mr. Buckley's ch. c. Charley, 3 yrs Whitehouse 1 1 Mr. 31eiklam's br. c. The Drone, 4 yrs 2 dr Tire following also were drawn : —Mr. Price's b. f. The Lady Abbess, 3 yrs ; Mr. Ogden's b. c. St. Leonard, 4 yrs ; Captain Lamb's br. c. Speed, 3 yrs ; Mr. M. Browne's ch. f. by Irish Blaeklock, 3 yrs ; and Mr. Standbank's ch. f. by 'Tramp, 3 yrs. Peter Parley, Colchicum, Leprechaun, and Sir John, drew. Lady Abbess carried 81b. , Browne 's filly 21b., and Charley 41b. over weight. 2 to 1 agst The Dram, 3 to 1 agst Lady Abbess, and 4 to 1 agst St. Leonard. Charley took the lead in thu first heat, was never headed, and won cle verly. Second heat walked over. GORHAMBURY RACES-WEDNESDAY. The political occurrences of yesterday had a visible effect on the fashionable portion of the attendance this day, many Mem. bers of both Houses, interested in the anticipated changes, hav ing abandoned their intention to participate in the second day's sport. The company, nevertheless, was,exceedinglynumerous, more so, in fact, than- yesterday. - The weather was delightful, and the sporiszexcellent. We understand that there are already alsent..Afty. aubsesibeans tie - ahe.iQortetiniwiry-Stakes for-next year, and that the hest feeling rtowankrthe inoit'hig has heen shown by all classes of sportsmen. :It is deserving of every support. Our list of fashionable names will necessarily exclude many which appeared in our last. The following are all that we had time to collect :—Duke of Rutland, Duke of Beaufort, Marquis and Marchioness of Exeter, Earl and Countess of Verulam and Lady Grimston, Lord Mzidstone, Earl of Chesterfield, Lord J. Lennox, Lord Villiers, Lord J. Fitzroy, Lord Grimston, Lord Ongley, Sir D. Baird, Hon. E. Grimston, Hon. J. Villiers, Hon. G. Ongley, Col. Peel, Mr. Worrall, Mr. Greville, Mr. Irby, Mr. Brand, Mr. Phillimore, Mr. Gascoigne, Captain Gardnor, Mr. Crommelin, Capt a i n C o d ring t un , M r. Sh e ll ey, Mr. Bayly, &c. The course was most admirably kept by the new police, nor was anything wanting in other respects that was at all necessary to the comfort and amusement of the company. The following is a return of the racing : The Town Plate of 501. ; three years old, 7st. ; four, Bst. 71b. ; five, 9st. ; six and aged, 9st. 51b. ; mart s and geldings al lowed 31b., and maiden horses 41b. Heat:, the Fir Clump in. The winner to be sold for 200 soya., &c. Mr. G. Dockeray's b. h. Guardsman, 4 yrs.( Butler) 4 1 1 Mr. Shepherd's br. in. Tenebrosa, 3 yrs ........ 12 2 Mr. Parr 's b. m. The Howdy, 5 yrs Mr. Adam's b. f. Anne, 4 yrs. • Mr. Ongley's b. f. Harriet, 4 yrs. First Heat—Even on Guardsman, and 2to 1 agst Anne. Tenebrosa made the runnh.g to the top of the hill, where it was taken up by the Howdy, who carried it on to the cord, where the filly went up to him, and after a smart race, won cleverly. Second Heat—Even on Tenebrosa, who again cut out the work, Guardsman waiting on her till they were half way up the cords, where he went up and defeated her by a length. Third Heat —7 to 4 on Guardsman, who made the running to the distance, where Tenebrosa headed him, and having the best of the speed, kept in front till within a few strides of the chair; Guardsman, however, ran too long for her, and won by three pa r t s o f a length. The Howdy ran a good third. Match, 100 soy., h. ft. Gentlemen riders. Fir Clump in. 12st. 41b. each. Mr. Sutton's b. m. Peasdorf (Mr. Box) 1 Mr. Blyth's eh. h. Meteor Won in a canter. The Verulam Stakes of 10 sov. each, h. ft , with 50 added ; three years, Est. 7113.; four, Bst. 31b. ; second to save his stake. Verulam Course (three miles). 11 Subs. General Grosvenor's Daedalus, 4 yrs. ...(W. Boyce) I Mr. Worrall's Antler, 3 yrs. Lord Chesterfield's c. by Mulatto, or Starch, 3 yrs. Mr. Coleman's ch. c. Bristolian, 3 yrs Mr. Curry's Kensington, 4 yrs Betting-6 to 4 agst Antler, 3t o 1 ags t C arew ' s d am, 3to I agst Bristolian, 3to 1 agst Daedalus. Kensington made firs': running, with Daedalus and Bristolian in attendance on him to the straight course, where the lot closed, and ran head for head nearly to the ropes; Daedalus then went in front, with Antler at his heels, and won cleverly by a length. The Kingsbury Stakes of 5 sov. each, with 25 added; 12st. each ; gentlemen riders. The winner to be sold for 150, &c. Stand course. (S subs.) Mr. Parr's