The Sun.
London, England, 1824-02-13 00:00:00

'COAL TRADE.

Mr. Sou T/IGATE said, that he had at the last Court laid on
the table the Report of the Coal and Corn Committees (to whom
it had been referred to inquire into the mode of delivering coals
in the River, and the cause of the high price of that article),
and moved that it should be printed, and a copy sent to each
member. The Report had, he believed, been perused very
generally ; and therefore there was no necessity for him to re-
capitulate the arguments he had made use of when he brought
it forward. He should therefore move " that this Court do
agree with the Committee in the said Report ; and that it be
referred back to them to fill up the vacancies, being three
in number, and to elect twelve additional deputy sea-coal
meters.
Mr. Deputy RoUTI4 said, he thought the present number
of meters was quite inadequate to the performance of the
duties efficiently. It was said that the price of coals was
now reasonably reduced, but he denied the fact. It was by
no means reduced proportionately to the reduction of all other
necessaries. This price the public expected should be re-
duced,
and as the Court had the power to deprive the sel-
lers of all pretences for keeping up the article at its present
exhorbitant price, they (the Court) were looked to with the
expectation that then would exert themselves in the removal
of the abuses which had crept into the market! The market,
inco frini c t
:Market,
toabn ed
prleageueldatuepdon the same open footing as the
in the same manner as those
trades which were under the controul of Government. It had
been said that the emoluments of the present number of meters
were inadequate to their fair support, and that an addi-
tion to their number would throw them into great distress.
This he denied, for their present emoluments amounted, on
an average, to more than 2801. per annum each. An increase
of forty meters might be made without reducing the molt'.
ments of the present number of meters below 2001. per an-
num each. something should be done to prevent a practice
which was now very prevalent of persons shipping coals, and
afterwards coming into the market to bid tip their own goods,
and thus acting at once as buyers and sellers. By this trick an
excessive price was established, and the regulations of the mar-
ket defeated. There was another point which should be al-
tered. It was well known that in the Wallsend coals alone
there was a variation in quality from ten to fifteen per cent.,
and yet such important variations were not noticed on the
tickets. He proposed, that in future the land meters should be
compelled, under a penalty, to state the precise quality of the
coals on their tickets. The public expectation was highly
raised upon this subject, and he hoped the Court would pro-
ceed firmly, without being controulled by the Report, which,
he contended, was made up on the evidence of parties imme-
diately interested, whilst many who were able to give most im-
portant information had not been called upon. As an
amendment to the motion that the Report should be agreed
• to, the worthy Deputy moved a string of Resolutions decla-
ratory of the alleged high price of coals, and ordering, that,
to prevent the increase of price by delay in the delivery of
coals, an additional number of meters should be appointed.
Mr. HICK very briefly seconded the motion.
Mr. HURCOMBE contended that the present number of
meters was quite sufficient, and that the delivery of coals arose
not from any inability on their part to perform their duties, but
from the conduct of many of the purchasers and others in not
sending a sufficient number of craft to land the coals. Very
I frequently the meters were on hoard vessels waiting whole days
without being able to do any thing from the want of craft. It
was in fact demonstrable that the present number of meters
could superintend the discharge of more coals than could be
consumed by the whole Metropolis. He agreed with the
Worthy Deputy, that the practices in the Coal. Market were
abominable; but the meters were not to be made the scape-
goats for the sins of the whole trade. They were a very effi-
cient and very much calumniated set of men.
Mr. JamEs said the Committee had not certainly said
whether the high price of coals arose from the conduct of the
mine proprietors, the shipowners, or the buyers. They had
not done this, because they had no power to call before them
any persons belonging to those classes. The experiment of the
appointment of an additional number of coal meters would cost
nothing to the public, and out therefore to be tried.—(Hear,
hear !)
Mr. Dexow denied that the price of coals was at present ex-
orbitant. It was a fact well known the whole price of coals
was so low that they were exported and sold at a price below
the expence of digging for them in those counties where they
were purchased. Reductions of the original expences of ne-
cessaries did not always benefit the consumers of the articles.
The tax on leather, for instance, had been taken off recently,
and yet the price to the public continued the same.—(Hear,
hear !)—He denied the necessity of an increased number of
meters. In fact, the Corporation was by no means in posses-
sion of sufficient information to proceed in the business, or to
attempt to make new regulations. The dealers themselves,

