The Sun.
London, England, 1854-08-14 00:00:00

:3II? BENJAMIN BALL'S ADDRESS TO
THE BOROUGH OF MARYLEBONE.

General Board of Health has no jurisdiction within
the metropolis, under the act 1848, by which it was
constituted. In that year the bill was presented by
the Earl of Carlisle, then Lord Morpeth, by which the
metropolis was specially excluded. Anything I do
must be by suggestions and recommendations. I shall
not attempt to interfere in an arbitrary manner in a
district over which I have no authority by sta-
tute. And in the other districts of the kingdom
I think the board should be one of supervision,
advice, and counsel, rather than of an arbitrary charac-
ter. I shall be at all times happy to counsel and assist
those who may be brought under my jurisdiction. But
I think—and this I wish to go forth—that those who
are interested in matters of this kind in their several lo-
calities (that is, the ratepayers) ought to undertake as
much as possible themselves. But at the same time if
I find that local authorities, having powers given them
essentially for the public good, choose to be inactive,
and that they allow evils to exist contrary to the good
and welfare of the community, then I think it is the
duty of the Minister to step in and to take part with
the public. That is my general view of the administra-
tion of the office I now have the honour to hold. It
is very possible that in the position I occupy, and with
the confidence that has been reposed in me so gene-
rously and spontaneously by the Government, that they
will consult with me as to the future legislation with re-
gard to the metropolis, a question which must come
under the consideration of Parliament in the next ses-

On Saturday, at the meeting of the vestry of St.
Marylebone, held at the Court-house, Mr. Clement
George, churchwarden, in the chair,
Mr. NICEIOLAY asked the permission of the vestry to
propose a resolution, which was customary at the conclu-
sion of each session of Parliament, namely, a vote of
thanks to the members for the borough, Sir B. Hall and
Lord Dudley Stuart. He looked upon the appointment
of the hon. baronet (Sir B. Hall) as the Minister of
Health as a great compliment to that borough, and as a
triumph for the principles of local self-government. As
to the noble lord, his character as the champion of the
oppressed, and as a straightforward, honest, and fearless
representative, was too well known to need any length.
ened praise from him. He had much pleasure in pro-
posing :—" That the thanks of the vestry are due, and
are hereby tendered, to Sir Benjamin Hall and Lord
Dudley Stuart, for the efficient and faithful discharge of
their Parliamentary duties, and for their diligent atten-
tion to the local interests of the borough."
Mr. F. H. BRIDGMAN, although differing from the
political views of Sir B. Hall and Lord Dudley Stuart,
had much pleasure in seconding this resolution. In their
attention to the local affairs of their constituents they
were a pattern for all other metropolitan members.
Sir JAMES HAMILTON, although, also, unfortunately
differing in political sentiments from the noble lord and
the honourable baronet, bore his testimony to the zeal
and ability displayed by both in defence of their local
interests.

sion. If they think fit to do so, I shall endeavour to
carry out that principle in the conduct of the general
affairs of the metropolis which I shall promote in my
own office—l mean the principle of local self-govern-•
ment. Gentlemen, I have told you exactly how the
case stands, without any disguise. I cannot think this
appointment was offered to me solely on my own ac-
count ; I believe it is very much owing to the position
in which I am, placed as your representative. I have
been connected with you for seventeen years, and
I hope I shall continue to be so for many years to
come. (Cheers.)
• Lord DUDLEY STUART said—Gentlemen, I have
the pleasing duty to perform—and a very pleasing one
it is to me—of acknowledging the very high com-
pliment you have paid to myself, together with my
honourable colleague,..by approving of our conduct as
your representatives. I can assure you that I esteem
such a compliment in the highest possible degree,
and that it will operate with me so as to encourage
me to continue in the zealous discharge of the duties

