The Sun.
London, England, 1847-04-01 00:00:00

FOREIGN RAILWAYS.

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Dutch Rhenish • • • • • • • • 7 •• • 4 • • .... • ... 414
Northern of France • • • • • • 6
8 •• •
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Orleans and Bourdeaux •• • • •
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6%
Paris and Lyons • • • • • • • • 8 .• .. 5% •5
Sambre and Meuse • • • .. 12 .... 6 % 6
JOINT-STOCK BANKS.

Anstulasla • • .. - . .. .. 40 .... 22 •••••••••• 22
MINES.
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Real del Monte, 17nrezistered ..
.... 3%.......... 336

LLOYD'S SHIPPIN G-(TI-IIS DAY.)
LONDON, Arm, I.—Wind S.S.E., light breeze and fine.
DEAL, MARCH 31.—Wind N.E., moderate.—Sld. Ellen,
New York ; Mediator, ditto ; Resolution, Quebec; Essex,
Hobart Town; Justina, Madras; James M'Queen, St. Lucia.
BRISTOL, MAncit 30.—Arrd. Barbara, Baker, Calcutta,
with foremast sprung. A vessel of about 500 or 600 tons,
with mizen mast and roundhouse gone, and abandoned, was
passed 18th inst., lat. 53 N., long. 18 W.; and on the 28th,
off Lundy, several bales (supposed to be cotton) and a barque
with loss of mizen mast, by the Frederick Smith, arrived
here.
WARKWORTH, MAncn 30.—The Monica, of Whitby, for
London, struck on the bar on the 28th inst., drove on the
rocks, and has become a wreck.
CARDIGAN, MARCIE 30.—The Whitebaven has been as-
sisted off the bar and into here. _

GLouclisrEit, MARCH 31.—The Menapia got off the rocks
last night, and will come here to be docked.
YARMOUTH, MAactt 31.—The Nordlyset has got of
Hasbro' Sand, and arrived here to-day; cargo discharging.
WATERFORD, Maacit 28.—Sid. Altorf, New Orleans;
Antiquary, Philadelphia; Till, New York; Herbert, ditto;
Melcheor, Martinique.

DEATH OF SIR ARCHIBALD DUNBAR, BART.—This
Baronet, the representative of one of the oldest Scottish
houses, died on Monday last at his seat Northfield, El-
ginshire, aged G 5. He was son of the fourth Baronet, by
the daughter of Viscount Arbuthnot, and is succeeded
in the title and estates by his eldest son Archibald. Two
of his sons are in the East India Company's service, and
a third is captain in the 22d Foot, now in India.
THE PROTESTANT REFORMATION IN FRANCE.—
The new work under this title, by the celebrated authoress
of " Father Darcy," " Emilia Wyndham," &c., is published
this day by Mr. Bentley, and may be had of all booksellers,
in two vols. Bvo., with numerous fine portraits and wood
engravings by G. Measom, price 305., bound. Mr. Bentley
has also just published the following now works :-2.
side and Border Sketches; with Legends of the Cheviots and
the Lammermuir, by W. 11. Maxwell, Esq., author of
" Wild Sports of the West," &c., 2 vols. post Bvo., with
numerous Illustrations, 215., bound. 3. Memoirs of Jacques
Coeur, the French Argonaut, by Miss Costello, author of
"The Lives of Eminent Englishwomen," " A Summer
amongst the Bocages and Vines," Esc., Bvo., with Portait,
&c., 145., bound. 4. The Phantom Ship, by Captain Mar-
ryat, forming the new volume of the " Standard Novels and
Romances," complete in 1 vol., neatly bound and embel-
lished, price Cs.
SURREY THEATRE.—The Arabs who are to per-
form on Easter Monday had a rehearsal yesterday. The
vigour and agility which they display in their various feats,
and the singular and apparently perilous combinations which
they form, will, doubtless, render them highly attractive to
all who take interest in exhibitions of the kind. They cer-
tainly surpass anything in the gymnastic way that has yet
been attempted.
EAST SOMERSET ELECTION.--The day of nomina-
tion for the election of a Member in the place of Colonel
&ire Langt.)n, deceased, sill take pl.4ce at Wells on
6,","")". Aim' 10. As yet we.have beard ui au opptmi-
tion to Mr. W. Pinney.—Taunton Courier.

OVERLAND MAIL
IN DIA.
(From the Times.)
We have received by our regular semi-monthly
express from Marseilles tour dispatches from India in
anticipation of the mail,, ,which left Bombay on the
2d of March.
They bring the intelligence—happily now usual—
of the prevalence of tranquillity in our Indian pro-
vinces ; yet there exist s:ts•ong probabilities of disturb-
ances breaking out in vatious districts.
There is evidently rca uch dissatisfaction prevalent
in Lahore. The Queen• Mother and others are busy
in intrigues. A conspiracy has been discovered,
which had for its object the murder of Tej Singh,
who is looked upon as tlhe friend of the British. The
Queen-Mother and her son Dhuleep were about to
proceed upon a pilgrimage, but were prevented by
the interference of the British Resident, Colonel
Lawrence. Their departure from Lahore was in-
tended to produce a gvand movement amongst the
disaffected.

From Jamoo we learn that Ghoolab Singh is ruling
his new subjects with z rod of iron. The insurrec-
tion in the Hazzareh, or mountain districts, has been

put down.
In Moultan the Moulraj, as if enraged at the sums
demanded from him by the Dewan of Lahore, is le-
vying the most oppressive taxes. His oppressions,
like those of Ghoolab S ingh, will speedily create a de-
sire in those districts for the establishment of the
British rule. Cashmere and Moultan, as well as La-
hore, are likely ere long to belong to the dominions
of Great Britain, for the inhabitants groan under
the hated yoke of their native Rajas and Nazims.
From Peshawur we learn that the bands of ran-
somed Indians which the :British Government has
obtained from Dost Mahomed had crossed the Indus
at Attock.
There is said to be a great scarcity of money at
Caubul. Dost Mahomed remained there in quiet,
while his Wuzeer and son, the notorious Akbar, was
restless, and hurrying from one place to another, as if
agitated by some powerful motives. He was in
December at Candahar, whence he took one of his
uncles as a hostage, and brought him to his father.
In January he, having returned to Caubul, had set out
for Jellalabad. All these movements at that season
clearly show that he is involved in some important
schemes. He has caused a number of his adherents
to assemble at Jellalabad, with the ostensible purpose
of an attack on the Ghilzies of Kashmund, the son of
whose chief he wishes to have as a hostage for the
good conduct of the father.
The winter has been unusually severe in the north
of India. Snow to the depth of three feet had
fallen at Simla, and abundant rains had fertilised the
plains, and given promise of an abundant harvest in
the Jullunder and other districts. The Governor-
General, who was moving through the north west
provinces on a tour of inspection, was expected at
Meerut on the 22d of February. He has punished
several and rewarded others of the " protected Seikh
chiefs" for their conduct during the late war. It
was expected that he would be joined at Meerut by
Mr. Thomason, the Lieutenant-Governor of the
north. western provinces, in order that they might
confer together respecting various improvements
which were suggested. The Commander-in-Chief
was at Saharampoor, whither it was thought the
Governor-General would proceed, on his route to
the hills, before the commencement of the hot season.
His return to Calcutta is not expected for some
months more.
The death of the King of Oude took place on the
13th of February; but such were the activity and
good arrangements of the Resident, Colonel Rich-
mond, that his eldest son and successor was placed on
the throne without any of the disturbances usual on
such occasions. All was quiet at the time of the
death of the one and enthronement of the other.
From Sinde there is nothing new. The marau-
ders of the Boogtie tribes, who had begun their forays
near Shirkapore, having been attacked and repulsed
by Jacob's Horse, had retired to their hills. Nothing
was said of their future attempts. Sir Charles Napier
was at Hyderabad, and Sinde was as tranquil as any
province of India, notwithstanding the withdrawal of
the great portion of the Bombay regiments which had
been stationed there.
The reduction of the army was going forward.
Two hundred Sepoys and twenty-five natives officers
were to be struck off from the rolls of each native re-
giment of infantry. The cavalry and irregulars will
be also reduced; so that the numerical strength will
be lessened by about 40,000 men. Her Majesty's
9th, 17th, 39th, and 63d Regiments are also returning
to Europe.
The 21Iofussillite, a paper printed at Meerut, as-
serts in its publication of the 19th of February, that
the reduction of the irregulars has been suspended,
and that the regular troops would not be reduced
immediately. The cause of this delay is not publicly
known.
The Five per Cent. Loan still continued open, al-
though
it was said that upwards of 3,000,0001. ster-
ling
bad been subscribed. Ibis thought that when
the Treasury has abundant cash a plan of reducing
the debt and interest will be adopted.
By orders of the Governor-General the cessation of
all kinds of official labour on Sunday has been effected.
Even the native durbars have been laid aside on that
day in various places.
The Goomsoors, perhaps the most uncivilized of
all the tribes of India, are still in arms. Their fana-
ticism and eagerness for human sacrifices will not
allow them to submit to the demands of the British
Government for the suppression of those atrocities.
Measures are, however, in progress for bringing
them to a sense of their duties, by mild means, if
possible ; if not, by force. Their isolated position
near the Coromandel coast, and their impervious cane
forests, may cause some delay, but they produce no
alarm. They are the remnants of the wildest bar-
barians of that coast, and must, by degrees, conform
to the rules of civilized mankind. A commissioner
has proceeded thither in order to prevent the further
shedding of blood.
The Nizam's dominions still present the same pic-
ture of confusion, dissatisfaction, and general misery.
A petty raja at Kandhar, about seventy miles from
Hingolee, having refused to obey the orders of the
new Wuzeer, was seized and carried prisoner to
Hyderabad, while his fort was occupied by the troops
from the neighbouring stations.
The misery which prevails in the rural districts of
the western presidency of India is unalleviated. The
rise in the price of cotton may be supposed sufficient
to encourage the ryots to save their crop, but as they
see no effort is made by the " Sirdars," as the Go-
vernment authorities are called, they will make none.
It will scarcely be believed in England that at the
time when the cotton is fit for plucking and cleansing
the native ryots amuse themselves with long holi-
days, like the Roman Saternalia, in which the vilest
obscenities are uttered, and the populace appear
frantic. Some stringent regulations ought to be
taken for having the crops secured before, and the
celebration of such festivals carried on at other
seasons. They are absolutely the acts of madmen,
who neglect everything to indulge in the most loath-
some vices.
One of those infamous festivals, the Hoolee, was
celebrating at the time of the departure of the mail.
For ten days the population was engaged in their
observances, and for the last four they refused to
work.