who were necessarily the best judges of the facts, all differed
as to the causes of complaint, if any real cause existed. He
treated lightly the idea of the Corporation being able to keep
down the price of the commodity. The price would always he
regulated, as in every other, by the proportion of the supply
to the demand. When there was a scarcity, no resolution of
the Court would prevent the seller from taking advantage of the
market; and, on the other hand, when there was no glut,
nothing could keep up the price. lie was willing, as an ex-
periment, to go to the length of agreeing with the Committee
in their recommendation that there should be an increase of the
number of meters by 12. He, however, strenuously opposed
the string of resolutions put as an amendment to the Report,
which resolutions contained a number of propositions wholly
unsupported, and which the Court ought not rashly to adopt.
Mr. FAVELL said, that the necessity of some increase of
the number of meters was not and could not be denied. The
question was as to the degree of the increase, and he was of
opinion that the Court ought to try the effect of a large in-
crease, and not make one which would not be perceptible to
the public.

Mr. Alderman LUCAS said, it was obvious to every man
that there had been an increase of the importation of coals
during the last twenty years full 36 per cent. whilst the
meters had only been increased in number by 12 per cent.
He submitted that the increase of meters should be made in
proportion to the increase of the. importation, and therefore he
thought that an increase of 30 instead of 40 would be sufficient.
He contended that there was no ground for the complaint of the
want of a sufficient number of craft.

Mr. Alderman WOOD spoke in support of the amended
motion. He said a very unfavourable impression existed
against the Corporation that they were adverse to the aboli-
tion of the odious duty on this important article. He had
always contended against this impression ; and to chew that
it was unfounded he should propose a Resolution for a Pe-
tition to Parliament, praying that the Tax should be abolished.
The LORD MAYOR addressed the Court at some length upon
the subject; and said that a short time since, when there was an
arrival of 360 vessels in the River, and when the freight must
have been delivered, the price actually rose six shilling the
chaldron. There were numerous other instances where it was
evident, from the increased price at the very time of the exist-
ence of an increased supply, the market had not its proper and
natural operation. There had been a reduction recently, but it
was very probable that it had been occasioned by the discussion
on the subject.—( H ear, hear !)—H is Lordship besought the
most serious attention of the Court on the subject.
Mr. SOTJTHGATE replied; when the Amendment was put,
and carried by a considerable majority.
Mr. Deputy ROUTH moved that it should be referred to a
Committee to appoint the 40 additional meters pursuant to the
Resolutions.

This motion was carried, and also the directing the Resolu-
tions to be advertised.

Mr. Alderman WooD then proposed a petition to the House
of Commons for the repeal of the Duty on Coals.
Mr. Alderman HE Y G ATE said the repeal of the tax on coals
would be of no benefit to the public, unless a competition were
raised in the market by the introduction of inland coals.
Mr. Alderman WOOD said the repeal of the duty would
have the effect of throwing the market open.—The petition was
carried.

WEST INDIA DOCK COMPANY.
Mr. Dixow asked the Remembrancer whether or not there
had been any steps taken in the House of Commons, towards
the renewal or extension of the West India Dock Company ?
The Remembrancer said there had not.

LAW INTELLIGENCE.

COURT OF CHANCERY, FEB. 12.
COVENT-GARDEN THEATRE.

Hr. HART said his Lordship was pleased to conclude his ob-
servation in this case on the last occasion, by recommending,
and even ordering the proprietaryship to call a meeting of all
the parties interested, and impartially to consider who they
should appoint as their Treasurer. He (Mr. H.) now held in
his hand a letter written by the Solicitors of the defendants,
namely, Messrs. Kemble, Willett, and Forbes, stating that
they declined having any other meeting, or doing any thing to
conciliate the matter ; in short, saying they would have no-
thing to do with his Lordship's order.
His LoansHlP—Then I will take an early opportunity of
stating what I have further to say in that case.
Mr. SIIADWELL, who appears for Mr. Henry Harris, the
lessor, said that he had not received any intimation of that
letter.

His LORDSHIP then desired that he should have notice of it.

