The British Press; or, Morning Literary Advertiser.
London, England, 1826-08-09 00:00:00

TAE intrrislt PRESS:

had been mibmitted by him at their former Meeting ; not that he
hail changed his opinion as to the impolicy of calling for the
El% Rd. per share, hut that he Wes convinced a much larger sum
was neceseery. If it were now refuted he was sure it would be re-
quired in the ensuing year ; and he would therefore plalge himself
at the next anniversary, if not successful in his motion now, to
move flint the Company hr dissolved. in concliteien he wished to
ask before he pat his amentitnent, as it was divithel into three beads,
whether he could pall them separately ?
The C lloin MAN observed that 11C could Rat tell what they were,
a% they had not been read, but lie was prepared to state that if they
did not refer to the question before the mectieg they were irre-
gular. Ile could net but consider that a great many of the oh-
eel vatinns of the Honourable Proprietor were deserving of the
highest ameitleralion nod attention. He considered it title to the
Proprietnre resent, at Me same time, to stew that the Directors
had :various plans before them for effecting alterations in the ar-
rangements of the Company, and when they were brought to ma-
turity, they avowal lay before the Proprietors something that would
meet those circumstances objected to in the speech of the Proprie-
tor who had just cat down. If, tic refore, he would prettpone
them until a future peeled. it wouil be more remtlar. 31any of
them were tinder censulermion, and he thought, it dem were given,
the Ilenteumble Proprietor would see his suggestions had not ben
unattended to.
Mr. ',NAL!. said that meetino was an extraordinary one, for an
exeirets pure me. and that the Proprietors could not go into any
hie te else. At the same time, lie was most anxious to give every
fatelliy consistent with regularity.
Mr. DErren said he was quite ready to embody the three heeds
as he at that pro:toted, the first of which clearly applied to the
business before them ; at the same time. he was willing to subunit
to the decision of the Chairman ; It mold not be in better hands.
fl' permission of the Chairman, he woele read his resolutions.
Mr. Demo then read the following reeeltitione :
tt I. That it appears to this 3leeting inexpedient that the pro-
rated cell of Ma (hi. per share be nude : but that the Director,
he •tron.lY recommended to make an early call of at least M. per
share, to place the affairs of the Company in a state of improved
credit and security,
°O. That the 'Protmectutt, providing that interest shall he raid
on the effirance.l capita/ only net of' prafit-111141 RS nn such profits
have been merle, that no ieterest or dividend be paid to the shore.
holders this year.
"3. Th it the Directors be earnestly requested not to take hack
the shares from soy proprietor, his executors, administrators, or
assigns, RS by such course the responsibility of the remaining share-
liciders must he !newly increased."
The CitAtn MA et said that however expedient it might he to
adopt these Resolutions in the mind of the Honourable Proprietor,
they could not be put to the tuening conformably to the clause of
the deed.
Olr. Mr RDOCII said it wet not his intention to enter into the
merits of the Resolutions just submitted on the present passion,
because the deed precluded them from going into the discussion of
them at the present meeting.
A Meeting of the Proprietors of tide Company was held yeeter-
Mr. BeirfAll said as that was the feeling of the Chairmen, he
should how to his derisisn, and merely c uhtnit his first Ihoolution. day, at the George and Vulture Tavern, Cornhill, to decide on a
Mr. WILLIS said, that in point of form he lase to second the plan proposed by the Director, for the consolidation of shares, lay
Resolution which had been just submitted. Ile hail been 20 permitting the hoiden of shares on whiela one pound per share. and
years engaged in the insurance and underwriting business, and four puunds per share have been paid respectively, to be Proprietors
from the result of that experience he was of opinion that there for so many shares as the money advanced by them will cover at
the rape of 61. per singe exclusive of the call of I!. per share which
was no charce of success for tee present ulidertaking. thp to De-
cember. not e
ra a of carnal would be rernainino, and was due on the Ist of Juley last, on effiptilion that the remainder of
it therefore became the duty of the Directors to the Sharcholdere as such shares be extiagiritOted, and that the said Sharehol iota do pay
well as Proprietors. to see that such a difficulty should he met. the said call of !Lyre eliere, and execute the necessary deed of set-
The Company was formed at a period when delusion as to public thnient oa or before the 22d of August Mitten!.
companies was at i:s height. He was quite satisfied when the At one o'clock thee were about thirty gentlemen present, eight
Con pony was reticent to take a certain number of shares, and or ten of whom were Directors; and the business of the day cone.
Om to take an Ore:donate leave of his money, very well knowing mensal by JOHN lint To, 13to. taking the ('hair.
he should never see it any more. ( Laughter.) It was important The CHAIRMAN states. that it now hecame his duty, as one of
to look to the calamities to which the Company was subject—not the Directors, to eubmit, for the approbation of the Proprietors, a
nopootion, a copy of which had been sent to evety Proprietor, and
only those of war, but others. When lie censidered the immediate;
profits of the concern in compitei,on to its capital, he could not but also to inform the Aleetiog of those measures welch the Board of
fell that its prospect of mesas was sic hopeless as it was to enter Directors had take relative to those shares on which the instal-
into competition with individual underwriters; anti he did entreat ments had rot been paid up. No subject could be more painful
the Directors to coestilt and take the opinion of practical men on or more (Si-Scutt fur the Directors to decide on than that to which
ditto points, and they would tied how entirely the view which he bad just advervted ; and 'so anxious had they been to adopt
they had taken of their affeire was eithieet to objection. In respect %itch a nieseure tot should meet the wishes of these gentlemen who
to an underwriting account, he had an opportunity of seeing a had not paid the whole of the calls upon their shares, eon-
large share of policies of all .descriptione. and they did no; avenge sietent with tee interests of the Company at large, that meet-
above it per cent., and the highest estimate in Lloyd's Cothee.houee cogs haul been he'd again and again to devise a plan for that
on an underwriting account was lit per cent. on the pmenteni, tie purpose. The pin which the Directors had finally agreed on to
was quite swam that Lleyd's Coffee-hause was a femme place for propose to the Proprieore, would. he conceived, in scone measure