The trade in opium was rather dull. The cele-
brated actions brought to compel payment from the
repudiators of their time bargains had been stopped
by a demurrer in the Supreme Court. Judgment
in the case of the demurrer was expected on the
sth of March. It was looked to with great inter-
est, for if the British Courts protect the repudiators,
there will be no security for any bargains with the
natives.

The new Governor of Bombay had gone for a
short excursion into the Deccan. He appears re-
solved to learn the true state of matters by personal
inquiries, and much good is expected from him
hereafter.
The non-arrival at Bombay of the London mails of
the 24th of January, prior to the departure of the mails
of the 2d of March, gave rise to various conjectures,
whk.l-1 it is needless to repeat.
e mint not omit to mention th tile snare-
holders of the Oriental Bank at Bombay had, at a

public meeting, rejected the propositions made -o
them by the directors of their branch in London ;
but other amended resolutioni had been agreed to for
the adoption of the latter.
We annex a Price Current, which is considered the
best in Bombay.

COMMERCIAL INTE LLIG ENCE.
BOMBAY, MAncir 2.
Cotton Piece Goods.—We are glad to say that there
has been a good demand since our last for grey goods,
and a larger amount of busine done to what we re -
p. erted in our last for the first half of past month, owing
to the dealers having nearly eleareo off their stocks of
previous cheap purchases which enables them now to
offer better prices ; these are as yet, however, inadequate
to the late advance in manufactured goods in England,
and consequently importers evince firmness in holding.
The following are the descriptions of goods on which
two to six annas per piece have advanced. Lower and
middling qualities of jacconets, shirtings, and mad-
dapolams. There is a scarcity of 45-inch shirting above
64 reeds and advanced prices are offered. Domestics of
coarse and heavy make have been sold at full prices.
Bleached goods have not participated in the advance.
Twill-d cloth and middling quality of jacconets :are in-
quired after at a slight advance on former prices. Fancy
goods, such as lappets, mull-mull, zebra dresses, Are
steady ; but no advance in price is yet offered. The
principal buyers of these goods are Alarwarrics, who
have not yet commenced purchasing, and until they
come forward we look for no improvement. Dyed
goods, only a small amount of sales effected in Turkey
red, plain, and twilled cloth ; of the former 1,000 pieces
24 inches, 28 yards, at Br. and 2a., and the latter, 400
pieces, 36 inches 24 yards, fine quality, at 10r. and 6a.
per piece. _ .

R. As. P.

360 pieces Grey sheeting 40 inches 73 yards 13 3 0
1,350 Bleached lappets 40 inches 10 yds. 1 12 0
500 Grey shirting 40 inches 38 yards 4 8 0
2,000 Bleached lappets 10 yards 1 10 to 2 8 0
300 ,t Mull 20 yards ... ... 3 2 0
500 17 - Book Muslins 12 yards 2 5 0
. .

300 Scarfs, 45 inches 5 yards - ... 2 6 0
1,000 Grey sheeting, 36 inches 60 yards 9 6 0
1,000 „ shirting, 45 inches ... 5 9 0
1,000 If f, 40 inches ... 4 14 0
1,000 , , 9 9 4 6 6
1,000 „ sheeting, 30 inches 24 yards 2 9 6
1,000 „ jacconets, 45 inches ... 2 5 0
1,000 „ sheeting, 33 inches 24 yards 2 11 0
1,000 „ shirting, 40 inches ... 5 8 0
1,000 If 91 „ ... ... 6 12 0
1,000 „ jacconets ... ... ... 2 5 0
1,000 Turkey red plain cloth, 24 in. 28 yds 8 2 0
300 Bleached lappet, 12 yards ... 3 8 0
400 ~ 9 9 „ .• • ... 4 12 0
800 Coloured „ ~ ... ... 310 0

200 99 •• • •• • 4 14 0
150 Grey shirting, 40 inches 38 yards 5 10 0
1,000 ft ... 5 11 0

500 If

~ ... 6 5 0

1,000 If II 9,9, *. • 5 13 0
1,500 „ Maddapolanis 33 inch. 24 yds. 2 10 0
1,500 /I ~ 38 24 2 9 6

1,000 ff ft f f 3 13 0
f

, -
PI 2,000 9 f , , /I 2 8 0
1,000 ff YIP
/I ~ 3 3 0

ft If 1,000 ff ff 3 4 0
1,600 ~ ff ff ~ 2 3 3
2,400 „ Jacconets ... ... ... 1 14 0
1,500 ff ft
1,200 ff 7f
1,500 ~ ~
400 Turkey red Twills 36 in. 24 yds. 10 6 0
600 Grey Sheeting 36 37 5 2 0
ft GOO ff ff ff 5 4 0
f f 600 ff ff 5 9 0
ft 1,000 ff ff fl 5 10 0
500 ft ft 33 If 5 0 0
ft
500 I f ff ~ 4 12 0
500 ~ f, ~ t,
4 9 0
500 ff ff ~ 71
4 1 0
500 If ft 29 58 5 9 0
,500 ff fI ff 67 8 4 0
ff
1,000 ff ff ff 8 0 0
1,000 „ ff ff ff 8 8 0

.. ..
,If 1
1,000 ft ~ 8 12 0
500 Iv 9 f 31 70 9 15 0

500 If 36 66 12 4 0
500 Grey Sheeting 36 66 12 1 0
600 ~ ly 28 40 2 9 0
600 /7 9, 25 f I 4 1 0
500 I, ,/ 2.1 ..• 2 15 0

500 99 26 ••• 4 6 0
600 Bleached kirting 5 14 0
300 5 11 0

500 !I )1

... ... 5 9 0

..
400 „ Jacc one ta ... ... 7 8 0
400 ~ VP ••• ... 8 0 0
6,800 Grey Maddapolams 32 ... 111 0
600 ~ Jacconets 45 ... 2 5 2
1,000 Bleached Shirting ... ... 5 2 0
500 7, ff ••• •• • 5 8 0
2,000 Grey Jacconets ... •.• 114 0
200 Bleached Mulls ... ••• 2 8 0
200 ft If 2 12 0
300 „ Shirting ... .•• 5 2 0
2,000 Grey Jacconets ... ••• 2 2 6
800 ff tf ••• ••• 2 6 0
600 ,_, .•• ••• 2 9 9
200 Dyed Satin Spots 36 40 11 0 0
1,000 Grey Shirting 40 ... 5 3 0
300 Bleached Shirting ... . . 6 2 0
500 2 I Lappets 10 3 2 0
1,000 11/ Shirting ••• 6 8 .0
500 Grey Sheeting, 36 60 10 8 0
100 Bleached Jaconets ... ... 5 2 0
500 „ Book Muslin 12 310 0
800 Grey Maddapolams, 33 ... 2 6 0
300 Bleached Shirting ... ••• 6 6 0

