The Express.
London, England, 1851-01-10 00:00:00

DOOM-MEETING OF BOND-
HOLDERS.

Yesterday a meeting wee held at the London
Tavern of the bceldholders in this tudertaking, for the pur-
pose of receiving the report of the committee appointed to
inquire into the pleition of the property. The chair was
taken by Baron L. GULDSMID, who, tiler °burying that the
only reason he had been called upon to fill the chair was the
very lugs star he held in the concern, aid—fie bad only
one Draw* to make, which wu that it was of the Lit im-
portance that, considering the time the subject had been
under consideration, they *tumid no longer defer coming to
some final determination as to the tutors course they should
panne. The committee had entered into the subject very
fully, and he hoped in addition to what they had published
in their report, thateome members of that body would state
what their ortnion was. . _

F. IL GOLD 81111), Earl , oae of the members of the
committee ,hen formally presented the report, which,
having hies already published, was taken u read. He
afterwards read the terms, which appeared is the Es
press yesterday, after wtich he said he would detain
then oily to give ea erase of the rations for
the reeotameetlaUse of the report that this Mee I tag do

&aerate theme terms, these reasons being fully stated In that
document. They would ahem es that the committee had had
occasion to comment strongly on the conduct of ince ividuals,
but they had not don . so gratuitously but because th, y felt
that such eon:agate were essential to a right decision on the
question at issue. When the committee commenced their
investigation they found the affairs of the bondholoers in a
state of great embarrassment, and that perions who bed had
the conduct of them from the first, sod who he wouid not say
had produced that embarrassment, but had had the manaoe•
cant during the period when it had occurred, still exercised
a predominating tofiuence in their affairs. And inasmuch as
one of the propositions before them we,, in effect, a charge
sgaiust that management, they would have shown a went of
proper courage had they shrunk from entering fully and fairly
into the question vet how their property had been brought
into its present unsatisfactory condition ? Tee answer to
that question was simple. In the year 1844 certain works
were eanctiostel by parliament, the cost of which was
estimated at 400,0001., and within a few weeks alter the
passing of the sot the whole of that money
was lest and paid, notwithstanding which the works re
mained up to the present moment uacompleted. It Imglit
be said that mtaturtunee of this kind often an se from
some inaccuraey or deficiency in the estimates of an
gingers; but that could not be the cue here, for the
mines hed ascertained that not ute.balf of ins tco,oool,
which had butt raised under the act, had really torn
expended on the works. The purposes to which :he
other portion had been diverted were fully set forth iu
the report. In the first places there were two large items
for which probably no blame could attach to at., one—
certainly nuns to the engineer—ein , 20,0001. tOr p .mo-
mentary expenses, aid about 20,0001. for interest paid to
bondholders, this last being perhaps the most aatia:llX.
tory item of the whole, being so much of their own
capital returned to them is the shape of interest. Teen
they came to certain items, with regard to which it ce old
not be said that WM, did not lie somewhere. The fleet
of these was 7e) 0001. expended in wotksnot authorised by the
act of parliament. For some reason or other it appeared that
the gentlemen to whom the management of these tuna. was
entrusted thought proper to authorise this amount being
expins'ed in other works. Next, they came to 00,0001.
by the same managing body improperly and without soy
authority, which amount was utterly last. Trey would
remember that the execution of the powers panted by the
act was entrusted to a body of gentlemen not elected by
toe boodholders who had advanced the money hut by the
ratepayers of Birkenhead—the township of improvement
commissioners of that town—and who were, for the purpoeu
of their new duties, constituted "C tnimiseionen of the
Bit enheed Docks;" their funds and Imo:tithe as Improve-
ment commissioners sad os duel( commierioners being kept
distinct, although the bodies ware,with enme slight exception,
identical. Yoder the chairmanship of hir. Lord, the sum
of 55,000 i , part tit the and raised under the act for carrying
on the works of the duke, was lent by one of these bodies
to the other—which he would not say was lost, lot he
hoped they might yet recover it. Here they had accounted
for the espenditure of 165,0001. to purposes apart from those
contemplated by the act. In addition to this, when the
stoppage of the work' tools plate in 1847, there were
plant and materials which coat 60,0001., and of which the
works had had party the benefit, out of which one-halt, or
two-thirds their melee, went to the service of ether work.
in which they were subsequently employed. Taking this
into acT nint, they wooed find that at hat one halt of the
whole 100,0001 raised hod hems diverted to other purposes
than the works intended. It was not therefore on soment
of any di Wine, in the estimates of the engineer that the
money bad been all spent without the works b kg brought
to a state of completion. But when the works were stopped
for wont of fund', ii. 1617, upwards of 60,0001. was calmer
on account of an impreper transaction of far greater stunt
tude than any he had ye; mentioned. Shortly after the act
of 1614 was passed, the Ilirkentue,d Dock and Warehouse
Company was projected, and some of the comndasioners of
the Birkenhead Docks we re &Lodi/sou:nut the new commo.y
Tnis intended company, for it was not at that time leg oly
e company, Led entered into large coat:sailor the purchase
of land, lied at a meeting of the shareholien authority woe
given to the directors to burrow money for the purpose of
completing thee' purchases—not, however, as had
bus stated in a pampa's', issued by one of the
purl.., authority to borrow the money which might be
tem:rued to mesa Cie money in the betas of the dock coin.
11111SiOnlITS, but simply an authority to borrow money.
Shortly after this, two of the directors who were also rota
suissienen t together, and they resolved that e 65,0001.
should be borrowed tram the funds in the hands of toe dock
czaninisaion; in fact, that them muds which boa be. a eels. d
under an act of parliament for a dificed and specific purpose
should be lent to so unoicorporated body. The application
for this purpose must have been stscoe,sinl, for the cemeeitte IJ
sound that shortly after, viz in Dumber in the same year,
200,0001. had b. en woolly len.. (" Hear, hoer," and
shame.") Bat in this cep., the bondnoldees might perhaps
well congreralete themselves that toe matter au not
foe bed the Dock Company not b come crated, he
knew not where they would hive had to lock for repayment
of any of this mossy. He now came to the question
',higher the proposition now suldnitten in the report was
one that they ought to adopt—(heat)—whether it wouid
be beneficial both is regard to the management
of the property, arid in its pecuniary results. Statinneuts had
been ironed at the instance of the trustees, bedding out hopes
that the bondholders might obtain their interest by some
other means: it be thought there was a chance of elicit obtain-
ing it from the works now in progress, he should say do
not in that ease issue preference bonds' but he feared there
was ions. (Hear, bear.) They had it'd a statement, 1.
was true, from Cap'. flukey, showing that an income of
30,0001. a year might remit from the completion of the
preemie works; hut on outdoing that calculation, he found
it was 'eased on the number of ship that could poesitey mane
into the docks, not up' n the trade which was likely to
come. There was also a plan brought forward by Per.
Abernethy, the engineer, at the instance of Mr. Laval, for
reducing. the low water Win, and carrying out toe works
generaLy on a reduced mile, which plan they were tell
might be completed for 1`26,0001, kneed of 280,0001
which would be required for completing the tatter
works as origiaally proposed. The committee, not
being engineers themselves, called in Mr. Heeded,
and his opinion wail that the plan of Mr. Abernethy
would not answer the purpose inhneted, and that it could
not possibly be completed for anything like the sum stated.
With this opinion boons them, cotfirmed u it was by tee
evidence of Mr. Cubitt and Mr. R. Stephenson, given in
1844, they did not feel justified in adopting the proposal of
the engineer of the trustees. And, is fact, they had Mr.'
Abernethy's own evidence in tavour of the orminol, and
against las own plan; for in his evidence before the Board
ed Admiralty, three years ago, he stated that the original
plan was a noble one, perfect as a whole, but imperfeet if
taken in put. But supposing the present management to
remain, bow would they obtain the eves for these
reduced works ? The notion that the Dock Company
we the bondholders would *dunce money under the pretest
system of management was absurd. (Hear) The arty vurce
to which the trustees could look (Cr the means of construct-
leg such works was the south reserve, which, as they were
aware, was a mere piece of strand, which, valuable as it
would be undoubtedly when the yolks were completed, was
worth nothing now. The plan and estimate of Mr. Aber.
way here evidence of haste and incompleteness on the
face of it. He begged, however, to say (and it was necessary
he should do so in consequence of a statement in Mr. Laird's
pamphlet) that the committee bade tot no censure on Mr.
Abernethy. All they said was, that they did not think
his experieoce and medico; in his profession ought to
Indus them to prefer his opinion to those of sack
men as Mr. Rendell, Mr. Cubist, and Mr. R. Stephen.
son. Another objection to Mr. Abernethy's design
wee, that it could not be commenced before le6l.
His advice to the bondholders, therefore, was not to sanc-
tion any departure from the original plan, and he might
remind them that, by a singular coiceidenee, wheaten it
was proposed to take mope to carry out the worke, es sanc-
tioned in 1844, some suggestion came from the trustees to
divert their attention, and to occasion delay. He believed if
they rejected the Dock Company's offer now the effect would
he to leave the management of their affairs in the hands of
the present trustees, and efts etually to prevent their prop ray
attaining its proper value, If the works were left iormo.
piste, with only one entrance to the docks, it would be
impossible to draw trade to them against the competition of
Liverpool ; but if, on the other hand, they completed their
works, they would have a dock of 150 acres in extent, and
be able to offer accommodation to shipping far superior to
any that Liverpool possessed. Their only chance, therefore,
of obtaining their money be believed to be by the completion
of the original plan, and with that view he moved the seam
tion of the report and the recommendations of the con-
nate*. _

