The Sun. — London, England, 1844-05-21 00:00:00

...- means of employing. He thought it very desirable with respect to the security of three millions, that the Bank should have the power of depositing other securities than those deposited originally. He did not see any dis advantage in that as regarded the security afforded to the public. He apprehended that the Bank would, in fact, perform all the functions which it had hitherto per formed. There was one point to which he must advert for one moment, to which he attached some importance, namely, the desirableness of introducing a principle of greater permanence into the direction. He was not at all desirous of imposing a Government officer on the di rectors, but he thought that no one, who was so well acquainted with the subject as the Chancellor of the Exchequer, could fail to see the necessity for alteration. The amount of issue was fixed at the average of the last two years. That ave rage was low, and he thought this was in its favour. A great deal had been said as to the extreme hardship to country banks of being tied down to the average circu lation of the Bank of England. It was said that the circulation varied very much. Now he had taken the trouble of examining the variation for the two last years, and he had found that the average difference was about 800,000/. The Right Hon. Gentleman had re ferred to country bankers who considered an unlimited issue absolutely necessary for the farmers and the agri cultural interest generally in this country. The grounds of this objection appeared to him altogether absurd. The evidence on the subject was contradictory. It was contended that it would be impossible for the banks to make advances to the farmers unless they had this power of issue. An Ipswich banker was asked in what half-year his circulation was the low est. His reply was In the half-year ending in March." He was asked whether the period when he advanced most to farmers was the period of the lowest circulation ; and he replied, " Certainly it is." There There was other evidence to the same effect. The next assertion was, that it would be impossible for the country banks to 'afford to the farmers the means of paying their rents. They had the power of obtaining Bank of Eng land notes, in addition to their own circulation, to any amount they pleased. Mr. Gill was asked whether he apprehended that any inconvenience had arisen to bank customers from the substitution of Bank of England notes for country notes ; and his answer was, that the only inconvenience eonsisted in the banks being more liberal than they otherwise would have been. With regard to the Scotch banks, he apprehended that they were to be subject to the same regulation of issue and the same publication of accounts as the English banks. But he could have wished that their publica tions - of accounts could be made to correspond more closely with those of the English banks. In England the returns by the banks to the Government included the whole amount of their stamped notes; but this was not the case with the Scotch banks, and he understood that the difference in the mode of making the return made the circulation of the Scotch banks about thirty per cent. less than it would be if returned on the same principle that was adopted-in England. With regard to the effect of the measure, he thought it might perhaps produce some degree of pressure ; but if the present system was insecure, the price they must pay for greater stability and security was the loss of the present facility. He believed that the advantages to trade and commerce of the accommodation afforded by the Bank of England had been much overrated. He was supported in this opinion by no less an authority than Mr. Ricardo. Having read the opinion of that writer on this point, in which he states that the effect of this accommodation is often very insignificant compared with the accommodation from pri vate sources, he gave as an illustration a•case that oc curred in 1829, a year of great pressure, in which all the accommodation that could be procured at the Bank was:300001., to be rppaid in one month. This was utterly inadequate for the purpose of the parties, who raised from private sources the sum ; •• of 800,0001. for an unlimited time. He also read- a statement of the circulation of the Bank of England during the same year, and of the amount of its dis counts fur the same period, in order to show that the restriction of its issue did not produce a diminution in the amount of its aceomodation, but the, reverse. In April, 1829, the circulation of the Bank of England was 18,000,000/. ; the bills it 'discounted in the same month, amounted to 3,500,0001. In July its circulation was 17,500,0004 and the bills it dis counted, 6,700,000/. In October its circulation was 16,500,000 L ; ha discounts, 7,700,0001. In December its circulation had fallen to 16,000,000/. • and the amount of bills it discounted was 8,500,000 1. This disproved the assertion that the power of the Bank to accommodate the public depended on the increase of its issues. He believed that the preknt measure would effect good by checking the drain of gold at a compara tive early period of its tendency to leave the Bank, and thus lessen the ultimate shock such drains occasioned. The experience for the last twenty years proved that monetary embarrassments paased over quietly in propor tion as the paper of the country was diminished in com parison with the circulation' of " the country. Such he took to be the principle of the Right Hon. Gentleman. He believed it would not only check the tendency to a drain of gold, but go far to prevent the necessity of its occurring at all. He read an extract from the evidence given before the Committee by Mr. Kennedy, a Scotch banker, to prove that it was usual for banks to restrict their issues according'as the rate of the exchanges created a drain of bullion from the Bank, and that such a restric tion in the issue did not cause a loss to Vie Bank on ac count of the increased rate of interest the Bank ob tained. He did not think 'that any Bill, or any plan, would put an end to all speculation and over-trading, and rashness in commercial matters. But because he could not do that, it was no reason he should not try to do all in his power to •check it, which could only be done by a proper regulation of the circulation of the country. Experience proved that the convertibility of notes alone was not sufficient to check this over-specu lation ; their system of currency must, from time to time, be regulated in 4, amount. Such an operation, and such an operation alone, would provide for their permanent security ; and as far as the measure of the Right Hon. Hon. Gentleman was based on this principle, he should, 'as approving that principle, give it his un qualified support. Sir W. CLAY said, that he should have thought the monetary conditi©n of the country, as well as the state of public opinion,anight have justified the Right Hon. Gentleman in carrying out his principles more boldly, by extending the:, measure to Scotland and Ireland, and applying regulations , there with regard to the small notes, But he -I was willing to admit that the Right Hon. Gentleman was better qualified to form an opinion on this point than himself. He agreed with the Right Hon. Gentleman in thinking that if they left the country banks without control, their circulation would expand as the Bank of England contracted, which was formerly the case. The measure of 1819 established as a basis of the monetary system the principle of the constant and unvarying convertibi lity of the paper currency. The proposed measure re cognised the same principla, but enforced the necessity of the issues being placed under strict control, and not to be entrusted to those who might profit by its abuse. The Hon. Member then quoted extracts from the letter of the Secretary of the Treasury of the United States to Congress in 1836, showing how great the circulation of paper was immediately before the great stoppage of cash payments-in that country. In 1830 the notes in circu lation amounted to 60,000,000 of dollars ; in 1834 to. 75,000,000; in 1835 to 87,000,030; in 1836 to 106,000,000 dollars, and in 1837 it reached the enor mous extent of 120,000,000 dollars. The lion. Member also read an extract from the President's Message, in which he noticed the over.action in every department of trade—the excessive speculation ; and the increased issue of paper money—which latter the President assigned as the cause of the two former results, saying that in America,as in England, the excessive issue of Bank paper bad been the cause of the great monetary embar rassments which had at different periods happened in both countries. He (Sir William Clay) did not think it necessary that one of them of the amount circulated by the country banks should be held in bullion at pre 'sent. The security against over-convertibility must rest upon other grounds. He would suggest that it be al lowable to the bank of issue to give bullion at something less than 3/. 