ch. h. Mahon, 5 yrs. (Owner) 1 Mr. Webber's b. g. Harold, aged The following also started:—Mr. Anderson's Vandyke, aged ; Mr. J. Bishop's Pilot ; Mr. Nightingale's Ada, aged Mr. Coleman's Victoria, 6 yrs ; and Mr. Armstrong's Culver stown. Betting-7 to 4 agst Culverstown, 2to 1 agst Mahon, and 4to 1 agst Vandyke. Culverstown took the lead at starting. Harold wai second, Vandyke third, and the others in good place. No alteration occurred till they reached the top of the hill, where Harold and Vandyke joined Culverstown, Vitoria lying at their heels, and Mahon a length or two be hind. About a distance from home he went to the front, followed by Harold, kept there to the end, and won easily by a length. Nothing was near these two. A Handicap of 3 sovs. each, with 30 added. T. Y. C. Mr. Balehin's Launchaway, Bst. Mr. Blyth's Meteor, 7st. Mb 2 The following also started :—Mr. Theobald's Paulina, Bst. 111 b; Mr. 'Parr's Mahon, 9st ; Mr. Sutton's Paasdorf, Bst 71b; and Mr. Messer's Susan, 6st 121 b. Betting-5 to 2 agst L.unchaway, 3to 1 agst Paulina, and 3to 1 agst Mahon. Meteor made strong running till within a distance and a half from home, when Lunchaway ran by him and won in a canter. No race for the Farmers' Cup. COWES.-ISLE OF WIGHT. ROYAL YACHT SQUADRON INTELLIGENCE. Earl de Grey has this week had his yacht the Nautilus, of 103 tons, surveyed, with a view to her being fitted out this summer. His Lordship is expected to be afloat in 11,1. early. She is a fine vessel, and kept in excellent condi tion ; it is a pity she is so little used. The Secretary of the Royal Yacht Squadron has sold the Menai brigantine, of 175 tons, the property of E. N. Harvy, Esq., to Lord Francis Egerton. It is expected that there will be a strong muster of the members at the General Meeting at the Thatched house Tavern, on Saturday. Our islanders and visitors have been set on the qui vivo, by a number of fine stones, amethysts, topaz, &c., having been found on the shore at the back of the Wight. A gentleman has been here, showing a great number of beautiful ones he has had cut. Many a fair one, whose hand before a hammer never held, may now be seen crack ing the pebbles in Freshwater Bay, and on the shores to the eastward, to bring to light the brilliants covered by their rough coating; we are told come have been sold as high as ten pounds each. The resignation of Ministers it as caused great conster nation in the Island ; a general election at this season must be the ruin of all watering places. The marriage of his Grace the duke of St. Al ban's to Miss Gubbins is to take place on the 29th instant. A numerous circle of relatives and friends will be invited to the ceremony. Mr. Waghorn arrived in Paris on Saturday morning from London. fie has since been laid up, but Is better, and started on Monday on his way to Egypt. TO THE PEOPLE OF IRELAND. " Hereditary bondsmen I know ye not, Who would be free, themselves must strike the blow ?" Fellow Countrymen—Another calamity has fallen upon our common country. Another grievous afflic tion presses upon her. The only English Administra tion which, during a period of seven hundred years, has exercised its functions with impartiality and justice to the people of Ireland, is terminated. It is not now of any importance to inquire by wh.t folly, fatuity, or wickedness this termination has been achieved. It is enough to know that this grievous calamity has befallen our country. The Orange faction, which has with difficulty been restrained, or at least kept in check by the late Ad ministration, is about to resume power, with all the circumstances that can render that power atrocious, and almost unbearable. The restraint which they have endured for some time past has served to ag gravate their bad passions, and to augment their malignity. These malignant passions will now have full scope and ample gratification. It is quite true that we shall have several plausible speeches recom mending moderation, and lauding impartiality. It is not only the natural love of plausibilities which forms a prominent feature in Peel's character, but the very exigencies of his situation render it doubly necessary for him to practise all the resources of hypocrisy, and all the plausibilities that can deceive and delude. And there are those among the Tories in England who de light in