The Sun.
London, England, 1838-03-08 00:00:00

faction. Although the ground, which is now the property of the Bank,
is more extensive than was immediately required, the Directors felt it
would be highly inexpedient to lose an opportunity of obtaining it, and
of giving a characteristic elevation to the new building, while it afforded
likewise the means of a beneficial return for the money invested. The
contract price is 15,654/. This outlay will be subject to a deduction
of about 2,5001„ the produce of old materials sold, and of a payment to
be made by the city of London, for the cession of part of the property
of the Bahk, towards widening the street. The building is to provide
a commodious banking house with residence for a part of the establish-
ment, and an adjoining separate house, which is to be so constructed
that it may be hereafter, if required, available as part of the Bank, and
in the meantime, they have let off theseadjoining premises, under the
advice of the surveyor on advantageous terms.

In last year's Report it was stated that the debt due from the Northern
and Central Bank to the London and Westminster Bank was to be dis-
charged in the month of July. The mercantile derangements of the
year having, however, prevented that Company from liquidating its
debts to the Bank of England until within a very recent period, delay in
the adjustment of the debts due to the London and Westminster Bank
became unavoidable ; and having perfect relhaice upon the solidity of
the establishment, the Directors did not think themselves called upon to
insist upon the punctual fulfilment of its engagements to this Bank; but
its obligations are now in a state of gradual reduction, and there is no
reason to doubt their entire liquidation in the course of a short time.

There was in the last Report another topic upon which some further
information will be expected, viz., the suit which was then depending
between the Bank of England and the London and Westminster Bank,
as to the power of the latter to accept bills at less than six months' date.
In the beginning of the year 1837, the Master of the Rolls pronounced a
judgment favourable to the view taken by the Bank of England; and the
Directors determined, rather than appeal to the House of Lords, to sug-
gest to their country correspondents the adoption of the plan of drawing
" without acceptance," as practised by the Bank of Ireland in drawing
upon the Bank of England. The suggestion was adopted with readi-
ness—no practical inconvenience has been experienced in the working
of the system—and none of the connections of the Bank have been lost
in consequence of the decision of the Master of the Rolls.
The Directors have to state, that by virtue of the clause of the deed
of settlement, they have elected John Kirkland, Esq., to a seat in the
Direction, and his election is now submitted for your approval. They
have also to call your attention to three vacancies occasioned in the
Direction (as stipulated in the deed), by the retirement of Messrs.
Raiford, Salmons, and Bosanquet. These gentlemen being eligible for
reelection, offer themselves accordingly.
In conclusion, the Directors beg to state their conviction that the
just expectations of the Proprietors as to the success of the Company
will not be disappointed ; but while there can be no doubt of the gradual
enlargement of its connection, they desire to impress earnestly upon
each Proprietor, that it may be in his power individually to promote its
interests, by a zealous co-operation with the Executive—by the adoption
of the Bank, so far as shall be practicable, as the depositary and manager
of his own funds—and by his recommendation of it to the attention of
other persons. From such exertions will follow his own direct profit as
a Proprietor, and the advancement of an establishment basest upon prin-
ciples which afford security and convenience to the community.
PROFIT AND LOSS.

Dr.
Payment of the Dividend now declared, of 51. per
cent. upon the paid-up Capital of 597,2551. for
one year £29,864 0 0
Balance of unappropriated profits 9,567 11 2

£39,431 11 2

Balance of unappropriated Profits, De-
cember 31, 1836 £7,027 0 6
By vote to the Directors at last Gene-
ral ➢leeting
£4,527 0 6
Profits of the year 1837, after paying all the current
expenses, and after making sufficient provision for
all bad and doubtful debts