17s. 10Id. To the merchants who wished to export gold in ingots, this would be very desirable; be sides, some allowance should be made for the expenses of coining, which were considerable. He did not agree with some Hon. Gentlemen in thinking that any addi tional power would be conferred on the Bank of Eng land by the present measure, which he thought would rather diminish than augment the power it at present possessed. At a certain appropriate time he intended to introduce a resolution for the consideration of the House—that it be permitted to create and charter country banks, on condition cf their paying up three fourths of the capital they proposed to commence upon; and that• there be an annual or semi-an nual publications of the accounts of such Bank. Ile would only repeat what he had already stated, that this plan had, generally, his cordial approbation. - Mr. S. WORTLEY expresse d hi s a l most ent i re con currence in the plan proposed by the Right Hon. Baronet, Fritc the obj ec t o f w hi c h was, as state d b y hi s H on. trodTthe M em b er f or H a lif ax (Mr. C. W oo d) ; to in ice additional security for the amount of the invariable standard. He was strongly of opinion that of all the measures w hich had been proposed, that of the Right Hon. Gentl eman best that could b e adopted T he was, on the whole, the great feature is this plan 'was the separ a ti on of the Bank of England into two departments. This was th e more necessary, as it was sometimes dif fi cult for the management at the Bank to dbVide*between its duty t o the public and its private interests. It was impossible to invest the Bankave it of Eng land with the power which this measur e g it was rendered independent of those influences to, , u w n h l i e c s i s t it might be subjected as an ordinary banking establish ment. He alluded to the separation of the issue depart ment from the banking department., and ren dering the former a self-acting institution, by which the amount of exchanges would be regulated. His Honourable Friend, the Member for Halifax; had very properly observed that the amount of circulation would be increased apparently by . this plan, because the whole' of that amount of treasure in reserve by the Bank, which exceeded the present amount of cir culation, would be transferred to the issue department from the deposit department, so as to be exchanged into Dotes. The Right Hon. Baronet alluded to the subject of branch banks, with regard to which lie (Mr. S. Wort ley) put a question to him on a former occasion. He was sorry to find that the Right Hon. Baronet did not think proper to interfere to prevent the extension of branches. He knew no greater source of risk than the extension of branch - banks, and not only of branch banks, but what were called agencies," which were in many cases at a great dis tance from the central issuing bank. The Right lion. Baronet proposed that there should be a payment or . 301. on the establishment of every branch bank. He• did not think that would be any effectual check, and he thought lii,ht be thatsome mo re powerful check to be and devised. He wished to call the attention of th e Governme n t to another point, t i v in.. iz., that he thought they ough t-to hold out some greater ducement to joint-stock banks to accept the circulation of Bank of England notes than the payment of one per cent., which he thought was too small to induce those banks to suppress their own circulation and adopt that of the Bank of England. He was glad that the Govern ment had taken this opportunity of proposing this plan to Parliament, and he should be sorry if the y allowed it to pass by without making an attempt to place the cur rency on a sounder footing. The greatest credit was due to the Right Hon. Baronet for the manner in which, in conformity with his character as a statesman, he proposed this measure, which would secure great advantage to the country without disturbing those habitual arrangements which subsisted in many parts of the country. He must say he thought it was perfectly right, that in consenting to allow private issuers who existed at present to con tinue their issues, a necessary limitation was imposed upon them of confining their issues within a certain amount.; but it was also right that those on whom these privileges were conferred should be treated with ten lierness, and that there should be no risk of shaking the public credit or public enterprise and industry, which their suppression would give rise to. He was glad that this opportunity of making a change was not passed by, because the time was not far distant when its principle would be tested. In msny parts of the country those same causes which had produced the crisis they had seen before were coming into operation, and it would be matter of great interest to observe the effect which an alteration of this kind would have on such transactions as those he alluded to. If the plan suc ceeded and had the effect of mitigating those fluctuations and changes which they before experienced, he would have the comfort of performing a benefit towards the country which would do him the utmost credit, and for which he would receive, sooner or later, the thanks of the country. Mr. P. M. STEWART said that, while he was will ing to pay homage to the general plan proposed by the Right Hon. Baronet, yet he felt it his duty at this early stage to call attention to one or two points which, if adopted, would, he thought, have the effect of making it more complete. Ile thought the Right Hon. Baronet had acted wisely in not interfering with the one-pound note circulation of Scotland and Ireland, which would only have brought a hornet's nest about his ears—he thought he had acted better in limiting the measure to England and Wales in the first instance. There was a ge neral rumour that it was the intention of the Government to establish, sooner or later, one bank of issue through out the country. There was also a report out of doors that the outline of this mea sure bad been drawn by the late Govern ment, and that it had been completed by the pre sent Government, and he confessed that he was con firmed in that impression from the manner in which it had been received in the House. This measure was an experiment and nothing better; it-was a new doctrine in the country, and was not propounded by those great names to which they were accustomed to adhere, so that they should regulate the circulation by one branch of issue. The Bullion Committee propounded no such doctrine ; it was a doctrine of the modern school, which like many others required to be well watched. His proposition was based on the opinions of those who were called the philosophers amongst the witnesses who were examined,while all the practical men and bankers whogave evidence before the Committee stated that one bank of issue would be most inexpedient. At a meeting which was held the other day, and was attended even by bankers who issued Bank of England notes, a resolution was come to, adopting the lan guage of the general meeting which was held in 1840, that such a measure would be inexpedient. There was one expression made use of by the Right Hon. Baronet that night which put the matter beyond doubt in his mind. It was, to reduce the circulation to one system. But it was evident. that the same dangers which threatened us before 1825 were impending upon us now.—(Hear, hear.) He would not occupy the House at that time of the night in going into a discussion of the details of the question. It seemed to him that the plan of the Right Honourable Gentleman was compounded of the plan of 1819 and that most objectionable plan of 1837. All that he wished to impress upon - the House and the Government was, that they should not take such measures as would prevent them from return ing to the present system if they should find it necessary. The proposition which was made to the Government by the country and provincial bankerswas, that they should raise the issues to a larger amount for the country banks than was allowed by this project. The average of the circulation of the last two years ought not to have been taken as the maximum of the future circulation, but as the average. It was absurd to look to the foreign exchanges as the test for regulating the cir culation of the country. But the Right Hon. Baronet had argued against the principles which he had himself propounded.—(Hear, hear.) He (Mr. Stewart) inferred that it was the intention of the Minister to extinguish altogether the present country circulation ; but they would greatly inconvenience the public by stopping that circulation. An Hort. MEMBER—The circulation of joint-stock banks. Mr. P. M. _STEWART--But, in interfering with them, you would interfere with the general circulation —(Hear, hear)—of the banks beyond sixty-five miles out of London.—(A conversation then took place across the table respecting the effect of the re striction, which was not clearly heard in the gallery.)— If restrictions had not existed, there would not have been those evils which had been Complained of. He offered his sincere acknowledgments to the Right Hon. Baronet for the straightforward manner in which he had met the claims of the joint-stock banks. He offered his ac knowledgments, not for what the Right Hon. Baronet had done, but for for the manner in which he did it. The whole body of joint-stock bankers whom he (Mr. P. Stewart) so unworthily represented, felt it very much. In the points which he had stated he knew he was open to correction, and he foresaw he would meet with that correction, but then he had thrown out his ob servations for the purpose of rendering the application of the Right Hon. Baronet's plan more readily practical, and in making the propositions which he had sub mitted, he considered he was only doing his duty. The Right Hon. Baronet's was a bold patriotic plan, but like all human propositions, it had its- faults, and it was their duty who thought they could amend it, to propose whatever they thought would be effective for that pur pose. It was from such a sense of duty that he had made his suggestions. Mr. M. GORE referred to the years from 1825 to 1827 inclusive, to' show the evil effects of an excessive paper issue. With respect to the measure of the Right Hon. Baronet, it bacillus most cordial support, because he thought it proceeded upon the just principle that money was a commodity which, like all other commodi ties, was influenced in its value by supply and demand. It had been said that this measure would depreciate prices, but he doubted whether the depreciation of prices was an evil. Much discussion had taken place with respect to bullion, but upon that point he thought no great danger - was to be apprehended. He believed that the Right Hon. Baronet at the head of the Government had acted most wisely in not attempting to lower the standard of value. Many of the charges now brought forward against tho Right Hon. Baronet were brought against the Ministry of 1796,`when it was at tempted to place the currency of the country upon a proper footing. lie should support the proposition of the Right Hon. Baronet at the head of the Government. Mr. GISBORNE knew that any person who came forward as the advocate of free trade in money was the subject of great animadversion. He adhered to the pound as prescribed by the Right Hon. Gentleman. That the amount of currency operated upon the price of commo dities bad never been satisfactorily established in his mind. He believed that what was currency had never been properly defined except in the Latin—quod smiler —quod übique —quad inter °nines. He would reserve to himself the right of objecting to this measure in the other stages. He would say at once that his objection to this meesure arose from his belief that it would have a tendency to lower the range of prices in this country, and that it would have a tendency to supersede bullion for