The Express.
London, England, 1850-02-04 00:00:00

LAW LIFE ASSURANCE SOCIETY.

On Saturday the annual general meeting of this
society took place at the office, in Fleet-street. C. R.
TURNER, Req., in the chair.
The eximtlings commenced with the election of Mr.
aeoTner as trustee of the society, in room of the late
r.riruurstios Coltman.
The ACTUARY then read the report for the last year,
from which it appeared that the state of the funds was as fol-
lows: General balance for the year 1848, 3,285,138(13..9d. ;
receipts during the year 1849, 401,2021. 9s. 3d. ; total,
3.668,3411.3 e. Payments during the year 1849, 283,8141.7 e. 9d.
Total general bele s, being the amount of the assets of the
society on the 31st of December, 1849, 3,402,7261. 15e. 3d.
The report having been received and adopted,
Mr. BEDHAM then gave notice that at the neat meeting
of the proprietors he should bring forward a motion that
the provisions is the deed of settlement, and the present laws
relating to the society be altered, so that in future the quali
floation of each director should be the holding of 30 shares
in the capital stock of the company, and insurances on his
own life and on the lives of others to the amount of 3,0031.
Mr. CLARKSON said he attended the meeting to-day
under the impression that the proprietors had some reason
to complain of the course pursued by the directors in ad-
vancing large sums of money upon Irish property ; and he
had intended to make some observations upon the subject,
with a view of ascertaining the real position of the society.
He felt, however, so thoroughly satisfied—as he was sure
every gentleman around him felt—with the statement which
had been volunteered by the chairman, that, instead of say-
ing what he otherwise might have said, he begged to propose
that the cordial thanks of the meeting be presented to the
chairman and to the board of directors ter the care and
ding/ones with which they watched over the interests of the
easisty.
A vote of thanks having been pared &Nordin gly, the
meeting separated.

CEw LAVl.—Petitinhe to both haws of parlia-
ment he,. been numeresely signed in Lincoln, praying that
the juriedisties of the Canny Courts may be extended to
assess laveiviag liww amounts than 201., including nits
determinable is the Cunma Law, Equity, end lierlesiastr-
cal Clouts, Charities, &c. Another est of petitions represents
that where the Courts of Benknipley are distant from the
rendes.* of the debtor and hie areditors, evils occur of the
same nature ae presented themselves in the instant* of debts
under 204 reviously to the eatehlishment of the new County
Conti • and the "etidOCS runnel that as aporoortate reale v
may be found In the extension of the jurisdiction of the
County Courts to all eases whore the probable moot of the
hancruE . sca.. not UL'it:CS C.: MA U. or 4004., and where the
resident's of the bankrupt is at an Inommaient dirtearetroll
a court.—Liteoas Merewy.

RAILWAYS.
• •
LONDON AND BOUTIC 18118 TERN.
The Ohnomittee appoiated at the 'pedal general meeting
held OM 28th day el November Mai to malaise the question
°lanai, and le ememeeent is a report to the shareholders,
the tan they shall deem best ter presuriag sad establishing
an etsashe audit, *ad also aterh ether =saws' as they may
think awsotial Ise the protection °, the interests of the diem
holders, ham armed their report, I. whir& they sal:
Datil within a very meat period, railway ~ieton
.remto have left the mare astral of their the
haat tf the dram" nod to hen heated the qualm of
audit es a essendary and am important matter ; sad it
may be I,ty eat that. until had been eatdiod in
the ohne prepetelsse, lad alearg 1218111148 hod at length
bass adopted err seethingt ems sem of audit, the &rectors
pommel plastieally the orie astral of the affairs of the
sempmin whiels they rsepsaively presided ; and it is
believed that railway audit is aril ash** se this deicription
el latsams.

