The British Press; or, Morning Literary Advertiser.
London, England, 1824-03-19 00:00:00

'next Meeting, would candidly and fairly state why they consielemia'
that an establishment of this kind was not necessary, and might tic
prejudicial (Hear, hear.) He would not gn into the dismission,
though be was then fully prepared to state his reaming, which were
those also of a great number of gentlemen whose names, when they
were mentioned, must have an important influence on the fate of the
question. (Hear.)
The motion was then agreed to.
Mr. IVo, Lasvow then moved, that a Committee be appointed
to carry into execution the establishment of the Chamber of Cum-
meree, if the Report should be approved by the next General
Meeting.
111 r. TOOKE submitted that this Motion wan premature. I)
could, with propriety, he only after the report was confirmed that
they proceeded to consider the appointment of the committee. To
curry the resolution now would be taking a measure that woull
imply a sinstion of the Report before it was discussed.
Ala WOLLASTON observed, that every Gentleman must concur
in the expediency of having a perfect list of names prepared if the
report should be adopted.
1111..01ms:rect. conceived that no prejudice could result from
delaying the appointment of any set of names to carry into effert a
measure which might not be passed. The resolution seemed to
him not only premature, but calculated to prejudge the whole
question. (Hear, hear.)
31r. THOMAS WILSON mid he knew the feelings in which
this resolution had originated. Though he was one of the com-
mittee, he was sorry to say he bad seldom attended, but he Was
aware of the motives that leul guided the preparation of this
motion. A similar attempt to form a Chamber ct Commerce Lad
occurred before, which various circumstances had contributed to
defeat, and amongst them none was mind In-s important than the
want of a prepared list of gentlemen of sufficient respectability to
father the establisment. The object of the Committee was to shew
that they did not recommend measures which they were not pie-
pared to follow up. (Hear, hear.) If the list was found to be cor-
rect, there would be no diifictilty in withdrawing it afterwards,
should the resolutions of the next general meeting be adverse to the
institution.
Mr. ToocE was still of opinion that no further steps should be
taken now.
A gentleman, whose name we could not leant, argued the pro-
priety of agreeing to the motion. The expediency of the institu-
tion might depend on the fitness of the persons named to carry it
into execution. The fears and jealousies now prevalent might be
allayed at once, if it were proved that some members from every
branch of trade were nominated. The whole question, he repeated,
might hinge on that consideration, lie considered it, therefore,
neither premature nor unadvised.
31r. ifIOHERT thought the reasoning might be reversed, if it
were applicable to the subjt et at aIL The proper coons would be
first to hear the objections that would be urged at the next meet-
ing. When the question was fairly discussed he (Mr. H.) might
be among its foremost 'supporters. (Hear, hear.)
Mr. AVoLi.satrote said, the object of the institution was to pro-
mote, generally, the welfare of the trade of the city of London, and
not of any branch in particular. (Hear, hear, hear.) He had au
wish to press the motion contrary to the sense of any gentlemen
who considered it premature. His only object was to discuss the
whole subject fairly. When the main question was carried, they
might then consider the mode of funning the institution. He was
induced to bring the motion forward, as the utility of the institu-
tion would depend, in a great treasure, on the respectability and
startling of those who patronized it.
The motion was then withdrawn.
Mr. Co 3111 OLD then moved a vote of thanks to the Committee,
' for the eatable Report they hail laid before the Meeting.
Mr. Bnowstit suggested whether it was not necessary that the
Meiling should read the Report before they could determine whc-
' thee it was valuable. (.1 baugh).
' The motion was then withdrawn, after a remark from a gentle-
' man, that the Committee themselves were desirous that the Meet-
ing should have every oppdrtunity to appreciate their labours.
Dr. Tilos. WiLsox said he had a mot on to propose, which he
• was sure would be acceded to willingly by all parties. They were
' all agreed, that they could not hare a Chairman more respectable
• than hla Hon. Friend (Mr. J. Smith), but doubts were entertain-
ed whether he would be able to attend at the next Meeting. There'
were besides other reasons. It was necessary thereshould be some
' variation in the Chairman, itforder that the measure migiit not ap-
• pear to'have only one godfather (a laugh). The lion. Gentleman
I then moved.—
' 2. " That William Manning, Esq. M. P. be invited to take the
chair at the meeting appointed to be held on Thursday, the Ist of
ApriL"
' Mr. Gar:recta. remarked that as their proceedings would be '1
made public, it was desirable that it should be signified that this
' resolution was passed in consequence of its being inconvenient for
his Hon. Friend to attend at the next Meeting.
The CHAIRMAN said, that for lihnself he begged that the ob-
servation of his lion. Friend (Mr.•Grentell) might be considered
as withdrawn. Ile could bear with perfect philosophy any such
reflection as his Hon. Friend was desirous of shielding him
against. The tact was, that it was highly expedient that the chair,
on the next meeting, should be taken by souse gentleman of great
commercial knowledge and high character) sad it was wisely con-
sidered that his Hon. Friend .Mr. Manning was a fit person to take
the lead ors such en occasion. His (the Chairman's) situation as a
' banker did not qualify him to preside, but he should feel it his
duty to attend. (Hear.) It Was obvious to every man that it was
difficult to find an individual so well adapted to answer all the re-
quisites fur that station as his Hon. Friend Mr. Manning. As a
' personal matter, affecting him' be begged no more might be said
' of it. No gentleman, it was elem, could preside with more effect
than ohe'whe united the characters of a Bank Director, a merchant
of great experience, end a man of high character.
31r. li ton gRT asked, whether it was known that Mr. Manning
' would accept the appointment?
Mr. WOLLASTON mid the motion was only to invite him.
Mr. II inui:ae-remaiked, that it would be more satisfactory if
it was known what were Mr. Manning's opinions on the subject.
He bad some reason todoubt that Mr. Manning would be favour.
able to the measure.
Mr. IV OLLAATOIf said he did not know what were Mr. MAR.'
ning's sentiments, but he believed they were not adverse.
The motion was then agreed to.
Mr. WAR It E said no gentleman was more entitled to their thanks
than their present Chairman.
. Mr. %WOLLASTON then read the following resolution:-
3. " That this meeting it deeply impressed with the value of the'
• services rendered by John Smith, Esq. M. P., upon this and vs.
riot's other occasions, for the promotion a the commerce of the
invited Empire, and whilst they hereby testify. an imperfect ac-
knowledgment of such services, they also solicit a continuance of
the sante."

The CHAIRMAN said he should be found at all times ready to
undertake any task fur the good of his fellow-citizens. Be sin-
cerely thanked them for the honour they had conferred on Lim.
'lle meeting was thcn adjourned.