The Sun.
London, England, 1849-09-21 00:00:00

THE SUN, LONDON. FRIDAY EVENING, SEPTEMBER 21, 1849,

CHOLERA AND DIARRHEA.

RETURN OF CASES, SErr. 19.
TUE METROPOLIS.
SUPERINTENDING REGISTRAR'S DISTRICT.
Deaths.
Cholera. Dlarrh.

Kensington ...

RAILWAY INTELLIGENCE.
GREAT WESTERN.
A special general meeting of the proprietors of the
Great Western Railway was held yesterday at Pad-
dington, to consider the expediency of appointing—
and for the purpose of appointing, if so determided—
two or three shareholders, as recommended in the
report of the auditors, dated the 7th ult., to meet and
confer with the directors of the company on the ex-
ercise of their powers with regard to the manage-
ment of the company's affairs; and also for consider-
ing the nomination and election, or the recommenda-
tion for election, of four proprietors,. to be directors
of the company, to fill up the same number of vacan-
cies created by the resignation of four directors.
The meeting took place in one of the large sheds
at the terminus, which had been very conveniently
fitted up for the occasion. There was a very large
attendance of shareholders, a numerous body of whom
arrived by special train from Bristol and other places
along the line of the railway shortly before the com-
mencement of the meeting. The chair was taken at
half-past one o'clock by Mr. C. Russell, the chairman
of the board of directors. Most of the directors
were also present.
The ncoice convening the meeting having been read
by Mr. Saunders, the secretary,
The CHAIRMAN said it would not be necessary for
him to detain the meeting many minutes in opening
the proceedings. The notice which had been read
fully explained the purposes for which the meeting had
been called. The half-yearly meeting of the corn-
pany had been held so recently at Bristol, that it was
hardly necessary for him to remind the proprietors of
the circumstances under which it had been determined
to submit to them the proposals which would be made
to-day. The auditors of their accounts last year had
adopted a report, recommending the selection of three
proprietors to consult with the directors upon ques-
tions of general expenditure, and upon other impor-
tant matters connected with the interests of the
company. The directors immediately and cordially
acquiesced in that suggestion, which was adopted by
the shareholders at their last halt-yearly meeting, and
they were now assembled to carry out their own de-
termination. It was only necessary for him to state
to the meeting, on the part of the directors, that when
they had made a selection of three gentlemen, the
directors would afford them the fullest and freest
access to every description of information they might
think fit to require—(Hear, hear)—and the directors
would also cordially concur with them in carrying
out whatever measures might be devised tor the general
benefit of the company.—(Hear, hear.) That would
be the subject of the first resolution. The object of
the second resolution would be the appointment of
four gentlemen to fill vacancies which had been
created in the board of direction. The directors
could not contemplate the retirement of their old col-
leagues without considerable regret; but it had been
represented to them that the appointment of four new
directors chosen by the proprietors would be calcu-
lated to give confidence to the shareholders and the
public. The directors had felt that that object was
superior to all considerations of personal regard, and
it was now for the proprietors to select those gentle.
men whom they might think fit to fill the vacancies
in the direction. It was right he should inform the
meeting that in point of form the appointment of
persons to fill those vacancies must be made by the
directors. The Act of Parliament enabled the pro-
prietors themselves to fill up the vacancies occasioned
by retirements in rotation in the month of February
in each year, but all other vacancies occurring during
the intermediate period must be filled up by the
directors. The directors had, however, convened a
board for to-morrow, in order to appoint the gentle-
men who might be recommended by this meeting.—
(Hear, hear.) He thought the directors had given
the best proof in their power of their disposition to
act cordially with the proprietors by the course they
had pursued. The common object of all of them
was to improve the property of the company, and to
promote the prosperity of their enterprise. Surely,
that object would be the best accomplished, not by
angry discussior.s, not by exaggerated statements, but
by cordially and heartily concurring in carrying out
such measures as, upon reflection and deliberation,
might ue thought best calculated to promote the wel-
fare of the company.
Mr. L. HxrwoßTn moved the following resolu-
tion :

