The Sun.
London, England, 1847-01-21 00:00:00

frz„l,ooc‘,l,t_pt

//'

- •
Ads
• f
-- • ••• - 0 . }Alak • •
lt
_A, - - ''lll -•
; 1)1E oN
nnorr.4

MORNING BUN JANUARY 21, 1847.

ALL this hubbub in two or three of the Pro-
vincial Towns about the Tea Duties will most likely end as
usual—in smoke. Even it there be a Reduction, will the Public have
a Tea at less than Half-a-Crown a Found? That is the pried/it
which the EAST INDIA TEA COMPANY, supply a useful Black
in 61b. bars. Other sorts, 2s. 10.1., 3s. 6d., 3a. 10d. Coffees, 9d.,
Is., Is. 34. Offices, 9, GreatiSt. Helen's Churchyard.

PROVIDENT CLERKS' MUTUAL
BENEFIT ASSOCIATION AND BENEVOLENT
FUND.
The sixth annual general meeting of the members of the
benevolent department of this excellent asseciation was held
at the London Tavern on Monday evening, at six o'clock.
John Abel Smith, Esq., MP., the treasurer of the bene•
volent fund, presided.
Amongst those present we observed Mr. R. H. Jones, Mr.
J. Clarke, Mr. W. J. Jordan, Mr. J. J. Iselin, Mr. S. Jepps,
Mr. C. Lloyd, Mr. W. Maitland, Mr. 11. P. Maples, Mr. S.
Nutley, Mr. R. nice, Mr. W. S. Sawtell, Mr. J. W. Welch,
Mr. (. Thomas, and a number of other gentlemen. There
was a numerous attendance.
Dr. T. MULL.INDER, the secretary, having read the adver-
tisement convening the meeting,
Mr. R. 11. JONES proceeded to read the report of the pro-
ceedings of the association during the preceding year, of
which the following is an abstract:—
It is with no ordinary feelings of pleasure that the
managers meet the members at the end of the sixth year of
the association to present their report of the progress that
has been made in the year just closed. The report for the
year 1845 was received with many marks of satisfaction, but
on the present occasion the managers have the gratification
to announce that the amount assured for the year 1846 has
been more than double that for 1845. In 1845 there were
issued 211 policies for sums amounting to 33,6501., while in
the year 1846 the number of policies has been 374, aggregat-
ing 69,200/., being more than two-thirds of the whole busi-
ness previously done by the association, 1845 included.
The number of proposals f.r assurance made to the as-
sociation during the year 1846 were 484, of which 39 have
been declined, 42 deferred for a time, and 9 withdrawn. It
was not only in the increased number of assurances effected,
but in the increased average amount assured, that the
managers have to congratulate the meeting.
While the managers are able to announce so great an in-
crease of prosperity, they are also happy to say that the number
of deaths has been remarkably small. Last year they had to
report the death of one assurer for 1001., and this year they
have to announce four more—three for 100/. each,
and one for 2001., making the entire amount of claims since
the formation of the association, in 1840, to bo 600/. upon
five assurances, all which claims had been promptly paid.
The managers also reported that now almost all the
large towns had an efficient and zealous agent, which led
the managers to believe that a large accession of members
would be made through their instrumentality. The board
being at all times desirous of affording information to mem-
bers, both in town and country, deputed the deputy- chair-
man, Mr. R. H. Jones, and the secretary to proceed to Bris-
tol and Birmingham, in September and October last, for the
purpose of holding public meetings and affording explana-
tions as to the objects and progress of the association.
At the former place they were honoured with the pre-
sence of P. F. Aiken, Esq., banker, in the chair ; and at
the latter place Richard Spooner, Esq., M.P. and banker,
presided, both meetings having passed off in the most satis-
factory manner. The cause of the association
having been ably advocated by the gentlemen present,
the managers are daily receiving evidence of the good re-
sults consequent upon these meetings. By the balance-
sheet, which had been duly audited by three members, it
appeared that the income of this branch of the association
was now about 5,000/. derived from premiums and divi-
dends, being nearly double that of last year; and that
2,700/. Three-and-a-Quarter per Cent, stock had been in-
vested during the past year, in the names of the trustees,
making the total accumulations to be 8,000/. Three-and-a-
Quarter per Cent. stock, besides the lease of the house, 42,
Moorgate-street, and the cash balances in the banker's
hands. The report then referred to the fact of four man-
agers going out by rotation, but who offered themselves for
re-election, and of the intention of the board to increase their
number and filling up a vacancy which had occurred by re-
signation. The report then called upon the members to use
their best endeavours to make the year 1847 surpass all
former ones; and, after an engagement on the part of the
managers to continued exertion, concluded with the follow-
ing extract from the speech of the Right Hon. the Earl of
Dalhousie, when proposing " Prosperity to the Association,"
at the public dinner, in May, 1846 :—" And the society has
this recommendation, that there are none whose means are
so small but that they may obtain advantage from it. No
man is so poor, no clerk so humble, but may join in order to
provide for the wants of the future by contributing towards
its funds, which will be fostered and cherished, and paid to
the uttermost farthing. Such associations are of the greatest
value in this country, whose yearly increase in wealth rivals
and surpasses that of princes. And permit me to say, that
which I take the liberty of recommending to you and others
of our humble brethren is not that which I do not practise
myself. Ido not preach other than I practise. I feel the
full value of what can be done by mutual assurance.
Both the report and the balance-sheet were received with
the warmest demonstrations of applause.
Mr. JoxEs intimated that. Mr. G. Thomas, who had re-
signed the office of deputy chairman, and who had offered
himself for re-election as one of the managers of the institu-
tion, had, since the passing of the report, sent in his re-
signation.
The CHAIRMAN said, now they had heard the report, it
became his duty to propose it for their adoption in the usual
way. The time had arrived when any one who had any °b-
eet vations to make would be pleased to do so.
Mr. L. BUNN expressed a desire to have some explanation
from the directors with respect to the resignation of Mr.
Thomas of the dice of deputy chairman of the association.
Such an explanation appeared to him requisite, in order that
those unacquainted with the circumstances might be in-
tro,oo,l vi,‘. tb— h.--; 1- —'' •• ; -•.-if - -----"-
Promoted the interests of the institution to the iti est extent
in his power?
The CHAIRMAN said, of course he could not speak as the
organ of the board, of which he was not a member. He
simply appeared before them as the chairman o( that meet-