Mr. W. ELLICE, late chairman of the Dock Trust,
could not concur in the resolution. He entired into a de.
fence of their proceeding., and expressed an opinion that
had the committee inquired into that part of the sublet-,
they would have round that there had been neither neubct
nor improper et unnecessary expenditure. After se.m. fur-
ther conversation the question that the repdrt be rec, ised,
and the recommendation' contained in it adopted,:was put
and carried, as was another resolution sanctioning the bill
of the Dock Company.

CATTLE SLAUGHTERED IN LlVERPOOL.—Yeatortlay
at the meeting of the Liverpool Health Committee, Mr.
Fresh, the inspector of nuisane, e, suburste6 a retort showing
the number of cattle slaughtered in that borough in 1850 :
I Beasts, 35,299; calves, 17,364 ; sheep, 163,309; lambi,
11,742 ; pigs, 21,249 ; =shut, a total of 242,963 animals
slabs for local consumption This is an aggregate of 16,305
man than were slaughtered in 1819—a gratifying proof of
the increased comfort and prosperity of the people.

THB
MANUFACTURING DISTRICTS.

FOUNDING OF A FREE LIBRARY AND
MUSEUM AT MANCHE:3TM
MANCHESTER, JAN. 8.
Several months back I gave an account in the
Express of a scheme originated by the Mayor of Man.
cheater (John Potter, Esq.), for establishing by misers of a
public subscription, a Pillow Free Library and Museum for
the working and other inhabitants of tuns borough. His
worship has so far matured the scheme as to venture to
bring it before his fellow-townsmen, to day, at a meeting in
the budding which is destined to become the receptacle of
the library and museum. That building is calltd the Hall
of Science, and was erected not many years ago by en luso-
Mated body of working men preening pedalos' principles.
It Is a large brick building 'Lading neatly fronting to St.
Matthew's Churcii, in Camp-field—a site which though
not so central as might be desired, is yet in the midst of •
dense population of the dance fur whose use it is
principal., designed, and will be conveniently accessible to a
popuaeion of more than Ito,ooo. I proceed to detail the
result of the mettinr this morning, for the founding of
the Free Library end Museum.
Among the gentlemen present were :—The Mayor of
Manchester, the Lora Bishop of Manchester, the Very Rey.
the Dean of Mancheet.r. the Mayor of Salford, Joe. Bro-
therton, E.g., M.P.; J. A T , Esq.; Thu. Bosley,
Eq.; W. U. C ; Richard Birley, Esq.;
Heokson, Esq.; J. Faraday Smith, Esq.; and •
cotaideraelo number of clergymen, ministers, and other
leading inhabitants.
Toe MATURsaid, you will all readily acknowledge that
those who are interested in the welfare of the working classes,
of Manchester could not have viewed with anything like indif-
ference the efforts that have been recently made in Belford for
the promotion of their well being ever since the establishment
of the Peel park free library and museum. It has appeared
to me • matter rot of caoice, but of absolute linearity, that
something should be done in Manchester of &similes, de-
scription, mid for a c...caiderable length of time I bad not
turgotrn the matter—l have been on the lock out for an
opportunity to attempt something of the kind here. About
ibis time lot year it was suggested to me by Dr
Watts, who, I believe, is at all times very anxious
to promote the welfare of the working climes, and who has
been much associated with them, and really been the means
of great usefulness in Manchester—(chess)—it was sug-
gested by him that this hell was well calculated for the pur-
poses of a library and museum, and that it might be
p -.imbued exceedingly cheap. I had previously received an
1114.111114011 from the overseers of Manchester, that they were
themselves very anxious that something of the kind should
be done, and they further intimated that they were prepared
to Appropriate a sum of money which they had at their dis-
posal, tor any good purpose which was essentially and
entirely a public purpose, without distinction of any class
of the community or beet of tie community, and that they
acre willing to appropriate a considerable sum to aid in
nything of the kind. I then had a further communi•
cation from Dr. Watts, and ascertained from him that
toe history of this out:ding is certainly a melan-
choly cue as for as the workeog classes were concerned in it,
is I tear it has at least cost them between .5,000 i and 6,0001.
They have frequently been in v.ry coesiderable difficulty,
and testy have been anxious to dispose of this building. I
have certainly felt it a gratification to myself to hope that
the future purposes to which this building will be adapted
be likely, in their results at least, et any rate to repay
the wetting classes in some meant* for the sacrifices they
have made in • pecuniary point of view. (Cheers.) The
sum which was mentioned as the price was 1,206 L, and 1
immediately felt it my duty to pat myeelf in comenuoicaion
with Sir Oswald Moseley, who holds a chief rent of
911. 6s. on this nilding. I felt that without his liberal
sedum:me it was very doubtful whether the matter
netted be carried through; but Sr Oiweld M
in the most prompt mariner and with the most mun:fisent
liberallly—ezprelearl his nordi tl approval of the object to
which this budding was to be devoted, with an ezpres,ion
of regret certainly toat the purposes to which it had pre-
viously been appropriated had not resulted in good to the
worilleg classes. tie at once said that he should value the
chLt-ll nt at 20 years' purchase, and to show his sanction
and approval of the project, he would return us cue half of
the purchase money. (Cheer-) I think we must scarcely
regard this as enure present of 9131.; for I think every one
acquainted with the value of property in Manchester will
bur me out in saying that the chief-rent of this land, secured
in it is by a building on it, is fully worth twenty.four
I year,' purchase. Thtrefore we must consider Chet he has
commenced this good work by giving us upwards of
I,AtOr. in its aid. Well, I felt that this institution could
yin ba successful if I did not assure myself that it wool i also
hay, the support and cordial concurrence of our excellent
Whop. The bishop, with that kindness which he has
Always manifested towards me, and for which I eanrot be
sufficiently grateful, at once assured me of his hearty con.
carnet. in my views, and also insured me that he would do
anyeffirg in his power to aupport the scheme. (Cheers)
aneationed it also to many other friends and to many of my
iri,nds among the di.sentiog ministers, arid from all I re-
calved the same encouragement and approval. Atter this