" That Mr. T. S. Gladstone, of Liverpool, Mr. H.
Withers, of Liverpool, and Mr. C. F. Sage, of Bristol,
be a committee for the purpose of conferring with the
board of directors from time Co time on the exercise of
their powers with regard to the general expenditure of
the company, the outlay of capital for new lines and
works, and the regulations for establishing a reserve
fund; and that they be authorised to report their opinions
to the proprietors upon the several matters so referred
to them for consultation with the directors thereon ; the
board being requested to give every regular and proper
facility to the said committee for the performance of
their euties."
It was unfortunately too well known to the meeting
that the value of their property in this company had
lately been greatly depreciated; and he, as a large
shareholder, was happy to propose the appointment of
the three gentlemen named in the resolution to Con-
sult with the directors relative to the affairs of the
company. It was very gratifying to him to find that
this resolution had so readily been concurred in by
the directors ; for if they had anything to conceal—
anything they were afraid of being publicly known—
they would have objected to admit three independent
gentlemen to consult with them on the business of the
company. It was satisfactory to know that the
state of their property was now likely to be investi-
gated to the fullest possible extent by gentlemen of
nigh integrity and sound judgment, whose pursuits
rendered them conversant with business ma-
nagement, and who were well acquainted
with railway property. The questions into
which they were to inquire were matters of
the greatest interest and importance to the proprietors.
—(Hear, hear.) The enormous outlay of capital for
new lines had been most onerously felt by the share-
holders, and it was of the greatest importance that
they should have some one who would keep a watch-
ful eye upon the proceedings of the directors, to pre-
vent any future extravagance in the construction of
new lines. He was happy to say he believed that at
the present moment the stations, and stock, and every
portion of the property of the company were in excel-
lent order, and had been kept so out of the revenue ;
but he considered that, in order to satisfy the public
mind, as well as to protect the interests of the share-
holders, it was necessary that the expenditure should
be most closely and carefully watched.
Mr. DICKINSON seconded the motion. The proposal
which it involved had originated with his co-auditor
and himself; for they thought it was most advisable,
under existing circumstances, to scrutinize with the
strictest jealousy every portion of the company's
outlay.
Mr. Asiszote had lived in Bristol for many years,
and had never heard of Mr. Sage.
Mr. F. FRY—He is very well known in Bristol. I
know him very well.
Mr. ASHTON thought the persons appointed to such
a situation should be gentlemen engaged extensively
in trade, and who were intimately acquainted with
railway affairs; and, although Mr. Sage might be fully
competent for the office, yet, as he (Mr. Ashton)
knew nothing of him, he would suggest that Mr. L.
Hey worth be appointed in the place of that gentleman.
A PROPRIETOR said he thought that those gentle-
men who had selected the committee of consultation
had committed a great error in not including at least
one person resident in London, the locality of the
chief terminus of the railway.—(Hear, hear.) It was
important that the committee should have frequent
personal communication with the directors, and that
would be impossible if they all resided in Liverpool
or Bristol. He suggested that Mr. Williams, for-
merly M.P. for Coventry, should be appointed one of
the committee,—(Hear, hear.)
Mr. EDWARDS concurred in the views of the last
speaker with respect to the vast importance of havir g
at least one of the committee resident in London, but
he was not prepared to name any one.
Mr. F. FRY had no doubt that the names of the
committee had been well considered before they
were submitted to that meeting. With reference to
the name of Mr. Sage, he begged to say that he was
connected with the largest cotton manufactory in
Bristol—he might say in the kingdom—and that he
believed no gentleman could be selected who was
better qualified, both from his high character and his
experience of railway matters in past times, to dis•
charge the important duties which it was proposed to
intrust to the committee —(Hear.) He sincerely
hoped, therefore, that he would be elected.
Mr. MAYHEW asked whether the three gentlemen
named were then present ?
The CHAIRMAN replied that Mr. Sage was not
present. The other two were. He might also state
that they had all consented to act, if elected.
Mr. MAYHEW wished they had all been present, in
order to have given the meeting a solemn pledge that,
if elected, they would not fail to do their duty. Men
of large businesses were in general so much occupied
that it was not every one who was able to bestow so
much time as an affair of this magnitude required ;
and if the gentlemen named were in that position he
hoped they would not accept the office, for he believed
it would require no ordinary amount of time, and no
common understanding, to unravel the mystery in
which the affairs of the company were involved.—
(Hear, hear.) For his own part he would willingly
contribute to pay a salary to those who would faith-
fully report to the proprietors the real situation of
their affairs.
Mr. WILLIAM said, that his name having been
mentioned, he begged to state that if he were appointed
a member of the committee he would decline to serve
upon it, and for this reason, that he considered the
appointment of the committee altogether a farce and
a delusion.—(Hear, hear.) He had a large interest
in the company, and believed that such an investiga-
tion as would serve to throw light upon its affairs
would restore the confidence of the public in them,