Mr. MICHELL, while he gave his cordial support to
the resolution, could not refrain from expressing regret
that the honourable baronet had become allied with such
a Government as the present, and that he had taken the
control of a department which was in such ill odour
with the people.
.The resolution was carried unanimously, and on Sir
B. Hall and Lord Dudley Stuart entering the room a
few minutes after, it was read to them.
• Sir BENJAMIN HALL said—Mr. Churchwarden and
Gentlemen—lt has been my habit frequently at the close
of the session to attend here and thank you for the
manner in which you have received me on all occasions,
and for the able and valuable assistance you have given
my noble friend and myself in the discharge of the duties
that have devolved upon us as your representatives. I
came here to-day for the same purpose, and I was not
aware, until a few minutes ago, that you had passed a
vote of thanks to my noble colleague and myself. For
that expression of feeling I have to thank you on my
own behalf, and my noble friend will speak for himself,
after I have concluded what I have to say. In 1852,
when the general election took place, my noble friend
and myself came here about the Ist of July, and re-
turned our thanks to you then for the assistance you
had given us ; and we expressed our hopes then that
the mariner in which we had conducted the local and
public business of the borough was such as had met with
your approval and that of the constituency at large.
• We were then both out of Parliament. Circumstances
have again arisen with regard to myself which alter the
position I occupied this day week, and I shall feel it my
duty—knowing that all I say here will go forth to the
public through those channels of communication afforded
by the press—l shall feel it my duty to tell you, as the
parochial representatives of this part of the borough—
and I shall take the opportunity of telling the same body
in St. Pancras—and I should tell the constituency of
Paddington, if I could—all the circumstances relating
to the position I now occupy, because it is due to my-
self and to the Government, and may be fairly expected
by the electors at large. I think I may say that all that
has occurred has been most considerate on the part of the
Government, and alike honourable to yourselves and to
me. On Tuesday, the sth of July, a vote was asked in
committee of supply for the Board of Health. There
were strong objections made to that vote. I was very
ill at the time, but I left my house in order to state what
my views were in reference to that vote: I thought
that the vote ought not to be taken until the house was
informed what the constitution of the board was to be.
I stated my views to that effect ; the Government ac-
quiesced in them, the vote was withdrawn, and a bill
was introduced for the purpose of constituting a Board
of Health. To that bill there were great objections.
The second reading was fixed for Monday, the 31st of
July, at twelve o'clock ; a division was taken on that
Idi occasion, and the division was against the further pro-
arc gresa of the bill. In consequence of that decision, on
tau Tuesday, the Ist of August, in the House of Commons,
MO, notice was given that another bill would be introduced.
lc' That bill was based on the representations made by
Lord Seymour and myself and other members, namely,
that the Board of Health should be constituted in such
a manner that there might be a responsible officer as
head of the board, who should be responsible to the
public through the medium of the House of Commons.
We thought it utterly impossible to allow an irrespon-
sible commission to go on as it had done, having such
enormous powers entrusted to it, but that it should
have some person in Parliament to answer for himself
and for the proceedings of the board. A bill was
brought in based on that principle, and so unanimous
was the feeling of the house as to the necessity of pass-
ing the measure with the least possible delay, that,
although it was only introduced on Tuesday, the lit
inst., the second reading passed without even the bill
being printed, on the faith of the Government that the
representations we had made should be carried out.
I have already said that on Tuesday this bill was
brought in. It was read a second time on Wednesday,
the resolutions were reported on Thursday, and it passed
through a committee on Friday, and it then became
very evident that the Government must select some per-
son to fill the office at the head of the new board. Vari-
rious rumours were afloat, but I knew nothing of the
intentions of the Government until Sunday last, when a
• gentleman holding high office in the Government called
upon me, and informed me it was the wish of the Go-
vernment that I should undertake the duties of Presi-
dent of the Board of Health, which office was to be
established under the bill that had been passed through
the Ilouse of Commons, and was to be carried up to the
House of Lords on Monday. My answer was—that I
was grateful for the honour intended me, but if I were
obliged to give answer at that moment I must decline
it. I said, if I was allowed till the following day, I
should be prepared to give an answer after due delibe-
ration and thought. This was on Sunday last. On
Monday (knowing that in consequence of what had
taken place I should receive a communication from the
