The British Press; or, Morning Literary Advertiser.
London, England, 1825-03-11 00:00:00

THE BRITISH PRESS.

THEATRES.
.-......-

DRURY-LANE.
A new farce, a very silly one. was performed at this
theatre last evening. It was entitled, Change Partners.
The plot of it is simply this—Mr. IV&llack and Mrs.
Yates, to whom the bills give very outlandish names, have
each a male and female servant. Letters are written under
the signatures of these servants by their respective master
and mistress. It appears, however, that the servants are
incapable of either reading or writing. The Lady and
Gentleman are detected as the authors of these sonorous
epistles. The beauty of' the composition entrances them
into a fit of sudden affection, and though they had not seen
each other before, nor had any knowledge of each other,
save that elicited by this most strange and unaccountable
correspondence--they fly into each other's arms with an
ardour of attachment that years of persevering and long-:
cherished affectien could have scarcely created. It
truly the dullest of the many dull and insipid pieces we
have been condemned from time to time to witness.
Almost all the respectable portion of the audience kft the
theatre after the first act, and those wtao remained occupied
themselves by alternately yawning at the dulness, and hiss-
ing at the vulgarity of what was passing before them.
ENGLISH OPERA HOUSE.
We confess we are great admirers of Mr. Mathews—not
altogether in his capacity as an ordinary performer in
comedy, excellent as he is in numerous characters of the
regular drama—our admiration has been rather excited
by the wonderful mimetic powers which have enabled him
to master so felicitously the tlitfictllt lie has undertaken
in. itiu At-flames, and treat the p to so many new
editions of human nature in his own person, aided solely
by that close intuition and Protean faculty of personation
with ;Odell he distinguishes and embodies the various
and often contradictory points of human character. On those
accounts it is that we think him most " himself alone!"
He is in himself a corps dramatlyne—s very " Bully
Bottom" in versatility; and, did not his own success, and
I ' the town's delight forbid the alternative, would prove an
invaluable acquisition to any distressed country manager
in want of an actor capable of performing Hamlet, Polo-
nius, the Cock, and Ophelia, seriatim. In the absence of
legitimate comedy, the town has had no better amusement
than has been supplied by those entertainments; anti
though they pretended not to the continuity and general
effect expected film comely, and did not dive into the
rev: ses of the human heart, or present us with the skeleton
and anatomy of comic humour—yet, for joyousness: of
manner, amusing eccentricity, anti what may be denomi-
nated the sublime of farce, we know of nothing more amus.
ing than those sketches. Mr. Mathews' Memorandum Book
is not without its amusing pages and passages; and what
was wanting in the composition has been (as usual) aided
by the ability of the performer. Indeed Mathews has
bCen all along the magician, whose touch and tone have
given animation to those sketches which iu themselves
were but
" As the stuff
Prepared for Arras' pictures—and no picture
Till it he Mrmed, and he tivh cast the beams
Of his imaginous operation through it."
We are in the present entertainment first introduced to a
Mr. 7 heopltilus (Milne, an amateur artist, who " carries
his pencil in his eye anti his pallet in his mouth," and ad-
vises our friend Mathews to lay a few sketches from his
memorandum-book before the public, which he has no
doubt " will drirw." 'the memorandum-book is accord-
ingly opened, anti actors, authors, managers, and critics
(we among the rest), come in for a share of reminiscence in
a song, which was more effective than any that followed it.
Next comes Mr. Alum, the celebrated death-in-the-pot
Chemist, who amuses himself by denouncing all the
edible; and potables of this vasty globe as masses of dele-
terious and poisonous particles ; but is wise enough to
continue eating and drinking in the teeth of his
theory, all for the purpose of experiment. A variety
of characters follow, among the principal of' whom are
Mr. King, of the Crown, and his waiter Nat ; Messrs.
AllLut, Methusulem, and Christopher Chyle, and his better
half, who amuses herself in the composition of baby-linen
for the poor, and puffs off her own chatity for the country
papers. Old Startle, a gentleman,
Laudator temporis sad,*
affords occasion for sonic good hits at the bubbles of the
day, and a song, which is capital in more senses than one.
The ance-dotugc of Brigadier-General Bahia on, and his
flickering and fading recollections of Garrick, Johnson, and
Boswell, are highly amusing; but even those are inferior
to John Kemble and Bensley, in the characters of Ham-
let and the Ghost, with the rose-pink and red-arsenic.
To the novel-reading watchman (a capital incident) suc-
ceeds a song, " The Public Office, Bow-street," already
sung at the Covent-Garden Theatrical Fund dinner, and
which lost none of its attraction in its repetition last
night—it gives an excellent view of the inside of a Police
Office, and (it is to hoped) a not illegal report of
some of its proceedings, mingled with imitations of the
high priests of the sanctum. The second part concludes
with the visit of Mr. Mathews to Gloucester, accom-
panied by Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Chyle. Mr. C.
Chyle is despatched to the county gaol by his saintly rib
for the purpose of administering tracts and condo-
lence to the prisoners, and in effecting that charitable
purpose has his pocket picked in the condemned
cell. The third part comets of a monopolylogue,
entitled 2he Crown Inn Danger, and introduces some
new characters and most of our old friends, all dressed
in proper costume, and represented with surprising success
anti activity by the hero of the piece. A sentimental Ger-
man cook, much given to the delicate pleasures of skinning
eels and studying the Sorrows of Werter, is done with great
gusto ; as is brother Simper, afresh freemason, who runs
ever the gamut of laughter in a very diversified and amus-
ing manner. But we confess our favourite in this portion
of the entertainment, and, as we think, the chef d'trurrc
of the evening, is Molly Grammachree, a poor Hibernian
mendicant, who has walked " all the way from ould Ire-
land" with her son Thady on her back, singing and
begging as she goes. There was a reality and rude pathos
in this character, which produced an effect that trust be
witnessed to be appreciated. We could goon in our analysis
did not our limits remind us of stopping, and were we not
persuaded it is the less necessary to do so as most persons
will take the opportunity of forming their own judgment
of the entertainment by personal observation. In these
remarks we wish to be understood as speaking principally
of the effect produced by Mathews' personation. Of the
composition we must speak in more measured terms; it is
unequal, and decidedly i:Serior to some of' the former
At Homes in execution. The fable of the Centaur is ex-
actly reversed in the present instance: the man carries the
beast, and were it not for the powerful talents of the per-
former, the vehicle made use of to convey his humour
would be stale, flat, and we fear unprofitable. But
" Materiem superabat opus"—
and we have no doubt the abilities of Mathews will pro-
cure the piece a run.
The house was crowded to overflowing with an audience
of great respectability and fashion, among whom we ob-
served the Marquis of Exeter, Lady L. Gower, Lady Lub-
bock, Miss Stephens, &c.

