The Sun. — London, England, 1844-04-29 00:00:00

JOINT-STOOK COMPANIES. FIRST REPORT. . The Select Committee appointed to inquire into the state of the Laws , respecting Joint-Stock Companies (except Banking Companies), with a view to the .greater Security of the public, and who were em powered to report their opinion thereupon, from time to time, to the /louse, have made a progress in the matters referred to them, and have agreed to the • following Report and Resolutions:— - YourCominittee have had laid before them the report on th 6 law of partnership, which was prepared by Mr. Bellenden, ICer,b)i the:-direetion ef, the Lords of the Com mitteer of Privy Council for Trade, and. presented to Par liamentl4 Abe year 1837. This report. contains'the tividenee'of several eminent merchantii, bankers, and lawyers, conversant with mer cantile transactions, upon which was founded the exist ing Letters Patent Act, 1 Vic." c. 73 (1837), by, which her Majesty is . empowered to grant letters patent, or charters of.a limited nature, to joint-stock,companies. In .addition to ,the above mentioned evidence. your Committee, in pursuance of the declared end of the re ference to them, viz., the better security of the public, have received evide nce of other persons conversant with joint-stock companies as to their operation, and as to the improvements which may be made in the legal and equitable remedies at present available to companies, and to their cy.t.ectors and shareholders. In fipther pursuance of this object, your Committee thougtit it desirable, notwithstanding the notoriety of the eir!:Kunstances which had attended the concoction, pro gress, and termination of some bubble companies, to re :teive evidence df a few remarkable cases of miscarriage or fraud, with s view to practical remedies to be , specifi cally directed to such eases. - But as an inqitiry of that.kisd could not be satisfac -torily conducted. without involving the _eharacter and conduct of a great number of persons, which would make it necessary to give them an opportunity of being heard, and that necessity would involve a course of investigation, which, from its extent in point of time, as well as from its complicated nature, must be beyond both the com petence of a Parliamentaryq. Committee, and the demands of the occasion, your. Committee felt compelled, in taking this course, totconfine.themselves, wichin, the nar rowest limits. - Although these inqiiiries were so restricted, it was . fOund impossible to conduct the without in aiwne nlea - Mire implicating individuals by the necessarily :ex parte statements of witnesses incidentally made 'before your Committee. , '• - making investments of , this kind, to learn more easily and more accurately the real nature of these companies; so that, at least, the ignorant may not be so much mis led by the example of persons of weight and intelligence, who have sometimes, with extraordinary recklessness, connected themselves with companies, which, whether the objects of the promoters, the nature of the enter prise, or the constitution of the company be considered, must be regarded as of a questionable character. The bubble companies, which were the immediate oc casion of this inquiry, being concerned in effecting as surances and granting annuities, the attention of your Committee was naturally directed to companies and so cieties engaged in that most important class of-under takings. They believe that, generally, they are deserv ing of the highest credit on account, of the respectability their managements and thesounaess of their schemes; but instances of abuse which have occurred justify and demand inquiry: Accordingly,' your Committee have taken some evidence on the subject r and for the pur pose ofobtaining further and more complete information, they issued at the close of the last session s. list al:merits, in answer to which they have received returns from a considerable number of those companies. Your Committee propose, as soon as the information to be supplied by the answers to these queries can be properly collated, to prosecute their inquiries in this di.. rection, with a view, on the one hand, to suggest such practical facilities and encouragements as ft may be in the power of the Legislature to afford to these companies for the furtherance of the 'system of Life Assuranee, sa im portant to the well-heing of the nation at large ; and, on the other, to prescribe such reasonable precautions as may be requisite to ensure the faithful observance, on the part of such companies, of the extensive obligations into which they enter with the public. • Your Committee now proceed to aubmit the summary to which reference has • been made. It shortly des scribes :-•;-• ;. • •• • The cases examined, and the character of their objects, concoetors •and managers. - • The modes of deception adopted. The duration of the companies.. • The amount and distribution of the plunder. The circumstances of the victims. The impunity of the offenders. CASES EXAMINED, AND CIIARACTER pOF THEIR OBJECTS, .CONCOCTORS, ANT) MANAGERS. The examinations by which the condUct and character of individifals are implicated, and which are therefore excluded from the annexed"evidente, relate to ten com panies] fo! t `following n trpoSes t-- _ . _Tinder these circum stances, our Conitnittee have de , Seven insurance, ann u ity ; and loan companies. termined, at the risk, of . sacrificing some portion of the = Three mining and general:companies.; ,G- 'f': ~•: weight which their recommendations would derive _from In eight of these cases the concern is represented to.have 'tlie pnbliCatiOn of this per; of the - evidence; - to state sum- •been founded by mere adventurers, and upon schemes niarily the general results of it, and to give, at iength 'the evidently fraudulent, or greatly miscalculated. remainder, to whic h objection does not apply. - In one of the remainder, the company ' : was bona ,fide With regard, however * to ' one particular scheme, as imits object arid in its construction; but owing to the the circumstances connected with it have been brought negligence of the directors in superintending, the ex frilly before the_ world. • in judicial -investigations, your change of certificates of •sheres for scrip, aud•the can ' Conanittee have mit thought it.ruseessary to ntaintain the ceiling of the scrip, one. of the 'officera was enabled! to same degree of reserve. • ' ;.,. , ~ . .'., ':, . ' possess:himself- of the• lattera.and. to deposit it its a col- In perusing the evidence thus'eurtMlek rt.will• be ne. 7 lateral - security for loans to himself, by which the shares cessary.to bear in mind that the .intimations of the 'ens- became' nearly doubled in number:. This officer is' re rdetertstica of bubble' Ompanies mustneceisarilYbemore - presented-to have been the more easily enabled to prac faint., than if:the:eonriltijon in - life, circumitanees, and tine such a fraud, as the directors left the management charaeter.bf the indiviihmls-concerned-in 'the COncoction in all its_ branches to him, as they considered him a very 2 , and conduct of - them _were stated in detail , with. the in -. superior man, beingn maxi of science, in an independent eidenta wbictuilldielo, •On the one hand, the-eunningef station afire, and a - Government contractor. - • a thefruniulent.premoter ; .and, on. the...ot6r; "the' gross The eese:appearato•be One 'net of general fraud in the negligence and censurable acquiescence under, which in- concoction and monageinent; of a company, but ' of i?ier telligent and_ respectalsle persons" hare - aisrsted. to sup- confidence oil the pert of the directors in their ethOr, and port such companies': by their names,. or by theft: contri- pf breach of_trust on his part. butions.and liabilities, - .. .• , - - • • In the remaining ease th e concern, ' though . O f . a niulti _ Ilia probably thiawilinot be deemed of_4lollinPort- ' far l ious•and - questionable character, was originally Zona ance, . since, • generally speaking, the cirou.mstincea of ' Me, and conducted by or under the superintendence of 4aUd„andniiSinanagkm e nt . in the conduct of such corn- a respectable - direction; but, subsequently the:parties to I pigmies are so notoriou s a lto have provided.the.least ob- the direction appear to have retired,, and left the can servantwith instances of the necessity for the suggestions cern tothe management of a single person, wnO,became iviiiLdi yoni corataittee propose. - - - . Latterly, therefore, this. concern was , a a , Fromthe evidence .which has been taken n is, this head, fraudulent character, two ; of the parties , by whom,there- . it appears that b u bbl e `companies. may be divided into cent Policies had been signed being hankinpts ' - . . three classes_ :--s - -: .. -.- '• • . ,••' ' • 'lt waS . A'grovision in the killearif the concern, 'Which was - .Ist. Those which, being faulty in their nature, . inas- a benefit society as well as a joint stoCk company, that this much 'as - ,they are 'founded on unsound calculations, officer was to . hold his office for life.; and it is to be pb caniof succeed by any, possibility . :. - . .... .' '. ~ . served, that incither cases of afrandulent kind - provisions 2dlyo-ThOse wnieh, let their objects be good` or bad, are made of a similar nature, securing to particulir in are,sq .111-coustitiited as to render it. .probable that the dividuali offices . for-.life, as Well:tie considerable tidvan -. miscarriage s or fallures incident to mismanagem entiv.iii - tages,in.point of emol umen t- ni shares: S uc h a p r ov i s i on att.4,l,theni -,... and l a- , is to be found so me ti mes i n concerns t h a t prove to, b e ' - -; -; . -••--.- -•.-, : .„ . . 