£39,431 11 2

Balance brought down
Fund arising from Premium on Shares
Sir C. BURRELL, M.P., moved the adoption of the Report, and he did
so with the greatest satisfaction and pleasure. He bore testimony to
the zeal and efficiency of the Directors, who had to contend against the
great monied influence of the Bank of England, and against private
Banking interests, by whom he regretted to say they had not been well
used. He hoped some means would be taken to conciliate those par-
ties, and that a more liberal and conciliatory policy would be observed.
The past year had been one of great monetary difficulty, and it was
most satisfactory to find that, notwithstanding that circumstance, and
that there was subsequently a great glut of capital without any outlet,
the affairs of the Westminster Bank were in so prosperous a state, and
that the profit was so large.—(Hear.) Nothing could more clearly
show the excellent and judicious management of the Directors, and he
thought them entitled to thebest thanks of the shareholders.—(Hear )
Mr. BROWN seconded the motion. It was by individual interest
alone that persons could be made aware of their own interests. If all
the members of the Company were to use their influence among
their friends, no doubt the opposition referred to by the Honourable
proprietor would be conned over and removed. He was exceedingly
happy to rind that the means of the Establishment enabled the Directors
to pursue a liberal course towards the Northern and Central Bank.—
(Cheers.) That Establishment had received great accommodation
from the London and Westminster Bank. The course that the Di-
rectors had adopted reflected great credit upon them.—(Cheers.) He
cordially seconded the motion.
A PROPRIETOR wished to know what was the sum due from the
Northern and Central Bank P He wished also to know whether the
profit that had been stated by the Report was exclusive of the expenses
incurred by the proceedings of the Bank of England ?
The CRAIRMAN said that the debt due by the Northern and Central
Bank was about 76,0001., at the same time there was a property which
had been realized, but was not in actual possession, which would
probably reduce the debt below 70,000/. They had received
money from them, and continued to do so. With respect to the other
question, the law expenses had been paid, with the preliminary ex-
penses, out of the premiums paid upon shares.
A PROPRIETOR thought the question had hardly been answered.
There had been other law expenses incutred since last year in the suit
with the Bank of England, and he understood the Proprietor to ask
whether all the expenses had been paid.
The Crt IRMAN—There is nothing owing—all has been paid up.
Mr. PERRY inquired if the interest due from the Northern and Cen-
tral Bank had been regularly paid up to the present time.
The CHAIRMAN—II has been paid to the 31st December.
Mr. WHEELER had little to say after what had been stated by Sir C.
Burrell, relative to the progressive improvement of the concern ; but he
wished to recommend them all to put their shoulders to the wheel, be-
cause they could not expect the public would do for them what
they did not feel inclined to do for themselves.—(Loud cheers.)
He saw by the list there were about 782 proprietors, 383 of whom
resided in the cosintry. Now they could not expect those who lived in
the country to bank much with them ; but he found, on looking over
their names, there were many influential gentlemen among them.
Many of them were Members of the Society of Friends, and he trusted
that notwithstanding the concern was doing well, they would not for.
get their exertion was requisite. He knew there was a division of
opinion among the Bankers, but he thought that by meeting these
opinions with good humour and good feeling, he had no doubt they
would be ultimately let into the clearing.—(Hear, hear.) There were
387 Proprietors residing in London, and how many of those did the
meeting suppose banked with the establisment ?—(" All.") All ought to
do—(Hear, hear, and a laugh)—but there were only 160. Now, were
they true to themselves ? He would advise them to put their shoulders
to the wheel, and when they got into the large House they would with
a large capital be let into the clearing, and instead of getting six per
cent., they would get fight per cent. Too much praise could not
be given to the Directors for their conduct with regard to the Northern
and Central Bank.
A PROPRIRTOR begged to ask, were all Joint Stock Banks excluded
from the Clearing-house, or was the exclusion directed individually