being deceived and deluded. But his party in Ireland—his Orange confederates—the men who hate the reli g ion of the people of Ireland, and that people themselves—that atrocious faction, will laugh with silent scorn at Peel's plausibilities, and all his hypocrisy. Once more rendered certain of impunity, they will resort to g a repetition of their former outrages. Houses will be burned, villages will be wrecked ; the towns will be affrighted and stained with blood by the Orange orgies ; and even the little children themselves (as on the re cent occasion at Mollyash) will be sent out to play, and brought home blood-covered corpses to their afflicted mothers. We cannot conceal from ourselves, my countrymen, that the faction now restored to power, even in England herself, is that which has stigmatised us as " aliens"—has described our revered and loved priesthood as " sur pliced ruffians"—and our sacred religion as " obscene idolatry." It is that party to which the English majo rity of Peel's supporters belong ; that party for whose existence in Parliament the triumph of the Orange faction in Ireland is essentially necessary. The prospect before us is indeed portentous, and would be frightful to any others except such as us, who have already seen bad days, and have seen that they were only for a season. And yet, who can contemplate without some emotions of dismay, and much of ineffable disgust, the desecration and the pollution of the high places, which will be a necessary consequence of the Tory restoration ? Heaven knows, we have had no great occasion to be loud in the praises of our existing Tory Judges ; nor do I know that any of them has been praised by any organ of the Irish people. But such as they are—un lauded as they are—they are angels of light when compared to the men who are likely to suc ceed them. The hour of promotion for the truculent, the ferocious, the hypocritical, and the bigoted, has arrived. There may be an occasional selection of some time-serving Catholic, who has bent the knee before the Dagon of Orangeism, even in its obscuraton. But the bench will be crowded, as a necessary result of Orange domination, with the very men whose angry passions have been roused at the introduction of an impartial system, and who% bigotry will make for itself a false conscience, when, in due form of law, it will affect the property, the liberty, and the lives of the Catholic people of Ireland. But it is not in the higher tribunals alone that the anti-national virulence of the Orange party will be felt. There is not one partisan magistrate, nor one restless curate of the Establishment, who has been properly put out of the commission of the peace, but is certain of immediate restoration. It is quite true that little— very little—has been done to purge the magistracy ; the great protection which the Irish people had from the recent Ministry was the number of stipendiary justices, and the constant vigilance of the law officers of the Crown over the conduct of each of the justices of the peace. But when that vigilance once more is placed in the other scale—that is, to protect and imdemnify the magisterial partisans—alas, . for poor Ireland! what a fearful view does the approaching futurity present! Again will the Orange lodges which, in the absence of their former leaders, and even during the late Admi nistration, were organised and augmented, again will they spring into a doubly vigorous life. Again will their armed processions terrify the land, and cover it with human blood ! Again will an armed Orange yeo manry insult and injure ; and again will every stimulant be applied to force the reluctant people into a driftless, insane, and, under every possible circumstance, wicked insurrection Yet, afflicting and melancholy as are our prospects, if you, my countrymen, ask me whether I despair ?—my answer is—NO! NEVER! There is a God in heaven there are true-hearted Irishmen upon earth ; and I therefore, never will despair. On the contrary, my cry is loud and long—Rally for Ireland! Irishmen ! rally for Old Ireland ! The spirit of freedom is abroad. Be not dismayed. Be not intimidated. Rally for Ireland, Irishmen !—once more, rally to our loved fatherland ! What do we demand ?