3dly. •Tho.se which are faulty ; or fraudulent in their bona fide and succe ss f u l ; b u t i t is probably a common objeot;being started for no other purpose than tocreate . characteristic of the worst kind of cases, and is , always aharas:.for . . thePerpose - Of jobbing in them' or to create, liable to the .disad van t age o f inducinekwent, etcareaind Under pretence. of .carrying on alegitiinatebusiness, the attention on' the port of the . persons in whoSe'faveur. opportu - nity and means of raising fondsto.beaharect by it is Made: In another ca s e auditors Were appointed the adventureta who start the company; • ,-- . - ' for life. • .' - ' • ' - ' • 1 •`: • - .. ' All the cOrapanies, of the last class el . cou rse 044.0 ' . One of the seheines to which 'alltisiOn`waa gig Made. far as possible, the outward characteristic common to' was founded !by the enterprise of , e,' faMily of swindlers,' those of the best kink ~I,;hpy exhibit an array of direct- one of whom changed his name and became a trustee and tors,.and officer,-announce , a• large capita l—adopt the chief manager.of the cea ri pany. ,He was apersonWithont itite and title•of it•cetnpanyissue pleusiblestatements means, but succe e d e d .in inducing se v era l Memberi of ,intiisia4ink eipellent purp oses—ieclare. tha t "theY are Parliament and other persons of st a ti on t o ac t i nt h e ca -sanctioned Or - empowered by Act of, Parliainentiise ,parity of directors and -trustees, upon,- the . persuasion some conspicuous place offinsiness,,in ; a reSpectabie si- that it , woul d do good, and on the understandin g . that tuatieri a ,and,eniptoytnrougheitt tbe country respectable their names were to be user, but that they were ilpit to be agenis'and bankers. .. .'•• . - liable; and these gentlemen appear to haVe•censidered . • Batniany or , those characteristics are fictitious. : The that the y were .trierely.dein,,4 an' act of kindness to . the DirciterS .haVe either not . _sanctioned the' . use .tif !their individual" who was Meatier promoter "of .the Company, naines, or they are not the persons they are supposed to and, not to be sensible that' it inflicted injury upon the be..": tfot tally . is there no Capital; but neithersubscribers public, and : upon . the 'parties . Whopliced'undue ctinfi nordeed of .settlement: .The style of the cempanynaoy . . denee in a concern supported by their - names:' ,- One of be true,' because any company • *may adopt 'such style ; - them, it trustee, held that helves only respOnsible , for the but tligir purp4ses.llintigh,pUusible, are 'often . founded , moneys which came into his hands, and that h'ewas net on calculations which do not admit of sucee - sa, - • and they bound to see that the moneys- o f th e convert" Caine to have not only not received the-sanction or authority of him. In fact,. he received nothing ;, while the company Parliament, or 'of thetrown, but " the verykatnteti which had the advantage of the credit which was given to it on are cited as conferring the authority, will be found to account' of the respectability - of the. names:under which havna very different object: •; .'' • " .., . it was announced. , , ' • .. • .'' • . Though their place of basinesi may haVe all the inch- It appeared that on thebreaking "up of•the concern cations of respectability, the persons employed there will there Were feW bii;th fide shirehOlcters; and seine .of them not always be found' to o ts of ti' corresponding charetter; ' 'had beConi,esuch . by compulsion, - It being 'made part itf and though good ag:mtgare employed; it will be found the terms :Upon which they 'Were f a sa t u r ed' with : dig that they'have - been tricked into . accepting the agenda- connts; 'in order that they might not b e able to take partly "by the other indicetiunS.of rjspcptabilityomployed- proceedings! 'against the company. of which they were by these companies, and partly. bytemptingcorntaissions;. members - Others were minors,. married women, le arid the banketls are no Nether parties thrth- that, in,the ;bourers, and smell tradesmen. • : - .• • • ordinary Course of business; they have permitted' the c on-, : Another company incorporated byAct of Parliament, cern*: te,open ,ate account with thein.. = .•.,':, .- • was established for an object not inite nature pe,stion , IY,itli this el-ass the ilmedy IS! easy; ptintidation"Of the able, biitTthe - scheineWas based.on fraeduient repres en t*- lirectora, of the shareholders, of ilia deed -priettliinient, • tiOns;. ' Several - prospectuses were issued,, each differing of theartiountof the Cipital; 'atid'athether subscribed or 'in some 'important particular from the other, •and the nokaiit'Seribed,notniaill or mat - would - baffle every. case list of - shit?ehoiderS' slili filled up hy ' . a a'tilcurcanvais of fraud which has come under the notice:Of .YCnir Com- Pri - Vately . eonduCteds the 'nand - method! of Proceeding by anittee;,..., - Ther . public vrout 1 ;WVe- the means of knowing - , Adfeitisethent hot being 4d6pted in, ilts' case 1 - 1 Wi th"yaioni they deal; and agents and blinkers would be After the 'establishnient of -the company , air Act of, enabled; to avoid participating in the . discredit:Of...such , Parliament was obtainedf. a board - of directors thereby caiticerna, py giVing the,satiction. of their slittnest' to! noes - appointed, to ' remain , in-. office for three years and- up-- tionable undertakings. • . - Thet..difficidly is greater with the second class of coin- • the managing director._ Ow,ing to, the.want of power to paniga - A)r waist . objeCts but ill-OCitistitutecl.. Coinpanies inspect the.books endpaper% of .the company, and ,to call of the third class, which are fraudulent in • th,eir objeCts, a me eting , _ , the. shareholders were .unable, to -,remote . are Commonly . shirt-lived';` -birctirnstanc( l o- of ,suspicicin their' 'directhis On discovering - the misman a gement of soon ,arise, which ,I4dcloc, the precautions" already .men- the concern., , .. -, tinned, - ; would avail. ;to ' coUnteract the _ - projeCtora„ : ' Injunctions were obtained' - &bat 'the Court of ; Char t but . 'the chaincter • and . - credit :of - the- pertiOnS ' en- ' Cery - toViStrale their. proceedings; and Sub,`seqtiently the gaged. in companies a .this,._ secor4 -clasa,'ll'all . 'suti - • Legislature passed atiot!tCr Act , giving the sharehold ers •pieiert. = , The ' . directers : . themselVes are often. *Life- the necessary powers to remove the Directors .'- • ; rent', age • . careless, tr i ustliir e t - too! mucli• -to ' their- of: . The other companies have not been the subject of di ' ficers a , ahareholders.purchase on;.the strength hf their' - red erainination, hut were incidentally meetioned. .. - names, withont d ue i nq ui ry , an d thus cOnferlactitions • An'ininranee-ofilee was established by an individual support' ''; so that one se t of person s relying uPprianatt er ' tipen - the terms . 'of receiving, '• in - the - eapacity • of taa set, the delusion is sustained for a longer space of time: 2nager - and' cenCoctor; 1,090 C per - annutitt; under the • • Publication' bf thedircetpraind.sh a t e h o lde r a ' •of deeds ' directien . of men 'cif the highest charecter and res - pee of setiterrient, - and of flae -, eapital;•Will nor : met vthip:class liability,' but left to' the conduct of ; that indiriefuel-Who' of cases ; but it • may-be met by the periodical holding ' dartiuded them. •. •• •' ' ' ' - ' '' . . i. of rneetingsr,. - by, the' perindicalr balancing, audit and Another insurance-office s wits' • eiteblished by one or -pagination :of . ,accounts,, and by. inakieg7the - clirec- .tivOpersOns, - 'one anuncertificated'hankftipt, upan. terms . : ters:.and ,offieers . more , immediately" -responsible ,to highly • adVantageOtis -to hiinself is resident-tnanigir , '. the,aiharehOlders, ••, which .• May > --probably ..be:. ac- and shareholder of 100 'shares,' but which; oivini`ti.ilfs' ' . eoinpliShett -'-: by . ; facilitating r-- and • ! impinvinga • the ' - pines among the partieO, was diSsolv e d, - a ft er ` e ff ec tin g remedies available to , joint- stn - Corapaalets - -antt-their' insiireneei•to a considerable extent. 1 ' ' . - -'' shareholders; Mier' ;e: : : Ppiiiidieit 'accounts, if honestly . ': -- Os hehatfrif the company; - t 1 piOspecttit '4FiiiiSsued,• ics ai: a a fairly audited; cannot fail to orate attention to containinghighly . respect a bl e names'. It' hPpeared, from. ' kafe..of a concern; and. ,by meatiS, :of iniprOved ~ SOrse leg al ptoceedingiclhatilte ntithbei.of Shitiebolders the retil relnasdisis, parties to mismanagement maybe , toa d s more . : 'Was - ontar:ele, 4 id; Nih&Weereill direeters. -. '-''' . - ".7 ' ''. • .stmnable. for acts of fruit art - d:'illegality. l :: .: ' ' ' ' . Koid•e of . the'parties•:Wthe list concern' Were. fiiund. The only. class which is. 440 1 4 certain care. byrthe 'again' ea tibl ishing;anether'insbraricesPifice under a W.: . • Legislature isahe first class--co mpanieS folks? in their ferent l' *tame,' and aliO anbther 'society :tor it, different' ,nature., 'No antecedent' o*k:wilt avail ;,,ink : authOtity i pnepoit;,•which'latia failed. ' 'T.': • ~.-... ,-' , . ..:., ..: , . &ppm • ted to act as censor would be as liable - to. bo, de- .• : ..; ,s'in' atrtnia • Or, DiezPito,AtiOrrEt; ' -', '' '- I - coi.vedas.the'Prmnoters of ti.4'.lsPherriestainti.' it might ' 1 . :These-cOneerns continued . ' to accoMilliah - tli 7 eliffrauds sometimes sanction tivi;axid • 1 4, paler times`.-PWargrit good by the'olhiwing•inisclei of deeeption, from same of which eehethea: -. • . . . ~ ~ , .._ ~ .. , g o o d concerns, are, not - itholly - free,' and 36'4r - they ‘. , ._ . tration,. :sanction the adoPtion of: thorn by the -.woriti;4o:--ite-. . rig early ;publicatidn, •.`r,Oniting . 7 fro 4! rd i gis' - Wili.dopbtlesi be - •ciistoriftlin. public not to regard - 014'st; a typo ,or tOt ;of - 'Of...thar prospectuses And.eirculars, Miley lir,controlling sitcji undertakings a; 'their.outset - , - 'dishonesty; •.'--` . - - • - , , i ,• ', •!,..- .. • . .: - ' - py .r theuseofthenatner'of PersOnahavingn,o e*iStenCe: I . .it,r Wall ether catrs4 orfaii44:r 6:- lesstgdtf' . 44.!-,P of i• - thie ethos 7wilt, in all probability, strike ate :attention i . - Bythetise`Orthe . names of distinguishql,persona,:and 'iliore t Aarril'hithe etpoittreptfailing emapitniri..pUblie . 1:06 . 00 . ofrcsisectabili ty 44,144.1 th, w,ithoolheliattti‘o opiatOn isidastibliaeonilise.iosi tlaiihead may liclftiproved. •rity: •.! .• - ; •-*-- - ' ' - • , 'l' - , -,. - , • -,' ~ Its itOcordan,be with tisete views your -Pthritaiiteelieve: :' 'By the use . of ' the names of such PetUriS witiairoi l s pea4eir ainidry reablistiarti; t :llliited to thiplijet ta.ilho've ra nd' lientirery. ctreeters;With''their''consent; While:. s:iiilli indieased, ; . if. it shall bO,---'fositictlereafter.t. l l.444.QXPe - personalia'oe.beenignorant:Of the nature - of 04 .ColiCern AktptYierehy,contemnlatri do Apt meerthiS tuilleiont arid' of its trenaactionsand have*ercised do` Control Px-Wttkl,;,.they revtA4.ls - ji:',344 estibliihto4 - ,;(:Cthe ' ovett•its .. tho4Agemetit: • -.:,..