paper to a greater extent than now existed in circu lalion. He did not believe that the Bill of the Right Hon. Gentleman of 1819 had fixed a right standard, but he did not impute to that measure the destitution and misery which had since resulted to the country, so much as to other measures which accompanied it. The Bank of England bad at the present time a most convenient amount of gold lying in its coffers. Why did it not employ that gold ? Because it could not force upon the country a currency which it did not want. This was a time of great speculation, yet the Bank of England could not expand the currency, and he believed it would never be able to do so without increasing its security. A great part of what they called circulation was nothing more than capital. The Bank would now be relieved of all responsibility with regard to the issues—that was a responsibility which he thought they ought never to have had. He did not give implicit confidence to the names that had been quoted. They were to be judged of with some reserve. When the time came he should be prepared to oppose the plan. Mr. NEWDEGATE said, he rose to call the atten tion of the Right Hon. Baronet to one point on which he should wish him to give an opinion. He believed that there was something in the plan that might prove injurious to the productive capital of the country. He believed that the amount of the cir culation of the country' materially affected prices. The point he wished to submit to the atten tion Of the Right Honourable Baronet was this —how far the extension of the principle of the Bill of 1819, as carried out by the alteration of the sys tem of issue and the alteration of the banking establish ment, as proposed by the Government, will, by limiting the amount of the circulating medium to the average of the last two years, without reference to the production of this country, affect prices ? For, if the quantity of produce increased, and the amount of money remained the same, would not prices fall in proportion to the in crease of that production ? This point he could assure the Right Hon. Baronet was well worthy his con sideration. Mr. F. BARING expressed his satisfaction that the Government had followed up the principles on which this subject. Those thelate Government was prepared to have legislated on plan all seemed inclingentlemen ou w t h oofhtande considerationoppo sedt he of the position in which to slip country t was f at presnt hat principles they thoughttheo placed. He should be happy issuesearn of f ont h them on country l ought to be carried on in the present state of ' things. the last arrangement of the Bank Charter by as ge N . Noble Friend, Earl Spencer, two principles were laid down. There was in the arrangement a regulation by which it was supposed that the Governor' and Directo rs o f t h e Bank would in future conduct their issues, and a t t h e that te thetim time a ( v a e n rag d e fo s r t o h f e first time) issues time and of the) it was p rov id e d amount of the bullion in the Bank should be published, in order that the private banks, might according to those returns, regulate their issues. But as far as legislation was concerned , th ey h ad no power of enforcing that publicatton by the Bank. Then it was said that the purpose of the publication of accounts was to gttide the private bankers in their issue. But the private bankers were not compelled to look a them except as a matter of curiosity. He might be told that it was better to leave this without regulation ; but the evils of an over-issue were just the same, whether they arose from the Bank of England or from the pri vate banks. He contended that it was the system they ought to amend, and they ought to endeavour to place the circulation of the country under proper regulation. If there was a tendency in the plan towards establishing one bank of issue, he thought the principle on which they were proceeding ought not to be concealed. He concurred in the opinion that the safest course was to have only a single bank of issue, and thought nothing could be more unsafe than unrestricted competition, which had already been the means of a great crash in the monetary affairs of this country. He admitted that the Right Hon. Gentleman could not carry his principle to the full extent, but he thought the principle, on the whole, a right one, and hoped the Right lion. Baronet would persevere in it. For the details of the measure he would reserve further remarks, but could not sit down without saying that he would give the Government plan his honest support.—(Cheers.) Mr. PLUMPTRE said there were some principles propounded in the measure in which he concurred, but he feared the plan would cause a contraction of the cir culation, and lead to the reduction of prices. If that would be the effect, he was sure the Right Hon. Baronet would be the first to withdraw it. Mr. MUNTZ said he would not have made any re mark, but that he had been alluded to by the Hon. Member for Halifax. He never said what he did not believe, and never wrote anything he was ashamed to put his name to. He had, however, been misquoted on this subject. He had given the greatest atten tion to the matter, and had road every authority worth reading on the currency ques tion—Locke, Smith, Harris, M'Culloch, and Ri cardo—and read them, too, before the Right Honourable Baronet had done so.—(Laughter.) Yes, when the Right Hon. Baronet was Secretary for Ireland. The Right Hon. Baronet would not, he believed, carry out his principles. He (Mr. Muntz) would agree in them pro vided the Right Hon. Baronet would make the prices of land and its produce the same as before the change of currency had taken place. It was very natural that Hon. Members on that side of the House should support the Government proposition, because it would lower prices, and .tend to accelerate the repeal of the corn laws ; but how was it that Hon. Members opposite could support the Government plan? He professsed he was at a loss to understand the motive upen which they acted. —(Hear, hear.) Why those Hon. Gentlemen wished to have corn 50 per cent. higher in this country than on the Continent. The Right Hon. Gentleman had been very pleasant upon some remarks he (Mr. Muntz) had addressed to his constituents in Birmingham, but he had not advocated those principles which the Right Honourable Baronet represented as his. If the Right Honourable Baronet fully carried out the principles he now propounded, there could be little rent paid and less taxes, far a general depreciation of the produce of land, and of land itself, would be the result. It was said the eountry banks were regulated by exchanges. This was a great mistake—he did not believe one in fifty of these country banks understood anything about foreign exchanges. How could they regulate the issues by foreign exchanges ? He thought the Right Hon. Barones had encumbered the measure by unnecessary machinery. If the country banks were allowed to manage their affairs without the interference of her Majesty's Government, or her Majesty, both of which were unnecessary, the whole would be regulated without any other assistance. He asked the Right Hon. Baronet to consider this minutely. He did not think it was right that the banks of issue and the banks of business should be under the same roof and direction. He thought that both should be kept entirely separate, and that the Bank of England ought to be a bank of business. There wero two other points to wbieh he wished shortly to allude. In all' instances of panic, he never knew any instance in which the Bank took early measures to contract their issues, and it was not fair to control the country banks when the Bank had not taken the proper masures to preserve themselves and the other banks. Then the Right Hon. Gentleman talked of persons ruining themselves by unwise speculations, and instanced a case of a person who had been ruined by speculating in Spanish Bonds. How could the Right Hon. Baronet prevent persons from speculating as they wished ? He thought the Right Hon. Baronet was bound to carry out his principle completely, and not say he would, do so. They would then see whether the measure was sound or unsound. If Hon. Gentlemen opposite, who were landlords, supported the Bill, no other person had any reason to complain. Mr. C. BULLER said he would briefly state the rea sons which made him reluctant to admit the merits of the Bill. His opinion was, that the measure would not have the effect of placing the commercial transactions of the country on a sounder footing, which was the object of it, but would substitute more unsafe forms of credit than existed at present. There seemed to be a great con fusion between sound principles of banking and sound principles of currency ; and the machinery of the mea sure was directed to regulating the circulating medium. The Rig ht Hon. Baronet said it was necessary to con trol the issues of private banks ; but when he came to say what were banks of issue, and what were not, it seemed to him that his argument tended more against the system of banking, and that the mischief to which he referred arose from a different cause than the issue of notes by private banks. All. the arguments which he had heard had not convinced him that the question had been fully considered. He thought that the public ought to have the privilege of investing their money in is hat bank they pleased. Sir ROBERT PEEL said that it would be for the public to consider in what institution it would place its confidence. Although the Hon. Member for Birming ham was not pleased with the measure of the Govern ment, he was glad to see that he had no strong measure to propose against it. In answer to the Hon. Gentle man's question, how far the extension of the principle of the Act of 1819 was carried out by the system of issue, hs (Sir R. Peel) did not admit that this was an exten sion of the principle of the Act of 1819. It was a comple ment of that Act—it was a measure fulfilling that Act; but it was, ot an extension of the principle of it. The Act of 1819 recognised the principle that there should be a standard of value in this coun try, and that that standard should be gold. that he who issued his paper should be obliged to fulfil his engagements, and pay his paper in gold. The mea sure which he (Sir R. Peel) now proposed did not carry that principle further. His answer to the question of his Hon. Friend (Mr. Newdegate) was, that there was a standard of value, and that