The Express.
London, England, 1848-03-06 00:00:00

THE MONSTER MEETING IN TRAFALGAR

SQUARE.

It having been annetine;dK;iiveral days past that
a meeting would take place this day in Trafalgar-square, in
order to adopt measures for the repeal of the income tax, at
which Mr. Cbar'es Cochrane was to preside, from an early
hour a number of persons congregated on the terrace of the
square, as well as the open space beneath,
It was rumoured, however, that the commissioners of
police had three several times intimated to Mr. Cochrane
that the meeting in such a place would be illegal, and they
could not permit it to take place; hut no answer was said to
have been returned, and accordingly it was stated that police-
men to the extent of 1,600 or 1,600 would be in the neigh-
bourhood, in case of need.
. . . . .

As the hour approached for the meeting (1 o'clock), the
crowd bad very mats rially increased ; and u that was about
the dinner hour of mechanic and others, the number could
not be less than four or five thousand, diapered in the neigh-
bourhood of the square, and certainly including a parcel of
coetermoagere and others, who did all they could to get up a

disturbance.
Soon after half-past 12, however, the anticipated result
was announced by bills, to the following effect:—
"The commissioners of police having declared that the
meeting in Trafalgar-square will be illegal, Mr. Cochrane
respectfully but earnestly requests the public will not con-
gregate or remain in Trafalgar-square, but quietly depart to
their homes. Mr. Cochrane deeply regrets the disappoint-
ment ho has caused to the public."
A-. score as the intimation had become known, the people
gradually dispersed, with the exception of the noisy rabble
ahose referred to. A vast number of the superintendents
and inspectors of police were on the spot, in case of any up-
roar, but all passed off quietly.

ELECTION COMMITTEE.-THIS DAY.

CARLISLE.--The committee hoe decided that the
election, so far as regarded Mr. Hodgson, was void, but that
Mr. Hodgson is not disqualified from {again becoming a
candidate.