but the circumstances under which the committee was
proposed were such as to impress him with the belief
that it would end in no benefit to the committee. He
observed that the first name on the list was that of
Mr. Glaistone, who had originally recommended the
investigation, and the chairman had stated that he
and the other two gentlemen had all consented to
act, thus showing that there had been a regular
preconcert between these gentlemen and the chair-
man.—(Hear, hear.)
The CHAIRMAN was at a loss to understand what
Mr. Williams meant by " a perfect farce." If he
meant to say that there had been any collision be-
tween these gentlemen and the directors he begged to
give that statement a positive and distinct denial.—
(Hear, hear.) The three gentlemen had been selected
for reasons which he was satisfied would fully present
themselves to every unprejudiced mind.—(Hear,
hear.) Mr. Gladstone, it was very true, was the first
who recommended the committee; and when it was
at length resolved to make the appointment, Mr.
Gladstone felt that, though the duties were highly
responsible, yet, having recommended the committee,
I e would not be justified in declining to serve upon it
himself.—(Hear, hear.) Mr. Withers was nearly in
the same situation ; and he was perfectly satisfied that
it would be impossible to find better men than those
to undertake the duty.—(Hear, hear.) Then, with
reference to the other name, he begged to say, that as
a large body of the Great 'Western proprietors were
resident in the west of England, it was felt to be
desirable that at least one of the committee should be
chosen from that district, and hence the selection of
the name of Mr. Sage. An Honourable Proprietor
had stated that he had long been an inhabitant
of Bristol, and he had never heard the mime of
Mr. Sage. He (the Chairman) could only say that
that gentleman's knowledge of and connexion with the
commercial inhabitants of Bristol must be very limited
not to have heard the name of Mr. Sage.—( Hear.)
He occupied the position of a large proprietor, and
manager also, he believed, of a most extensive cotton-
manufactory there, and must be well known in the
town and neighbourhood.—(Hear.) The directors
believed that better men than the three they had
named could not be chosen ; but it was for the
proprietors themselves to determine whether they
would adopt them.
Mr. AsuTosr, of Bristol, said that since he had
made the observation to which the chairman had re-
ferred, he had been informed that Mr. Sage passed
his door daily, though he (Mr. Ashton) was not
aware of it. it was said that he was a proprietor of
the Great Western Cotton Manufactory. He be-
lieved, however, he was a small one, and that to a cer-
tain extent he was subordinate to one of the direc-
tors of that company (Mr. Miles).
Mr. SMITHERS complained that the names of the
proposed committee had not been communicated to
the shareholders previous to the present meeting.
The CHAIRMAN assured him that till that morning
he had not known the names himself. _ _