—EQUALRIGHTS, EQUAL FRAN CHISES, EQUAL FREEDOM with Great Britain. THE AP PLICATION OF THE TITHE RENT CHARGES to the mainte nance of the Poor-law establishments without prejudice to vested interests —or, rather, with a different provision to compensate for vested interests. Let us rally for these ; lk us animate the entire country into one simul taneous cry for these mighty objects. Let there be such a combination hi Ireland as will once more drive the Tories from their ill-gotten and necessarily abusive power. Let us combine with all the steady and the sa gacious among the genuine Reformers of England and Scotland ; and that which we have done once already, we may do again ; and making it impossible for Tory ism to continue in power, contribute to establish and support a really Liberal Administration ; which, avoid ing the shoals of " finality" and the prejudices of oli garchy, may peaceably, but firmly, direct the popular movement in the steady and safe amelioration of insti tutions, in the increase of francluse3, and consolidation of civil and religious freedom. Aly present plans are these : First, Let the nobilty and gentry who assembled at the Theatre in Dublin, upon a recent occasion, come forward now at once, and head the popular cause. Let the Duke of Leinster, the Earl of Charlemont, and the other noblemen and g entlemen who assembl e d th ere, take their n a tur a l and prominent station in the front of the Irish people—let the terms of the combination between us be distinctly understood—let no extreme opinion be enforced, nor any basis be required but that upon which ALL will consent to stand. I am, it is quite true, impatient to raise the Repeal cry ; but I will not do it until I see whether the appeal which I now make to those who acted with the Duke of Lein ster upon that occasion will be availing or not. If it shall avail—if the patriotism of these personages be roused at once (for it will be otherwise uscless)—this I can promise in your name, my countrymen, that we will show perfect candour and observe perfect faith to the allies which Ireland will have just brought into new and most salutary activity. But if, as is most probable, this appeal be ineffectual —and if the torpor which has benumbed the honesty and political integrity of so many of our countrymen in ex alted station shall still continue, leaving their love of country an amiable but a dormant passion—then, even then, there shall be no despair. The Irish nation has abundant resources to meet every contingency. My second plan is this—PßEcunsous, ARISE ! Let every parish in Ireland send in its list of Precur sors. In the short space of one fortnight we procured petitions, signed by upwards of 600,000 Irishmen, pray ing the House of Commons to prevent the restoration of Orange misrule. Why should not we have 600,000 additional Precursors in another fortnight ? There is no reason why the enrolment of Precursors should not proceed, whilst the Duke of Leinster and his co-opera tors are considering the propriety of joining the people in a general Society for advancing the cause of Re form. If they concur in my plan, the Precursors can amalgamate with them easily, and in the manner in which the " Leinsterites" (to coin a word for the occasion) may heartily concur. But it is in the people —in the Precursors—that my reliance is placed. I address this letter to every parish in Ireland. I ask the inhabitants of each parish to demonstrate at once that they are not ready to submit to Orange tyranny and cruelty. Each parish which has an abhorrence of the restoration of Orangeisro will at once join the Pre cursor body. It is most important that we should at once demonstrate to Scotland and to England our detestation of that bigoted and intolerant party, that has so long misgoverned Ireland. An universal Pre cursor movement is now the evidence of our love of father-land. I myself will be in the Precursor Society as soon as possible. The moment that the Tory tyranny is arranged here I shall take my departure for Ireland. ' A dissolution of Parliament is, of course, imminent, and can be rendered useful to the popular party only by the multiplication of Precursors all over the laud. I may be asked, why I do not at once raise the repeal cry? In replying, I shall be, of course, perfectly candid. Recent events make me only more thoroughly convinced than ever that Ireland can obtain substantial justice only by the