ing. But he was quite sure that the Hon. Gentleman, on
reflection, would be of opinion that, requesting such infor-
mation either from him or the board, was a very erroneous
way of obtaining information, especially as Mr. Thomas
himself was present.—(Hear, hear.) No person could
answer such a question better than Mr. Thomas himself.
Mr. THO3IAS rose, and expressed his readiness to enter
generally into the subject of his resignation if the meeting
wished him to do so. (The meeting signified their wish to
have such explanation from him.) The first unpleasantness
that occurred to him in connexion with the institution was an
attempt on the part of the secretary to assume the exclusive
right of disputing the payment of one of the policies of a de-
ceased member of the society: This was an assumption of
which lie at once expressed his disapprobation, be-
cause, he contended, that every inquiry ought
to be made into the right and legality of a
clerk to insure with the institution previously
to granting his policy, and not after his death.—
(Cheere.) In short, that little, or, in fact, no opportunity
should be left, when he had passed away, and when he had
died in the full belief that his widow or children would de-
rive a stated advantage from it, for raising objections to its
payment.—(Cheers.) This was especially more objection-
able, when the secretary, their servant, claimed the right of
so deciding without giving the board an opportunity of de-
termining whetheethe objections raised to its payment were
valid or not. He did not know whether that principle now
prevailed, but it did at the time to which he referred. This
was one of the reasons, and he at once stood against it, be-
lieving that in doing so he should promote the interests of
the institution.—(llear.) He should not have considered 1
that be had discharged his duty properly if he had not done
so, and consequently showed his aptness for the position in
which they had placed him.—( Hear.) The secretary, how-
ever, subsequently apologised for considerable rudeness of
which he was guilty towards him on that occasion. Another
inducement was certain information which was com-
municated to him, in his capacity as chairman of the board,
reflecting upon the secretary, which, as was his duty,
lie communicated to his colleagues, but instead of entertain-
ing and investigating the matter, which was confidently and
privately communicated to them, it was committed to their
minutes where the secretary of course had an opportunity of
seeing it, and of course connecting his (Mr. Thomas's) name
with it. They refused to make an investigation, and allowed
the whole responsibility of the matter to rest with him, from
whom it had emanated. As a proof that he had no really
ill-feeling towards Dr. Mullinder, he might state that the
present secretary was a candidate, but rejected ; but as the
gentlemen who was elected did not continue in the service of
the institution longer than two months, Dr. Mullinder
offered himself as a candidate, and having joined the board,
he voted for him because he found by his testimonials that
he possessed that zeal and that ability which the association
required—(Loud cheers)—and when he bad been in the ser-
vice of the company nine months, he was amongst the first
to propose the increase of his salary. If he'had any feelings
at all with respect to him, they were decidedly in favour of
serving him, and he should adopt the same course with re-
spect to the, officers of any institution with which he
was connected, provided their conduct deserved it.—( Hear.)
His third reason was certain insulting observations which
were made by the secretary in a dining-room, as to his con-
duct as the chairman of the institution, in the course of which
he (Dr. Mullinder) stated something about instituting an in-
dictment against him (Mr. T.) at the Old Bailey for in-
juring his character. He communicated this to the present
chairman of the association, but that matter, like
the others, had not been inquired into; therefore, for the
last ten or eleven months, he had taken no part in the
management of the affairs of the institution, believing that
the intercourse of a chairman, if he did his duty properly,
must be more frequent with the secretary than any other
member of ;the court, and that, in such a state of things,
any intercourse which might take place between them could
not, on such terms, prove beneficial to the association. It
was true his name had been published in the list of candi-
dates for the vacant directorship, but he did so in the hope
that the other managers would consider such inquiries
dim to one who was one of the priacipal promoters
of the institution.— (A Director : " I deny that," and
cries of " No, no, he was not.") He repeated that
tlii,oen,waass one of
list of
oftheprainuceipnadlanpereosmaottertsheof
boardthe in.:,toiutuld-
show ; but finding that they had no intention of making
such an inquiry, he had felt it his duty to withdraw. t
e
thought in promoting the institution hadth before
he headdednoenneeghrienagi
service to a large class of clerks, who
for
theththemselves,
servicesmselves h
, ande
had he
rendered.
The never sought any compensation
for
gentlemen who may
because there are probably, some otherlyoulthat I rise with the
The C tAiRmAN said—l have no proper right to rise now,
wish to address you; but I faldrlyete
(Hear.) I C. not think thefruer
lesntertaining a sincere interest
but who will give me credit.
object e° encouraging instead of
ef
singlep preventing,erse n d
iins c
theussi discussion.—
(Hear.) rooml.
believe it is equally
tru
least that there is nothing in the dis-
pute agree with me—atin the
least
institution—(Loud
have
iheoenr—e (i
sL
existedonutc)l
betweenperson but ta cheery)—and
whol
pute which appearsoe Mr.
which can influence
mybe conceived to be otherwise than
o fa t t
all
....i n(sitii teuatri)o—n,
inasmuch as I can hardly
far as andm concerned, whatever it
Thomas and the other
indifferent to the result, so
b.
tt,
one object only in view,
mad jggme resn t
may be. I have but ohnee 0 j
institution ; and it it ever did ap-
pearnamely, the g
s to institutions of this kind, and that
vantages, and injurious
in public is also injurious, and disad-
vantageousthe appearance of themffic
clear in mo
)o. d
life o f
thatt differences and disputes are disad-
ult to repair, I am more forcibly con-
vinced of the correctness
topropriety, as it would be to my
It would be as foreign°opinion,
either one way or the other,
1
intentions, to offer aen p
on the subject of th
the other managers, differences between Mr. Thomas and
but I kn9w enough of life to be satisfied
two sides to every awry —(Cheers ) I
that there are always
I presume you will agree %, ith me, that it
of opinion, and
am d env option on the facts stag-d by
would be bet ter to suspeninquiries 'oeen made into thew.
Mr(. Thomas until proper
and am quiff ready to
—Cheere.) I came here