- - - -- - • :., , , propetted'-plau of registraitionOlie Legisktiarti may Eds- :' By the i s su e of prOspectutes itn&edy.ertisemblay &in. iiiipeti4e! sintepents. a r'to the author i ty wi d e r which 4 4" :3 1 41prte atArs,_ of 4 . ;;FttetwOrtl4 chat:icier ithiell.reilt ta . . ` ld s'Ear ePlucted, afid - rosy pr'4,4(l with ructre` confidence - it exist;, as to aMOUnt ireit.pit4 of tb,,,,co nve ,ny or t o -au pplythetprovisioist whit:ll4olAl' be fonnds-siranting. . as to the period or its - _eitablistunenti ' as . ,Well M s to the sop,,t4oo:rick z o tx i in mendtkti,os — tAleitall . ljah ,a,Aregi" Itratio i n t_ of i directors; .lic• - ', above - mentioned ,'. • , ' . ' _ Pfflues,eyour tiammi tee are swollen by, ' getting . of 'Wired meetings, • •' • . ' i , ..py . ' reports Re p . • 144, , sift" ' 111 ,t e l li rl bf - idok * tiv ivory" person ciensulted or ex- . t lefatiie thereto,,,lnserfed inthic f neWipaperra; .:- amine . 9 Y ,- r• Bolkudeenrass wellji : ,4ltbivit- - By pfosPeCtitse4 fraudulently varied fiorntitne to.time time: nessea gene!'alily wh§,hliieliei l i - i xam i ne d bircu.i.co ni ,: . : By the ethploytnent throughout the.donntry l - On very mittesa' •., ;,. - !- 1 . a- - :I '':; '"' ' -,- -' ' ' ' tempting 'Mies of commission, of - resPectrible agents Ori - atlio.- labSidiattilePtiltifilalie evideneal4"4 a se whose - aniracter hits Chiaked 'the want: of resp . ' OtOility geniial ; .-but 1n re,fere,nee bad 'regard tolhe prOtiatenVianienV* to ti your Cestuntitieelay 'of 'thi l ebiniany • 'ln- one' Pi' two remarkable:CaSeS this aft ,to the inst ' • ithßeleet to e. ' .14Peari - to have . b • ,erf' the-Meat - efficient Wearia.'6fsUecess; the incorporated comp:mei'. business at 'a distance, 'where inbiiiries whielffirov , e(ime uncle?' *hair deice, and' a lrieli 9.4bu" ' ,could -4 proc ure d iir • `tl' ' - . -'• ' - 'h ' . ''' f, th tia'tliah' tt ) -*c-ill. 1 4 ' '4tsqtEgail °Pait#o9t4Prappear . n t . : .. e . lig s !ij . the , 9 , ri . Ft . q . :? , i e • . --- „...,, , , roe of - 41incertt: •' - 1 - - prevention and .... ______ ilkolien - bitnitiitg_tia4t6tkrifts the Bhilk' of :Wend On the suggas,t4:4.4livr taitn,proveinent of the live'. 'Mid O th elleipectable bankt: . .-' ' ' - ..- ' ... ' partttersinp, • and to pgat tAt 4 4. 4,4 7t. -- crftentinialigaUtt°e,'Pupriovntiohle f e r h . s i t l in te n r 2 e . n , vaKluearb,sW. rtvgleit,nce.,his' -4 t l L ); : i u 4 P 4 rn T or rO il s ‘P P -ii e * cia:ttta ili ner ltll siti'l,i°.'7'',ii and ;an opintoN - ...bee.au.e,:, pease , etitertaining bee4,4o4ed: bY: .1 , . .. . your • .-By the . cor4octors and managers living : atgrearex . Fo ilv att ..h te ig e h lf w be o a r r t.hy, to o . f eAp re s s. their neighboats 'and :thereby entlea . - nsideration, thOe'ithiects 4 0 . 'routine to f < , rt if,..,h i.- ... . ~ -.. of the refer e Which - : .- 'ItY ale ma- k _ i hat _ i ii etti oi s , e4 i e u s a a u g i :i h m i s aL4 t sus oti p ii i t cni c : ll6.ii .not'apPear to fall vathiathfit spope . to - d • , ~,,,• has betin. made to them: • . , ~ , ,_ I .- • ,-,:. •••; ..,, te,iv.. 6 ..tY.e., d,K§tbri l aikt• theSharehOldeta • which' been 7 '•.11 0 1 1 :i 6,k/ onc e of 44 Parke§ on? 0,..f, 7 ,- e',,wi .a tita, sses - . l .faci,, , ll,tated . .ao t a , eij r4 B : l ifiliette''ebtints "tikte'irirriT aU'dited, ezaiiiis,ed. by . o ury GoturiaitiOs will " ii.; i : : '! "; )f 7ln'F' i . (3 ..Y 11 !.g.: . ?Ppt. 1 1 ,0*.Pz14*; a"nipi,Vinsinan OF:thi,Ma curOana:. as ,:to- - ,the, ; " e;:c ten 4,, a _ , 'h ose i 1 . 1 ,;'_ f; 1 1 1 K., 1. .F . ,ii, i "tll, O - 01 .y. Diirti. ,, ,, , 40 „- nt.,in " 44. _ _,.,_, ,- information' . N , Fl24,ms 'of specabiti . 4o; which would : seera,.. So recur.. l ;use „concern. 7 ~ 1.,7 ' " .. 7 .- 77'" 1 7, 0 " ; .• ..!' • A " Th - pital Oa • false tepte pert really. e caus es Of such aroxyants. forbid the i •:13y dec)atinidi x hi en il l .. ,•-- • .- , . i._:. . -_ . . hong . af wholly preventing the rkPurol!o- Of rthern, but .sen tations'ef 'profits , re a r • out °C.e. toed:: ' • • . ._ , • :, : ' . the sha . rtindlUcrs, Mid falsifying • 41;4 :' becks Vo-t a i . rai l . ycl i tir,g9tnaiii f tee trust the adoption of `l,4OSe recoms _ I y . ,.g the oaraes.br, pieire n n o ti r ri h g e t t h i e t me eting. inendattniii.which .are directed to .prevent the use of i • • t „,, onateatock companies., as , mere, instrtkEngnte. of share transfers!of- shares ;.' 14-the creatio n - " m ems o 011-ot.tio• thel ' ' • holders. : . , , , .. ~, • • '. '; : i t s llintigi and to putiisti . parties . guilty ; of. .illegFlL' or . as 61 - 5 "• ..6 : tII- -•'. .: 'f- '. . e!t . 0 A- ,- ama)74e share i _tent - Conduct, , iill - riiiroW the 'range of mischief B' the use of . the names of . 7.respict4lite . aisjoil:Oi s i.. a i i a. ias:Pi..'o,'-c .conduct, these_pertetYarria.' Yeur Committee also . en- . .• • n o d rkthe _1160,, that, .by recording the instances .of , counsel attached to tii, prospectu s es and cireal - tir s i - air, the ,---,--asts• • de : "thififre,.with the c'iiil.se thered,' and by the 'exposure of : cgolPgq; .V..vihich mercantile and , ,Oth,'.- a c42 , 1 6. , 9r-fri' l 4 the'inferitiation `thus obtained and dis- rOPOc I Into a belief of th c' -Be". fide : eblia° C er 4: the aerP/r*kO 'will Serve: to ,counteract; in 'seine thensure, ' undertaking. - . , ;,-,. ~ , , , ~ . ',.. .. ;. .• .•.. ' the. ausceptibility. of,f . Giant 'non be deluded b - 2 . fralidulent schetnes. - pe ,a to y .Tuit piobawy.tbsi greatest ben sgt• ." . ; Tll inTATios og coMPANIgS.: •: , _ • ~.. inAbis,direotion-will .be produced. y enabling .the.share-:, sn. " • ' 4ine ; insurance 1 company lasted . two: or three. tiii s , another. ;loan :coopany:. three years. Both -were, brokers, and other. persona!professionaly4,4l o o4 i n itopped , ly - Itiki , xetuirk*: 4 fit ll4 P re " ° but'''°2"°°i4. T 1133 RUN, - OND ON4 id ow n-A 1' X 0-11-Wri Na l AP it /Ls 29, 1144#- menced actions for libel, and was. carrying them forward with success ; but it. became necessary to produce the deed of settlement, which exposed the character of the transaction. The peak?, too, quarrelled about the spoi?. An annuity society lasted from ten to twenty years, during which 'period the direction, which had com menced as a pension society, with the names of persons of great respectability, dwindled down to the manager and one or two other persons, bankrupts. In each of these cases the concern had good agents in the provinces. Another society for effecting general life insurances existed for about, two years, and then transferred its business to another company under a new title. Another existed for four years, the manager having deluded the direct Ors by 'flourishing statements of ac counts, until some of them became suspicious and on examination found that they had no f un d s . They were obliged . to pay the manager 2,000/. to induce him to re move, there being in the deed of settlement a provision that he was to have 1,0001: a year. • A mining company remained in operation for two or three years, till-the money paid for shares had been all expended. In the meantime it had declared dividends out of pretended profits, when none had been realised. One of these dividends was founded 02 a fictitious sale to the auditor, a brother of the manager, to sustain which a false entry was made in the books. THE AMOUNT AND DISTRIBUTION OF PLUNDER. The amount of the plunder levied by companies of this description is not so large probably as the amount of loss from companies - founded on good faith;" but on bad calculations ; but it Calls with great weight on the sufferers, who are generally persons of limited means. One of the least creditable of these concerns obtaisiod in the course'of two or•three years freun about 120,0001 to 150,000 L ; and another at least 100,0001. ; by another the shareholders lost about 100,000/. ; by another 80,000 L were lost in London, and 10,000/. in Edinburgh. But it is impossible to estimate the f u ll extent Of the mischief. In two cases, where the chief actors hare been bankrupts, no books or accounts were forthcoming.' In another, the clue was the enrolment of annuities. ln this case; too, property was discovered by the Registry of Deeds for the county of Middlesex. ' The• amount of these levies is.determined bythe dura tion of the company ; and this, if it be a company for. effecting , insurances and granting 'annuities; is deter mined. by the rapidity with which.the claims come in. The adventurers are eager. to divide the ; hence their, inability to meet their engagements is felt much earlier than by a concern which has simply, foUnded its arrangements on badcalculations. ,The least hesit a ti o n in meeting demands provokeastispiciOnand'the concern is brought - to an end. • The mode of distributing the plunder varies. Some: times it is taken by one of the' leaders, and shared among the others ;, sometimes it assumes the form of a high fixed payment, disproportionate to the ser v i c e o f the in dividual and means of the company, 9. That if any such company be duly constituted, then, on its being registered provisionally, it be entitled to the following powers and privileges:— To use a common name; To open subscription lists; To receive deposits; and To perform such other acts only as are necessary for the estabiishment of the company ; But not to make calls ; Nor to declare dividends ; Nor to purchase or hold lands ; Nor to enter into contracts (except such as are neces sary to its provisional state) ; Nor to be sued or sue as a company. And that on its absolute or complete registration, it be entitled to the following powers and privileges : To use a common name, but that together with the word " registered ;" or other words denoting the parti cular character of the company ; And also to have a common seal, whereon must be in scribed the name of the company, together with the word " registered ;" or other words denoting the parti cular character of the company ; and in every such case the date of the registration ; and also, To perform all acts necessary for carrying into ePfect the purposes of such company, which a body corporate might do ; and also, To purchase, and hold lands, tenements, and herecli taments, with reference to the purposes of the company, under such restrictions as shall be deemed necessary ; and also, To enter into contracts for the execution of its works, and, for the supply of its stores, or for any other neces sary purpose ; and also, To sue and be sued in its common name • and also, , To issue certificates of share; with the date of com plete registration, and the particular character of the , company merited thereon ; and also, To receive instalments from the subscribers of the concern in respect of the amount of any shares not paid up, and in respect of any claims of the company ; and also, To declare dividends of the profits of the concern, if profits there be. 10. That it is expedient that the accounts of every such company be open to the inspection of the share holders ; and that the annual balance-sheet, together with the reports of the directors thereon, be registered. /1. That existing companies, except companies incor porated by Act of Parliament or charter, register such particulars thereof as the following :—The name and purpose of the company ; the names and addresses of ItA directors and officers ; the place of its business, and every branch office or agency ; the number and amount' of the shares of the company ; the names and addresses of the officers appointed to sue or be sued on behalf of the company, and a copy of every deed of settlement or letters patent'under which the company is constituted, or is or may be regulated ; and that in respect of such registrations of existing companies no charge be made. 12.. That for enforcing such registration it is expe dient to provide that any such company not registered shall cease to be lawful after a time to be appointed in that behalf, provision being made for making this known to the public. 