In theme el the Saadi Wishes Oenapery, the appoint-
ment at ani seeker aminateil by the shareholders was
seresuir 'Wadi by the amens; we believe that to that
reednaties and endowment are swing the impoventent in
the immehl atatenesses of WI:FL and the better ap-
pessimism of its maks by the and we have had
as dlilleefity ln arriving as conclusion that any
mem sr audit to be effimpuve should be wholly indepen-
dent at the dironting body. In thkeiew we were unanimous.
and, allivegli some of the members of the committee still
Mende Wes, opinions in favour of a government audit,
the majority were unwilling to incur the risk of sanctioning
in say degree what to them appeared the dangerous prin.
ciOe of government interference with • commercial under-
taeg.
W juepoee as a system of audit-
1. That there shell be two auditors appointed by a majo.,
rity of shareholders , one auditor shad be a shareholder.
Z. That the auditors shall have the fullest and most
emilmited pewee of requiting the production of all accounts,
bosh; vo.ebeee, and other documents necessary for the edu-
giddies, net ally of the balance-sheets and of the current
ha& semmate, but explanatory of the whole financial
of the aompany
SM. That either auditor, if he finds it necessary, may em-
plZha =demi accountant or other assistant
1110 moat, to be effective shall be coatinuous:;
but the audible. stall audit and report the accounts halt-
yearly to the abereholden. This report, with the amounts,
shall be printed and circulated among the shareholders seven
clear days before the hall-yearly meeting ; and, sheuld any
citation arise between the auditors and directors, or between
the auditors themselves, repenting the application of the
company's funds, or of the mode of stating the accounts,
slob question shall be specially named in the report, and rc-
ferrets to the next meeting of abareholden.
6th. That it shall be competent for any number of pro-
prietors holding stuck or shares to the value paid up of rut
leas than one eighth of the xsal paid up capital of the com-
pany, within two months after any meeting where such ac-
counts shall have been passed, to appoint two of their nun.-
' ter for the purpose of making a special examination of the
said accounts and balance sheets. Toe auditors so specially
appointed shall have the same power of examination in every
respect as is granted to auditors appointed in the ordiu.iry
course' and they may, if they see lit, obtain the aid of a pro-
fessional accountant (or of a public acc.uutsnt, should go.
vernment have then specially nominated any persons tor such
purposes) ; and the report of such auditor, or accountants so
appall:amid shall be brought Delors the next general, meeting
of the shareholders, and submitted to their determination.
6th. That the hall-yearly accounts and balance sheet shall
be kept as nearly am may be on a plan uniform with those
of other companies; but the auditors may change such
form at any time, reporting their reasons for the change at
the next hallos/fly meeting.
7th. That no director, solicitor, officer or servant of the
company shall be allowed to vote either in his own right or
as proxy to any shareholder, on the passing of stsiounts, or
for the election of auditors.

lith. That the fumes of the directors and auditors, with
their addresses, be published along with all statements of
amounts.

9th. That the salary of the auditors shall be sufficient to
remunerate them fur a continuous audit.

It must not be supposed, however, t7hn the establishment
of an efficient audit will curreet all the abuse which have con-
tributed to the present great depression of railway property ;
that depression is owing to a variety of Muses ; and in adds.
tion to an efficient audit, we believe that it will be necessary
to obtain other important changes before it can be said that
the interests of the sharehol-en are sufficiently protected.
The most perfect system of audit can only expose an evil ;
it may not be able to cure it. Bat by the sisnult.neous
application o: those measures, which we feel it our duty to
recommend for your adoption, we strongly hope for the
speedy restoration ot confidence in the honesty sue efflaency
of railway management.
We casino', however, refrain from expressing our opinion,
that to the supineness of the shareholders themselves are due
many inegularities,wh kb. by a fairly diligent use of the powers
tney alreauy posses', might hare been prevented ; and now
that the opportunities for speculation are lessened, and the
business of the company is likely to be limited to the merely
commercial management of its affairs, we trust that at least
borsafirle holden of stock will see the necessity for exercising
their rights on all mitten in which it is evident their Intel esti
may_ be so vitally affected.
We believe that, with due regard to the interests of the
company, the ahareholden should possess the additional
powers and protection set forth in the resolutions which
follow:

1. That on or before the 7th day of January in every year,
there be printed and ready for delivery a list of the names
and *addresses of the proprietors (distinguishing by some
mark !those who are qualified for a seat in the direction),
registered up to the list December then last past, to be sold
to any proprietor requiring the same at a reasonable price.
And further, that accurate lists of persons entitled to vote
shall be made up on the 30th June, as well as on the 31st
December, in every year. And no person who than have
acquired shares subsequently to the making up of such
lista, shall in virtue t t such shares be entitled to vote at the
next ensuing meetings of the company.
2. That for the future no holder of share capital having
a guaranteed or prefsrentisl dividend shell have a right to
vote in respect of such capital so long as such guarantee or
preference exists.
3. That no proxies be issued at the expense of the com-
Palqi
That the secretary be required to prepare a list of
ponies as they may be sent in, which list shall be open to
the inspection of any shareholder.
5. That the existing byalaw as to sending in proxies be
altered from two clear days to forty-eight hours in accord-
ance with the Companies' Clauses Consolidation hour,
6. That a bye-law be introduced, giving to any mover
or seconder of a resolution the right of demanding a poll
thereon.
7. That the remuneration or salary of the secretary and
trcasurer, as well as of the auditors, shall be determined by
the shareholders.
8. That there shall be prepared and open to the inspection
of any shareholeer for ten days before and fourteen days
after every half-yearly general meeting, a list, giving the
names, offices, places of employment, and salaries (chain-
, guishing the other emoluments or perquisites) of every indi-
vidual is the company's service on the 30th of June and 31st
of December previously, who may be in the receipt of 1001'
' per anaum or upwards.
8. That shareholder have mean at all times to the follow-
ing documents : —The classification book of traffic ; the weekly
statement and summary of traffic, with a comparative state-
ment for the previous year; all nib of parliament under
which the eompany claim powers ; all reports, accounts, and
resolutions of the company glace its formation, and to the
book containing the abstract of all transfers of shares.
It is thought desirable to remind the shareholders that they
'heady possess the power, under the 124th and 132nd
classes of the original act of the London sad South Western
Company, to inspect at all times the names of the pro-
prietors, with the number of shares they hold, and the
amount of subscription paid thereon ; and also a statement
of all receipts and disbursements oa account of the railway.

In retires co to the latter pert of the first recionimende;ion.
restricting the right of voting to those persons who shall
appear oa the register on the dOth lane and 31st December,
the proprietors will perceive that we are desirous of protect.
ling the knells:le holders sgainst the praetios (often adopted)
of obtaining above immediately before a general meeting, in
order to vote or speak on a party qaestion. Such & practice
tends to unsettle the pursuit of that steady policy which can
alone make investments of this kind mite, and it leads more-
over to inconsistent, and often to opposite decieloas on the
same questions, by which all confidence in the deliberations
of the proprietors is destroyed; we do not think it too ni mit
to expect from a shareholder that he shall have been in pos•
session of his shares six weeks before he exercises his right
of voting on them.

With regard to the second recommendation, the share-
holders will see that we have treated the holders of gun
ranked or preferential shares in the same light as the law
now treats bondholders. We see no sufficient difference
between the two descriptions of property to entitle the
holder of guaranteed shares to a right of interfereace, from
which the bondholder is excluded : and in the ce.e of the
South Western Railway, both are so fee removed from the
eventuality which would make interference necessary, as to
leave no reason to doubt the propriety of the course we re-
commend. There may be many instances in which the
guaranteed shareholder, as well as the bondholder, may
hishave interest placed in imperil but these, in your ow,
are too remote to justify present : with the free
action of the ordinary shareholders.

As to a 'huge in the constitution of the bard. We are
of opinion that the board, as at present constituted, is too
numerous. The company's act of incorporation fixes the
minimum number at twelve, to with* it ought, we think,
to be at woe redused. We believe, however, that for the
proper management of your railway a much 11311111 a number
would be sufficient. We are desirous et seeing more indi-
vidual responsibility than at pr exists, and also of
bringing the acts of the principal oaken more directly be-
fore the shareholders, in order that the latter may also judge
of the thaw of the ma who are, in het, the
real managers of their pr ; and we are aho de-
sirous of seeing as much as pond the mechanical working
of the railway performed by contract, and the personal en-
peryWon of the board limited to those parts of the manage-
ment to which the system of contracting may not be appli-
cable.

We are of opinion that is
apeitsaisel emeatisa, ha-
elu=t4locomotive powe 1111MININNISO
of portersge—in sheet. the elliese
oldie esespany—might be advaniepeesly placed ander ma-
mma. We are led to this esmilairm kola the belief that the
mover semevidee of • railway retakes mere esmidned and
&skive astio• than a large board of dkeslon, as et prow
seassitated, fa capable el afford* ; awl Om dr
kaowlelp whisk is weary kw a a ambling s bit Cs=