I considered it my duty to devote the little leisure I lad at
various intervals to endeavour to popes* this measure as
much as I possibly could. 1 have not raked the assistance of
my teliow-town, men up to the present time in ai 1 of this
cenvase. I am ex,cedingly happy to say that I have a list
before me of 76 gentlemen and firms who have given me
pen 4,319 L, to which must be added the Mai of
2,0001. whoa has been appropriated by the overseers to this
purpose, believing, as they do, that it is essentially a public
purpose and Inc the public advantage. Now from what I
have stated you will observe that the money which has been
paid tor the building amounts to 2,1471 Thin building and
the freehold is at peseta vested in myself. I do not Snow
who her tag gentlemen here have viewed the balking at
prune, bet I am anxious that they should look over it be-
ide' they leave it, in cyder that they may see its peculiar
'deputies, with as outlay ei not a vary large sum of mummy,
for the purposes of such an institution u that contemplated
Oar idea at present is that the room underneath tins should
be appropriated as a roading-room, to contain newspapers and
magazines, freely open to the public; and that In the lower
room there should elm be • circulating library. Now, of
course the whole scheme Is to some tenet au experiment.
The circulating part of the scheme is entirely an experiment
in England at present ; but I cannot believe myself that any
pubic library cannot meet the exigencies and claims upon it,
nor csznot be productive of its full naefulnesi, if p.sria who
Uteri:ulna take the trouble of ebtalnieg information
within its walls cannot take thou books of entertainmeat
and amusement which they may select, and read them at
horn amongst their laxities. I do not see at all why they
should nut be as anxious to preserve those valuable books
which may be entrusted to thins, as the population of eiiLer
Freon or Belgium, and I think it only right that we should
try the ezeeriment. (Hear, hear.) This room it is proposed
to devote entirety M th purposes of a library of
reference, and it is thought that with the space
nude' the gallery, and between the two windows.
there will he c suv.anence enough for a very valuable library.
Above stain there is a very large room to which access at
present is very inconvenient, but which we shell be easily
able to place within reach, which is 67 feet by 29, and 11
feet in height. Of course the adaptation of this room will
be for the consideration of • committee, but I myself think
it would be trremely wed aoepted for the purpous of •
mechanical museum. (Cheers.) I think it would be very
p.teresiing to this commonly if we could get together the
models of all the machines that have been in use since the
.• ton trade was commenced in these districts. (Hear, hear.)
I believe that we shall also have to mike arrangements for
various conveniences, such as lavatories, and various other
things, as a residence for at least one servant, or
porter to the institution, and a room fur the labia-
rim, for the reception of books, and a committee room
In order to make all these preparations, which I think ar -
r. ally indispensable to the success of this institution, and
which must be done at once, as we must not have the wo7k
irg of this institution interfered with in a few year., in
order that any enlergsment may be made, we must immedi-
ately make it as perfect as circumstanc• a will allow us. I
think the alterations in this building will not cost less than
between 1,7001. and Leal I think that will be the very
smeller. sum that will be sufficient. So that the total cost
of the building may be considered as 4,0001. That would
I aye us at present a margin of 2,3001. for the supply of
baths and periodical+ for the library. Of course this is not
sufficient. I thought a few days since that if we could
raise the sum we now have, 6,3001., to 7,0001, it
would be suffici. rot ; but I am how inclined to
believe that we must necessarily increase that to 7.5001. I
don't think that will be smatter of very difficult accomplish-
ment, I have been enabled to get 6,3001. myself, and I shall
now venture to call upon a committee to assist me, though
I wall still do my best, in continuieg the mess., to get at
least 7,5001. (Hear, hear) My idea is that the circu-
lating departmeir, and the library of reference must be kept
entirely and absolutely distinct, and that there must be no
consexion whatever between the two. We have exeended,
say 4.0,101., which perhaps may be increased a little by the
necessary fixtures of shelves and the necessary protection to
be afforded to the bo-lts. Then, say, we appropriate 2,0001.
to this library of reference, in this room, and I have reason
to believe that Twill give us at least 8,000 of the very best
w- eke. That will make 6,0001. Then we can appropriate
1,0001. to the library for circulation, and of course the boa ks
there will be those which can easily be replaced. There must
not be one of •series which would hoof immense value, and
which, if one was lost, we could not replace. Of CMOSe we
must be prepared for some loss and damage, in trying this
experiment of circulation. However, we must have a
library of books that can be essay replaced; therefore. if
we apply 1,0001. to I have reason to believe that we shall
have 5,000 volumes of good, strongly bound books, fit far
circulation among the people. Therefore, I do bops that
at any tate, brturs the let July, if this ishenie still meets
with the general sanction it has received up to the
present time, we may look forward to the commencing of
this *satiation within this hall, the hall in thorough repsir,
the architecture ornamental and a credit to the town, and
books of a real botrafide value—not trash, not rubbish, not
the worst parts et the fiction of modern days, but really use-
ful books, which cannot be read by an individual without
improvement. (Cheers.) I called at the Peel-park library
this morning, to ink what the attendance had been. It
happens that it is just • year since that the library was opened
to the public. During that period there has been an Wile
of 27,282 volumes, which have beaa read by the people
them. But this does not at all give an lade: to the num-
nbiort goof ptoeopreleadatbtonLing,
and various publications of that nature. I am told that
te.tatbelfialrnewepathmpeanre andasinyaewshz?inesdo,
atthileelaPtee7-p.l: has brought
.atitileieastanddonbadlevatnhuatg.numwbeh
ich a
large number of the
withinduring tthheeirlarmst
hy.earlaf it lamed themselves of a the
sorpyot pe p have
beet tt
therod residences
iliiingor isthinowt
orsukinrrogtusamaded by
of
the
population, I
do