13. That in order to enable existing companies to avail themselves of the privileges to be conferred on future companies, it is expedient to provide that if such existing companies comply with the conditions and regu- Wiens imposed on future companies, they alsd be en titled to the same privileges. 14. That for a tune to be limited; with regard both to future and to existing companies, if it appears to the Board of Trade that such conditions and regulations as -may be prescribed by law for the government and con stitution of companies generally, are in any case inap plieable to, or inexpedient in, the case of any such coin. party, it is expedient to enable the Board of Trade to dispense with or modify the same accordingly, subject to the following checks, viz. 1. That no dispensation be granted or modification made, but by a memorial made by or on behalf of the company, setting forth the nature of such dispensation or modification, and the special grounds upon which the ap plication is made. 2. That before such application be granted, it be ad vertised in the Gazette in the manner prescribed by the Letters Patent Act, with regard to companies applying thereunder for letters patent. 3. That atunially a return be made to Parliament of all such applications, and of the- results thereof. 15. That for duly recording the existence of every company, by which privileges shall have been so acquired, it is expedient to provide that every such company shall obtain, an annual certificate within such time as shall be appointed, under penalty of fine, and ultimately of for feiture, and that in respect of such certificate there be imposed a moderate fee. 16. That it is inexpedient to consider how far pro vision can be made for winding up the affairs of bank rupt or insolvent• companies, by the agency of the Courts of Benkruptcy in England, and by other Courts of analogous jurisdiction in Scotland and Ireland. 17. That if it thereon appear that any acts •have been illegally or fraudulently committed in the management of -such company, it is expedient to make provision for prosecuting the directors or officers in respect thereof. 16. That in order .to. prevent the use of false designa tions of companies, and of the names of fictitious direc tors and officers, it is expedient to subject offenders in that respect to penalties recoverable in a summary way. 19. That in order to make known the principle o , ,pint-stock companies, provision be nude for register ing the instances of failure, with the causes thereof, so far as practicable. . 20. That with regard to existing companies incorpo rated by Act of Parliament, or by charter, every such company shall register— The name andpurpose of the company ; The place of its business, and every branch office or agency; Ant a copy of every Act of Parliament or charter under which the company is constituted or is or may be regulated. 21. And with regard to existing or future companies hereafter seeking to be incorporated by Act of Perlis ment or by charter, otherwise than u n d er th e L e tt ers Patent Act : That when any such company shall have obtained its charter or Act of Incorporation, it register such particulars as follows, viz.—lf incorporated by charter, such particulars as are required by resolution 4. If incorporated by Act of Parliament, such particu lars as are required by resolution 20 ; except so far as is otherwise provided by such Act of Incorporation. And also a copy of every Charter' or Act of Parliament, by which such company shall be so incorporated or other wise constituted or regulated. 22. And that the provisions contemplated by the re solutions 5,6, 7,8, be applied to such future companies seeking to be incorporated or incorporated by Act of Parliament, or by charter. , " 23. That the Committee recommend that her Majesty's Government do cause Bills to be prepared for carrying into effect the above resolutions, with such subsidiary to any of the resolutions nr oflathties abject no t h ere i n s p ec ifi ca ll y provisions olla collateral lo treated). a, may be requisite for that purpose. March 15, 18 44 . rtin (whether s r The following is a list of the Committee, which was nominated on the 16th of February:—Mr. Gladstone, Lord Granville Somerset, Mr. Labouchere, Sir- George Grey, Sir Walter James, Colonel Thomas Wood, Mr. Milnes, Mr. Hawes, Sir William Clay, Mr. Oswald, Mr. Gibson Craig, Mr. Cripps, Mr. Godson, and Mr. Young; and on the Ist of March Mr. Lyall was added to the list. • LAW INTELLIGENCE. VICE-CHANCELLOR'S COURT Aprit27. (Before Vice-Chaticellor Sir J. K. L. 13nvel.) His HoNoun disposed of several cause petitions and short causes, presenting no feature of general interest. (Before Vice-Chancellor Sir J. Wicatszt.) • CROCK FORD His' HONOUR gave judgment in this' case, which was a motion to set aside an injunction ordering the defendant to work ascertain zinc mine,' and also the appointment of a re ceiver.. The application to the Court was made to rest partly On the ground that there had been a dissolu tion of a partnership, and that the parties interested would not agree as to the appointment of managers. The care, then, stood in this position s--The Court had appointed a receiver, not to manage the mine, but merely to,,coltect what was due to it and pay the debts, and , he had retrained the defendant from interfering with the mine. The property in question was' granted under a Crown lease to Crotkford and Aft - wood, and it was subsequently assigned to Crockford and Salmon. the terms of that lease thvlessee 'was bound to'employ fifty miners, to search and explore the mine for nine months in every year, and the profit which the Crown derived from it depened on the working of the mine. There Was a, proviso against' assigning the lease without a license from the Crown,- and a further proviso' that if the lessee did not faithfully perform all the covenants, the lease should fall to the ground. The effect, therefore, Of stopping t.bia Awing of the mine wou:d be to subject the lease to for- Teiture ; and he could not do what would have such an effect upon an , interlocutory applidttion. His Honour referred' it to the Master to appoint a receiver and Manager •Of the mine, With' liberty to all parties to propose themselves the manager to carry du the concern, according to the covenants. At the close of, the above judgment, his limson* stated own mines. bad lost. half his _ 1 '9 11 7 , simply t th ka ro t u a gh fr n ien ot d w o o f his rking his (1 27. -• .COURT OF QUEELV'S.:BENCH,..A. THE „QUEEN V. THE OVERSEER& or BT. ANDREW'S, HOLBORN. In, this:case' a mandamus had been, obtained, calling upon the defendants to submit their poor-rates' accounts to be audited by the anditoia appointed by the Pooi-law.Commis *loners. A return had been made, which had been traversed, and a trial had been had. Ultimately, as there warn° dis pude- as.to the facts, the matter had been brought before this :pourt to settle the yerdict. The point, to be .deCided was, whether the parish officers were subject to' heiunidiction qt the auditors of the Poor-law Commission-eri, and 'turned en - tirely on the construction to be placed on the various -sections of tie loCal Act of Parliament, regulating the affairs of tb e ' . TheCovirr, having-heard Erie on behalf of the parish nl l. o. C e r t . elle t if „ d ri A .s l e r ry . T e p it l s in ju sO d n g , m on en b t e . hal! of . the Poor-law Coon- • 'BAIL COURT, April 27. (Before Mr. Justice COLERIDGE.) THE QUEEN V. BLAKE AND OTHERS __ gt7DIFILET applied to the Court for a rule to show eltzse .why.an indictment, now pending in the Central Crin%lttal Court Against Blake and others, parties concerned in thi, re eetit,Cnstom-house frauds, sheuld not he removed by e.erti.i: mini into this Court tot trial. It Wes an indictment for coro= apirahy,; - and as the judges of the land did not try stioli charges, at the Old Bailey, 'and there , were most iir.pe: Cant' points .of law as to the reception of evidence certain to :arise, it was desirable for the ends Of. jUstice that it should be tried in the Court of Queen's Bench. The evidence to be adds iced "Wie precisely the same as bad already been prodticed On two informations against the same defendants; tried in the., Supe rior_eourts, and the decisions upon both of which were at the present moment wider question. One of thesehad be , an tried, before Lord Denmin, when the then Attorney-Gener Yil (Sir F.' Pollock) tendered evidence on the part of the . Crown, which was objected to by the counsel &tile defendan as nu proper to be received, inasmuch as it consisted . i of the •deClarations and. books of certain, parties, to-conspi raters of tbe,defendante. Lord Denman, at the time of 1414, had 'abatis if Vropiletrof - ticelking cacti Via had at last allowed it to be put in, with permission to apply to the full Court. That application had subsequently been made, and the Court had granted a rule nisi for a new trial, on the ground of the improper reception of evidence. That rule now stood for argument in the Court of Queen's Bench. The second information had been tried before Lord Abinger, in the Court of Exchequer, and when the same evidence was there tendered, counsel for defendants had again objected to its reception, but fruitlessly. Subsequently a bill of excep tions was presented, and that now remained for argument. Exactly the same evidence—namely, the declarations and books of co-conspirators—would be brought forward on the trial of the indictment at the Central Criminal Court, and ex actly the same points would arise as to the propriety of the reception of such evidence. As the judges of the hind would net be present at the trial, it was most desirable that the in= dictment should be removed into the Court of Queen's Bench for trial before them. • Mr. Justice CoLEl:lnas—These facts ought to appear very clearly on the affidavits. Mr. lIIIMFREY read extracts from the affidavits, giving the facts we have embodied above ; after which ' Mr. Justice COLERIDGE said-;--That will do. Take a rule. COURT OF COMMON PLEAS, April 27. WILKINSON V. EARL LICHFIELD. This was an action brought by Mr. Peter Richard Wilkinson, of Queen-street. Cheapside, stationer, to re cover the sum of 1,200/, the amount of a promissory note, dated the 21st of September, 18.11, payable three months after date, bearing the name Of - the •'Ntible Eerl as the maker and indorser, but both signittite,fivere de nied in his Lordship's pleas. The • cause - was 'tried :in London on Wednesday 'his t; •bef, Mr.