information, anti iherefoo it was that gentlemen were ieduceil to effect the object so anxiously sought to be attained. It had been
become underwriters; but they only practieed it as an annotement, Propertied that every. Proprietor ehuuld be at liberty to consolidate
and brought it in aid of other profeotioes. Their underwriting his shares on paying 101. on each share. Hut this plan was not
accounts went ne without their knowing whether they were losers adapted by the Directors, because they considered it would be ina-
ne gainers. Among the various persons whom he had consulted hccent. Ulan'' gentlemen who had paid up Oh on their chaos, had
a ithin a short remised, they had all assured him that they could not Paid, ths: as they had contributed more largely to the fluids of the
say whether they had gained or lost. lle thought he should be Company than those Shareholders who had only paid I!. and 41.0 n
justified in th • assertion he had made, when he mentioned the each share, they were consequently more entitled to the benefit of
moms of Thornton and Astell, Manning. Reid, and Irving, whom aft), proposition for oemeolidating shares than the latter. As a
he might be permitted to call the City aristoctacy, as proving that matter of preference, there email be no question about it : but it
underwriters at Lloyd's did not look alone to their insurance Sc. must he considered that tide was is large partnership concern,
count. The Olarine Insurance Company had started with scone founded boutaithe and that every gentleman who had taken a share
Prospect of profit, but the success of year. could not do more than had bound himself to fulfil the conditions incident ma partnership,
niable them to pay the salaries of their officers and clerks. The as completely and ae strongly as he would any private contract he
present Company was formed at a period of great delusion ; but now might enter into. The witestion was not, therefore, exactly it. to
that had paned away, and they amid see the nature of their situa- who were, in who were net entitled to a water or less degree of
tion. Me veouli pat it to the Directss, whesleaubeCatoopoolessits Meiulgeocse but whotots the ',Labelle esteelated, dntler the eir-
not in a perilous end dangerous situation; and he could say that it commences, to promote the interests of the Company? If the
Was at that moment in a vete of insolvency. He trusted no time question of injustice were raised, he would contend that the
would be lost in makine a large call, though at the seine time the 'injustice was done to those who had paid op their calls in
best way of dispelling delusion would be to dieeolve the Company, tell. ( Hear, hear.) It was to those who had paid 71. on each share,
anti give up the measure as one that was not likely to answer any equallyn found their money unproductive, because others who were
goo 4 puny se. p letuoid to do the rune had neglected to fulfil the obligation.
The Cu A tIIMAN exposited himself happy to receive the opinions But the Proposition now before the meeting was strictly applicable
of gestic nett of practice and experience ; at the sane time he to those whit had only paid I/. arid 41. on each share. The coccus
must he allowed to express his hope that the Gentleman who had now to be offered to those gentlemen were the greatest boon which
just sat down would prove himself a false prophet, for lie (the the Directors could consent to give them. They would have their
Chairman) had great hopes and confidence that the eiociety would shares according to the quantum of capital which they advanced.
go on, and that success would attend it. In regard to the con:. At 11;e same time, however, that the Directors were giving this
parieon which had been Moen, he would take upon himself to boon, they were not injuring the Prope etore who had paid more;
tay that 182 e must be considered a profitable year, or else the liar whatever further portion of money should be received from the
losses of Me could not have been made up ie that respect, }lemons, who, by the terms of the propuition, were at liberty to
therefore, lie thotight the argument which had been used had caresolitiate their shares, would to that extent reduce the ne-
failed. He saw no difficulty in adopting the resolution proroted, cessity of a further call upon the other Proprietors, The moat
should it be the will of the proprietors so to do, but at the seine painful part of their (11,4 was the declaring that all shares
time Ito could have wished that it hail been delayed ; and he wa. should he forfeited, if* the instalments were not paid up on
ready to pledge himself that when the proceelinge under con. or before the 22d of August instant. It was with great regret that
sideration by the Directors were completed, so as to be subjected to the Directors had come to this n. elution ; but they felt they should
the approbation of the Proprietors, the subject of the call to increase he forfeiting their duty
had to the Itompany
to to all:redowin the la
If aths to go
the capital should form a part. on in the manner they hitherto been il do. por-
Mr. Dewan said, at the suggestion of the Chairman, he was tine only of the instalments new due had been paid up, the works
willing to withdraw his ameildment ; but then the question was, Of the Company at 31anchester would have been completed, and
had the Directors a right to pay a dividend ? fit for nutkiog gas for the ensuing winter. This they had been
A PROPRIETOR observed that it was not a dividend, but in- prevented from doing by the delay that had occurred ; and if tur.
tercet. they delay in the payment of the calls was Antlered to take place,
T. c CHAIRMAN said, there was a difference between irterest and the whole of the winter would be lost, and the beat, and, indeed,
a divitlend. only portion of the trade in which profit could be derived, would
A PROPRIETOR explained the nature of the accounts, stating conitequentle pass away unimproved. This was the view which the
them to be computed of both the insurance and proprietors' funds, Directors took of me present situation of their affairs, and he hoped
anti that the tiefiziency arose in that of the proprietors, wOile that the Company at large would see the subject in the same way, and
fur insurance showed a profit. ago e in the proptiecy of the decision they had come to. In making
Mr. Dowau complained that the deed was not drawn up accord- that decision be trusted she only peititul rart of their duty was
ding to the prospectus; for according to the latter they must show past, and that no shareholder would sacrifice the money lie had al-
profit before they could pay interest, and lOW could they do Foi) ready paid, by neglecting to pay up thereinainder of his instal-
when they propsed to make a call of thirteen shillings and six- metes ber:bre the 22d of August. In consion, he begged to re-
pence to make sup a deficiency peat who the Directors had on former occasions stated, that from
Mr. Moanoeft said, that he merely wished to state what was all the information they were capable of obtaining, and from the
