The Sun. — London, England, 1844-03-12 00:00:00

Brotherton, Mr. Bell, Colonel Fox, Mr. Pakington, Mr. Hawes, Mr. Stuart Wortley, Mr. Owen Stanley, Lord John Manners, Mr. Warburton, Lord Robert Grosvenor, ITNIr. Gaily Knight, Mr. Laseelles, Mr. Manners Sutton, and Mr. Bramston. The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER brought in the Three-and-a-Half per Cents. Reduction Bill, which was read a first. time and ordered to be read a second time to-morrow (this day.) The House Adjourned at Nine o'Clock. -- FREE TRADE MEETING. (From the Suffolk Chronicle.) On Wednesday evening last, a meeting of landed pro prietors, tenant-farmers, merchants, and tradesmen, - was held at the Swan Inn, Harleston, to take into considera tion the propriety of petitioning Parliament to repeal the duties on foreign corn, the duty on malt, and in fa vour of free trade generally. Thomas Lombe Taylor, Esq., of Starston, a gentle man of wealth, station, and intelligence, was called upon to preside, which he did with an ability seldom exceeded on similar occasions. The meeting was highly respect able, and composed of men holding various political opinions. The CHAIRMAN-You are all aware that a meeting was held in this town upon this day week of those par ties who were favourable to protection-protection only. Many individuals holding the same politics as myself, con sidering that meeting was, as it had been stated, to be a pub lic meeting, attended, but to their astonishment found they were not allowed to open their mouths.-(Hear.) Many in dividuals indeed were afraid to show themselves, because their names being gathered, and afterwards inserted in the Morning Post, and not being allowed to express their real opinions, the public in reading the report would have imagined they belonged to the monopolists.-- (Hear, hear.) For this reason, as well as others, the present meeting had been called. Upon this occasion full and free discussion is asked for-(Hear)-the fuller and freer the better. With - respect to himself, in order that there might be no mistake about his own senti ments, he had put them upon paper, and which by their permission he would read :-" I am so connected with the land, that if the corn-laws are beneficial to those immediately interested in the land, they will be so to me. I state this, trusting you will be more inclined to listen to what I may advance in favour of an entire re peal of those corn-laws. But however dependent I am upon land, I would not advocate any law which might be thought to advantage any one part of the community at the expense of another. The corn-laws (and I beg to remind you that we have had several, five, I believe, during the last forty years) may at times have been a benefit to the landowners and titheowners, but it is doubtful whether they are now a benefit even to them, and I am of opinion, and will endeavour to show, that they are now, and almost always have been, an injury to the tenant-farmers and their labourers. Have the corn laws, for any continuance of time, realised to the farmers the expectations held out to them by the framers and passers of those laws ? You cannot have forgotten the frequent recurrence of agricultural distress, under these protective law s . I am f ar f rom thi n ki ng that the repeal of these laws will produce very cheap corn, as the Anti- Corn-law League contend it will, and consider that the League has much injured the cause of repeal and free trade, by holding out the hope of cheap bread ; but, I • believe that repeal would produce greater uniformity between English and Foreign prices, and also more regular prices. Both landowners and manufacturers are too selfish and one-sided in their views of this question. I will now call your attention to the working of the different corn-laws. - From 1805 to 1815, the law allowed free importation of wheat at 6d. per quarter when the price was above 665. per quarter. During those 10 years (excepting 1815) the price never ranged so low as 665. the quarter, con sequently there was free importation. In some of these years, prices averaged 120 s. per quarter, although there was, I repeat, free importation. I beg to ask whether the corn-laws caused these high prices, and the high rents then put upon the land ? Did not the paper • money produce some effect ? And I ask may not the present currency laws (I refer partly to Peel's Bill of 1819) produce some effect, and more even than the present corn-law does on the present prices, and therefore are not the farmers wrong in looking to corn-laws and the sliding scale only as a protection? In those ten years (1805 to 1815) the importation of wheat averaged about a million quarters a year. I mention this to show that with open ports and high prices to tempt importation, we can not have unlimited supplies, as some suppose. We - certainly could not then have supplies from the seat of war (and even now France cannot spare us any corn) but Poland, Russia, and America were open to us, and in those countries corn is said to be the cheapest. Con sider how much population has increased all over the Continent of Europe, and in England too, since the peace in 1815, and remember, too, what much greater supplies • are now required to feed their increased population. In • 1838, 1839, and 1840, our imports of wheat exceeded two million quarters a year, and yet it cannot be said there was a surplus of food, or that wheat was then cheap. No, the more our manufacturers are employed, the more corn and food they require, and the better prices we shall receive. In 1815 wheat was down to 635. Bd. per quarter, on the year's average, and the landowners, considering then that it could not be grown for less then 80s. per quarter, passed a law prohibiting importation when the price was below that sum. Then the ruin of the tenant-farmer and the la bourer commenced ; and mark, that during the ope ration of this corn-law, Peel's Currency Bill was passed. Notwithstanding this law (which was to guarantee the farmer 80s. for his wheat), prices kept lowering till 1822, when wheat was 435. 3d. per quarter on the year's average, little more than one• half the price contemplated by the framers of the Act of 1815. Need I remind you how many farmers were ruined at this period? The state of things at that time ought to have warned the farmers never again to have relied on a corn-law for pro tection, and it ought still to warn them. The average price of wheat in theie seven years, between 1815 and 1822, never reached 80s. per quarter, except in 1817 and 1818, and then the higher price was to be attributed to the bad seasons , of 1816 and 1817. The law failed in effect. Agricultural distress produced a new law in 1823. This prohibited importation when wheat was below 70s. per quarter, with a duty of 17s. per quarter when above. Landowners and tenants supposed that whilst this law remained in force wheat would not be under 70s. This law continued till 1828, and how did it work ? The average never touched 70s. per quarter, and in only two out of the five years (from 1823 to 1828) even 60s. The lowest, in 1823, was 51s. 9d. Great imports did not pro duce these low prices, as they did not average 300,000 quarters ft year. The landowners, however, during this time, were getting high rents, set according to Act of Parliament price of corn, and not the market value. In 1828 another law (th e sliding-scale law) was passed that being a more recent measure, I need hardly state its effects. It did not, you must allow, produce a healthy state of things ; prices varied as much as ever. In 1834, I find the average price of wheat was 465. 2d. ; in 1835, 395. 4d ; and in 1836, 48s. 6d. per quarter. It cannot be said that great importations at this period caused these ruinous prices, as in 1833 the imports were 83,601 quarters. 1834 , 64,552 „ 1835 . 27,526 „ 1836 It is clear, however, that this corn-law did not keep prices up to the farmers' expectations, and the fluctua tions were very considerable. In 1838, 1839, and 1840, we had large deliveries of foreign corn, the largest ever known, and I beg to ask whether these were the farmers' worst years ?- In 1838... Imports, 1,821,151 qrs....Aver. price, 645. 7d. 1839... „ 2,652,553 70s. Bd. 1840... „ 2,295,419 ... 665. 4d. And probably more foreign corn could not have been obtained with perfectly open ports, as much of this corn consisted of accumulation of the growth of former years. The sliding-scale did not prevent prices • going down to 365., and up to 70s. per quarter. . There has not been more corn raised in foreign coun tries than has been consumed there, or exported ; and from the accounts of travellers, it appears that all the land near good roads or rivers -is cultivated. If their exports are to be increased, their cultivation must be extended, and this cannot be done without a great outlay of capital, the want of which must be a bar to a great or rapid extension ; besides which, the skill in cultivation, as I can certify, is also wanting. The ex pense of transit of foreign corn, port dues, merchant's profits, warehousing, loss by moisture and heating, being from 15s. to 20 s . per quarter, will, with the benefits of free trade, b e a su f f i cient protection to the English farmer ; but, in addition, I say we must have a healthy currency adapted to our enormous taxation-there must be no tamperings with it, so that one d ay • have credit, and o n anot h er nobody, b°ansyomduyehmaoy and f Peel's Bill of 1819, as regulates the agricultural of gold, must be repealed. In an parish the rates are paid by the- farmers, but in manufacturing town they are paid (and oftenain n much higher proportion) by the manufacturers and their dependents. The tithes have been called a bur den on land, but these never belonged to the landown ers or their tenants. If you purchased an estate (sub ject to tithe) you buy only nine-tenths of it. I do not say that the Church has not more than its due. I con tend that it has more than a tithe or tenth. The clergy should not have more than the tenth which the land will naturally produce, but they reap the benefit of the farmers' increased skill and capital, his draining, cluing, and mucking, and the tithe has also been greatly aug mented by the operation of the corn-laws • but this point is too extensive for me t o enter upon ' further at this time. I allow that the commutation of the tithes will materially direct their increase, but the commutation is based on compositions set according