- XI seta- ' ftf when a verdiet. was returnedfor the plaintiff.. . • Mr. - Sergeant M AstxrNa now moved for, nrhle/. to show cause why that. verdict should not be setitsidesandsi,:new trial granted, onthe ground that the.verdlet , st the weight of eyidenee... The Learned Sergeant,•tdre capitulating the - evidence. stated-iliit altliongleihe-tes timony print ip y ,relied upon for the plaintiffivas that of 'the cashter'of Stelihensbn arid- Salt; fOriberly his Lordship's bankers,,Who'sWore pitsitiVelY that he believed the signatures were in Lord Lichfield's -handwriting, yet, on the other side, there was Colonel Anson, defendant's brother, who must well know' Lord Lichfield's writing; hnt more pirticularly'Mr. Bli'tt, inspector of franks, and other witnesses engaged in the General Post ()lice while the - noble Earl was •Postmaster , '.leneral; all 'these were of opinion that the handwriting was not that of his Lordship,' and- thos e i n th e ' Post office, who must, have seen his Lordship's signature many times a clitY, must - better' know the handwriting than the banker's. clerk. •• The Learned Judge- its summing up drew. th e , attention of the jury - to the latter cirenmstance.! The note bore the indorsement of " Margaret Edwards. 7 of which probably their Lordships would not' take - judicial notice ; but she was very, well known out of Court. No reason was assigned why the note had not been presented before, nor was it stated how the note came into plaintiff's possession ; and the jury, after being absent an hour; came intcc Court, asking if the bill had been noted sand payment demanded, and `then were absent another hour before returning their verdict for the plaintiff: The Learned 'Judge, in summing up, intimated that though plaintiff was not legally bound, yet it would have been better to have shown- the consideration, as well . as how he became posSessed of the note ; and he (Mr. Ser geant-Manning) believed Mr. Justice Maule was dissaL tisfied with the verdict. The COURT decided on consulting Mr, Justice Maule before granting the rule. COURT OF EXCHEQUER, April 27. EARL OF CARNARVON V. iTILLEBOIS. In this case, in which a motion for a new trial had been made sometime back by Sir T. Wilde, the Court gave judgment. The question was as to the party in whom rested the right of a warren situated in•the manor of Highclerc and Burghcler, in the county of South ampton. The Comm' was of opinion that the rule for anew trial must be granted. Some other business of no importance was disposed of, and their. Lordships rose at two o'clock, to meet the other Judges in the Exchequer Chamber. EXCHEQUER CHAMBER, April 27. The Judges, after two o'clock, sat in this Court, when they heard the arguments in the case of TU WIZEN V. IP.NNIN. It appeared that the prisoner had been convicted at the late assizes of having forged a die fur making base or counterfeit coins. It was sub mitted that as he had only sent to a die-sinker, who was named Carter, at Birmingham, to have a die made for him, and which Carter did make for him under the sanction of the Mint, that he ought not to have been indicted on the charge of which he was found guilty—namely, that of forging a die. It appeared he had never sent for the die which Carter had made for him, and yet he was taken into custody, tried, and con victed of the offence mentioned. It was contended that the prisoner was wrongly indicted, and that the charge to which he was amenable—namely, that of inciting an other to make the die, was only a:misdemeanour, whereas by the verdict that stood at present recorded against. him, he was pronounced 'guilty of a felony, and had been sentenced to the punishment of a felon—transpor tation for life. At the close of the argument their Lordships rose. POLICE INTELLIGENCE. (SATURDAY.) • CLER.KENWELL. Henry Wilson, a lal abOut 17 years of age, was put to the bar before Mr. Greenwood, charged, with burglariously entering, the dwelling-house of M. Frederick Ingoldby, Fiirgeon, of No. 5, King Edward's terrace, Islington. It appeared fram the evideire of police-constable No. 110 of the N division, that at half-past two o'clock in the morning, he was passing the house of the prosecutor, and was surprised at seeing the surgery window open, and a square of glass broken. [fe listened, and fancying that he heard some one moving about in, the apartment, he climbed up to the opening, and saw the prisoner busily engaged in packing up much, valuable property. The officer alarmed the inmates,.and the accused was secured on the spot. The prisoner said that it was his first offence. Mr. GREENWOOD replied that it was lucky for the ' public, then, that he was caught so early, and com mitted him to Newgate. Another youth, between 'l6 and 17, was charged with stealing a 101. note and some wearing apparel frem Mr. Henry Pattison, of 46, Woburn-place. The prisoner has been for some time past employed by the prosecutor as an occasional servant, and was so engaged last Wednesday morning, when he entered Mr, Pattison's bed-room and stole from one of the drawers the property mentioned, and deeamped, He was apprehended that morning by one of the detective officers of the E division. - • . Mr. GREENWOOD asked the prisoner if he .was ll'e sirous of saying anything ?—He said, in a very' cool manner, "It's all true." Mr. GREENWOOD —Where is the 101. note ? Pri soner—l paid some debts, and spent the remainder 'of , the money. He was remanded, that the officer might make fur ther inquiries. Three lads, under 14 years of age, of the names' of Greenwood; Jones, and Bowman, were charged with stealing some books from the National School ' in Baldwin's-gardens, St. Andrew, Holborn. • The premises in question were, it appears, entered by means of a'piek-lock keV - during Friday night, and about four in the morning thei.prisoner Bowman was Seen at the window of the establishment throwing books to the other prisoners, who were in the court leading to it.. Two policemen:received information of their goings on, and captured them. Mr. Martin, a solicitor, in TAcoln's Inn, who is Secretary n.. - nci Treasurer of the National School,. identified the, books as, the property. of the schools and the prisoners were ordered to be committed to Ne agate. Bowman 'was then charged with stealing a gold watch worth 40 guineas, from the shop of Mr. Dent, the watcharmiker in the Strand: The prosecutor's foreman stated, that on Wednes dav last the , prisoner entered his master's shop, and - asked- if an errand boy was wanted, and before witT ness could give him a reply, being at the instant en gaged with a etistoMer, he (the accused) seized froM the counter a watch of. the value mentioned and es caped. Witness - gave a description of him to the po lice,. who informed him of his apprehension for r0b . .., bing the National School. Mr. GIMENWOOD (to the prisoner)---Do you wish 'o say anything to this charge P Prisoner—l took the welch. Mr. GazEtiwoii—Where is it ? -Prisoner- . —Tom Richards has got it. A. man named Simmons stened:ittA6-thejt vdtness box, and said that he .sac the ..4461'4;111.01a - Lhands• of the -prisoner,,who,tphifhini;glatlie.W2itlOill4t., Mr. Gliss,Twoopt-.Then, i4 f 494 c tot Agog ri him ; and give t him into• ;the :-eust9dY. Simmonslooked 'iconfitsedi and said , he ididn'A -know. Bowman- - -4 Yen ;wanted , me - to Se'lliritito- you PT: 2/, 103. ,; ; Simmons denjed , the atSertibn r and said that Bow man; offered'hini the watch for 3/. Mr, GattStsvoinitOdhfitithatblichnpet'had been very strange and unkcoimtable, and remanded the pri soner for inrther examinadOn, ,orderihg'the officer to look after TOm Richaids,wholis.Weirknown. LAMBETH-S 771E4T. Deai•liiile, the , 'young` Man 'who has been in, custody since MondaS , ' night on a charge of robbing his uncle of bonds, securities, bank notes, and cash, amounting in the whole to nearly 10,0001., was again brought before Mr. Henry for further examination. When placed at the bar, the prisoner said he - . ekpected Mr. Clarkson, the barrister, and-Mr. Ashley, ;the solicitor, to appear on his behalf; and should there :fore 'request his examination should be postponed until their arrival. Mr. Henry complied with his request, - . and the CaseNvas put off - fur tome time. Ater the lapse of nearly an hour, Mr. Gude, a so licitor for the proiecution, - addressing Mr. Henry,. said that, under any circumstances, it would be his duty to apply to his Worship y for a remand ; and, as ; Ashley,:on behalf of the prisoner; consented to a, remand, it would prevent the , necessity of the . Wit-. nesses and others in attendance waiting any logger, , Mr. Ashley said he had no objection to a a renriand,, to a ratite 'day, upon which -Mr.'Henry reniarkek that a remand 610' it that ail) malts tic) . &diem; as he (Mr. Henry) had made up his mind to commit the prisoner to take his trial on the charge. 