hope and expect, end believe, that before we have been
ai,te.leoltir.l63(fhOeinof)our
Much apple..., and said: Mr. Mayor, you have so ""erashebeditLollniaredwyßiellaishrlmairnpe thoavafilMilbehNduilltienkagEse, MANCHESTER then root, amid
admi-
rably, and at the same time so entirely, explained the subject
on which we are met this morning, that there remains little
for me to do but to express say maim concurrence in every
word that has fallen from you (Hear, hear.) I have never
stood before a meeting in Manchester which has given me
hneater Rectification than I led at this moment, though I
ave hed to address many meetings, of, I may say, perhaps
fifty times the rise. The object for which we are met is one so
good, se calculated to be extensively useful, that, impressed
by imperative convictions of duty, I should at the same time
feel an unmixed pleseure and satisfaction in being permitted
to co.oparate with those who are carrying it on, while its
importance makes me feel the responsibility of undertaking
to give any council connected with it. I heartily concur
with the remarks which have been mare with reference to
the temper and disposition of the people, of the operatives
of this county, and of this country generally at the present
time. I believe it has been a libel, wrath and *Rein re-
peated and circulated, that the trash we see in a great num-
ber, perhaps too nisei, of the windows ot the smaller book-
shops, is the real literary food cf the working people of
England. Now my own observation, whilst assisting to
establish a small library in Birmingham, some years since,
the books of which were of a useful and pri fitable, and some
of them of a sup,rior description,—an :trait which was
attended with full semen, the great number of books taken
out, the regularity with whichthey were returned, and the
care and respect with which they were used, all warrant me
in saying that I can personally recommend and encourage
the experiment you intend making. But that is not all. I
have privately is (pitied from every one of good authority on
the sutject in Manchester with whom I had the opporunity
of communicating, as to the character of the hooks whites
circulate among the working population, end I have con.
elusive evidarea, from these on whom I can rely, that many
of them are of a very sup Iri3r description. Nor is that eh
I either. I have received invitations within the lest her
weeks from no less than nine mechanics' institutions in die
(trent parts of the country, though I have only been able to
attend one or two of them; and I have found on inquiry
that those institution are rapidly improving, that the cir-
culatioa of books is greatly increasing, and that the interest
taken in them by the winking classes is of the most satis-
factory description in every case. The right rev. prelate then
moved the following resolution :—" That this meeting hoe
heard with much satiraction the statement made fry the
mayor, in reference to the predict inry steps which have
been taken to establish a public free library and museum.
That, in the opinion of this meeting, such an institution
is calculated to ,be extensively upend to the community,
and to be productive of most important and bete ficial
remits; toad that is is deserving of the cordial support of al:
classes."