the business of the day on which they had met. It mote teed that best consideration they coehl give the subject, they were induced to
the proprietors' fund was subject to a deficiency, and eceerling to entertain a very excellent opinion of the concern. They thought
the statement of the accounts, teat deficiency amounted to ills. lid. and believed it would be productive in the end of very great :Overt-
on each share; the only question to decide that day was, should tagee to themselves and to the Company at large. If, however,
the call be made according to the deed or not ? There was an iin- this :Mould not be the cage, but on the contrary, atter two or three
perious duty put upon the Directors to make the call of I3s. 61, years experience, the Cenireity should End they could not sue-
and therefore it was not whetter a larger or smaller SUM should be ceeti, still he declared it to be his firm belief, and he thought he
called for, but whether that specific sum alto .ld be demanded, or might pledge himself, that the Proprietors wouid then receive hack
the Drectont exonerated by the pining the resolution submitted at tuore than they could by possibility be called upon to pay. Acting
the lust general meeting. as the Directors did, only from an anxiety to promote the interests
M. DEWAR—I have said that I have no objection to withdraw of the Coinpany, it was with regret that they now proposed the
my amendment, if such is the wish of the Chairman. following resolution for their atiortiont—
Mr. lam Atn. did not wish to stop discussion; at the Fame time it Reenived,—" That die holders of shares on which 11. per share 1
war necessary to see the ground on which they were going. With and 4!. per share have ..been paid respectively be permitted to he
reference to the observation which had been made as to a difference Proprietors for so many shares es the money schoenen' by them
between the deed of owe and the proepectus, the only difihrence will cover at the rate of tia per share, exclusive of the call of 11. per 1
was, that the deed gave the power to mate alterations in some of share which wag due on th
b e Isextingut day of July last, prhoer providedvided that
thatthe
the regatio inns of the Institution for its benerit, remainder of such shares e isheduataildfart
Mr. Atone, the Solicitor of the Company, observed, that the the said shareholders do pay
tn
the said call of It per share, and cxc-
deed was drawn up strictly according to the instructions. With cute the necessary deed of eialeent on or before the 22d day of
respect to the dividendet was pointed out by the deed itself that the August instant."
estimate was to be nettle out on outstanding risks ; whether right or In answ to
manyt from
if A Share
thoseholder,
had already paid up
wrong it was not for him to Fay. The CHerAI said, that who
31r. Dowaiwo, as a Proprietor, considered himself placid in their instalments were to be allowed to cotsolidate, they could not
situation of great embarritesment, in consequence of the observe- pay less than they had done. The Directors did not contemplate
Lions of the two gentlemen who had expressed themselves so having occasion to call for more than Oh on each ahare in the
strongly on the subject of the affairs of the Company. lie under- whole.
stood one gentleman to say, that when he became a Member of the The Snanwirohonn—Then dime who do not accede to the
Company he considered he had made a sacrifice of his money, and proposition e neglect to pay the instalments by the 22d of Au.
therefore he did not think having made that declaration that he was gust, will bendcar to hue fotfeited their shares.
entitled to come there and complain, although he now brought The CHAIRMAN—I have already said we can devise no other
forward so much knowledge and so much zeal in their affairs. He means by which the interests of the Company can be preserveta
did hope th it the gentlemen present world not give their support The Sit Anon ohn na—Then this is your fixed determination,
to a gentleman who had paid down his money to lose it all. He and will be carried into effect?
hoped the body of Proprietors would receive with distrust any A- CHAIRMAN—Certainly.
vice from mach - quarter. Ile (Mr. Bowling) should not have A Snot tetimanku—lt is an injury to the concern if all putties
spokes but for the means which had been taken to attack the Corn. do not pay up.
pany. The arrow had been throw", and then was to be withdrawn. The CHAIn et ate—That is very true. But iamb is the state of
Ile however hoped the Company would act upon public faith, and things, that we have no remedy but to declar
ee a forfeiture of those
then it h. d nothing to fear from such attacks. who do not pay up. It should be remarked at thin is not a Com-
31r. Wi hats explained, and said that be could take upon him- pany where the money is thrown to ducks anti drakes, and finally
self to prove that the last speaker was not practically experienced, lost. It is all invested in real property, so that it is no loss, save
because he would tell him, that when he became a proprietor it what, perhaps, might be loners the machinery, which might not be
was a question of profit and loss. He would assert that when he so easily disposed of again. Those gentlemen, thereinto, who
became a proprietor he told the Managing Director what he throw away their shares will be throwing away their money moat
had that day stated. With respect to the difference between the unnecessarily.
preareeus Bed the deed, lie could only say that the capital, which Alr. DENMAN said, that as no other person scened disported to
ought to be 230,0001. and never lees, had never reached that num. addres the Meeting, he felt it his.titity to doss; and lie would not
Only a quarter of the number of shares appropriated had been hesitate toe
leclare, declare, that he considered, do propoition now made by
taken, and when the Directors laid claim to two unfortunate win- the Poi rd 0" Directors as one very unjust and iniquitous to those
teas, he would say they had not been more unfavourable than any Propritt as who had paid calls to the amount of Ct. per share; and
other two who which they could be compared. The Company also bermes he went further, he was sorry to say, that the Chalrinsn had
the charged extravagant premiums; they could be done 40 per broken his promise which he made to him (Mr. Dente:an) on the
cheaper in Lloyds. former Meeting. That gentleman gave his pledge to him (Mr.
Mr. Ernos, the Secretary, tore to defend himself fawn the Denman) that no forfeiture would be declared until a Meeting of
imput anon of charging higher premium than was warranted by the the Proprlnon had been convened on the subject.
regular coupe of business, when TI e CHAIRMAN begged to be allowed to Pet the wierthy Pro.
.A PROPRIETOR interfered, °boning that Olt personalities pile or right. He would appeal to the recollection of all preont,
must be avoided. whether the last this that was done, and the last sentiment ex-
Mr. WILLis begged to smite Mr. Ellis, that in what he had rested by the Meeting seferted to, was not, that all matthes re.