'lnspector Ruff, who has the. case in hand, in reply to the questions of. Mr. Henry, said that a policeman employed on the Eastern Counties Railway could give some important evidence in the case, bat he un fortunately was engaged down at Colchester on that day, and could not, therefore, be in attendance. Mr. Wood, a sugar retiner, residing in Cle,eland street. was in attendance, and gated that himself and his family had been from home' on Sunday evening last, and he could not, therefore ; say whettier, or nut • the prisoner had called at hiS The priioner„ he . said, had. been in his empl , yment some six or eight months ago as a traveller, but since then he knew no thing of him, nor was .be aware of any business he had in calling on him on Sunday evening. The prisoner, it appears, had been brought up to the grocery business, had been married about eight months ago to a respectable female who possesses an income of 1001. per annum, and who is much older than himself; and, with whom, it seems, he lived on very bad:terms. After his Apprehension, and while at the station house, a circumstance occurred whialt con siderably strengthens the suspicion that he alone it was who carried off the property. A friend of his uncle was speaking of the great hardship of the case on the part of the prosecutor, and particularly his losing the deeds and securities, which could ha of little service to the thief; upon which the prisoner re plied, "I dare say he'd have them back." It also ap pears that he has been in custody before on a charge of felony, and had spent six months in Newgate He was again remanded. DOW STREET. Three tradesmen residing in Holborn were brought before Mr. Twyford this morning, charged with assaulting two of the police. The defendants, it appeared, were standing at their own doors last night; at about twelve o'clock, waiting to be let in. While they were doing so, two policemen came up, and re quested them to move on. They stated that they were at their own. homes, and refused to sip so ; upon this one of the policemen seized one of the defendants by the collar, stud was about to drag him from the door, when.the defendant struck him The other defendants interfered, and the result WAs . that all three were brought to the station-houie. Mr. Twrrown fined the defendant whO struck the police- man 20s.- The other*. were discharged. UNION-HALL. Mary Leary,. a girl fourteen years of age, was charged with robbing a gentleman-of thirty- sovereigns, and-another charge - was preferred against her, 'that of attempting - to de st r oy hersenviten taken into custody. • Polideman fi l79 M, stated that on the preceding afternoon he found the prisoner drunk, in Parish-street, and she com plained to hith that she had been robbed of two sover e i gns by-tWer'boyi*ha a way. He carried her to the house of her: niethlefyillgttie;ilfane,"Tooley-street, where she precipi tated - of a window upwards of thirty feet frotn:3 the ; - - ground • and• would .have effected. her purpose had she not been caught at the moment by the po- TlicerniriL . The-.policeman' went. on to describe that on Taursday'nfght avial-dressed man was picked up 'in the stteef by the priaonei r who. is a common prostitute, and taken tna-iiouse illffaine in-the blaze, • where he was! robbed of thirty soeteignp-, and that the prisoner, who was with him at. ther time . ,, ran, away and escaped. In accounting for the - possesiion . of the two sovereigns of which she asserted' she ,was - robbed, she said that it was money intrusted to her by her mother to purchase some prticles. The mother; however, eontradicteil the assertion, declaring that she had not seen her daughter for the last seven 'weeks, and the poor woman added that the prisoner had given her family a great deal of trouble owing to her bad conduct. As it was stated that the man who had been robbed would appear oh Wednesday to substantiate his charge against the prisoner, she was remanded until that day. . Two young men were charged withbathing in the Thames, and assaulting a policeman for interfering with them. The defendants were observed in a state of nudity the pre vious afternoon, having just got cut of the water at Bank side, opposite to the houses in that vicinity. The policeman on taking them into custody• was struck, and kicked,. and .threatened by a, mob, who followed them to the station-house. Mr. COTTESHAN said that he would be the lait person to punish persons for taking advantage ... of such a sanitary amusement as bathing , but that it • must not be permitted in such a public place as Bankside. lie then inflicted a fine on -each of-the defendants. _ . , NAVAL INTELLIGENTE, COURT MARTIAL. PouTsmouTrr, -APRIL 25.—A court-martial was held this day-on board the St. Vincent, 120, flag-ship of Sir Charles Rowley, Bart, G.C.R.: Q.C.H,, Admiral of the White and Commander in-Chief at this port, to, try, pursuant to: an order from the Hon. Lords - Commissioners of the Admiralty, dated the 19th inst., Mr. George Martyr Smith, acting mats on board her Majesty's brig_ Pantaloon, 10, Commander C. H. Lapidge, on a number of somewhat frivolous charges. The Court, having heard the whole of .the evidence pro duced in support of the charge, and by the. prisoner, and what he ,had to allege in his defence, was of opinion that the charges had not been ,preved_ against the said Mr. George Martyr Smith, except that the said Mr. George Smith h a d been guilty of having improverly made' use of the name of his commander, the said Charles Horace Lapidge, in the Gun-man of the said, brig, and, did admonish the said Mr. eorge Martyr Smith to avoid in future,the line of conduct so calculated to subvert the discipline of her Majesty's . service. The trial commenced at nine o'clock, and diet not terminate until nearly five. • • , The Thames convict ship, with about 170 convicts from the bulks at this port, sailed this morning from Spithead at five o'clock. The Thames takes out dispatchesfor Sir Charles Adam, whom she will find at Bermuda on her arrival. THE CHEMISTS' and DRUGGISTS WEIGHTS. Mr. James Smyth, chemist, of Barbican; Mr. Richard Vines, chemist, 7, Aldersg,ate.street; and Mr. James Green, chemist and druggist, of Barbi can, attended last week at the. Clerkenwell Sessions, to answer the complaint of. Mr. Inspector Knott, for having and employing several brass.weights in their shops considerably deficient of the legal standard. The defendants one and all achnitted that the weights were light, but under. the circumstances it was impossible for them to. prevent their being sp. The Bench would be aware that in weighing acids, much of it must necessarily adhere to the weights and corrode them.. They, therefore, were, obliged to have them frequently cleansed, orrtheywould become highly dangerous to handle, owing to their poisonous nature. Alderman COP ELAND observed that he was well aware - of the respectability of the defendants, and he did not think that they had act e d with any intent to defraud. Still the inspectors had done their duty in summoning them, because 'it showed to: the poor traders that all were served alike. - • The defendants replied that it was the edium of the thing in being summoned for using light weights. The ones in question had , not been in use ,more thaal three months ; and if they were hound to have their weights - always exact to the very tittle, why they might spend all their profits. • . •• , The weights were here produced, and it was evi dent from their appearance that every pains had been taken in keeping them clean, in doing which, how ever, they had been unfortunatgly depraved of some of their metal. • Alderman COPELAND, after consulting with his brother Magistrates, was of ,opinion that the defend. ants might be dismissed such ewes as theirs were not the ones they wished to punish, as • they thought that no fraud had been intended. The defendants accord ingly left the Court. . CORONER'S INQUEST. Mr. Wakley held an : inquest, on Saturday, at the Bedford Head, Tottenhern-coUrt-road, touching the death of Mr. John Herman Merivale, late one of her Majesty's Cominissioners in the Court of Bankruptcy, who died suddenly at his- residence, No. 12, Bedford square, on the evening, of Thursday last, under the following circumstances Ellen Andrews, housemaid' in the service of de ceased, said, she saw her master on Thursday morning, when heappeared in excellenthealth, and left hoine to attend his Court as usual. returned to dinner about six &Clock, and about — half-past nine, Mrs. Merivale and two of heidaughters ran up sthirs to witness in a state of treat alarm.. They said they thought deceased was in a 6f, and witness immediately ran down into the dinivernoin, where she found her master in a sitting'posture in.his easy chair, and quite dead. Medical assistance' was sent for, but life was found to be quite extinct • Miss Merivale had in formed witness ,that her father - was left after dinner to take his usual 'blip, and ' not joining the family in the drawing-room at' the accustomed time, she went - to learn the cause of hi-; absence', and found him as described. Witness had not the slightest suspicion that he had taken poison, and. believed that his. death was Perfectly natural. . . . , John Wright, the _butler, said he had attended de ceased at the dinner-table that day, and thought him in excellent health. Early in• the' morning: he had complained of slight head-ache, 'but he subsequently. told Mrs. Merivale that the pain had entirely left him. ite was not in the habit of taking medicine. Mr. Henry Hildyard, surgeon, said 'he found de- Ceased in a recumbent pciture .in his armchair. -Knowing that his efforts-would be useless, he 'did ,not attempt to restore him. Ile considered deceased to haveslied from apoplexy.. The CORONER briefly remarked on the melancholy nature of the case, anti-the - jury immediately returned a verdict of—" Natural death;" The. deceased gen tleman Was 67 yeats of age and Very generally re spected. . . Report of Captain. W. Robinion; of the barque Columbine, of Glasgow, arrived oft Talmouth . from Aux Cayes :—Sailed tram Aux Caye.a 'on the 2d of. March, at *filch time all there was quiet. • Had. Iftreng north winds till'the 4th, vitiva lee curtent , -; came through the Cazeos Passage on the 15th. On the 2d of April, at three r.st., being in lat. 35 25 k long. 49 10,. my attention was called to the water being. discoloured:. to .windward, it had a brown appearance, extending above , 100 feet in. a S.S.E. direction, and-about 30 feet across. It had all the appear ance ot *Tot* under water. We were then a little more than. the-limgth of the vessel north of it, steering E.N.E, Immediately on the weather bow two more brown spots ;were serli_ilosetcieach other,, about 150 fathoms or more :isastaktilit9Pe we were .abreast .of, the first lying in the ,Situne Airvgticet, and about the same size; the second or ▪ f4in)most one of an oval shape, about 60 or 80 feet l'aerps:4, arid appeared to be nearer the surface of the water Map the . othfr two. We had a light breeze from S.E:, the water smooth, and a cloudless sky ; but there was a i i▪ vrell : flom N.W. The sea did not brea k over them but Abe disaiedrectivater vtaa , •••egq••oa. the leatTmehtlaued °Pt nearly a mile off. MARK:LT NEW S.