The Express.
London, England, 1848-06-29 00:00:00

DINNER TO THIS MEMBERS FOR

MARYLEBONI3.

The friends and supporters of Sir B. Hall, Bart.,
and Lord Dudley Stuart, entertained those gentlemen at
dinner, yesterday, at the White Conduit-house Tavern.
About 400 sat down, under the presidency of Mr. J.
Williams, M.P. who was supported on his right and left by
Sir B. Had, M:P., Lord D. Stuart, M.P., Mr. 0. Thomp-
son, , Mr. Wyld, M.l'., Sir J. Walinsley, and other
gentlemen. After the usual loyal toasts had been proposed
and duly honoured,
Mr.WlLLtawe proposed the health of Sir B. Hall, observing
that both he and his colleague were actuated by a sincere
desire to discharge their duties to the borough. Sir Benjamin
bad represented them eleven years, and had never given one
vote contrary to the wishes of his constituents. He was fully
acquainted with the course of priva.e business in the house,
and most sedulously attended to the interests of the borough
when any measure affecting it was before the house. He
bad ably advocated and upheld the system of local govern-
ment which they enjoyed, Not only io, but he had taken
so active part of late in the general debates; and his con-
duct in reference to Irish questions in general had entitled
him to the lasting gratitude of his constituents. Oak the
last week he had assisted in exposing the misapplication of
the public loan ; and the people of Marylebone rejoiced to
see their representative taking a part in the public business.
The toast was drunk with great enthusiasm.
Sir B. HALL said, in returning thanks, that a meeting
like this was not only an earnest of approval of their conduct,
but a proof that the electors appreciated a sincere desire to
go steadily forward in social and political reform. At this
peculiar cri•is a borough, unrivalled in wealth and popula-
tion, and i Quelled by few in intelligence, came forward to
declare its approval of such sentiments, and to support its
members in the advocacy of all needful reforms. He was not
one who desired a republic. (Loud cheers.) lie was no ad-
vocate of violent measures in the prosecution of improve-
ment ; on the other hand, he felt gratefully and devotedly
attached to the Sovereign who ruled over us, and was anxious
to strengthen the stability of her throne. The best way to do
this was by removing the abuses that had crept into our in-
stitutions, and giving the people the reforms they
asked. This was no new doctrine on his part ;
he had expressed the same opinions ever since he was
in the House of Commons. In 1826, he had refused a seat
there, because he could not give utterance to his sentiments
on religious liberty. Afterwards, it had bees his lot to be
opposed to the most powerful family in the United Kingdom,
wuom he had overcome by an adherence to these liberal
principles. His past course was an earnest of his future
adherence to the same principles. (lean) It was well
known that it was no easy task to represent a borough con-
taining 350,000 inhabitants of all classes and opinions, and a
property amounting to the ratesble value of two millions.
Ile could only fulfil such a task by keeping an even course,
and endeavouring to promote the interests of all dos-sea.
Scarcely a month passed without some bill being' brought in
which in some measure affected Mnrylebone ; these he en-
deavoured to master, sas to prevent any interference with
those local rights which they so justly prized.
This had been his object during the eleven years
in which he hal represented Marylebone; and he
should continue to pursue that course. As to Ireland, the
fact that he refused to enter the house in 1826 because he
should not be allowed to vote for catholic emancipation, was
a pledge of his good feeling towards that country • at the
' same time, he felt it his duty to see that the charitable funds
advanced by this country for the relief of distress were not
misapplied. Such was the object he had in view, and he be-
lieved he hsd succeeded to a great extent. He should not
relax; and however great the business of Marylebone, he
should find time to sift out these abuses. The committee
business of the House of Commons also occupied much time;
but so long as he was entrusted with the confidence of the
electors, he would devote all his energies and talent in pro-
moting all salutary reform, and in searching out all real
abuses, by which means ho was glad to believe
that he had already rendered some service. He was
gratified to hear that after a most arduous session of
parliament he still retained the support and confidence of his
constituents ; and he trusted he should retain it till the
next election. (Cheers.)