First Minister of the Crown), I felt it my duty to take
the advice of those with whom I act in public life, and
stated the case, requesting their opinion, without in-
truding my own feelings on the matter. I placed my.
self in their hands, and said if they thought it would be
an advantage to the public I would accept it, but that I
should not hesitate to decline the office if they thought
' there was any other member whose acceptance of the
office would be more beneficial, and would give greater
, strength to the party. I wish it to be distinctly under-
stood that I never solicited the appointment ; it was a
spontaneous offer on the part of the Government; and
it is due to the noble earl at the head of the Government,
with whom I have hardly ever had any communication
in'life except in my public character as your represen-
„ tative, to say that I must deeply feel the very handsome
manner in which he proposed it to me • I told the noble
earl that I had consulted those with whom I usually act
—that it *ea their wish I should take the office, and as
I found the Governm unanimous in favour of my ac-
cepting it, IshOuid de:t s
,and endeavour to discharge
, the duties the besZ of
my ability.
stands Thus the case
- —it is as office of a
social
rather
than a political
character—it is a laborio
us One re
thought, and consideration
sh I , wring great care,
, and cl
stated that if I did un-
ould endeavour to carry THE INDIAN SERVlCE.—Candidates for " direct" ea
dertake anything of the kind, I
,304 to the fullest possible extent the principlesGove of local detshi sin the East India Company's service who are
not in fixture found qualified on their first examination
self-government. (Hear, hear.) Thawill be allowed a second trial within the next ensuing
• placed that confidence in me which I hope I
have six months, and, if not then found qualified, their
and that that I shall be able to justify the recommendation
°Pe I shall merit, nations will revert to their patrons. Those who have
My interview htheen.
trial
already examined and not passed will be allowed
of the first Minister of the Crown, Which her
"r Majesty one more within the next six months, and, if they
has been graciously pleased to approve. then fail, their appointments will be also returned to
with the Prime Minister was on Monday, and it may their patrons.
nCHOLY DEA.TEL—Captain Spearman, of the
be asked why I did not make some public announcement E„:,21,14;.5,
accident. The gallanty,o
in AYAreil-u:strgieente:llla,
cic,teed on Wednesday at his residence
of it previous to this morning when my address ap_
flifrooemr
wt haes erffeetcutrsnoi fn
ga n
at
tw
night ar
• ed ? The only answer I have to give is, that it
pear
in me to have done anything from a visit to
would have been improperWoolwich, when, in attempting to cross
the road near
had received an intimation of her Majesty's ap- railroad in Ili the terminus of the North Woolwich
until It ugh-street, Shord't
probation. Her Majesty's pleasure was signified to me unate y.knooked down and eh, he was most unfor•
pro • Stun
by the pole of an
at a late hour in the afternoon of yesterday, and I home- l'f_lehna, while the wheel of the vehicle
diately sent off my address to the public papers, in his g
hensionss entertained here broken n
ore IDraesrseedanover both
.order to apprise all who were interested at the earliest fatal issue of the
y beyu the medical attendants pp
trhee-
oment. Now, gentlemen, I have stated to decease, which took pto the hour of the captain's
possible manta rather suddenly. Captain
represented Spearman sererars
yon the facts as they have occurred. I have serve for y years in Ca
author of a work on Canada, and was the
you for many years, and hope I shall do so again-
esteem by the milita fortification, which is held •in great
(Hear.) You Torin part of one of the largest constitu_ SOMETHING LOOMII!
IrtrofTession.
enciei in the empire, second to none in point of wealth, most remarkable innovationlisicofDtlCA:CE.—Ono of the
the evident
intelligence, and extent ; an offer was made to take me attempt to bring about the adoption ofaythiee
to an office of a very responsible character—most ini.l of the time of our ancestors—not, perhaps, ansminealliairlovp
nor by a coup d'etat, but by gradually accustoming immediate]
portant for the public weal—and to carry out principles I
eye to the increasing rotuntity, and to its particulare
in which you have always yourselves taken an interest.
I hope I shall succeed
locality. Barege, muslin, silk, or grenadine dresses
; I shall do my best to deserve I are worn with a jupon f stiff taffetas, of the success. As I have saidsame
in my address, if you send me shade as the robe, and is gathered in with it at the
back to the House of Commons, as I trust you will on I waist, Besides this contrivance, a stiff tulle, of the same
. Tuesday or Wednesday next, I shall, P rl' , shade, is placed under the flounces, which gives them
went meets, be in a position to
bring in
soon as a la-
; great support and firmness. Small ruches of ribbon on
those principles, and which I hope gill a bill based on
the edges of the flounces of dresses of light fabrics ma-
be approved by terially assist the effect of the shape of the skirt, with-
the previ.acial disteicts. I
spank of provincial dia.! out detracting from the character of the material,--Le
tricts, because, perhaps, you are
Et aware that the ..Follet.