THE OAK FARM IRON WORKS.—At the Bank-
ruptcy Court, at Birmingham, on Saturday, there was a
meeting for the proof of debts and choice of assignees in the
matter of this bankruptcy. Mr. Collis, of Stouthridge, and
Mr. Mottram, of E.rmingham, appeared as solicitors to the
fiat ; Mr. Fellowes, of Dudley, and Mr. T. S. James, for a
number of the creditors.—A debt was proved on account of
the Stourbridge Banking Company for 6,0001., and by the
Right Hon. W. E. Gladstone, M.P., for 3,000/., and other
debts amounting to about 10,0001.—The liabilities of the
bankrupts were said to amount to about 300,0001., and the
cause of so small en amount of debt being proved on this oc-
casion arose out of the fact of Messrs. Boyden and Roper,
the bankrupts, having so recently as the month of August
last taken into partnership two gentlemen named Paterson
and Walker; and the present fiat being against the four, the
creditors of the two first-named were precluded from voting in
the choice of assignees on this occasion, by far the largest
amount of debt being due by those individuals, who for
several years carried on a most extensive business under the
firm of the Oak Farm Company.—Mr. James, who appeared
on behalf of several creditors, whose debts were due from
Boy dell and Roper, contended that his clients were entitled
not only to prove their debts, but also to vote In the choice
of assignees on the occasion. This was ?existed by Mr.
Mottram, on the part of the joint creditors under the new
on the ground that it was nothing more than en ordi-
nary case of an attempt on the pert of separate creditors to
rand vote in the choice of assignees under a joint
t 7. which could not be done.—Mr. Commissioner
Daniell seemed to concur in this view, and Mr,
Manley, the cashier to the Stourbridge and Kid.
derminster Banking Company, was nominated sole trade
assignee. Thereupon an animated discussion took place as
to the propriety of this proceeding, at the conclusion of
which the commissioner said that he thought in the matter
of such an important estate it would be advisable to appoint
another creditor in conjunction with Mr. Manley.—Mr,
Collis declared his concurrence in this, and at once
nomi-
nated Mr. Evers of Creaky (who was one of the inspectors
originally appointed to examine into the state of the affairs
of this concern); but that gentleman having declined to act
on this occasion application was made to the court either
not to confirm the choice of Mr. Manley, or to adjourn the
meeting. The commissioner declined to do either the one or
the other, although he said he should have been better
pleased if another creditor had been associated with Mr.
Manley; the result, however, was, that that gentleman was
apinted sole assignee.
THE MILITARY AFFRAY AT LEEDS.—On Saturday
the Mayor of Leeds investigated a charge of riot and assault
preferred by the Leeds police against a corporal and several
privates of the 57th Regiment of Foot. No fewer than
eighteen witnesses were examined in support of the charge,
including one private of the regiment and several police
officers, from whose conjoint testimony it appeared that on
Thursday evening two of the defendants were drinking at
the Parrot beer-house in Harper-street, Leeds. when they
assaulted two civilians severely, and soon after left the house,
saying to a soldier of their regiment whom they left behind,
but who had not joined in their attack, that if he was there
when they returned he must take his chance. In a very
short time they returned with several other soldiers, and
forced themselves into the house; but the civilians within
were got out by another door. After sonic violent conduct in
the house, they sallied out, some brandishing sticks and others
their side-belts, which they had taken off their shoulders
for the purpose. They commenced an attack upon the
people whom they met 4.n the streets, and a regular mele
ensued. A detachment of policemen, under the orders of
Superinten lent James, were sent from the police-office to
quell the disturbance, and several of them suffered severely
in the riot which ensued, one of them having his police hat
cut through, and hie forehead laid open upwards of two
inches, by a blow from a side-belt, the brass breastplate,
bearing the number of the regiment, having strack him
edgewise. Immediately on the arrival of the police, the mi-
, perintendent tapped one of the soldiers on the shoulder, and
asked his name, but he answered only by a blow. He was,
of course, taken into custody, and by a very determined
effort on the part of the soldiers, he was ultimately
rescued. His name was stated to be John Johnson.
One of the most prominent in the rescue was William Kil-
leen, who was captured, and after much violence conveyed
' to prison. Corporal John James was also stated to have
• been extremely active in urging the rescue. It seemed pro-
bable that much snore violence would have resulted, but for
the timely arrival of Lieut. Pollard, an officer of the regi-
' ment, who ordered many of the men to leave for their bar-
' racks immediately, and otherwise assisted the police. Mr.
Naylor, solicitor, appeared for the defendants, and expressed
an intention to call witnesses in support of an alibi as re.
garded John Johnson and Thomas Maeguire, who bad been
sworn to by three witnesses as having been present in the
affray • but as the magistrates said they should hold all the
defendants to bail for trial at the sessions, which commence
this day, Mr. Naylor reserved his evidence, and in default of
bail, the abovenatted Corporal James, John Johnson, %Ym.
Killeen and Thomas Macguire, and also Michael M'Cann,
Patrick Donelly, William Nowlin and Michael Nolan, were
severally committed for trial for a riot and assault.
RUSSIA. REPORTED DIeTURRANCEe IN ST.
PETERSEIIt(s.—A Berlin correspondence, under date Feb
29, in the Magdeburg Gazette, states that disturbances lead
broken out in the Russian capital, and that an attempt had
been made on the Emperor's life.