Mr. SMITHERS considered it a suspicious circum-
stance that the names had been proposed to—he might
say thrust upon—the meeting, without any previous
intimation, and
_moved that the meeting adjourn to
that day three weeks, in order to afford time to con-
sider the matter.
Mr. LAMBERT seconded the motion.
After some conversation on the motion for adjourn-
ment, in the course of which a very general feeling was
expressed against such a step,
Mr. STANFORD, M.P., said, the simple question
before the meeting seemed to him to be, whether the
proprietors reposed confidence in the board of direc-
tors or not.—(Hear, hear.) The appointment of the
proposed committee of consultation—or rather of
investigation—would be virtually a vote of want of
confidence in the directors.—(No, no.) He thought,
therefore, that if the proprietors did confide in the
directors, the consideration of the resolution for the
appointment of the committee should be adjourned
sine die. He conceived that the shareholders would
be generally satisfied if, as was proposed, four direc-
tors elected by themselves were added to the board,
and if the directors undertook to lay before the pro-
prietors at each half-yearly meeting a printed state-
ment showing the exact financial position of the com-
pany.—(Hear.) He entertained the highest opinion
of the integrity and honour of the members of the
board of directors, but he could not help thinking that
they had been somewhat extraeagaot, and that they
had been too profuse in their guarantees for branch
lines. He feared, however, that if the committee now
proposed was appointed, they might on some occasion
be brought into collision with the directors, and such
an occurrence would probably be attended with most
injurious consequences to the interests of the company.
The CHAIRMAN observed, that the suggestion of
this committee did not emanate from the directors.
The appointment of such a committee was recom-
mended by the auditors, and by several large pro•
prietors, who represented that a committee of con-
sultation would be likely to give the public greater
confidence in the management of the company ; and
the directors at once acquiesced in the suggestion ;
but they had taken no part whatever in the selection
of the committee.
Some further conversation took place on the motion
for adjournment, which was ultimately withdrawn.
Mr. MERCER suggested that a resclution should be
passed declaring it inexpedient to appoint a committee
of consultation, the proprietors having full confidence
in the directors. He considered that if any collision
took place between the proposed committee of consul-
tation and the directors, the value of their property in
the market might be very materially affected.—(A
voice—" We can't be in a worse position than we are
now."—Laughter.) Ile thought that instead of
appointing a committee of consultation, they shoula
—if they considered that the three gentlemen named
in the resolution ought to have any share in the
management of the company—at once make them
directors. If the proprietors thought there had been
any inaccuracy or unfairness in the accounts, the best
plan would be to call in a public accountant, who
would be much more competent to furnish them with
accurate information than the committee of consulta-
tion could be expected to be.
Major COURT thought a committee of investigation
of much less importance than a committee of consul.
tation. He considered a committee of consultation to
be indispensably necessary. The company had,
within the last two years, spent upwards of 2,500,0001.,
and the half-yearly revenue up to the 30th of June
last was nearly 2,0001. less than the half-yearly re-
venue to the 30th of June, 1847. They had also
3,500,0001. embarked in undertakings of a similar
character, and it was necessary to have these matters
properly considered, and the way to do it was to do
as the directors themselves had suggested. With re-
spect, for instance, to the Wilts, Somerset, and
Weymouth line, they ought to enter into some
arrangement to curtail the line, and consequently the
guarantees of the company. Their liabilities to the
South Wales Company amounted to upwards of
170,0001. a year. lie understood that the South
Wales Company were perfectly willing to enter into
an arrangement to limit the line, and at the same
time, of course, the liabilities of the company for the
execution of the line. The Oxford, Worcester, and
Wolverhampton Company had expressed a similar
inclination; but he was bound to say that they had
offered such terms that it was quite impossible for
this company to accede to them. Still it did not
follow that a committee of consultation should not be
appointed to try and bring them to more reasonable
terms. The Oxford and Rugby, and Berks and
Hants lines, were also great burdens upon this corn.
pany. All these were matter for serious consulta-
tion, and he did not see that gentlemen could be
better employed than in investigating the subject.
Mr. VOUSLEY thought the shareholders would best
consult their interests by at once adopting the reso-
lution which had been proposed to them. He hoped,
however, that Mr. Williams would be added to the
committee.
Mr. Bums was thankful to the directors for having
boldly stated that they would submit every document
and paper in their possession to the committee.--
(Hear, hear.) He was convinced that to attempt to
get rid of the committee altogether would be to
damage materially the interests of the company. It
would be of great importance too if the meeting would
associate with the committee a public accountant.
Dr. O'BRIEN, Bristol, also maintained that it was
of great importance to appoint the committee, and
was proceeding to show why it was so by reference
when he was
itnotethrre
The CHAIRMAN, who reminded him that the uflpnteadncbiyal position of the company,
ques-
tion before the meeting was the appointment of a
committee, and not the financial condition of the
company.
Dr. O'BRIEN, in continuation, said a few words
more in support of the motion, and also suggested
the appointment of a public accountant to assist the
committee.
'the amendment for an adjournment was then put
and lost, there being only four or five hands in its
favour.
On the original resolution being put,
Mr. FIELD, sharebroker, said that the efficacy of
the committee would wholly depend upon the powers
conferred upon it. It was possible that the omission
he had noticed was accidental; but it was certainly a
grave omission, and ought not to be allowed to pass
unnoticed. The resolution gave the committee power
" to confer with the directors on the exercise of their
powers with regard to the general expenditure of the
company," &c.; but there was nothing said about the
" liabilities" of the company—he did not mean with
regard to the new lines, for which they were finding
capital, but with regard to the undertakings which
they had leased, and for which the capital was found
by other parties.—(Hear, bear-) Among the liabi-
lities of that company was that of having to pay 5
per cent. to the South Wales Company upon a capital
per annum, and
one-half of the
oref
q4u,iorOinog,oaoot/r.a,
ffireeproefsen4toio7oo2oolo.,,oooorl.
existing traffic of the company, while it was in their
power, to cut down the 4,000,0004 to 2,.500,000/.

