The Sun.
London, England, 1847-12-06 00:00:00

SIT N 7 _DECEMBER 6, 1847.

THE CURRENCY QUESTION.

BIRMINaIIA If, DEC. 4.—The Committee of the
Birmingham Currency Reform Association have this
day forwarded to the Premier the following letter on
the subject of the proposed committee with respect to
the causes of the present commercial distress :

"TO THE RIGHT HON. LORD JOHN RUSSELL.

" My Lo:d,—l am instructed by the committee, a
deputation from which had the honour of an inter-
view with your Lordship on the 4th of November, to
express to your Lordship their grateful sense of the
benefit which the country cannot fail to derive from
your Lordship's compliance with their request, in
making the appointment of a committee to inquire
into the causes of the recent cotninercial distress, and
how far it has been affected by the laws for regulat-
ing the issues of bank notes payable on demand,' a
Government measure ; at the same time it is their
duty again, and more strongly, to impress upon your
Lordship's mind the absolute necessity of your
Lordship's adoption of their other suggestion, of
giving temporary measures of relief sufficiently
powerful to stay the progress of ruin, and to restore
the value of property and the employment of labour.
" They represent to your Lordship that the pos-
session by the Bank of England of 10,000,0001. of
gold and 5,000,000/. of reserved notes is a condition
very barely sufficient to meet the ordinary exigen-
cies of trade, and in no respect equal to the repara-
tion of the vast ruin and destruction of credit and
credit money which have made the present year me-
morable.

" They remind your Lordship that it required the
extraordinary issue of 10,000,000 of Bank of Eng-
land notes between the 12th and 27th of December,
1825, merely to stay the panic of that period; and
that even this large issue, though it stayed the ruin,
was insufficient to restore and maintain the value of
property and the employment of labour.
" That the lengthened duration of the panic of
1847 has inflicted injuries on our commercial system
of a far graver and more extensive character than
those of the panic of 1825, and that a far larger
measure of relief is required for their reparation.

"It is estimated by Competent authorities that the
credit bills in circulation average from four hundred
millions to five hundred millions, and that not less
than one half of these means of exchange have been
destroyed or withdrawn ; aliowing a large abatement
from this estimate, the resources of the Bank of Eng-
land are still obviously utterly inadequate to fill up
the great void caused by the destruction of these bills.
"The committee would earnestly pray your Lord-
ship carefully to calculate the amount of injury that
has accrued to the nation since they urged on your
Lordship the necessity of relief to stop the progress of
ruin ; and. they emphatically warn your Lordship
that unless that advice be now followed, new calami-
ties will occur, which the rent and shattered fabric of
our commercial system is utterly incapable of sup-
porting. _ _ _

" They are bound to declare to your Lordship that
hesitation to afford the relief they demand is of itself
a warrant of ruin and death against the property and
the lives of her Majesty's subjects, and may endanger
the security of her Majesty's throne. In confirmation
of this assertion, they point to the breaking down of
the revenue and of the value of property, and to the
cessation of the employment of labour now in pro-
gress. This destruction, though silent is not less cer-
tain and fatal than if it were effected by wars and
rapine, and they call upon your Lordship, as the
Queen's Minister, to protect the lives and the property
of the Queen's subjects.
" The committee enter their solemn protest against
the doctrine now attempted to be practically carried
out, that the value of property must be broken down,
and the employment of labour reduced to the level of
artificially limited monetary means; and they require
of the Government that the moneyed means of the
country shall be made equal to support the value of
property, and secure the employment and existence of
the labourer.

" The money value of property in Great Britain
has been reduced in consequence of an insufficient
currency to the extent of at least 20 per cent., or in
other terms, to the amount of a thonsand millions ;
the creation of wealth has been suspended by the
value of money being lifted up above the profits of
trade ; and masses of the labouring classes have been
thrown out of employment, and deprived of their
means of existence.