Mr. Howearie proposed the health of Lord Dudley
Coutts Stuart. The anticipations of his friends had been
realised ; and doubtless many would support hiss on a
future occasion who had not before done so. Whenever
parliament might be dissolved, both their representatives
would be able to meet their constituents with confidence;
and no doubt they would again be triumphantly returned.
(Cheers.) The noble lord had proved himself a true refor-
mer, a zealous advocate of the rights of the people, and a
worthy colleague of Sir 13. Hall. (Loud cheers.)
Lord D. STUART said that had this festivity taken place
earlier, as was originally intended, it might have seemed a
mere triumph over the opposite party ; but now it was a de.
monstratian of the approval of the electors of the course
which their representatives had pursued is the session of
which so large a part was now past. At an earlier period,
though they might have given himeredit for good intentions,
be could not have pointed to the acts he had performed—the
votes he had given. Looking around on this gathering, he was
encouraged to pursue the course he bad adopted, convinced
that his constituents believed it calculated to promote their
interests and those of the nation at large. (Cheers.) This
meeting would be a demonstration to the country, a lemon
to the government (hear) ; it would show the ministry
what were the opinions, wishes, and demands of this
great constituency, and would draw the film from their eyes
which presented them seeing that the people desired and
would insist on further reform. (Loud cheers.) Seeing the
course which be and his colleague had pursued, and seeing
how that course was approved by their constituents, ministersmet be led to the conclusion that the reforms which were

sought were asked for by the constituencies. He believed
that if the ministerswere enlightened on this matter, nothing
more was needed to induce them to comply with the wishes
of the people. (Cheers.) Ardent es he was in the cause of
reform. he could not share in the unmeasured abuse which
had been showered on the head of Lord John Russell.
(Cheers, and some Maus.) The best way to form a just
opinion of the conduct of any man was to put one's-
self in his place ; and before the minister of a great
nation like this advanced to any great organic change,
he ought to be thoroughly satisfied that the feelings of the
people were in its favour. Let then such demonstrations as
these be made from one end of the country to the other ;
Lord J. Russell would then have no pretence for doubting
the sentiments of the people ; and no doubt be would then
give effect to them. lie rejoiced that Mr. Hume had
brought forward his motion ; for though he might be in a
minority en a division, it would not be a small one, and the
question would rapidly gain ground. (Cheers.) He had
asked and received the support of the electors of Maryle-
bone as a reformer of abuses, one favourable to the reduction
of expenditure and the placing of taxation on a more equi-
table basis, and one who would steadily maintain their local
rights. He now boldly asked, had he kept his word ?
(Cheers, and cries of " Yes, yes.") lie had been
long sod ardently attached to the cause of the
Poles ; but that had not made him a worse Eng-
lishman. (Cheers.) In advocating the cause of the
Poles, who had fought for that liberty which we enjoyed
and wished to see extended, he did sou the advocate of all
classes of the people. (Cheers.) He should ever be ready
and anxious to serve the electors of Marylebone to the but
of his ability; and with their confidence and the approval
of his own conscience he should regard little any man in or
out of power, nor heed either the smiles or the frowns of the
government. (Loud cheers.)
Mr. H. C. WILSON proposed " The free and independent
electors of Marylebone."
Mr. B. H. SMAUT proposed " The members of the House
of Commons who have honoured us with their company."
(Cheers.)
Mr. G. THOMPSON, M.P., responded to the toast. He
said he was there as one sincerely desirous of advancing the
cause of civil and political progress, to meet with men who
were reformers in reality, not only in the heat of an election,
but in the whole of their proceedings. If ever there was a
times when men should be explicit, and determined in their
eons to carry good measures, this was the season. (Cheers.)
Mane in this country went so far as to say that government
sewit to interfere by force, to prevent the excesses of the
People in seeking for their rights ; but that was the beat
easervatism which granted to the people their rights in
time, not urging them beyond thoee limits which they
night otherwise be driven to overstep. (Cheers.) In
nlerence to the recent events in France, he recom-
mended that they should be construed charitably,
and that the people should not be too harshly condemned for
the extents they had committed. This lesson at least might
be learnt, and impressed on the minds of our rulers
that true conservatism consisted in yielding to the
Stowing intelligence of the people, and conceding those
rvhts which they were competent and desirous to exercise.