which belong to me as the representative of this great

and enlightened constituency. I have always endea-
voured to perform my duty fearlessly as a member of
Parliament, and I have never feared to deliver my opi-
nion, such as it might be, when the opportunity called
for it. I have taken a pretty active share in the business
of the house, and I have boldly declared my sentiments.
I have not been afraid of being in minorities, nor have I
been slow to place myself sometimes, when I thought it
requisite, in a majority, when I have helped to put the
Government in a minority. I know that some of the
ablest statesmen and brightest ornaments of Parliament
have at times found themselves in a small minority', and
that some of the greatest questions that have decidedly
the almost universal assent of the nation, have been,
when first discussed, supported by small minorities. I
heard not long ago one hon. gentleman, a member of the
Government, consoling himself in the house publicly on a
defeat which I inflicted upon him in passing the Russian
Government Securities Bill—which, I am happy to say,
passed through with large majorities, and is now the law
of the land. I heard that hon. gentleman consoling him-
self with this observation, "It had been said by some
distinguished writer that minorities were generally in the
right." (A. laugh.) Now, " what is sauce for the goose
is sauce for the gander," and I have a right to claim that
as a consolation when I happened to be in a minority.
It is my determination always to persevere in the course
which I think is right, without regard to the conse-
quences which may ensue to myself. I have heard to-day
from my hon. friend a statement with reference to the
office which he has accepted, and that, no doubt, must be of
essential interest to you on this occasion. He has told you
frankly the circumstances which accompanied his ap.
pointment, and the views under which he accept(id it.
But I must say my own friend has not done himself II
entire justice. He told you, and that is within my own
knowledge, that he consulted some of the leaders of the
party with which he is connected, previously to return-
ing an answer to the offer made him by the Government.
He might have gone further, and told you that, being
being consulted by some of the most influential peisons
as to the appointment of the board, he not only did not
solicit the office for himself, but actually pointed out
another hon. gentleman whom he urged the Government
to appoint to the office. It is only justice to my hon.
friend that that circumstance should be stated. (Hear.)
Gentlemen, we are, of course, on the eve of an election.
My hon. friend is no longer member for the borough of
Marylebone, and there will be a new election in a few
days. I have always had the greatest pleasure in acting
with my hon. friend. Without any slavish adherence
to one another, we have generally followed the same line.
Certain I am that both of us are equally anxious to pro.
tect and defend the interests of our constituents, and to
advocate liberal principles. There is now to be a new
election, and of course I do not know who it may be the
pleasure of the electors to give me for a coileague. Of
course, whoever that man may be, it will be my duty to
act with him, to the best of my power, for the advantage
of the borough and of the country at large, and to extend
to him all the cordial co-operation that may be in my
power. It does not belong to me, and I should be act-
ing most improperly if I interfered with regard to the
election further than this, that as an elector of Maryle
bone, an honour of which I am exceedingly proud, I
shall record my vote for the best man in my judgmen
who may present himself as a candidate. But I hope the
man who is to represent this great borough, whoever he
may be, will have as much talent, as much devotion to
the principles of local self-government, as much parlia-
mentary knowledge, as much acquaintance with the
wants and wishes of his constituents, as much ability,
and as much attachment to liberal principles as Sir Ben-
jamin Hall. (Cheers.) Greater qualifications Ido not
think it is easy to meet with, and with less the electors
of Maryleboue would not, and ought not to be content.
(Hear, hear.)

Sir BENJAMIN HALL again rose and said—l have been
informed that there is a gentleman present with whom I
have been associated in private life for a period'of thirty-
four years. He has been a political opponent of mine,
but I understand he has alluded to me in a manner most
gratifying, and most generous as regards himself—l
mean Sir James Hamilton. (Cheers.) He has spoken
of me in the kindest terms, and although we may differ
a shade in politics, it is gratifying to me that he thinks
I have done my duty as regards the borough. I thank
him sincerely.
Sir JAMES HAMILTON—I assure Sir Benjamin I said
just what I thought. I was not aware he was so near
at hand at the time. I think him very wrong in many
things, but he is a young man like myself, and I hope
will improve. (Cheers and laughter.)

Mr. FILMER called the attention of the hon. baronet
to the circumstances connected with Lord Palmerston's
having given his assent to the cemetery for the parish of
Paddington at Kilburn, and hoped the hon. baronet,
now he held an office connected. with security of public
health, would endeavour to induce Lord Palmerston to
withdraw his consent.
Sir B. HALL said the noble lord the Home Secretary
had referred the matter to the law officers of the Crown,
as to whether, having given his consent, he could with-
draw it. There the matter stood at present.
The 'subject then dropped, and the hon. members
quitted the court house.