Tut lain COL'RT—His Excellency ehe Lord Lieute-
nant held his second L.yee for the season, at Dublin
Castle, yesterday. The presentations were very numerous,
and included every person of rank and fashion in the
metropolis and its neighbourbood.—Dublin Paper.
Manatees tx Hictt Ltre.—On Monday evening, the
28th of February, by special license, at (lethally, the seat
of the Earl of Clancarty, Thomas Kavanagh, of Dorris,
county of Kilkenny, Esq. to Lady Harriet Trench, second
daughter of the Eal of Clancarty. The marriage cere-
mony was performed by the llonourable and Venerable
the Archdeacon of Ardagh, and early on Tuesday morning
the happy pair left Garbslly, in a chaise and four, for Kil-
kenny Castle, the seat of the Earl of Ormolule and Ossory.
Miss Lydia Kelly continues to be the favourite heroine,
both in tragedy mid comedy, in the Theatre at New York.
This amiable young lady took her benefit in January,
acknowledged to be the very worst theatrical month in
the year, when the receipts were upwards of seventeen
hundred dollars.

The Grosvenor Canal at Chelsea was opcncd yesterday
by Earl Grosvenor. This canal is a gnat improvement to
his Lordship's estate, and highly advantageous to the
neighbourhood.

~_

INDIA.

[From the Cerritiff tovernarent Gazelle of soy. 4.1
CACUAR.—lnielligence was received by Government on the Ist
instant, that the Burmese force,' in Caehar had evacuated the posts
of Tilarn and Doodpatlie„ and retreated to Munnipore.
reile C nel lanes, commanding on the Syltiet frontier, having learnt
Itb - Ituttnese were retiring. directed a reconnaissance to be
on the morning of the 25th sltiono. Accordingly., a patty
udder the et-mull/mil of Captain Uftwes, accompanied by Liente-
, nett Fisher, of the Quarter..Nestzr-General's department. 'pro-
ceeded up the Barak river at day-break. attended by the flotiliata
Juttrapore. when ,'disembarkation was effected and theparty marcdod
across to Tilayn, which place was foltrid evacuated, and the works
partly destroyed. From the information colleeted from the natives
of Cathay, who had been prisoners with the Borioese. it appeared
that the main body, which occupied a )rage caritenne.it at Flood-
padie. left in progress toward, Munuipore earl.; an the morning of
the 24th ultimo, and the rear-guard had vacated Tilayn inilie
night of the same day. The same body is said to be now at non-
, scanclee, on the mute to Munnipore. distant four days' march from
,the present within° of the British, force in the dry season, but un-
fovtunately the country is still so much under water, that it.is im-
To,sible to march regular troops across in pursuit of the enemy.
Reial, Gumbheer Sow, however. had been instructed to push for-
ward with his here, towards the eastern frontier of Gachnr, for the
purpose of cutting off any stragglers, and of covering the advance
of the Ilurkarabs of the intelligence department.