to Act of Parlia ment prices of corn. They may have no poor, highway, and county-rates on the Continent, but have they no poor ? If they have, they feed and clothe them, and as well as we do. Are they worse fed or paid than our poor? Perhaps sixpence in Russia will go as far or further than three sixpences will in England in the purchase of food. In Ireland, that unjustly treated and unhappy country, and which too is blessed with corn-law protection, it is stated that thelabourers get but the poor scanty pittance of fourpence or sixpence a-day. So that you see with corn-law protection the poor may be as badly off as in Poland or Russia ; and can any body say that our poor are well paid and fed, an d that their state is independent ? As to highways on the Continent, if there are roads, they are kept in repair, and will take labour and materials as in England, and if there are no roads, how will the farmers get their corn to the shipping ports ? But the county-rates, which are increasing so fast ! Are there no gaols, no thieves, or rogues on the Continent ? If not, the people there are better off than in England, and we need not fear being brought to the same state by free trade. The fact really is, that in many parts of the Continent, the direct taxes on land are as great, if not great er , than in England. ; This reminds me of the malt tax, which some protec tionists call a tax on land, but this, like the other taxes on i articles of consumption, is paid by the consumer of the beer and not the grower of the barley. I fear that less good to the farmer will arise from a repeal of the malt tax than he reckons upon. Does his barley sell for more money I since the repeal of the tax on beer? I think I may answer it does not. He probably would not be benefited more than to the extent that he is a consumer of beer. See too the effect on the price of hides occasioned by taking the tax off leather; the consumer only is benefited. Never theless, I am for a repeal of the maltitax, it being, in my opinion, oppressive to the labourer. I wish just to call your attention to the alteration of the law with regard to the admission of foreign cattle into this country. Ido this to show you that you need not fear the importation of them so as to glut or affect our markets. The supply of foreign cattle (on account of the difficulty and ex pense of transit) must be so small and limited that it cannot produce any effect on our markets. But I fancy I hear some of you say are not prices at Smithfield lower? I admit they are, but I answer you cannot prove the importations produced the reduction in prices. Having now given you my opinions on the corn laws, I conclude with re-stating that I consider, and I trust I have in some degree shown that t'le cern-laws are rather an injury than a benefit to the tenant-farmers and their labourers, and, in the long run, to the landowner and titheowner; and having seen that these laws have failed to make the landed interest prosperous, I say that the sooner they are repealed the better, especially, too, as many of their advocates now allow that their repeal is only a question of time ; but, remember, that with a repeal and free trade, I am for a revision of our monetary laws, and a reduction of taxation generally." Mr. RICHARD PRIEST (Harleston) moved the first re solution. As many gentlemen present would doubtless make long speeches, he would make none of his own, but simply move the first resolution, as follows : " It is the opinion of this meeting that the corn-law, whilst injuring the consumer, has failed to benefit the producer, of English corn, inasmuch as it has fixed the expenses of cultivation, without securing a corresponding price. " That the duty on malt has proved a serious injury to both producer and consumer ; to the latter enhancing the price, and to the former, not only lessening the de mand, but entirely preventing the use of barley in,.its most advantageous form, as food for cattle. " That restrictions upon trade are frequently injurious and always impolitic—preventing its expansion and tending to benenfit one class at the expense of another. " With the view, therefore, of forwarding the cause of free trade, it is the opinion of this meeting that a peti tion to the House of Commons, in accordance with the above resolution , be now adopted." Mr. GEORGE THEOBALD, of Starston, observed, the observations that had been made by the Chairman con tained many incontrovertible facts, and it was on such facts his own opinions upon the vital question before him were based. He had looked back for thirteen years through his books, in order that he might arrive at the truth with respect to the good or evil effects of the system of corn-laws. He did not see, upon consulting his banking-book minutely, and from year to year, that such laws had been any protection to him as an agricul turist, or had accomplished any good for him as an occupier. That was the truth with respect to himself ; and he asked others, the tenant-farmers and agricul turists around him, whether such things were true or false with respect to them ?—(Hear, hear.) Like other men, he had from his heart believed that the corn laws had been enacted for the purpose of guaran teeing him, with others, a certain price for his corn. He expected he should have obtained that price. He asked those around him if he had stated the truth—if the expectancy was but a creation of his own brain, and not the general persuasion ?—(Hear, hear.) Figures were facts, and he asked those who heard him whether the figures read by the Chairman in the able address he had given them, were true, or likely to be true or not. In truth, and in short, he asked if farmers had ever realised those good prices held out to them as pro duceable by the corn-laws, and the corn-laws alone ? (Hear, hear.) But suppose these high prices had been realised, what would they have produced? If the laws were to do good, such good ought not to have been done at the expense of a man's neighbours. Where corn had been raised in price by the operation of these lawi, no one could deny it had increased such price for the benefit of the few, by the detriment of the many. Was this fair play? He believed that commerce and manufactures created the farmers best cus tomers. When he found his yard full of bullocks and was desirous of turning them into money, where did he send them? He did not sell them on the spot where they were fed, but forwarded them to London, and they soon became absorbed by the wants of that great commercial and manufacturing community.—(Cheers and voices of dissent.) By what means had our natural wealth been obtained, but from commerce and manufactures? Why, the agricultural classes themselves were dependent for their prosperity on commerce—(Cries of " No, no.") Could not people observe that England would have been little better than a second Poland, if not for her manu factures and her commercial trade.—(Hear, hear.) How could he say that the law served him as a member of the general community, when he saw it did not serve his neighbour? How were they to reconcile these two facts if the corn-laws had been productive of good to agriculture ?—he alluded to the decrease of agricultu ral population, and the increase of the manufacturing. Many around him were perfectly acquainted NA ith indi vidual instances of the labourers leaving their agricultu ral employment and migrating to the north. Some had returned dissatisfied and impoverished, but those in stances were few and far between, and he stated with out fear of contradiction, as a truth known to many in that assembly, that the majority of labourers who had left this district of agriculture would not return to it for any amount of persuasion. All must admit that agricul turists were naturally an increasing population equally with others, and he would ask this question, supposing they had not left the land, would the farmers have found employment for them—was there employment to have been found by which these men would have supported their wives and families ?—(Cries of " Upon the land.") The land—the land would not have employed them, for the agriculturists have now more labourers than they know how to provide for.—(Hear, hear.) It appeared to him a great crisis had arrived in agricul tural affairs. He looked around him and he found one course of general agitation upon one great question—the continuance of the corn-laws—nor would that agitation subside until that question had been set at rest for ever.— (Hear, hear.) If free trade were good for the manufac turer, it was good also for the farmer, and the converse of the proposition must be equally true. He fully be lieved in the good to result from the principles of un fettered trade, and, thinking so, he must join with those who thought with him. Not influenced by any individual, he said free trade - Tor the community would be produc tive of the greatest good, and the sooner free trade came the better would it be for all. He advocated free trade upon the grounds of eternal justice, nor would he think of asking for its adoption if he thought, for one instant, it was contrary to the spirit of reason and truth. W. MASON (Chartist) moved the following amendment : That this meeting believes the principles of free ti ade, as propounded by the Anti-Corn-law League, to be visionary and fallacious in the extreme ; and that their practical operation would be productive of the most wide-spread and devastating distress ; and further, that a just protection for all classes in the community is most likely to secure the happiness andpromote the prosperity of the society." He had once been an advocate for free trade, but he could assure them, after the most patient in vestigation, he had found free trade fallacious and erro neous in the extreme.—(Hear, hear, and laughter.) He should attack the principles of the League, as the gentlemen who had gone before him had identified themselves with that body.—(Cries of "No, no.") He contended that they had, and by exposing the fal lacies of the Anti-Corn-law League, he also. exposed the fallacies those gentlemen had brought before the farmers of Harleston and its neighbourhood.— (Loud cries of " That is mere assertion.") Repudiate protection ! What were governments but protection ? Mr. Theobald said he abhorred " protection; ' but, if a thief were to attack him on the highway, or rifle him of his property, would he abhor the protection of a policeman?