The Sun.
London, England, 1849-01-31 00:00:00

Colonel Thompson, one of the representatives of
the borough of Bradford, met his constituents last
Monday evening, in a crowded meeting, at the Tem-
perance-hall, for the purpose of explaining his con-
duct in the last session, and his views upon the prime
cipal topics likely to be discussed in the ensuing one.
Alderman S. Smith was unanimously called to
the chair.
Colonel Trio-mesosi commenced by explaining that
the object he had in view in meeting his constituents
was to learn their views upon the leading topics of
the day, so that he might be enabled to work with
them in the promotion of that glo‘rious cause in which
they were all embarked. Ile adverted to the events
of the past year, which, he said, had been most im
portant, both at home and abroad—more important
abroad than at home. The people of France had ex-
changed their monarchy for a republic. He did not
wish to see the example followed in England, though
he was desirous of having republican institutions
grafted on the monarchy of England. Having de-
fended the French people from the reflection cast upon
them by the election of a Bonaparte to the presi-
dency—which, he observed, was considered by them
a kind of victorious restoration of a family which had
been driven from their throne by foreign bayonets—
be said that the people of France, with few excep-
tions, were as peacefully disposed as the people of this
country ; and he augured that the peace societies would
find that'though they might not realise the whole de-
mand they had written down, they would yet gain
Iss. in the pound. He alluded to the deputation
which had waited upon him in reference to the very
important local question of French merinos. They
represented to him that the French were giving a
bounty upon all merinos exported, and the conse-
quence was that the Bradford market - was stoCked
with them, to the exclusion of the English merinos—
an-article- that constitutes elmost the staple trade of
Bradford. They, therefore, desired him to attend the
deputation in an interview with the Minister, praying
him to intimate that, where a bounty was given by a
foreign nation there would be a corresponding import
duty laid in this country. He did not attend the de-
putation, but he went to some of the Ministers in the
House of Commons, and by them was informed that
there was no bounty given on French merinos, though
a drawback was allowed. This settled the question,
because they could no,t interfere in a drawback upon
& duty which had been previously laid. He was
happy to inform his constituents that he had not
been absent from a single division during the session.
Adverting to the Committee appointed last session to
inquire into the operations and effect on the slave
trade of the African squadron, he said that he feared
the present gbneration were not equal to their fathers
in their zeal in the great and glorious work of aboli-
tion. He feared that there was a great chance of the
return of the slave trade upon the coast of Africa ; a
dead set' was being made in some parts of the country
for that end upon the plea that the African squadron
added to the sufferings of the slaves without putting
a stop ti the traffic. Now let them bring their
strong Yorkshire sense to bear upon that argument.
Time had been when the Algerines were notorious
pirates, and seized both ships and men, applying the
former to their own use, or scuttling them, and
selling the latter, into slavery. Now the Government
of this country deemed it their duty to put a stop
to this, and employed their navy for the purpose.
What would they have thought of a ship's crew,
taken by the Algerines, and being conveyed into sla-
very, crying out to a British man-of-war, "Oh, don't
put a stop to these pirates; don't interfere with them ;
let them do as they like with us, lest they be made
savage by your thrashing of them, and so treat us
all the worse if they escape ?" Why, they would
say, " These men talk like idiots ; it is our duty as a
nation to do all in our power to repress these horrid
proceedings."—(Applause.) But it was said that
the course pursued was calculated to injure our trade
with slave countries. Their fathers were better men ;
and those who returned a IViiherforce and a Clark-
son to Parliament acted from higher motives than
mere pounds, shillings, and pence. To the men of
the West Hiding, then, he would say, "Go ye, and
do likewise." The Gallant Colonel, after some ob-
servations anent the presentation of the Chartist peti-
tion, said that he had attempted, when the motion of