He was unable to find a motive for this. It had
been hinted to him (though he did not believe it)
that there was a local interest at Bristol which
was desirous that the South Wales line should
never be completed, and in the hope that the
4,000,000/. would never be raised, and that, there-
fore, the guarantee would never be required from
this company, they threw every difficulty in the
way with the view of preserving to themselves the
shipping trade of the Channel, which the railway
would deprive them of. Now, it was a mistake to
suppose that the South Wales Company would not
raise the 4,000,0001. It might be raised under great
distress at a fearful sacrifice, but the day would come
when they would raise it. He concluded by moving
that the words "the liabilities of the company " be
inserted after the words " general expenditure of the
company."
Major Couat seconded the motion.
Captain PRIOR moved, "That the name of Mr. W.
Williams should be added to the committee of con.
sultation." They would then have a member in Lon-
don, one in Bristol, and two in Liverpool.
Major COURT seconded the motion.
The CHAIRMAN said that the observations of Mr.
Field were rather those of a South Wales proprietor
than of a Great Western proprietor. [Mr. Field—
"No, no."] He (the Chairman) could assure that
gentleman that there was no such influence at the
board of directors as he supposed to exist there ;
that there was no Bristol influence desiring to
obstruct the completion of the South Wales line.
He could assure the meeting that the directors
were solely influenced by a desire to pursue such a
course as might best promote the interests of the
Great Western shareholders —(Hear, hear) He
had no objection to the insertion of the words " and

liabilities" in the resolution, after the word "expen-
diture," as be understood that Mr. Hey worth assented
to the alteration.