Be, as a member of a small but increasing party in the House
of Commons, was gratified to know that throughout the
kingdom there was a growing demand for progressive re-
form, for the people to be invested with their rights in pro-
Portion to their intelligence and loyalty. Reformers sought
bot, only to lessen the public burdens, but to distribute them
More equally; to establish a regular scrutiny into
W the departments of income and expenditure ;
sod to inculcate the principle of non-iaterference
with the affairs of other countries ; and, above all,
to see the tens of thousands in this country
will without the pale of the constitution brought within
. it. These were objects well worthy of being pursued. He
trusted the electors of Marylebone would ever be found
st'srsoest their supporters, and that they would teach the
„feu, Shed men now ruling the country that they were
wPolled to be satisfied with a homoeopathic dose of re-
nt,. If they were but faithful to themaelves they need
not tat, however small the reform party now might be
.a meat, tins the voice of the people Put of doors would
...tomato
which Y Prevail ; and would obtain those concessions
. under our free end expansive constitution any British
ministry sat grant to t,he demands of the people. (Hear.)
Wren, slao ,!sriefity acknowledged the Wast
Ind expressed admiration the course pursued hi the
hon. mambo, forof Marylebone. He thought LIMP HOLM:
Common was
the tr.o.t. far from repro:.'nting the hell''
' (Cheers.) A very large of the people I

demanded the extension of the franchise ; something
was required to modify and remodel the house; for the ses-
sion had been protracted by the poiatless sarcasm and un-
meaning delays of gentlemen on the opposition tenches.
It was too much that the interests of the nation should be
postponed because two gentlemen chose to qu.rrel about a
blue book. (Cheers.) The toiling millions of our popu *Hon
demanded an extension of education ; and if that were ac-
complished the suffrage would be obtained at once. (Cheers.)
Lord I). STUART proposed " The health of the chairman."
No one, he observed, wee more honest, independent, and
zealous in the discharge of his duty.
The CHAIRMAN briefly acknowledged the toast, and con-
cluded by proposing " The health of Sir Joshua Walmsley,"
as the honorary secretary to the new reform party. (Loud
cheers.)
Sir JOSHUA WALMSLET said he esteemed the representa-
tives of the liberal party highly worthy of the compliment
that had been paid them. Of all the points in the so-called
charter he considared a more equal distribution of members
the most important. Marylebone, with its 350,000 inhabit-
ants and 18,000 voters, had two members; while eight
boroughs, with only 3,700 voters in the whole, sent sixteen
members to parliament. The result was that the counties
and 60 boroughs were in the hands of the aristocracy ; and
these rotten boroughs sent as many members to parliament
as twenty or thirty of the largest towns in the kingdom.
(Hear, hear.) Such a system could not continue. Man-
chester had two members, while the county of Buckingham,
far its inferior in wealth and intelligence, had eleven. (H ear,
hear.)
The proceedings then terminated.

COMMERCIAL 'TRAVELLERS' ORPHAN SCHOOLS.—
The quarterly general court of the subscribers to these schools
was held yesterday morning, at ten o'clock, at the London
Tavern. John Mutterer's, Esq., M.P., in the chair. After
the minutes of the last meeting had been read and confirmed,
the secretary read the report of the committee of manage-
ment, detailing the progress of the saeiety during the last
three months. They stated that they had every reason to be
satisfied with the advancement made by the society during
that period, although the amount of its receipts was less
than usual • but they attributed that fact to the depressed
state of trade and the recent commercial distress. They pro-
posed, during the next six months, to adopt measures with
regard to the building fund which would cause a considerable
increase in its amount. Meantime they earnestly entreated
the subscribers to use their utmost exertions towards that ob-
ject. They had decided to elect 15 children that day to the
benefits of the institution, nine boys and six girls. The re-
' port of the auditors stated that the donations during the last
quarter amounted to 5551.55. 11., and the annual subecrip-
Lions to 7341. 190. 6d., out of which a balance remained of
1.2101. The amount of stock held by the society was 8,0001.
The report having been adopted, Mr. Cuffley moved a reso-
lution, altering the definition of the words " commercial tra-
vellers " in the rules of the society, which, after some discus-
sion, was at the sugtestion of Mr. Jenkin Jones withdrawn,
on the understanding that the committee et management
should direct their attention to the matter.—
Mr. Huntley then made several ineffectual attempts to
press a motion for an alteration in the design of the institu-
tion ; but the feeling was so strongly and generally expressed
that such a course would involve a breach of faith with the
founders that the chairman ultimately prevailed upon Mr.