—(Loud laughter.) CHAIRMAN—We do not come here to support the Anti-Corn-law League.—(Loud cries of " Yes, yes," and " No, no, put him down," &c.) WALTER MASON—It is my - right to speak, and your duty to bear.—(Cries of " Who sent you here? We knowyou come to disturb the meeting. Speak to the ques tion, and we'll hear you.") I repeat that the League say the corn-law has increased the foreign trade of this coun try. Listen to me, and I will show, in spite of what is advanced, that the trade has increased, aye increased monstrously. [Here a, violent altercation took place between Mr. William Leapingwell, of Fressingfield, and another gen tleman, in which the word " lie" was frequently repeated by the former gentleman. This altercation had been caused by a charge made against Mr. Leapingwell, of having brought Walter Mason to the meeting for the purpose of disturbing its proceedings. Mr. Leapingwell declared that the individual-was unknown to him, which statement, though appearing to satisfy his immediate antagonist, but increased the asseverations to the con trary of many around him. After this uproar had con tinued some time, the Chairman interfered.] CHAIRMAN —Pray , let us be orderly. Let us behave like me n . All ow the' speaker to proceed.. If we are not tohear arguments against., as well as our own, we had be i tte . r m lea a li tt l r f oo y m ou .— h ( a C ve h eneors ) W. wish to hear me, I will sit CHAIRMAN —We w i s h to hear you, and therefore pro ,down. ceed. W. MASON—He would prove by figures, which, as Mr. Theobald said, were facts and could not err, that during the period of this baneful corn-law, which had produced the ruin of the foreign trade, that trade had been upon the increase.—(Hear.) In 1798, the official value of British produce and manufactures exported was, 19,672,5011; in 1808, 26,662,2881; in 1818, 41,963,5271.•, in 1828, 52,092,15 d.; in 1838, ninety two millions and odd pounds. This, mind, was at the time when the trade was stated to be going down by the operation the corn laws.—(Hear, hear.) A VOICE—WiII you read the declared value ? W. MASON—He would. In 1798, thirty-three mil l' lion s; in 1808, above forty millions ;. in 1818, forty-five millions; in 1838, up war d s o f fif t y millions; and in 1841, the real value was fifty-one millions. Therefore, in , stead of foreign trade being depreciated, it had been precisely the reverse. —(He ar , hear.) But, although both foreign and home trade had increased, yet the wages paid to the labouring classes had decreased. What had been the cause of this ? (A voice—" I deny the cause.") What, do you say there is an effect without a cause ? A pretty sample of the argument we are to expect from you ! I say there has been a cause, and I will tell you what it is. The cause is machinery. (Here another uproar arose, in which the Chairman was obliged a second time to interpose.) He repeated that the cause had been machinery, and that cause being kept out of sight, had produced the errors into which the Chairman and Mr. Theobald had fallen iu stating their argument. He would show them now how machinery had increased, throwing out of employment the industrious and laborious citizen. In 1792 the mechanical power of the country had been equal to twelve millions of human beings. Between that period and 1817 it had been increased to two hundred millions. In 1833 it rose to four hundred millions, and in 1841 it had increased to the won derful power of six hundred millions of human beings. Such was the increase in machinery, and it was to keep that power in work, that the Leaguers and their friends clamoured for free trade. What had been the wages at the early part of this era, and what at the last ? In 1792, when the mechanical power was twelve millions, a hand-loom weaver was paid 15s. for weaving a certain length. When the power had reached 200 millions, wages for the same length had fallen to 4s. And when the enormous power had risen to 400 millions, the remu neration had sunk to the paltry pittance of Is. 7d. This was in 1831.—(Hear. hear.) It was to keep this great power, increasing still, in work, that the cry was made. An excuse must be made for this. Foreign trade was said to decline, and means must be taken to keep it up to the full amount of supply for the lion's mouth. Open new markets, cut down the wages of the labourers, ruin the farmers, destroy the land—but limit not the power of machinery. As regarded the emigration of the poor he thought the meeting had not heard all the truth, and he thought:also such emigration would be found bad both for the agri culturist and the millocrat. What would become of the poor, when upon going to the manufacturing districts, they found all the work done by machinery ? The end of such a state of things would be really too dreadful to contemplate, and the long and short of the matter was that the poor must return to the fields they had left, and there strive to produce corn for themselves.—(Cheers.) Mr. HENRY WALNE, of Syleham, observed, that he, with others, came to that meeting to discuss questions of importance to all. He had adopted no principle at first sight, but, before he had acknowledged a principle to be good, or denounced it as bad, he had surveyed it under all aspects, in order to arrive at the truth. He held no principle but such as he hoped might serve the general good. He claimed for himself the same liberty of speech and action that others did, but he trusted his claims were founded on reason, and that a man should arise in any meeting who claimed the possession of reason, And state that the principles of free trade were absurd was to him really monstrous 1 He could but wonder at such a man's temerity 1 Free trade visionary, too ! Why, what did Sir James Graham say—one of the brightest intellects of the age ?—(Laughter.) Sir J. Graham said in 1842, that the principles of free trade were the principles of common sense. He was no great politician, nor had he any affection for particular men or particular parties, and he would select his examples at random from one side or the other, just as it happened. What said Sir Robert Peel, when that statesman brought forward the tariff ?—mind Sir Robert was one of his opponent's friends—the "farmer's friend," recol lect.—(Cheers.) Sir R. Feel had said it was the right of every man to buy in the cheapest market and sell in the dearest: was not that the very quintessence of free trade? Mr. Baring, a candidate at the last election for the City of London—an election confessedly a struggle be tween the friends of free trade and monopoly—said that the principles of free trade were right in the ab stract. Mr. Baring's friends said that, though free trade was right in the abstract, yet the circumstances of the country were such that it was imprudent to put those principles into action. The argument of Mr. Mason was a mere waste of words, when he attempted to show that, by opposing protecting laws in corn, an opposition to the protection of Government was intended.—(Hear.) An Englishman's house was his castle; all men knew that, and so nothing more need be said on the point; and what really was opposed was the protection devised for a class, and designed to benefit the few, and not the ge neral mass.—(Hear, hear.) All agreed, both one party and the other, that the object of the corn-laws was to make corn scarce and dear.—(Cries of " No, no.") He said " Yes, yes;" and he had heard on the previous Wednesday, at a meeting held on the spot where they were then assembled, that farmers could not live with out high prices. -r-(Hear.) Mr. LEAPINGWELL—YOU are wrong; fair prices were the words used. Ur. WALNE—He believed the contrary. He had heard confidently to the contrary, though if Mr. Leaping well asserted what he said on his word, he did not wish further to contradict. He would put it to the meeting, whatever the aim of the corn-law, to say whether the law had in reality accomplished that or not. The farmers therefore had been duped.—(Cries of " No, no," and " Yes.") The Chairman himself had shown in his tabular statement that the law had proved entirely fallacious. He would put this question to .the meeting. Who were benefited by the law? Had there not been five Com mittees within comparatively a small number of years, and since the operation of the Corn Bill, sitting upon agricultural distress Could the agricultural labourer be employed at a remunerating price for his labour? Had the tenant-farmer been benefited, or had the poor been benefited? He did not complain of the landlord or of the clergyman, but he would assert this most confidently, that under that law which had benefited them, the tenant farmer and the labourer had been much injured.— (Hear.) The landlords' rent had doubled.—(Hear.) The tithe had doubled. Had the farmer secured any of that doubling ?—(Loud cries of " No.") Had the poor ? —(Cries of " No.") Suppose the philanthrophy of the landlord and the clergyman had given back a portion of this added value, this doubling that was spoken about, to the farmer and to the labourer, would it have been un fair ? By whose energies had the land been increased in value, if not by the farmer and the labourer? and if the two latter had had but a small portion of this in creased value bestowed upon them, it would have enabled one to have paid his landlord better, the other to have served his master better, and both to have been better customers to the manufacturers.—(Loud cheers.) As to emigration, why, what an absurdity to talk of that when farmers themselves wanted all the mouths they could get to eat their corn. When trade was good in Manchester and Sheffield, the price of produce was so excellent in those :localities that graziers would send their stock thereAnowing even at that distance, the prices of good times would amply repay them for the journey. But where did they take their beasts when trade was bad ? Why just to the nearest point, and even then were under the necessity of accepting such prices, fair or un fair, as were offered them.—(Hear, hear.) Again he would return to the position that the corn-laws were de signed to make :corn dear—that they were made to be nefit only the few. The manufacturer never complained of the high price of produce if his trade were good, but the corn-laws limited trade, foreign trade especially, and it was a mere bag of moonshine in any man to say to the contrary. If trade were extended in freedom, many rational evils would cease. What did Tory, Whig, and Radical agree in saying on the late de bates upon the Chinese affairs ? Was it not stated as •an advantage when three ports in that country were declared open ? If free trade were good in China, it was also good in England; and if the free dom of three ports were good, greater benefits would be and pre ferred conferred if three hundred were free.