that standard was a definite quantity of gold of a certain finenes—that it was intended that that should be the measure of all worth. The per son who issued paper promised to pay, on the face of that paper, a certain amount of gold. That paper, there fore, ought to conform to the gold. He admitted to his Hon. Friend that there might be, for a time, by that measure, a limitation in prices ; but all increase in prices that arose from an excess of paper was illegitimate, and could not be permanent. There was no advantage from any increase of price that arose from an issue o paper beyond the value of the metal they represented. He brought it to this simple issue : supposing they depre ciated their paper, and their paper was still convertible into gold, would not every man who had a right to insist on 5 sovereigns for a 5/. note, exercise that right, the moment he found the gold more valuable than the paper ? The moment Mr. Rothschild found that 500,000 sovereigns were more valuable than 500,000 L in notes, would he not immediately convert his notes into gold, and would not every man act in like manner ?, Among a competition of issues there might for a time be an increase of trice, but all experience showed that a re-action would ensue, and that by a sudden contraction of the currency, prices were again reduced. His answer' then was that no increase of prices caused by an issue of paper beyond its value in gold could be of the slightest advantage to the country. The effect of this measure would be to compel an early contraction, to prevent sudden rises and sudden falls. He contended that equality of price was a much greater advantage than any sudden rise or fall. The moment they removed the convertibi lity they found the number of private banks increased. In the year 1797 there were only 240 private banks, whereas when all convertibility was removed, they in creased to 800, so much importance did they attach to inconvertibility. Lord WORSLEY said that there had been great fluctuations of the issues in the rural districts, particu larly in Lincolnshire, and he thought, therefore, it would be only fair, that instead of taking the last two years as the period within which the circulation of notes should be the criterion of the future issue of the country banks, it should be extended to five or six years. He thought that the banks in the country ought to be enabled to issue notes to as great an extent as they bad ever done. Mr. DARBY agreed with all the Right Hon. Baronet had said as to a metallic currency ; but the question with him was, whether what was proposed would not so far contract the issues as to lead to the reduction of prices? In answer to a question from Mr. T. BARING, Sir R. PEEL said he thought they might assume that the Bank of England would have an interest and desire to prevent fluctuations in the amount of their notes, and they would desire, unless accompanied by a sacrifice to themselves, to extend their own circulation. Supposing the Bank of England had a surplus of notes in its coffers for which it had no means of profitable employment, the Bank of England in that case would employ with profit a portion of its notes in taking a substitution for coun try bank paper. Supposing that six millions of Bank notes were lying in the Bank of England without profit, clearly it would be advantageous to the Bank of England to substitute two millions of country bank paper for two millions of Bank of England paper lying in their coffers, without profit. Supposing, on the other hand, that there was no surplus of Bank notes in the banking department of the Bank of England, it would not be obligatory on the Bank of England to substitute their notes for country bank paper. Supposing again, that the Bank of England wished to gain a control over the circulation and desired to extend its issue, and could not extend its issue by applying the notes of the banking department, in that case it would make application to the Government to substitute its own notes for country bank paper, and thus they would be able to increase their notes on security. The Privy Council might, if they thought fit, sanction that measure, but there would clearly be a profit to the Bank of England in making those notes on securities. The resolutions were then agreed to. . _ Sir W. CLAY gave notice, that ho would, in a future stage of the measure, propose an amendment on the last resolution relating to joint-stock banks. In answer to a question from an Hort. MEMBER, Sir R. PEEL said he hoped the Government would be able to introduce the Bill before the Whitsuntide holidays, and he proposed that the Bill should take ef fect as soon as it was possible to make the required se paration in the two departments. The Directors were now occupied in taking every necessary step for effecting the separation. The House then resumed, and the report was ordered to be brought up to-morrow. Messengers from the Lords broUght up several Bills. GOLD AND SILVER WARES BILL. The House went into Committee on this Bill. Several clauses kid been agreed to without discussion, when — Mr. WARBURTON said there were great objections to the Bill ; ; it gave a jurisdiction to the Goldsmith's Company in country districts which it did not before possess. Mr. GLADSTONE stated that the objections alluded to had been removed from the Bill in its present form. After a few words from Mr. WARBURTON, The Bill went through Committee; report on Friday. CUSTOMS' DUTIES BILL. On the Order of the Day for the further consideration of the Report on the Customs' Duties Bill being read, Mr. T. DUNCOMBE said there was one principle introduced into the Bill which was so objectionable that, unless it was struck out, he could not consent to the progress of the Bill at that hour. It was proposed to make the proprietors of wharfs responsible for any smuggling that might occur on them. This was the business of the Custom-hOuse officers themselves. Unless the Bill was delayed, he must take the sense of the House upon the clause. Mr. GLADSTONE then postponed the consideration of the report till this day. On the motion for the Ecclesiastical Courts' Bill going into Committee, Colonel SIBTHORP wished to have the day fixed on which this Bill would be again brought under the consideration of the House. Sir J. GRAIIA - M fixed it, with the consent of the House, for Friday next. The West India _ Relief Bill was then read a third time and passed. It was then moved that a new writ be issued for Chi chester in the room of Lord Arthur Lennox, who has become one of the Lords of the Treasury. Lord JOHN'MANNERS moved for the nomination of a Select Committee on Mortmain:—Lord John Man ners, Mr. Shaw; Mr. Nichol), Mr. Charles Buller, Viscount Clive, Mr. Smythe, Mr. Brotherton, Sir George Grey, Mr. Eliot Yorke, Mr. James Wortley, the Earl of Arundel and Surrey, Sir John Yarde Buller, Mr. Milnes, Mr. Sotheron, and Mr. Dickinson. The Committee was appointed accordingly. HOLDING OF VESTRIES IN CHURCHES. Mr. S. O'BRIEN obtained leave to bring in a Bill to prevent the holding of vestries in churches, which was read a first time. The other Orders of the Day were then disposed of, and the House adjourned at Half-past One o'Clock. THE NATIONAL TEMPERANCE SOCIETY. Yesterday evening the annual general meeting of the friends and supporters of this Society was held at Exeter Hall. George W. Alexander, Esq., Treasurer of the Society, in the chair. Among the gentlemen on the platform we observed Dr. Lovell, Dr. Oxley, Mr. Mitchell, Mr. Julius Jeffreys, F.R.S., W. Janson, Esq., W. Cash, Esq., Jas. Day, Esq., and John Hill, Esq. The CHAIRMAN- said, that feeling his inadequacy to - fill the import-int office of Chairman so worthily as many of the gentlemen there present, be rejoiced that his duties would be comparatively light, as the object of the Society • would be eloquently explained by the speakers who would follow him. It would be needless for him to explain the vast importance of that Society. Its object was to remove intemperance from every land on the face of the earth. It was notorious that England, notwithstanding its many noble institutions, and the strong hold which religion had upon the minds of its people, was yet degraded by its intemperance nor has that intemperance been confined to herself; she has disseminated the same in every part of the globe to which her ships have sailed. Till within the last four years there was no immediate check upon this great evil. It was 'a cheering fact, however, that at length some light had dawned upon the darkness which had so long enveloped our country, for that Society had in some measure succeeded in removing evils which hitherto bad appeared to be incredible. It was a cheering circumstance that, in the United States of America, which contained a population of 16,000,000, above 4,000,000 were connected with tem perance societies, while another fourth acted partly, if not wholly, Upon temperance principles. That reforma tion had scarcely a parallel in modern times. However, he hoped the country would flourish in another respect, and ere long sweep away the stain - of slavery. He hoped that they would copy the example of England in libe rating those persons whom they at present kept and sold as chattels. But he would not wander from the subject. He believed that there was no place in which a tempe rance society had been established, where it had not been the means of producing great improvements in the general character and habits of the people, and reducing the number of idle and profligate drunkards. Those were objects well worth the support and consideration of every enlightened Christian. Before sitting down he might be permitted to state that while he earnestly re commended that Society to the fostering care of every Christian, he would by no means wish to be understood as placing it on a level with the Gospel.. Religion was necessary to the welfare of a future state, but tempe rance tended to benefit their physical condition, and led them seriously to consider their duty to God and their fellow-men. He would not enlarge further upon the subject, but call upon the Secretary to read extracts from the report. The SECRETARY, before reading the report, begged to inform them that he had received letters of apology from the Lord Bishop of Norwich, Lord Ashley, the Rev. l'ye Smith, and the Venerable Thomas Clarkson, the latter of whom had written a long letter from his bed-soom, expatiating at considerable length on the