•
GENERAL. ORDER. It? THF. RIGHT ITONOITRADLR THE
GOVERNOR-GENERAL IN COI7NCIL. •
" Fort William. 2d November, 1824.
" The GOvernot-General in Council having received from tite
Agent of the Governor-General at Moorahedabad, the melancholy
intelligence a the demise, on the Snth ultimo, of his Ilighnewi
Syyed Ahmed Ali Khan, Nuwwab Nazim of Bengal, his Lord.
ship in Council directs that minute gums, to the number of thirty.
one, corresponding with the years of the deceased, be fired from
the ramparts, of -Eau W.illiaimraa a unlit, tyf reap
of ht,
" By Command of the Right Honourable the
in Council.
" GEO. SWINTON, Sec. to the Govt."

CICTRACT FROM A DESPATCH rao3t intOAntEtt•6rNERAL
Slit ARCHIBALD cAstrnELL, X.C.R. DATCD 16TH OCT. 1024. -
If I can trust the information I receive, I may conclude that the
united strength of the Burman empire is now collecting in my
front. I have not • doubt that part of the Flundel•ls's 'army was
present at all the late affairs, but their presence doeo not appear to
have yet given any additional confidence to the tirSons we were
the habit of encountering, although it is certain they are now triy
generally armed with muskets.
The nuncio°la, all the priaonent say, has arrived at Donoobew,
with unlimited power and is to make a general attack upon •oar
position early in the Wooing moon. Preparatory orderit from him
had been received at those posts nearest our line to cut quantities of
bamboos of a certain length. and collect all the earth oil and cotton
the country could suppty. These materials were of course intended
for the construction of Ere rafts, but Major Evans' party having
destroyed all the earth oil collected, that part of the General's
plan is so far disarranged. -• •
The Court of Ava has alreraly made great exertions in supplying
their army in this quarter with such materials as the country and
capital contain, all or great part of which has been successively
captured by the troops under my eomMand. ‘What further exer-
tions in that respect they may be• capable of making, 1 cannot
judge; but if any inference can be drawn from the wooden guns,
double and single headed wooden shot lately found in their stock.
atles, and the rude lumps of ragged iron used as shOt„ I should
conclude their arsenal department must beats very low ebb.
Since last I had the honour of addressing you, 180 bullocks
have arrived from Madras, and more are daily expected. They
are the best caste of draft cattle on that coedit, and will be highly
useful.