said he had not the least intention of hitcher;; any imputation en
him ; on that:tummy, he had upon every 1110011160 great pleasure in
witnessing the corteetneas of his coothmt, wad was obliged to him
for his attention.
Id r. DEWAR then formally withdrew his teanlntion.
The CIIAI nb/ AN said, the motion being edthdrewn. it only re-
mained to consider whether the call of Ns. Ad. should be allowed
to re-!. place. If there was likely to be • difference of opinion, he
must take the votes according to the clause of the dc: e. •
Mr. DEtvAlt could not agree that the resolution pawed unani-
mously at the last 31eetilig, that the calla Lls. 6d. should not be
made, should he withdrawn.
Mr. !l tronocrt said it wig imperative upon the Directors to
make the call, unless the resolution passed at the last meeting was
sanctioned by two others. lie considered it necessary to any, that
it was the unantinous opinion of the Directors that the call sa,,uki
Ire m ide.
Mr. Ilasl.rn+E considered that it womb! he better to cimply
with the art cle of thidetd, and contended that Mr. Dewar timid
no be charged with inconaisteney should he abandon the resolu-
tion. more than the 1/irectorts themselves, who hail voted in favour
of the cell not brine made at the former rnfoting.
Air- Ih:r7Apt exPl:lincil, and sa..l he could hat forego the resehi•
tion-being put. II had no hesitation in saying that he was not a
friend to :he Company, MO he hail only hccome a subscriber to it
in order that he might have the advantage of insuring there if he
pleased.
Mr DEWAR then moved the iesolution passed at the fanner
meeting, which was then put, si*P.4.oat it was not EXllCeiellt to
mike a call of Its. fid. per share; ' which, being seconded by Mr.
51.111511 ALL,
hlr. I,vart. rose, and said Mr. Marshall was not entided to
second a resolution, he being a holder of two abates only.
Tac resolution was then sceintiled by 31r. Willis.
Tit"! ittPtlitatio,l was then put add negatived, and the neiginsd.
. motion, that 13+. tl.l. per share, the amount of the deficiency,
Atoul,blet demanded, wits carried by. large majoriiy.
Mr. 31A03HILL begged to s.iy, that he was ni.l, aware of his not
lying entitled to second a Resolution because he had only two
shares; at the same time he mutt &sem that he only purchased
with a view of insuringt here, V aeught fit no to do.
Thanks were then, them this-gr Mr. *Mine; visual to
the Chairman by acclamation; and MI, no person whet ewer
filled an oflice of that sort ever displayed a more gentlemanlike
feeling and impartiality.
A Sliateh &in handed our Remirete the following statement, in
o:der to show the actual sum the Company will be benefited by the
call in question :-
13,174 Shares. at 13+. al. each -
16 31outhe in:crest on 63,8704
Nett produce of the call . -