-(SAT URDA.Y4 COVENT-G.A.R.DZIC. „ Notwithstanding our market was heavily suPlaueuiri "e. forced luxuries, and most articles in season, the gendMi mand was active, and a good clearance was effebted at 00 , quotations : 7 -Potatoes from 2s 9d to 5s per cwt; young Onions, is 9d to 3s; Coleworts or Greens, 2s to 3s 9d; - Tur;. nips, is 9d to 2s 6d ; Young Carrots, 6s to 7s, au " Leeks, 9d to is 2d per dozen bunches ; Spinack6d :to leldi and Brocoli Sprouts, 9d to is per half sieve; 3s to 7s ; - French Beans, 9d to Is 6d ; 'Oranges, to 1 7,' and Lemons, 8s to. 13s . per 100 ; new Potatoes, 3d to 4 1 Pine Apples, is to 9 5 • per lb ; Hot-h o use Grapes, 73 ; 311 ' Forced Cherries, 35s per lb ; Peaches, 55s ; and Sunup° Cabbages, is 3d to 2s per dozen ; Strawberries; 3s 6d . to .2 e per ounce ; Cucumbers, is to "8s per brace ; Caulitiow.,ell, 2d to 6d each ; Horse-radish, 2s to 53 ; Celeiy', 8d to 13 u u , Rhubarb, 6d to Is 6d ;. and Brocoli, 10d to 26 per build , . Sea Kale, 9d to 2s 3d ; and Small Salad, 2d per punn et .; Radishes, 3d to 80 per dozen hands ; Lettuees, 6d to lA/ 4 r score ; Turnip Greens, 13 6d per bushel. _ INCEVIGATZ AVD triC/IDENNAZZ; The arrivals of country killed Meat being-rather eater sive, the general inquiry here was inactive, yet w,etan 1 ; tice no material alteration in the quotations. Beef, fro. 1 0", 4d to 3s 4d; Mutton, 2s 6d to 3s 8d ; L am b, 5s to 6S Veal, 3s 4d to 4s 6d ; and Pork, 2s 6d to 4s 2d per $.,1 Although the aupplit-s of both Came and'Poultry 0 0 were only moderate, the, the demand was throughout hesivP at barely last week's prices. NEWPORT. . - ;1.0 Prime Lamb was in request at full prices ; but all oj.` to kinds of Meat hung heavily on hand. Beef from 2i 3s 6d; Mutton, 2s Bd to 3s 8d; Lamb, 5s 2d to 61 ""' Veal, 3s 6d to 4s 6d; and Pork 2s 8d to 4s 4d per 811* WZITTECICALPZZ. AtII For each kind of prime 'Beat we had a steady sale, st, prices. In all other kinds, however, very little was d (4:. .1 Beef, from 2s 6d to 3s 4d; Mutton, 2s 6d to 3s 'S4;' LO AA 5s to 63 6d ; Veal, 3s 6d to 4s 6d; and Pork, 23 4d to 2d . per albs by the carcase. BILLINGSGATE. - th We had only a moderate business doing in Flab, yt quotations ruled about stationary. FLUNGEAPO RD. a bly For most kinds of vegetable the demand was to er active at fully last week's quotations, ; but other-w l O trade Was in a very sluggish state. • 33535.11.21. The pricis of Wheaten Bread in the metropolis ars 10 8d to Bid; of Household ditto, 6d to 7 d per 4th loaf. 911X1)35 111.1.31.31 L Ran-Hiclaa, at per stone of 141bs—Best steers iind 5s 6d to 5s 10d ; middli ng hid es , 4 s 8d t o 5 s 4d ; inferior chtlf: 4s to 4s 6d. Sheep and Calf Skins, at per akin—M lll : o 4 calf, 6s 6d ..to 8s; long woolled sheep, 4s 6d. to 5s 9d; ditto, 3s 6ci to 4s 9d ; lamb skins; 10d to Is 6d; and shest 4d to E l / 4 1 each. • RAT MAJILILETS. SMITIIFTELD.—Coarse Meadow Hay, 2/ 10s to t- -; id ful ditto,,- 3/ .36 to 31 85 ; fine Upl an d ditt o , 31 M P it 41' 135; Clover Hay, 31 5s to 5/ ; Oat Straw ' 1/ 6s to„pip Wheat Straw, 1/ 8s to 11 IN load: ad. A short li"r" • and a heavy demand. - • gr eUMBERLAND.—Coarse Meadow Hay; 2/ 15s to Si 31, ; fal ditto, 31 65 to 3/ 10s; fine Upland ditto, 3/ 12s to Clover Hay, 31.5 s to 4/ 165; Oat Straw,ll7s to 1195; " s od Straw, 1/ 10s to 1/ 12s per load. Supply but model's"' trade dull.' 15 1 . to S i ; • Wurrlcmtrat..—Coarse Meadow Hay, 2/ useful ditto, 3/ 38 to 3/ 105; fine Upland ditto, 451 it 11 3/ 14e - Clover- Hay, 315 s to 5/ 5s ; ()at Straw, 11 Zs ' i v 85; Wheat Straw, 1/ 8s to- 1/ 10s per load. Both " and Straw sold heavily-at the above quotations. WAKEFIELD CORN MARKET.—FRIDAY . There was a large arrival of Wheat and Barley, for thi, i g f aro , sonof the year, and moderate of other grain. The 311 ' - de. holding small stocks of Wheat, cause a steady weeklY op / bland,. but the trade is dull, yet last week's prices full,' s os ported. The demand for Barley becomes more limited , , 0 it is di ffi cult to e ff e c t sales without a small a baterne o ;„ o . price. Oats and Shelling support their value, and are derate request,. Beam remain unaltered. le bet Per gr. if 60Ib. to the 'uti, • EXTRA. A OP, WAtat Suffolk ; Esser, and Rent...— Red. to-57 ' p Ditto • • ditto White...— ' Red 35 51 Ditto ditto .... . White... 57 it Lincolnshire and Cambridge Red. 55 • t ff Ditto ditto White.. r York , hire ..... Red Ditto ditto: ... White sB, b i FOrP l l ,, ' gem. ... , • . v. ... 34 .Z. 4 "" ••••; Ditto ditto ..... White. 56 • ; guar cr 1 0 St aley, Norfolk and Suffolk •33 go York,hnt oo d.Linentrish ..... Griodint ................... 99 i t Foreig, sle Per qr. ef 631 b. tk Beans, Small '• n • . ... .. ll 36 • Tics 31 .34 Foreign •""'" Oats,- r' , •tatt. a d Pole d ,—s• ••• c ,,, nt• .... . 10d to old , Fcrcign —d to .—d. pet r e - 0, 1.21., to 254 Pcr r, b ot mat • ...—.... ......... 40, tine Mo. Per •i;„,1 Rt0e5eed.........., . ..... ...„ 2.5 t... z 7.. .!, us. —l. 01. Per STATE -OF TRADE. FOREIGN WOOL TRADE, LEEDS, APRIL 26.—A though not very extensive busines continues to be aufa s t Foreign Wools. The advance which has h. eon ohtsi'es the recent London sales, ha s a l so g i ve n ra the r a firmor. t° to prices in this market. I v• ENGLISH WOOL MARKET, LEEDS, APRIL 26. - hi / 1 ,00- not any alteration to report i n th e st a t e o f th e English market during the present week. coO' WAKEFIELD - WOOL 711ARKET, ArßlL26.—The msrs-!•filige tinues firm at previo u s p r i ces . N o a lt era ti on h as Itike' r in any descriptions. ' 4 ,.;,,0 st LEEDS.—On Saturday there was a full average e - - thr" our cloth halls, compared with the markets of the bps months, but on Tuesday there was rather less busis"% t ailig The demand is still for goods calculated for the bonl!." c l st's trade',' and low goods for shipping, the supply of v itas limited in quantity, and are t a k e n ou t near ly as the/ g o in. The stocks of goods of almost every descrillti 4 l, ll s lower than they have been for several years, and c A rather looking up, particularly in low gualitiqs There ,s, tinnea ,to be a good steerly bus i ness doing in vi rsho7 Tl,O ztcf.--hz c.£ vv , : ) are lips, and'there-ts eV prospect that goods will be" higher in consequence of the . vance in the price of wool, particularly in low quslitl e t,,,,,,r4 HECKHO.NDWIKE BLANKET MARKET, , is no alteration to report in this market since our last; few blankets were offered to-day, most of the Manufa4° l* being engaged with orders for some weeki.riQ BRADFORD MARKET, THURSDAY.—In Pi ec ed there a..d. material change in either prices or demand since Yarns are moved off as produced, and ,the spinners ar e P r o rally bare of stock, which will prevent any further dicliqf o r prices. During the week there has been mbte Wool, and somewhat more business his betn done. ' To o TRADE - OF MANCHESTER, THURSDAY EVIT.Snia• - •: d t he has been a large business done in cloth this week, a.,1" ,"i$ demand has, if anything, increased since Tuesday, 1 11° "000 1 prices the buyer has had the advantage. This arises , ~„•0 1 the manufacturers being willing Sellers, and where !, 4 :100 slight advantage ' has been conceded to the buyer, tfle — , 0 been no difficulty in clearing off large lats.' In Wig:a active business has been carried on, at prices not -4' l° 7 different from those °Utast week.—Leeds MercurY• • JA ending Messrs. Pickford and Co.'s postage for tne- i JA ending March, 1839, was on or about 30,04:X) 1etle 11 ;000 the year ending March, 1843,, it woa on or . -about g'"' letters. till The impurity of the litter; arising from o f neglect of titration, is said to be one of the main 07 . .„ r tf , the' unhealthiness of the' towns,- compared with - , Ott. 0 7, L i , SIGHT AND IIEAUiNQ •TESTIMONIALS.-.— , 0 oto INVENTED SPECTACLES, rrELESCOPESi. OPERA GLA , '.4 0 13 DEAFNESS RELIEVED, &e.-7—General .Browne be feels desirous to expresa• the comfort and advantsro has derived at ; his advanced age of 70 years, an a jo• two years' trial, from the use of, Messri. S. - and a e a' mons' Newly-invented Spectaclei. 'Their 'valuable it tion ,fully merit the patronage they , have reOt i ot o Address, Adlingfon Hall, .Lancashire.—Major-G e nto Sir Howard'Elphinstone, begs to say that the SpectSel •he has now had some-time in use, have fully reclem - 0 the assurance of the MessrS. S: and - B. Solomons . 1 01 their excellence, and having found so much comfort;' b e t advantage from their use; far preferable • to. every ° fro kind of glasses, 13,- Norfolk-street. Park lane. Honourable George Cavendish, •to Mean's. S. r a Solomons, 39,,Albemarle-street, opposs"" tJsI ,York Hotel Gentlemen, I approve very :much . Pi . o f Spectacles.l purchased from yOu ,1 have made'l •to glasses for many years and - never •met . With' 07 o w enable Me to see equal. to and-with less f .... 4 0.0, venience to my eye*, yottrs; obediently, G. CaYeri e r Leislip.Castle,• Ireland.—lniproved Achromatic l o ci Copes, Opera Glaises Microscopes, Sae:; of the soln, 'of Lenses to surpass any ever yet itOentea.";,. ico Messrs.'S. and'l3.. Solomone Invisible Operative; vl O , COnductor: Sound Magnifiers for deaf persons; r e i ne so mediate relief to old standing extreme cases of e !!1' 0 0 3 --Calition.--Messrs. S. and B. Solomons, Opticians 0 of Aurists, are no t in any way connected with a pel.° sot the same name in their immediate neiglibourlio 64 ; be in any part of the country. To preirkt testalt cautious, and obserVe,H)nly to be had - lit 39, Albeas . " - street, PiccadOly„ opposite', the York 110teLL,...,000 BIRTB'S .On the 9th of October, 1843, at Strawberry- 01 h o ot - George's , Sound, Western Australia, 'the lady or o p Edward Egerton Warburton, Esq., 51st Reginitent. 01.4 of On the 19th inst.. at Brecknock-crescent, Omuta town, Mrs. Alfred H. Goodhart, of a son. On the 24th inst., at Dartford, Kent, the *ifs of OW Thomas Ward, of a son. On the 26th inst., at Thomas -street, Horsslidoi rm Francis Jones, of a son. . -VARICTED: "'` jowl' On the 22d of January,. at Loodianah, Captain Sugb Cod" son, 26th Regiment Bengal light Infantry, A.l4l9tsitleat v miisary-General, to Betsey Harriette, daughter + i f s 0 ' tiatit-COlonel_Moseley, CB., commanding 64th. . 