The Gazette of the 2d of November contains copies and extracts
of dertaatches that day received from Brigadier-General Sir Archi.
bald Campbell, dated bead-quarters, Rangoon, October 11. They
narrate the particulars of an attack made by our troops upon a
force of the enemy which had advanced in the direction of Ran.
goon, and taken up a position fourteen miles from that plate.
The party consisted of 800 men front the Madras brigade of
Native Light Infantry, under its Commander, Lieutenant-Colonel
Commandant Smith, accompanied by 300 native rank and tile of
the 28th and 30th regiments, four Camel howitzer., and a com-
petent number of pioneers. Colonel Smith's despatch, narrating
the particulars of the Attack upon the enemy's itorkade, is long
and minute. The troops in approaching the position had to en.
counter considerable resistance offered by the enemy, and sustained
some loss in wounded. Our troops, however, drove !eery thing
before them, and carried a succession of breastworks on their route
in the most gallant manner. The following paragraph of Colonel
Smith's despatch contains the particulars of the attack made by our
troops on the stockade :
" The guide' affected to be ignorant of the direction to the
stockade, although they pointed in the direction it was erected.
As the road we were in appeared to be good, and direct upon a
pagoda which was represented to lie on the lett of the stockade, we
pursued. it.
" The necessary reconnoissance having been made, which the
enemy allowed us to complete unmolested, and the extreme
silence that had hitherto prevailed, induced me to believe that
the post had been abandoned ; but, notwithstanding, as the late-
ness of the evening would not allow of any further examination
of the enemy's position, arrangements were made for assailing
the place; and Major Nl'ahab was directed to move forward in
double quick time. with ladders to escalade. This gallant Officer
gave the cheering signal, and the first division, with a spirit. and
animation I never saw surpassed, and wish shouts, rushed for-
ward to the Runic. This was only answered by a round of can.
non from the pagoda, which, until now, I was led by the guides
to believe was undefended. The enemy in the stockade still
observed a sullen silence; not a shot was fired until the divi-
sion of the lflth and ladders had got well in front of the works.
It was then that volleys of grape and musketry Were discharged
upon the party at the distance of fifty or suety yards, with an
effect and regularity hitherto unequalled in this country. Several
of the pioneers with their ladders were at this instant knocked
down, together with the leading officers, and the men, conse-
quently, from the awful and destructive tire that fell among
them, and the loss of their commanding and leading officers, were
seized with panic, and lay down to secure themselves from its
further effects.
" The lateness of the evening rendered this loss irrerirable. or
otherwise I might have brought up the 3d or supporting division
to renew the attack. But to satisfy myself more thoroughly at
this momentous crisis of our actual situation, I peon • ded to the
head of the attacking column, and there I learnt from Lieutenant
Shiel, of the 3d Light Infantry, who in the ardour of zeal had
moved forward with some of his men, that Major Wahab had retired,
his wounds not admitting of his remaining any longer in advance.
1 quickly surveyed the enemy's works, and saw it had a parapet,
from which blazed a continual sheet of fire; under these circum-
stances 1 had no alternative, I thought, left me. I must either
bring up the third division and renew the attack, to the Imminent
hazard, nay certainty, of losing all, or save what remained by
speedily retrograding. Of the two evils I instantly chose the least,
and directed Lieutenant Shiel to tile away to the rear, without noise
or confusion. As soon after as possible I sounded the retreat, and
the several parties, and such of the wounded men as could walk,
assembled on the ground from which the reconnoissance was taken
in the first instance. The firing from the enemy was still kept up
from three positions.
" Order, regularity, and discipline, which had been distinctly
observed till about this period, vanished, and the whole of the
corps, crowded indiscriminately into one mass, retired to the plain
which I had pointed out."
The party finally secured their retreat, after sustaining a loss of
21 killed, and 74 wounded. The officers killed were ('aptain Allen,
34th Light Infanuy. and Lieutenant Bond, of the Caine regiment.
Wounded—hlajor Wahala 34th Regiment, Light Infantry; Lieu-
tenant and Adjutant Campbell. lot battalion of Pioneers; Captain
111oncrieffe, ditto ; Lieutenant Challon, 44th Regiment Light
Infantry; and Lieutenant Lindesay, ditto.
A despatch from Brigadier M'Creagh contains the particular*
of a second attack made upon the enemy's position on the 11th,
which was carried, the enemy having previously abandoned it.
The bodies of the sepoys and pioneers who had been loin in the
previous unsuccessful attack it ere found fastened to the trunks of
trees on the road side., mangled and mutilated in every manner
that savage cruelty could devise.
A despatch from Major Evans, dated Rangoan Heights, nth
October, narrates the particulars of an attack upon the enemy on
the Lyng River, on the sth of October, and subsequent affairs to
the Ilth, by 300 men of the 38th. 100 of the Madras native in-
fantry, and a detachment of Bengal artillery, with a flotilla of
gun-beau, he., under the command of Captain Chadds, of the
Arachne. The despatch, after mentioning the preparations,
states that the attack was met by a very vigorous fire from the gun-
boats of the enemy, seven of which were destroyed, before the at.
tack of the village of Thantabain, which was defended by three
long breastworks, with a very extensive stockade, and fourteen
large war-boats, each mounting a gun. The despatch then
proceeds; -_
" flaying consulted Captain Chadds, we advanced to the assault,
the steam-boat with the Satellite and Bomb Rich in tow, and the
troops in their boats ready to land when ordered. In passing the
scaM breard we received a Smart running tire fro.n the jingale and
musketry, which was returned with showers of grape from the
Satellite; and observing the enemy evidently in confusion. 1 directed
the troops and scaling ladders to be immediately landed, and in a
few minutes every work about the place was in our possession.
During this night some fire rafts of a most formidable appearance
were floated down the river, but very fortunately passed without
touching any of the vessels.
" At six o'clock next morning we again moved with the tide, arid
in passing a narrow neck of land at the janction of two rivers were
received with a brisk discharge of musketry from a long line of
breastworks, and a cannonade from a ray large stockade on our
right. The fire of the latter was soon silenced by the well-pointed
guns of the Satellite.
" The troops and pioneers were ordered then to land, and this
formidable stockade was carried * assault without a struggle.a, It
is without exception the strongest work of the kind I have her
seen ; the length of the front and rear faces is two hundred yards,
and that of the side faces one hundred and fifty. It is huilt of solid
timber. fifteen feet high, with a platform inside all round. five feet
broad and eight feet from the ground—upon this platform were a
number of wooden guns and piles of single and double-headed
weotleu shot, and many jingals, and below we found Seven pieces