£8.892 9 0
4.391 6 8

4,301 2 4

PROVINCIAL PORTABLE GAS COMPANY.

using to the forfeiture of shaves should be left to the discretion of
the ' ?
Several persons here declared that they understood the result of
Outlast Alerting to be exactly se.
Me. DENMAN Paid he had a note of what passed at the 'met
meeting, which w. a, that us to the time of calling a meeting, that
was to be left to the discretion of the Directors. but that as to for-
feiture of share'', it was understood that the Direeters would not
proceed to declare a forfeiture until a meeting was called.
A SHAREHOLDER—I understood it so.
Dirtermete was glad to lind•he was rot the only person who
entertained that impression of the fact.- With regard to the !,m-
-position, 'he considered it urjeet because it went to place timr:
who had p aid only 11. per share, and that for specuative pews
poses, upou an equal footing with those who had paid 6/. He
slat contended that by the terms of the deed of settlement it was
no in tie power of' the Direetots to declare a forfeiture. find until
he had a legal opinion to the contrary he slicukl not admit the
fan:. By the prospectus, the Coemany was to eanxist of a capital
of 500,000/. in 19,000 shares of 1101. each. lle !agreed the deed un-
der the impression that the whole of the shares would be subscribed
for before the concern began its operations. But it now appeared
that out of the 10,000 shores. 2660 of them had not been signed for.
Of Own 26400, 1720 hail only paid the first deposit of I!. a share.
and 940 shares had been paid at only the rate of 41. per share.
These filet:: were all known to the Directors. and the question
therefore was, whether, while the holden of 2660 shares centinued
to refuse to- sign the deed, it was competent for the Directers to
declare a forfeiture of those holders of eheres who had paid 111. on
each share, and had signed the deed, because, on diedovering them
fiat., they thought fit to refuse to pay a• further ell! of I!. a
abate? contended it was not. The Directors ought not to
have suffered the Proprietor% to pay on in ignorance of the fact
that so many Shareholders had refused to p ty their calls.
Th. Coe n Ax—Tit ey did not refuse. It was competent for
them to come fot ward and pay them, and sign the deed, at any
time it hin three months.
Mr. DENMAN will contended that a Meeting ought to have been
called. Then, as to the consolidation, supposing the 1.729 shares
on which It. mach had lino paid were to be cnnsolideted, the
amount to be received on them would be about 21171. so that those
Aide° had been defaulters to the extent of fel. a share, would be
allowed to come into the concern upon paying 287/. and be placed
on a level with those who had paid fit. a share ; and yet the latter
were denied the right to consolidete their shares. They all ought
to have the privilege to consolidate, if it were not convecient for
them to risk mote motley. That was one ground why he opposed
the proposition as it now stood. But he further complained that
the Directors had withheld information from the Proprietont.
They ought to have laid a statement before the Shareholders, in
order that they might have judged whether it was worth their while
to p y so much as 4W. a Omer.
Mr. Set:ND Ells (a Dieeetar)—Tote bad an account delivered to
you in sufficient time to guide your judgMenr.
Ala DENMAN—That account was delivered only in June last,
but the Directors might have convened a Meeting earlier. and have
taken the opinion of the Proprietors as to the prudence of going on
further will the concern.
The CtrntttMAN—We hope today will settle every thing.
Mr. DENMAN donbtcd it. Ile had been told by the Ch demo
that 17,1100!. wits wanted to enable these to finish what had been
contemplated. When he signed the deed he urderstood that 111,1119
shares were signed for; the Direcaus put forth a prospectus to tint
effect; but he now found that not more than 7,000 shares were
subscribed for.
The CHAIRMAN said that the whole 10,1100 shares had been
subscribed for, and one pound paid on them, and the holders were
of course expected to sign the deed. It was not the fect that the
Directors issued any prospectus. They were elected Directors be
the Proprietors, and were not self-elected. No body of men had
acted more zealously, and that without any aoatuity. Were
they then to be told that they had not done their duty, and that too
by those who had not paid up their own instalments?
Mr. DENMAN next adverted to the circumstance of a requisi-
tion having been sent by some Proprietors to the Directors, to call a
meeting, and that a compliance with it was refused. That refuted,
too, was not communicated by the Secretary of the Company, as it
ought to have been, but by the Solicitor, whereby an unnecessary