Mr. Hume for the extension of the franchise was
framed, to obtain. ehe insertion of an universal suf-
frage clause, and, lamas suocessful to- the- extent of
drawing from them a declaration in favour of all
householders. That motion received the suffrages of
84 Members, and in the next session it might have
184. Whoever expected, he inquired, the last session
to carry a measure in favour of the ballot; yet that was
done upon the motion of a member of the aristocracy,
too, seconded by himself. The Hon. Member con-
cluded by requesting that questions might be put
to him, as he was anxious to learn the opinions of his
constituents; and he sat down amidst loud applause.
Having replied to several questions, he then adverted
to the probable topics of the coming session, foremost
amongst which, he said, would be the financial reform
question. Although he did not prognosticate the
literal fulfilment of everything which had been set
down upon paper on that head, yet they might make
themselves quite satisfied that financial reform must
be carried to a very great extent; and if the party
now in power would not do it there were,gthers ready
to take their places, and perform the
iWople's will.
They might cheerfully look forward to the future, so
far as that was concerned; for England would not
again submit to the enormous and extravagant expen-
diture hitherto existing. To the people he would say,
" For heaven's sake carry the principle as far as you
possibly can, and never be afraid of any one carrying
retrenchment too far." The last news from France
was that they intended to reduce their army 120,000
men ; that would make the French Government the most
popular in the world, and as it was a simple rule-of three
question the English Government would be forced to
make a corresponding reduction in the army of this
country. But the Government must be pushed upon
that as on all other questions, and if they were pushed
they would most certainly yield. There was a kind
of perpetual combat between the people and the Go-
vernment ; and if the former insisted on driving, the
latter must work for their pleasure. Then came the
question of freedom of religion, to which the discon-
tent of Dissenters with the present system and the
misconduct of the Church were fast tending. One
half of the Church of England was half way over to
Papacy, and they were going over to it as fast as they
could drive. So long as ministers of the Establish-
ment, as a body, were found supporting liberal Pro-
testantism they might have maintained their position ;
but they had now rendered a struggle inevitable,
and it behoved all liberal men to take the right side.
Mr. Reaysoet (town councillor), asked whether the
Colonel would support the separation of Church and
State ? Colonel Thompson replied that he should,
two years ago, have answered in the negative ; but
now he thought he could show good reasons for say-
ing yes. In answer to a question from a working
man. " Would he give :up his pension as a national
pauper, in order to help forward the work of retrench-
taent?"—the Hon. Member said that he possessed no-
li
thing for which he had not worked and paid for three
times over; but if any man would prove that half-pay
was unjust he would vote for its abolition. He thought
there were too many officers in the army ; but he did
not make it so; and if they would help him he would
strive to reduce the number. He replied to a question
whether he would support an arbitration clause in
all treaties, that he would vote for the insertion
of a clause to the effect that if there should
anydispute arise as to theinterpretation of any part of
that treaty, it should be referred to a third party;
but he was of opinion that it would be impossible to
get any two nations to say that in all disputes, of
whatever sort or kind, they would submit to the arbie
tration of another party. As far as he could see a
practicable mode of carrying it out, he was disposed
to vote for the insertion of arbitration clauses in trea-
ties between nations. With regard to the Ten Hours
Factory Bill, he said he would not pledge himself,
but if an attempt were made by the minll-othwenirers
side
to
repeal it, he would hear the argument
as well as on the part of the workpe
according to the best of his judgment.
of
following
resolution was adopted :—" this
meeting
es
is
in the House of Commons during last session de-
adg "Ti efinea fnodl od
of his
opinion that Colonel Thompson 's attention and votes
serve the thanks of this meeting a
constitu-
ents generally."