'of imn and bran ordsome. In front the stockade is strengti en
by breastwOrks and regular demi-lanes, and would contain w. ts
ease above two thoutand men. In the centre of this strong 11
we fituatithe magnificent Eurgslow of the Kee Woor.gee, who 1
Presume fled early in the day. although we found the house eat
perforated ly bal.s in mar), plac,:s, and the rooms much Obi( '
with blood. I cannot doubt but the enemy's Ton must have b.+t:
severe, but we only found scremeen dead bedin, which they lieu
not thae to carry c'ff."
The following is the dement of orilnaree and aorta taken and
destroyed Brass ovelnance, two half-pounders ; two 13 ditto :
end one 23 ditto ; iron ditto, one pcur.der and three $1 ditto :
'yinjals' iron, 22'; rockets. signal,
;carriages, one 1 pounder lutri
two 24 ditto; 5001bs. of gunpowder, a few iron shot, and 400 gal-
lons of 'earth oil. besides seven wooden gons and carriates destroyed
on the Bth inst." Only three rank and tile were wounded in this
affair.
• • 110318.11'.
It has been apprehended that our cotton produce to the nortb%
wand must have suffered severely from the &might bat notwiti-
(landing the scarcity of rain, we learn that the crops of this et'sr
are Eery rich, and. by last accounts, anti required a few 'bowers c•'
rain to bring them to perfection, in which case they are eipeeted to
yield 26 per cent, above last year's produce. ,But 0101113 no rail,
fall, eel. informant (a respectable native, whose testimony may be
relied on) confidently assumes that sufficient cotton pro-
duced to supply the wants of the market tin this side of India.
though at a rate of 2(, per cent. less thnn that or last year. from
the same source we learn that Bownashur„ Ditellerg. Breech,
Jumhosawsr, Perubunder, Mandevee, and Katrywar have rot
leas than 70,000 bales in throtatites of last year's crop, 50,50
of which have. been purchased by the merchints of Bombay and
on account of the flononneble Company, and sahish may be ex-
pectetl to twelve at the Presidency in All next enerrth.—Buotitay Ga-
zette, Oct. 13.
• SLAM. •
The facility w!th which our forces have obtained posserdot of
Tavoy is highly important, and the abundance of fresh supplies of
every description, yrocura4e there. adds greatly to tie value of the
nVeniadersitend that transports were about to be des-
patched by Sir Archibald Campbell N. atilt articles of ptotrision
as might be required by the army at Rangoon. The conduct of
the Satmese at Tavoy on the present oreasson .c7early shows that
they are anxious to throw off the Burmese yoke. which to them
has been nothing but tyranny and oppression; ar'l there is reason
to expect that 81-, will cordially to-operate with us on that side of
the Burman entp.re.
The followirg, derived from recent document?, is a brief account
of Teeny and 31ergui, two places again:: -,whiet the expedition
from Rangoon is employed :
Tavoy lies between the 13th and 14th degyeen of north latittidr,
and the mooch of the ricer may Le considered as the prOper port.
The river of Tavoy, to a considerable distance is the interior, is
fit for native navigation. The town is about eight leagues up
the river, situated in a fertile conniry,' abounding •in the ordinary
necessaries of life. It is but ocean ordiFiery Innrches from Bug.
koke, the capital of Slam.. and aprinent.e Dot above a few days
easy nail from 31artaban and hsrngoon, during the greater part
of the year.
Alergui liesibetweth 12 and 13' iegrees c, Attitude, and is situated
upon an ialt.nd at toe mouth of the river of Tenuesaerian. It is
described as in every respect one of the most „commodious ports
in India, adMttir.g the ingress and egress of shrills of any burgles),
in both monsoons, being perfectly safe, when entered, and ad.
mining of communication with the Brif:r'.h ports to the north
and south of it, but; particularly with Cairutts, throughout the
whole yeas., 11:e neighbouring country is. naturally fertile, sea
even at prevent, and after the long nusrule of the Burmese,
abounding in the necessaries of life. fyltis was the port given over
to Louis X.IV. in the year 1680 A.D., by treaty, as one of the
two keys to the kingdom of Siam. It was actually occupied by a
French force fur a considerable time, as well as Bang.koke, the
modern capital. . s
The Provinces to which. the above ports belong are inhabited
for the most part by a peetsliar and distinct nation called Meng.
They were wrested from the'hiamese about sixty years ago. whea
the Burman, were in the full career of their victories, and they
have been able to inentain them ever. since, ,although with con.
siderable difficolty, The natural resources of this portion of the
Burman empire are temp every account very important, consisting
chiefly of Tin, &Annan Wood, Stic.lac, and the timber called Mar.
ban, which is well suited for ship building, independent of a cheep
and plentiful supply of Corn.—Caeatta Government Gazette,
Oct. 28. . . • .. . , .
The troops assembling at Chittagong and on the frontier of
Sylhet, for service, are brigaded as follow :
lit Brigade-44th Reg. H. M.'s; 47th Reg. N. T.: 62d Reg,
N. 1 —Brigadier Shapland, 27th N. I. ; Tlngade..Major Captain
White.
2d Brigade-54th Reg.. 11.111.'s ; 42d Reg. N. I. ; 26th Ref.
N. I.—Brigadier Colquhoun Grant, 64th, H. M.'s.
9d Brigade-47th Reg. 11. M.'s; 7th Reg. N. I, ; 44th Reg.
N. 1.--Brigadier.General Cotton; Brigude.rlajor, Captain Sather,
47th, 11. 31:s.
4th Brigade—lith Reg. N. I. ; 39th Reg. N. I.; s2d Reg. N.T.
—Brigadier 1 mica, C.B ; Brigade-Major Captain Currie, 14th Reg.
N. I.
6th Brigatle-10th .Reg. Waif:as N. I. ; 16th ditto, ditto...
Brigadier A. Fair; Brigade-Major, Lieut. A:II. Dyce.