"The nation requires instant and efficient measures
of relief, and the committee earnestly urge upon your
Lordship the necessity of the Government requiring
such powers from Parliament as shall enable it to act
with vigour and certainty in upholding the credit of
the nation and the welfare of her Majesty's subjects
of all classes. •

"The committee feel it to be their duty respectfully
to represent that your Lordship and your Lordship's
colleagues have committed and are committing a fatal
error in discussing the question of the mone-
tary system of the country, as though that
system involved simply the privileges and
regulations of the Bank of England I and of the
other banking institutions, and the maintenance
of an abstract principle which the Legislature was
induced to carry out by the unfounded representa-
tions of interested parties. The committee observe
with extreme regret that no sympathy is expressed
for the unfortunate members of mercantile firms who
have been totally ruined, nor for the unemployed
and destitute thousands who are thrown out of em.
ployment in consequences of the means of their em•
ployers having been destroyed under the operation of
a vicious currency system.
" On behalf and by order of the committee,
"JOHN HARLOW,
" Secretary to the Birmingham Currency
Reform Association."
111ARYLEBONE .VESTRY.

On Saturday, at a very fully attended meeting
of the vestry of St. Marylebone, John Williams,
Esq., M.P., in the chair,
A deputation from the pauper stone-breakers
waited upon the vestry, for the purpose of presenting
some resolutions agreed to at a meeting on Wednes.
day evening last, and a memorial from the stone-
breakers on the subject of their emolument and mode
of employment at the parochial stone-yard.
The stone•breakers addressed the vestry. One, a
man named Smith, who was dressed most respectably,
declared that he had been a stone-breaker for twenty-
one years, and that he formerly earned as much as
225. 3d. per week. He came into the yard with his
father, and at that time the vestry paid 4s. per yard,
and now they only paid 2s. per yard. Out of 120
men as many as 20 were enabled to earn as much as
225. per week ; but lately several men had got so
indignant that they had left the Marylebone stone-
yard and gone to other stone-yards.
The CHAIRMAN said, before the deputation retired,
he begged to read to them a resolution which had
been forwarded to the vestry, and which had been
agreed to at a very large meeting of the parochial
committee, held on Thursday evening, which com-
mittee comprised from 1,400 to 1,500 rate-payers. It
was as follows :—" That this meetinglapproves of the
system of discipline in practice at the parochial stone-
yard, as tending to check imposition and give relief
to such of the able-bodied poor as are willing to
give an equivalent in labour for the money they
receive, until they can provide themselves with free
labour."

TLIE REPEAL OF THE WINDOW-TAX AND THE GOVERN-

MSNT SANITARY MEASURE.

A deputation from the parochial committee of
rate-payers waited upon the vestry to present the
following resolution, in reference to the repeal of the
window-tax, agreed to at a large meeting held on
the subject :
" That a deputatien be appointed to wait upon the
vestry on Saturday next, respectfully to request them
to adopt such means as the board may deem expe-
dient to obtain a repeal of the window-tax, as this
committee is of opinion no measure of sanitary reform
can be effective which does not provide for the Adj-

tion of this most obnoxious impost, and further to
assure the board of the earnest and zealous co-opera-
tion and support of this committee in all their at-
tempts to promote such measures as are for the
benefit of the rate-payers at large, and tend to secure
the first principles of local self-government."
Mr. GARNETT said that the parochial committee,
as the representatives of the vast body of the rate-
payers, had no fault whatever to find with the exer-
tions the vestry had made to obtain a repeal of the
window-tax, but they were anxious now that the
Sanitary Bill was
,before the country to have this
question pressed upon the attention of the Govern-
ment. With regard to the sanitary. measure, he
begged to say that he spoke the sentiments of the
parochial committee in expressing a hope that the
vestry and the Hon. Members for the borough would
oppose Government in any sanitary measure which '
took money out of the pockets of the rate-payers
without giving them control over the expenditure of
the money they were called upon to pay.
The deputation having retired,
Mr. G. DANIELL moved—" That the vestry clerk
be empowered to communicate with Lord John
Russell, for the purpose of requesting an appoint-
ment to receive the metropolitan delegates for the
rep =al of the window-tax, as heretofore ; and also to
request the attendance of the Members of Parliament
belonging to the vestry, the Members for the borough,
and others to support the same."