against the Westminster Bank 7
The CHAIRMAN—The answer we received was, that it was established
for the benefit of private banking-houses only.
Another PROPRIETOR wished to know, was there any intention to en-
ter into the Scotch system of allowing cash credit accounts. The sub-
ject was, perhaps, a delicate one; but, from his knowledge of the system,
if it could be done with safety, it would occasions a large accession of
business, and be, at the same time, advantageous to the public.
The CHAIRMAN.—The Directors had not adopted it, although it came
before them for discusssion. '1 hey did not think it advisable, or suitable
to London business, to introduce such a system, as it would induce the
locking up of a large amount of capital.
A PROPRIETOR begged to ask what was the amount of deposits at the
different offices, on the 31st December, 1837 ? The question, he ad-
mitted, had been objected to at the last annual meeting.
Several Gentlemen said the question ought not to be answered.
The PROPRIETOR said the return had been made in 1834, and lie
could not see why they now objected to it. The Batik of England al.
ways published it.
A Paornieroa observed that they were compelled to do so by Act of
Parliament, and no comparison could be instituted between the two. It
would, in his opinion, be most injurious to the concern to publish such
statements.—(gear, hear.)
The CHAIRMAN said the feeling of the Meeting appeared to be against
the question.
The question was then withdrawn.
CHAIRMAN then put the question, that the report be received
and adopted, which was carried unanimously.
Sir G. CAREW hal a resolution to propose which he was satisfied
would meet with the concurrence of the meeting generally. It was his
intention to move a vote of thanks to the Directors, coupled with a
sum for their pest services. He would move a vote of thanks to the
Directors, and that a sum of 2,5001. should be awarded to them for
their services during the past year.—(Cheers.)
Captain I3ANDERSON seconded the motion, which the Chairman de-
clared to be carried unanimously.
The CHAIRMAN, on behalf of himself and the Directors, returned
thanks. lie could assure the proprietors that the desire of himself and
the Directors was to improve the establishment. He trusted that the
Report would be itnproved every ye ir.
Mr. IlaowN wished to know whether there had been an increav in
the number of accounts since the last year. He wished to know also
whether the intention that had been expressed at the last meeting, of
fOrming branch Banks in the country, had been carried into effect ; and
whether those establishments had been attended with profit commen-
surate with the expenses of those estabrslnnents ?
Mr. WHEELER thought that the question put by the Honourable
Proprietor ought not to be asked, as the effect of answering it would be to
tell the world to set up branch Banks in opposition to them.
'Pisa CHAIRMAN would have lio hesitation in answering the question,
had it not been for the observation of the Honourable Proprietor.
The Company had not established any new branches since the last
meeting, and no branches had been established, or would be, in the
country.—(Cheers.)
Mr. SAVAGE thought the meeting ought not to separate without pass-
ing a vote of thanks to the different agents of the Company, He could
bear his unqualified testimony to the perseverance and assiduity of Mr.
Vine anti Mr. Ewing.
Mr. PERRY said, that as at the last meeting it had been stated that a
profit had arisen from the branch Banks, perhaps it would not
be obi:eted to that the Chairman should state whether they
had been a source of profit during the present year.—(hear,
hear, and cries of " No, no.") If the feeling of the meeting was
against him, he would not pre, his motion.
On the motion of WMEELER, Messrs. Bosr.nquet, Raiford, and
Salomons, the Directors, who went out by rotation, were re-elected.
On the motion of Mr. OXENHANI, seconded by Mr. Perry, a vote of
thanks was unsnimettsly carried to the Managers of the different metro-
politan branches for their assiduity and perseverance.
Mr. GILBART returned thanks on the part of his colleagues aura
himself.
Mr. BROWN begged to ask whether the Act for the regulation of
Banking Companies which had lately been passed would in any way af-
tech the London and Westminster Bank, with regard to the discounting
of country Bills ?
The CHAIRMAN replied in the negative.
On the motion of Sir CHARLES BURRELL, seconded by Mr. Oxagliem,
a vote of thanks was passed to the Chairman.
The CHAIRMAN briefly returned thanks, and the meeting separated.