EMPLOYMENT.—Persons having a little time
to spare, are apprised that AGENTS continue to be ap•
pointed in London and country towns by the EAST INDIA
TEA COMPANY, for the SALE of their celebrated TEA.
Offices, 9, Great St, Helen's Church yard, Ilishopsgate-street.
They are packed in leaden canisters, from one 'mince to
a pound, with the price and weight marked on each packet,
and but little trouble is occasioned by the sale. The only
licence requited Is eleven shillingo per annum, and many during
the last twenty-two years have realised considerable incomes by the
agency, without one shilling let or loss. Applications to be made, if
by letter, post free, ao above.

TO TRAVELLERS IN THE WOOLLEN TRADE.
WANTED, a GENTLEMAN to represent a
Manufacturi,•g
House, on Commission, in the Northern,
Midland, and Eastern counties.
Address. prepaid, with full particulars, to S. P., care of Mr. F.
Bracher, Old Jewry, London.

ARREN'S MILK of ROSES, prepared by
R. ROSSER.
This innocent composition, enttiirelly from vegetable materials, is
the most delight ul cosmetic ever invented for rendering the skin
clear, soft, and delicate; it has for seventy years maintained its
superiority over all imitations, and remains unrivalled for beautify-
ing the coinpleTion. The 3s. bottle is more economizal than the
smaller size, and is in a new envelope to insure the genuine.
HENDRIE, Perfumer to her Majesty, 12 and 13, Tichberne-
street, Quadrant.