[PRICE SD.

Mr. MICHIE seconded the resolution.

Lord DUDLEY STUART begged to state that the
greatest possible exertions should be used on his part
to induce the Government to repeal the window-
tax.—(Cheers.)
Sir B. HALL said his opinions on the window-tax
were too well known for the vestry to doubt for a
moment that its repeal would not hive his z2alous
support.—(Hear.)
\lr. JOSEPH hoped it would not go abroad that
that vestry were opposed to sanitary improvement.
They were prepared to aid the Government to the
fullest extent, but they claimed the powers to be
given to themselves to do it.
Sir B. HALL said there appeared in the Sanitary
Commissioners' report a desire to exclude the City of
London, but he would keep a good look out, and if
the City were excluded he would insist on Marylebone
being excluded also.—(Hear, hear.)
After a few further observations the resolution
was carried nem. dis., and the vestry separated.

WORSLEY TESTIMONIAL.
The presentation of this testimonial from the free-
holders and inhabitants of the northern division of the
county of Lincoln to the Earl of Yarborough, who,
as Lord Worsley, represented the division in Parlia-
ment for 15 years, and which had been delayed by the
lamented death of the late Earl, took place at
Brocklesby, on Thursday, the 25th ult.
The testimonial was of silver, and consisted of a
plateau in three parts—namely, a centre ornament,
with basket and figures, representing agriculture,
commerce, science, and liberty, and two candelabra
with branches for six lights each, and so arranged as
to be used together or in separate pieces.
About twelve o'clock the members of the central
committee, and a number of subscribers who had as-
sembled previously at Great Lumber, proceeded
to Brocklesby, and were ushered into the large
dining-room, at the upper end of which was placed
the magnificent piece of plate, the object of universal
admiration.