411 " fantry. • 13 ' P t; On the 10th inst., the Rev. Charlei Abel Ititrtle 'r ' r fot s , Rector of Fenny Compton, Warwickshire, to . Janef i c i a o. daughter of the Rev. W. B. Harrison„MA., - Vicar e' litirst ; Kent, • : - • • • On the 13th inst., at Lambeth, Francis Sianwl,o ' of Islington, to. Ann Elizabeth Brinton; of Vinahs Lambeth, On'the' 20th inst., at Aix la . Chapelle, Charles. dbtst son of G. L. Engelbach, Esq., to Mary Ann, eldest dii." of the late Francis Henry Hunter, Esq., of New Pio' ,"' - On the 23d inst., at St. Werburgles „Clkurch, Perby var.P Rev. Henry. Peach, Vicar of Tutburv, to Florence • eldest daughter of the late Colonel Mellor, o f Derby. It On the 23d inst., at Walcot Church,Bath, CaPtai?•lt s ilsr ° : 9th Regiment, eldest son of the late Rear-Adteirly gpejlcP C.B ,to - Emily Sarah,• second daughter of -A. r. Phillips, Esq., of Riff haul's Lodge, Panbury, s ik, • On the.23d inst., at. St, George's Uica!, 6 0 4.t' - or . 'of Charles Joints Kemp; to,•Martha, voun . geit 'dant John , Trevers, of Gloucester-plaee, Kent- ion 3 4 1 , Johli • o On the - 24th inst., at Bt..craorge' 8, Camberwa ► „oda liroods,:of Cardiff, Glexaorgaushire, to Mise Ann'' Hanover-place, Rye,lane, Peckham, DLED. flag' On the 24th Sir Timothy ShelteY, B a rt' of •,t place, Warnham, Sussex, aged 91: • ' - hou H On the 22d inst., at as' tings, Eleanor Cathlrine.Y daughter or the late Sir George William Leeds, Bart*: bier Onthe 23d inst., at Hampstead, Anna, se cond , the late John Wollaston, Esq. of B• bop On the 24th inst., the Rev: William Chaplitto Stortford the , erts. g Dor On 4th inst., at High-row, Kni htsbridge , • pett, aged 59.' • Ai On the 24th inst., Mr. John Boote, orEsernout_ 4 London : Printed and ' Published by •Aft111)0- Y 02 4 .0. 11?1 • -N.. 112, Strand, Printer, at The Sex OflCC . Piti ...Strand, *the Precinct of the Sever, Ske - 1.04 1 1 W, MoadlYs APO Pp 1144. l , THE CIRCUMSTANCES OF THE VICTIMS. But the extent of the-evil is to be measured rather by the circumstances of the victims than by the amount of the plunder. They are usually persons of very limited means, Who invest their savings in order to obtain the tempting returns which are offered.' Annuity companies have proved the most dangerous in this respect. Old people, governesses, servant's.' and persoris of that de scription, are teMpted to - invest their little all, and when the concern stops, they are ruined. - Sometimes persons of more property and better intelligence are tempted, but the greater number of the sufferers areof the fir.lt-named descriptions. . In One ease, a person who had effected an insurance in one of these offices fell into impaired health, arid on its breaking up; he could no succeed in renewing the in surance in any other office. In , one case the victims were the ordinary specula tors in companies, some of them merchants and men a business. s • • ' • By one' itness, a solicitor, it was stated that metian- . tile men:of great sagacity neglect in such cases the most ordinary precautions r that they-lake more cure in dis:- counting a small bill than in forming% connexion, with such companies, by which thei r f or t une i ma y b e , wholly lost ; and this neglect.has been attributed to the fear of its being known•that they are seeking . an exorbitant re torn, or that they are embarking Inundertakings of questionable character. • - _ THE I4PUNITY OF THE OFFENDERS. The cOac - octari of . conipaniesi, however fraudulent, and however largely, they have despoiled . the :public, are practically unamenable to any judicature; Civil: or criminal:— I. Parties -affected by these fraudulent contracts' can -not discover of whom' the company consists. 2.- If the discovery be made. they are generally so im poverished by, thelrlosses as not to be able to parses the offender, or so ashamed of being involved in the transac tion, as to be indisposed to submit to expose themselves . by so doing. ' ' - 3. They fear to lose their chance of recovering a por tion of their loss. , 4. If able and willing to prosecute the offender's, the legal proceedings are so cumbrous as to be alniost im practicable. 5. If proceedings be taken in Chancery, each -party is entitled to proceed by separate answers, so that such proceedings are impracticable. • 6. And it is difficult to sustain criminal procedure by the necessary evidence. In one instance,:where a manager of a company failed, hundreds attempted, to prone their claims ; but it was held by the Oommisiioner of Bankrupts, before whom lie was heard, that they were not entitled to prove against his separate estate. This person was managing 'director -and trustee, anti had passed the money through his private bankees. No other director or trustree could be found sufficiently solvent to be prosecuted.. In many cases it is difficult to prove the partnership.. Under these circumstance, the same parties, or parties of the same description, baffled in one concern, availing themselves of the general impersonal designation of coai panics, start others equally objectionable, Without there being any possibility of apprising the public of the iden tity of . the company. 'rids is shown by two or three instances of companies of n questionable kind brought before your Committee. Your Committee have agreed to the folldwing resolii tiona, and , hare embodied . in them their views of the principal provisions of which they are now prepared to recommend{ the adoption for the' imprOvment of the RESOLUTIONS. . . 1. That in order, to prevent the establishment of fraudulent companies, and to protect the interest.; Of the shareholders. and of the public, it is expedient that all ,joint-stock companies (other than banking companies) for commercial -purposes; whether' future or already formed, be registered in an office to be appointed for that , , , purpose. - 2: That the registration of future bompanies-bei made —(1.) Rrovisionally berore the public announcement of the company, or the doing of any public act by it; and (2.) Absolutely or completely,. on the, full, formation thereof. , •3. That on spch proyisional.registration, such. futuie companies do register the principal particulars Unreel, such as— • The name' and business or purpose of, the company Its place of busineSs, and every branch officepragendy appointed'er conteniplateth , The natnea and addresses of its promoters t'ina alas, as the case may be, the names and addresses of its pio visiobat directo7g, its' provisional officers, and of its subscribers : • . •- And any prospectus or circular issued or intended to be issued. . And so from time to time, until complete registration, any addition to, or change in such particulars. And that if any such company intend to seek for in corpration by Act of Parliament, or by Charter Other wise than under the Letters . Patent ACt, the promoters tbereof do upon . provisional registration make kdeclant don tel that effect; Wand 'that they do also register su4h notices of the intention to apply to Parliament ,f be an Act of Incorporation, as are required by the Standing Orders - or either House of Parliament *to be inserted in the Landon Gazette, or other newspaper, such registra tion being made Ator,within- the period prescribed for such - insertion by sub order's. * , And that if.a.company be intended : to be establi s h e d by letters: patent, or charter, in pursuance of tha Letters Patent Act, it do alsD register a reference to the London Gciz#te, in which the application, for letters patent for chrter is announced. . 4. That on the absohtte or complete registration; such future companies (except companies incorporated by Act of Parliament, or by charter otherwise than under the Letters Patent Act)-do register the particulars thereof ; such as— A. copy, of every prospectus or circular - addressed to the public: : , •,: , , . A copy .of the, deed of settlement, sabsetiption con tract, or 011r : suck instrument: . • rhe biisieess or purpose: of the corepatthmittits place of business The amount of its nominal capital , and the 'p operun paid up: The total number df sharea, and the 'amount of each share: • Thenaines, addresses, and occupations of its metnberF, with the shares held by each: -•- • The names of directors, trustees; patrons, suditBrs, and all:other offices a the company, with their. °Coupe thuie and• addresses, and a written consent of acceptance of office by each:. .5 . And sttch other. like particulars. as may upop consi deration appear 6 be requisite. Anti:that if a company be eatablished by letters pa tent, or charter; in 'persuance of the Letters Patent "Act,_ it do also register a copy of such letters patentor charter. And that , provision be. made for the return of any changes in the particulars so required for such 'complete registration::: • ..s: l That in respect of such,registrations, wittFtlier pro visienal or absolute, a certain ctrarge he_tnadO .and that in respect of•other registrations; the charge bkvistle, by way of fee; propostienate to the , tXpense cemputed to be otcasioned, t4rehl to the office, such fees being from time to time appointed by the Treasur7„ 6. That for eptbreln e ,c , bitch regia*uon, iris expedient to prOvide .. that any future corapanWat registered shall nbt be lawful. • " 7.' Thaeiri order 6:Prevent jobbing : in:shires of non registered companiei auk: other - cdmpiinies in an imma ture state, no allotment of shares Iteee anyiegal effect till the com p any . be provisionally registered; and all sales or, transfers of shares be' prohibited till the corn pauy.be completely registered.., • 8...1:114 due provision be made for defining and de daring the duties of the severalofficere of the, o*pany, to such eitent,.at least, as is usually 'prOvided by. Acts of Parliament and charters for the , mporporation of Com panies; that the remedies of shareholders against direc tors, for abuse and excess of their functions, be declared and facilitated; and' that generally the legal and 'e4uitable remedies available to iota-stock companies, and to their directors, officers and shareholder s , inter se be facilitated and igaprdted.... ,• „ e•••-•'''''''' *-- Comm] ~_l lP on att A R( Poreno oPened DID Crreast ttinct u4 ?resent Vie. Presenl Lin e , Sn ?lint* ?LAT: C. 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