The Rev. W. HUNTINGDON expensed his concurrence
in the propriety of the object contemplated, and seconded
:he motion. He thought there would be greet advantages
att. nding the better education arid the improvement of the
working classes, eepecislly the mechanics. He thought
mechanical improvements might not hare pregreesed so
much as they would have done for want of a sufficient corn
bination of the practical and the scientific ; and now that we
were about to have the hiehest scientific talent in conuexion
with the new Owen's College, whose profe,oors were Inns
amongst the principal men in the Universities of Lund. a
and Cambridge, the better education of the workirn tine,
and their advancement in intelligence bringing the two
mare intimately into connextun, mitt!,t be of great advan-
tage. He believed that many valuable discoveries had been
lost for wart of this. (ile.r, hear.)
JOSEPH BROTIIERTON, Esq., M. P., had great
pleasure in oSerkg his congratulations to the mayor on the
tenets§ which had so far attended his efforts, and ex..reteed
his belie:, from what he had already witnessed of the
working of the public library in Seltord, that such en in.
*Stollen would be attended with great tenefits to the
working classes. He thought the corporation ought to
avail themselves of the power the legislature had given
them to raise money to purchase the building by meats of a
halfpenny rate. (Hear, bear )
Mr. Councillor ADSIIEAD expressed a hepe that the
effort would not atop here, tut that en attempt would he
mode to secure the Natural history Sociity`e ;1111341m for
the public. The two might be made auxiliary to each o.her,
end would be a great boon to the erAking classes.
The 31A1 OR said he had already communicated with the
general purposes committee of the corpe.rati..n on this sub.
jrct, and the lineation IFII that as soon as the public library
was establit lied it should be handed over to the melioration
in trust for the inkabitants—(hear' bear)—and that the
corporation should make provision for its futun support.
lie thought it eery desirable also that tsar Natural History
Society's museum should become public property. The
Sent -tint /inlet.; hail already given the whole of the it eel-
leeti .n of specimens to the Natural History Society's
museum, on eosielidon of the public being seannited to view
them frn of charge, and he thought it would soon be FOOD
that great distatistamion existed it the public, atter walking
through one.helf the institution free of charge, were re-
quired to pay for admia.ion to the other half—alrhosigh the
charge had barn reduce 1 to M. But there were many of
the proprietors wiling to give their anent to the museum
being made public property, and be believed others would
follow them if there wee security given that they should be
made avellale for public use. There was auotivr thing, to did
not wish to see the hestithul gardens of the Betorde &den
lost to the town. lie had reason to know that the pro.
prietors had the greatest difficulty in carrying on these gar-
dens, aed why should not tbey be secured to the use of the
public like the new packs bad been t (" Hear, hear," and
Nichol...) He was sure it would he a ream .4 great
enortificate.m to the town is after times it either of these
institutions were lost. Wel), Ito believed all this could be
done, and done most easily; and he thought if they could
be secured and hauled over to the public, the corporation
might, perhaps, bo induct to apply to pediment Inc pow,T
to levy a small rate to support them. (Chan) The oast
'o the inhabitants of maiutainieg them by a halfpenny rate
would only be fivrpnce per annum to tbo 101. householder
—(hear, hear)—and he should be glad to co operate with
Mr. Adsbead at a future day in any scheme which maht be
likely to accomplish such an excellent objet, (.Cenn.)
The resolution was mend ueanimuusly.
Me. THOS. BAZLEY, President of the Chisel:v.l of
Commerce, moved :—" That the following gentlemen be
appointed a committee, with power to add to their number,