Shortly afterwards Lady Yarborough, accompanied
by the Duchess of St. Alban's, Mrs. Barnard, Miss
Elwes, and Lord Worsley, entered the room, followed
by Lord Yarborough, when
W. B. WINGATE, Esq., of Hereby, who had been
requested by the committee to present the testi-
monial, addressed his Lordship as follows :
My Lord,-.I could have wished that the task which
now devolves upon me had been committed to abler
hands, but as I have had the post of honour confided
to me I have great pleasure in discharging its
duties to the best of my ability. lam only express-
ing the feelings of all present when I say we sincerely
regret the painful circumstances which delayed the
presentation of this mark of our esteem. Though
you have now ceased to be our representative, your
strictly upright conduct in that position will never
be effaced from our memory, and we feel assured
that in the Upper House, as it has been in the Lower,
the interest of your country will ever be dear to your
heart. Accompanying this testimonial I have, my
Lord, the pleasing duty of handing to you an address
signed by about 2,200 of your late constituents, ex-
pressive of their respect and esteem for your character
public and private.
After reading the address, Mr. WINGATE remarked
that some freeholders of the division, residing at Hull,
who had contributed to the testimonial fend out of
respect for the general character of the Noble Lord,
though differing with him on the question of free
trade, had prepared an address which he begged also
to read. Mr. ‘Vingate then said—My Lord, it would
not become me to add any observations of my own,
further than to express my most cordial wish that
your Lordship, your amiable Countess, and your
family, may enjoy health, long life, and happiness.
May this, our testimony of sincere regard, be handed
down to future generations as a memorial of your
Lordship's urbane, consistent, able, and energetic
conduct throughout your Parliamentary career, and
also as a tribute to your private worth, which has ever
been manifested, as we feel assured it will continue
to be, in promoting the happiness and welfare of all
about you.
Lord YARBOROUGH on coming forward was
deeply affected. He said he had often before addressed
most of those to whom he was speaking, but had
never felt so much difficulty in giving expression to
his feelings as on that occasion. He could assure
them that he prized exceedingly the esteem and affec-
tion which was shown by the attendance of gentle-
men of various shades of political opinion, many of
whom had come from a great distance to present so
valuable a testimonial of their regard for h'in as their
representative. It was not possible for a Member of
Parliament to give satisfaction to all his constituents,
in the views which he might take upon politics, but
he had always considered that a Member of the House
of Commons should resolve to do his duty, even
at the risk of a temporary unpopularity, not doubt-
ing that full justice would be done eventually to his
motives by all who felt that he had acted conscien-
tiously. This handsome present of plate proved how
highly they appreciated his services, yet, valuable
as it was, he could not prize it equally with the
address to which the signatures of 2,200 of his
old constituents, entertaining various political opi-
nions, were attached. It was very gratifying to him
to feel that although he had never attempted by his
votes to please all parties, he had deceived none. He
had always considered it his duty to make known as
generally as possible his opinions, and to act as he
thought best for the general interest of his country.
The address from freeholders of North Lincolnshire
residing at Hull (some of whom had kindly attended
resMemberenti
nogf
a rep
Pthat day),am en t shhaodwteodp
ehrofowr
mdifficulte
adequately
the various interests of his constituents. At the time
it was determined to present a testimonial he had
been their representative fifteen years, and he trusted
that the recollection of the manner in which he had
been rewarded would serve as an encouragement to
his son, should he ever be in Parliament, to take a
straightforward course, and thus gain the esteem and
regard of his constituents and neighbours. Whilst
he was their Member he felt deeply the responsibili-
ties of his position, and he could assure them that,
although he was no longer in the House of Commons,
he was fully sensible of the equal responsibility de-
volving upon him as a Member of the Upper
house, and as a landed proprietor. He
trusted that his future conduct would entitle
him to a continuance of their esteem, and he would
assure them it was his anxious wish to render him-
self useful in the county. He would not at any
length allude to the delay in the presentation of the
testimonial, occasioned as it had been by the loss of
them sincerely for their kind expressions of regard,
one so dearly esteemed by all around him. lie thanked
and for their wishes for the health and happiness of
Lady Yarborough and his family.
Lord Yarborough then invited the company to
adjourn to the refreshment room. During the re-
past,
J. W. DUDDING, Esq., rose and said—He trusted
that the testimonial and address which had been pre-
sented to the Noble Lord would be long looked upon
by the existing members of his Lordship's family,
and by future generations, not merely as a deserved
compliment from a large body of the freeholders and
inhabitants of the county, who had thus given ex-
pression to their feelings of attachment and esteem,
but as an act of strict justice, an evidence of their ap-
preciation of most meritorious public services per-
formed by their representative in Parliame4. Mr.
budding concluded by proposing " The health of the
Countess of Yarborough and her Family," with every.
wish for their happiness.

His Loßbsinifhanked Mr. Dudding and the com-
pany for their expression of kind interest 'in the
health and happiness of Lady Yarborough and her
family, which was highly gratifying to him, as he
felt assured it was sincere. He regretted that the
health of Lady Yarbcrough was not so good as he
uld wish, and said that by the advice of her phy-
sicians they would be obliged to spend the ensuing
winter in a warmer climate. His Lordship then pro.
posed the health of the committee, coupling
with it the
name of the Duke of St. Albans, the chairman
The Duke of St. ALBANS said he felt he should be
wanting in correct feeling if he did not, in his own
name, and in that of the committee, thank the Noble
Lord for the very handsome manner in which he had
proposed the health of the committee. He and they
felt much pleasure in the presentation of the testi-
monial of their esteem and regard. The Pelham
family, whose influence throughout the wold 4 of this
county was so extensive, had by their kind fosteringf
of agricultural industry been the causead o raising.
vastly increased amounts of produce,had. gained
deserved popularity with the agricultural interest.
The Noble Lord and his family ever been for-
ward in promoting works of producingutlitya,d. happy
results to the community at la Itzleivciodmupallliym,ehnet
begged to thank his Noble Prierngclefor
he had paid him, and also to return thanks on behalf
of the committee.