—(Cheers.) He had given fr free them trad e some and few ope n o f ports hisarg to umen monopol y t s wh y he re stricted commerce.—(Hear, hear.) One gentleman had condemned machinery ; but how were we, as a manu facturing nation, to do without it ? A neutral ground existed, for instance, to which all nations of a commercial spirit resorted to dispose of their commodities. The foreigner, with his low taxation, and his machinery im perfect, as it was said to be, was enabled to undersell the Englishman, wh o , th oug h his power of production was a hundred times the foreigner's superior, he must yet succumb, because of restrictive laws and protective corn duties at home. Such an effect was now really in existence. Mr. MASON—TeII us about machinery. Answer my argument. - Mr. WALNE—Your argument has been settled long ago. What did the political economists say about machinery? What did Maculloch and others give as their opinion of the effect of machinery —men that saw, as it were, over the world?' They said, and he thought English farmers would perfectly understand their saying, that without machinery England would not have withstood the French.—(Hear, hear.) Then as to wages, and what Mr. Mason had stated, that the hand loom weaver had to compete with the power-loom—let them compare manufacturing wages, depreciated as they were said to be, with the wages given by occupiers of land, protected as it was called by Acts specially passed for their benefit. He had been in Lancashire, and for the very purpose of comparing the amounts of wages, upon going into a manufactory and seeing a number of girls at work, he had inquired how they were paid. There are two there, said the manufacturer to him, to whom I pay 18s. a-week; to yonder rank I pay 155., and there are none here earning less than 12s.—(Hear.) Mr. MAsoN—And how long do they work? Do we not know that the manufacturing system is a system of the greatest cruelty? Mr. WALNE—The gentleman has but a distorted view of manufactures. He (Mr. Walne) knew some thing more of manufactures than the gentleman who had interrupted him, being a manufacturer himself ; and he would state this—that such was the anxiety of labourers to gain manufacturing employment in an agri cultural district, cruel as it was, that he might employ girls at the wages of only 3s. a week. He had a girl, who lived in Brockdish, and whom he would name if it were necessary, to whom he paid 7s. 9d. a week—nearly as much as her father earned.—(Hear, hear.) Mr. W. LEAPINGWELL (of Fressingfield) observed that many able addresses had been delivered that evening. With respect to the very able statement of the Chairman he had listened to it with many agreeable feelings • but he did not assent to its argument, and he disputed its facts. Much had been said of what had gone by, nothing had been offered of what was to come when free trade should be the law of the land.—(Hear, hear.) Foreigners had no roads of an expensive nature to make and repair, as Englishmen had ; foreigners were for the most part unacquainted with roads, except the important military roads which inter sected the country. The state of cultivation too was far different ; the climate also was different. In some instances it was merely necessary to scatter the grain over the earth to ensure an abundant and superior har vest. The principal subject of that evening's discussion was free trade, but the Chairman had said that their meeting upon free trade had nothing whatever to do with the Anti-Corn-law League. He would not sup port that view. He could not see why the two were not to :be identified, and for the Anti-Corn-law League gentry collectively he had no hesitation in saying they .were the pest of the country, and were connected with a man who had been convicted of conspiracy. —(This al luSion to Mr. O'Connell produced a burst of applause which could not be checked.) O'Connell had been con victed. . _ _ A VOICE—Can you say he has been convicted by other than a packed jury ?—(Loud cheers.) The CHAIRMAN—If I made any allusion to Mr. O'Con nell, I only mentioned his name as an authority for the low state of wages in Ireland; and therefore it is unfair TILE SUN,' LONIYON, TUESDAY MOANING, MARCH 12, 1844, to use his name in reference to any argument a gentle man might be disposed to bring before the meeting. I cannot see who Mr. O'Connell's conviction can have any connexion with an argument upon free trade, nor do I believe I used his name.—(Cheers.) Mr. LEAPINGWELL—WeII, let Mr. O'Connell pass, then, and he would return to free trade. The advocates of free trade had not told their opponents how the nation was to be benefited by the abrogation of the present laws. He held in his hand a Report of the Harleston Farmers' Club, just published, and then read an extract from the document with reference to free trade, by an individual who professed to support it. Why, he would ask, should, farmers be asked to give up twenty-five per cent? What had been said that night by the Chairman he did not believe. He did not believe that the corn-laws were enacted to confirm the farmer in the belief that certain prices would be guaranteed by the corn-laws. CHAIRMAN—AII that was stated was, that such had been held out to them. Mr. LEAPING WELL—WeII, the Chairman might have his own way, and he would go to another part of the subject. He should have been better-pleased if the free traders could have shown the position of farmers to be better under free trade. Good and proper protection was necessary for the agriculturists. Agriculture was the greatest prop of the State. The agricultural interest was the foundation of the empire, an d s h ou ld b e k ep t intact. He did not wish to say much against manufac turers, but he was certaintly ready to contend that the manufacturing interest was an overgrown power. Show him the country whore there was a free trade in corn, or that free trade existed at all ? A VOlCE—Jersey ; and the rent of land in that island is four pounds an acre. Mr. LEamowELL—Seeing all the world was pro • tecting itself, he thought it would be the height of folly for British farmers to wish to relinquish the protection given them.—(Hear, hear.) Mr. CUDDEN (Bungay), thought the question before the meeting was not at all a political question—a ques tion of party—but simply whether free trade were or were not likely to be of benefit to the country.—(Hear, hear.) Sir Robert Peel had said, that the price of corn should not fall below a minimum price of 545. a quarter, nor rise above a maximum of 58s. Now, since this had been said, the farmers had had two bad seasons, and therefore, according to the promises held out, the growers should have been protected by the operation of the law. But what had been the real state of things ? Only last year farmers obtained at some times 445. a quarter-225. a coomb for their wheat.—(Hear, hear.) He would say this, that if the land bore an abundant crop, the probability would be that wheat would fall to 20s. a coomb.—(Hear, hear.) So, whether the crop were good or bad, the farmer got no protection by the law.—(llear, hear.) In 1828 Mr. Canning brought in a corn-law, and he said the prices under its operation would range between 555. and 655. Were such prices secured? He (Mr. Cudden) assured the meeting that after the law had worked six or seven years—namely, in the year 1825, he had bought as fine wheat as man wished to use at 17s. a coomb.--(Hear, hear.) He pledged his word and honour to that state ment. In short., the matter came to this, farmers must not depend at all on Legislative protection, because he repeated it was fallacious, and only deceived them to their ruin. —(Hear, hear.) It was clear to him the tithe commutation had given to the clergyman 35 per cent. upon his tithe more than in fairness he ought to have. When Lord John Russell passed his Bill respecting this tithe commutation, it was not to be forgotten that himself and family held large possessions in Church property. When that law was passed the poor ought to have had 50 per cent, given them, and then perhaps the adjustment would have been more equal. Could it be likely that when the tithe had been given to the clergyman it was intended to bestow a full tenth of the land, its produce, and all its improvements, on him ?—(Hear, hear.) He would advise tenant-farmers not to run after the hiring of farms in the headlong manner they were accustomed to do, but to go fairly and wisely to work, and offer less rent.—(Hear, hear.) He would conclude by stating his conviction that, under the corn-laws the landholder and clergymen obtained too high rents and tithe, and the tenant and the poor too tittle remuneration.—(Hear.) Mr. JAMES PRATT (Needham) did not hold with Sir Robert Peel's law. Peel was nothing to him; but he did mean to say this, that the present law, though a bad garment to , cover the farmers, was nevertheless better than nothing—much better than taking away that which they had. He wanted to ask, in what degree the farmers were to be benefited by free trade, • for benefit had never been made apparent to his eyes. The Anti- Corn-law League were a strong body, and called a " great fact"—but so was the Devil a " great fact," and men were not told to flee from him, as the farmers were doing from the League, but were commanded to resist him.—(Laughter.) A VolCE—Don't forget the Times originated the title. It is the abettors of monopoly that called the Anti-Corn law League a " great fact."—(Hear,) The CHAIRMAN—Had any other gentleman a desire to make any observation upon the motion and amend. ment ? With respect to machinery, he was desirous of asking what Legislative enactment could prevent fo reigners from employing machinery? Some years since the Legislature were so foolish as to pass a law prohibi ting the exportation of machinery, and the consequence was, that though even with a stringent law against ex portation, machinery nevertheless left the country. He had a relative who was forced out of this country by the very law now spoken of, and he established a large ma nufactory abroad, where he constructed machinery which was driving his countrymen out of the markets. He stated this to show that the use of machinery abroad could not be stopped.