expense was incurred.
klie (Olen:re:to said
.the only question now was, whether the
parnmeition made by she Directors should be adopted ?
A SHARP:HOLDER thought it was very hard upon those who
had paid 61. on their %hares.
The Cttaeuwaw observed, that it was still more hard upon those
who had paid 71. If, however, the persons who hail paid 1/. and
4!. consolidated their shares, it would yield about 900:., and it was
calculated that 900/. more would be required, which would only be
a call of about 10s. a share.
A SHAREHOLDER asked whether it was not possible to raise
some money on the hind by way of mortgage?
The CHAIRMAN—We tried every party, and did expect at one
time-to make up mom., but could not raise it.
41r. DENMAN suggested the propriety of Counsel's opinion be.
in taken as to the power of the Directors to declare the shares for.
foiled on which the instalments were not paid up.
The CHAIRMAN still that had nothing to do with the subject
ininieditctely before them.
The Resolution was then put and carried by a majority of 22
against 4.
The Cetaiguele said he was now prepared 10 waver the obser-
vations made by Mr. Denman. With regard to the requisition to
call a meeting, the Directors consideeod it to be in the teeth of their
own resolution, and also that the Meeting would have been nuga-
tory; they having already declared the shares forfeited. They acted
on the deed, and it would be in the power of the Lord Chancellor
to decide whether they were right or wrong. It was; however, too
much that gentlemen who had signed this deed should now come
rid doaht its legality. But be the' as it might, they stool by the
deed, and were prepared to meet the question whenever it should
be brought before the Lord Chancellor or any other person. fie
did not consider the Directors bound to attend to every requisition
made to them ; but, in this case, they, in courtesy, directed an
answer to be given, stating that they could not accede to it.
Mr. DENMAN remarked, that it was well !mown that the oil
gas would not pay ; and yet the Edinburgh Establishment was
going on on the principle of oil gas. -
Mr. GORDON (a Director) said they sometimes noted on the
principle of coal gas, and sometimes on oil gas, aceerding to cir-
cumstances.
The CHAIRMAN stated, that so lately as yesterday he received a
letter front Edinburgh, from a Society who had taken a good deal
of oil gas from the Company, offering to take as much as they con-
sumed at the same price as the oil gas was sold fot in London,
which it was well known would give a great profit.
' A SHAREHOLDER—Then, Sir, you do think that the concern
will succeed, and that there is no fear of want of customers ?
The'Cirein MAN would engage that the Comnany would pay
20!. per cent, in two yea's. Ile then stated that the workmen of a
manufacturer at Manchester preferred the Company's gas so much,
that they offered to pay the expense of sending up the lamps to
town to be refitted. There was no dread of competition at that place,
as the Company could furnish the gas as cheap as the manufac-
turers could make it themselves.
Mr. DENMAN—But the London oil gas makes nothing.
Mr. Connoo said the reason of that was perfectly well known.
It was stated, as the decided opinion of the Court of Directors,
that unless the Company could deliver a certain quantity per week
it never would pay. The London Company was never able to de-
-I.ver that quantity yet, but in the course of a short time it would,
tor, instead of losing customers, it was gaining them daily.
Mr. DENMAN stated that there was one fact which he deemed it
impottant to mention. The last time he was in that room he was
inforoteil that Mr. Dordon's patent. as regarded the principle of
prices, had been sold by hint to an individual, and that that person
had a claim of a per cent. on this Company for the use of it.
Mr. Gornox %aid, that the fart referred to was this :—He had
agreed with Mr. Whitworth, of Manchester, to allow him the use
of his patent, in that town. This was before the present Company
was formal. Subsequently, the Directors of this Company, wish-
ing not to be interfered With in Manchester, made an agreement
with Mr. I•Vhits.orth, that he !Mould surrender his agreement to the
Company, upon being paid a per cent. upon the dividends of the
profits that should be from time to time declared; but Mr. Whit-
worth was restrained from inspecting the books, or in any way inter-
fering with the Company's affairs at Manchester. As to all other
parts of the kingdom. the interest of the patent belonged to him
(Mr. Gordon) or rather to the Company, he having entered into an
agreement to allow them the use of it.
Thank* were then voted to the Chairman, and the Meeting ad-
journed.