to authorise the necemary *iterations In the buildtoc, to pre...
pare the Tales for the ri gelation of the institution, to appoint
a librarian, and generally to promote the speedy es ablish-
sent of a free library and museum:—The Mayor, the Right
Bev. the Lord Bishop of Manchester, the Very Rev. the
Deer of Maathester, the Riv. T. R. Bentley, the Rev.'
Robert Vaughan, the Rev. William Idlierrow, the Boy.
George °shwa, the Rev. J. J. Taylor, A. J. Scott (principal
of Owen's College), J. G. Greenwood (professor of duels.;
Owen's College)„ Joseph Brotberton, M.P., Mr. Committed
Bowker, Mr. Councillor A. lleywo.il, Mr. Couhcillor
Thaekray, Mr. Cotten:Atm Nall, Meein. Thomas Begley,
E. T. Rllhonse, Alfred Binyon, John Dodashon, William
Entwistle. Samuel Fletcher, J P., William Foyster, J. B.
Grew, J. C. Grundy, John klarlaed, James Higgins, B. R.
Lingworthy, John Leigh, W. B. Leming, Jelin Lowe,
Thomas Liege, Malcolm Rom, G. Faraday Smith, James
A pivot Turner, John Watts, A. Watkin,W. C. Williamson."
Mr. B zley eepresaid his warm approbation of the scheme.
He believed that co-it:hetet with mechanical ireprov3nents
had been the increase of employee, nt to the cp.:retina of
L.ncashire, end, therefore, be had greet pleasure in support.
log a schema like thir, on which the intelligence of the week-
, Jog claire, and the advancement of our manufacturing skill
st much depended ; and he expressed his opinion that the
operatives would enter moat cordially info the spirit which
dictated such a movement. (Appleure.)
The Rev. J. G. RODBERDB seconded the motion, and it
was agre.d to unanimously.
.. •W.
Mr. It. CALLENDER and the Very Rev. the DEAN of
. . . .

MAW:MISTER moved that the proceedinies be silverusetL
The MAYOR then announced that the I.flowing r.ubscrip.
lions had already been obtained through his own personal
canvass :-John Potter, Maycr, 1001.; Sir B. Heywood,
Bart., 1001. ; Sir E. Armitage, Knt., 1001 ; William Brown,
M.P., 1001.: Alexander B ,nry, M.P., 1001.; Samuel and
Thomas Ashton, 1001.; H. Bannerman and Sons, 1001.;
Thomas and It ibert Barnes, 1001. ' • Birley and Co., 1001. ;
Samuel Brooks, 1001 ; Edmund Buckley, 1001.; John Dug.
dale and Brothers, 104 ; Samuel Fletcher, 1001 ; Robert
. Gardner, 1001 • Gardner and Batley, 1001.; Wm. Grant
and Brothers, 1001 ; J. C. Harter, 1001.; Thomas Hoyle
and Sons, 1001.; Edward Loyd, 1001. ; Loyd, Kota. isle, and
Co., 1001. ; J. and N. Palls and Ca, 1001. ; Schunck,
Souchay, and Co., 1001.; Sharp, Brothers, and Co., 1001. ;
J. A. Turner, 1001 ; J. P. and E. Welthead and Co., 1001 ;
Edmund Wright, 1001.; the Dacca Twist Company, 601.;
the Right Reverend the Lord Bishop of Manchu.
err, 501. ; the Right Hon. the Earl of Ellesmere, 601
Robert Barbour and Brother, 601. ; R. W. Barton, 501. ;
Binyens and Hunter, 601. ; ames Brown and Co.. 601. ;
Butterworth and Brooks, 601. ; Callender, Sone, and
Hodgson, 501 ; Lieutenant Colnnel Clown, 601. ; Thomas
Crompton, 601. ; Findlatar and Mackie, 501.; Heald, Wilson
cud Co., 601. • P. M. James, 601. ; Jones, Brothers, and
Co., 601. ; Kershaw, Leese, and Sidebottom, 501, ; John
Mayans and Co., 501.; A. and G. Murray, 601.; John
Peel, 501 ; Sills Schwabe and Co. 601. ; Edward Toots],
601. ; W. 8. Stell, 60/.;W. B. Watkins and Co., 501. ; Thomas
Worthington, sot; Miss Eleanore Atherton, 301.; Thomas
Cooke, jun., 251, ; Henry Co, ke, 251. ; George F. Cooke,
261. ; S. D. Dabiseire. 251.; William Fairbairn and Sons,
251. ; R. H. Greg, 251 ; Gorge Hadfield, 251. ; Thomas
Hunter, 251. ; E. R. Laneworthy, 251 ; James lilluren
and Nephews, 251. ; Nelson, Knowles, and Co., 261 ;
Joseph and George peal, 251. ; George Smith and Sons, 261. ;
Robert S•ewart, 261. ; Wood Gibson. 211. ; James Heywood,
ALP., 201 ; S. L. Behrens, 201. ; James Constantine, 201 ;
A Friend, 201. ; Charles Hickson, 201. ; Mr. Councillor Nall,
201. ; Ellis Cuoliffe, 101. 10.. ' • Edmund Potter (Hinting),
101.10 a.; James Hutchineon, 101. ; Mr. Councillor Goadaby,
61,- Mr. Councillor Dearden, 21.
_ aanousounanta were received with loud cheer,. The
mayor said there were 77 subseribers, and the total amount
was 4,3601., independent of the 2,0001. given by the overseen.

-
(Cheers.)
A WOW Of thanks was given to the mayor and carried by
acclamation, and the meeting then, with the exception (4
parties who remained to impact the building and examine its
capabilities, separated.

DIET OP MILIT•RY PRISONERS. Thu subject,
we understand, has been lately under inres•igation by the
military authorities, and the Secretary at War, lifter having
had under his consideration the reports from the governors
and medical officers of the several military prisons at home
in regard to the effect of the reduced diet for prisoners,
which has been in operatioa since the let August last, has
coma to the conclusion that generally it is sufficient, both in
quality and quantity, to maintain the prisoners in heal*
to enable them to go through the discipline of the prison,
and to return to their corps, at the termination of their im-
primarsent, fit for duty.