—(Hear.) After a pause, the CHAIRMAN put the amendment and the original motion to the meeting, when the original motion, in favour of free trade, was carried by a majority of nearly three to one, amid loud cheering and expres sions of the most enthusiastic description. Mr. R. B. HARVEY then proposed the adoption of a petition to the House of Commons in favour of free trade. He thought free trade was the right of free men. That the principle of free trade was good was evident, and the only obstacle appeared to be that the time for its adoption had not yet arrived. But it struck him if free trade was necessary at all, the nation ought to have it at once. Mr. SAYER, shopkeeper, Harleston said—That the operation of the corn-laws had done evil to the farmer could be proved. He knew many years since an old woman who had a farm, and who though she eat and drank well, nevertheless contrived to save money. She died, and her sons in - looking over her effects found to their very great surprise 1,400 guineas in her drawers. They followed the occupation of farmers, but had they increased their stock of cash ? Had they even kept it ? No, though they had cultivated their land as well as their parent, they had not now 145., much less 1,400 guineas.—( Hear, hear.) Mr. H. DowsoN (Geldeston) observed, that to att em pt Mrs. Partingt on, and attempt to mop out Machinery h a d i ncreased—had not the n: 6 sed ? H e h e ld i n his hand an official statement hiloteiaee9Beteo,moxpftae Atlantic.hn machinery, land ol ef rental tonhfcerM increased arncrease of rent on l an d in Suffolk. In as Mr. M ason w i shed, was to follow of Suffolk was 446,000!. ; when last taken it was 1,297,900/. A VOICE --For what purpose was the rental taken ? Mr. DOWSON—For the purposes of the poor-law. A. VOICE—Then were not buildings included in the last statement ? Mr. DowoN—lf they were, they also were in the first. The petition was then put and Carried unanimously. C. A. MILLS, Esq. (Pulliam), proposed a vote of thanks to the Chai*nan, for his excellent presidentship. WALTER MASON seconded the motion, which was car ried unanimously. The CHAIRMAN returned thanks, and could not avoid saying, that he felt proud that the little town of Harles ton, seated in the midst of an agricultural district, had originated the movement among agriculturists in favour of free trade.—(Cheers.) Nor had this movement been, the single one which had originated in Harleaton, cal culated to prove of benefit to agriculture. Farmers' clubs also originated in that town.—(Hear, hear.) The meeting, which, in its effects, is evidently looked upon by the monopolists as the commencement of an agitation in favour of free trade among the farmers themselves, then separated, having borne a most tri umphant aspect throughout the whole of its pro ceedings. CULINARY WONDER.—In a very recherche dinner given last Saturday, by some friends of Mr. O'Connell, at the Reform Club, there was a remarkable, dainty dish placed upon the table, entitled " Le Souffle Monstre a la Clontarf." The height of it was 29 inches, and the width 17 ; it took four hours and a quarter to bake, and contained 36 eggs, with other ingredients in proportion. Fifty very small souffles were seen clinging round that collosal mountain, and an extraordinary good likeness of the great agit a t or (drawn on rice paper, and surrounded by wreaths of shamrock) appeared, as it were, rising from the volcanic crater. It created much humour amongst the assembled guests, and we are happy to state that this monstrous sweet meeting was dispersed with the most perfect order. • AN UNWELCOME VISITOR.—On Saturday after noon, about five o'clock, Messrs. Sangster, umbrella, parasol, and walking-stick manufacturers, Fleet-street, were thrown into the utmost state of alarm in consequence of the sudden appearance of a horse with a lad upon his back in their shop, who, in his ingress, forced down the counter, on which were lying a number of gold and silver-headed canes, most of which were injured, besides demolishing a glass-door, the panes of which were shivered to atoms. A gentleman, who was making a puichase, was also knocked down with great force, and the animal in turning, himself fell, the prostrate gentle man narrowly escaping being crushed by the weight of the horse's body. The horse, on being raised, was led out of the shop ; but not before he had shattered a glass casement, and done other damage. It appears that the animal had taken fright at something in the street. The boy was not at all in jured, and the gentleman only slightly so. PICKLING WITH PYROLIGNEOUS ACID.—The ad vantages which this acid has over malt vinegar ought not to be overlooked : it possesses a very desirable property—that of hardening or rendering crisp whatever is pickled in it, and that in a very short space of time compared with vinegar; it is also suitable where distilled vinegar is required, and more over not more than one-fourth the price of the latter. There is no doubt of this acid being extensively used in the whole sale way, although the pickles would not appear of so good a colour.—Polytechnic Review. To THE LADIES.—The high and universal celebrity which Rowland's Kalydor continues to maintain as an active, yet mild and soothing extirpator of all impurities of the skin, is during the periods of Spring most pleasingly evinced. This preparation eminently balsamic, restorative, and invi tions ; andinp u g n or fa a i t l i i n n g g , is equally c e l e b r ated for safety in application, as for to the Skin an d C omp l ex i on. Its universally great demand efficacy ro m m o t r i n e m g a o v h i e n a g l t h a y l i fr m e a p h u n r impurities n a d n t d r a d n i s a c p o a l roeunreay excites the cupidity of unprincipled shopkeepers, who give the title of "Genuine Kalydor" to compounds of their own manufacture, of the most deleterious character, containing mineral astringents utterly ruinous to the Complexion, and, by their repellant action endangering health. It is, there fore, inverative on purchasers to see that the words " Row land's Kalydor" are on the wrapper.—All others are frau dulent countafOts. LAW INTELLIGENCE. 110 USE OF LORDS, March 11. The House sat to-day to hear appeals. The Peers present were the Lord Chancellor, Lord Brougham, Lord Campbell, and Lord Beaumont. DRUMMOND V. WALDRON. The further arguments in this part-heard case occupied their Lordships the whole morning. CENTRAL CRIIIINAL COURT. SENTENCES AND SESSIONAL RESULTS. Subjoined is given all the principal sentences, as passed at the session which terminated on Saturday. For Life—Jeremiah Murray. For Fifteen Years—T. Smith. For Ten Years—J. Foxcroft, T. Dearlove, H. Stack, F. Murray, Esther Borastor, J. Cohen, T. Wilks, T. Punn, T. Smith, W. Batten, T. Edwards, A. Beavis, and C. F. Bruce. For Seven Years—Jane Curtis, Mary Stewart, W. Green, B. M'Carty, J. English, F. Mason, W. Jones, T. Bailey, G. Martin, J. Collins, T. Murray, and C. Laws. The undernamed were ordered to be imprisoned and kept to hard labour in the houses of correction for the counties where their offences were committed, for the following terms :-- For Two Years—T. Brown. For Eighteen Months—Daniel May and T. Smith. For One Year—Ellen Wood, Ann Ward, Elizabeth White, Elizabeth Trussett, Sarah Young, Charlotte Collins, T. Walkinshaw, T. Bastings, B. Hill, T. Beard, T. Benning, J. Smith, E. Crundell, H. Axums, W. Brown, J. Bartlett, B. Law, and T. White. For Nine Months—T. White, W. Lawler, T. Brown, and T. Smith. For Six Months—Mary Smith, Louisa Smith, E. M'Carty, Ann Tedder, Elizabeth Fenkins, Mary A. Hefferen, J. Adams, Elizabeth Williams, Jane Wood gate, E. Smith, Mary Ann Briant, E. Dipnell, Mary Ann Wood, Christiana Robinson, Esther Tye, T. Bar nett, C. Powell, J. Collins, G. Johnson, J. Parsons, J. Watkins, T. Murphy. T. M'Carty, C. Wright, D. Tur ner, G. Ward, C. Ellis, T. Newman, T. Darke, W. Davis, W. Long, C. Carr, T. Smith, W. Smith, E. Freeth, J. Long, J. Brown, G. Hull, M. Gimorgham, T. Johnson, J. Cundy, J. Muggeridge, and H. Hale. For Four Months—H. Atkins, Elizabeth Death, T. Felstead, Jane Mary Walter, Mary Ann Hill, Ann Walter, Ann Williams, J. Warren, G. Smith, S. Furr, F. Glossett, T. Bassett, J. G. Reynolds, R. Ball, T. Doyle, and W. Holt. Fur Three Months—Mary C. Smith, Mary A. Smith, Mary V. Creed, Eliza Murphy, Amelia Lemon, Jane Wright, Mary Ann Nokes, Mary Adams, Mary Jenkins, Catherine Keleher, Mary Jenkins, Hannah Lennan, Eliza T. Riley, P. Wallace, W. Jackson, John Felstead, J. Atkinson, J. Robertson Frost, C. Brown, G. Bird, W. Coffee, and to be twice whipped; F. Dodson, J. Parrott, J. Nicholls, J. Keeley, C. W. Taylor, J. Reggie, J. Ed wards, W. Jennings, J. Green, J. French, J. Dart, J. Geary, W. Ford, J. Smith, J. Tulk, R. Jones, C. Hayes, and W. Drake. For Two Months—Elizabeth Johnson, Maria Perce val, Mary Buckley, Sarah Jones, Jane Nash, J. Horton, IL Flynn, Esther Potter, Elizabeth Gabriel. G. Thomp son, W. Noble, J. Foster, J. Ward, and J. Horcup. The following are Minor Judgments and Recapitula tion of the Calendar :—Transportation for the term of natural life, 1 ; ditto, fifteen years, 1 ; ditto, ten years, 14 ; ditto, seven years, 12 ; imprisonment and hard labour for two years, 1 ; ditto, eighteen months, 2 ; ditto, one year, 17 ; ditto, nine months, 4 ; ditto, six months, 43 ; ditto, four months, 15 ; ditto, three months, 38 ; ditto, two months, 14 ; ditto, six weeks, 1 ; ditto, one month, 11 ; ditto, three weeks, 2 ; imprisonment without labour, under fourteen days, 7 ; discharged by proclamation, 8 ; acquitted, 49 ; judgment respited upon 6 ; fined and discharged, 2 ; privately whipped, 3 ' • traversed and remanded 5 ; acquitted on the ground of insanity, 1; discharged by consent, 2; pleaded guilty, 28 ; surrendered, 5 ; bailed, 3. The Court at its thing ;adjourned to Monday, the Bth of April next. POLICE INTELLIGENCE. (YESTERDAY.) MANSION-HOUSE. Mr. Reed, of Ipswich, the owner of the Colina brig, which was stated to have been wilfully sunk off the coast of Holland, according to the arrangement between him and the captain of that vessel, was yesterday bailed by two gentlemen in the sum of 5001. each, and his own surety to the amount of 1,0001., to appear for re-exa mination at the Mansion-house, when the witnesses shall have arrived. Captain Simpson, who was apprehended by Daniel Forrester, remains in the Compter. The prosecution