The Sun.
London, England, 1849-06-26 00:00:00

ELECTION OF SHERIFFS.

Yesterday the Livery assembled in the Guildhall for
the purpose of electing Sheriffs for London and Middle-
sex for the ensuing year. A great number of the con-
stituency attended in consequence of a report that there
was likelihood of a contest. The proceedings were
rather remarkable. _ _

The RECORDER, having addressed the Hall upon the
subject of the great privilege they were called upon to
exercise, and informed them that it was their right to
put in nomination any gentleman whose name might
not he uon the list,
The Common Crier read over that document.
Mr. W. S. HALE came for ward upon the hustings, and
said that, in addition to the names upon the paper of
gentlemen eligible to the office of Sheriff, he had to pro-
pose that of one who was strongly entitled to their ap-
probation—a gentleman who, though young in years,
had been a considerable time in business, in which he
hod distinguished himself by real and successful activity
—he meant Mr. Donald Nicoll.—(Cheers.) He had
known Mr. Nicoll's father for many years as a
most indefatigable and honourable tradesman,
and he had observed the son treading in the
footsteps of the parent, possessed of independents
property, and as willing as able to support the great
charities of the city, which had claims up:in the liberality
of those who were placed in so creditable an elevation.—
(Cheers.) Merchants and bankers were not the only
persons qualified to fill the office. Manufacturers and
►radesmen were equally competent when they were urged
on by a laudable zeal, and supported by the never-failing
recommendation of a good character.—(Cheers.) Mr.
Hale then proposed Mr. Nicoll.
Mr. GULL seconded the nomination of Mr. Nicoll, and
bora testimony to the excellent qualifiations of that gen-

tleman.
Alderman LAWRENCE addressed the Livery. He found
that he was one of those whose names had been placed
on the Shrievalty list. It never entered into his mind
.o interfere with the privileges of the Livery, who always
appointed whom they pleased to appoint, and never had
reason to regret their choice. But he had been elected
to the gown no more than a year and a few days, and he
trusted that his fellow-citizens would allow him to con-
tinue in the performance of the duties of Alderman ano-
ther year before they selected him for the office of
sheriff. He had never known them to refuse that very
reasonable indulgence.—(Cheers, and cries of " No,
no. You must serve.") Ile knew there was
a certain movement in the hall, and how that
movement was concocted ; but the mass ot those
he addressed were not aware of its nature. He would
give them a hint of it. There were signal-men
stationed in the hall, who were prepared to obey their
leader, and to hold up their hands at his command.—
(Laughter.) But he would ask the Livery whether they
would submit to such degrading dictation? (Loud
cheers, and cries of " No, no.") He who led was he
who bribed, and he who bribed did dirty work. It
would be seen on the show of hands how many dirty
hands were engaged in the day's business.—(Cheers.)
The names of several gentlemen were then put up,
and the required indulgence was at once granted to
Alderman Lawrence, and as a matter of course to Alder-
man Carden, the alderman last elected.
The COMMON-SERGEANT stated to the Hall that the
Sheriffs were of opinion that the show of hands was in
favour of Mr. Peto and Mr. Nicoll.—(Cheers.) The
Learned Gentleman then asked whether a poll was de-
manded for any other person nominated.
Mr. G. BRACHER, one of the governors of Christ's
Hospital, and a member of the Court of Common
Council, immediately handed in a paper to the Sheriffs,
expressing his demand of a poll on the part of Alderman
Lawrence. The document was, however, signed only by
Mr. Bracher, and it was necessary that the signatures
two Liverymen should be attached in order to make it
an available instrument. The Sheriffs waited for some
minutes while Mr. Bracher applied, as we were given
to understand, to several gentleman on the hustings to
second him in demanding a poll; but finding that the
customary forms were not complied with, they proceeded
to the Court of Aldermen for the purpose of making
their report.
Upwards of an hour elapsed before the Lord Mayor,
Aldermen, and Sheriffs returned to the hall in order to
announce the result of the election.
The moment the Lord Mayor took his seat on the
hustings, Alderman Sidney appeared before the Li-
very and demanded a poll on the part of Alderman
Lawrence.