PETITIONS ON PRIVATE BILLS,
HOUSE 01? COMMONS.
Committee Room No. 22, before Mr. Examiner SMITH,
and Mr. Assistant-Examiner FRERE.)
GLASGOW, DUMFRIES, AND CARLISLE, AND
GLASGOW, PAISLEY, KILMARNOCK, ADD AYR
RAILWAY.
The allegations of the Caledonian Company against the
petition were resumed.
An important allegation was sustained, impugning the ac-
curacy of the calculations which the engineer of the line
had made for ascertaining the levels. In point of fact it was
proved by Mr. Blyth, the engineer of the memorialists' line,
that the levels had not been accurately ascertained.
Mr. Pturr, the agent of the petitioners, reluctantly ad
mitted that there was a discrepancy of two feet in the levels,
but he urged the Examiner not to report the circumstance
as a non-compliance, as it might prove fatal to the Bill.
Besides the point was raised by a rival company, and no
private individual could he injured by the omission.
The EXAMINER took time to consider the point.
(Room 22, before Mr. Examiner Salmi, and Mr. As-
sistant-Examiner FRERE.)
GLASGOW, DUMFRIES AND CARLISLE, AND
GLASGOW, PAISLEY, KILMARNOCK AND AYR.
(Continued from our Afternoon Edition of pesterday.)
The next point raised was, whether the Clydesdale Junc-
tion Company, through a portion of whose property the
scheme under consideration was proposed to pass, should have
been referenced in th' plans submitted.
The promoters of the Bill contended that such a course
wasucteot n necessary, as the Clydesdale line was not yet con,
trd.
The Examiners decided that, considering the contingent or
equitable interest the Clydesdale Company had in the pro-
perty referred to, the name ought to have been inserted.
After some further evidence was taken on the alleged In.
accuracy of some of the levels, the Court adjourned till to-
morrow.
(Room 23, before Mr. Examiner MAY and Mr. Assistant-
Examiner GuNNILL.)
WILTS, SOMERSET, AND WEYMOUTH RAILWAY
AMENDMENT (No. 2).
(Continued from our Afternoon Edition of yesterday.)
The case closed with the memorials of William George
and William Russell, in which several allegations were sus-
tained.
The Court then adjourned till this day, at ten o'clock,
repeating the order of business he had named at
the play
Y pf to-day'.
opening23,r e
(Roo
before Mr.
usEoxpapmios nGxeDur
NLIINIIESATILT.L. and Mr. Assistant-
Examiner
The customary formal proofs having been put in the
standing orders in respect of the following petitions were
declared to have been complied with.
Wakefield New Gas Company.
Yarmouth.
and Bury St. Edmonds Railway Extension to
Blackburn, Darwen, and Bolton Railway Acts Amendment
in-Dtehveia-Itifoonoros.)
f line in the parishes of Blackburn and Bolton-
in-the-Moors.
Birkenhead,
of main
in
lineLancashire,and
and
Chesterbranch,new b
Cheshire Junction
branches
nßeahi Railway
aty
Deviation o
London and North-Western, and to the Birkenhead Docks
for station at Birkenhead, and to divert a public road in the
parish of Runcorn.
Leeds, Dewsbury, and Manchester Railway Extension to
Wakefield, and Junction at Methley with the Wakefield,
Pontefract, and Goule, and York and North Midland Rail-
ways.

Manchester, Sheffield, and Lincolnshire Railway Branch at
Burysworth, to join the Peak Forest Canal Tramway, and
amendment of Acts.
,fester, Sheffield, and Lincolnshire Railway Station
ManC.its,cr,- Uuca IGLU,
at Sheffield, and a Branch to Sheffield Canal.
Birkenhead, Lancashire, and Cheshire Junction Railway,
and Chester and Birkenhead Railway Purchase and Amal-
gamation.
Newbury Cemetry.
Ea-t Lincolnshire Railway Deviation at Boston, and
Branch to Great Grimsby and Sheffield Junction Railway at
Grimsby.
her allegations of minor importance were also sustained.
The proceedings occupied the whole of the day.