advantages derivable from habits of abstemiousness. This letter the Secretary read to the meeting. The report stated that the charm of novelty first attracted the curious and the opposition of individuals to that Society, and then proceeded to give a brief review of the state of the temperance cause in different parts of the world. The United States of America were making steady progress in the work of reformation. It was computed that one in four of the population, or above 4.600,000, abstained from all intoxicating drinks, while another fourth had nearly eschewed them. The im portation of spirituous and other liquors had decreased in a similar ratio ; but it was not all ascribed to the temperance reformation, ,, part of it being supposed to arise from commercial changes and tariff regulations. The num ber of distillers in the United States in 1810 was some what more than. 40,000, but in 1840 the number had fallen to 10,906, and in a few more years, it was hoped, they would be entirely extinct. In Montreal the prin cipal merchants were coming forward in the temperance cause, recommending temperance marine insurance, and giving preference to vessels not carrying spirits. The Committee were glad to state,that the principal inhabit ants of Montreal had petiticned the Governor of Ca nada, Sir Charles T. Metcalfe, K.C.8., praying his Excellency to refuse all applications for licenses to sell intoxicating liquors, and respectfully requesting him to take, such steps as might appear best calculated to suppress, the unlicensed and consequently illegal traffic in these drinks. His Excellency, in reply, expressed himself fully sensible of the great blessing conferred on the inhabitants of any country by abtaining from the use of intoxicating drinks, and pro mised to encourage the adoption of any measure calcu lated to effect so very desirable an object. In St. John's, Newfoundland, the temperance cause was progressing, wjiile in the Bahamas in the West Indies, temperance societies had been formed of large numbers of the in ' habitants. In Berbice - and Bermuda the returns exhibited a falling off in the consumption of spirituous liquors, which was attributable to the growing habits of temperance exhibited by the inhabitants. At St. Kitt's a society had been formed which already numbered 4,000. Similar results were reported of Jamaica, the Mauritius, Montsurat, Antigua, Anguilla, Tobago, &c. In the Sandwich Islands, New Zeal an d, Chi na , I n di a , Af r i ca , Sierra Leone, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Bavaria, Germany, the cause of temperance had greatly triumphed. In Ireland Father Mathew was still en gaged' to his patriotic efforts among the dissipated por tion of 'his countrymen, while in Scotland and Wales, large sums of money were subscribed tow ards advanc ing habits of temperance amongst the people. In Eng land the consumption of spirituous liquors had decreased, while the number of persons who had joined temperance societies amounttid to upwards of 1,000,000. The receipts of the past year had been 1,098/. 9s. 3d., while the expenditure had amounted to 6451. 9s. lld , leaving a balance in the hands of the treasurer of 4921. 19s. 4d. The Rev. JAMES SHERMA.N in moving the following resolution—" That whilst this meeting regards with thankfulness the gratifying progress of the temperance cause, both at home and abroad, as detailed in the re port now read ; it at the same time feels bound to ex press the conviction, that the efforts hitherto made, have exposed a mass of evil yet remaining, which calls loudly for renewed and increased exertions on the part of Bri tish philanthropists"—said, that he had spoken so many times in that Hall during that month, that he thought he might have been excused from appearing before them again. His friends, however, thought otherwise; and he did not quite regret the having the opportunity of stat ing before the meeting that his heart was still warmly attached to the good cause.—(Cheers.) He hoped to live and die a teetotaller.—(Cheers.) Public men, occu pying stations such as he had the happiness to do, might expect to have a great many things said of them, and some of them not very true. It had been reported of him, from end of the kingdom to the other, that he occasion ally took a little drop.—(Laughter.) But whoever had undertaken to state that, he would tell, that for the last eight years he had not taken the smallest quantity of liquor of uny description exceptiughe was once deceived by his medical attendant, who brought in a phy sic bottle some alcohol discoloured, so as to lead him to believe it was medicine. He wished to state most distinctly to his friends that his heart was as warm as it had ever been in favour of -teetotalism, and as un deviating as ever was he in abstaining from intoxicating drinks. He was anxious that a large portion of the time of that meeting should be occupied by gentlemen whose faces they had' seldom the opportunity of seeing—gen • tlemen from the country—gentlemen from distant parts— some, he understOod, from New Zealand And the United States of America. He should have desired that the whole of the report should have been read to the meeting, but still he must say the Secretary had displayed much good sense in not taxing the patience of the meeting with it all. .To him its details were most gratifying. They stimulated him to further exertions, and he should again enter the haunts of the destitute, the houses of the irreligious; and ,the retreats of the vicious, to exhibit the benefits and advantages of total abstinence principles.-:-(Cheers.) He would not detain them further, but simply request the meeting; to give their serious attention to the gentlemen who would succeed him, and adopt the resolution whiel 'had been entrusted to his care.—(Cheers.) Dr. THOMPSON, in seconding the resolution, gave a detailed account of the progress of absten.'ious habits amongst the inhabitants of New Zealand. 11 - 0 had been sent out in the year 1842, in care of 400 emigonts from Scotland to the port of Auckland in that island, and, knowing the advantages of temperance principles, he determined, at the outset, to introduce them on board the vessel in which they were embarked. At first he expe rienced some difficulty, but long before they arrived at the equator, he had succeeded in winning the support of the whole ship's crew, as well as the emigrants who had been entrusted to his care. On board they formed a sort of society, afterwards introduced into the island; and so much good had it worked amongst the inhabitants, that previous to his returning home, he had the honour of receiving the thanks of the Government. He was now about to go to establish a British hospital and school of medicince in the Holy Land—in the city of Damascus—and he hoped to be able to introduce prin ciples of temperance under that tropical climate. He had great pleasure in seconding the resolution which had previously been submitted to them. Professor WRIGHT, of Philadelphia, supported the re solution, and gave similar gratifying details of the tem perance in that vast republic. The resolution was then unanimously agreed to. hThe second resolution was moved by J. S. BUCKING HAM. Esq., in a very appropriate address, which was very much cheered. He concluded by reading it :—" That the crime, ignorance, poverty, and disease of the land, being chiefly attributable to intoxicating drinks, this meeting would rejoice to find the public and the Legis lature prepared to refuse a legal sanction to the immo rality arising from the making and sale of these liquors." The resolution was seconded by Mr. ROCHE, who at tributed the prevalence of crime throughout the country to the dissolute and intemperate habits of the people ; and thought that Government ought to suppress the licensing of houses for the sale of spirituous liquors. This resolution, having been put by the CHAIRMAN, was carried amid acclamation. The Rev. Mr. STOVELL, in a very able and energetic address, in which he - denounced the use of wines of every description amongst the clergy, thought that they, as pastors, ought to lead the way in every act of reforma tion ; le, therefore, with great pleasure, proposed the third resolution :—" That, considering the inde scribable evils produced by the use of intoxicating drinks, this meeting calls upon all who love their fellow creatures to renounce even the moderate use of them as dangerous in practice and destructive in example." The resolution having been seconded by Mr. S. Bow- LEY, was carried unanimously. Mr. J. J. GURNEY moved the last resolution, which was as follows :—" That accurate statistical returns of the extent and evils of intemperance in any part of the kingdom are absolutely necessary to make out a complete case for the purpose of Parliamentary application, and this meeting pledges itself to use every effort and influ ence to obtain such returns." It was seconded by Mr. PRICE, and supported by Mr. MARTIN, of Cork, who gave a very animated description of his own labours as the founder of the temperance movement in Ireland. This resolution, like the others, was unanimously car ried; and a vote having been accorded to the Chairman, who briefly acknowledged it, the meeting, which was numerous, and highly respectable, then separated. POLICE INTELLIGENCE. (YESTERDAY.) MANSION-HOUSE. THE COAL TRADE.