On predict yet extensive »denials, in many beenches of
, expenditure, is In man y mesa, too limited, to secure a prompt
compliance with its wishes.
It will be perceived, that In such a stilts of things the
directors must rely for any efficient retrenchment on the
judgment of their officers, who, as we have shindy stated,
are too far removed from the observation and criticism of the
shareholders to make them foal such an amount of respond-
bility em would secure their seldom and energetic aid in any
change which the interest of the guereholdets mietilognand.
There are doubting many memben of existing Weeds who
panes sufficient information to enable them to' exercise a
strict watchfulness over the operations to which we have
alluded, and who could fors a tolerabl accurate estimate
of the neesseity for continuing or diminishingcertain items
of expenditure; but those members en not allmerana,
and they share only in the duties and responsibilities of
the general bond by whom they are necessarily
often controlled. Moreover, the infrequency of the attend-
anoss of direeton, and the general feeling of freedom from
individual responsibility, tend strongly to produce en amount
of inactivity and relaxed discipline in the entire staff as must
necessarily lead to fatal rants in the management. The
operation of patronage exercised by a large board in a com-
paratively smell railway is another evil arising out of the
present system ; and the shareholders will not fail to see how
very prejudicial its action man be on the officers of a com-
pany, and how much the difficulties of procuring retrench-
ment by reducing the number:of persons employed,ue in-
creased. To prevent giving offence to the patton, abuses
are permitted to continue, because there is no sufficiently
strong inducement to get rid of them ; and so long as these
antagonistic elements exist, no substantial economy Can, we
believe, be permanently effected.
Uader then circumstances we would strongly recommend
the system of working the line es much as ponible by con-
tract ; and that in any
lessened, their qualifications increased, and the remunera-
tion to each made commensurate with the increased respon-
sibility of his position.
Since, however, the number of directors cannot at present
be reduced below twelve, we have thought it better to
recommend the proprietors to limit the beard to that
number, desiring at the same time to express an opinion
that, in any future application to parliament for any pur.
pise, powers should be taken to reduce the minimum num-
ber from twelve to five.
We further recommend—
I. That every dinctor shall, at and for twelve months
previous to the time of his election, and during all inch time
as he shall continue a director, possess in his own right at
least 2,0001. of the consolidated non-preferential stock of the
company, or unguaranteed shares in the undertaking on
which that amount shall have been paid up.
2. That any present or future director or auditor may at
any time be removed from office by any general meeting of
shareholders, specially called for that pitmen.
3. Ttat directors arcing out of office by rotation at the
general meetings in February, or any other period, shall
not be re-eligible until the first general meeting in theiensuieg
year.
4. That immediately after information of the death or
resignation of any director, or of his ceasing to be a director
by any other cause than that of going out of office by rota-
tion, notice thereof shall be given in a Ltndon morning
newspaper, and in a railway paper.
5. That it any director be in arrears for any call or calls
for five calendar months, his office shell become vacant, and
be shall thereupon cease to do any act as a director.
On the subject of free passes, about which some remarks
have been made at several meetings If the proprietors we
are of opinion, that the system of granting them has been
heretofore carried to an objectionable extent, and we recom-
mend the proprietors to limit general free passes to the
directors, auditors, and principal officers of the company.
In reference to those occasional ones granted to persons
employed in the service of the Company, or who may be
supposed to be promoting the Company's interests, the com-
mittee would leave to the Directors the fullest discretion ; but
we would recommend that all passes, whether occasional or
otherwise, should be properly registered, and the register
open to the inspection of the auditors.
We are also of opinion that the practice of passing parcels,
&c., by the railway trains to and from the directors and
others, without charge, is objectionable, and recommend
such practice to be strictly limited to despatches on the
Company's service, which should be superscribed by the
officer forwarding the same.
It is not the direct loss sustained by the Company which
induces us to bring these apparently trivial matters to the
notice of the shareholders. We feel that such practices are
chiefly pernicious, from the bad example they exhibit to
every person engaged in the service of the company; and
we casein look for rigidly honest discipline in a widely-
spread executive, so long as it is known that such practices
are adopted by the directors themselves.
With respect to the outstanding liabilities of the company,
both as regards the lines finished and unfinished, we think
they should be immediately ascertained, and a detailed
statement thereof made to the shareholders; acd, due re-
gard being had to these liabilities we think that the capital
account of the company should be forthwith closed, and all
future payments on account of such liabilities presented in
detail with the half yearly report to the shareholders.
In connection with this subject we desire to call t` e
attention of the shareholders to the unsatisfactory position of
the company in respect of the various lines of railway, and
undertakings In which it holds an interest in shares, by
loan, or otherwise, and of which it may eventually become
lessee; and to recommend that this company's auditors be
?squired to examine toe accounts and expenditure on each ;
and that as noun those railways or undertakings on which
any further liabilities exist, a full and aeperate examination
of the emanate be made in each case by them, or by an se-
' content specially appointed by them for that purpose.
In eon:lesion, we take the liberty of again repeating our
conviction that any system of audit or management must
depend in a great measure for its efficiency on the steady
watchfulness of the shareholders themselves. If they do not
take some pains to rotect their property, they have so right
to complain of reduced prices and diminished dividends;
nor can they with justice pretend to excuse themselves by
throwing the entire blame on those in whose hands they
may place their interests. If they agree in the propriety of
these recommendations, let them at once enrolee on making
them a part :of the constitution of the company ; and, to
avoid failure, let them at all times exercise a mini and vigi-
lant control over their affairs, and thus secure that which
constitutes the most important part of any system—an
honest, vigorous, and energetic executive. The advantages
to tie gained ere well worth the effort ; but should we be
disappointed in the expectations we have formed of the pro-
prietary body, we can see no alternative but that of govern.
ment interference and control.
Tuosess J. Hsu, Chairman.