Mr. HART thought there was no necessity for Mr. Har:is
having notice of this letter, for he, having entered into such
covenants as he had entered into with the lessors, he had no
vote, but he was bound to act just as they thought proper.
His LoRDsHIP considered that that depended entirely on
whether the lessors could act according to the terms of the deed
of 1822, and he was clearly of opinion that there were provi-
sions in that deed which could not be suffered to be acted upon
31r. HART earnestly wished that his client, Mr. Const,mighi
not be made the victim of delay any longer in this case. As the
defendants in terms had said his Lordship's order or recommen-
dation was futile, why should the Court delay its interference?

His LORDSHIP desired to know on Monday morning what
has been done, and then he would act accordingly.

id
his
. Lordshipuis
client,promised
who n, a
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make the
GARRICK V. LORD CAMDEN.
M r
thecreditors
Paine, asserted that the other persons who
claimed an interest in this fund, as incumbrancers, were al-
ready paid aliutuk.
oneEs
Mr. HART hoped his Lordship would shield this little fund
from the costs of a suit. Mrs. Paine is so convinced of the in-
S vcir
N a
sufficiency ofd i‘ri r. on thispn
of her husband's property to discharge his debts,
that she refuses to administer. If Mr. Sugden's client choose
to take out administration, he is welcome to do so ; but what
necessity is there for filing a bill, and putting the fund to un-
necessary expence ?
The LORD CHANCELLOR thought it most advisable that
Mr. Bailey should transfer the money back to the Accountant-
General, and that it should remain in his hands till some fur-
ther order. He had, among the papers handed to him, a letter
from another person who claimed. He had been told that the
incumbrancers were not paid.
Mr. SUDDEN said an application was made to the Solicitor
for the incumbrancers to procure information on that point,
but he refused to give any.
His LORDSHIP said he should obtain information about the
incumbrances, and then the Master could decide on the priority
of claims ; for the present, he thought it best that Mr. SlT-
den's client should administer, and that no bill should be filed
by him.

IN THE MATTER OF SYMONS, A BANKRUPT.
Mr. MONTAGU and Mr. WAKEFIELD appeared for the
bankrupt in this case, and prayed that the bankrupt might be
ordered to be discharged out of the custody of the Marshal of
the Marshalsea. The case was mentioned to his Lordship at
the House of Lords yesterday, and ordered to come on here this
morning.
Air. IE ALD opposed the case being gone into, on the ground
of not having had time to read the affidavits that had been
filed in support of the application. A Commission of Bank-
rupt was taken out against this Gentleman in Sept. last, and on
the 6th of that month surrendered to his bail. During the time
he was in custody, a detainer was lodged against him by Mr.
Heald's client, and by virtue of which he conceives he has been
illegally detained.
His LORDSHIP desired that it would come on before him at
the House of Lords, at half-past nine on Monday morning,
and in the meantime would read the affidavits without pre-
judice.
The COURT then proceeded, being the last day of term,
with motions, but none cf any public interest came on this
morning.

COURT OF KING'S BENCH, FEB. 13.
THE KING V. THE COFNTY CLERK OF MIDDLESEX AND

1113 DEPUTY.

Mr. SCARLETT moved to enlarge this rule for a criminal
information, obtained on a former day by 111 r. French, on the
ground that the gentlemen moved against had not time to give
their answers in full to the charge.
The COURT said that the rule enlarged itself under the cir.
curnstanees ; and it was enlarged accordingly.

THE KING v. JOHN HUNT.

Mr. ADOLPHUS FMiti., he believed Mr. Hunt was now in
Court, and might be called on to give the recognizance pro-
posed yesterday.
Mr. Hunt appeared on the floor of the Court•
Mr. SCARLETT rose and said. On the part of the defend-
ant, on account of a feeling respecting the prosecutors, which it
is not necessary to discuss •in this place, I have to state hiS ob-
jection to enter into a recognizance on their motion. If your
Lordships, however, say that it is fitting he should engage to

abstain from alluding to the matter of the prosecution while! It
is pending, I will take on myself, from the conversation which
I have had with him, to engage that he will abstain from such
allusions.