100 „ Lappets l2 412 0
70 11 Jacconets .• ..• 2 6 0
1,000 Grey Long Cloth, 38 38 4 8 0
2,000 „ Jacconets ... 2 2 6
1,000 2 9 0
11 1, ••• •••
500 Bleached Long Cloth, 36 40 5 ' 8 0
1,000 5 2 0
1, Si, 7, 9 I
3,000 GreyJacconets, 20 yards 6-4 1 11 0
1,560 „ Shirting, 40 inches ... 4 7 0
850 „ Domestic, 48 yds. 32 in. 9 7 0
300 It 1,1 11
~ 8 6 0
2,000 „ Sheeting, 40 in. 36 yds. 413 0
Cotton Yarn-The market has been tolerably steady;
transactions done to a limited extent only; our last que-
dons are fully maintained ; on No. 30 we quote one
quarter to one half anna higher. The following are the
particulars of sales that have come to our knowledge
since the 16th ult.:-
60 bales 3001 b. each inferior water, No. 30, at 8/
annas.
45 bales mule, 300 lb. each, No. 40, at 8 annas.
10 bales mule, 200 lb. each, No. 30, at 74; 72 bales
200 lb. each mule, No. 40, at 8 and 8i annas per lb.
100 bales, 200 lb. each water, Nu. 20 and 24 at 7, and
30's, at 8i annas per lb.
Dyed-Orange has been in inquiry, and we have
heard a sale of 10,000 lb. at 11i annas. We quote 10k
to 11i annas for average No. 40, and for Turkey red at
rupees 1 7 -16 to li per lb.
Met ils-English iron has been in very good inquiry,
and prices have advanced, and we have heard an off,r of
35 rupees having ben refused for a select parcel. Nail
rods are also steady. Of sheets arid hoops and nails tse
have heard of no sales. Copper continues in demand,
and although a large quantity was reported to have ar-
rived in our last, the whole has been sold. We quote a
slight advance on braziers and sheathing. The follow-
ing are the sales of metals that have been made since
the 16th ult.:-
225 Candies of English bar iron at 321 r.
420 ditto 33tr.
240 ditto, nail rod, round 43r.
250 ditto ditto square 4sr.
125 ditto ditto
850 cwt. Swedish steel in tubs 9r.
135 ditto broken Br.
100 ditto in faggots ...... 11r. 12an. 6 pier.
300 ditto llr. 12an.
500 ditto pig lead 1 l.r.
100 ditto spelter 28 to 40 lb. plate 10r. to 10r. 161 n.
Cochineal-Continues scarce, our last quotation of
41r. per lb. is fully maintained.
Saffron-We have a sale of 751 b. of inferior quality at
111 b. to note; for the best our highest quotations can be
obtained.
Beer-There are only supplies of Bass in the market,
selling at our quotation.
C tton Market-Has been steady, and purchases have
been made for the English market as noted below. The
stock of old is very large and a scarcity of tonnage,
which will cause a decline, we expect, on the present
prices. Large arrivals of the new crops are daily ex-
pected. Parcels of new Khandeish are now in the mar-
ket, which are selling from 84r. to 86r. per candy ; we
have heard contracts have been made for new Broach
and Jumbooser, as also far Dhollerah deliverable in April
next, at an advance of 2r. and 3r. per candy respectively.
The following are the purchases made since the 16th
instant:-
400 candies new Khandeish, at B5
200 ditto ditto
200 ditto ditto
400 ditto ditto
50 ditto Barsee
100 ditto Old Compta 74
700 ditto ditto
175 ditto ditto
100 bales Dhollerah
1,400 ditto ditto ••• 75
The following have been purchased to arrive .-
500 bales new Broach and Jumbooser, at... 98
1,000 ditto Dhollerah
Opium Malwa-Continues nearly in the same state as
reported in our last, excepting an -advance on recent
purchases, which have had effect rs. 1,110.
Freight-Our last quotation of 71. for Liverpool is
fully maintained, and three vessels have been engaged
at that rate since our last, and for London 61. 15s. has
been paid. There is no available tonnage in the market.
To China it has advanced to re. 25 per candy.
Exchange-Has not varied much, and transactions
have been done to a large extent for the mail at 2s Oil
for bills for China, anti at 2s. Oid. for local bills, six
ismonthe s'ght..oa Calcutta rs. 991 to 96 1-16 for 60 days'
sight Government's draft.
Yesterday, after the arrival of the China mail, trans..
actions were effected at 2s. Oid. in first-class China bills,
of which a large supply has arrived. A further rise is
expected.
Bank Stock-Shares in the Bank of Bombay,
37 per cent. prem.
Ditto ditto Oriental Bank... 24 ditto
Ditto ditto Commercial ditto 3} at 4 ditto
CALCUTTA MARKETS.

The Bentinck steamer, with the mail of the 24th De-
oember. was unnounced on the rnoruing of the Bth, but
the letters were not delivered uutil the tollowingday,
too late for replies to be forwarded by the Precursor.

The commercial intelligence by this opportunity,
although of considerable importance as regards several
of our principal import and export staples, has as yet
been productive of but little effect in this market; for,
as regards the former, although the enhanced value of
yarn, manufactures, Bec.. at home, will probably even-
tually cause a considerable reduction in shipments to this
country, the native dealers, looking more at the supplies
at present available here and the tightness in the money
market, have not shown any disposition of submitting
to an advance on any but the former staple, and the busi-
ness done has been on a comparatively moderate scale.
In pr duce the animation which, under other circum-
stances, might have been reasonably expected to have
resulted from the more favourable advices received for
several staples, which have been declining in value here,
has been checked by the almost unprecedented scarcity
of tonnage, and the extreme rates demanded in conse-
quence; the improvement iu the home markets having
been alteost exclusively on our most bulky staples and
those least capable of bearing a high rate of freight.
Our exchange on England has again advanced, first-
rate 10 months' date paper having been let off to some
extent at 2s. ld., and the further upward tendency is
apparently only checked by advances against shipments
being still obtainable from Government at 25., which has
been taken advantage of to some extent lately ; the
amount di an n from this source from the opening o the
warehouse in October, up to date, being about 2,400,000
Company's rupees, upwards of 2,000,000 of which have
been taken within the past month.
The money market continues tight, both as regards
the European and native community, with no immediate
prospect of improvement ; and Government securities
and Bank Stock have, in consequence, declined is value,
although quoted nominally, as before, there having been
but little doing in them.
In freights a very material advance has been esta-
blished, and although many parties have as yet refrained
from operations at the rates current, we must say, that
taking all circumstances into consideration, we think
there is every prospect of their continuing to rule high
for some time to come, except in the event of accounts
being received of a very considerable reaction in the
home markets, which does not seem probable.
Indigo—The accounts brought by the Bentinck of
prices at home being firm at 3d. per lb. advance on Oc-
tober rates, with a prospect of further improvement'
gave great confidence here, and buyers came forwa
freely; almost the whole of that offered at the puis!.
sales (which have continued to be held on five days 011
of the week) being taken at full prices, and the sts':
portion bought in or withdrawn being so done on account
of the owners anticipating an advance. During the Ps°
few days, however, rather less animation has been rib-
servable, owing to the paucity of shipping rendering it *
matter of difficulty to obtain documents in time for the
present mail. As it does not seem probable that en/
advance on the present currency will be paid unless tilt!
mail now due brings advices of a further improvement!'
home, we think large shipments will soon go forward
planters' account, should the export warehouse eolith's:
open at the present favourable rate of 2s. per rupee; as
should this be the case, we should not be surprised to se°
the market cleared by the 15th proximo, as out of the 50,00hee
maunds, or thereabouts, which remain to Passeeten
Custom-house, about 15,000 maunds have already
sold, and as much more will be shipped direct, virelly„,
only leaves 20,000 maunds to be disposed of. It nod
appears doubtful whether the French will take off ere
.i
6,500 chests this season, as all the tonnage on vesse!?:.
present in the river is engaged; the Americans and Me
guts also seem disinclined to operate, and will most pr_
bably not purchase to near the usual extent, esPeninhite
the latter, who will very possibly not take more t
1, 200
the sales proceed, we regret to perceive that
quality is in most instances far inferior to last year, 0;6
pecially for those generally known as first marks ;
trust, however, that the planters will have perceived 176
injury they are doing themselves and the dye, and tb
weather permitting, the next crop will turn out better...,
On comparing the exports up to this period for ;70
past four years, a statement of which we annex, it bie
be found that those of the present are very considers
the sh )rtest. 1 I.°
EXPORTS OF INDIGO FROM CALCUTTA FROM NoV.
FEB. 16 (INCLUSIVE), FOR THE PAST FOUR `PEARS
1847. 1846.
Chests. F. Mds. Chests. F•f
ff
10,420 39,789 .•• 13,859 J 10...
Great Britain
1,705 .•• 190 e,•,,
North America ...••• 514
231 7'
France ...
Red Sea and Gulphs 314 '1,085 ... 80
0 ... 21
All other parts