LLOYD'S SHIPPING.
LONDON, Jaw. 20.—Wind W.S.W., light airs with a
heavy fog.
SOUTHAMPTON. JAN. 19.---.. Wind E.N.E.--Sailed, 18th,
Forth . West Indies.
OFFsteamer TICIGNMOUTIL—atherine Elizabeth, St. Vincent's.
JERSEY, JAN. 17.—S1d. Malvin*, Pernambuco.
BRISTOL, AN. 19.—Arrd. Ant, Quebec. Sld. Calliope,
Scott. New Orleans.
GLOUCENTER, JAN. 19.—Arrd. Almera, New York.
LivearooL, JAN. 19.—Wind S.E., moderate.
hen Ste-
hen Baldwin, Harland, New Orleans; St. Patrick, Proal,
New York; Sophia M`Kenzie, St. Andrew's, New Brunswick.
Sid. Selina, Hewitt, Chins; Helen M'Gregor, Havannah ;
America, Weare, New Orleans; John G. Caster, Le Ray,
,ditto; Free Trader, Thompson, ditto; Samuel, Leighton,
Mobile; Ohio, Bird, New York. Off port, St. Petersburgh.
CLYDE, JAN. 18.—Wind N.E —Arrd. Syra, Swan, Deme-
rara; Brenda, Galloway, ditto; Caroline, Stanley, Pernam-
buco; Janet, Thomas, Valparaiso. Sld. William, Trinidad.
' CORK, JAN. 17.—Arrd. Pandora, Keartery, St. John's.
SHIELDS, JAN. 19.—Wind .N.W. Sld. 'Sharp, Mallet,
Cape of Good Hope.
SUNDERLAND, JAN. 18.—W ind N.W.---Arrti. Bathurst,
Blank, Honduras; Lord W. Bentinck, Allen, ditto. Sid
llindoo, Cape of Good Hope.
OFF ST. Axles HEAD. JAN. 18.—Charles Clark,
Hunter,
Coquimbo for Swansea. or
COWES, JAN. 19.—The Bowditch, Pike, from New.
leans, and the Robert, Jarfstrom, from Charleston, arrived
it this port to-day, after being in contact; the forme
her
r is
.lamaged in her upper works, and the latter has lost
foremast.
PORT TALBOT, JAN. 19.—The Marys, gees, bank, but
in towing
,ver the bar this morning, grounded on the north
is likely to be got off next tide.
LLANELLY, JAN. 18.—The Ethelbert, for London, got on
tow-
shore this morning in this river, in consequence of her
rope parting, and it is feared will become a wreck.
KIRKCUDBRIGHT, JAY. 17.—The Rob Roy. Mitchell, from
Cumberland, which was driven on the Rocks at St. Mary's
Point Bth instant, has been got off and brought W the beach.
The Druid, of Maryport, which ran on the sands in the river
the same day has been floated.
WDonald, from
LYNN, JAN 19.—The w nitwen Grange,
St. Andrew's, is on shore on a sand bank in
the Lynn Chan
eel, but expected off with the flood.

DISTRESS IN THE SOUTH OF
SCOTLAND.
benevolent per.
(F 11.014 A CORltiarcViDgia.)
In several towns in the south of Scotland
Anna have e,tablised soap-kitchens for the relief of the poor
at this inclement season. At Langlichen, in Demfrieahire,
751. was raised in two or three days for this purpose, 15/. of
which was presented by the Duke of Buccleuch, who has
seat there, and possesses the property for miles around. The
Scotch are proverbial for enduring privations of the sternest
for years the
kind without complaint. The national pride of their cha-
racter induces them to suffet withoutsauTurirnmur,and in secret,
hoping almost against hope, and tte
acutest miser in the expectation of bettegr and more pros-
perous days but many thousands of the poor being, if pos.
we doubt no'
sible, in a worse condition than the poor of Ireland, and find.
ing that Ireland is having relief doled out to her by England,
they have made their condition known, and
allowed t
will be benevolently dea1tL5f..............
...,_
The extraction of a tooth is univet sally
give a most disagr' cable shock; Dr. Brewster, the °
of ether on
well-
known American dentist, of the Rue de la Paix,
being
aware of this fact, from daily experience, was
anxious
who to
to try the effects of the met discovery
of his patients. He therefore proposed the mattersonle
Yesterday,
Mr. J., a young American gentleman, aged
poured
the experiment
21,
was
eriment
suffering dreadfully frcm toothache.
gentleman consented very readily, and
passed in this way :--The ether was
Pipe, with ° a glass
jar, from which issued a moveable
alid sienat.hd ill
piece fitted to the lips. The patient, being a mouth
the operating chair, inhaled the vapour,
two minutes was in a state of unconsciousness,- about
muscles became all relaxed, and Dr, Brewster Th,,
evidently do with him what he pleased.
beinglted
The could
instrument was then applied, and
about a
th,,extracting
m.,ved. The effects of the ether la tooth re-
bon his tooth had
minute after, and the patient, on
consciousness. could not believe that restored to
t the
been removed, until he felt the
felt
left i
slightest
gum. He declared that he had not
pain—that the sensation, when under the influe-lineeth'ot
u
the ether, was perfectly delightful; he
t: seemed,
suddenly
fall be borne rapidly through space, and then heenly
said,
fall to the earth. lie experienced
afterwards no ill
effects from the experiment, nor was th
as is generally the case after such • guin painful.
o
other patient was Mr. N—. aged 24perations. 'rhe
conscious under the influence of the ether no became un-
conscious
and a half, and the moment the in less than a
started to his feet, the shock having tooth was out he
also declared that the sensation was delicious;
a"ke him. He
however, he remarked, a sort of con delicious; he had,
no power to move; he had felt no sciousness, but had
the extraction. The te h • lain whatever from
et in both eases
molar ones. Several persons we pre Were lar ,
the rest, three ladies. Looking raethes' In. arid, amon.
thus "ch• ating nature of her pain t''-'' use of ether in
tor's expression, the discovery must 1) t"
use the opera
of the most important of modern t" e pronounced one
6.--Galiptani.