repeal. But the more thoroughly I am convinced of this truth, the more steady and cautious am I in my mode of re-commencing the repeal agitation. Once begun, it can never be again abandoned ; and it must not be begun in heat, intemperance, or violence. Cool and steady ; cautious, but not slow, must be our mode of seeking that repeal. I know by mu c h expe rience that no subject thrills to the hearts of the Irish people like the repeal ; and it is now highly pro. bable that within a few weeks the repeal cry must be raised. But it will not be raised with the less effect for the good temper and deliberation of those who are to I sustain it. But let us first see what form of combination of efforts 1 1 , : V nfr N will be made by the honest and rational 'Reformers of Great Britain. Let us see what rallying point will be established by the Scotch and E•igish friends of consti tutional freedom. Let us -s-0 whether we can merge our cause in theirs. In the meantime let us remember that we cannot in jure our ewn cause more, or give more delight and strength to the Orange faction, than by violating th e law. Let us not be guilty of any, the si4htest breaab of the peace ; of any turbulence, of any vioicnee , or of any infringement of the law whatsoever. Let our allegiance to the amiable and exalted per" sonage, who wears the Crown of these realms, be as affectionate as it ever shall be unbroken, She at least has performed her part well and nobly. She supported the friends of Ireland as long as the dissensions and follies that broke out amongst the Reform party per mitted her to do so. It is delightful to think that in eur youthful Sovereign the people of Ireland have a friend who does not want the inclination—for she, alas! friend not the power !—to serve them effectually. Our allegiance, therefore, will be ever unbroken and undiminished. Let our submission to the law, to its fullest extent, ever hereafter accompany (as it has always hitherto accompanied) our constitutional agitation. The people of Ireland have demonstrated how easy it is to conciliate them, and how prone they are to show the rea diness with which they can be conciliated. Ireland was never so tranquil as she has been during the late rule of Lord Normanby and of his successor Lord Ebrington. The latter has actually been enabled to send three regiments from Ireland to prevent the threatened movements of the armed Chartists ; and he has declared he could spare three regiments more. Le t us then use every precaution in our power to prevent the Orange faction from making it necessary for th e Tory administration to send back these six re girnen,,,ts , and to add six more to the number in order to be sal' ciently powerful to quell the unhappy irritation which is so likely to be produced by the Orange restoration ja Ireland. If that restoration shall continue, I defy all man reasonably to calculate on the consequences of thee : misconduct and oppression. It will be the business of the Precursors, by precept as well as by example, to, prevent every disposition to turbulence or to crime• will myself be soon in Ireland to enforce these doctriaes by all the reasoning in my power, and all the influen ce that I may possess. The times are unpropitious ---th k e coming calamity is gr ea t ; but let the Irish people u e b e tter patient as they are patriotic ; let them hope for times and more auspicious days— " Durate, et vosmet rebus servate secundis." d Once more calling for a fresh rally of Precursors , a° soliciting the junction of the " Leinsterites,” I am, and always will be, Beloved fellow-countrymen, Your ever faithful servant, London, May S. DANIEL O'CONNEI-31' LITERARY FUND JUBILEE• Yesterday the jubilee of this meritorious and welVe n, ductad institution was celebrated at the Freemasons' Tx" ril Great Queen-street. • the His Royal Highness the Duke of Cambridge was in la chair. The company was very numerous, and on et, side of the Royal Duke who presided, we saw the B ia " r e of Llandaff, the Earl of Ripon, Lord Ellenborougi??A ,e t , Mexican Minister, Captain Wood, M P., Gaily Kt ) la. M. P., Mr. Hope, M P., Sir C. Lemon, M P. Sir "'"%, Liam Chatterton, Sir P. Joddrell, Sir H. Ellis, and Ma e / other gentlemen distinguished in the republic of letteria To the Literary Fund Society we have been warm frie e ever since it was happily established--established na d firm basis for the succour and relief of a long neglea : t .