Total
1845. 1844. .dg.
Chests. F. Mds. Chests. . 3'„26
Great Britain
France
3012
North America 642 2,207 ... 365 I,°'',.
Foreign Europe 0 0' ... 90 703
Red Sea and Uulphs 359 1,152 . . 628 ahy -
-----
__,
- - ---
Total 32,010 116.376.... 35,827 132,662
Sugar-For a few days after the arrival of the Bentin e:
there was an active demand for this staple, and rates
rui
large business was done at about the rates quoted in _
last, and iu some instances at a further slight reductiom
the native merchants having continued anxious to re
_t
lize; subsequently, however, the scarcity of tonal*"
began to have its effect, and although the bazaar con;
tinues well supplied with low and middling Benares sod
good date sorts, there has of late been less doing; a
however, seems probable that holders, looking at to
however,
promising state of the new crop, which will commegg''
to arrive in about two months, will ere lon-g- agsin fr
duce their demands sufficiently to induce a resumptil
of operations. Exports to Great Britain, from Ist iv"
up to date, amount to 61,185 maunds.
Saltpetre-The favourable advices received from "le
for this staple have been rendered of no effect by ",•,-8
steady advance in freights, which has rendered °re-'.
i; 0. tbs
Lions in it almost impracticable, notwithstanding h•
further reduction which holders would be willing to isfos
mit to. For France also, the same circumstanes oa
curtailed shipments ' • and even for America the delta*
has of late been far from brisk ; so that, on the iv- boa
market continues in much the same position as vi
we last wrote. beep ISS
Exports from Ist instant up to date, have
follows, viz.:- ns.
To Great Britain ... ... 8,656 rell-,i.
France '" -• ••• 6,827 dun
North America ... ... 8,301 mantl' r,
Rice-On receipt of the mail of the 24th of Deere fa
general disposition was manifested to operate in ric ~„
the European markets, but the steady advance inlreiegft";
from 64 to 61. 65., and ultimately to 71. per ton of V' fools
cwt., combined with the probability that in the Pliny
scarcity of shipping any extensive operations ivOw, the
duce a further advance, kept many parties apt oet_li
market, and the business done has in consequenc nec;„,
comparatively moderate. In prices we fromhavar...2
any change to notice, table having ranged
for mixed to 2r. for middliug, and 2-4 r. for very super
i 1..._
quality ; the latter, however, being an extreme rate, ativ
only paid in a few instances.
For Mauritius suitable descriptions continue to g°
forward freely at about previous quotations.
Exports from the Ist inst. up to date have been °
follows, viz.:-
To Great Britain 39,597 mannds.
Mauritius
Bourbon
Raw Silk-The almost unprecedently low PriC°4
which holders of late have been willing to accept, bli,jo
at last induced a few purchasers to come forward, 11°'
i;
moderate amount of sales have been reported during Ibu,
past ten days ; the inquiry is, however, still fert„r°o
extensive or general, and although the stock in Calelst
is said to be considerably reduced, we should think ,t-
-mtauins,t
frsotmilllsbteinusntu. suupaltloy
dhseteav,y;ta.:;o:t
pinortthse si
tolGmrfeuastßiri
to 766 maunds.
Silk Piece Goods.-A moderate inquiry condor: ft
be experienced for these fabrics, and the quaritteda
good cloths lately offering, having been rather Ib? or
previous quotations have been fully maintained ; itiona
ferior descriptions there has also been more doing, 00
shipments have been going forward to Great Srittin g
pretty freely, those from Ist inst. up to date smouP.4
to 25,265 pcs. Corahs, and 2,939 pcs. ChoPr
Bandannas. hi g in ts,"
Shell Lac and Lac Dye-There being n°tf-o-rilwitrelob,b-o:
late advices to induce purchasers to Come
have to repert a continuance of the netiYitY
been observable in this market for some timed Pit: ass, °id'
ness in both articles being completely at beat
Exports from the Ist inst. up to date have
follows, viz.:- Lae Dr ,:auclOL
To Great Britain ,••••••• 39 IDs,
France 7 ~
North America
Oil Seeds-Business in these seeds, as re:l3slob`r
home markets, has continued confined to occeet.cos pot;
meats as broken stowage; although the Ainererinted Prti
tinue in the market for linseed, the sales sue- do wailS
been very moderate, and prices have it
tendency. t. ~,A bee° °
t Exports from the Ist inst. up to date na•-
follows, viz.:- a sect
ikostar topI•
Linseed.
To Great Britain, 1,620 maunds. -1,92„! °lsis
France
0 010
North America, 1,759 " ded fol. 112
Jute-The rates of freight now detnae • .s, ivi
_,
staple being completely prohibitory, business I.ll_l order!
the exception of a few parcels for which shipplanA nrice!
had been previously secured, is at a stand, Th,orroths
nominally as before. Exports to Great Britain from
Ist inst. up to date, amount to 8,700 maunds.
_,„ co",
Opium-Since the completion of the shipte.s_D al
ferred to in our last this market has been quietbiue:
prevailing tightness in the money market, ft'ci said
with the near approach of the day for dual el
(thep riprices
322; dp),ahtnaas beenbein
being
the o
w causeciuo
toefd aatgrl,2inof°cdoewc_lpille
rupees, and Benares at 1,185 rupees per chest. ~__ bide
Hides-Since the departure of the rrecursor_6o% sir
few.
market has been quiet, purchasers holding out f0r..7000
cline, which has been submitted to on the _ressto
that have been sold. Stocks continue on the ILL'
especially of buffalo. been
Exports from Ist instant up to date have
follows :-
To Great Britain ... ... 3i,200 Piro.
France ••• ... ... 30,200 ,
North America .•• .•• 8,130 '
IMPORTS FROM EUROPE. ...rpfeti
British Cotton Piece Goods-The somewhat i--1; ...p.
inquiry for these fabrics, as noticed in our last,
hea 10
tinued ; and although dealers cannot be iodGv,ione
sabmit to any decided advance, and the businetoe.4ed
has been moderate, they have been taking ei._%oo
of former purchases more readily than was t0_.30,
bet n expected in the present state of the money
Importers continue desirous of reducing stoat
O,J: go
notwitnatauding the enhanced value of most gee ,",.13 st
home, have, generally speaking, continued to r sir_ by
about the previous currency, lasing induced therew "

ai-
xe
For
re,

the
win
ably

Bub'
Do
„„a
holt
vile"

is.
lber,
e for
ghto
;504

the favourable rate at uhich they are now enabled to
Make their remittances, and also by the improbability
°
f their succeeding in establi,hing any advance until a
decided falling off is observable in imports, or stocks in
the interior are much required.
Coloured and Printed Goods.—We have but little
change to notice in this market, Turkey red cloths con-
tinuing in fair demand at full prices, a hikt prints are
placed with difficulty even at the previous low currency.
Woollens—C,:ntinue almost unsaleable, and, as the
season is now over, will most probably continue so for
some months to come.
Mule Twist—The great advance in the value of the
raw material at home, as advised by the mail of the 24th
of December, has enabl• d holders here to establish an
advance of from 2 to 4 pies. per Mcrah, at which a fair
amount of business has been done, both for actual con
gumption and on speculation, and the market is now
firm.
Coloured Yarn—A moderate extent of sales is re-
ported in Turkey red at the previous currency, but in
other colours we are not aware of any transactions.
Metali—There has, if anything, been rather less doing
in this market during the last twelve days, as might hare
been expected from the pressure in the money market;
but as the inquiry continues, we trust, as this passes off,
that business will be resumed to its previous extent.
We have no change to notice in the value of any descrip-
tions, but the more favourable rate at which remittances
are now being effected is equivalent to an advance of one
or two per cent.
Beer—Holders of Bass's are firm for 55 rupees per
hogshead, at which several sales have been effected ;
Allsopp's has also sold to a limited extent at 50 and 55
rupees, and stock of both brands are now considerably
reduced.
Exchange—The rate of our exchange on England has
been steadily advancing, that now current for good paper
being 2s. Id. per rupee, at 10 months' date ; its future
ruling must of course depend in a great measure on that
of Government, as any advance in the latter would in
the present state of things most probably be followed by
an equivalent advance in the commercial trade.
MONEY MARKET.
The tightness in the money market, as noticed in our
last, has coutinued, and would doubtless be more de-
cidedly manifested were it not for the largo amount
advanced by Government on the hypothecation of goods ;
as it is, however, Government Securities and Bank Stock
have declined in value, our quotations being completely
nominal.
CURRENT VALUE OF GOVERNMENT SECURITIES, BANK
STOCK, &C.
Rs. As. Rs. As.
Transfer Five per Cent. 8 oto 10 0 prem.
Second ditto ll2 2 8 disc.
_ _

Third ditto

New ditto..

0 2 -

0 4 "

Company's rupees, 4 per cent. 9 8 10 8 "
Sicca rupees, 4 per cent ll 0 11 8 "
Bank of Bengal Shares,
Co.'s rs. 40,000 each 2,400 0 —2,450 0 prem.
Uninn Bank do„ 1,000 each 45 0 55 0 "
Agra Bank do., 500 each
Oriental Bank do., 500 each 170 0 180 0 "
North West Bank of India

ditto, 300 each, Old l9O 0 200 0 "
Ditto, 500 each, New lOO 0 130 0 "
Freights.—The small amount of shipping at present
in the river, combined with the brisk inquiry lately ex-
perienced for tonnage to Great ,Britain, has enabled
consignees to establis a further considerable advance
on the high rates current when we last wrote; and as
shipping are at present fully cmployed in most ports,
both on this side and at home, it is therefore improbable
that we shall be abundantly supplied for some time to
come. We think the unusually heavy stocks of produce
already at market, combined with the prosp.ct of an-
other abundant sugar crop, which will commence to ar-
rive in about two months, justify us in anticipating that
no very material decline will take place for some
months to come, should the home advices continue at all
favourable. •

The following are about the rates now current, viz.:—
To London and Liverpool.
Saltpetre ... £6 60t0£6 10 0 per ton of 20 cwt.
Sugar ... 8100 to 6 15 0 ditto
Rice ... 6150 to 7 0 0 ditto
Hides ••• 5100 to 5 17 6 14 cwt.
Rum ... 6150 to 7 0 0 4 hhds.
Molasses ... 7100 to 0 0 0
Oilseeds, jute and lace Nominal.
Indigo, silk piece goods, and silk, Cl. 15s. to 71. for
London, 6/. 10s. to 61. 15s. for Liverpool.