ROME crneutr.

M AI I/17 Oltiejoitt
rROWN Sinn.
I TWOriq Mr. .fikalice H ouot by n.l
THREATENING Id
- - - -

Joseph Finis one indicted for feloniously sending a letter td
George Gregory, E.g., at Vl'illesborough, on tlt Bth of June, de.
manding twenty sovereigns. and threatening to murder him, en.
less he complied. The indictment charged the prisoner with
vmdiny to the same party another letter of the same importi
elated 11th June.
On the application of the enrolees Counsel, the Counsel foe the
Crown were desired to confine their proof to the that count, oft the
ground that two distinct felonies could not be charged In the seen
indictment.
Mr. D. rot.l.oex and Mr. Law conducted the promeution,wint
silo. Dowytwo the defence.
It appeared in evidence, that the prosecutor, a pendent*, of
fortune, lately rettirned from India. hail teken up his abode as
Wilk:thorough, near Ashford. On the Bth of June he received
by the General Post the following anonymous letter, Width. Cat
orthography, presents a singular specimen of epistolary comp..
'Won
" i have wro.e a few lines to you, and i im in great denims im
throat von. for you !tele a time back engered me of &limy property;
and now, if not by good will, i must by bad have 98safferenrof yea,
and you mutt *tut them at a ptivet place for me, for if you dont,
will he the death of rah in some way or other ; if i met do it slyly i
will da it in the middle of dais they, or in the night, or the first opera
tuncty ; & if you say aline), thing about this i will Millftal you the
same as if you dont put it there; loook down aside your flint wall
door pilt, and move the duet, you will find a email puma, pat the
sufferpris in it, secure it again at the smile place ; if you wish to
live, do it; for if you done, prepare for death ; for your tines will
be short ; for hew hi four of us, and if you put it there and sap
nothing about it. fear not. As soon as you receive the letter put at.
there, and dont let me, hear of it again, for if i sib I will not go back
of my word, so do ir, and then I will never interferer with you, but
if you dont you may depend on it i will be the death of you new.
Dont you disappoint me, for i dam if you wont rue." .
The prasecuroe took no steps to comply with the demand the*
*caressed. (tithe 11th Jam he received .the Following comment'.
cation, in the mute hand-writing, and through the like channel:Z.
" i have wrote to you and morefor 90 sufferens, and you may de-
rend on it that i will murder you if you dont pm it there, so dont
titer yourself, for i riven to do it. 1 wrote to you once befog, &
told you to look down aside your new wall door post at the
(runt of your house, and take the duct away there you dad a
small purse. put the atiKrens in it and secure it again at the Pew
place. & if you dont i am be damb if i dont murder dos, & if I
heat of it again i will murder you the same. excuse my writing:*
Upon receiving this communication, the prosecutor caused Ma
earth near one of the pests of his outward gate to be searched, and
in a hole was ro I a small bag, resembling a watch.fob. A few
halfpence were then put into the bag, and it was replaced in its
former situotion, covered with earth as before. He then gave di.
reetions to his servant to wateh the spot, and apprehend any person
who came f.r the biro. Between nine and ten o'cic:k the same
evening. the servant who was on the watch perotived the feet of a
men approaching the gate. The man stooped down, and after ze.
marine the earth, took t! 2 bag out of the hole in which it bad
bete placed. The fervent immediately rushed out and seized the
prisoner, with the bag in his hand. Theyritoner became alarmed.
and begged to he allowed to go, sad offered to give the somant a •
guinea. Faithful. however, to his trust, the servant took him pri-
son. r. and brought tom into the presence of the prosecutor.
The prisoner desired a private conference with the prosecutor,
which being denied, he said he did i,ot write the letters, but that
lie knew who did, and offe:ed to conduct prosetutor to the writer,
though he did not know his name; this was declined. Whets
brought befoe the Magistrate he gave a different amount of
the matter, saying. that in parsing the prosecutor's gate, he
saw • the servant biding the bag near the gate, and tempted by
the supposition that money was contained In it, he had gone to
the evening and taken it in the manner described, being wholly
ignorantof the contents of the letter which had been Mot to the
prosecutor. lie then gave directions to the constable to search has
box at his fitter's house, about half a mile from Wllleaborough.
The constable obtained the key from the prisoner mother,
aril on scorching the box. found half a sheet of paper correspond.
ing exactly with the half-sheet on which the letter firm sent
to the prosecutor was written. It was proved that this wee had
been purchased by the prisoner at a shop in Willeoborough about
the time the letter was dated,. In the prisoner's box was found a
copy-hook, with his name written in it in several plates. and the
second letter appeared to have been written on one of the leaves
taken from the same book.
The prisoner, in his defence, denied all knowledge of the letter,
or of ins contents.
Mr. Justice 1-101.RAYD summed up the evidence. and left thim
to determine whether they were satisfied that the primer had sent
the letter which was the anbject of the indictment.
The Jury, after a alien deliberation, found the Flamer Guilty.

OXFORD CIRCUIT.

OLOUCESTLIL, Mom:wt. Ave. 7.
DOE EX DE)[. 1171AFORD AND OTIINUTAW&AWNINCE.