QPENCER'S CHINESE LIQUID HAIR DYE.
The thousands of individuals who for upwards of twenty
rears have used this celebrated liquid, pronounce it to be the only
article extant which effectually changes, in a few minutes, red or
;rey hair, whiskers, moustaches, &c., to a dark brown or black,
without trouble (by simply combing it through the hair), and pro-
tuces by one application a pleasing and permanent change ; and it
..,an be incontestably proved, that while many dyes tend to destroy
the hair by their pernicious properties and dangerous process of ap-
:,lication, that this article promotes the growth of hair, nourishing
the roots till the latest period of life. Price 3s. 6d., 65.. and 105
per bottle.
To be had of the Proprietors, 2S, Nottingham-place, Fieldgate
treat, Whiteehapel-road. London ; also of Mr. Johnstone, 68, Corn-
ill Butler, 4, Cheapslde ; Front, 229, Strand ; Sanger, 150, Oxford-
.treet ; Barclay, Farringdon-street ; Atkinson, 24, Old Bond-
;treat ; Hooper, 43, King William-street, London •bridge ; Finnigin,
)1113m-street, Bath ; Elmore, Bull-street, Birmingham ; and of mos
Perthiners and Medicine Vendors in town and country. Sent to
~,v cart of the kingdom by receiving a remittance, pest-paid.
Please to ask for " Spencer and Co.'s Chinese Liquid Hair Dye."
Observe, the Proprietor's address is on the wrapper.

devote any portion of time that may be required to promote
the advantage of the institution.—(Cheers.) But it does
occur to me, that if we were to remain here till to-morrow
night that we should not arrive at any satisfactory solution
of this difference of opinion, or any decided opinion with
respect to it. One course it appears preferable to adopt. I
think it is due, net only to Mr. Thomas, but still more, if
possible, to the members of the board, that inquiry should
take place ; but that is a task which cannot be performed
this evening. An inquiry should be made by a committee
appointed by the members to investigate and to report the
result.—(Hear.) I must, therefore, ask the gentlemen who
sit around me to submit to imputations ft.: a short time,
until they have an opportunity of explaining. Believ:z;g,
as I do, that this institution has flourished most marvellously
—(fleas)—we may fairly concede that some thanks and gra-
titude are due to those who have undertaken its manage-
ment; and I hope that that justice will be done them which
they have a right to expect, and not in words only, bait in
facts. That is the best advice I can give you, and without
partiality to one side or the other. I leave it to you to adopt
or reject it.—(Cheers. )
Mr. GILKS thought some explanation ought to be given
to show why the policy in question was suspended.
➢lr. THOMAS said it was not suspended.
A DntEcron—lt was paid under discount.
Mr. GILKS seemed apprehensive lest there should be any
misunderstanding on the matter, and said that if the state-
ment of Mr. Thomas was true, his widow, if he should die,
might be deprived of the amount of his policy.
The CHAIRMAN said they could not all fail to be of opinion
that they must either do one thing or the other—they !oust
either go into the investigation, or delegate the task to a
committee. He was in their hands. If they went into one
part of the charges and not into another, they would commit
an injustice.
Mr. GILHES expressed his wish to abide by the decision of
the committee.