Th. splendid
THE STEAM FRIGATE DAUNTLESS.— IS
new steam-ship has now reached the mouth of the Clyde, on
her way to the Broomielaw, where she is to be fitted with
her powerful and beautiful machinery. On her voyage from
Portsmouth, where she was built, she has encountered very
stormy and squally weather, and her progress under her
towing convoy has been consequently slow. In one of the
heivy gales by which she was assailed, she lost her mizen-
mast, and will in consequence take up her berth at the
Broomielaw equipped somewhat like a brig. She reached
Canipbelton on the evening of Wednesday se'nnight, and in
her disabled condition was necessarily making but little way,
the comparatively unassisted power of the towing steamer
being inadequate to impel so large a vessel with much speed.
It is expected, nevertheless, that she will be safely moored
alongside the Lancefield Quay in the beginning of next week,
where her engines are to be put on board, these having been
prepared by Robert Napier, Esq., of the Tulcan and Lance-
field Foundries. The engines, which are to work on the
horizontal principle, are admirable specimens of mechanism,
and of nearly 800-horse power.—Glasgow Citizen.
INFLUX OF IRISH PAUPERS AND SPREAD OF
FEVER.—We understand that the Committee of the
Liverpool Guardians Society have appointed a sub-
committee for the purpose of investigating the causes of
the great increase of fever in the town, and the con-
tinued influx of Irish paupers, and suggesting remedies
to avert the evil, and counteracting the spread of infec-
tion. In taking this course the Guardian Society will
add one more to the many claims on public gratitude,
anti we cannot doubt but that its aid will be most accept-
able to the municipal and parochial authorities. Unfortu-
nately, there is but to much occasion for the united
exertions of all classes to stop the progress of the
pending calamity.—Liverpool Mercury.
PORTLAND.—The news circulating in Portland the
last few days is more interesting than ordinary. We
may expect soon to see located on our common 7,000
convicts ; and, it is said, the same number of troops
will encamp in a field midway between the Traveller s
Rest and the villages. Further, that Government has
abandoned the plan of excavating the " mare" for naval
docks, but will construct the basin just above the Ferry
Bridge, and on the Portland aide erect its dock-yard.
This plan is greatly to be preferred to the former ; the
site is more out of harm's way, and there is plenty of
sea room upwards to hold all the ships in the navy ;
besides, no stint of space for timber yards, &c., and,
above all, lying under the lea of Chisel Beach, which
off here is quite of mountainous,dimensions.—Sherberne
Journal.
COAL TAR AND THE POTATO DISEASE.—The ap-
plication of the coal tar, which has been rather c xten-
sively used as a remedy for the potato blight in this
neighbourhood, has, in some instances, destroyed the
vitality of the seed. We, therefore, warn our agricul-
tural readers to be extremely cautious in using it. If
this should turn out to be generally the case, the remedy
will prove worse than the disease. We had little faith
in gas tar proving a specific for the potato disease, even
if it had not proved injurious; for although it will de-
stroy fungi, yet it should be understood that fungi are
only the effect, not the cause of the disease. The seeds
of fungi are almost everywhere—in the earth, in the
air, and are not placed thus to act as destructive agents
to healthy vegetation—if so, they would be always in
operation; but, on the contrary, we can never trace their
Affects as primary agents of healthy, vigorous life, but
only in diseased plants. The cause which produced the
disease is still hid from our view.—" Qui potent rerum
cognoscere oausas."— West Briton.
A letter from Vienna of the 13th says that the
committee for the embellishment of Pesth has received
orders from the Government to employ for the future
the Hungarian language in their deliberations, instead
of the German. Hungarian is also to be henceforth em-
ployed in all the public establishments of the country.
The Archduke Stephen lately replied in that language
to a letter of congratulation from the committee, on his
appointment as Lieuteuant-General of the kingdom.
FALMOUTH HAREoDR.—The Trinity Board has
just laid in Falmouth harbour a buoy on a flat rock,
under water, called the Miss Logos, about thirty-five
yards from St. Mawes Castle Point, and in a line with
the westermost part of St. Mawes town from the Black
Rock Beacon. The spot buoyed has been attended
with greater danger to boats than to vessels of any larger
size, although, in the charts, two fathoms aro given as
the quantity of water thereon.— West Briton.
HERRINGS.—A number of herrings of a very
superior quality, were taken at Shieldaig last week,
and appearances indicate that there are more on the
coast.
IRON SAUCEPANS WITH WHITE ENAMEL LININGS.
—Some time ago a paragraph, copied from some one of
the London papers, appeared in our columns, warning
parties against the " use of iron saucepans lined with
a white enamel." The patentees of these utensils, we
find, have proved by long experience, that the caution
was quite unnecessary, inasmuch as the utensils are as
safe for use as any other metal. They have been
analysed at various times by Dr. Ure, Mr. Cooper, and
other eminent chemists, and pronounced by them to be
perfectly harmless. The paragraph, in all probability,
had its unfair origin with some rival in the saucepan
trade. We have felt it to be no more than our duty to
say thus much on the subject.—Hampshire Advertiser.
MEAT STEALING.—At the petty sessions, held at
St Anstell, on Tuesdgy last, a woman named Elizabeth
Stocker, belonging to that place,was brought up charged
with stealing some meat from the shop of Mr. R. Wil-
liams, butcher. It appeare ± that Mr. 'Williams, having
lost several pieces of meat, on Saturday last marked his
meat ; and this woman having entered his shop.. nd
walked out again without purchasing any, he followed
ter, and found some meat, which he had previously
marked, concealed under her arm. She was given into
custody, and is now out on bail to appear at the assizes.
--West Briton.
EXCELLENT SUGGESTION.—Mr. Taylor, of Roby,
has suggested, and we believe communicated to our parochial
authorities, an exc-llent expedient in connexion with the
regulation of Irish immigration into this town. If the au-
thorities
have the power of putting Mr. Taylor's plan into
peration, it would not only have important sanatory results,
but would gradually tend to check the lavish importation of
Irish paupers. The suggestion is, that all steamers or other
vessels bringing over thus class of passengers should be com-
pelled to proceed up the river, direct to the lazarette, where
La- whole of the passengers should be examined, and none
Permitted to land but those who were in good health. Such
aregulation would check the influx of fever patients into an
already too insalubrious town, and would at the same time
render proprietors and masters of vessels cautious how they
took
on board a class of individuals who would subject them
19 '0 much trouble and detention.—Liverponl Albion.
.1 man has hsen arrested at Vi''llll3 on a charge
°f throwing
6tonvs at thev; auindr
haswindows of
pent
the Inip
to a iwia
imperial eaiactiec.
Ile was found to be 14.1. aile 111714%.

0 13°

the
hs°
,
ru➢i

th,
1°
it'
der.
•ice°
`lO6

30

LittOfl

vANAL DES ALPINES COMPANY.
• NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that an EXTRAORDI-
NARY GENERAL MEETING of the PROPRIETORS of the
CANAL DES ALPINES COMPANY will be held on SATWIDAY,
the 24th of April next, at the Offices of the Company, No. 29, Throg-
morton-street, London, at Twelve o'clock, for the purpose of taking
tate consideration the modifications to be made in the statutes of the
Company, for the prolongation of the Canal to Aries, as recom-
mended in the last Report of the Directors, and approved by the
General Meeting held on the 26th ult.
By order of the Board.
EDWARD THOMPSON, Clerk.
Canal des Alpines Company's Office, London, March 31, 1847.