Mr. HEYWORTEI observed that he was also willing
that the name of Mr. W. Williams should be added to
the committee of consultation.
Mr. T. S. GLADSTONE said, that as one of the origi-
nators of this committee be might state that his inten-
tion was, that the committee should take very full
powers indeed, and certainly that they should inquire
into the liabilities of the company.—(Hear, hear) He
had himself great disinclination to become a member
of the committee, on account of the distance of his re-
sidence from London, and the time which would be
taken up in the discharge of the duties devolved upon
him. He was exceedingly glad, however, to find that
Mr. W. Williams was to be upon the committee; and
he could assure that gentleman that he should have his
(Mr. Gladstone's) sincerest co-operation to make its
proceedings anything but a humbug. He conceived
that if the committee required the aid of an ac-
countant they would be at full liberty to obtain such
assistance—(Hear, hear)—and though he (Mr.
Gladstone) did not expect to be paid himself, he did
expect that the company would bear the expense of
working the committee, including the services of an
accountant, if necessary.—(Hear, hear) He thought
it right to say that he and his friends had been met
in the most friendly and candid manner by the chair-
man and directors of the company, and that he did
not think they wished to make any concealment.
Dr. O'BRIEN asked whether the resolution would
empower the committee to employ a public ac-
countant ?
The CHAIRMAN replied, that it would empower
them to do whatever they thought fit.
A PROPRIETOR suggested that salaries should be
given to the members of the consulting committee.
The CHAIRMAN said he was decidedly opposed to
such a measure. He did not contemplate the ap-
pointment of a committee of consultation as a perma-
nent body ; for if they were a permanent body he
would at once cease to be a director.—(Hear, hear.)
Mr. WITHERS expressed his concurrence in the
remarks which had fallen from Mr. Gladstone. He
could assure Mr. Williams and the meeting this com-
mittee was not meant to be a farce at all.—(Cheers.)
Tney would inquire into the general management and
liabilities of the company, into its future prospects,
and, indeed, into all matters relating to it.—(Hear,
hear.) The report of the committee would be pre-
sented, to the proprietors on a future occasion, and he
hoped it would be completely satisfactory. He might
add his testimony to that of Mr. Gladstone, that they
had been met in the most cordial manner by the
board of directors—in a manner which gave him great
confidence in the integrity of their management.
The motion was then carried unanimously, and
amidst considerable applause.
Mr. GLADSTONE proposed that Mr. S. Baker, of
London, Mr. IL Potter' of Herefordshire, Mr. C.
Wardell, of London, and Mr. T. Williams, of London,
be recommended to the board of directors to fill the
vacancies caused by the retirement of four members of
the board.
The CHAIRMAN read a letter from Mr. Vining, who
had been put forward as a candidate for one of the
vacant seats, stating that his engagements would not
enable him to afford time for the performance of the
duties, and declining to accept the office.
Mr. WITHERS seconded the motion. He observed,
that for the last sixteen years the directors had been
re elected as a matter of course. He thought it was
s reproach to the proprietors that such a system had
been so long tolerated ; they had forgotten their own
duties and responsibilities. He hoped, however, that
they were now awaking from their former dormant
mate, and that they would now take upon then-helves
the responsibility of appointing such directors as they
thought most likely to manage their affairs with
caution and success. He would recommend the
-hareholders, when there were any vacancies in the
direction, to elect the best men they could find.—
(Cheers.) He regretted that there was a section of
proprietors at Bristol who appeared on this occasion
to be misled by feelings of private friendship— (A cry
of "No, no !")—and who had intimated their inten
tion of proposing Mr. George Jones, one of the
directors who had lately retired. He would, how-
ever, strongly recommend the friends of Mr. Jones
not to persevere in proposing him, but to allow the
four gentlemen named in the resolution to be elected.
The CHAIRMAN, in answer to a question by Mr.
Williams, said that the new directors would each oc •
cupy the place of a retiring director, and when the
time arrived for the retiring directors to go out they
would go out.
Mr. MERCER then rose to move that Mr. George
Jones be recommended for re-election. He stated,
that immediately it was known in Bristol that Mr.
Jones had been balloted out by the board of direc-
tors a meeting was held at the Commercial-rooms,
and resolutions passed, recommending him to the
shareholders for re-election, on the ground " that
Mr. Jones was one of the originators of the com-
pany ; that he had attended the board meetings with
great regularity, and had displayed untiring energy
in promoting the general interests of the company ;
and that he had been a strong advocate of economy ;
and was the mover of the late revision committee of
their own board, and that he drew up the report of
that committee, which recommended a reduction in
the annual expenditure to a very large amount, a por-
tion of which, to the extent of many thousand pounds
per annum, has not been acted upon." With respect
to the argument about the infusion of new blood, he
asked gentlemen to consider whether, in carrying out
that idea, they might not infuse worse blood. They
knew the value of Mr. Jones's services, and they ought
to retain them
Mr. FRY seconded the motion.
Mr. HALSALL, Bristol, said, that though a sub-
scriber to the Commercial Rooms of that city, he was
not aware that a meeting had been held there until he
saw it reported in the papers, and he knew many who
were in the same position. He mentioned this
to prevent it being supposed that the whole of
the proprietary in Bristol were in opposition to the
directors.—(Hear.)
Mr. FRY explained that there was only a few hours
between the time when it became. known that Mr.
Jones had been balloted out and the time when it
was necessary to return the nomination to London,
and that there wag therefore little time to sum-
mon a large meeting ; but that there were forty-nine
requisitionists, and several others joined the meeting
in addition.
The CHAIRMAN stated, that in the course of the
discussion which ensued .at the board of directors, in
consequence of the proposition to afford the proprie-
tors an opportunity to elect tour new directors, it was
suggested that the object might probably be
defeated by the re- election of the directors who
should be balloted out. Upon that occasion
he (the Chairman) stated, in the presence of
the board then as-embled, that, although it
was impossible to declare a candidate ineligible
whom the law declared to be eligible, yet it
was desirable that an understanding should be
come to that whoever should be balloted out
should decline to be re-elected. He stated that,
should his own name be struck off, no considera-
tion should induce him to resume his position
at the board. The Beale opinion was expressed by a
great number of directors. Mr. Jones did not dis-
tinctly express any opinion; but he (the Chairman)
was confident that the plain and distinct understanding
of the board was such as he had expressed, and that Mr.
Jones offered no objection to it.—(Hear.) He admitted
that Mr. Jones had regularly attended at the board ;
that he had displayed great earnestness and zeal in
promoting the interests of the company; but he could
not admit the claim put forward by his friends, nor
did he believe that Mr. Jones would put forth such a
claim for himself; that he had shown more earnestness
and zeal than his colleagues had shown.—(Hear.)
It was quite true that he was the mover of the revision
committee last year, but it arose out of the general
determination of the company to have such a
committee. It wes also true that he prepared a
report, but that was not the report that was adopted
by the committee. With reference to the state.
meat that certain measures of retrenchment which
he proposed had been rejected by the board, he (the
Chairman) bad to state that Mr. Jones proposed to
reduce the salaries of the policemen And porters, ond