YORK, NEWCASTLE, AND BEILWICIL.—It is currently rtt-
monied (says the YorksAireman) that Mr. George Leeman
inteatis to reei4u the chairmanship of the line at the next
halt yearly meeting.

WALISPIELD AND BARNBLET.—We hear that this single
line of railway hu suffered considerable damage during the
late thaw, by the embankments giving way, and muck delay
has occurred to the trains in consequence of the slips. On
one occasion the train due at Wakefield at noon, did not
arrive until 11 o'clock at night, and the passengereto Bares.
ley had to be conveyed in hackney coaches by road.—Leeds
Mercery.

NORTHEEN COUNTIES UNION.—A requisition has been
presented to the directors by shareholders holding 20,0001.
of stock, calling upon them to consider, at the next meeting,
the propriety of reducing by 10s. per share the amount of
We last call, end of returning it to the shareholder.

SUBSCRIPTTOIIS FOR THE RAT EXHTBITION OF
Invuecity.—The committee appointed to organise and col-
lea subscriptions for the Great Exhibition of LidoAry of all
Nations, consists of Lord Granville, Mr. Alderman Thomp-
son, George Drew, and Francis Fuller, Fares., who met
daily at the Board of Trade.

PARLIAMENTARY AND FINANCIAL REFORM.—A
muting was bed on Wednesday, at Taunton, when it was
proposed, seconded and umutimOusly carried, that " This
meeting do form itself into • society, to be called the
Taunton branch of the National Parliamentary and Reform
Assotistion.' "—Somerset Gazette.

THE REPRESENTATION OF WINDSOR.—The elec-
tion of a representative for the borough of Windsor, in the
room of Lord John Hay, is fixed to take place on Widnes.
day next. Mr. Hatchell, the Solicitor-General for Ireland,
has issued an address to the electors, in which, after atatiog
his determination to present himself ass candidate, be claims
their suffrages, as having been always a zealous advocate of
civil and religions liberty—and a supporter of all laws which
tend to unfetter trade and promote industry. He also
pledges himself to promote economy and retrenchment in
every department of the state, and to advocate an equalisa-
tion of taxation. Thl success of the learned gentleman is
almost certain, but there are rumours afloat of the appear-
ance of a candidate on protectionist principles.

MP.. FERRAND AND THE GAME LAWS.—This gen-
tleman, whose gams furnishes employment for the lawyers
and magistrates at Bingley at every fortnightly meeting„ on
Tuesday charged no less than four persons with pursuing
game, with respect to three of whom he himself was the
only witness.—Leeds Mercury.
LAUNCH OP ONAOR TUE NORTH AMERICAN MAIL
Sreamens.—At Greenock, on the Slit ult., there was
launched from the building-yard of Messrs. Robert Steele
and Co., the British and North American mail steamship
Asia. This is the largest vessel belonging to the company,
or that has yet been launched from any building.yerd in the
Clyde. Her length is 265 feet, breadth 37 feet, and tonnage
2,226 tone, n.m. Her model is much whisked by competent
judge., and she le expected fully to =stain the reputation'
which the vessels of the Cunard line have achieved for the
rapidity and punctuality of their voyages across the Atlantic.
COTTON SERD.—The American line of packet ship
Prince Albert, just arrived in the docks from New York,
has brought us three packages of irAton seed, consigned to
order. Although the importations of cotton in a raw state
from the United States are of so numerous and extensive a
character, the importation of the seed is not of common
occurrence; and, for whatever purpose the pretest arrival
of the article may have taken place, it is of interest.