Jt in. 30, 1849.

TO THE EDITOR OF THE SUN.
Si R,-I am the son of an agricultural labourer,'
being one of a family of eleven children. The •
priv E tions and difficulties the family had to encounter
may • be assumed.

•
I Lt an agricultural meeting, *pule ten years ago,
my worthy father obtained a prize-Of three pounds,
for good conduct (that is for saving the parish funds,
be co, having tou2laed the parish cash). The owner
of a sow at the same meeting • obtained ten pounds.
Ho, hr much better the sow than the man. My father
is n cm, from old age, and the infirmities yvhichq
sevel re labour brings—in the union poor-house. My:
motl ler, thank God, is dead ; and I find myself at,
thirt y years of age treading their steps, with no
beti.lar prospects. I ask myself was this intended by,
the Great Ruler of all ? Or is it man's doing?,
So n.ie tell me it is free trade ; some a want of Bishops'
and churches, and some the want of the Charter, and,
sore e taxation.

With free trade, I cannot think to a consumer,-
wl rich I am, of all I earn, cheapness is an evil;
Wii th Bishops and churches, I cannot understand
wl cat good they will do to me. I see many churches'
wi.th small congregations. With the Charter and its.
points, I think they are not unjust; but as a
re inedy for me distant. Taxation comes home to us
all . My earnings are from ten to' .twelve shillings:
pe r week, which I find expended in 'meal, groceries,
clothing, &c., and which oast is increased by taxation,
4s or more. Now I know it is right and just I'
she ►.1.1141 pay for protection, and the maintenance of my
rights as a man against the more powerful and against.
ana reny : for this and conducting of government I
should be called on to pay perhaps Is. or lt. 6d.; but
that I should be forced to pay 2s. 6d. also-
for the payment of the interest of a debt called
nat Tonal, incurred before I was born, and for unjust
was !s, and for what is by some called keeping down
t class to which I belong, I think very unjust.
IT( .w, shoW me lam in debt; the just laws of our
icoi intrY betwoep man . and man, say if you do not
eive assets, you are not compelled to pay your'
fat! 3er's debts. If this debt, contracted during the
life, of my father is his, which God knows he had
notzl sing to do with, from him I had not any-
thin,g. But suppose they had the right to burthen
the present time, by easing their own shoulders,
of ,a hid] they were the judges—see the absurdity,
pursue their course, and borrow for our present
wa nts' and leave it to the future to bear. Ido
not; deny there is a debt owing to the national
crt:ditur, say A, which B contracted, but I deny the
ju: itice of making C pay it. The dishonesty of
m:Lking C pay that which he does not owe, can only
be equalled by B not paying. What I call upon the
pr operty of the country to do is to make an effort and
ar range with the national creditor, and no longer rob
me, of honest earnings at the rate of 2s. 61 per week
or more.

I am, Sir, &c.,
A PLOUGHMAN.