to curtail some items of stationery, but that the
directors, upon careful cansideration of all the circum-
stances, thought it would be a must unwise economy
to reduce the salaries of their servants below the level
of those of other companies, and to subject themselves
in consequence to the risk of having to put up with
the refuse of that class of officers.—(Hear.) He re-
gretted that Mr. Jones's name hod been brought
forward on this occasion, and he hoped his friends
would, after what he had stated, see the propriety of
withdrawing it. It would be a mockery to ballot out
four gentlemen one day and then bring them back the
next. It would be worse -than a mockery; it would
be a violation of good faith if, after the directors had
held out an expectation that there should be four new
directors, they should lend their hand to promote the
return of an old director.—(Cries of " 'Withdraw the
amendment.")
Mr. PLOWDEN wished, as one of the balloted-out
directors, to say a few words. When he was elected,
about eighteen months ago, he expressed his fears
that it would be impcssible for him, in consequence
of his other vocations, to devote that time and atten-
tion to the duties of the office which the importance
of their concerns required, but he should do his best,
and he trusted he had done so.—(Hear, hear.) With
respect to his having heen balloted out, he thanked
his colleagues sincerely for having discharged a very
proper duty, as, for the reason he had explained, he
telt himself unable to give that attention to their
affairs which their importance imperatively required.
He had no regret at leaving the board, feeling assured
that the best course was being adopted to restore their
property to a healthy condition • and he had some sa-
tisfaction in reflecting that he had the honour of
seconding the motion to infuse new blood into the
board.—(Hear, hear.)
Mr. W. WILLIAMS recommended that Mr. Jones's
name should be withdrawn, because if that gentleman
were elected he would be bound in honour to decline
to serve.

Mr. MERCER said that, as it seemed to be the
general wish of the meeting, he would withdraw the
nomination of Mr. Jones.—(Loud cheers.)
The original motion was then agreed to.
Three hearty cheers were given for the Chairman,
and the meeting broke up soon after four o'clock.

EASTERN COUNTIES.—The assessment of this com-
pany to the poor-rate in Bethnal-green has been in-
creased from 4,3001. to nearly 8,0001.
ANGLO-ITALIAN.—The decree just granted by the
Grand Duke of Tuscany to this company extends the
term of the lease of the Maria Antonia Railway, from
elorenc?. to Pistoja, from 60 to 100 years, and gua-
rantees, on certain conditions, a minimum interest of 4
per cent. on the original capital (8,000,000 of Tuscan
livres or 265,000/. sterling) on its completion to
Pistoja. The decree obtained by the Count St.
George, resident director of the company in Italy,
directs that the works on the second division of the
line, from Prato to Pistoja, are to be commenced
on the 15th of October next at the latest, and be-
fore that date a deposit of 1,000,060 of Tuscan livres
(about 33,0001) is to be made with the Tuscan
Government, to bear 4 per cent. interest, and to be
employed in the payment for land and works on the
second division.

TESTIMONIAL
TO THE HUNGARIAN REFUGEES

" THE HUNGARIAN NATION COUNTS ON THE SYMPATHY
OF EVERY NATION WHICH LOVES RIGHT AND Ll-
BERTY."—Kossuth's Protest against Russian Interven-

Subscriptions may be sent to the following bankers:—
Messrs. Coutts and Co.
Messrs. Drummond.
Messrs. Smith, Payne, and Smith ;
or to any one of the members of the committee formed
to carry out the Testimonial.
***All further Post-office orders to be !made payable toMurdo
Young, Esq., at the Money Order Office, Strand.

Subscriptions already received £1,096 1 1
Further Subscriptions from Friends of Hungary
at Leicester, per the Editor of the Leicester•
shire Mercury

Total

... 4 0 0

... £l,lOO 1 1

COURT CIRCULAR.

BALMORAL, SEPT. IS.
Her Majesty and the Prince will arrive at Balmoral
this evening, from " The Hut."
The Duke and Duchess of Leeds and Colonel Chal
loner will have the honour of dining with the Queen this
evening.
The Princess Royal, Princess Alice, and Prince Alfred
walked our, to day, attended by Miss Ilillyard.
The Prince of Wales, atteuded by Mr. Birch, rode
out on horseback.

Diipatebes for the Governors of Labuqn, Hong-
hung, and Ceylon, were sent off on Wedne.day evening
from the Coluntal-office.

LONDON MECHANIC'S' INSTITUTION.
MISS CLARA SLYTON'S ENTERTAINAIk.NT.

Miss Clara Seyton repeated on Wednesday even-
ing last her new entertainment on " Minstrels and
Minstrelsy," in the large theatre of the above ad-
mirable institution. The entertainment went off
with great eclat. The fair lecturers was in admirable
voice, and sang the various illustrations with most
telling effect. The humourous Danish fairy lay of
the "Ferryman" was greatly relished by the audience,
and was applauded to the echo, vi hile the exquisite bal-
lad of the "Idiot boy" was given with the most touching
pathos imaginable. It in ah listened to with breathless
silence, and at the conclusion the applause was most
enthusiastic. The great triumph of the evening,
however, was the recitation of Southey's poem—
" Mary the Maid of the Inn." This poem affords
opportunities for some splendid acting, of which Miss
Clara Seyton knew well how to avail herself. Her
declamation was perfect, and her acting full of truth
and nature. She was loudly cheered at the con-
clusion.