The trial of Myers, against whom a Bill of in-
dictment has been preferred for setting fire to his house in
High-street, iNlarylebone, has been postponed to the next ses-
sion of the Criminal Court.

A Cricket Match was played on the 17th ult. on
Bailenwaite Lake.

ESTABLISHED CHURCH OF SCOT•

LAND.

MEETING AT THE CITY OF LONDON TAVERN.
A meeting of the 'Friends of Civil and Religious Liberty" was 3 ester.
day held at the City of London Tavern, to consider the propriety of
petitioning Parliament against any further grants to the Established
Church of Scotland. It was advertised that the Chair should be taken at
twelve o'clock, but by eleven three or four of the front benches were taken
possession of, principally by ladies. At the time appointed for taking
the Chair, the room was nearly filled, and there were then upwards of a
thousand persons present.

The Chair was taken by Mr. Charles Lushington, M.P., at a quarter
past twelve. There were then on the platform Mr. Gillon, M.P., Mr.
Baines, M. P., Mr. A. Fletcher, Mr. Burdite, Mr. Clayton, Mr.
Burnet, Rev. Mr. Wardlaw, Rev. I'. Binney, Rev. Thomas Steyne,
Rev. Mr. Bennett, Drs. Morrison, Fletcher, and Cox, Rev. Mr. Harry,
and a number of other Dissenting Clergymen.
On the motion of H. Weymouth, Esq., Charles Lushington, Esq.,
M.P., was unanimously called to the Chair.
The CIIAIRMAN said that when called upon to come forward upon
any public occasion in defence of the rights, civil and religious,
of the Dissenters, he could not hesitate to comply with the
request—(Hear, hear, and cheers)—and it was with pleasure that
he took the chair of this meeting which was held on behalf of the
seceders from the Church of Scotland.—(Cheers.) Little solicitation,
indeed, was necessary to induce him to do so, for he had passed the
greater portion of his life in intimacy with Scotchmen, and the most valued
friend he ever possessed belonged to that nation.—(('heers.) Added
to these personal considerations, however, he was influenced by a con-
viction that the cause of justice would be promoted by a successful
opposition to this arbitrary, impolitic, insidious and insulting
measure which they were this day called upon to oppose.—
(Hear, hear, and cheers ) Not merely Scotch, but English Dissenters
were interested in this matter, because the principle, if once admitted
in regard to Scotland, would soon be applied to England, and the al.
ready enormous emoluments of the Established Church might be in.
definitely augmented by such a measure.—(Loudcheers.) Englishmen
therefore were selfishly interested in this question, and on that ac-
count, perhaps, could not claim much merit for coming forward ou this
occasion. Of late years certain individuals had erected a large number
of Churches amounting to about 170 in Scotland by private subscrip-
tions; but with a feeling which he would not attempt to describe, and
which appeared to be a very questionable kind of emulation, they
had placed these Churches on the very spots occupied by Dissenters.
Finding that the strength of the voluntary principle was not sufficient
for the voluntary endowment of these Churches, they had determined to
apply to Parliament for an endowment out of what was called the Bi.
shop's tiends, and which were already merged in the general resources
of the country; 'therefore if access were given to that fund, every Dis-
senter in Scotland and England would be affected.—(Cheering.) If
these endowments were admitted at all they should be taken from what
was called the Heritors' (lends, which were appropriated by the
parochial authorities to provide for churches and for the ministra-
tion in thews.—(Hear, hear, hear.) A deputation of the most.
enlightened and most respectable of tile Scotch Dissenters had been sent
over, not like one of their distinguished Presbyterian adversaries (we
I resume the Hon. Chairman meant Dr. Chalmers) who had taken a
journey for the purpose of preaching up episcopal establishments—
(Loud cheers)—but to explain this subject, and to uphold the cause of
civil and religious liberty by destroying every pretence for the pro_
pcsed grant. In consequence of the misrepresentations of the Church
party in Scotland a commission was appointed under the royal sign manual
in 1835, for the purpose of inquiring into the state of religious instruction
in Scotland, and they were desired to commence their inquiries iu Edina
burgh and Glasgow. Now, from certain Reports which had been made
of the religious circumstances of the country about Edinburgh and
Glasgow, it appeared, first, that in both those cities the Dissenters
greatly out-numbered the adherents of the Church. The popu.
lation of Edinburgh and Leith was 162,292, of which there be-
longed to the Established Church, 76,330; to other denomina-
tions, 76,570.—(A Gentleman on the platform, 86,000.) In Glasgow,
the population was 213,810 ; of which the Established Church num.
bored 99,199, and other denominations 100,529. Then, again, in
Edinburgh, the occupied seats were 9.614 belonging to the Established
Church, and to the Dissenters 11,360. In Glasgow the scats of the
Church were 6,599, and the Dissenters 13,047. In Edinburgh and
Glasgow there were 40,000 seats unlet.—(Cheers.) Such being the