The proceedings then terminated.
Among those present we noticed—the Duke of St.
Albans, Sir Montague Cholmeley, Bart., M.P., Sir
Henry Dymoke, Bart., G. F. Heneage, Esq., Robert
Vyner, Esq., J. AV. Yorke, Esq., Henry Vyner, Esq.,
John Golden, Esq., C. B. Luard, Esq., J. G. Sta:
pylton Smith, Esq., George Slcipworth, Esq., T
Dixon, Esq., W. I. Welfit, Esq., F. W. Oates, Esq.,
B. N. Jallttnd, Esq., W. Juliana, Esq., Alder1"11

j- if'
I.Carrick,- Dr. Barton, Rev. :4. Barnard, Rev. V.
B. Wright, Rev. R. G. Moore, Rev. Samuel Turne ,
Rev. Birkett, Rev. C. Nmnarch, Rev. J.
G4lower, Rev. Thomas Watson,' Rev. J. Van Heinert,
Rev:. George Robinson, Mr. W. B. Wingate, Mr.
satin Richardson (Northlands), fir. J. W. Dudding,
Jodes, Mr. Joseph Rinder, Mr. Henry
Turner, Ir. J. J. Young, Mr. George Nelson, Ms.-
William Walker, jun., Mr. John Booth, Mr.
Philip Skipworth (Aylesby), Mr. Robert
Crrt %Tight, Mr. Henry Moore, Mr. John
Hettj Mr. Thomas Bell (Grimsby), Mr. David
Martin, Mr. Thomas Armstrong, Mr. W. C. Wells
Clarke, Mr. Richard Nainby, Mr. F. Iles, Mr. W.
Cropper, Mr. John Danber, Mr. Thomas Skipworth,
Mr. William Clark, Mr. G. M. Porter, Mr. George
Frankish, Mr. Robert Martin, Mr. George Max stead,
Mr. J. U. S. Smith, Mr. Thomas Brooks, Mr: .inhn
Morley, Mr. G. M. Williams, Mr. John Waldgrace,
Mr. Robert Waldgrave, Mr. J. R. Kirkham, Mr.
Wrangham, Mr. William Martin, Mr. W. Brookes,
Mr. Thomas Wingate, Mr. F. J. Rhodes, Mr. E.
Tickler, Mr. Raithby, Mr. Kirkham, Mr. E.
Fowler, Mr. Pickering, Mr. Adams, Mr: J. J.
Rhodes, Mr. Henry Bird.
Sir Edward Brackenbary was prevented attending
by the severe illness of his brother, Sir John Mac.
phersnn Brackenbury.
The testimonial, weighing about 1,400 ounces, was
designed by Cotterill, and manufactured by Messrs.
Garrard and Co., of Penton-street.

NAVAL INTELLIGENCE.