AVERAGES, FROM THE "LONDON GAZETTE" OF PRIDAY LAST.
. MOAT. . itAILLEY. (mem. ATM 1 113.113111. , PLS.
DUITSIO26 Ole ; AVOMS4, sour.. , avenge glum.. Avsslesi Qrs. Lessem '4l.srsers • Average Qr. Leon.
colt. peke. wl4.ketee nl4. rice. rid. prim_ • sold. prke. Lesl6 prim
London . 3053 32 " 4374 32 7885 22 : ... ... r K 33 23 0 W 43 11
Uxbridge _. .. 839 Mt 76 32 II 68 23 - .. 1183661 31 42 7
Essex 4127 50 I. 6131 29 265 II ii 8.0 1 721 32 11 199 si I
Hertfordsbin
Buckinghandise
Oxfordshire ....- .......... ..- 777 51 i 1171 31 130 21 ' ... ... 11 109 Si 13 33 44 4
Wiltshire
Berkshire lll6O 52 ii 1221 32 131 21 • ... ... .1 141 40 0 30 43 4
, Surrey „. 78753 225 22 1 , 65 n ... .. 11 ... 45 to 7
1 Kea 1761 43 ' 930 30 197 20 ... .... 149 83 I . 49 3
StiNex Ugh 49 1; 1091 32 1 457 SO
11
Hants „„ .. . 1418 So . 1453 30 342 21
Donetshire
... ...
il
.. t43„11:. 'lO, fp el!
Devonshire. lllO 55 ' 610 30 364 23
Cornwall 414 U 006 27 ,! 189 19 ...
...
."...
1.•. r. a ... ...
lir 0. 4' yr •• •
Somersetadre IUII 23 . 1530 33 I- 402 11 ... ...
Monmoutimhire .......... .. DI 32 88 30 .. ... • ... ...
Gloucestershire ......
-.. . I 1238 31 , 12U 32 331 23 1•, ... ... II SO ;I1 .4 I-. 94
Herefordshire
Woroostershire 1633 sa 512 95 ... • - .
Ka 54 I WI 33 1! 92 as 4 . ... ... . •
.htalordshire - 0311
0 f
Chtehift 216 51 1 43 SS 44 23 10 : ... ... •g 4 v..
Derbyshire
Warw mkshire 3389 53 1041 $4 ' 82 26 1': ... ... 32 •iiAO . ...
Leioestershire 1294 o 3 . 1116 33 I, 476 24 5 ... ... 31 45 - 33 4
Northampton
Rut;and - -
Bedford
1608 46 . 4602 : 51: t: ; •.: .... 2.411. ill •
.2:41
H witingdOnshire.- - .
Cambridgeshire
. 4.
Suffolk 3928 149 . 12090 29 435 21 4 ' 2. 27 91 410: $3 •
Norfolk. 5902 147 ' 13470 29 308 21 0 ..11 . .. II 300 36 •2 •
Liftooladdri. 14067 143 3179 $1 3992 16 9 St 11, 871 . ail 11 f• .. 44 7
Notts 1409 153 • 1407 SS 579 36 3 I . ... '! IN •48 11 ...1, ` 9, •
Yorkshire . 13704 ,30 4341 32 1 3177 19 7 ..7
36 oi. 912 41 a 42 a_.
Lantashir, - 7062 t4B . US U 968 X, 3 ' - ... I 149 SI - •
Weetnicreinil.- 3O ,50 . 7 32 • 193 22 2 . - ...
' Consberismil...~.... ....
• .1, ./'
Northumbsdni-... 3720 so 414 21 1 . 507 23 3 ... .., Ili , 1.: , •
Durham- 1938 52 796 U 41 26 4 I . ... 0
..., • rarjlll,
t Walso- llO6 .52 304 32 1 996 17 0 -. ... " •••• '''' •••• _ _....ki •":.
j 1-.... —...- —.-1,-....-. .:1
' ' 1011111161 WINO 6911101114 ......1 94643 INI 93384 34 mu 34 3 ; 13 20 33 7918 n 0 119 41 7