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SOCIETY FOR THE SUPPRESSION OF
MENDICITr.
Ttte Seventh Annervessey Me---erit of the Snbicnberg and Friends
to die above insdblied Seek place yesterday at the Freemasons'
Mal, Brest Qedeliseelenet
losehk M—eld that the Chair would be taken by his
Vold Michaele die Dale of York pretieely at one o'clock, yet
when that hone Mimed needier the Royal Duke um above 50 per-
sons way present
At half-past onetime filkierideuen of the Committee enteral the
me% tabu It was issesnneed that as his Royal Highness had not
midi . rent igeggileeignt nue spgrabanded to have occurred. and
that It tee considered advisable an proceed with the business of the
day. a having buddespatched to ascertain the cause of
fire aosnd detention. At this time about SOO persons had
mumbled, many of whom were ladies. Among the gentlemen on
the plattotin we noticed the Right Hen. Lard Calthotpe, the Right
Hest. Lord Binning, the Right Han. Lord James Stuart, Oriole
Cheremondley, Esq., Alderman Bridget M P., R. J. W.
Holton, L'sq. M.P., W. William', Esq. M.P. &c. &c.
R. J. W. HORTON, Esq. having been ralled to the Chair, he
opened the business of the Meeting by begging to explain that in
Royal
consequenee of his Highness the Duke of York, who was
the Patron of the Institution, and of hi Grace the Duke of,
Neenburnberland, who was their President. not being present, the •
office of filling the Chair had fallen on him, as one of the Vies
Psesidents of the Society. The delay which had taken place in
codiarseesiser tbe business of the day was solely occasioned by
a smog belief that his Royal Highness would have attended,
and be was sure that nothing but an unasoldable occurrence
could have deprived the Meeting of the honour of his Royal
Presence. He begged to state that a letter had been des-
perched to the Horse Guam. to learn the pleasure of his Royal
Higbee's, to which an answer vas every moment expected. In
the mean time, it wu considered proper to proceed with the bud-
Pent of the blaming. He thought it quite unnecessary on the
present ocean= to interrupt the proceedings by entering into am.
tdetails outthe cbjects and merits of the Mendieity Society, which
*mild be much better made known to the Meeting by the Report
which would be read to them by their Worthy Secretary, than by
any observations of his own. lie begged, however, to state that
letters had been received from the Marquis of leansdowo. Lord
Caturchili, the Right Honourable George Canning, the Right
Honourable Robert Peel, and others, expressive of their regret at
not being able to attend the present Meeting, and of the con-
tinua:besot-their friendly disposition towards the Society.
Mr. BODKIN (the Honorary Secretary) then proceeded to read
the Report of the Committee, for which we regret we have no space
to-day.
Lord CALTHORPE said that he felt sir.cere satisfaction in
submitting the Resolution which had been confided to him—that
the Report they had just heard read be received, printed, and cir-
culated, under the direction of the Committee of Management.
He was rot so fortunate as to have heard the whole of the Report
mad ; but he had heard enough to convince him that a document so
satisfactory, so full of interesitng facts, could not be printed and elm
rotated without procuring for that Meeting a considerable degree
of publicsupport. He could not hear it read without feeling that the
Surety deemed that public support. However true it might be
that charity conferred a blessing both on him who gave and on
him who received ; yet he could not bat think that by what lie had
beard stated in the Report, it never did the one or the other. Ile
teslly thought that this Institution, by changing. the habits of the
people, in their mode of dispensing their charity, rendered the
cause of real and benevolent exertion a great good. One instance
of the great advantage derived from its labours was, not only that
it had elected our streets of many miserable and wretched victims
to the most depraved and shocking vim, but it had done great
good to all our other charities, because it is known to have pro.
Cured habits of &invite', and zealous and cordial rivalry. In order
to insure these habits a continuance, every support was neces-
sary. In the ease of relieving in the streets there was a sort of
divided feeling, a doubt whether the object of one's benevolence
was a deserving or an undeserving object. This Society, however,
in a very great measure removed such a feeling, by insuring the
certainty of one's charity being properly applied. He believed
there was no money given to the poor which was received with less
thankfulness than casual alms bestowed in the streets, for the per-
sons to whom those alms were bestowed perceived that they were
dispensed more for the purpose of getting rid of their importu.
nits, than out of compassion for their dulness. If the blessings
whieet we dispensed were received with thankfulness, the very
feeling itself imparted a new value to them ; and therefore he could
not conceive a better contrivance for defeating the object of charity
than by giving money in a mariner where no thankfulness would be
telt at all. He could not but feel that the scrutiny which this Society
had established, tended to secure for the relief which it afforded a cat-
ainty of its being well and justly applied, and that it was altogether a
frost safe, salutary, and useful charity. If in any country in the world
such • Cheat,. would be useful, it would be much more so in this
country. The most curious fact mentioned in the Report to-day
soofirmed this. He would ask whether letters of distress could be
made such ready nieans of imposition in any other country in the
world besides this? That amazing spirit of kindness which was
ready to relieve all sorts of wretchedness and misery, real or
fictitious, exposed those who possessed it to these impositions in •
most extraordinary degree. It was in England alone that the rich
soil of benevolence threw forth its fruits in such rich and luxuriant
profusion : and afforded opportunity to that particular kind of im-
position which was carried on by begging-letters. He was sure,
therefore, that the Meeting would agree with him that this Society
had done great benefit to the country at large by restricting, if not
setirely suprressing, that species of trade. He would only add, that
a Society which tended to supply what was a vacancy In the list of
Institutions, and which gave an impetus to all other Societies, re-
quired only to be more fully known, in order to receive the in-
creased support and sanction of the public. His Lordship con.
eluded by moving the first Resolution.
Mr. M. DYER in seconding the Resolution said, that the testi-
mony of the practical effects of Ibis Institution which happened-to
fell under his observation enabled him to speak of its utility. It
was on that account that he as • Magistrate of this metropolis
could not help thinking that this Ingutution would operate in a
very great degree to the benefit of society. He front the beginning
had felt every regard for the Institution ; and if he were to select a
moment in which lie should say that his admiration was the
greatest, he should select this praise moment, because it was
notorious that beneficial effects were now more than ever develop-
:mg themselves, and that but for this Society and the officers that
it employed, this great town would be almost overrun with sturdy
beggars. If he had had any idea of being called upon to address
• the Meeting, he would have prepared himself with a document to
show the comparative number of committals of vagrants by the
piastres now and formerly ; but he was sure that where there were
twenty commitments formerly, there was not now above one. He
concluded by seconding the Resolution.
General THORNTON said that he received daily intelligence of
tee great and beneficial effects of this Institution, and lie was very
sorry that Government had taken away rewards for the apprehen-
sive of vagrants. By the Acts of Elizabeth and James, the first
persons were subject to a penalty for not taking up beggars.
Although it might appear a very hard thing at present, yet he
certainly wished some measure could be thought of by the Le s.
lature to prevent indiscriminate almsgiving. At the time when
those laws were enacted, the poor were not so well provided for as
now, and, therefore, there was not so much excuse at present for
t'ost who indulged in this indiscreet and mischievous species of
benevolence. One great evil that existed suss the number of
juvenile offenders in the streets. He could not help attributing this
ti a great neglect on the part of our National Schools, in not teach-
ing some useful trade to the children. There were some Schools of
eindustry in the metropolis, and he thought it would be highly
Jeetiefcial if all our charity schools were conducted in • similar
oaf.
A GENTLEMAN in the body of the Meeting observed, that it
would be very desirable that the Report should be printed as soon
as possible. A very great delay frequently took place in the pot-
ideation.
The CHAIRMAN said that it would be published in the course
of a month or six weeks from the present time.
The resolution was then put and carried.
Lord BINNING said that he was quite unprepared to address the
Meeting, but he nevertheless rose with great pleasure to move the
Resolution which had been confided to him, which was to do that
justice to his Royal Highness the Duke of York, which his bene.
nehinea demanded of them. But before he put the motion, he
eintuld advert to the Report which had been read, and which.*
ousted would be as widely circulated as It deserved to be. tine
*art of that Report, he meant that which alluded to the begging-
letter departmlen, ought to be most seriously attended to. He
knew many benevolent persona wbo had avoided to refer CAMS to this
Sqthrty, anodic:int It to he an interference with the personal feel-
ings of benevolence, idea: ought to be left to their own free and
enehackled exercise. But lie would suggmt to then., that no in-
quiries' which they could make, could be so complete and satiefec-
en!y as could be done by this Society. How few of us have the op-
portunity and knowledge to detect imposition, and to distinguish
impostors and real objects of charity ? and their savants
awe not better able to ascertain these things than gentlemen them-
e/111M I and then cannelthat doubtful heeling which had been spoken
it by the Noble Lord (Calthorpe) where the mind vacillated as to
shatter it should give or withheld. He would appeal to every one
present, whether they had not over and over again given alms with
tea: doubt upon their minds as to the desert of the object on whom
they were bestowing them, and that the only motive which derided
them was, that they would rather give at the chance of its being
111-bentowed than to refuse • real and deserving object of crimp's-
siren. Now he would submit to those benevolent individuals that
Jens Seciety possessed every means of ascertaining the real Ma-
eneter of those persons. He himself had been in the habit of con-
tributing to the support ef many blind persons, and as he consider-
ed Olindnese to be the worst species of human ffiiction, he thought
re doubt could be eutertained of the deserts of those who were thus
s(fircted. Ho, therefore, never made any inquiry as to their red)
Imitation, but went on, year after year, bestowing his small done-
thins. . It however occurred to him, that he might as well invests.
pats the claims of those poor persons, and he therefore took down
weir names, and sent them to this Institution; the result was, that
Fe bad been most egregiously it4osed upon , tor, out of the twelve
,pr ehirteen persons that had ben aprlying to him so regularly. not
al see tan or three were worthy objects of charity. He thought this
fact ruff tiently important to mention to the meeting. and through
the meeting to the public. He should now call their attention to
'she Re mhition. He was sure that tie should be declaring the
asoninents of every ono present, when he expressed his great regret
tept.the unavoidable abseoee of ha Royal Highness the Duke of
le• If the number of Charitsbis Institutions which existed
a e dirtinction of this country, it could not but be a source
petite and distinct:tom that either one or tits other of the
• 11 embers of the Royal Family presided over tiles. There was
salt ciee of that (Usurious Family more devotedly sincere in the