is at the instance of the Alliance Marine office, whose solicitors are Messrs. Pearce, Bolgar, Phillips, and Winckworth. Henry Smith Evan.., was brought up in the custody of Daniel Forrester, charged with having written two letters to Mr. Hutchinson, the Deputy-Chairman of the Stock Exchange, demanding by what authority the cum plainant insulted him, and threatening, if satisfaction were not given, to post Mr. Hutchinson as a poltroon and a coward on the Exchange and in the Reform Club. The LORD MAYOR, having read the letters, said he was quite satisfied that there was ground enough for accu sation. The defendant said the dispute was one of a peculiar nature, and that he had been most grievously insulted. Mr. Goodman (the Lord Mayors clerk) asked Mr. Hutchinson whether he apprehended danger from the defendant. Mr. Hutchinson—Considering the state in which I am, with a disabled arm (his arm was in a sling), I think it probable that he would assault me. The defendant begged to be informed by the Lord Mayor how a man who had been grossly insulted was to obtain satisfaction. He was not, he said, a fighting man. He, however, commenced a volley of abuse against the complainant, which convinced every one that, although he might not be a fighting man, his language was well calculated to provoke quarrels. The LORD MAYOR—It is on account of the use of such language as you have just used that it is ccnsidered ne cessary to require securities. You must find bail, your self in 2001., and two sureties in 100/. each, to answer the complaint at the sessions. The complainant's solicitor said it was the determina nation of his client to proceed by indictment. A well-dressed young man, named John Francis, was charged with having picked the pocket of Sir Archibald Keppel M•Donald, Bart., of the Ist Grenadier Guards, stationed at the Tower, of a cigar -case, containing cigars. Bissett, a private in the Guards, stated that on Friday morning, as he was marching along with the regiment towards the Tower, he saw the prisoner look earnestly, in the face of Captain M'Donald, who was commanding. He afterwards observed the prisoner follow the Captain and pick his pocket of something, and he ran after the fellow, who immediately fled, throwing away the cigar case, grasped him, and gave him into the custody of a policeman. Captain M'Donald said that he also followed the pri ioner, and he identified the cigar -case. _ _ _ The prisoner, who had a watch and gold guard-chain and some money in his pocket, and who appeared to be about 17 years of age, said it must be a mistake, as be never did such a thing in his life as rob a gentleman. He was committed for trial. A cripple, named John Carver, who shoves himself about in a bowl, with wheels to it, was committed to Bride well for two months, for having assaulted a policeman. The defendant was calling a gentleman a d—d, hard hearted scoundrel, for having refused to give him alms, when the policeman arrived, and expostulated with him. The only answer he condescended to give the policeman was, a " pitch into him, head foremost." The LORD MAYOR-. - You are an incorrigible fellow ; the last time you were here you were sent to prison for a month. Defendant—Not a bit of it. I never was here afore. The Loup MAYOR—We'II see whether double the quantity of imprisonthent will not sharpen your memory. Whitney, the chimney-sweeper, who was charged, a few days ago, with having sent a lad, under 21 years of age, up a chimney, for the purpose of cleaning it, wa s fined, by Sir Peter Laurie, in the penalty of 51. for tilt, offence. The chimney-sweeper said it was a common practice with sweepers to violate the law in that way, and hoped the fraternity would be looked after. Mr. Stevens, the Secretary to the Anti-Climbing Society, said he should be delighted to prosecute on every occasion of the kind ; and Sir Peter declared that he would never fail to inflict the penalty. GUILDHALL. . _ THE LADY TIDEVES.—Ann Elizabeth Earnshaw and Emma Wells were phiced at the bar this day, before Mr. Alderman Challis, for the purpose of being finally examined on various charges of shoplifting. _ _ Mr. Alderman. Challis remarked, that the best course to adopt would be to take the depositions in all the cases which were perfect, and bind the witnesses over to prosecute, which being done, Mr Clarkson said that as the prisoners had now been one month in custody, and during that time the officers had done all in their power to ascertain whether the money in the two saving -banks, standing in the names of the prisoners was the produce of any robbery, and they not being able to trace it to such a source, he now applied to have the books given up to enable the prisonirs to obtain such assistance as was necessary to their defence. Upon the principle of humanity it ought not to be withheld. Mr. Alderman CHALLIS said, that a vast quantity of valuable property had been found, and although note traced yet before they could be tried, some claimant might come forward and own it ; besides further evidence might be ob tained, which would show the money might be the result of other robberies, Mr. CLAnicsoN—lf not, you will let them have it ? Mr. Alderman CHALLlS—Certainly. If either of the pri soners asked to say any thing, he would hear them, other wise he should fully commit them for trial on the several charges ; but they would be brought up on Monday . the 10th of April, and should nothing transpire they would then be sent to Newgate. The prisoners were then fully committed. MARYLEBONE. Sir Simon Clarke, Bart., residing at Oak-hill, East Barnet, attended at this Court, before Mr. Rawlinson, at the instance of Mr. May, Secretary to the National Animals' Friend Society, Exeter Hall, and Mark-lane, upon two summonses which had been obtained against him ; one of which was for ill-treating and torturing a horse, and the other for assaulting Henry Mander May, an officer belonging to the said Society. Thomas George Plume (clerk and collector to the Society referred to) stated that on Wednesday last, be tween one and two o'clock, as he was passing along Oxford-street, accompanied by Mr. May, the officer, he saw defendant driving a horse and chaise out of Tollett's stable-yard. Perceiving that there was a wound on the left shoulder beneath the collar, he laid hold of the reins, and waving stopped the animal, asked the defendant if he.was aware of the condition it was in, but nothing more was said to him than " Let go." The poor animal shook as if suffering much pain, and witness perceived another wound upon the right shoulder, from which matter was issuing. Defendant afterwards used violence towards Mr. Nay. Mr. RAWLINSON—What did he do ? Witness—He de sired me to let go, and I did so, awl Mr. May then took hold of the reins ; he also drew his staff from his pocket, saying, "I am a constable." Defendant stood up in his chaise, with his whip in his hand, threatening to cut Mr. May to pieces if he did not loose his hold. I asked him (defendant) for his card, but he stated he bad not got one, and he immediately jumped out of his chaise, When he collared Mr. May, and laid hold of his wrist. He (de fendant) then went back into the stable-yard, promising to write his address and bring it, but he did not return. Mr. RAWLINSON—IS the hOi-se - you have spoken of the same that I saw here last Wednesday ? Witness—Yes, Sir. It may here be remarked that the Baronet's servant was taken into custody as he was in the act of driving off, and brought to this Court ; but as it was considered by the Magistrate that his master, Sir Simon Clarke, was the party to blame, the summonses against him were consequently issued. Previously to the summonses being made out, the wounds on the horse were inspected by Mr. Rawlinson and Lord Montfort. Mr. Henry Mander May, who described himself as Assistant Secretary and constable to the National Ani mals' Friend Society corroborated the preceding evi dence, adding that defendant shook him when requested to go to the station-house and give his name and address. Sir Simon Clarke's answer to the charge was that he had committed no violence whatever, and that when asked his name he gave it ; he also offered to give his address if the officer would accompany him down the yard, but that he would not do ; he (Sir Simon Clarke) drove the horse up to Esher on the Monday, and, as its shoulders were galled, he had the collar altered by his harness maker. The animal had a day's rest in town, and he was about to drive it home with the altered collar when the witnesses stopped him as they had de posed to. Plume said to the other officer, " He's inter fering with your duty ; take out your staff and strike him." Samuel Hardwick, the groom, said he heard the words " take out your staff," but he heard nothing about "strike him." Sir Simon Clarke promised to give his address to one of the officers if he would go down the yard, but he never made his appearance there. _ _ Sir Simon Clarke further said that the horse which he was driving was a high spirited one, and that when the officer laid hold of the reins he was fearful that by his doing so an accident might have been caused. Sir Simon Clarke was not punished for the assault, but he was fined 40s. for the " cruelty," which amount he immediately paid. Henry Jones, a boy, was placed at the bar charged with having robbed his master, Mr. Barnard Swinstead, straw hat manufacturer, 32, Oxford-street, of ten sovereigns and a straw bonnet. The prosecutor stated that Jones had been employed by him as errand boy, and on the 21st of February last he ab sconded, taking with him the money alluded to. The witness had upon the Monday evening placed a sum of 301. in notes and 10 sovereigns in gold in a cupboard at the back of his shop, which cash was safe on the Tuesday evening. The pri soner came early upon the Wednesday, and soon after left, leaving the shop door open. When witness came down stairs he found that the lb ck of the cupboard had been forced open and the gold abstracted. The bonnet had been left by a lady, and the prisoner had been sent home with it, but it had never been received. Mr. RAWLINSON—HOW is it that he had not been taken into custody before ? Mr. Swinstead—He was taken into custody at Sheerness a few days after, on suspicion of having stolen the money which he was spending very freely, and I wrote to the constable there, stating that an officer would be down on the succeeding morning ; but that person, after taking the