Mr. DAVID WIRE—I protest against it.—(Cheers.)
The LORD MAYoR refused to receive the paper which
Alderman Sidney held, containing the demand of a poll.
Alderman SIDNEY persevered, and
The Lord MAYOR informed the Hon. Member that he
was out of order, and regretted to be obliged to repeat
the observation immediately afterwards.
Alderman SIDNEY was only desirous to give an ex-
planation which he had no doubt would prove satisfac-
ory to the Livery. His wish was to see them exercise
heir privileges, but he was anxious to show them that
hey might at that very moment be acting unfairly
to one of the individuals who had the greatest show
of hands.
The Livery, however, would not hear him.
The RECORDER then stepped forward and informed
hrt livery that the Sheriffs had made their report to the
Court of Aldermen, and he was directed by that Court
to announce that the election for the shrievalty had
'alien upon Mr. Samuel Moreton Pe to, citizen and Lo-
impr, and Mr. D.inald Nicoll, citizen and Spectacle
Ilaker.—(Loud cheers.)
Mr. Peto end Mr. Nicoll were then called by the Com,
(non Cri,,r to declare their consent to serve the office.
Mr. Nicola. appeared before the Livery, and assured
them that he felt particularly grateful for the honour
just conferred upon him. lie hoped that at the end of
Isis year of office the constituency would have no cause
co regret that they had appointed him to the high office
of Sheriff of London. At all events, it was his determi-
nation to do all he could to merit their approval.
Mr. WIRE said, that with the permission of the Lord
Mayor he came forward to request that the Livery
would-hear the explanation of Alderman Sidney. As
the election was over the meeting could afford to listen
to

Alderman SIDNEY said, that last year two gentlemen
who had never put up for the offic and never expressed
a with to fill it, had been elected sheriffs without their
knowledge, and had been fined in the enormous penalty-
of 6001. each for declining the honour.—(Hear, hear.)
Now, the Livery had that day elected two gentlemen of
respectability to fill the office. It was his intention, if fur-
ther proceedings had been adopted, to have voted for Mr.
Nicoll; but how did he know that it was Mr. Peto's wish
to serve the office ? Before he could think of calling a
man away from the engagements of his public or private
life, he would, at any rate, inquire whether he could
accept th 3 office, at the moment, with all
its duties and responsibilities ?—(Hear, hear.) Now,
it happened that the office of sheriff was one of para-
mount responsibility, and it was no jest to thrust a man
into a situation in which he might be amenable for pro-
perty to the amount of upwards of 100,0001., at the mo-
ment that the engagements and circumstances might
present insurmountable impediments to the proper per-
formacce of the duties. Were the Livery sure that Mr.
Peto would serve ?—(" If he will not serve he will pay.")
It was but fair to communicate with a man before he was
put in nomination. That was merely justice. If he had
known that Mr. Peto was willing to serve, not one word
should the L: very have heard from him that day.—(Hear,
liter.) Mr. Mills, who had been returned last year
without his knowledge, bitterly complained of the fine
he had to pay for refusing to fill an office which he
never wished to occupy; and surely the citizens of Lon-
don could gain but little honour by dipping their hands
into the pockets of those who did not seek the distinc-
tion, for refusing which they were compelled to submit
to a monstrous tax. He had now explained his object
in coming forward, and he felt that he was justified.
Alderman HUMPHERY said that Alderman Sidney,
might, if he wished, have demanded the poll in conjunc-
tion with Mr. Bracher, but now that it was too late he
was anxious to excite confusion when all others were
agreed upon the subject.
Mr. Low said the Livery had exercised sound discre-
tion in electing Mr. Peto, who, if he had any objection
to serve, would certainly have no objection to pay the
fine.—(Cheers.) His opinion was that Mr. Peto would
willingly accept the office, and discharge all the duties of
it in an exemplary manner.
Mr. WIRE said he had a duty to perform arising
out of the occurrences of the day. An attempt had
been made to infringe on the privileges of the Livery,
and the meeting was peculiarly indebted to three gentle-
men for protecting their rights. He meant the Lord
Mayor, Alderman and Sheriff Finnis, and Sheriff Good-
hart. To these gentlemen then, for their firmness in re-
sisting the attack, he moved the thanks of the Common
Hall.— (Loud cheering.)
The motion of thanks was carried unanimously amidst
acclamation, and ordered to be advertised in the usual
papers. . . _

- The LORD MAYOR, in returning thanks, said it was not
for him to bring any charge of inconsistency against any
of his brother magistrates, but he certainly had too much
regard for the freedom of his fellow-citizens to permit
any infringement of their privileges upon any pretence
whatever.—(Loud cheers.)
The SHERIFFS also returned thanks, and the Hall was
dissolved.