„ e s class of men, whose sufferings have the strongest eta"; upon public sympathy. The instructors, the civilis the enchanters of the world, they who pass their li ves o l d labour, or unsubstantial dreams, whose health is wa s , l be by the midnight lamp, till they pale and shiver in noonday heat, whom disease assails in fearful sb a P a ! unknown where mental toil is not the burthen of existellF" and whom actual want and real misery drag from itnag i :b . ings devoted to the benefit of mankind, and sadly te s " to them that such occupation almost certainly leads bat es pining poverty, pitiless neglect, and obscure death. T h rises their fame, and unborn generations applaud and lb . nify their glorious productions. The earth rings wit their praises when dead, who had not a voice to w b ' r- f consolation to them when living ; and the vain tributes:. posthumous regrets and marble tombs, are accorded t o th bs; who starved for bread, and w r et c h e dly perished am id t flit ea/ busiest haunts of their fell o w. crea t ures . r aj ' es it much more in favour of th e Lit era ry F u nd SocietY, w e, e t be necessary. On this, the occasion of its first ju b , i4 „ os ees company, as we have hinted, w a s m ore than usually T. rous. An excellent dinner was provided, an n ornen d graue •`-, Cooke, with Messrs. Francis, Chapman, and ne st Masters Martin and Chip, and Miss B, Hawes, the finest t he contralto in London, enhanced the mere pleasures eats. evening, by the excellence of their musical arrangem with three The CHAIRMAN proposed " The Queen , " b a d sent times three, adding emphatically, that her Mei y, an annual donation of one hundred of the regard she entertained for the m erits o lion. The toast was received with enthusiasm. and Was The " health of the Queen Dowager" followed, received with plaudits. was the a i s t at h t e e s l t n i s ni t i o t n u y . " The Church, and the Bishop gu o i f " L as l ' andau; -- next toast. The Right Rev. Prelate the Biskop of that diocese re' turned thanks, in taking occasion.to eulogise the Literal Fund Society for its Works of charity, in which it was eft" nently Christian, not letting the right nand know what th e left was doing.—(Hear.) The Army and Navy" was the next toast. Captain WOOD, M. P., returned thanks. The Royal Duke is the Chair then proposed the tos s„ of the evening, viz., " Prosperity to the Literary Fun d . In doing so, he happily alluded to the good years the been dispensed by the Society. During fifty sum of 20,0001. had been awarded, and did not respes, and delicacy forbid disclosures, even though they wouln, affect only those who had long slumbered in the gra /e t such statements might be made as would excite the deePe s o whichFti hed emotions of compassion and sorrow.—( Cheers.) As fa r so e . , they had gone the proceedings of the Literary Fund o f ciety had rem ove d a re p roac h an d a sta i n f ro m the Pag.ith England's history. It w a s th ere f ore t h at h e propose d, much satisfaction, ‘ , Prosperity to the Literary Fu nd; (Great applause.) The toast was drunk with enthusiasm. li of. Mr. TooaE, as o n e o f t h e treasurers , t h en read a "% Di . subscribers and don ors , among w h om we not i c ed her...lber jesty the Queen, 100 guineas annually—( Chre" ) ., Majesty Queen Adelaide, donation of 20 gu ine- ibe ( Cheers.) Tne Duke of Sussex 20/. —(Cheers)--- Duchess of Kent 50/.—( Loud cheers)—the D ak i e po % Cambridge 251.--(Great cheering)—the Earl of g annually 10 guineas, Lord Ellenboroug ten Vin e° a ri. ". nually, Lord Normanby, 10 guieeas, being his f o urth s a d nual donation, his first donation being 501.—(Lou d s a bil long continued cheers were given at the mention n' eo , Lordship's name)—W. Macready, Esq., five g tiiri MP his sixth annual donation—( Loud cheers) --th e s i rine Insurance Company one hundred gu i . ne s gi so• (Loud cheers)—Messrs. Longman 50/ , their tin r : e b 11, nual donation to that amount—(Cheers)—B. B• C a n — il a Esq., 10 guineas, his seventh annual donation ; his 10 the Duke of Bedford, 20 gui n ea s ; Si r Lytton Buir ie i 'l o vi guineas ; Lord F. Gord on , 10 gu i neas , his sixth dolin° pi' Count D'Orsay, 5 guineas; James Duncan, Esq., 0 ! 