PORTSMOUTH, DEC. s.—The Government steam-
sloop, Commander Seymour, came into harbour yes-
terday to discharge her freight (1,649,317 dollars).
In addition to the particulars given elsewhere (which
appeared in the greater portion of our impression on
Saturday), we may state, the Cormorant encountered
very heavy gales and snow storms between the Gulf
of Trinidad and Port Famine, which she weathered
admirably. The Ohio (American), 90, and a French
frigate, were at Rio on the 16th of October. The
Cormorant arrived at Bahia on the 22d; and shipped
a small packet of diamonds; sailed on the 26th for
Madeira. She found the Apollo troop ship had sailed
from Bahia the day before she arrived, having the
second battalion of the sth Fusiliers on board for the
Cape. The Crane packet had also been at Bahia and
sailed for Rio on the 18th of October. The Somme,
French frigate, with troops from Otaheite for France,
was also at Bahia when the Cormorant left for Bona
Vista; Cape de Verd Islands, which she found quite
healthy ; here she heard of a fine Austrian bark har-
ing foundered on the Ist of October on the Heart-
well reef; crew saved ; she had been bound to Rio.
Arrived at Madeira on the 22d of November, when
Commander Seymour was honoured with an invita-
tion to dine with the Queen Dowager. She left on
the 25th for England. When about 600 miles off
Plymouth she sighted the Asia, 84, flag of Rear-
Admiral Phipps Hornby, going out to the Pacific.
When off Plymouth on Thursday, one of the sway
beams gave way, which, although not materially
hindering her progress, compelled her to proceed to
Spithead under canvas and one engine at work only
She had been upwards of four years and eight months
in commission, and will now be paid off at this port.
She was commissioned at Sheerness on the 11th of
April, 1843, by Commander Gordon (promoted in
the late brevet.) The only officers who have served
the full term of her commission, who have been out
and home, are,—" First Lieutenant R. L. Wharton ;
Master, Mr. J. P. Warren ; Surgeon, Mr. R. C.
Nutt; and clerk, Mr. J. W. M. Hashby. She is the
first steamer that ever brought a freight to England
from the Pacific. She is in most admirable condition.
The Birkenhead, iron steam troop ship, was at
Cork on the Ist instant. She embarked at Devon-
port 954 bags of rye. meal for Haulbowline (which
she delivered_on the Ist), Mr. Mills, Assistant Master
Attendant of Devonport Dockyard, and Mr. Davy,
Master of the Caledonia, and 70 riggers, with a
quantity of masts, spars, and other gear, for Pem-
broke, for the purpose of fitting two brigs at that
port., and navigating them to Devonport for commis-
sion ; these were disembarked on the 24th of Novem-
ber.

The Admiralty have just issued an order that no
seaman above the age of 50 is in future to be entered
in the ordinary. This order is a most injudicious
one.

The Fury steam sloop, Commander Willcox,
arrived at Madeira, from Plymouth, on the 11th of
October, all well. She replenished fuel, and then
proceeded for Singapore. This vessel is spoken well
of. She proved herself a remarkably fast steamer
and swift sailer in her passage to Madeira (rather
more than five days), and is a dry and weatherly sea
boat.

The following official notice relative to the obse-
quies of the late Rear Admiral Shirreff, was pub-
lished by the Commander-in-Chief, Admiral Sir
Charles Ogle, Bart.:— _

" Admiralty-office, Dockyard, Portsmouth, Dec. 4.
" The Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty
having approved of a public funeral for the late Rear-
Admiral Shirreff, to take place on Wednesday next,
the Bth instant, at the Garrison Chapel, Portsmouth,
Admiral. Sir Charles Ogle begs to notify the same,
and to request the attendance of such officers in full
dress, wearing crape above the left elbow, in the
neighbourhood, as may be disposed to show their
'respect for the deceased. The procession will be
formed in the dockyard at half-past twelve o'clock on
that day. A programme will be distributed."
The Myrtle steam tender, latterly doing the duty
of the Comet, is ordered to be paid off at Woolwich,
as her services, it is alleged, can be done by the
Undine.
The Fanny (Admiral's) tender sailed on Friday
evening for the Thames.
The Netley tender arrived yesterday from Ply-
mouth with supernumeraries, and returned this
morning.
A considerable portion of the baggage of the 76th
Regiment was put on board the Bellerophon, 78,
Captain Baynes, at Spithead, yesterday. The re-
mainder will be shipped, also the troops, to-morrow.
A very strong gale with heavy rain from the S.W.
blew on ithis coast last night. Strong winds are
blowing to-day, but a change has taken place to
W.N.W, at which point it is steady; weather, clear
and dry.—Sunday 5 P.m.