Mr. THOMAS said he did not say that the policy was no'
paid, but that the conduct of the Secretary, if persisted in,
would be not only found improper, but unsafe. He should
like nothing better than the appointment of the committee
suggested. Such an inquiry was quite in unison with his
wishes, but he would suggest that the chairman should act
as the sole arbitrator in the matter.
The CHAIRMAN declined the honour.
Mr. J. J. 'senile said, although he had not the slightest
doubt but that the suggestion of the chairman was made
with the view of saving time, and with the very kindest in-
tentions, yet he thought those present were of opinion that
there were some specific charges that had been made which
ought to be met with the most prompt refutation. He
would not deny that Mr. Thomas had zealously devoted him-
self to promote the interests of the institution—(Hear)—
and therefore, when differences unfortunately occurred be-
tween the head of the board and its members, that they
should be settled within the precincts of the board-room, and
they should be adjusted in mutual kindness and forbear-
ance.—(Hear, hear.) He was bound to state that the
board had paid all due attention to Mr. Thomas's ob-
servations, who, in their anxiety to promote the inte-
rests of the institution, could not yield to him ; and,
after anxious deliberation with respect to his resignation,
they had ordered an official reply accepting his offer, but they
had not felt it consonant with their duty to accompany that
reply with any expressions of regret. The statement of Mr.
Thomas, to the great surprise of the managers, had resolved
itself into an attack on their secretary; he had, however, no
objection whatever to rise at once and to defend that most
indefatigable servant of the institution.—(Loud cheers.) He
would not stop to defend the members of the board, but he
thought he might venture on their indulgence whilst he en-
deavoured to clear him from the aspersions which had been
cast upon him.—(Cheers.) Mr. Thomas had commenced by
stating that We secretary had attempted to resist the pay-
ment of a_policy, and that he bad been in consequence dis-
gusted. Undoubtedly- the secretary had no power to resist
such a payment, but it was unquestionably his duty to point
out any flaws or imperfections, and having done that, it then
became the province of the board to decide upon the matter.—
(Hear, hear.) More than this the secretary had not
done—("Hear, hear," and cheers )—leas than this they must
acknowledge he ought not to have done.—(Loud cheers.)
Mr. Thomas commenced by insuring his life for 3001., which
was the qualification necessary for a seat at the beard. This
was done when lie was engaged in organizing the insurance
department. Some time after he applied to have his policy
increased 2001. more, but he refused to submit to the neces-
sary medical examination.—(Cries of " Oh, oh !")
Mr. THOMAS said that was incorrect.
Mr. Isatis said that was the fact, and there were two me-
dical gentlemen present to corroborate the statement. Hav-
ing refused to submit to an examination, he afterwards did
consent, but he was then declined—(Laughter)—and in the
presence of the board, and sitting in its capacity as its chair-
man, he tore his own proposal into fragments.
Mr. THOMAS said it was quite true.
Mr. Isaatat proceeded. Thisoccurred on the4thof February
last year, and in ten days after the scene to which he ( Mr.
Thomas) had referred in the outset occurred. On the 14th of
February, when Mr. Thomas was in the board-room, at which
the deputy-chairman (Mr. Jones) was present, the case of a
young gentleman, aged eighteen, who had died, came
under consideration. He had insured with the so-
ciety at the age of sixteen for one hundred pounds.
On that occasion, Dr. Mullinder simply discharged a duty
which was extremely natural, and which it would not have
been right if he had neglected. He intimated that there was
something like concealment during the medical examination,
and the suspicion was not a very chimerical one, as one of
the young man's brca!ree cauiaa.eei, au u
sumotion two
.itnunication with the medical officers, and did
thereby great service to the institution.—(Cheers.) A book
was kept called the " Scientific Memoranda," in which the
medical gentlemen made private memoranda with respect to
the several cases which came under their cognizance. It was
strictly private and confidential, as such a book should be,
and was confided by them to the care of the secretary, who
referred to it in giving the statement with respect to the policy
of this consumptive young man, and upon that Mr. Thomas in-
sisted upon having the book in his possession and examining its
contents. lie (the Secretary) stated in reply that it was a
professional book, and consequently strictly confidential, and
that he could not consent to part with it without the consent of
the medical officers. The contents of the book were only of
a nature for the perusal of professional men; nevertheless—he
was ashamed to be obliged to state it, and he would not
have done so but for the acrimonious attack which had been
made on the secretary—Mr. Thomas made use of his physical
strength to wrest the book from Dr. Mullinder.- (Cries of
Oh, oh," and "Shame.") They could express no other
opinion of such conduct. Since that period Mr. Thomas had
been the avowed enemy of Dr. Mullinder, but the board
considered that the secretary performed his duty, and was an
excellent servant to the institution, and they would not
truckle to their chairman and follow his example.- (Hear. )
They inquired into the charges thus made against him in
respect of this particular matter, and the result was that he