—Capt. tram, of the Eliza col lier, of Newcastle, appeared upon a summons to answer the complaint of George Thorborn, and several other seamen, who charged him with having unreasonably detained them fur several weeks in the port of London. The justice-room was crowded with persons interested in the coal trade, amongst whom were several highly respectable shipowners and coal factors. Sir P. Laurie presided upon the occasion. The complainants, who in fact summoned the captain of the Eliza because they did not know how to get their case before the public by any other means, stated that they and from 100 to 200 other seamen, whohad worked colliers from the north to the port of London, hsd been detained in the river six weeks between Gravesend and the upper section of Blaokwall, having unfortunately subjected themselves to such oppressive delay by signing articles to perform the whole voyage. The amount to which each of them would be entitled at the end of the voyage was no more than 41., and no part of that money could they obtain to send to their wives and families, so that the most poignant distress was inflicted upon multitudes in consequence of the dis agreement between the. pitmen and the coal owners, the former having struck fur higher wages, and the latter being determined to get as high a price as possible for their coals. Sir P. LAURIE—How many colliers are now in the port of London ? One of the complainants—About two hundred, and while they are holding out for high prices you may guess our situation when your Worship is told that several of us have seven, eight, or ten children each to support. Sir P. LAURIE—It appears that by the articles which you have signed you may be delayed here an unlimited time. The complainant replied that such was the case. In the Act of Parliament for the regulation of the trade it was so laid down that the poor labouring man had no chance in a contest with the rich man, who would wait until the market might rise. Captain Mildrum said it was useless and absurd to charge him with having . detained the men. He acted under the direction of the shipowner, who was naturally anxious to obtain a fair price for the coal, and the delay was as much against the owner as against the men who had worked the vessel. The complainant declared that the shipowners had an allowance made to them. A shipowner here denied most positively that any 'allowance whatever was made to those who conveyed the coal. lie admitted that it was a very great hardship upon the poor men that they should be detained, but in fact, all parties were sufferers, the market in London being completely overglutted, so that if sales were made, the loss sustained would be serious. Sir r. LAURIE—Is there any prospect that relief will be afforded to these men ?—Captain Mildrum said he did not know. He knew that they were much incon venienced, and he had offered them "half voyage," but they refused it. The complainants said if " half voyage" had been offered to them when first they began to feel the effects of the delay, they would gladly have accepted it, but no proposition of the kind had been made until very lately. Captain Mildruni declared that he did not at all detain the ship, but he was bound by the articles, and he sus tained a loss proportioned to that which the complain ants suffered, and he had much more to do, and the whole responsibility. Sir P. LAURIE—The fault is evidently in the law, which is calculated to oppress the poor man who toils necessarily for the support of his family. Here is a very severe judgment, indeed, upon the working man. I trust that the representatives and the Magistracy of the districts in which such cases of distress have origi nated will take up the matter and attempt to provide some remedy. One of the complainants—There is no hope in quar ters of that kind, your Worship. All the magistracy and great men, and representatives, are coal-owners. They are all interested in keeping up the price of coals, and what chance have such as we against them ? None on earth. Sir P. LAURIE—It would appear, then, from what you say, that there exists a combination between the coal owners and the coal factors, and that as the public won't now purchase coal at the price required, you are to be the victims ? A coal factor and shipowner rose and declared that there was no such thing as a combination or conspiracy existing between the coal owners in the north and any persons in London ; but the fact was, if the coals were to be sold at the prices now offered, as much money as would pay for the freight and the other charges would not be received. _ _ Another coal factor said there was no remedy for the evil complained of. He had had several ships in the port for the last seven weeks, and he was obliged in consequence of the overglut to avoid working them. The coal owners of the north had nothing at all to do with the matter. Almost all the coals which had lately come in had been purchased by shipowners on speculation, and the speculation had failed for the reasons already stated. Sir PETER LAURIE—I trust the condition of these poor men will be taken into consideration by those who derive profit from their labour. They say that this is only the second voyage they have made within the last five or six months, and if they are to be detained in this manner, how on earth are they to maintain their families? One of the shipowners, IA ho is also a coal factor, here declared, that whatever might be the ' state of the market, he certainly would sell the cargoes in his vessels a week hence. He also stated to Sir Peter Laurie that all the men who had been detained would, no doubt whatever, be remunerated upon their return home. Some of the complainants assured Sir Peter Laurie that they had no expectation of the kind. They never had the least indulgence or consideration extended to them by the Healthy men who had so much in their power, and who exerted the whole of their influence and authority for the benefit of themselves. Sir PETER LAURIE—WeII, I am sorry for your condi tion, but there is no law which will sanction my inter ference for your benefit. The case will, no doubt from the interest felt in the circumstances, be submitted to public opinion, through ,the Press, and I dare say that through such channel remedy may result from exposure. Although I cannot relieve you I do not regret that you have sought redregs at the hands of the Lord Mayor. The case can only be met by an Act of Parliament, and I trust that although the complainants say the magis tracy in the coal districts are all coal owners, some ef fectual means may be adopted to protect these poor men and enable them to share with their families the produce of their labour. The captain was then told that he was wholly excul pated, and the complainants retired, expressing hopes, but appearing to despair. An elderly man, named Thomas Marsh, of very re spectable appearance, and with a head as white as snow, was charged with having committed a robbery in the warehouse of Messrs. Lea, Wilson, and Co., the exten sive silk manufacturers in Goldsmith- street. Mr. Calthvell, warehouseman in the house, stated that the prisoner, about a week ago, called at the warehouse, and desired to see some silk handkerchiefs. Witness showed him several, but took no particular notice of him, never suspecting that a person of his appearance contemplated a robbTry. He made some objections to the width of the handkerchiefs, and went away without purchasing any. After his departure witness missed some of the goods which had been exhibited, and ascer tained in the course of the evening that twelve hand kerchiefs had been stolen. On Saturday, the prisoner again entered the warehouse, and witness having made previous arrangements in the event of a second visit from him, waited upon him. The prisoner looked at several handkerchiefs, and was observed cautiously de positing three of them in his pocket. He then said he would call again, and was moving towards the door, when witness stepped up to him, and told him to deliver up the property which ho had taken. He, with affected surprise, denied that he had put anything in his pocket; but upon being told there was no use in denying the fact, he pulled out the three handkerchiefs, said there must be some mistake in the business, and flung them into a corner. The prisoner said the statement of the witness was quite untrue, for he had never either put the handker chiefs into his pocket or taken them out of it. Another person in the employment of the firm con firmed the evidence of Mr. Caldwell. One of the inspectors of the City Police said the pri soner was in the habit of robbing warehouses and shop, and was very clever at that sort of work. Sir PETER LAURIE—I have no doubt that a man so wholly unlike the character of a thief in appearance must, with such a propensity, do a vast deal of mischief. I thought, when I first looked at him, that he was at the bar by mistake ; but I find that he is an adept, and I have no doubt that he will be transported for this offence. Committed for trial. C LERICEN WELL. Henry Jones and Charles Creed, paupers in tho Hol born Union worhhouse, were charged with outrageous conduct. Creed, when placed at the bar, affected to be both deaf and dumb, and his fellow prisoner said he was so. The Magistrate sent to the workhouse for an interpreter; but Creed was no sooner placed in the passage of the Court than he commenced using the most abusive language towards the policeman who captured him, and replied to several questions. An interpreter, however, was sworn, when it appeared that, at seven o'clock on the previous evening, the pri soners, who were under the influence of liquor, went along the footway in Baldwin's-gardens and Gray's-inn lane, pushing the passengers into the street. 'When remonstrated with, they used the foulest language. Police-consfable 163 G came up. They then insulted a servant girl, who attempted to pass along on an errand. The officer took them into custody, and they at once fell upon him. The assistance of two other constables was obtained, whom the prisoners likewise kicked and cuffed in a most ferocious manner. The loudness of their cries and the violence of their conduct attracted a mob of two hundred persons round them, and it was with the greatest difficulty they were removed to the station-house. Inspector Penny stated that nothing could be more violent or disgraceful than the prisoners' behaviour in the cell. Mr. GREENWOOD sentenced them to seven days' im prisonment each, in the House of Correction. MANSLAUGHTER.