.
[Adverbsemenq—A DANGEROUS CASE OF ERY-
SUMAS, ATTENDED VTR SWILIANO AND RPLAIDIATION, MID eve
HOLLOWAR PILLS AND OUVllNT.—Extziot of a letter, dated East
Kw, span*, Limoinshire, Oct. 8,124 b I beg to announce to
you a meet wonderful awe wrought upon myself by your pills and
hutment. I had a very severe attack of erysipelas in my right foot
and mole, with swelling and inglamtnation to an alarming extent. I
was unable to more without the assistance of crutches. I °moulted
an eminent physician to no purpose. however, in less then two
woks, by the nae of your ointment and pale, 1 was cured, to the our-
of ell who knew me. (Signed) Josses (bum. a former."—
Met=
Undo&
ell Mtleglota, and it PIWIOSOf holloware establishment, 244,

Don•nr. Fss. 2.
The meeting of the corporation yesterddy was con-
verted into one of those disgraceful civic broils,
which have of late brought so much discredit on that
body, and render its approaching reconstruction eo
desirable. The Lord Mayor, surrounded by all the
paraphernalia of office, took the chair some time
before the usual hoar, resolved to hold his place not-
withstanding the judgment of the Queen's Bench, by
which his name was erased from the bargees roll ;
and the leaders of the conservative party were equally
determined to oust him, if possible, from his position,
and to elect a new Lord Mayor in his stead. B,th
parties came prepared for • row, and tte public
seemed well aware of the circumstance, for every
available part of the house was thronged to excess
by strangers, and patine were placed at the doors to
keep off the crowd. As might be expected, a scene
of tumultuous and unseemly confusion followed, a
I town councillor named Walker taking the lead, by
giving some directions, out of order, to the town
clerk. The following dialogue ensued :
Lord Mayor—l require sou, air, not to give icetraetions
loth, town clerk.

Mr. Walker—l require you, dr, to leave that chair, which
you have no right to occupy.
Lord Mayor—l give notice to Councillor Walker, that
while I occupy this chair, whether legally or not, I will in-
sist on order being observed. lam responsible for my acts.
Mr. Walker-1 also desire that order and the rules of the
house be observed. I doe't think you have any right to be
there at all.

tiorailaior—l call upon ycu to obrrve order, and take
off your hat when you are addressing the chair.
Mr. Welker—l will do no such thing ;I am not address-
ing the chair ; you bay* no right to occupy it.
Lord Mayor—l now reouire you to obey the decision of
the chair. I desire you, sir,
Mr. Walker—l &dr; you, air. I don't recognise you as
the chairman.

isortilia—yor.—l dsaire you to sit down and take off your
hat.
_ __

Mr. Walker—l tell you I will not ; I tell you again Ido
not reoognise your authority.
Mr. M'Kenna—l call Mr. Walker to order. I hope your
lordship—
Mr. Walker—There is no lordship here; nor is there a
legal chairman to address.
Town Clerk—Allow me to read the minutes.
Mr. Walker—l ask you, Mr. Town Clerk, is there a legal
chairman. Wo cannot proceed legally if them is not ; and
I say there is not. You are not to—
Lord Mayor—l again call you to order, CouncillorWalker.
I require you to take your seat, take off your hat, and allow
the business to go on.
Mr. Walker—l tell you I will not sit down. I don't re-
cognise you as chairman. There is no head to the corpora-
tion at present.

After much time being consumed in this style of
compliment, the Lord Mayor was at length able to
address the assembly; and did so at great length,
reading, in the course of his speech, an tpinion which,
he had obtained from the Attorney-General, to the
effect that the office of mayor did not, under the cir-
cumstances, become vacant, unless Mr. Reynolds
resigned or was removed by a quo warrant° ; and that
neither he nor any deputy that he might appoint in-
curred the penalty of 60!. for their o 6 cial acts. Mr.
Reynolds stated that he relied on this opinion, and
was resolved to act upon it; the confusion was re-
newed with fresh violence, Mr. Walker and some of
his friends insisting that there was no chairman, and
that the council should proceed to elect one.

The Lord Mayor was again ►bout rutting the motion for
the election of a new Lard Mayor, when
Mr. Welker said—l put no motion to the chair, for there
is no chairman here, sir.
The Lord Mayor—l call you to order.
addreis me as "Sir."
Mr. Walker—l will address you no other way. (Great
clamour.) _

You .hell r.ot

The I..rd Mayer—You had better not repeat it.
Mr. Walker—l had bttter not repeat it. I wil; repeat
it, and I tell you, sir, that you had better not threaten
me. (Renewed confusion, biases, and shouts of "Put tarn
out.")
Mr. Ferguson—My Lord Mayor, I submit that unless
Councillor Walker respects your official position, he should
not be lac ard her..

Mr. Walker—Oh, I must be heard, my dear sir, whatever
you may think. (Coclusion.)
Alderman Hudson—And, if I am not heard, nobody else
shall be heard here to-day. (Great clamour and hisses.)
Alderman Keshan—l rise to order.