cause of charity than his Royal Highness the Duke of York. He
therefore begged to move a Resolution, expressive of the thinks of
the meeting to his Royal Highness, for his patronage and sup-
port to tins Institution In all its operation,.
The Honourable GEORGE CIIOI.IIOEDELIT seconded '
motion.
Lord Janes STUART moved the thanks of the meeting to his
Grate the Duke of Northumberland, anal to the Vice-Presidents.
General Sit Jot's HAamtTolt seconded the motion.
The Resolution wu carried unanimously.
Alderman fininuas concurred most hear in the objects of
this Society, and the nseneures it had adopt; but he regretted
that there still were many sturdy beggars in our streets which
called for the exertions of this Institution. He thought much de-
pended upon the judgment of individuals, in the mode of giving
alms, whether this Society should effect its full purposes or not.
Its giving to those who were not deserving, it stimulated the idle
to adopt the same course of mendicity, and to make renewed de-
predations on the public. It wu lamentable to consider the great
increase of boys confined in our prisons of late years, and he could
not but think it was occasioned by that want of inculcating
industry in our national schools, which had been complained of by
the Gallant General (Thornton); and he (Alderman Bridges) could
not therefore but wish that some such plan u his Gallant Friend
had alluded to were adopted. He concluded by moving the thanks
of the !sleeting to William Williams, Esq. the Treasurer.
HENRY POWNALL, Esq. seconded it in a complimentary
speech to Mr. Williams, whom he designated as a most indelatt-
gable and ardent friend to the Institution.
A letter from the Duke of York was now handed to the Secretary,
who read it. It was written by Sir Herbert Taylor, and expressed
his Royal Highness's regret at not being able to attend the Meet-
ing by unavoidable circumstances which required his presence at
the Horse Gaanls.
Mr. Wizatasts returned thanks. He could only assure the
Meeting that he had ever felt great satisfaction in attending the
duties of this Society, because he thought it not only calculated to
promote the morals, but also the general prosperity of the country.
As long as money wan given in the streets to beggars, never must
this Society be done away with. He, therefore, entreated that every
one instead adispensing their charity in so precarious and injurious
a manner, they would give their money to the Society and take
tickets in exchange.
Sir J. Lallonsx moved the thanks of the Meeting to Thomas
Abraham', Esq., Honorary Counsel, sod to W. Tooke, Honorary
Solicitor to the Institution.
G. L. Co LLINGWOOD, Esq. seconded the motion.
The Resolution was then carried.
Captain the Honourable G. G. ‘PALDEORAVE, R.N. moved
the thanks of the meeting to %V. H. Bodkin, Esq. In doing this,
be begged to refer every one to their able and satisfactory Report,
which reflected the highest credit on that gentleman's talents and
zeal in the ;ause of this Institution.
J. J. BRISCOE, Esq. said, he felt pleased to add his humble tri-
bute of praise to the gentleman whose name had just been men-
tioned, and to express the strongest admirataan for the services he
had rendered to this Society. He wished every one felt the same
teal towards it, for sure he was that they would be acting in the
cause of real benevolence.
Mr. BODKIN returned thanks, and said that so long as his ser-
vices were of any use they might continue to command them.
Thanks were then voted to the Board of 31anagement and Au.
ditors. . _ .