balance, 3/., from him, let him go. Mr. RAWLINSON said it was a most reprehensible thing, and before committing the prisoner he should like to see the offi cer from Sheerness. He should therefore remand the case for a week. WORSHIP-STREET. Charlotte Sinclair, an elegantly-attired elderly person, who was said to be highly connected, was charged before Mr. Broughton with having stolen a pair of kid gloves from the shop of Mr. George Clarke, a haber dasher, &c., in Upper Whitecross-street. The prosecutor stated that between four and five o'clock on Saturday afternoon the prisoner called at his shop, and requested to be shown some kid gloves, a parcel of which he accordingly unfolded, and displayed them before her. After examining the gloves the prisoner said that she wanted them of superior quality, suitable for evening parties, upon which witness re paired to the other end of the shop to procure a better article, and while doing so he observed the prisoner sweep a pair of gloves from the counter into her lap, and she afterwards secreted them underneath her tippet. Without appearing to notice the circumstance, he showed her another packet of gloves, with which she expressed herself dissatisfied, and soon afterwards left the shop. He immediately went after the prisoner, whom he met coming back, as she stated she had forgotten her umbrella. He returned with her, and allowed her to take it away, but followed her closely until he saw a policeman, when he gave her into custody. John Parkes,- a Country carrier, stated that he was passing through Whitecross-street with his waggon at the time in question, when he observed the prosecutor proceeding towards his shop in advance of the prisoner, and he saw the latter pull out a pair of gloves from under her tippet, and throw them down on the pavement. He immediately picked up the gloves, which he after wards handed over to the prosecutor. In reply to the charge, Mr. Heritage, who appeared for the defence, said that his client positively denied having feloniously appropriated the gloves, which must have become entangled in some part of her dress and fallen down afterwards without her knowledge. She had not the slightest motive for committing such an act ; being a lady of large independent fortune. Air. BROUGHTON said s he considered that a clear and deliberate act of shoplifting had been established against the prisoner, and however high her rank might be, the law allowed of no distinction, and he should, therefore, most certainly commit her for trial. The depositions were then in part made out, but the prisoner will be brought up again for their completion on Wednesday next. CLERKENWELL. John Brien was charged with an assault of a very savage character on police-constable 160 E. At twelve o'clock on the previous night the constable was called into the public-house 32, George-street, St. Giles's, in order to remove the prisoner, who was acting in a very outrageous manner there. When the con stable attempted to remove him, he attacked him, struck him with his clenched fist in the face, so as to produce a severe contusion over the right eye, and kicked him on the legs, but the most brutal part of his conduct was in forcing the officer against the bar, and the small of his back having been pushed against the sharpe ledge of the counter was greatly hurt. At length the gaoler at the George-street station came 'to the officer's assis tance, and the prisoner was secured. _ Inspector Rit`wley said the constable's right eye was dreadfully swollen when he reached the station, and he still suffered very seriously from the injury to his back, in addition to which he was quite lame. Mr. GREENWOOD sentenced the prisoner to ten days' imprisonment. Frederick Forde, a well-known desperado, was fined 11. for violently assaulting police-constables 54 G and 216 G. The issue of bad money has greatly increased in the extensive district over which this Court has jurisdiction. Scarcely a day passes that three or four persons are not brought before the sitting magistrate charged w;ii uttering. Mr. Greenwood observed on the fact yester - day, and at the same time remarked that most of the base coin produced were so palpably counterfeit that the exercise of ordinary caution would enable the shop keeper to detect the fraud. The Solicitor of the Mint does not prosecute unless there are extraordinary fea tures of aggravation in the case ;• and most of the cul prits, who are generally the most depraved characters, escape with a few days imprisonment, from the period at which they are arrested until the following, Saturday, when the Solicitor for the Mint attends. Two men named Madigan and Walshe, were charged with assaults of a violent character on police constable 124 E. It appeared from the evidence that on the previous night, about twelve o'clock, the officer being on duty in Coram street, saw the prisoners shoving one another against the shop windows, and thereby disturbing the inmates. The officer requested of them to desist, but they became more disorderly; he took them into custody. Walshe immediately struck him, and Madigan kicked him in so savage a manner that he fell on the flags. In attempting to get up, Madigan seized the constable's forefinger in his mouth, and tore away the flesh from it. He knocked the officer down a second time, and when he was lying on the flags kicked him. At length the prisoners were secured. The complainant added that he was still suffering great pain from the wound on his finger. _ _ _ Mr. Inspector Rawley stated that several of the respectable inhabitants of the neighbourhood had complained of the pri soners and their associates. , Mr. GREENWOOD said hwalwayS made a distinction between thatinhuman practice of biting, and other kinds of assault, and also where a prostrate man was kicked. He should send Madigan to the House of Correction for 21 days, and Walshe for seven days. UNION-HALL. Ann Kelly was brought before Mr. Train, charged with stealing eight sovereigns from Mr. John Marsh, under the following circumstances : The complainant, who resides In Trinity-sqnare, was met by the prisoner on the preceding night,. and accompanied her to a house in Newington. He had not been long in this place when ;the prisoner contrived to obtain possession of his purse containing eleven sovereigns. He missed the puree - and eight sovereigns, and when he ac cused her of robbing him, she conveyed something into her mouth, and for some time was unable to arti culate, and become very ill. From the symptoms then appa rent it was believed she had managed to swallow the eight• sovereigns, but she denied that such was the fact, and de clared that she knew nothing about the money. The corn plainant, however, having no doubt on his mind as to his being robbed by the prisoner, she was committed for trial. THE CASE of SUPPOSED TRANCE AT DEPTFORD. In the last notice of this extraordinary case it was stated, on the authority of several surgeons of experience, that de • composition of the body was going on, although not appa rent to a non-professional person. On Friday, however, there were such unequivocal signs of decomposition having taken place, that the parents of the deceased determined on having a post mortem examination, and Messrs. Downing, sur geons to the R division of police, and Mr. Caleb Taylor, sur geon, of High-street, Deptford, were requested to perform the operation, which they did in a most minute and careful man ner, and in which they were occupied several hours. The following is an authorised copy of their report : " FRIDAY, MARCH 8. " POST MORTEN EXAMINATION ON THE BODY OF HENRY FRANCIS. " The body was well praportioned, robust, and above the middle stature. The calvarium being removed, the dura mater and arachnid were found translucent and healthy, and no unusual quantity of - serum in its cavity, but the vessels of the pia mater were remarkably congested with venous blood, the larger ones being quite prominent from distension and their minutest ramifications filled. The brain was also found very much congested, and sections of it being made, bloody points in very unusual numbers were shown, from extreme congestio n of its small vessels. The ventricles contained no unusual quantity of serum, but the plexus choroides was much congested. No clot or extravao"". tame about was found. o o u i t i e f n o i u n r g o t an he ce c s h eosft redish pericardiumsh serum, th ewlaesft. fovuesadtrtficicetoa the heart dilated and hypertriiphied ; the right yentricle,!letw, lunar, mitral, and tricuspid valves and aorta quite 11 7 0 , but the right ventricle, ye= cave; ascendens descceudis. brachio-cephalics, coronary, and other veins were maui tended with blood; the left pleural cavity containing 8 oz. redish serum (this, as well as the contents of o therw, cardium, being probably the result of cadaveric cncurs; the membranes themselves being healthy . The right& log cavity was completely obliterated by old adhesions,hat it being adherent throughout from apex to base, so Sh at i t impossible to remove it without laceration; both hill row much congested, but otherwise healthy. The stonlig,..icuy tamed some undigested food, amongst which were fours large masses of cheese, considerably larger than filbere, thefto9 nature being evident when cut into. The stoma % f oe healthy, except being, in common with all the orgtull e body, much congested ; which was also the case u-ithiu7 net's, being large, of a deep chocolate colour• the spleen, intestines, and peritoneum healthy. , „of tb " From this examination, it is evident that cuseat,beea heart was not the immediate cause of death, it havuo produced by congestive apoplexy. 6, c, TATLOB;;G.„ OW l ' $t th g re The foregoing document will no doubt be read • 1 " zwi tly interest by the profession as well as the public. One,reo.entl,' able fact is, that amongst the number of Professionf3i j e ittf e 6 men who viewed the body during the 35 days al t e c , r o e only one gentleman expressed an opinion as to the ev oi• death, which has been borne out by the post lorr ts ken f nation, and that was the gentleman who was 11 ' . it 1 "" Mr. Callaway by the family (on whose authoritY the stated Mr. Callaway and Mr. referr ersnsby Cooper bad B e t e be e' body). The gentleman to the the t a o ug ceased had died from paralysis of the brain, and Pt e . 