Alderman Hudson (raising his voice to the highest pitch)
s►id—Not all the men in this council shall prevent me from
speaking. (A scene of the meat indescribable centurion
ensued, the speaker attempting to pr teed, and the =clog
persisting in cal:ing him to order.)
Alderman Keshan—You have spoken three times to the
subject.

-Alderznsa liwison (again speaking at the top of his voice)
—No man here shall put me down u long u (The
remainder of the sentence was drowned in the noun and
co Melon occasioned by the &tiara tone of the speaker.)
The violence of the scene continued to increase, and
in the midst of it the Lord Mayor declared the assem-
bly adjourned, it being previously understood that
the question at issue, namely, the Lord Mayor's right
to his office now that be is no longer a burgess of the
city, should be submitted to the law advisers of the
corporation.

The Evening Post of the day gives the following
in its commercial article:

Our accounts continue satisfactory respecting the general
tendency to improvement in various parts of Ireland,
whilst, at the tame time, there are canny districts in the
south and west in whi..l he effects of the recent famine are
to be witnessed in the great extent of pauperism, and the
continued difficulties amongst all claues. But, takiog the
country altogether, there are, certainly, manifest indications
of a change for the better ; there is more of confidence in
business transactions, and the condition of the humbler
classes is decidedly better than at nny period since 1845.

Bishop Cantwell, in a letter to the Tablet, states
that he has over a thousand pounds a-year at his die-
for the use of a catholic university, should one
be established in this country.
The Tipperary Vindicator gives the following ac-
count of a desperate and heroic encounter with an
attempted assassin :

Monday evening, about 4 o'clock, as Daniel Bayley, Eq.,
of Moorock, near Ballcumber, was proceeding alone from
Clara to his residence, he narrowly escaped essusination
from a man tamed Digan (one of his tenantsl. When Mr.
Bayley arrived near Digan's house, a shot was tired
at him through a hedge, but, fortunately, missed
him, as he was driving in his gig et a smart pace.
He at once jumped out and pursued the assassin,
who sought safety in flight. After a pursuit of nearly a
mile through fields, he succeeded in overtaking him, though
encumbered with a heavy overcoat. The assuain again
presented his gun, pretending he hal loaded it during the
chase; but his pursuer, nothing daunted, rushed at him,
when Dig= made a furious stroke of the butt end of the
gun at Mr. Bayly, whish he guarded with his arm, and then
clued with his antagonist, and succeeded in bringing him to
the ground. The assassin being a strong, able-bodied man,
seized him by the cravat to choke him, but he by a strong
effort, gained his feet, and dragged his intended murderer to
the public road, when Digan's friends, attracted by the cries
of " murder," from a girl who saw the struggle, gathered
to the place, and Mr. Bayley ;seeing it fruitless to attempt
bringing him any further, was obliged to let him go. bet
kept the gun as a trophy of gallant achievement. Before
liberating him Mr. Bayley called to the driver of a bread
cart, which was passing at the time, desiring him to hurry on
and send out the police, but they did not come.

THE Fox CV:M.—The noblemen and gentlemen
members of the above political club, dined together for the
first time this season on Saturday evening, at Brooks's, St.
James's-street. The members present were—the Earl
Fitawilliam, the Earl of Zetland, the Earl of Stratford, the
Earl of Charlemont, Vicouet Ebrington, M.P., Lord De
Manley, Lord Sudeley, Lord Marcus Hill, M.P., the Hon.
Col. Geo. Anson. M.P., the Hon. Geo. W. Fitawilliam,
11. P. the Hon. E. Lloyd blostyo, M.P., the Right lion.
Edward Ellice, ALP., the Right Hon. Sir Robert Adair, the
Right Hon. A. Rutherford, M.P., Sir M. J. Cholmeley,
Bart., M.P., Sir R. Heron, Bart, Messrs. J. H. Langston,
M.P., B. A. Sanford, R. Alston, Gibson Cud& M.P., F.
Dundee H. F. Stephenson, R. B. Stephenson, and A. W.
Roberts._

MR. HU3fE ON THE SCOTTISH POOR-LAWS.—Mr.
Hume, in writing recently to • gentleman in this quarter,
says of the Poor-laws—" The Poor-laws hers, as well as in
Scotland, will, I fear, have a very injurious effect upon the
population of the country. I can only say, that I did all in
my power to prevent the act for Scotland being passed ; but
only seven of the members for Scotland joined in the oppo-
sition. I was against working men underlol. or 601. wages
being taxed for the poor, and anticipated the injurious
effects that the law would have upon the population. It
was a hasty and crude meuure, and was pissed without
availing ourselves of the experience of theibad effects of the
Poor•law in this country ; but I entertain an anxious hope
that the law will be amended in the next session of par-
liament—at which time the obeerntions of all who have
given the subject consideration ought to be brought forward.
—Arbroath Guide.