PROVIDENT CLERKS' MUTUAL
BENEFIT ASSOCIATION.
Yesterday evening a public meeting was held at the
Eastern Institution, Commercial-road, for the purpose
of affording information and explanation of the advan-
tages offered by the society.
The hall of the Institution was filled with a numer-
ous and highly respectable audience.
Seon after seven o'cl ,ck, Get age Frederick Young,
Esq., John Abel Smith, Esq., M.P., Dr. Major, Rev. V.
Muinery, Captain Rutherford, Rev. Mr. Hooper, G.
Parker, Esq., Secretary of the College of Preceptors ;
Dr. Maclean, Physician to the Christian Mutual Asso-
ciation ; J. Taylor, Esq. ; Messrs. R. H. Jones, J. W.
Welch, W. S. Sawtell, W. Maitland, Samuel Jepps, J.
Clarke, W. J. Jordan, W. Honey, J. Lmtott, E. Gos-
bell, Richard Kemp, Esq., and Captain Shepherd, ap-
peared upon the platform.
On the motion of Mr. COLEMAN, George Frederick
Young, Esq., was called to the chair.
The CHAIRMAN said—Gentlemen, I have frequently
been called upon by my neighbours and friends to oc-
cupy the position which, by your kindness and confi-
dence, I am called on to fill on this occasion; but I can
with the utmost sincerity assure you that I recollect no
occasion on which I have consented to preside at a
public meeting in which the objects to be
advcated have my most entire and complete concurrence
and approval than the present. It sometimes happens
that, in a meeting convened for public objects, matters
in which great differences of opinion prevail, are so in-
definitely stated and understood, that it is almost impos-
sible that such a meeting can arrive at any definite con-
clusion.—(Hear, hear.) Sometimes it happens that,
even among persons of the most benevolent inten-
tions, differences arise which prevent that unani-
mous cordiality for which they ought to be dis-
tinguished. In undertaking to preside over you
I have given this subject my best consideration,
andl find myself at a loss to conceive any possible ob-
jection why all persons of well-regulated minds and con-
duct should not give, to an institution like this, the most
hearty, and cordial, and sincere, and full support.—
Gentlemen, we know that in the highest and most
praiseworthy objects of beneficence there are many draw-
backs which present themselves, and men of acute intelli-
gence, individuals of excellent intention, unite to pro-
mote the taking that cordial part in public meeting which
I sincerely hope to see, and expect to find, on this occa-
sion. There are not wanting those who, when appealed
to for the purposes of benevolence, even go this length,
and say that they consider all assistance rendered by
man to his fellow-men as so many inducements to de-
stroy that spirit of self dependence which is so exceed-
ingly valuable—that solid and sound foundation of all
that is great and good in the human character. Gentle-
men, I do not consider that on this occasion this associa-
tion will be subjected to such drawbacks, because, as
far as my consideration has enabled me to form an esti-
mate of the question, L can conceive no object whatever
that secures a more complete and satisfactory result,
that is managed with more foresight, or that gives more
effectually to every man a power of depending and fall-
ing back on his own resources. On the whole, I can
conceive no system more likely to develop the capability
of men, or that more appeals to that spirit of philan-
thropy which every good man desires to see the ruling
motives of our actions.—(Cheers.) We propose, in-
deed, just to do this (and the history of the institution
gives the most uuanswerable proofs that we have done
so), to do all we can to help ourselves. I believe that this
is simply the principle which actuates the Provident
Clerks' Association, and we call on those who are placed
in the position to he the recipients of benefits of this
nature, that they reflect on the advantages which it is
calculated to afford to them. We say that we make an
appeal to the public at large, but more especially is it to
one class that we hold out the advantages of this society.
We have a very large number of members from the
clerks of the metropolis, but they, as compared with the
total number who are fitted to be the recipients of the
benefits of the association, are limited indeed. The num
ber of clerks engaged in mercantile and manufacturing
pursuits, in and around London, are variously estimated,
but the lowest estimate is so great as almost to
stagger the belief of those who have not directed their
attention to the subject. I believe that the number of
clerks in this metropolis does not fall short of 50,000.
(Hear, hear.) I desire not to employ any fulsome adu-
lation in speaking of those men, but I believe that there
is no class of men, comparing one class with another, so
distinguished for capability and• habits of reflecting, and
for the importance of the trusts which devolve upon its
members, and, consequently, for the very important
position they occupy in the scale of political power, and
in the commercial and social arrangements of this
country. Now, I have stated that they are distinguished
fur habits of reflection, and when one considers
what are the objects of this institution, it seems
marvellous that, notwithstanding the success which has
attended the labour of those who have founded this in-
stitution, the field of its operations should not have
taken a wider range, so as to comprehend a more con-
siderable proportion of those who aro fitted to be the
recipients of its benefits. What is the reason of this ?
I believe the fact to be that, notwithstanding the efforts
made to give publicity to its objects, a very large num-
ber of individuals are ignorant of all but the name of the
institution. One of the purposes, therefore, of this
meeting is to render those objects more generally
known, to display the importance of the society, and to
give every assistance to those who are anxious to ascertain
what are the benefits which the association is calculated
to give. It is not to be conceived that, notwithstanding
the intelligence and habits of reflection which pervade
the clerks as a body, they, in common with other classes
of the community, are not uniformly given to habits of
provident care in that degree that we should suppose
these habits of reflection would call into exercise; there-
fore another object in view is to bring forward as pro-
minently as we can the leading features of the institu-
tion. It is an endeavour to bring home to the
consciences and conviction of every individual the
duty which he owes to himself, to his family,
and to society, of which he constitutes so important a
part, not to neglect the means which this society holds
out for the effecting objects of such importance; nor
ought it to be forgotten that the best guarantee for the in-
tegrity of the association is that it owes its origin to men
who are not themselves likely to derive any benefit
from its advantages.—(Cheers.) One of the best feel-
ings of the heart is the desire that is universally ex-
pressed, and too seldom acted on, to leave those whom
we love in some degree or comfort, and how can this be
better done than by appropriating a small portion of that
which all of us possess in a greater or less degree for
making a provision for them which, without such
an agency as this institution, would be utterly
inadequate for the purpose ? But I will not appeal
to your feelings for that assistance which I would rather
claim from your deliberate judgment.—(Cheers.) I
ask you, therefore, to listen this night, and to judge for
yourselves. Listen to that which will be better told by
those who are more fitted than I am for the task. I
think that the enumeration of the advantages which a
connexion with this institution confers will induce many
here not to delay a day or an hour before adding their
names to the list of members, a list which I am happy
to find has grown so great. By doing that yin will but
consult your own interests and the interests of those
dependent on you.—(Cheers.) When I look to this
s
great philanthropic and practical measure ; 'hen
see the names of those gentlemen eminent in rank
and station, and wealth and character, as any in
the metropolis; when I see them come forward to
recommend to the clerks of this city to become mem-
bers of this institution, of which they themselves can
never be recipients of its benefits, I have at once the
strongest assurance of the correctness of the judgment
which originated, and the wisdom which has carried out,
the objects of this association. I am thereby assured
that those on whom the management of the concerns of
this institution devolve are men on whom we can rely
with confidence. Then I come, in conclusion, to this fact,
that the board of management consists of persons of name
and character, who are not to be surpassed in
capability of managing what they have taken in hand by
any body of individuals, and we may, therefore, rest
satisfied that they will carry forward the affairs of this
association to the most certain success.—(Cheers.) For
me to reason the question further would be out of place,
and I shall, therefore, call upon my friend, Richard H.
Jones, the Chairman of the Board of Management, who
will develope the objects of the institution which you
are called upon to consider. Perhaps, before be comes
forward, I may be permitted to express my gratification
at the personal honour paid to myself, and my still higher
gratification at witnessing our friend, Mr. John Abel Smith,
gamenotlnegmues.n,
well allmkns oorwrny
ttoo
taknenforuienncde
et
oo
fy otkuet haastsoea nioatthi
oenr
—I mean Mr. Thomson Hankey—has addressed a note
which I will read to you. (The chairman then read
Mr. Hankey'a letter, which apologised for his non-
attendance on the ground of indisposition. The writer
expressed his sympathy with the objects of the meeting,
and his hope that the success which had attended the
association in past years would be an earnest of still
greater success in the future.) I have taken the chair
instrument
for in the hope that I may be an humble
for recommending in this district, with which I have
been so long and so intimately connected, the objects of
the Provident Clerks' Institution, and for making the
knowledge of that society more widely known among
the clerks with whom this part of the metropolis so
greatly abounds.—(Cheers.)
Mr. R. H. JoNES said—Gentlemen, the chairman has
so fully stated all that I had to offer to your considera-
tion, that I have little more to do than to ask the secre-
tary to inform you as to the principles on which the
business of the association is conducted. This meeting
was suggested to be called at the annual meeting which
was held in the London Tavern on the 18th of January
last ; and the managers, always anxious to forward the
objects of this society, have come forward to co-operate
with those parties who were instrumental in calling the
meeting. The association, as you will probably now be
aware, was formed six years ago, during which time
it has not all been .smooth work with us. We have had
a great deal of anxiety and labour ; at the same time the
success which has attended our efforts has been most
satisfactory. We have had to contend with many
opponents, such as pride, jealousy, prejudice, and dis-
trust ; but, notwithstanding all these, we have per-
severed, and you are now reaping the benefit of that
perseverance.—(Cheers.) The association will nut
now be retarded in its progress, for it has taken a posi-
tion which nothing can destroy. The chairman has told
you that the number of clerks who are members of the
institutions, as compared with the total number of clerks
in the metropolis, is exceedingly small. The fact is so,
yet, compared with other associations of a similar
character, the progress of the Provident Clerks' Institu-
tion has been very rapid indeed. I can only add that the
managers are ever anxious to adopt means which are
likely to aid in the success of our plan, and they are
ready (as on this evening) to make known the principles
of the association at such meetings as may be held fur the
purpose. I would suggest, that after the secretary has
made his Statement. ally gentleman present :Audi put
such question, us he si es tit, fue.%lcr t;;Ln
W the best of our ability. We hare nothing to hide,

CHANCERY.-(THIS DAY.)
The Lord Chancellor sat to-day fo'r the last time
previous to the Easter recess, in tie Old Hall, Lin-
coln's Inn. his Lordship heard lunatic and bankrupt
petitions.