RELIANCE MUTUAL ASSURANCE SOCIETY.—The
eTlecheti°nwar
half-yearly meeting of the members of this society was
held yesterday at the society's offices, King William-
street, H. P. Prinsep, Esq., in the chair. The Secretary
road the report, which stated that the number of poli-
cies taken out during the past year exceeded that of
the previous year, whilst the cases in which the pay-
ment of premiums had been discontinued were fewer.
The directors congratulated the members of the society
on the fact that during the year not one life had lapsed
so as to create a cllim on the funds.—The Chairman
said it afforded him great satisfaction that he was able
to state that the society was
2tiir9,l,onnal ptowrTyoihsthpevoebiursuoltus condition.
The property of the society might be stated at 25,0001.,
and of this amount 17,0004 was invested in the public
Funds. A 3 a proof of the caution exercised by the
directors when insuring lives, he might state that they
had declined proposals to the amount of 29,0001., and
that the average age of the members of th e society was
only 40 years. He was happy to inform them that the
business of the society was not confined to the United
Kingdom, for one agency had already been established
in Germany, and another in India.—After some further
business had been disposed of, the report was adopted,
and a vote of thanks having been given to the Chairman
and Directors, the meeting separated.
MASTER BOOT AND SHOEMAKERS' PROTIDSNT AND
BENEVOLENT INSTITUTION.—Yesterday eveaing the
thirteenth annual general meeting of the donors and
subscribers of the above institution was held at the
Freemasons' Tavern, to receive the report, elect officers,
and on general business; Mr. Robert Taylor, president,
in the chair. The report stated that the subscriptions
and donations, including the previous year's balance,
amounted to 3094 whilst the expenditure, inoludini
1211. 13s. 4d. paid to six annuitants :left a balance 0.
121. ss. 9d. A piece of ground had also been purchased
at Mortlake, Surrey, for the erection of an asZio_f_
ca-
pable of containing twenty-five habitations, ear titycl'evn'.
ling to contain a sitting-room, bed-room,
3,1001. had been already invested for this.P°ll:ll)__"2:'_ean.:d.lll_
April next operations will be commenced,
DJ'
w"""Lud!
males reCeiv:oralallii:
theio
D ()cool m. mTi tht
ee e
annuityex p ect
fundby c oils! ecz
who have
Colchester, raise
anstvisiting
nenoegns additional
sts.:elslvf t
several
9trhoaefl
evening concluded by the
two additional pensioners.
theFfaermmaelress 151. per peorthaennrsukinvisiotfinag
gang
of
ace .
well to beware of the tricks
are now. in_ the town,.e.ea,.
ne their designs b
shown the nature .
to induce s and trying
persons to
public house
cards. Some counterfeity *
with at car • coin is also
play themt Colchester, of which the
public will do
London sharpers who
take heed. A base half-sover • • •
well to half-sovereign and shilling
d to be es
were attemp
tehee twopassed on Saturday, but the ex-
periment in
_t einstanosa was not successfuL—
.Essex,Herald.
DREADFUL ATTEMPT AT S
ELF-DESTENCTION.--t
On Friday last, the 19th instant, the lady of Sir John
, precipitated herself from her,
bed-room window on the third floor, and sustained con-
tusions of such a character that serious apprehensions
were entertained for her life, but we hear from her
medical attendants that, although pronounced out of
danger, her Ladyship's rash attempt will render her a
cripple for life. Various rumours are in circulation as
to the cause which could prompt a lady in her elevated
station, and surrounded with every apparent comfort, to
contemplate such an act.—Devonshire Chronicle.
PROVINCIAL BEGGARS.—The London magistrates
are daily sending begging impostors to prison, that they
may suffer that which they heartily abhor—hard work.
Meanwhile the routed mendicant army seems to have
made a descent on Liverpool, and our streets are in-
fested with tribes of 'sturdy vagrants, who crowd the
doors of hotels, confectioners' shops, and theatres.
Those who frequent the places of public amusement are
the most anroying. No sooner do they observe an indi-
vidual who from age, obesity, or weakness, cannot pass
quickly over the ground, or, better still, a gentleman
escorting a lady (for ladies walk slowly), than they join
the party, and pertinaciously pursue or keep company
till they attain their object. An individual reading, or
two or more individuals standing in earnest conversa-
tion, are capital game for them. Upon such unfortu-
nates they incontinently pounce, like hawks on helpless
chickens, and there is no alternative but either to run
away from them, thus perhaps relinquishing the busi.
ness in hand, or, to dismiss them with a gratuity—that
is, to bribe them to discontinue their posting import&
nity.--Liverpooltilbien. ~ , • i:,

also :. hoanr gae df
forded
etdh
slipping
OBTAINING MONET BT MEANS OF FORGED SEA•
27a.nother simil
MEN'S SIIIPPria NOTES.—A respectably-dressed elderly
newwooeot itemertas wna,and
afterwardstnd ha
mi:esvd°
i n3agi
sumf
ror oyb mtaEui theerodd upon
same
note;
l poi cumer some
t the Prisoner,vesse
ebekiandfoarggaeirny; erae were four other
lb,
but
tntdh
eweevrie.
ported to be written by a captainTohf
thieimsatmo
dence being incomplete she was
csatasteesdobfyt
remanded for a week.
The case is connected with o
which a coloured man was
concerned),one some particulars
of which we furnished
Standard. a fortnight ago.—Liverpool
CALLS TO Tim EAR. LINCOLN'S INN. ---- The
Hilary Term calls to the bar of the Hon. Society of
Lincoln's Inn were made yesterday, and they comprise
the aftermentioned
gentlemen:—J. H. Hawkins, Esq;
J. T. Smith, Esq G. W. Leech, Esq; RC. Clarke,
Esq; J. W. Stephen, Esq.; and 11. Kennedy, Esq.