case, he would ask what became of the complaint of the deficiency of
accommodation, when 40,000 were unoccupied? He would state one
more fact with respect to the Clergy of Scotland, and Edinburgh and
Glasgow. The Clergy of the Church of England were exceeded by the
Dissenters. In those places there were 62 Clergymen of the Established
Church, and 88 of other denominations. Without intending the
slightest disrespect to the clergy of the Church of Scotland, who, he
believed, were a most meritorious and religious class of persons, and
who deserved the esteem of all persons in a high degree when they did
not mix themselves up with politics—(Cheers)--without intending in
the slightest degree to say anything disrespectful of them, he would,
with the permission of the meeting, read one or two instances of extra-
ordinary self devotion which had taken place among some of the cler-
gymen of Glasgow. It appeared from evidence that none of the office
bearers, including the Glassites, received any pecuniary remuneration.
The ltcv. Mr. Duncan preached the Gospel without any charge; ano-
ther minister officiated to 1,000 persons gratuitously ; and Dr. Beattie,
who received a stipend secured by what he considered the highest
security in existence, a security which existed before Bonds and Acts
of Parliament were thought of—the statutary law of the heads of the
Church—(Cheer.)—that worthy Divine stated that his knowledge
of his congregation was so minute, that of 1,569 communicants, he
could state that he knew every one of them personally. Ile stated
also that he could name the whole of their children.—(Cheers.) He
(Mr. Lushington) wished that some couple of Pluralists were here, in
order that this noble example might be pointed out to them.—(Great
cheering.) These were noble instances of devotion, and how were
these admirable proofs of disinterestedness and noble acts of philan-
thropy and love towards men recompensed and requited ? Why, by
contempt, mortification, and state counteraction—by particular favour
ti a favoured sect.—(Cheers.) What was the plea for this ? Why,
for better accommodation for the lower classes of the people of Scot.
land. Now what was the opinion of the people of Scotland, espe-
cially about Glasgow ?—(Hear and cheers.) He would stete it,
One Clergyman stated that the poor were Churchmen from convenience,
but Dissenters from principle, and that generally speaking they would
be Dissenters but for convenience.—(Hear.) That testimony was cols.
firmed by several other witnesses who were brought before the Com-
mission. He would call upon the Dissenters of England and Scotland
to let these truths be remembered and circulated—let them be stated to
the Ministry and announced to the Houseof Commons—let every Mem-
ber of Parliament be imbued with the facts he hod stated, and many
others which would be detailed to them by other gentlemen, and let
them declare that any new endowment would be passed in defiance of
justice, reason, and prudence, and in mockery of every principle of
enlightened Government —(Cheers.) Mr. Laing, in his History of
Scotland states that in 1826, when an attempt WAS made to extort the
surrender of tithes from the proprietors, a very strong resistance was
excited; and among demonstrations of opposition was that of an old and
_blind Lord—Lord Belhaven. He was brought to the Assembly, and was
placed next to the Earl of Dumfries, whom he held with one hand,
while in the other he grasped a concealed dagger, to plunge into Isis
heart on the first commotion. Let them imitate that old Lord's energy,
but not Isis crime—let them not carry daggers in their bosoms, but let
them bear firm and determined hearts, chastened by righteous modera-
tion, although guided by inflexible duty, and which could not fail, if so
regulated, to ensure success to their undertaking.—(Choers.)
Mr. H. Weemouen, who was received with loud cheers, said that.
he had been requested by the United Committee--sympathising with
their friends in Scotland, and recollecting the sympathy which those
friends expressed with them on the question of Church-rates, and that the
question of additional churches in Scotland stood upon the same grounds
—to introduce to the meeting the deputation from Scotland.—(Ap.
elause.) The united Committees were induced to call this meeting by
the consideration that church rates and the additional grant stood on the
same ground. Both recognised the principle of compulsion, and yet
there was this difference—that the church rate, however grievous, was
one to which the people of England were accustomed; but the additional
grant to the Church of Scotland was new and uncalled for. If that
grant were conceded, the next thing would be a compulsory grant for
additional Churches in England.—( Hear, hear.) Some persons connee.
ted with the Establishment in England thought that more Churches
were wanted, and they applied to the public for funds. Now, cousi.
Bering that they had newly tried their hauls at the voluntary system,
they hed succeeded pretty well.—(A laugh.) They had raised, he
believed, upwards of 120,0001. ; but if the example were set them of a
compulsory grant to the Church of Scotland they would abandon the