CHAPPELL V. PURDAY.
His LORDSHIP gave judgment this morning in this
case, dismissing the bill without costs. We have already
given a ;statement of the facts of the case, which our
readers will recollect relate to the publication of the
opera of Era Diarolo.
The Lord Chancellor will resume his sittings after the
Easter recess two days previous to the first day of term,
namely, Tuesday, the 13th of the present mouth.

VICE-CHANCERY.—(THIS DAY.)
(Before the VICE-CHANCELLOR of ENGLAND.)
MOSLEY V. ALSTON.—THE OXFORD AND BIRMINGHAM
JUNCTION RAILWAY COMPANY.
THE LONDON AND NORTH-WESTERN RAILWAY COMPANY
Mr.vIZIOHLTE resumedGREAT WEa SnTdE
concludesllN RAILWAY
hi
his
OIerANY.
arguments
to-
day, following Sir Fitzroy hilly and Mr. Stuart in
support of the demurrer put in to this bill by the
defendants.
Mr. GEORGE RUSSELL also followed on the same side.
Mr. BETHELL opposed the demurrer that had been
put in to the bill. That bill had been filed in conse-
quence of the determination expressed by the directors
themselves, against all law and right, to retain their
office, and thereby destroy the corporation, and set at
nought the rule and Parliamentary direction for the
conduct of it. The bill had also been filed for the pur-
pose of preventing the directors from violating altogether
the rules as to the formation of the governing body
itself, and from using the authority, the character, and
title of the corporation, in order to justify in effect the
completion of those acts which were in excess of the Act
of Parliament, and at variance with the existence of
the corporation itself, and therefore regarded in a court
of equity as acts which it was its duty to put an end to.
The Learned Counsel here cited several authorities to
define the jurisdiction of the court. Lord Cottenham,
in the case of the corporation of Liverpool, had stated
very clearly his views on this subject. It was argued
that the corporation of Liverpool had the power within
themselves to redress the wrong complained of, but
his Lordship considered that that plea was of
no avail, because he would not recognise a
principle that superseded the power of that court. The
case of " Latouche v. Irvine" was germane to the pre-
sent question. That was the case of an insurance com-
pany, which had been established for a certain descrip-
tion of insurance, from which the directors wished to
depart, and to apply its funds and constitution to an-
other description of insurance. A bill was filed to re-
strain the directors from adopting that course, and Lord
Lyndhurst then laid down the doctrine that even a share-
holder might file a bill against the directors, and this, he
cunceiv,.d, refuted what had been stated about the nu
merical insignificance of the parties filing the present
bill, The Learned Counsel here cited several other
cases in support of his views on this point. lie would
close this series of authorities by citing a case that had
come before his Honour—he meant the case of " Wear
v. the Grand Junction Railway Company," which car-
ried him to the fullest extent as to the jurisdiction of the
Court, and landed this bill in the most perfect security.
That bill was filed by the plaintiffs not only against
other directors, but the whole corporation of the com•
party, which was incorporated by a local Act of Parlia-
ment, to restrain them from affixing the corporateseal of
the company to an application to Pal liament for the
cony, rsion of a portion of the railway into a canal. In
the present case they were then to denounce wanton
violation on the part of the directors. In the case to
which he was referring the governing body of the com-
pany were made defendants in the suit. On that occa-
sion his Honour granted the injunction, and the directors
subsequently compromised with the company. It hail
been contended by his Learned Friend (Mr. Stuart) that,
if they restrained these directors from acting, they
would put a violent end to the constitution of thecompany.
As one argument used by his Learned Friend on the other
side was at direct variance with the bill, so the other
argument was at variance with the Act of Parliament.
The Act permitted that the number of the directors
might be reduced to six. Here then were eighteen
directors, of whom twelve were malignants, and the
remaining six alone were those of the body who wanted
to carry into effect the views of the company. The
ground for the interference of this Court was twofold.
In the first place, the directors wanted to effect that
which was subversive of the Act of Parliament, and
they had determined, in order to achieve that, to com-
mit a further violation of that Act, having refused to go
out of office. If this latter were to be allowed, it would
tend to make the directors a governing body. The
case of the Attorney• General v. Wilson, upon which
his friends on the other side relied so much,
by no means supported their case. All the cases on the
subject went to establish the principle, that any indivi-
dual member of the company, whether of the body of
directors or of the shareholders, had a right to come to
that court and complain of the conduct of the directors,
when the latter attempted to apply the funds of the
company to any object other than that for which it was
established. So much for that part of his Learned
Friend's arguments. Ile came to the construction that
was put upon the word "year." Ile certainly admired
the ingenuity to which this word had given birth. The
word year, it was said, was used in two senses.
In one it was a year of our Lord, in the other twenty
months. In the 13th section of the Act, if his
Honour adopted the construction of his Learned Friends,
he would be giving the world another year of four, eight,
twelve, or sixteen months, commencine. at the expiration
of a certain term, which, however well understood in an
Act of Parlisment, was certainly unknown to any chro-
nologists. He conceived that these arguments could not
be seriously met by arguments, because they proceeded
on that which was an utter annihilation of all argument
whatever, namely, that they should not take words in
their common and plain signification.
At the conclusiou of the Learned Gentleman's address
the Court rose.
The case was adjourned till the 13th inst.

SHERIFFS' COURT.—(THIS DAY.)
(Before Mr. Under-Sheriff BURCHLLL.)
STEPHENS V. DUNN.
This was an action brought to recover the sum of
141. 7s. 7d., fur the balance of rent for a house. The
defendant pleaded that he was not indebted, but did not
appear.
Mr. THOMAS appeared for the plaintiff, and said that
he should call the plaintiffs solicitor, to prove that the
defendant had occupied the premises in question for two
years, and the present claim was for a balance.
Mr. Blackmore, the plaintiff's solicitor, was called, and
proved the occupation of the premises by the defendant,
who had admitted it, and his only excuse was that he
had left fixtures enough on the premises to pay the rent..
The jury gave a verdict for the amount claimed.
sistesox V. CHEESEWRIGHT.—THE CLOCK AND WATCH
TRADE.
This was an action to recover the sum of 81.4 x. 6d. for
a clock and for repairs of a watch.
The defendant had paid 51. 15a. into court as the value
of the work.
Abram Smith, a watchmaker, was called. He had
seen the dial, which was an eight-day clock. In his
opinion six guineas was a very fair charge, and if the
name had been put on it, it would have fetched 21.
more. The watch had been repaired; there had been a
new verge, balance wheel, balance wheel pinion, pivots,
and main-spring, &c. He thought the charge IL 18s. 6d.
fair and reasonable. The watch was an old one, but it
was a better one than many now ones. He thought the
market value of the watch was about 21.
Rust, a watchmaker, gave similar evidence.
Another clock was put in for comparison. Mr. Thomas
at first objected, but ultimately said it might be shown
to the jury.
Mr. GARRY, the defendant's attorney, said that he
should call several competent witnesses to show that the
work charged had not been done, and that the clock
was not worth more than one-half the sum claimed.
Louis Keyser, a clock-maker, was called—lie said he
kept three or four shops. lie would make clocks at
31. each if he had an order for a hundred, but 31. 10s.
would pay for a single one. The profit would then be
15s. The verge, charged ss. 6d. for, cost 2d.; perhaps
if plaintiff went to a tool shop he gave Is. for it. The
work altogether was not worth more than 16s. or 17s.
Good American clocks could be had for 30s. They came
over at ss. 6d. each, and sold at 13s.
Mr. THOMAS asked the witness whether he was not
of the Jewish persuasion?
Witness—Yes; I have that honour.
Mr. THOMAS—But you were not sworn on the Old
Testament.
Witness—Well, I did not notice it.
Mr. TnomAs—Nor did you take off your bat.
Witness—lt is more gentlemanly and respectful to the
judge to be uncovered.
Mr. Tuostss—l have nothing further to ask you
after that.
Edward Thompson, clock-maker, of King-street,
Bloomsbury, valued the clock at 4L,and the repairs at 17s.
Laire, clock-maker, of Bath-street, City-road, con-
sidered 31. 10s. was a fair price for the clock, and 15s.
for the repairs would be sufficient.
Mr. THOMAS then addressed the jury, and contended
that Keyser was not entitled to credit, after the negligent
way he letcl gone through the form of taking the oath.
The UNDER-SHERIFF summed up, and said that the
jury would take the witness's manner into consideration,
and also weigh his evidence, which went to very great
lengths as to value; and all the witnesses appeared to be
of opinion that the work charged for as having been done
to the watch lid been done. 'The question, therefore,
for the jury was, whether the plaintiff „as entitled to a
larger amount than Si. 15s.
The jury almost immediately gave a verdict for the
defendant.