— William fiend was brought up, on remand, charged with feloniously killing and slaying Catherine Sheehan, of No. 4, Carrier-street, St. Giles's. It appeared, from the evidence of Ellen, Johanna, and Mary Sheehan, the mother and sisters of the deceased, that the prisoner and John Sheehan, brother of the de ceased, lodge in the same apartment. The deceased was a person of dissipated habits, and on the night of Satur day, the 11th, or rather the morning of Sunday, the 12th, between one and two o'clock, came home under the in fluenee of liquor. She became talkative and querulous, and so awaked the prisoner, who told her to be silent. She used offensive language towards him, whereupon he jumped out of bed and struck her on the face, with his clenched fist. He then dressed. The quarrel was renewed; the mother interposed; the prisoner seized a broomstick, and, in attempting to strike the deceased, hit the old woman on the leg. He then struck the deceased on the forehead with the broomstick (the weapon was produced), inflicting a wound, from which she bled considerably. The deceased was soon after attacked with violent spit ting of blood, and complained of pain in the head and in the side. Medical aid was obtained, but she died on the following Wednesday. Mr. Wm. Bennett, a surgeon, residing in the infirmary of the St. Giles's workhouse, deposed that he attended the deceased during her illness, and made a post mortem examination of her body after her death. She had a contused wound on the forehead, which would have ne- cessarily produced a feverish action. The cause of her death was inflammation of the stomach, but the wound on her head might have, in a minute degree, accelerated her death. The prisoner, when asked for his defence, said, " I will reserve it for a higher tribunal." lle was fully committed for trial. Anne Mitchell was brought up on remand, charged with having stabbed John Dyihmock with a knife. The facts of the case have already appeared in detail. The prosecutor attended in Court, but in so weakly a condition that he could scarcely articulate. The prisoner was remanded for the evidence of the surgeon at Bartholomew's Hospital, who refused to come without a fee. Mr. Greenwood issued a summons to compel his attendance. Charles Ford, servant in the employment of Mr. Quelch, an hotel-keeper in Fleet street, was charged with having two gallons of whiskey without a permit. The prisoner met Morris, an Excise-officer, in Church street, Lower-road, Islington, on Saturday evening, when on his way to a customer of his master's with the liquor, and asked him the shortest way to the street in which the customer resided. Morris answered by taking him into custody, findiug that he had no permit. The prisoner admitted his guilt, and was fined 25/., or three months' imprisonment. Mr. Quelch paid the fine at once. William James Birdseye, a cab-driver, badge 3,319, was charged with furious driving. It. appeared from the evidence that on Saturday evening last the prisoner was driving so furiously down Exmouth street, that foot passengers and truck-drawers were obliged to leave the road and crowd upon the pavement. One I of the waggons of Messrs. Pickford, the eminent carriers, was coming down the street, and the driver of it hadjust time to draw in by the footway, so that the shaft of the prisoner's cab nearly grazed the breast of Messrs. Pickford's horse. The cab, however, came in collision with the cart, and with such violence that two of the springs of the cart ' were broken, damage being done to the amount of 11. The prisoner was remanded. A seaman, named Thomas Moran, was charged with being drunk and assaulting police-constable 262 N. In three weeks the prisoner contrived to spend the sum of 151., which he earned in a voyage to and from the East Indies. Last night he was fighting with some Irishmen, when the officer interfered. The prisoner struck him on the face.—He was fined 55., or three days' imprisonment. MARYLEBONE. Mary Croney, an old and very irascible lady, from the sister island, who oscillates between this Court and the House of Correction, was again placed at the bar before Mr. Rawlinson, on the following charge : Mr. William Burney, tea-dealer, Upper Marylebone-street, said that about half-past eleven on Saturday evening the pri soner came into his place and threw herself into a chair. She took a leisurely survey of his customers, and then " opened upon them." ' Having exhausted her spleen a little she left, but soon returned and threw a large stone through one of his squares of glass. He fortunately caught her arm as she was about to send a second through, and then gave her in charge to a policeman. Mr. RAwurrsmr—What was her motive for all this vio lence? Mr. Burney could not inform him, but Mary herself said it was " rivinge." On being questioned as to what par ticular offence the complainant had given her, it ap peared that she had determined on war to the knife with the whole human family. 111 r. RAWLINSON said it was a pity that some workhouse did not take the lost unfortunate within its walls. The worthy Magistrate then ordered her to pay the amount of damage, 55., or go back to her old quarters for another month. Mary Clark, a wretched looking woman, was charged with begging. Police-constable 33 D said, that at half-past nine on Sun day morning he was on duty at the Spanish Chapel, Man chester-square, and when the worshippers were dismissed he observed the, prisoner run over and commence begging. When his Excellency the Spanish Ambassador came out, she planted herself right before him, and he was obliged to stop He (witness) took her into custody. She carried a broom on pretence of sweeping a crossing, but she in reality never did so. The poor creature, who appeared scarcely able to stand, said that she had earned a livelihood by sweeping crossings, and attending at the Spanish Chapel, for the last four years, as she Was so badly in health that she could not do any • thing else. Mr. RAWLINSON said that as she did not look well, he would not send her to prison. He therefore cautioned and discharged her. Richard Smith, a simple-looking fellow, servant to Mr. Garrett, at present living at 227, Regent-street, was placed at the bar charged with stealing a watch-key, value 2s. 6d., from the shop of Jacobo Vego, 12, Oxford-street. The evidence was given at great length, but Mr. RAWLIN. SON thought, as some doubt rested on the case, and as the prisoner's master, who was present in Court, gave him a most excellent character for a three years' servitude, he would dis charge Wail ; and hoped the narrow escape he had of not being sent before a jury, would act as a caution to him in future transactions. The prisoner, whose disgraceful position seemed greatly to affect him, then left the Court. QUEEN-SQUARE. Ann White, a prostitute, who for some years past has spent nine months out of the twelve in the House of Correction, was charged with insisting upon coming into the station house at ten o'clock yesterday morning. She was repeatedly told to go away, but would not do so, and made use of the most obscene language, and spat in the faces of the police. She was drunk, and was ultimately locked up. The defendant, who has been a fine looking young woman, said she had been drinking hard, and came to see a friend who was incarcerated in one of the cells of the office. The MAGISTRATE said he had wasted a great many words of caution on her which had had no effect. She must pay a fine of 10s. or be committed for twenty-one days. The fine not being forthcoming she was locked up. A woman about thirty-five years of age, dressed in a clean calico gown, and who gave the name of Sophia Harris, was charged with being found asleep in a doorway in Market street, last night. The poor creature said she was born in Worcestershire, but came to London when she was eight years old, and had been brought up by an old lady (her parents had died when she was very young). The old lady died many years ago. She had been'married, having lost her husband about three years ago. He was a plumber and glazier. After his death she rented a house in a court running out of the Strand, and endeavoured to support herself by carrying on a small chand ler's shop, but in this she was unsuccessful, and was obliged to sell her furniture and everything she possessed. She added that she could scarcely tell how she hail supported herself for the last twelve months. She had pledged all her clothes except those she wore, and afterwards sold the du• plicates. Six weeks ago she occupied lodgings in Chelsea, but had walked about for the last three days, and slept in the streets at night. Mr. Boxn asked her if she bad any objection to go to the workhouse? The woman, bursting into tears, said she would rather go there than wander about the streets. Mr. BOND directed an officer to take her to the workhouse. UNION-HALL. Richard Brown, an expert pickpocket, was charged, before Traill, with stealing a silk handkerchief from the person of a gentleman, on passing over London-bridge. The prisoner, i t was stated, belongs to a gang of pickpockets, who infest the principal thoroughfares leading to London bridge from the Borough. He was seen in the act of follow ing up a gentleman, and taking the handkerchief out of his pocket, and then run away with his companion. A lad who witnessed the robbery gave such information on the subject as to lead to the apprehension of both the prisoner and his associate. The witness, however, through whose information the parties were taken into custody, complained that he had been threatened by the gang, and a woman named Davis, of masculine appearance, whom the lad identified as being one of the persons who had uttered threats against him, was ordered to be apprehended. Brown was remanded, and the woman Davis was held to bail ler the threat: she used, and, 14 default, was outwitted. MARKET NEWS_YESTERDAY• CORN-EXCHANGE. The demand, for English Wheat was in a sluggish stet . ' The finest qualities found buyers at prices about equal to thole obtained on Monday last; but, in the value of the middling and inferior kinds, an abatement took place in most instances of is per quarter. Since Monday last the present duty of 171 per quarter has been paid on about 3,500 quarters of Foreig n Wheat. The best descriptions of both red and white NT ported previous rates, but inferior parcels on somewhat easier terms. Foreign Barley realised late rates. Malt at unaltered. quotations. Oats at last week's figures. Beans at an advance of is per quarter. White Peas were is dearer. The Value other kinds was supported. Flour at previous figures. CURRENCY PER IMPERIAL MEASURE. .. _„, WHEAT-Essex & Kent, !MALT-Chevalier...» • 03 ° '' - red... ....... 4os to 58s OATS - Yorkshire a nd ~ Ditto, white 525 to 63s Lincolnth . , feed ... 2 31 "' Norfolk and Lin- Pouttoe . .... .... .. 25 " ° coin, red 4os to 43s Youghallancr Cork, 17$ 'ol° Ditto white 42s to 475 1 black Irish, red.... ......... 47s to 5081 Cork, white Ditto white 21is to 33s BEANS-I'l'4 ....... 23° 36 .1: j ;.r . : RYE-Old New ... .. .. ...... ....... BARLEY-Grinding 24s to 27s PEAS Grey sos to 3''' no. t Malting l3s is 36s Maple ..............•. 0.- -° -511 0 i .- Chevalier 323 to 35s White - 34 s to . 0 MALT-Suffolk and Nor- Boilers ..... ........••••• 33 ,„, ° , 1 :69 folk s6s to 62. FLOUR-Town made .....• - 340 AI 171, Brown sos to 5 tsl Sufto k Kingston and Ware 56s to 62s' Stockton & Norfolk 34 s to 35 ' FOREIGN GRAIN AND FLOUR IN BOND. ~ 96s VITRIEAT-Dantzic Hamt,urgh 36s to 40s Pees 23s t° 0 BARLEY 3O. to 33s FLowt-American ....... 