passed through the ordeal in a most satisfactory manner to
the board.—(Cheers.) No doubt, labouring under such pro-
vocation, Dr. Mullinder did speak and act warmly, but when
Mr. Thomas complained of his conduct to the board, he spon-
taneously withdrew and wrote a courteous apology, but no re-
ply had up to that time been received from Mr. Thomas.
The charges against the board he would not answer, be-
cause none of its members were second to Mr. Thomas in
their exertions on behalf of the institution. If he wished
to call clap-trap to his aid, he might say, that during the
last year, in the course of which Mr. Thomas had been re-
peatedly invited to resume his seat at the board, but which
he had refused to do on account of the failure of his charges,
whilst his attendances bad amounted to zero, and his en-
deavours to obtain a permanent salary had been almost in-
terminable whilst connected with the management, the
business of the institution had more than doubled.—(Cheers.)
Mr. Titoaets said there were many very plausible speeches
delivered which told less for the speaker than the person as-
saulted. The first point to which the gentleman who had last
spoken adverted was the business of the association which had
increased in a greater degree within the last year than it had
fer the four years previous. He would remind the meeting that
in those four years he had done nearly all the work ; he could
show that the attendance on thepart of the other managers
had been very remiss, for while he himself gave 1,400 at-
tendances, some of the gentlemen sitting at the board did not
give above 50 or 100. In fact, in the year 1844,
the committee that usually sat was so small that
it was a mooted question whether they should go on with
the insurance business, and he (Mr. Thomas) then suggested
that it might be as well, if they wound up this branch of
their association, in order to realise the profits for the mem-
bers. A meeting of the trustees was called, and it was de-
termined to have a public meeting, which was afterwards
followed by a public dinner, and a resolution was passed to
spend more money, with the view of giving the thing a
further trial. It was in this way that public attention was
directed to the association, and an impetus given to their
business transactions. Then the last speaker referred to the
pay given to him about three years ago. Many parties in
the management came only to the annual meeting, with the
view alone of getting remuneration —(" Oh, oh !")—he
then being the only one who objected to it.—(Laughter
and hisses.) He objected because the profits would not
have allowed it. Again, in 1845, when a resolution was
passed that these gentlemen ought and were to be paid, it
was conceded to him that his services were more than equal
to theirs, and it was agreed that whatever sum might be
voted to the board of management, he should receive one-
half. So at that time last year, when 300/. were voted in
recompense of their exertions, he was declared entitled to
150/, but he would only accept of 1001. So far about the
payment. Great confusion, amid which
The CHAIRMAN rose, and said—Gentlemen, I am sure that
every one will do me the justice, when I say that I did what
I could to prevent this unseemly occurrence, but since this
discussion has been commenced at all, I think it only fair to
bear all that Mr. Thomas may have to say, although we
should be detained from the real business of the meeting till
' morrow morning.
Mr. THOMAS resumed—All that he bad asked or sug •
geated in the shape of payment was, that his exertions
should be brought before the association, that they might fix
an amount, or decide whether such services were to be remu-
nerated or not. He did not think this an unusual pressing:
for payment. It had been said that he wished to insure. him-
selff
for 2001.,—what he did wish to do was to insure himsX,
for the full amount of 500/., and that was solely with
view of benefiting the institution, and not
but
(Laughter and derisive cheers.) himself—
(Laughter
gentlemen were welcome to construe it as they beat liked.
Mr.
he
Mr. EDWARD C96E)IAN said, that although feeling
had attended at this annual meeting for the first time, hF
could not conceal from himself the fact that they might be
tar more profitably engaged by moving that the report
of the managers be received and adopted, and it
was therefore with a great deal of pleasure
that
way connected with the board of
he (not in any
management, but only feeling that they had studied to the
utmost extent the interests of the clerks of London), rose to
do so. The board had in the, most able manner conducted
the affairs of the institution, and it would be not only most
unwise, but also most ungrateful, it' they (the clerks) were
not to avail themselves of the advantages offered for their
acceptance.—(Cheers.) He had often felt for the cenditioo
of the clerks of London, that as a body they were deserving
of attention, and he was quite convinced that as a body the
would show, by their support of the Provident Clerklnati-
tution, how much they appreciated it. But he must be al-
lowed to say that, however great in the City were the mean,
0: disseminating information, and of bringing the prominent
objects of tee society before every one, these means were un-
fortunately too limited in the extreme east end, 510
lie would therefore suggest that some means be proposed f
propagate the objects of the society iu the quarter he 1,
fot.eiit!ttlehdieo,iBd.,ifintioierdaersst,l,icai.,Lii(bz an a ccessi •n of strength.
tended. The meeting might b. proportionshly ex-
was aware that there were large estab-
lishments connected with, end in the vicinity of the Bast