The Hon. C. J. SHORE moved the thanks of the meeting to the
Chairman.

h. PEIIRTN, Esq. seconded it, which, being carried by accla-
mation,
The CHAIRMAN expressed his sense of the honour just done
him, and begged to congratulate the Meeting on the efficacy of this
Society, and on the aUle Report that had been read to them. fie
perfectly agreed in the observations which had been made in refer.
ence to the necessity of encouraging useful industry in our na-
tional schools. N'ith regard to the Vagrant Act, he had no doubt
that if the Legislature should be made acquainted with the fact that
not one out of 20 of the constables did their duty in consequence of
the enactments in it relative to the rewards, he had on doubt they
would take the question into consideration. At the same time he
begged to say he fully concurred in the principle of the Act. He
wished the true nature of this Society to be made more
extensively known than it was at present. Ile had no doubt
that if its objects were better understood it would meet with
general support. It had been objected that this Institution inter-
fered with the feeling of benevolence. It was his opinion that in
the country such a feeling might perhaps be acted upon beneficially,
but in the metropolis, where all kinds of characters were assem-
bled, he conceived it impossible for an individual to trace the
ramifications through which their money passed. Such an Insti.
tution as this therefore was absolutely necessary to direct that bene.
volence Into its proper channel. He begged to express his convic-
that if this Society were well supported it was calculated to do
good in a most extensive degree ; and in a moral and political,
and a national point of view, it required unly to be known that its
benetits might be increased fourfold.
The Meeting then separated.