31t,' the proper course which should have been puss they Taylor certainly bled the deceased half an hour after,' f oe" surgeon had pronounced him dead, and the blooct r copiously from the arm. Messrs. Downing and Ta le not at present given any opinion as to the cause _ set $ ordinary retention of natural appearances for so_kciial' length of time. Even on opening the body the ei" was very slight. ostiall_ d h t This case clearly shows the necessity of a mo re „thovt quiry by Coroners' juries, as in this case the Coro.' notoi it unnecessary to call the medical man, himself Pr° l3 :4ll l that deceased died from an enlargement of the heart, 0 .• the jury returned a verdict. —,--. ) MARKET NEWS,(YESTEIOi t.y , CONN-EXCHANGE• 0 in Gi ' l l For Wheat fresh up to-day the demand wag b 7 11 d fb , , active. 'However, the finest qualities of both red a3_ 00 thv i , found buyers, at prices fully equal to those obtsi% te pit; day se ' nmght. All other kinds of English Wheat it,t,t, 0 0 4 Fine Foreign Wheat at very full prices. For t'"";.,tei `', l locks rates were almost nominal. For Barley the,..olol',' Monday last were barely supported. Malt had aau be note' tendency. In Oats no quotable difference Can Beans, Peas, and Flour unaltered. CURRENCY PER IMPERIAL MEASUR E ` 63 0 tO WREAT-Essex & Kent, IMALy-Chevalier....._ll _ red..... ..... 44s to 63s Oars-Yorkshire ' Pr o Ditto, white &Ss to 66s Lincolneh., le_ j ." 2.5" Norfolk and Lm Potatoe ..... ..,11; 0 0 coin, red 42s to 49s Youghall and tA' . ils 0 0 Ditto white 45. to 58s black ....r. , .' 15 1 0 0 Irish, red.. ... 4fis to 50s Cork, white ••••"*.: 21. 0 5 ° Ditto, white BYE-Old ...... ... , r i s tO 6 New 36s to 3811 FBAs- Grey ••••••••'" ~4 0 - to , BARLEY-Grinding 251 to 288 Maple ....... 0 "*" ." '''' to Malting 13s ti. 36s White ...... ..... ..." v... 00 Chevalier 32s to 35e Boilers.. .....1. .... 45 , 0 0 MALT-Suffolk and Nor FLOUR.....TOWD ". rSam e '' SO 0 5) folk s6s to 62s Suffo k. ...„."'"4,5 5 4 ' Brown 50s to 54s Stockto n Kingston and Ware 56s to 625, Rol 4l3 'ol o p FOREIGN GRAIN AND FLOUR IN - (0,4 ' WuRAY-Dantzic to d y Hamburgh 36s to 40s Pees. ••••••••- " r^' to' BARLEY 3 03 to 33s FLOUR - Am en •''''' 0 OATS-New Feed........... , t e i li : SMITHFIELD. is 5°- IV The Beef trade was in a sluggish state, at , erS icli Of 2d P 4 stances, a decline on last week's quotations 0 - ~..,t at , e re the highest figure not exceeding 4s per 8 1 bs. ; L'e che ep : a A a good clearance was effected. The numbers of c oo 43 r d by no means extensive. Prime Old Downs I to 43 St oe lf very steady trade, at full prices —viz., from 4s 2 ore r i 81bs ; while the half-breds and long woolled SheeP, l bie disposed of, at late rates. The prices realised for 1.--_ it r from 5s to 6s per 81bs. Calves at late rates. rigs vious quotations. 0 0 7 , Per Sibs. to sink the offal. s. d ' 0 i 1 ° 3 s, d. to 3. .1.1 • 1 A ° Inferior Beasts. 2 0 2 11), Inferior SheeP.•,•••• ... 3 A ;11 Second quality ditto— 3 0 3 4i Second qualitYa.l — ..... 3 i ' 4 Prime large Oxen 3 6 3 8; Coarsg.woolled 0 6 2* — ,,.. 4 , 5 i Prime Scots, &c 310 4 0 1 Seuthdown Virellm - P1 1 1 ,", 1 0 Large coarse Calves 310 4 2 Large H0g5......w 3 6 ,1 9 1 Prime small ditto.„ 4 4 410 Small Porkers .....*:AI6 " I Suckling Calves, each 19 023 0 Quarter old Plghl— rig, SUPPLY AT MARKET. 4 14 Beasts. 1 Sheep. 1 Calves. 1 2,564 1 0 370 1 74 2 - ' ... 1 0,P N OP NEWOATE AND LEADEles!d e red s 'oo' The general demand for meat must be cons .. .. 1 p c idel l o go and prices to have had an upward tendency. t on cl , r mea provement has been observed in the quality 0, - ;0 1 At per stone, by the Carcase . I. 6 I s. d. to s. d.i . /1 Beef, inferior 2 2 2 4 Mutton, inferior ...• 5 • 1 1 middling 2O 2 8 1 , , —.—.-- middlinS,"' 4 6 5 3 i --prime large 210 3 0 4 -- prime ....."..; % 4 i prime small 3 2 3 6 Pork, large.. ..•*.....,.....• Veal ~,,,, ARRIVALS DURING THE PAST V‘ r , r ' 4 ,7o. rp Beasts. Sheep. ""_. ello Scotland ....... .. ..... 16 400 --__ 1 0 Yorkshire ........ ~.... 20 COO " ;1 0 Norfolk Suffolk 5 100 1W Cambridgeshire .. 4 90 " 0 .4 ra Essex 7 120 95 to Surrey 22 220 „,,, 10 0 Devonshire _ ./. 0 0 Wiltshire Other parts ......... ......... ....---- ~ 0 0, —.-- 400 Total lll 1 920 , a Previous week's arrival l5O 1:850 „ ' 4 .......... _____ Difference since our last... 39 70 $lO ...,00.. 6 , 0„ ' BOROUGH AND SPXTAX.WZA 00'; Or' For the best qualities of Potatoes, the dematm. th e Do' at fully last week's quotations. In all other kill -jar plies of which are seasonably extensive, only a ili siness is doing, at late rates. , _ be" -- ..., ------- BOROUGH HOP maiuglo.4o. or fr Since our last report only a moderate bu501,,,011" doing in this market ; nevertheless holders ar e v . `" l have obtained full prices in every instance. e4 titp WOOL IVIARBE'r• for The demand is somewhat active, at prices :nted. the late advance. No public sales are yet apr - TALLOW. y if fen es This market remains steady, and fine • oc ticetravig and scarce, at 4s 3d. There is no feature to dei , 4 that a fair business has been done in new Tall,a week at 41s 3d to 41s 6d. Town Tallow is net cash. g tm' ?co REMOVAL OF CONVICTS.—EarIy on —it f t rie ce j tion, were removed frau the Millbank ing a large number of convicts, under sentencand° p l board the Blundell and the London recently o c eal, h ' e as transport ships, and now lying off the: i tt "„ s , pr ison 00 ,1 , Com pe at Woolwich. The prisoners were conveye,°Poly le in steam-boats belonging to the Watertnen e nt, stioll, der guard of a detachment of the 58th BeiP t " , l to proceed with them to their destination• of fine vessel of 700 tons burden) takes out 25 0 . ; P., 1114 class of offenders, and is bound to Hobart Too l' t i n etic h 'i r ,4 D ig dell carries 210 of the worst class, her de jl e th t it the penal settlement of Norfolk Island. f i r potil bec:y expected to drop down the river with the ritro eo l i t oe afternoon. It is currently reported that Gn y t e he tr t in contemplation to abolish convict labour in , ee ele o ttl' o t yards, and for the future to employ none hut ' t the b let",if necessary works. The average weekly. ce st ir j/ to cit to of a convict employed in the dockyards Is oe, t i s 0 0 t bfr g t li for which free labour might be obtained. , 0 ti t , o l , l 4 ' o l the actual cost of the convict's food and clotiovvge Loft. it be taken into consideration. They work in ? c. o. o t ri g ieo t t ;( o under an overlooker, who receives high, '`;sis ' l lt ;'ai, f course necessary to keep a military para. C o ' w here ho le ( e els ing their movements. Add to this, that , the ii*Y e tte, t l ,B men may be required to perform any diltY;, l eo - o' . are compelled to share the labour, and it w'!" aered' ~ t g, tf re° that if the economy of the question be coosi` ta boar - cr ee greatly in favour of the employment of free ber° nothing of the other advantages which i ;. t lx such a result. n 0 11$. 11j °5 0 4 ' j ST AFFORDSHIRE. STRANGE il lri e S tter ill Aro f' " lives in a secluded part of the village 0 ' hind Miss Hinckes's mansion, a small but hone nd ja to se has jogged some seventy years through life , n iiite li t ' er eti t ,” the last person to whom any romance wos le et ' P l' b e but three weeks since a middle-aged fel f r 010 ti 0:,;,, ,3 abode, and asked "Did he originally cnTdOrintt ef r e ' s ,te l ' Glo ?" The question was answered in t i i„ had was the herald of great tidings. An linc tt ' te d D e e OP, from India, aged 101 years, and had deg for th 0 00 0 ' 30 0 out his relations. There awaited 15, 0 ° ° '' e ach 1 0 11 discovered nephew, and a handsome suinl` t i r e d: in p o f and their sons. Prudence took wings 5 0 %,1 th e ie ft, r cautious neighbours suggested doubt lie ; e icn, to p l c, wished to put his finger in the pie. V'', (the ;,0/ o t iltr was feasted for a fortnight, and newly cit4o;vg,'ooocie, way people having lost her trunk) ; the o'kr,‘ for seriously asked what " use" he would ese ivci ` t t , ',,, thousand, ,, and many future plans were r, ced for a 0 6 0 t, ing friends. And at length the time or il sc i e y Oi t the oic; to proceed to Nant-v-Glo, and on We d° titer (,) thot e t ",, parted themselves Zfather, sons, and clang A les coach from this town for that purFose*.,,inlinSsOrdg; happy visions should be doomed to disapr ih e j , . 4 arriving at the inn yard at Shrewsbur.f.,is fani e e- lc denly disappeared, leaving the farmer wino! o'r e 0 116" home again to the continued care of C°". the srtfil lo °v not either, it seems, the first time that _ s cr edo I ,f practised a similar trick, and found to be so duped. —Tfrolverhamp "es,°.lne• ton Chron Go O od n w tl; l, 4th inst., at e' the 11(1.1'1° ft: Newington,......Besit.RonT.silups!.r...i.,o3. si l i : of Hussey,ooj onnhttepeE7BstEtqlhis. On the 7th inst at K ole House, Fralitt ' .dv M.D.31.D, of a n son. 10 11 E :i iribin. . : , as. ll str, t i .r: a i, s d ati r ten a s r ,uKoCpefinpvaeti Kent-terrace, e a: vur r rl goabb : I ite c ; I. nr , n. .opefglas lace, 1::::t pb,:bri , 0 1; ei ; angel-field, Esq., of a daughter. tA 00 01 , HoOunse,tshoeu7ththarnipntsotn.,. at All Rigs" iii.%ti r e l li o :s °l V ," Phipps J. Hornby, Esq., Lieutenant Breton,oe pcl.l r e to Frederica, third daughter of Peter 0 to „. lies ° ,? fil e icl k On the 7th inst., at St. John's, i'''l, l ,„ l r tlao - ric Douglas Aubin, Esq., of Devonshire-streeei, - freci' i Ellen Frances, eldest daughter of Mr. 1 1 1 surgeon, of the Horseferry road Westiniuste • - , ,id „ae ,, ,r , DIED. On the 29th of December last, ni°2131,1)! P°:;"l:,je,ile'il action with the enemy at the batt1e,,,,,i,110,11 •',,llis Lieut. Charles Newton, a the 16th •"'"ii,elo , 0 ale itig f Grenadiers, in the 23d year of his age', Tatib r ei l John Newon, oi Calverley Par"' • OA tf Jo co hn n form of t South Lambeth , county of Stirr e , , ei : Goo ch o ea n p t e h , e 10th inst., at his house in 'UPI .d Mori ce, th2t Esq F.S.A ' aged 76 ti iS' IP' the : l in at t e thh A enE n 9Bl3t t dil h . ' B a rt, ag e ife 0 itt4 list On the 19th of • Janu r ary,.at Cannanor, e- ' ed ' 1 0 ( inst", S' lie • nry Halford, pri , iv joiln A nus l yit a t. d . , r i a s aal tat utclxxiedift: jiroci:sdl.SGe:eur:evir i i; is e s.d • ej;L : ::;:it l t : b e si :ril l i .1 014 ' 0:0, re p d,i„? 12 ' •1 E q • acfed 71. -05 q., , On the 6th inst., at Putney, Richar T evil ,iOO On the 7th inst at the Acadeni,y, - ", il js P ,sd ~ Susanna, the second daughter of John and 7_,--_-;ovel "00 / 0 0 9 London : Printed and Published by I° , tg, Strad, " O. No 112, Strand, at The Sun Off ice, iz 1 C° II JAY of Middlesex, Tileadsli alirc