voluntary system and go to Parliament. In the yi•ar 1834 the Church
of Scotland allowed the people the right of veto upon the appointments
of the patron. That had lately been disputed and carried into the Court
of Session, where eight Judges out of thirteen had given an opinion
that the veto was illegal. He would not detain the meeting longer,
but would conclude by introducing the deputation from Scotland. He
then led forward the Rev. Drs. Wardlaw, Heugh, and Beattie, and
the Rev, Messrs. French, Harper, and King.
The Rev. Dr. Weaneew then rose to address the. meeting, and
was received with loud applause. lie said that he cheerfully
complied, as far as a sense of duty was concerned, but most
eluctantly, inasmuch as he felt his inability to do it justice,
wills the request of the united Committee to lay a statement
e f their case before that numerous and highly-respectable meeting,
This duty had been in some measure rendered unnecessary by what had
:dready taken place. The dsput-tion appeared before the meeting as
else representatives of three great b dies of the Scotch Dissenters,
namely, the United Secession Churches, the Relief Churches, and the,
Congregational Churches of Scotland ; and some of them also as the
representatives of the Central Board of Scotland for defending the
rights of the Dissenters. it was necessary in the first place to mention
that they bad been preceded by memorials to the Government, but the
Dissenters of Scotland slid not think that sufficient. They were
imx'ous to impress her Majesty's Ministers and the people of England
with the fact, that they were in dead earnest about the matter.—
(Hear, hear, and laughter.) %Nit!) that view they had sent delegates
to London, to endeavour to influence her Majesty's Ministers to
resist this claims of the Scotch Church for additional endowments.
It would be well, before he proceeded further, to state the
present and prospective extent of those claims. It was well known that
there had existed in the Church of Scotland fur a length of time a
number of Churches, supported by the voluntary principle, and which
were denominated (shape s i f Ease. By au Act, however, of the General
Assembly, all these clan cites (about sixty in number) had been erected
into parochial enmities, and for the support of these the additional
endowments were demanded. But this was not all : the Established
Church had raised 170 new churches by subscription, and for these also
endowments were claimed. They canoe to resist not a large demand
but a little demand—whatever it might be, they resisted a principle—
(Loud cheering.) It was not a matter of plus or minus, but
a matter of pi ineiple, and they had heard that if once the wedge
was introduced, the sledge hammer of ecclesiastical zeal, wielded
by the arm of the most powerful workinen, would come in rapid sue-
ce sion--they could not tell how deeply it might penetrate, or what
might be split asunder.—(Hear, hear.) They resisted therefore, all
endowments to the Church of Seotlaed—they resisted them as un-
scriptural, as unjust, as unnecessary, and as uncharitael e—( Hear, hear.)
The sentiment he was now about to utter might possibly not meet with
the concurrence of every mind present—that he could not help—but ho
and his fellow Dissenters from Scotland held that in the Scriptures
—the statutory law of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ—they had
bolh in the form of precept, and the form of precedent, the
still of the great Head of the Church in regard to the manner in
which that Church was to be maintained and its interests promoted.—
(Hear, hear.) They held therefore that es that was the book that
contained the Law of Chtist on this subject, all Legislation beyond
what was contained in that Book wa' an infraction of that law, end
the rubst travel of human measures in es to (Cheors ) Ite meet
desired to have tits s'ightest &ere no Ins tooled with regard to the pre-
sent and ultimate operation of every firmly sawt•one..l principle. Th
considered that the, were expressed precepts on the subject as welt
as matter o: fact. `I If We have ministers to give spiritual things,
is it a great thing that we should reap carnal things." In
principle they were bound to resist every eiscroachment or infraction of
what they conceived to be the law of Christ. They conceived that as
to the chapels of ease is Scotlaud making application for endows: elite
was peculiarly preposterous. 1.,al hithertoourbeess:tilopupe: y,r supported ebytrvuee.
hin.
thatary principle; aiid if the uag o
it is
bless.od to
r.
ing he
tStatteo:l trieipt: eg(n truth, bilievit etc,
al.,rits',:,3lll;o,tha'ie'rni,es'is
and
sie:ll:ei—and
cheering.)
of :tuto
se
e
spoke wls
ith o!.
pearfeet seriousness when he said that every Christian
man ought to feel it to be his duty to support the ordinances of Christ;
therefore an eedewmint to those chapels would be perfectly presses-
' terous. They were ca conies indeed to ail additional endowments, and
their principle was founded upon an entire disapprobation of all State
endowments. They had no hesitation in avowing this. They held the
Lys of Christ to be laid down in the New Testament, and who had a
right to change it ? if he found eller a lapse of three centuries mottle?