The Sun.
London, England, 1825-11-29 00:00:00

MEETING of the CREDITORS of Menrs.

CHAMBERS AND SON.

Yesterday, pursuant to notice, a Public General
31 eeting of the Creditors of this firm was held in the Concert
Room of the King's Theatre, for the purpose, as the notice ex-
presses, of attending to the discussion of matters of great im-
portance to the Creditors. Mr. BICKNELL was called to the
Chair. _ _ _

The CHAIRMAN said that the only method of putting the
Meeting in possession of the line of conduct pursued by the
Committee, would be to read the minutes taken at all their
111 eetings.
Mr. Geoom (Chairman of the Committee) then read the
Minutes from the 25th June last, to the present time, they princi-
pally related to disbursements, and to the eftbrts made at coming
to something like a settlement of the demands upon the estate,
which at one time was thought practicable, without resorting to
a Commission of Bankruptcy. A Gentleman named Hamilton
had suggested a composition, but he afterwards informed the
Committee that it had failed, and the only remaining alternative
was the Bankruptcy. Efforts had been made to let the
King's Theatre, and Mr. Ebers had offered 8,0001. per annum,
payable quarterly in advance, without any reference to his
arrears, or the ordinary disbursements of the establishment.—
After some time, Mr. Ebers became the lessee, and an agree-
ment was effected. A letter was then received from Mr. Mash,
of the Lord Chamberlain's Office, positively refusing to grant
a license for the Theatre. llis Lordship having learned that it
was in a most ruinous condition, and that the walls (with only
the exception of the one erected last year) had no foundation—
(a laugh)—and were consequently in a very dangero!s state.
The Lord Chamberlain desired that the two architects who had
upon a former occasion examined the building, Messrs. Smirke
and Soane, should be applied to, and their report of the state
of every part of the house be sent to him before any other ap-
plication was made for a renewal of the license. In consequence
of this, application was made through Mr. Hobhouse, to Col.
Stephenson, and Mr. Ebers still had hopes of obtaining the li-
cense and opening the Theatre on the 17th of December. The
roof of the Theatre had been'examined, and some repairs had
been recommended by the architects. The Committee had of
themselves ordered some geheral repairs, and disbursed the ex-
pence of keeping, watching, &c. the Theatre. Some difficulty
was experienced through the refusal of Mr. Chambers to allow
them to sell by public auction his estates at Enfield and
Chuttle. These were the only parts of the minutes which had
any interest, the remainder principally relating to receiving
and disbursing accounts.
Mr. GROOM said, in concluding, that having seen in the
Gazette the declaration of bankruptcy, the Committee had call-
ed this meeting to answer any questions which any of the cre-
ditors might wish, or think necessary to put.
A GENT LEMAN—" Will any Gentleman of, the Committee
have the kindness to state the reason why the Committee re-
flitted to pay Mr. Chambers his allowance ?"
Mr. litwo Al.—" The reason is simply this : the Committee
considered Mr. Chambers did not conform to the covenants he
had entered into."--(Hear !)
The CHAIRMAN here read a letter he had at the moment
received from Mr. Chambers, apologising foe not attending the
meeting, having been advised to that effect; notwithstanding if
they required his attendance, he most willing would appear.
Mr. Loan proposed the thanks of the meeting to the Com-
mittee, for their honourable and laudable exertion in defence
of the rights of all the creditors—(hear, hear !)—without which
he feared they would receive but little of their claims. He
also suggested that the assignees to the estate should be chosen
from the creditors—(Hear !)-.Las they alone in his opinion were
the most likely to dispose of the property to the best advan-
tage; and as the Committee had displayed so much ability,
care, and attention, he proposed the assignees should he selected
from that body.
The Meeting appearing unanimous upon the subject of this
Gentleman's observations, they were embodied in a resolution,
and carried news. con.

Mr. Gnoost proposed another resolution, that the proceed-
ings of the Committee, as detailed in the minutes just read,
should be notified by the vote of the Meeting.
Mr. IIAstILTON, Solicitor, protested against the resolution,
which, however, was passed. _ _ .

Mr. Tooxr, an Attorney for a number of creditors, said he
most cordially acquiesced in the vote of thanks to the Com-
mittee ; and after a high compliment upon the integrity and
ability of Messrs. Groom, Stone, B. Smith, G. S. Smith, and
Thomas, he proposed those Gentlemen as assignees to the Com-
mission. _

Mr. GROOM, on the part of the other Gentlemen, accepted
the office, and promised diligence and fidelity.
Some Gentlemen having expressed a wish that Mr. Cham-
bers .might be called in, as he happened to be in attendance,
Mr. Hamilton was instructed to say, that the creditors would
be glad to see him if lie thought proper.
Mr. CHAMBERS soon after appeared, with his legal adviser,
and-bowing to the Chairman, said, " I am here, Sir."
Mr. TOOKE—TiIe only question I believe, Sir, that this
meeting wishes to put to you is this—" Do you mean to resist
the Commission of Bankruptcy issued against you ?"
Mr. CHAMBERS—That is a question which, for the present,
I must decline answering, not that I have any personal objec-
tion to doing so, but because I am in the hands of my legal
advisers, and -I
of tours:: will do nothing without their concur-
rence. Mr. Chambers also complained of the manner in which
he and his family had been treated by the Committee.
Mr. Gitoom said, that however anxious the Committee
might be to meet Mr. Chambers on amicable terms, he had,
by his own conduct, invariably frustrated in their intentions.
After some further conversation relative to the appoint:cent
of the assignees above-named, the meeting broke up.