Rumsey to withdraw his proposition, stating, that while he
was desirous of affording a hearing to every oue, he agreed
with the opinions generally expressed with reference to the
motion ; and, further, believed that it was not competent for
such a motion to be made, as the design was declared to be a
fundamental rule beyond the control of any general or any
other meeting. The meeting then proceeded to the election
of 15 children, thereby increasing the number in the institu-
tion (which has only been established one year) to'
50. The poll was closed at three o'clock, and the
examination of the scrutineer having been concluded, the
following were declared to be the names of those elected out
of 23 candidates : —Boys : A. Brettell, J. Davie, T. H. Har-
ris, W. 11. Hope, C. A. Horton. E. S. Springtord, B. Tab-
beret, li. C. Thurston, W. Weatherill.—Girls : M. L. Byers,
E. Catton, B. E. Kempston, M. A. Loveridgc, E. Whit-
worth, M. A. Wicks.
UNITED LAW CLERKS' SOCIETY.—The eixteenth
anniversary festival was held, last evening, at the Free-
masons' Tavern, Sir F. Thesiger, Q.C., M.P., presiding.
The secretary read the annual report of the society's pro-
ceedings, which stated that the benefits which the society
granted out of its chief or general fund were threefold, con-
sisting first of a weekly allowance during illness, for a period
not exceeding two years ; secondly. of a similar allowance
during life, when entirely disabled from labour, at
whatever age; and thirdly, of the payment of 501.',
on the death of a member, and of half that sum on
the death of a member's wife. During the year, 32 applica-
tions had been received from members whom illness had pre-
vented from following their employment for the allowance
granted them by the society when thus afflicted. Those ap-
plications had been all granted, and a sum of 2811. Bs. ex-
pended in satisfying them. Those applications did not re-
sult from cases of trifling indisposition, but generally of
severe affliction. Of the above number, two were cases of
insanity, and of the others, seven ended in death. In meet-
ing claims of that description alone, the society had expended
1738!. 13s. The next claim arose from the assistance
granted to members for life. At the last anniversary there
were two male claimants. Since then, another had been
added. Each of those members seceived a weekly
allowance amounting yearly to 311. 4s. The al-
lowance would continue throughout life, and on
their decease, the family of each would receive a sum of
501. The committee announced with pain that the number
of deaths anon, the members (which in the preceding year
was five) had that year increased to ten, which required an
expenditure on that accoust of 5001. One member, whose
wife died since the last anniversary meeting, received the
sum of 1001. One of those members had contributed
26/. se. In return, he and his family received 971, 195.; the
other contributed 2'21. 35., and received 122/. 2s. The
committee had just received numerous applications for relief
from the "Casual Fund," which was employed in assisting
law clerks throughout England; twenty members requiring
pressing and pecuniary assistance the fund stood open
without interest. Forty-five applications for gifts had been
made by non-members and the widows of non-members.
The circumstances and character of those applicants
were carefully inquired into, and thirty-seven
found eligible and deserving were relieved accord-
ing to their several necessities. The remaining applications
were rejected. Five applications for the same assistance had
been made by members not is a situati.n to repay it; and
three applications from the widows of deceased members.
They were immediately granted ; and other members, who
merely required assistance for a short period, had received it
by way of loan. In meeting those claims 3731.145. had been
expended ; and the gross sum thus disbnrsed amounted to
2,659/. 13s. The committee reported, with regret, the ex-
clusion of one member, who attempted to impose upon the
charity. The recaipts of the year, on account of the general
fund, amounted to 1,9621. Is. 2d.; of that sum 1,3131.171.6 d.
had been expended. The capital at the audit in April last
amounted to 10,3291. 2s. 95., of which 10,1281. ss, 6d. bad
been invested with the commissioners for the reduction of

the national debt. The addition of the half yearly interest,
due on the 20th of May last, made the total amount of in-
vested capital on that day 10,3201. 5.1. Bd. This fund was
charged with the payment of all the fixed benefits, and out
of the interest of the invested capital must ultimately be psid
the allowances made for life to the superannuated members. '
, The committee regretted that the heavy outlay of the put
year had prevented any considerable addition to the invested
capital. In the preceding year a sum of 9001., exclusive of
interest, was added ; in that just passed only 1301. The con-
dition of the camel fund was more favourable. In
1847 the balance in hand only amounted to 481. 10s. 84.