ME NAVIGATION LAWN:—WIIO'S AFRAID ?•—•
Sometimes whole volumes are spoken in a word or two ; and
such seems to have been the cue last week, at a sale of
ships at the Three Indian Kings inn, in Newcastle. Two
vessels were sold, the property of the late Mr. John Hunter,
viz., the Eleven, of 263 tons, (which cost her late owner,
eight years ago, 1,5001.1, tor 1,4001.; and the Tom Bowline,
of 302 too (which coat him 1,7001. about twenty years
ago), for 1,3001. Both, we understand, had realised consi-
derable profits for their late proprietor ; and we rejoice to
think that their continued ability to do so, even under the
change trom fettered trade to free, which is deemed so un-
toward in entain quarters, has been significantly admitted
by their present purchasers, who deserve good luck for the
good seample they have set to the more timid of their order.
—GatosAsad oAferocr.

SPORTING.
BETTING AT MANCIiESTER—FotnoT.
Lirsoroot. STIBTLS Caul.-12 to 1 apt iSlf Jobs.
NOtblill doom
111 IMIOrOUTOW HAXDICAP.— Sev.ral entesiasioni to
beck the :one temourice., bat layers.
NOSTWIPTOIIIIIIIIII BTAILIM-9 to 1 apt Harriett (t).
Ewa at bedew.
ammo Cop.-20m 1 apt Mee Ikon (t to a onek), 20 to
1 apt linniaad (mks 36). II to 1 opt Gionee. 27 to 1 soot
Mord le (1), 1000 to 20 .pt Clorsoot (1), 1000 to 10 opt
&mem to.
Daaso.—Nfore to take 16 to 2 about Ghillie Callus
but nothing done.

LOUTH STEEPLE CHASE. —FAMILY.
HANDICAP Of 20 INITIL osoh, k ft. and 5 ft cooly if Mind
with 100 added ; the soused to say. his Nabs. 4 allow. (19
sobs, foot of whew dosiarod.)
notweo WHY Tom& alp& 11st 101 b .........(Phllpet) 1
&P. Nassab Paced,net 116 (J. Mason) 1
Capada lbeederb Ralbsol. lest elb (aqua 3
No betting worth g. Woo shroorig toy two S
gtlenh&
Proofed bos=se. for wooed Om by lust oaly ;
Iho fat " Pt

NCB EXTRA.
1G VISITING MO.
p..ES:rze cur (111PADEIMINW

R lb.
Orb/. 4 Pe • ''
Or. • by Vendiri: ea 'Si
WWI% 4 yrs
Illelbwirbs, 4 yrs
lalseby, 4 yrs
wissyside, 3 yrs.
Wady. 4 yrs
Lazes. yni
. Primer% • yrs
Gallir Owe sod.
Onwirs, 4 yes
Tani Arm,Med.
Mast de WM% I yrs. .....
lrffll, yr,
kitzparrft, 4 yrs .
Idleyrs
Wild Rose. 4 yrs
Rodney, 4 1
Ilininarna, 4 yrsyrs
b • by Gladlstar, eat of
lay. 4 yrs
The iser, 47n 1
Hanks, 3 yrs
°Waver, 4 Ira
Ss* 4rs
f by Vides; esty elledsba, •
4 ere
Sew lo Dow% 3 yrs
The Castle, 3 rmi
Countess of Alkmaar*
• 3 yesOsbaldertos. 3 yrs
Ceplais
yrsGrot, $ yrs
NM" 3
IseeseesißolderwaN 3 Ira
Mot Tapley, 3 yrs
Warm% Yrs
Wan, 3yr• 1
Glum 3 yrs
Dank 3 yrs. 1
Wllsbessfe. II yrs
bwraer 3 /re
Lye Ur Boys. 3 yrs , 1
b a by Issewer. .011. of

esiiesslis3-1-sii
kakis. 3 yes. 4
="Ts 4
late, ern yrs
ertaisus. II yrs ........ „ 4
it
=Pi 4
f / ostotSpeite,
w,a a 3 yrs 4
Orseiewieh, 3 yrs 4