---------
Tin NUMBER GP IRlull VAGRANTS AND IMPOSVOIIta
who infest this county has tor some time pan been a souses
of serious complain: on the part et rate-pares. Doncaster
is one of the towns is which the infliction has been sevorde'
ere.
The local paper, the Gaulle, of Friday, says: . H
of Irhh beggars have of late infested this town, seeties ki
who ang out,
by means best knowu to themaelvea, these parre
well known as the 'charitable and riumone; and whose
sympathies are cohabited to he must easily aroused by a tale
of distress. These impostor—for they are in fact nothing
less, and in masy instances sons, thing mart—take up their
residence in certain lodging-houses in the purlieus of the
Rookery, and there cone sct their seheinee for practising on
the unwary. It is calcul tool that some of the lodging bosses
in that p .rt of the town coat the p+ri-h no less than irOM ; 201.
to 4W. each, by korbouring hesegara, thieves, and vagabonOs
but it is a matter of congratulation that the fail recently in-
troduced io the House of Commons by Lint Moroeth con-
tains cl iuses wsich will require .On:A plains to be licensed
by maeistreee, and °laced under proper surveillance. This,
it is hoped, will lessen, it not entirely prevent the evils now
20 eneral, and on productive of every bad tendency. As
illusgtrations of the above remarks we would refer to some
eases which have lately been brought before the hJrough
magnate .tea in this town. Some time during the last week
some Irish children were taken before the bench, on a
charge
of begging at people tioussis. The. hol -.wed that their
father .1 IS dead, and that they did not know where their
mother was. When questioned by the magistrates it came
out that they were lodging at the hotter) of James n
of suein,ch
a
well known house of entertainment for the reception
e.hanictere. Finan's wife was seat for, and the children were
placed under her care, with ctnct ord. es that they should not
be allowed TO go out again on a similar errand. Notwith-
standing this, aud the women's promioe that they should
not be allooed to have the house, on Sunday 6.ur children—
the same as before—were found feasting in the streets when
people were leaving the thurches and chapels. It was then
discovered that their father and mother were both living, ,
and were lodging with them at Finan's, and that conse-
quently the story they had told preri..usly was entirely false."
—Vagrancy is also much complained of in Lincolnebtre. At
the meeting of the guardians of the Boston Union on Satur-
day, the following report appeared in the master's journal,
and was ordered to be forwarded to the poor-law board:—
. I beg to call the arention of the board to the inmettee of
vagrancy. The following statement for the past twe year.
will show that it is not increasing gradually or at a moderate
rate, but must rapidly and to a frightful extent : —For the
quarter ending March, 1846, there were admitted 311 ; in
the June qenrcer,2Ja3; in theSoptenther quart,, liiS; and in
the Decernher quarter, 303: total, 1,062. For the corre-
sponding periods of 1847, there were admitted in March
quarter. 375; in June quarter, 470; in September quarter,
403 ; and in Dec tuber quarter, 623: total, 1873: being an
increase of more than 800 on the previous year. For the
pest eight weeks of the present quarter there have been 846,
showing the number tote still on the increase. I firmly be-
lieve that the profess,d vagrants (I mean 'hoes who will not
work unites compelled to do ro) now make the vagrant
lodges of union houses their regular lodgings whether they
have the means of paying for their lodgings elsewhere or not.
I have known instances of vagrants leaving their money in
the town, so that if they were searched th• y should be found i
in a destitute condition ; and ethers to leave the house in
the morning and return in the evening, they during the in-
tonal having been wandering about the town and neigh- I
bourli md begging; whilst others seem to have a regular I
circuit, visiting the house six or eight times during the year.
I know that the accommodatinn they receive in the vagrant
lodge hue tven complained of to • ifferent persons in the
town, hut I am 'OCii persuaded that only by those parties I
(I mean the habitual vagrann) who make it their fre- 1
quent lode Mo-house is complaint made : the casual pauper
would not do on, it bei• g his object so leave the town
and neiohtiourhood, and a+ soon as possible get to the
termination of his journey. I could suggest to the com-
mittee a more comfortable mode of accommodation, but it
would be a greater inducement to idle paupers to come more
frequently, and they are the introducers of disease, being
generally in a filthy condition : in meat cues it is this class of
persons who introduce smst-pox and fevers of different kinds
into workhouses."
PATIENT SE tRCII REWARDED.—Recently a fine large
vein of lead ore has been disc leered in the manor of Hart.
sop, Patterdale, of which the Earl of Loiodale is lord. It
was found by a poor man, a miner, named Hodgson, who for
upwards of 2.5 yeses felt convinced that there was a vein in
the manor, and who from time to time during that long
period has searched, and at last found it, and who has been
presented with a share of it as a reward for the discovery.
'The ore is of the best quality, and there is no doubt but
that the comploy who are working it will realise large

-
INTIMIDATION BY COLLIERS.—On Wednesday a
band of miners visited several coal-pits in Pemberton, and,
by threats or intimidation, induced the whole of the men
engaged at those works to leave their employment without
a momiut's notice. They announced, also, that they should
continue their calls at the other pits in Pemberton and in
Winstanley on Thursday, for the same purpose. Most of
the hands of the Earl of Bilcarris, at Haigh Colliery, have
left off work; and at Messrs. Lancaster's pit, in Ince, a
similar attempt has been made to quit their employment
illegally.
Prince Albert, attended by Col. Bouverie, equerry ,
in waiting, went on Saturday afternoon by special train to
Claremont, to visit, upon their arrival in this country, the
Count and Countess of Neuilly, which title the ex-King
and Queen of the French have assumed. His royal highness
returned to Buckingham Palace in the evening.
The Duchess of Kent visited the Queen and Prince
Albert on Saturday.