Ti;;;Ca;;Junderstand, was an amiss er stechwient, to tecOver I
cottage at Whittington: The object of the set** was is try the
validity of the codicil to a will,made by a widow woman of the name
of Lightbourne, under which the defendant was in possession. and
claimed title to a splendid mansion and extensive tract offerelle
land, near Cheltenham, in this county, called " the Stesditrell
Estate." The manner in which this valuable estate came to Mrs.
Lightboume was under the following extraordinary circumstances.
Sandiwell and the adjacent property, them palled Andifield, were
anciently members of the great Lordship of Gloucester in litta.
In the beginning of the seventeenth century, they were purchased
by William Rogers, Esq., and bequeathed by him to Jahn
Rogers, his youngest boo. Of his descendant, it was bought by
11. Brett, Esq. in 1680, who began building the present mention-
house on the site of the old one ; and in removing the foundation,
several old leaden coffins were found, which, in the records of the
tact, are stated to have been supposed to be Roman. The son of H.
Brett. Esq. sold the present mansion to Ilenry, Lord Conway,
soon after its completion, which took some years, during which
time the father, H. Brett, Esq. died. Lord Conway's sue.
csssor, who was the Earl of Hertford, sold it to the late
Thomas Tracey, Esq. whose relict sold it to Sir William Dodwell,
Bart. of Sevenchamp, in this county, who dying intestate in 1798,
this and other considerable properties descended to the heir-at-law
of the Dodwell family, who at that period, and for many years
of erwards, was unknown. At length it was discovered that the
only heiresses were three women midis% in London, named Tim-
!net, one of whom plied in Fleet-market as a basket-woman, tak-
ing home to the houses of those persons who were frugal and pru-
dent enough to market fur themselves the commodities which they
had purchased. Among other ladies who employed this poor wo-
man of the name of Thr.brel, was the respected and revered mother
of Mr. Thomson, solicitor, of Copthall-court, London. files.
Thomson and the whole of the family were in the habit of treating
the unknown heiress with the greatest kindness, asking her to the
kitchen fire when she was almost perished by the cold winter morn-
ings, occasionally giving her a dram, from sheer humanity, when
they thought she wanted it, and sometimes assisting her to satisfy a
fast that m igh t other w ise have remained unbroken. During this period
no earthly suspicions were entertained by any one, and especially by
Mrs. Thomson's family, that either of these three women had a
title to any property. Most diligent search, however, was inakitig
for the heir or heiress-at-law of the Dodwell family, by two highly
respectable solicitors in Cheltenham, who, having discovered fh at
the eldest Miss Timbre', who was living in a low situatino
in London, and her two sisters, were the heiresses-at-law,
and entitled to the estate as co-pareeners, immediately instituted '
proceedings, and finally, after many years' litigation, sue. •
seeded in obtaining possession of this immense and valuable
estate. At this time the basket-woman was married, but sopa
after her husband died. The other sisters then, we believe, went
down to the estate, but did not inhabit the mansion. It was too
splendid for their sphere, and ill suited to their habits. They lt: d
one of the finest parks of venison in the kingdom, but never silt-
feted a buck, doe, or fawn, to be killed. At length, both these sis-
tees died, leaving the cf -de;arte basket woman theirsurvivingheiress.
She, remembering with gratitude the former kindness of her old •
patrons and protectors, the Thomsons, renewed the intercourse
with that respectable family, and ultimately made a will in favour
of the present Mr. Thomson, bequeathing to him the whole of the
Sandiwell property, charged only with a few small legacies, of
which the cottage in question was one. Mr. Thomson, se under-
stand, during the testatrix's life•time, from an honourable clothe
which does credit to his heart, was contentto receive between 7;0044.
and 8,0001. which was wholly money laid out by him for her use ;
and we believe he at that time renounced all' expectations nuder
this will, knowing that l'i e fortunate woman was addicted todtink ,and
got knowing how soon she might makeanother will which westaideme.
rate as a revocation of the first. It turned out even as Mr. Thomson
thought probable. Mrs. Lightbourne Ml into other bands, acti,
as was to be alleged on the part of the plaintiff, had executed a ‘s.
cond will and a codicil, (under 'which the tenant In possession, Mr.
Lawrence, claims) while she -was lb a fit of intotieaticn: Of
course, as the case was not gone into at these Asides, no one w;11
tumors that such a position was made out, though we andeestood it .
to he tits/id of the plaintifrs case: and we only state this outlit,e
to explain in some measure the incidents of a case which has ex- .
cited universal curiosity throughout the meaty of Glaseestis
many other parts.
,Q dote appnrtenant to this case is told in the county, which
is of repetition. Some years ago, a gentleman of the name
of .7t;tiel (and we will not define bins move generally) sonde.
.tended to pay these two Aliases Timbrel a visit. On his amval, Red
after hie self-introduction it wasthought that a relationship mild
be traced between the families, and the old maids, with much btu- •
;Aridity, Insisted on the gentirellm bringing down his wife to Spend
a few mouths with them at Sandiwell before he went abroad again. '
The invitation was acceptedt and while the gentleman and lads,
were at tiandiwell they plied Ilse old dames with all sorts of dant.
fiery, flattery, andel/imam, as It is vulgarly miles', with a design
that needs so explanation. At length the period for the Intsbantra
departure upon a distant voyage arrived. live night before his
leaving Sandiwell was spent in. " a curtain Imam, *martini/
many inttructioas to his wife bow " to steer her co emee," with 2..
specs to the old ladies. In the morning he took an affactiogate leave
of her, of course, and also a most tender farewell of kW heielynli•
covered relations. On his arrival, however, at the port t i, 4
as •
N
he war to depart, which was no law than Portsmouth. be ght
be had forgotten "a Wet" .oe tens that might DS useful tO ' V wits
in his 'beerier. He unluckily committed them to ti. lather Mlle.
thinking he was crenmitdrig. himself), awd dis* it„to 1.4 Rva,
Timbre', Sandie/ell, Oloueestbethire." Al the Diguci 110.041 1.64

The Government have forwarded circulars to the several
collectors of Excise in Ireland, requiring a return of the
number of licensed distilleries in their respective districts.
How many of them are at work ? Whether it is intended that
any of the unemployed shall resume work? And when
such as mesa to do so intend to recommence operateona?
It is undersstood that these inquiries are made with a view
to put a temporary stop to distillation from grain, partly in
consequence of the certain deficiency of all the crops ex-
cept wheat, and principally to relieve the West India in-
terest, by encouraging distillation from sugar and molasses.
—Limerick Chronicle.
Hoes c-si' EALING.—HemeI Hempstead and its neigh-
bourhood have been thrown into consternation, in conse-
quence of the loss of nine horses, which haul been turned
out to graze. Mr. F. Spong, of the above town, lost his
horse out of the Meadow before his house, between the
hours of one and four on Tuesday morning. The horse of
Mr. James Cato, of the same place, was found to be miss-
ing from an adjoining meadow, and is supposed to have
accompanied Mr. Song's. Six horses belonging to diffe-
rent individuals disappeared from the pasture on Box
Moor the same morning. The case of Mr. Rose, who
keeps a public-house known by the name of the Eagle, be.
tween Hemel Ilempstead and King's Langley, in the loss
of a horse, which had been committed to his care but a
short time previous, and which is supposed to be worth
from forty to fifty guineas, is very unfortunate. From the
manner in which these horses were stolen, no doubt exists
that they were all taken away by the tame gang of depre-
dators. .

1

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