6 news; the Earl of Eld on , 10 gu i neas; Prince bie:Lelig guineas, his e i g hth d onat : on ; Si r J. Swinburne, 11 7' e pth sixteenth donation ; W m . Si m p son , Esq., 201., his se ' n' e donation, &c. &c. Th e T reasurer also read an abstral. e g the cash account for the year 1838, by which it aPP e eSs that after the payment of grants for relief in 89 " er amounting to 1,275/. an d a f ter t h e payment o f other o s penses, there was a balance in the hands of the Treastl e r r io ' the 31st of Decemb er , 1838, of 290/. ; and that the Pe nent fund consisted at present of 18,1991. gol ll The Earl of RIPON proposed the health of his it a . O/ Highness the Duke of C am b r id ge , w h o , t h oug h for years absent from Engl a nd on i m p ortant d u ties, yi d! s be had fulfilled to the satisfaction of his country, ba d %Ls , ' warm heart towards the ch ar ities o f hi s na me la m (Great appl dless t ause.) se! It is neeo say that the toast was drunk wi th clamation. ned Tette- The Duke of CAMBRIDGE, with much feelings - iron' thanks. He had certainly been absent for many Yea, r „ England. His heart, however, had al wa y s been n e e 'red (Cheers.) Following the course adopted by hie r „ e ; bim father, and subsequently by his Royal brothers, it g - th . sincere pleasure to show personally his attachment to charit iWlLLlAes of this country. , i f the Sir M CHATTERTON proposed the healtu Marquis of Lansdowne, the President of the Fund.- -- ceived with much applause. the Mr. TOOKE announced another list of subscript/0:0 most prominent of which was 50/. f rom ea ch of the P r ' of the The eminent firm of Longman and Co. Archmological society of Rome" was the nest _ _ toast. tbe Mr. SPOTTISWOODE, after a glowing eulogium ° " - d his merits of Sir D. Wilkie as a British artist, propose health. ( Ole Sir DAVID WILYIZ returned thanks, but was only at l in his imme neighbourhood. " The 'Ro di yal ate Society of Literature," and several ot j lll. toasts were proposed, after which the company separate _ . gag' AFFAIRS OF THE CHARTISTS.—TiIe chester Guardian of yesterday devotes much of its !PA : to the Chartists, for the purpose of reporting and donna sy ing their proceedings. A meeting was held last 1 11 ° 1 Lp/ at the Mitre Tavern, Manchester, at which some of t" - " ng persons who took part in the proceedings " speak (-)f bel •or o t eri- of prepared for an appeal to physical force and to measures. From the present temper of large bodies , the working classes in this neighbourhood (Manchesterid from the extent to which they are pr ov ided with arms , r from circumstances which hav e recent ly re curred ot `!,, c .. neighbourhoods, it is ev id ent t h at t h e un di s turbed rn, r a l e tenance of public tr anqui lli ty rather P•c" present day have not been exhorted rious• '- like Radicals of the d their predecessors, to abstain from injuring propertZ,' 0 committing outrages on the persons of their neig h—t t r e and employers. 0,1 the contrary, the apostles optedt Chartist moyeinent hare, on almost all occasions, F, e . to t} -azger and the torch,' as the means of see'a' generation." In the same paper there is a long . ReP° r t b - e the examination and committal to take their trial at of Assizes of the eight Chartists for drilling, as well i as it h certain occu rrences a t A s ht o n o n Saturday connects" with It the arrest of four persons there on a similar charge. in , is worthy of remark," continues the Guardian, "that, arresting four persons, the police found no le ss thanln_terse pikes, and an earthen pot filled with pistol bullets. _„t facts certainly seem to indicate a pretty general arreanic " of the Chartists in that neighbourhood." n O O •-' The General Steam Navigation C om p a C y Packet, the Giraffe, from Rotterdam, arrived off the tom House at Eight o'Clock this morning. Jp 4 ' 7 54/ " TI ylvid h , written CC lien! The fd 17 I'h l each b, Henr Carlos li tl ps b d, AGNI 4 lre a d, 11)( Irroi Ohl 11. ent ari Th ( l'erntii, Th e 3 I. orc i ] tad 0 ‘ l 2 Sir F : IV% ( Th e Earl Lord Lord sir i It i aPplie to, 7 , 101 Sti mo Jar T. 11 Lem Ha re Hays Pher Da V And, Pr e i t se ve r s th ey obtain ar e N TRIR 41 ,,RY -; .-E ci NIT To The THIS TR-- Now PRE ivat te . 'l' Ri Lord ar i d t *hid Pie s f 41 ) d ii illg ( Ill tllt °li g,4l th e r, t ee t ci ety Pretr