EFFECTS OF THE PAPER DUTY ON PAR-

TIC ULAR TRADES.

It M not neceeeary to occupy apace in elucidating
an obvious proposition, that the repeat of the Excise Lew'
affecting paper wel, by reducing the price, stimulate the
demand for that article. It is sufficiently proved by the
results of the alteration made in 1836, by which the duty
upon all ci I paper was rqueleed. In Ib3l, when
the firsteeivs papers paid 3i. per lb , the amount of paper
paying duty was 70,589,000 lbs., tail the interne for. several
previous years tad not be. a greater then wan prop,r;:onate
to the increase of population. In 1846, after the :fleets of
the reeuctioa bad been fully tested, the quantity upon
I which duty was paid amounted to 127 000,000 lbs., showing
an increase eBO per cent. Smiler results con be shown as
following the repeal of the dues' upon elmanacks, upon
gleu, upon bricks, and upon other articles. It is proved
beyond doubt that a reduction of plies on useful articles
invariably increases ecniumption.
There are, however, other evils attendant upon the paper
tax besides the increase of price. and the limited demand
occasioned by it, an 4 which affect the manufacture very
materially. Great impediments are thrown in the way, sad
serious ruk: are incurred by the manufacturer, arising from
the mo Is of charging the duty, the neendance and
lance of the excise enigma. the del eye onuoioned, and the
penalties to which he is subject from sty act of negligees:el
or ignorance on the part of his servant,. The regulatiose
enforced, and which ore necessity to enable the officers to
col act the tax, aild very considerably to the cost of the esta-
blishments where paper Is made. Besides, it is well known
that ill exam duties encrurage iilegal practices, whice,
apart from their de moralisteg off, cts, give an advan-
tage to the dishonest man, Ana inflict an injury upon
the man who respects the law. Mr. Cromp.or., who,
as a paper maker ut m .ny years' standing, and who has
neci manly a large amount of experience, explained at the
meeting at Manchester the many ways in which the act
of parliament operated to the disadvantage of the trader.
The provisions of the act may bevery bre, fly described.A person tint cominectieg business as a pspermaker
must apply to an excess otherr to survey the premises in
which ha intends to eseduct his business. The officer pro-
ceeds to number every room in them, and to mark by letter
or camber every implement which is intended to be need
in t:.• various preceeses of paper-making The act now
in face, and which was passed on the sth of July, 1b39,
&wain@ sixty nine clauses, many of which are penal.
S,ctien 3rd requires paper makers not only to make an
entry of their premises, of "all tools and implements,
but of any descrip'ion of paper, or buttoobcsrd, mill-
board, or maleboard, ' and to delivor the same to th, excise
officer in whose "barmy " the mill and premises may be
situate ; in which entry every " engine, chest, macbine,
vat, and prise, shall be detinguisbed by a pare:Mar num-
ber or letter, or aninhen and letter, ;" in oefauit of which
er every unenterwe mill or implement the manufacturer
peen forfeit 2001., "together with all paper, buttonboard,
=inboard, pasteboard, cr sealeboard, and all materials
Sound therein." A similar penalty is imposed in caw
the marks upon the /event things mentioned do List
agree with the entry given, so that it the cumber
or letter were by any chance removed, whether
by accident or by the malice or earelcisneas of
a sereent, the einem can declare the mids or premises
un-
entered, and enforce the penalty of 2001., Lod resist upon
the forfeiture of all the goods at that time upon the pre-
mium By. section 9of tee same act, the heeds is'ued by
the COMBILIVIOtkrs ere made as valuable as bank notes, es
a tine of 101. is imposed fur every label delivered to any
manufacturer, end for which " a receipt shall not be giveu,
or which shall be cacceled, obliterated, or cecroyeti, old or
disposed of, or improperly used or prod eced, or net eccounted
tor,' when demanded by the excise officer. As these labels
have to be entrusted to workmen in considerable quantities—
very often to the extent in value to the manufacturer of
10,0001.—a great risk is encountered from the un faith tutee's or
ignorance of tLose employed. By section 15 of the net, a
cried of 48 hours is consumed atter paper is ready fur de-
livery into the mukve se it is required that a certain notice
shall be given to the Excise cffieer ; and teat a certain ems
must elapse after the weighing end Gauging it with duty,
before it leaves the mill. This time would be sufficiect,
Mr. Crampton says, for him to purchase the reps ie elan-
chaster, etrry them to his mill at Yaruwertb, manueut etre
them into paper, eael ceevey the article ready tor the market
to any part of the kingdom. Tele could, no doubt, be done,
were it not for the Eloise regulations.
Bach restriettous cripple the manufacturer, arid there is
no other manufacture with which there is such urjustiti-
able interne...nee. The paper maker is subject to all liaise
annuyacces to enable the excise officer to collect the duty.
It has a been alleged that such 'eternise ce is
necemery for soy other purpcer. ,w, write public
opittion has condemned, and government has given up,
atter another, various excisable articles, se that, out of
thirty existing at tits beginning of the pr. cent century, only
five tar six femme, way sheuel this vexatious duty be
continued? Why should the paper maker b• subject to
delay, to detention, and to hiss, lieu which o her manufac-
turers are tree? It is cert.= that such a system would
not be permitted to continue among the cotton minutes-
toren tat Manchester, or the woollen manulacturers of
Yoikshire.