, The receipts of the year had been 4241. 19s. 6d., out of which
3731. IH. bad been expended ; which left a balance in favour
, of the society, in April last, of 1031. Ba. 24. Notwithstanding
the increased claims upon the society there had been no
falling off in the members' contributions, which, during the
, year, had amounted to 1,2191. as. The committee announced
with pleasure the receipt of applications from members of
the profession in Manchester and Dublin for information
necessary for them to establish similar institutions there for
their clerks. In Manchester& preliminary meeting for the pur-
pose had already been held. The total amount of relief granted
• by the society during the year, had been 1,3571. 145., exceed-
. ing the contributions of the members by 1321. lls, and the
total amount since its institution had been nearly 6,4001.
t The Chairman then proposed the toast of the evening,
" Prosperity to the United Law Clerks' Society." In so
, doing he congratulated them upon the increased demands
upon the institution during the past year, which he consi-
dered ought to be a motive for increased exertion on the part
, of its members. The toast was drunk with every demon-
' stmtion of enthusiasm. It was followed by " The Lord
ChanceUor, Lord Lyndhurst, and the other Patrons of
the Society," proposed by Mr. .C. ; "The Judges
of England," proposed by Mr. R. Watson,durney, Q.C. ; " The
, Bar and the Profession," proposed by Mr. Fresh6eld, and
, acknowledged by Mr. Humfrey and Mr. Bower ; also, " The
Trustees of the Society," " The Chairman," and lastly,
" The Ladies "—all of which were suitably acknowledged.
The party broke up about 11 o'clock. The receipts of the
evening amounted to about 3001.
DEATH OF A MISER AT TOTTENHAM.—Sir,—An
, article entitled as above has recently appeared in the Es-
press, which is much calculated to offend the relations of the
Rev, David Thomas Powell, who lately. died at Tottenham.
Mr. Powell was a celebrated antiquarian, and of retired
habits. He has given 2001. a piece to his executors and
more considerable legacies to two dependents. The executor,
of
, his property is certainly bequeathed to the London Hospital,
but I am not informed of an attempt or desire of Sir Henry
Martin to contest the will. y The executors have taken proper
, measures to protect the property and prove their own disco-
, terestedness, but there is nothing tojustify the other parts of
, the paragraph alluded to.—E. Sraistawo, Solicitor for the
E zee utors.—J une 28.
OPENLYG OF THE BOOTH-WESTERN RAILWAY TO
WATERLOO BRIDOIL—The York-road Extension of the
London and South-Western Railway was examined yester-
day afternoon by the government inspector, preparatory to
its opening on Saturday next. He was accompanied by Mr.
Locke ; and two powerful locomotives were employed in
tmting the safety of the various iron bridges along the line.
The ffight of a locomotive across the immense bridge
spanning the Westminster-road naturally excited a good
deal of interest in the neighbourhood. The construction of
the line has been most expensive, the two miles of railway
having coat no less than a million and a half of money. It
has occupied about two years and a half in its construction.
DEVOTION TO SHAKSPEARE.—" Mr. Punch,
There im no doubt that the players generally have been
much scandalised by the shameful appearance of Frenchmen
on the classic (and unprofitable) boards of Drurv-lane. The
enthusiasm of the green-room in the cause of Sinakapeare is
really affecting. Would it be too much trouble to: you to
print the names of the actors who have subscribed—gay even
shillings—to the Shakspew Fund ? Of course, where there
has been so much indignation, time hex been at least an I
,;,2ual amount of genernety.—Youi obedient 'errant, Ax
03,1; CALL-soy."—Pvneh.