•

"~y ..

,e,,4_ d'-'4,
... ASS ZE BREAD MONOPOLY,.
" .
/,;(/(, fe r- . TO THE EDITOR OF THE SZI.Y.
Sin,-1 have observed in various numbers of you
~.:') valuable journal, and also in your 'morning contem-
.
1 1,, porary—the Morning Advertiser—of meetings bein
convened by the master bakers 9,flthis Jast;metro-
_K..- t / _." polis, for what ? why to encourage m'onnetoly, and t
/ increase their riches at the expense of the poor, in
l€ ,ndeavouring to obtain an Act of Parliament for 'fix-
ii cg an assize price of bread, and to prevent compe-
tition ; but I doubt whether a Protectionist can now
be . found who would dare have the hardihood to ask
i.,:t we to bring before Parliament such an unjust
hns'asure.
'Why, a publican may, upon the same principle;
ask f 0- an Act of Parliament to compel a poor man
to pay SL-i,. for a pot of 4d. porter, or a linendraper to
r man's wife sd. for a yard of 4d. calico.
charge a pot,l Surely the ,
'‘laster Bakers' Protection Association ,
must have forgu ' tten we are living in the nineteenth.
century, and in
and free-trade, re treading
enlightened days of retrenchment
whe.2 Cobden and Co.•
up( %n the once strong m.,ek of monopoly, never again
to .cast one glimpse of hop.' uvon its• once agitating,
but now fallen and silent P.,:oteeLlooists. If the
mat ter bakers could possibly meet with r.:
Member of
the Lower and another Mt•mber of the trpriler. House
of Parliament, to cause an enactment that t•L:'e assize
pric.e of bread should be the law of the land, ti."3l the
poor man shall pay the same price for a loaf of Veed
as the rich, and that all bread shall be manufacturtA
from the (would•be-called) best town made flour, the
majorpart of which is manufactured in the country, and
ni ae-tenths of the remainder 3,000 miles from London,
I would ask what is to be done with the seconds
an i thirds flour, for that quality is most abundant
up on town and all country markets, and of a very
exoellent quality, from which most excellent and
wholesome bread is made by the fairer dealing bakers
(called the low-priced bakers), and sold to the mid-
dliu )g and poorer classes of this metropolis at a fair
are I remunerating price, which bread is equall nutri-
tio us, wholesome, and satisfying to the hungry appe-
titt as bread manufactured from the (so-called) best
tox vn-made flour.
. & resolution was unanimously passed at the meetings
of ,the Master Bakers' Association, with the wish to
do good to themselves and then the public ; but how
wa i it when a worthy Member of the House of Com-
m(); Is, at the close of last session, obtained leave to
brillg a Bill before Parliament to compel bakers and
bre_ aa ateliers to weigh, bread to ~.their _customers, amt ___ ___
to a Bow 32 ounces for a small loaf of 21bs., and 64'
ouu Ces for a large loaf of 41bs., under the penalty of ,
55.. for every deficient ounce? In this proposition to .
the House, the master bakers forgot their duty and
the , good they owe to the public, and actually convened •
a m, seting condemning the principle of the worthy
Met tuber's Bill, which is againlto be brought forward,
at t' ae ensuing session with a hope it will become the
law of the land, that being for the good of the publiC.,
I remain, Sir, yours respectfully, - • ----
GULIELMUS.