It may be useful to refer to particular cases. Mr. James
Baldwin, if Birmingham, a paper manufac'urer, " it
costs me shore 100/. per annum to help to charge myself
with the duty eta p yer. I make about 12 tons a week,
and, in cons. quence of these excise hew". have to lei ugh
every ream hour (knell .11-t, btAilltll taking the e units r of
every ream and writing the name on each." This ie an
example of its operation in raising the cost of p rode, ion.
Let us look at another instance. Mr Ciliates Cowan, M.P.,
at the meeting at ins Loudon Teee rn, h. id en the 4th lest.,
exhibited a sample of paste board made fr.-in row. and ',thigh,
from the anan.rial having to be made into pulp, was de. seed
paper. The cost ef the material was 2s. per cwt., and the
duty upon it, when made into pasteboard, was lie. 91.
He preeenteu .ano-her lereiee very rimier to millet aid,
but stated his ignorance of the material from widen it
wee manufactured. It was merle in the dry emu., and was
cone quietly not cinsidered paper. It was exempt from
divy, and had superseded the Sr tole made from straw for
all the purposes to which the termer is applicable. bu'ati-
tette, for paper are continuelly produced, ad much liku the
article itaelt that toe excise ofeice a a nuot detect the
differenm; and this again increasca the dillimlties and I
tn-
harreeameats of tho fair trader, and diminishes his profit,.
The .inly rethei:y is teat of breaking down restric'ime, and
thus placing the paper maker in a position to employ bis
skill and inmetry to the greatest advantage.
Another inconvenience to which some breaches of the
trade are subjact requires particular notice. Mr. Baldwin
furnishes so example. lie maculactures, mainly I,r t xpor-
fatten, an attic!: called eau wadding. This is mode at
his mill, but the rimier laws will Let permit Lim to
cut it up at the place of manufacture. lie is compelled to
comply with the Act of Perlianiset, sod keep a, other eats-
blshinent, at a distance of one mile from hi. mill, and at
an expense of 1501 per emouro, to prepare it fur the market.
This regulation is enforced in mill r instances, especially
upin these who mactifecture Jacquard boards—an article
which is now extensively used in the fancy weaving. The
makers have to keep separate estebliehments ,or making the
board sad for cutting it up into the sizes ready for UM. The
pries is greatly increased by this absurd regulation, and
many evils bribe Insides that of the attempts at ovation,
which in many cases ate &maculal.
In the single article of gun-wadding, Mr. Baldwin says
that he could export three times the quantity be is able to
do now were It not for the duty, 51,1 of course he width! be
able to employ mare hands. Paper is used in sheathing
ships and preparing them for copper bottoms. How does
the duty op, rats as an encoutagement to saliva skill and
industry is this case ? The owners of vessels arc known to
send them out to America, where th re is no psper duty,
taking oat as ballast the copper, and get the work done
there, by which they save Lately in the cost of that ope-
ration. Than, again, the tax operate's.: premium to foreign
manufactures of paper, and artichs made from paper or
pasteboard. Ornamental and fancy article, arc sent into
the British Porte, and from thence into the British
colonies, free of duty, thus superseding the home
manufactures; and it has been shown that paper byes
can be imported from Paris, and, after paying the import
duty, they undersea those made in Leaden. This is a crying
injustice, while compl.ints are made on all hands of the
want of suitable employment fur women and girls, and
while hundreds are starving on the wages of dart making.
or driven to disreputable sneers of earning a livelihood.
Barely it is a grave error to withhold from them, or to
narrow, for that is the effect of the tax, • field of employ-
ment which might be cultivated to an indefinite extent, and
which would furnish a lucrative business to at least 500,000
persons, in addition to those already engaged in the paper
trade, or in connexion with its various branches.

BI7TCHERS' CHARITABLE INETITL'TION.—Lent even-
ing the annual meeting of the members of Otis society took
piece at the Filleollll4lWe Tavern, Great Queen street, Lin-
coln's-inn-fields. Mr. .1. Sharp, the president, took the
chair, and to opening the proceedings stated that the society
had been more prosperous during the past year than at any
former period ekes its formation. He had mach pleasure
in eanouscing that the institution, which had been in exist-
ence upwards of 22 years, was now becoming one of the
most important charities in the metropolis; and it war also
gratifying to him (Mr. 81torp) to be enabled to announce
that Prinse Albert had condescended to become the patron
of the institution, and had forwarded a donation of 20
guineas. The report was then real. It stated that mar.,
new sub•cribers had entered their names during the year,
and the total amount of subscriptions received was 1,3491.155.,
being cm:ail/Tab!), beyond the receipts of any former year.
The sum collected at the lot annual dinner amounted to
6181. 13e. 6d. At the last annual election 10 additional pen
sinners were admitted to the ben-fits of this institution. A
mum of 3001. had been invested in the Three per Cent. Con-
sole, making • total of funded property amountieg to
12,0431. 7s. 7cl. The financial statement atm, ed that the
receipts for the past year, including legacies, interest of
mosey in the funds, balmier, at bankers, ite.' amounted to
2.5501. 122. 31, and the expenditure to 1,6871. 10e. 44.
leaving a balance of 8721. le. Old. in the hands of the
bankers. The report, together with the statement of ac-
counts, having been received and adopted, some formal
retolutiens were passed, the clams for the ensuing year wore
appointed, and the meeting separated.
- - -

- -
SOUTEIWATiK VEBTRY.—A large meeting of the
parishioners of St Saviour'e, Southwark, was held in the
veatryroom yesterday, Hr. B. Richards, warden of the great
samunt, in the chsir, for the purpose of considering the sub-
ject of the window duties, and the expenditure of the county
rates. A petition to Me House of Commons fer the repeal of
the window duties was unanimmuly adopted, and the mem-
bers for the borough were requested to support the mine.
A further resolution pray ing for a control by the rate payers
over county spenditurs wu unanimously adopted, and the
meth* separate&

_