23° t° As OATS-New Feed l4s to 16. SIVIITIEIPIELD. We have to report a decided improvement in the Llee i. trade, at an advance on the rates obtained on this day se o night, of quite 4d per Blbs for the best Scots and h0me11.,7, and 2d for the middling and inferior descriptions. The 0 „f ton trade was very firm, at a rise on last week's quotations 1 from 2d to 4d per 81bs, the best old Downs, out of the l'ij producing 4s per Blbs ; Bents and Kentish half-breds, 31 i d to 3s 8d per 81bs. The best Down qualities of Lamhol e y readily, other kinds slowly, at unaltered quotations, 1 . ranging from 4s 10d to 6s per 81bs. The Veal trade; steady, 4s fiel per 81bs being realised for the best kin Irish 'Pigs at barely late rates; English Pigs at full Pl lco s r 810 to s o d to sink the one. s. d. I° 3 1a.4 d. . . Inferior Beasts 2 6 210 Second qualitydittc.. 3- s I Second quality ditto 3 0 3 2 Coarse-woolled ditto.. 3 6 I 0 Prime large Oxen 3 4 3 8 Southdown Wethers 3 13 Prime Scots, &c. 1 arge coarse Calves 3 6 4 2 Large Hogs 3 a . 6 3 Prime small ditto 4 4 4 8 Small Porkers ll ' 0 s e. Suckling Calves, eathlB 0 28 0 Quarter oldrigs,eachl6 0 6 0 Inferior Sheep SUPPLY AT MARKET. - • . 21 Beasts. I Sheep. I Calves. I PIP* 2,701 1 29,550 125 1 • TVEIXTGILTE AND IsE.ILDENBALI. we The past week's arrivals of country-killed Meat for of markets have been seasonably good, but for the most de. very middling quality.. For the primest descriptions t , t bet mand has ruled active, at very full pri ces; b u t in all kinds next to nothing has been transacted. At per stone, by the Carcase, 4.- s. d. to s. d.l - o r a.tot 6 Beef, inferior 2 2 2 4 Mutton, inferior Ij v j ! - mid.lling 2 6 28j middling 2IP 5 v -- prime large ...... 210 3 0 ( - prime 3 2 s 6 - prime midi 3 2 3 4 Pork, l arge 2 6 4 i Veal 3 4 4 61 small ....... 3 1, Lamb. 4s MI to 6s. ARRIVALS DURING THE PAST WEEK. Beasts. Sheep. Calves. Kr. 8 500 ; I 'o 9 612 7 90 4$ 5 100 tiO —• • a/ A 1 - 5 140 120 10 16 280 212 o g 5 PO 30 l eo 10 100 91 9 0 10 150 100 Total EO 2,122 556 pi . Previous week's arrival , ef 14 214 87 a Scotland Yorkshire Norfolk Suffolk Cambridgeshire Essex Surrey Devonshire Wiltshire Other parts Difference since our List BOROUGH AND SPITAX.PIELDS• jogs , Although the supplies of Potatoes are not to ss7 g oo the demand for them is in a very sluggish state, an difficulty is experienced in supporting last week's prices*. WOOL MARKET. ors Since this day se'nnight, nearly 3,000 bales of iron_ethe been imported into London from New South Wales, bu ri oN arrivals from other quarters have been limited. 117 P contract very little business is doing at late rates. BOROUGH HOP MARKET. tel . The accounts from the plantations still coming 113.4 ;;V0i favourable, an alarming increase of fly being sYnsil amongst the young bine, the demand for all kinds 0 1 .tret active, and last week's advanced rates of from 8s WI & c/a cwt are fairly supported. So small a quantity of hsP o f 4.1 offer in this market has not been known fur upwaid s years as at this moment. TALLOW. We have no alteration to notice respecting prices fet e. low. The demand for Y.C. during the week has be'' , limited ; other descriptions, such as South American:, iS South Wales, Town Tallow, &c., being con sideralel_ o l,6 price, naturally throws the demand on them. In ,4° 40 ,6 (1 ' there is very little business doing, and the price is bu e. for the last three months, at which there are good • Town Tallow is 395. to 395. fid. net cash. STRANGE MALADY IN NE BRUNSWICK. (From the Montreal Courier, April 12.) r . f ar 'We translate the following from the Quebec 'Alite dien ; we have seen no account of the affair in any ° lower province journals as yet:— c o le• " The Governor of New Brunswick, Sir brooke, has sent a message to the Legislature (i tue-00 s ect of a disorder the most hideous and fatal, of exists amongst the French population on the borderod the Gulf of St. Lawrence, and which the medical o°,oo the neighbourhood consider resembles the leprosy °' seventeenth century. no " The Chamber of Representatives went into no mittee on the 21st of March, to take into considellt, it. this message, and the documents which accomPatl It appears from these papers, says the New Bra:1 040 that this disgusting malady made its appearance fills it/ and that since that year seven persons have died 0 8 , after languishing for five or six years in then miserable condition; one of these patients, who badst sequestree' in a log hut, and fed through a hole , , l d abe ti is believed, in a state of mental derangement, an contagion was so dreaded, that, in some cases, °f Spector of the poor had been himself obliged t° fee: to these unfortunate creatures the food necessarlood their subsistence, and for which they still p re. . their natural appetite and desire. of t be " Those who maintain the contagious natureieriog disease assert that it has been communicated by s e . O ll with those who were afflicted with it, and that a Yao man who had assisted in bearing the bier of f OS patient, and on whose clothes some corrupt matt i e n fit the corpse had dropped, took the disease and di e " i s 10 ' " It appears, in addition, that there are at 0%0110 ment twelve patients labouring under this walla" o pt° county of Gloucester, and about the same nurnbe r f ora other side of the line which separates that couatle that of Northumberland. It is probable tha t tbFf thel • others who conceal their sufferings, fearing t bat s bott e were known to be thus afflicted they would be • f by their neighbours. hat ..o " Amongst the other cases enumerated i s t he 1 01 woman who was shipwrecked at Carraquet, 0400' to Quebec, and who afterwards returned to unoth; where the malady developed itself, and wa s 1 0 0 S, cated to two other persons in the family, with is ,, resided, and also to a child who frequented tnrojtv" who all died. It appears that the disease is u" • fatal. h Lr, 111 : " The reading the different documents wh i f - A ll isti panied the message excited in the Chamber a'` . .,, 1 "; 0 0 11 ;$ pathy for these unfortunates. Doctors Th i °' - e - a se Earl both declared their opinion that the 016 5 ,,f0h7 0 not leprosy. The former of these physiciens ehjbablo in a most lucid manner the mode of living an d td o cil,. /i ni a of the French population amongst whom this t s t fins , manifested itselt—a population, he said, aea ° „"r y many bad habits are prevalent, which not ° ';errile pose them to receive scrofulous maladies of ey or e, o f but render those maladies more diffi cu lt 01° 00 0 1 : a b recommends, above everything, to change the - ro os living and food of these poor people, and to ifar no ort i b f on their minds and bodies, by education andalf,bert„, an action more healthy and vigorous. The Cr y , to r a unanimons vote, granted 5001. to the Exectleoliclbie cure for these unfortunates the assistance 01 ., off 0 to separate those who are afflicted with thl'eliere malady from the other inhabitants, and t o lt dOict es the short span of existence which remains to the et _ _ rebora. LORD TRAN —.. ET'S Fox.--The late Earl I , ° i l 1 0 1„' il sol el was in the habit of removing every year, ..ivi.wi e -5 t, iv il i 0 to other s o e f a tt these Thadein removal s , Westmoreland . a fox had been A and hounds, ru n to e be 60 t d Hothfield ; and, upon being dug out, he proved p et dir e ! 0 1 traordinary large and fine a one, that Lord Dia rs , 0 , 0 6, it to be convej ed to Westmoreland. In the elelli; il ib e next season s b e e a i s: g n adufgoxomu-ta,s the e n thouenarttsmhaanr winhliptplettibuion,tlDalici)l, earth-stoppers, all declared that it was the sa nte ., uno su ail" had been taken into Westmoreland , as it had a", i s eS e ' ir large white blaze on its forehead. Lord Thanet v,, , • the s, io ; ingly energetic in his expressions of disbelief el . 5 0 0 "00 ment of his people, but they persisted in thei r l' a joiU of short tine d llL s . and, having ear-marked the fox, he was agai n h urh ° "ii i , 4 0 Westmoreland, and turned loose in the neig" ° 0 44 ' el l ' Appleby Castle. In hunting the next season !I_ the ol e t• a fox was killed at that place, which proved to 0 . 1. 0 01' 0 4 i 0 question, and which had thus twice found its ilrsions ' fo ol moreland into Kent. By what instinct or ex-e st oce ...,5i di . not !,pt faculties the animal was enabled to do this ( the is is ts ub, one place to the other being about 320 miles) , id o ne s IP to form an idea. Its well-known cunning lv° lll ' eac e P suppose, be of little avail in such an einergeneY, enabling it to procure food.—Chester Chronicle. A. .. DP' ___ BIRTHS. ,„. Oak „, On the 13th inst., at Isabel-place, Kel l " l‘ e ' ..rti, Cope, of a son. of Gc4 i On the 14th inst., at Harrogate, the lady s ie, ' nion, Esq., M.D., of a daughter. U. l' Ilr On the 15th inst., the lady of the Bei' O re ' Ingfield, near Settle, of a son. Ealit °ll-°4 4 On the 17th inst., in Southampton -place, f '' • , 8 o the wife of E. J. Weston, Esq., of a daughte. „._ t w o, On the 17th inst., at Camden-road Villas, t'f, , 0 o Speed, Esq., of Lincoln's Inn, barrister -at -lay(' u. MARRIED. c bolits I :4 3 te r On the 14th inst., at Plymstock, Devon, Pi n d psi* Esq., solicitor, Plymouth, to Sophia Harris , 11ec° ,eb• of C. Harris, Esq., of Plymouth, banker. Air J 010,4 On the 16th inst., at East Tilted, Hants!, u g . htst ber, of Halberton, Devon, to Martha, 0 111 9 ' George Dyer, of the former place. --------------- ,rotharl DIED. a of h 6r m belol ° On the 16th inst., suddenly, at the reeidnc- t o doll' Kr. Henry Baines, Faversham, Kent, Fannit„.6 1,101 wife of Mr. I'. more., of Nelson7,dee-Tinie• Few passed through life deservedly_belo A ida tell'": On the Ist of February, at I:long.Kong, '"'"- .00 ICI missary-General John Irvine. the It ec ' On the 13th inst., at St. Helier 's, Joliet , - ptiff , Garnett, aged 85. rreft.Magtoe. On the 14th inst., at Morden Rectory-, So f eldest daughter of Robert Hepburn °, Ks+ , ° e tte , North Britain, aged 42. lilt ► / sgi do ° ' On the 15thinst., at Upper Merrstreet , D iib e nt,ieirtr the wife of Edward Mayne, Esq., of Norfolk-114100 On the 16th inst., at Blackheath, Joh° borne, Esq., aged 48. f 11 1 ', LondOn: Printed and Published by 141-'nOck__,,e*i No. 112, Strand, Printer, at The Sus hi — t he Gu"'" t " Strand, in the Precinct of 2 the Weil Bliddleges, Tuesday, liLay 0844. THE SUN, LONDON, T Y MO 21, 1844 t