SOUTTIAMPTON,THURSDAY, SEPT. 20.—The United
States mail-steamer Hermann, Captain E. Crabtree,
sailed this afternoon, at 2 o'clock, for New York, with
the American contract nails from Germany, France,
and Great Britain. She takes out a large and valuable
cargo. principally consisting of German manufactures
from Brt'men, teed French goods from Havre, to the
value of nearly 150,0001. sterling. There are 100 second
class and 60 first-class passengers; amongst the latter
are—Mr. Goundle, ex-Consul of the United States in
Switzerland; Colonel Streatfield (Royal Engineers),
lady and family; Dr. and Mrs. Gallindo; Signor Forti,
of the Italian Opera in New York; several French
priests and nuns, &c. The Peninsular and Oriental
Steam Navigation Company's steamer Hindustan, Cap
tain J. Soy, also took her departure, with the East
India, China, and Mediterranean mails, in charge of
Lieutenant Tancock, R.N., Admiralty agent. She had
200 tons measurement goods on freight, and 130 first-
class and 15 second-class passenger:. The Royal mail
steamer with the West India and Mexican mails may be
looked for to-morrow or Saturday.
The most inquisitive are generally the most loqua-
cious; and where an individual takes great pains to make
himself acquainted with our circumstances, we should
suspect his motive, especially if he is lavish in his pro-
mises of secrecy.—Eliza G'ook's Journal.
WARLICH'S PATENT HOUSEHOLD FUEL.—If we
have the means within our power of enjoying our own
fireside, having a knowledge that we are at the same
time using precautionary measures for the prevention of
cholera and its dire effects, let us have recourse to them.
Those provisions may be simultaneously carried out by
using Warlich's Patent Household Fuel, which (in con•
junction with other preventive agents) should be had
recourse to, its advantages, when compared with coal,
having been fully tested. Nuw, the process which this
fuel undergoes will prove its superiority to coals, even
of the best description. In the first place, it is subject in
the course of manufacture, to 800 degrees of heist, b)
which means it is deprived of the sulphureous vapour
and the noxious vegetable matter always existing in
coats; now, vegetable matter is a very large ingrenient
in coal, which, whilst remaining in our cellars, is con-
tinually in a state of decomposition and giving off noxious
and deleterious vapourri. Secondly, the property of
Warlich's Patent Household Fuel, in giving a much
more intense heat, at a saving of one-fourth in con-
sumption, has been tried and proved beyond doubt;
besides which, there is no waste, it makes no cinders,
and but little as! is, in addition to which the tar (one of
the component parts of the fuel), the vapour of which
alone is given off during combustion, acts chemically
on the atmosphere, with which it combines, and assists
in depriving it of the offensive vapours with which at
the present time it is more or less impregnated.—
Standard. _

WEIST SURREY ELECTlON.—Yesterday meetings
were held at the Ship Tavern, Charing-cross, of the
friends of Mr. Edgell, aad at New-square, Lincoln's
Inn, to promote the return of Mr. Evelyn. It was an-
nounced at the meetings that it was the intention of
both gentlemen to go to the poll. Mr. Evelyn advocate's
Protectionist principles, and Mr. Edgell the system of
politics advanced by bit R. Peel. The nomination takes
place at Guildford to-morrow (Saturday). The poll will
be taken on the Tuesday and Wednesday following.
SIR MOSES MoNTEFIORB.—We are much gratified
to state, that Sir Moses and Lady Montefiure safely
arrived from the Holy Land in this ccuntry on Thurs-
day, the 13th. They landed at Dover, and proceeded to
their seat at Ratusgate. Ludy Montefiure has, we are
happy to hear, completely recov% red from her previous
illness. The money distributed by the philanthropic
Baronet in the holy Land, which we noticed at the time,
we know from good authority amounted to no less than
5,0001. Having found that the distribution of his muni-
ficent gifts by the overseers was a partial one. he distri-
buted the principal sum with his own hand. He has
thus gladdened the hearts of the widows and orphans,
and assuaged ;the sufferings of many afflicted in Pales-
tine, without distinction of creed. Whomsoever he

found needy he relieved. Such men are well deserving
of the noble title of philanthropist. Lady liontefiore,
we understand, assisted Sir Moses in this noble task of
universal charity. Alas, that we have not many Sir
Moses and Lady Moutefiores.—Jewish Chronicle.
Why did the Queen go to Cork ?—Because there
wao § COTE IA that neighbourhood abe witthe4 w see.