The LORD CHIEF JUSTICE.—WeII, Mr. Adolphus, Will
not that be as good ?
Mr. ADOLPHus.—The assurance of Mr. Scarlett is Per;
fectly satisfactory to my mind individually, but, on the part of
those who instruct me. I think I should submit that the de'
fendant ought to enter into a recognizance.
The LORD CHIEF JUSTICE.—I think you may rely on the
assurance of the defendant, made through his Learned Coun-
sel ; is it not as good as a recognizance ?
Mr. Justice BAYLEY.—IS it not a great deal better ?
The LORD CHIEF JUSTICE.—I think, Mr. Adolphus, you
may take on yourself to rely on Mr. Scarlett's assurance.
Mr. ADOLPHus.—Then, my Lord, I take on myself to ac•
cede to the suggestion.
The LORD CHIEF JUSTICE.—I believe you may do so
safely. If there be any violation, you may bring the matter
before us in aggravation, upon the motion for judgment.
Mr. Hunt then, after speaking to Mr. Scarlett, left the Court.,

THE KING V. THE CORPORATION OF PORTSMOUTH.
Mr. MEREWETHER on a former day moved for a manda'
mus to the Corporation of Portsmouth, requiring them to as-1
semble and deliberate on the expediency of enforcing residence
on certain Aldermen of that Borough. The Court theh reflised
the rule, because no authority was cited in support of the ap-
plication. The Learned Counsel now renewed his motion on
the case of" The King v. Truro," decided in 1821, which wad
in the Crown-office, and not reported.
The COURT, upon this authority, granted a rule to shove
cause why a mandamus should not issue.

THE KING V. COOKE AND OTHERS.
Mr. CAMPBELL begged to mention this case again, in which
the venue was changed. to Shropshire, and to request that it
might be altered to Worcester or some more distant county, on
the ground that the estates claimed by Richard Stafford Cooke-
lay on the borders of Salop. He should prefer Warwickshire-
Mr. TALFOUBD said, that he was sure if the Court looked
into the affidavits, they would find that there was no reason for
changing the venue at all. The defendants had not even con-,
descended to mention the counties where the estates lay, but
had sworn generally that they claimed estates " in all the ad-,
joining counties."
The LORD CHIEF JUSTICE said there was no pretence for
removing the case to Warwick ; but perhaps it might be better
tried at Glocester, as that being the last place, a trial at the
next assizes might be ensured.
The venue was accordingly changed to Gloucester.
THE KING V. " THE INDIAN OBSERVER."
The ATTORNEY-GENERAL renewed his motion for a cri-
minal information against the proprietor, printer, and publisher
of this paper, for a libel on Sir W. Rumbold. The Court
would recollect that yesterday a suggestion was made that the
prosecutor ought to deny that part of the article which charged
him with borrowing money of the natives at 12} per cent., and
lending it to the Nyzam at 23 per cent. Sir W. Rumbold
now swore, that his firm never did lend money to the Nyzam at
25 per cent. ; that before they lent any money they obtained
an order of the Governor-General sanctioning the proceeding,
which was approved by Mr. Adam ; that in the state of the
Nyzam's affairs, he could not raise money at the usual interest;
and that the opinion of the Advocate-General was taken whe-
ther, under the circumstances, the law limiting the rate of in-
terest applied ; and he was clearly of opinion in the negative.
The COURT, on this statement, granted the rule to shoo'
cause.

THE RING V. LAWRENCE RENWORTHY.
The defendant in this case was indicted more than two year
ago at Chester, found guilty, and sentenced to be transported
for seven years. Mr. Jones afterwards obtained a habeas corpus,
on the ground that the judgment was erroneous; it was found
to be so on writ of error ; and the man was discharged on bad,
till the court should pass a fresh sentence. He appeared at th
last Chester Assizes, and the Court then sentenced him again,
to be transported for seven years, to be computed from'the ori-
ginal sentence; and he was shipped off to the Bermudas, not-
withstanding the objection that the Court had no power on the
record before them.

Mr. D. F. JONES now moved to enter the procetiendo, iri
order that he might be in a condition to bring a writ of error.
The COURT granted the motion.
This being the last day of Term, the Court did not rise till
after nine in the evening.

BAD SOVEREIGNS.-Yesterday morning, at tent
o'clock, a trick was played off upon Mr. W00r..-
RIDGE, poulterer, Everett-street, Brunswick"
square, by those sharpers who are in the habit
of sending into circulation base and counterfeit
sovereigns. A female, very elegantly attired,
entered Mr. Woolridge's shop, and ordered A%
brace of fowls to be sent to Lansdown-placet
No. 2: the price was agreed upon, 6s. 6d., and
the lady retired, saying the servant was to bring
change for a sovereign with him. Soon after Mr-
Woolridge sent his servant, and change for the
sovereign, and just as he got to the end of-Eve-
rett-street the lady met him, exclaiming,"..Mercy,.
you have been a long time." She then took the
13s. 6d. change, together with the fowls, gave the
servant a sovereign, as he supposed, and then de--
parted : the servant brought homy the sovereigns
and Mr. Woolridge immediately discovered it to
be a counterfeit, and hastened off to No. 2, Lang'
down-place to inquire for the female, but no such
person lived there, or could be at all heard off.--'
She was attired as a country lady, with a flush
upon her countenance, and rather lusty.
On the arrival of the 93d highlanders at De-
merara, a good joke is told of Blackee—that
" King George de Fourt was in such rage anti
so great hurry to punish dem for deir rebellious
conduct, that he sent his sogers off without de.
breeches."

VALENTINE'S DAY.-Several supernumerary"
letter-carriers, in the twopenny post delivery of letters, are e'
gaged for to-morrow, in consequeucc of its being St. Valentine's
Day, when several thousand letters (not on business, but filled
with amorous declarations, as usual, on that day), will give
them sufficient employment.
SHIPWRECK.—We regret to state, that in the
heavy gale of the Gth instant, the Minerva, Captain RidleY,
which had gone down to Dunleary for the purpose of assisting
the sloop Providence, Captain Evans, which had sunk, and the
sloop Union, which was likewise endeavouring to assist the
Providence, both drifted on the pier, where the Minerva shortly
became a total wreck, a small part of her rigging, together wit
her anchors, being the only articles saved. The Captain, find.
ing every efihrt unavailing, thought it most prudent to heave
the vessel off to her anchors, when the sloop Union, that was
likewise endeavouring to raise the Providence, and was also
making sail to get off, in a heavy squall, drove on board the
Minerva, and parted from her ground tacklings ; they drifted
against the pie/ and sunk. It was an appalling sight to behold
two vessels sinking close to the pier, and one of them, the
Union, enveloped in flames.—(Dublin Journal.)

BIRTHS.
On the 3d inst., at GrAnsted Hall, the Lady of Major Robt
H. Ord, K.H. of a son.
On Friday, the 6th init., Mrs. Jack-59n, of Brunswick-squarer
of a daughter.

MARRIED.
At Convanore, in the county of Cork, at the seat of Lora
Viscount Ennismore, M.P., his Lordship's eldest dauglite,"
Letitia, and grand-daughter of the Earl of Listowel, of Kings-
ton House, to Richard Oliver Aldworrit, of Newmarket House,
in that county, Esq.
On the 29th ult., at Leatherhead, Francis Rudall, Esq., °I
Clement's-inn, to Hannah, third daughter of Joseph Conder,
Esq., of Leatherhead.
On the 12th inst , Joseph Robertson, Esq., of Whitby, York--
shire, to Ann, youngest daughter of George Browne, Esq., of
Croom's-hill.

DIED.
On Wednesday, at his house in Queen-square, in his Mb
year, Richard Cheslyn Cresswcll, proctor, Doctors'-common%t
and one of the Deputy Registrars of the Prerogative Court of
Canterbury.
On Tuesday, the 10th inst., Mr. William Fennings, of Burr'
street, in the 47th year of his age.
On Tuesday last, at Cadogan-place, in the 36th year of bet
age, Jane, the wife of Alfred Thrale Perkins, Esq.
On the 11th inst., at Walton, the Lady Harriet Bennett
youngest daughter of the Earl of Tankerville.
On Wednesday last, in the Tower, Edmond Donnellani'
Esq., late of the Stock Exchange, aged 38.

Printed and Published for the PROPRLETORS, at the SOP'
OFFICE, 112, Strand, by J. B. CAUSTAIRB.