- -
ETHER OPERATION.—On Thursday, the 18th inst.,
a very painful operation was performed at Saltash, by
Mr. Harrison, surgeon, of Devonport, on a lad who,
having been struck by a marble in the eye, was obliged
to have it removed. He was perf,2e:ly unconseiou:3
any pain. The iustruulout LW:Li Wtit rue of Mr. Croy-
Wca ,Briton,

and it will therefore give us great pleasure to satisfy . in April last, had dressed himself to dine with his em-
all inquiries. I cannot conceal my exceeding gratilica- I ployer—for employers were not above dining with their
tion, that our treasurer, Mr. John Abel Smith, has come I clerks, or clerks not above serving their employers. He
here this evening, and lam only too happy to make I got into an omnibus at the Elephant and Castle, and bo-
this public acknowledgment of it. He is not well, but I tore be reached St. George's Church he was dead. Ile
rather than disappoint us, he has attended. I have no- left four children, and a wife in the family-way. The
thing further to add, and will just call on the secretary to other case was that of a man who left his family as
make his statement. .
usual, and went into the City to attend to his duties,
. .. .. . .. ..

and while walking along fell down dead. The institu-
tion did not propose to give them very high advantages,
but they were sterling ones. He only asked them to do
that which common sense dictated. Would they dare
to refuse to endeavour to do the best for themselves and
their fumides, by joining'the Provident Clerks' Associa-
tion—an institution so likely to benefit them, and those
whom they might afterwards leave behind them ?
Tho CHAIRMAN then said, that if any gentleman had
any question to ask, or any observations to make, they
should be most happy to hear him, and to give him every
information in their power.
No person making any observation,
Mr. FREDERICK YOUNG, jun., then proposed the first
resolution. lle said that he had entered that hall that
evening under the impression that h• was to be a
listener rather than a speaker. He felt deeply inte-
rested in the welfare of that honourable class for whose
benefit they. were assembled that evening, and he felt
that as institution like the present one ought to meet
the support of every clerk in this great metropolis. He
sincerely wished success to the labours of those gentle-
men who had undertaken the management of the insti-
tution, and hoped that they would meet with the sup-
port they deserved. Ile would no longer trespass upon
their time, but should propose the first resolution :
" Resolved,—That from the statements just made of
the principles and operations of the Provident Clerks'
Association it appears to this meeting that the associa-
tion is eminently entitled to public support, and is cal-
culated to effect great and permanent good for all who
become members of its body ; and this meeting feels
called upon to suggest to every clerk in this locality the
propriety of at once connecting himself with the society
by either of the modes pointed out in the rules."
Mr. FREAKE said, that as a member of this association,
he begged to second the resolution.
Mr. JOHN ABEL SMITH, who rose amidst loud cheers,
said that ho confessed that he had, in coming forward
on that occasion, yielded to the solicitations and wish of
those near him, that, as holding an official capacity in
the institution, he should state his opinion of it. He
had but a few words to say, and if he were expected to
signify his personal approbation of that society, or his
knowledge of its value, ho had long since done so, and
his exertions in furtherance of its success had long since
been made. He believed that this institution was founded
upon principles which in England, sooner or later, must
succeed. Ile believed that it was an institution which,
as long as independence was valuable in its effects upon
the human character, as long as providence was
respected, so long would it be supported by
gradually increasing numbers. When it was first
established, those who had not the same reliance in the
success of the principle as was now generally entertained
had held aloof, but now that the institution was more
generally known, it had made considerable progress. It
had exceeded the most sanguine expectations of all those
who had watched its progress, because it was founded
upon an object and a principle valuable in itself, and
likely to be of benefit to those concerned in it. He con-
fessed, that whether from vanity or from any other
motive, he thought he could add a few words in still fuller
explanation of the plans and principles of the institution.
There were two classes of persons for whom the establish-
ment was intended, namely, those who were able, by saving
from their income, to make a provision for their widows
and children, and those who might be exposed to
poverty and distress by the misfortunes of their princi-
pals. The secretary had said, and truly said, that
charity, in the ordinary acceptation of the term, was not
one of the influencing motives in the foundation of the
institution ; but they were no less anxiously desirous to
make a fund which would provide against unforeseen
distress in the cases of persons employed as clerks in
the metropolis. There was no man who employed many
clerks who did not know how the best and most valued
of them sunk under over-exertion, and how difficult it
was in all cases to make the sympathy of their em-
ployers arise.—(Hear, hear.) The object was to found
an institution which was not liable to that which he
admitted was an imputation, namely, that of being a
charity. The plan was, to make, out of the insurances
of the clerks themselves, a fund to which the distressed
might apply for relief. The object proposed to be
attained by voting to the benevolent fund a certain pro-
portion of the profits of the insurances effected by the clerks
themselves, was to give to the clerk a fund to which
he could conscientiously resort, without having it upon
his mind that he had received charitable assistance.
Such an institution was calculated to be most beneficial
in its effects, and needed no great praise as au induce-
ment for the clerks in the metropolis to join it.
Dr. MULLINDER said that during the current year,
up to the end of February, 1847, there were eighty poli-
cies effected to the amount of 16,0001., and up to
31st
OMI
eairecsh
effected, 1847,
wasthere
1118a5d,cobro 124. The
the sum
aver-
age
totalt h m
s
idnoaciol 0 policies
of the establishment was 5,6111., or rather
more.—(Cbeers.)
A GENTLEMAN below the platform wished to know
the amount of annual subscription, and whether the
effecting of the insurance made, or constituted to the
party insuring, a claim on the benevolent fund?
Mr. J. A. 6311T11 said that the annual subscription
was it is., and the insurance did constitute a claim, the
party being a clerk.
Mr. OSMOND LEWIS said, that he had observed the
progress of the institution from the first, and be had no
doubt that in a few years its business would be increased
immensely.—(Cheers.) It was somewhat similar in
character to another institution, brought into existence
in the year 1825, in the northern portion of the kingdom;
he alluded to the Widows' Fund Institution. For three
or four years they had struggled on almost hopelessly,
and it became at one time a question whether it should
be given up. The principles of life assurance were im-
perfectly understood at the time, but that company had
now an annual business of 280,000L—(Hear, hear.)
This institution was of a similar character, and he an-
ticipated for it, in some twenty years more, a similar suo-
cess.—(Cheers.) Ile with great pleasure supported the
resolution.
The CHAIRMAN said, that as the gentleman who had
last spoken had seen the formation of the association, it
must be matter of congratulation to him to observe its
increasinq prosperity, and he (the chairman) trusted
that lie might live to witness its full maturity.—(Cheers.)
They already numbered above a thousand members,
and it was a singular fact, that in one of the largest and
most flourishing of the institutions of the metropolis—
one which excited attention by the magnitude of its
transactions—he meant the Equitable—that institution
only numbered between six and seven thousand mem-
bers; and ho did not see why, with such an immense
number of clerks in the metropolis, this association
should not also, in a few years, number its six or seven
thousand members.—(Cheers.)
Mr. J. A. &erns said that he was not going to make
another speech, but he rose to prorose a resolution
which was not incumbeat upon them, and which was not
merely a matter of form. Ile proposed that a vote of
thanks be given to G. F. Young, Esq., for his assist-
ance and support upon the present occasion. Ilis per-
sonal influence in the neighbourhood would greatly as-
sist the views and objects of the institution, and he had
no doubt that it would be used effectually. Their thanks
should be expressed to him, as he had so kindly sacri-
ficed an evening to their interests and to the interests of
an institution of the country at large.
Mr. COLEMAN seconded the resolution, which was put
and carried nein. con.
Mr. G. F. You/so assured the meeting that all that lay
in his power be would do to forward the interests of the
institution, and he hoped that he should be cordially
joined by them. if there were any gentlemen present
who were disposed to come forward and join the institu-
tion, they could do so at the close of the proceedings.
He thanked them moat sincerely for the honour they had
dono him, and he hoped to hear and see in future that
the institution would be properly supported by those
whose interest it was to keep it up and carry it out to
the extent. it deserved.
The meeting then separated.

The CHAlRMAN—Gentlemen, I will call your atten-
tion to Dr. Mul:inder, the secretary of the association.
Dr. MULLINDER said that the history of this country
would furnish a great many important facts and events
which had taken place for its benefit; but he thought
they would agree with him that the year 1840 had pro-
duced one of the most important facts in this
history. It was in that year that the Provi-
dent Clerks' Association was established, and that
was ono of the most important facts with
reference to the social condition of the clerks of
this country which had ever occurred. It was a deed of
partnership executed between the principals of the com-
mercial empire and the clerks. The principals did not
give up any one point, nor did their clerks. They aided
each other mutually, for their interests were combined.
The principals said that they wished to promote the
condition of the clerks, and the clerks wished to help
themselves and to benefit their principals also ; so that
a deed of partnership and mutual assistance was passed.
When, however, the principals came forward, and gave
their 500 L, 400/., 3001., 2004 and 1001, saying that they
did not wish to impose any single liability upon the
clerks, it was an assistance and a benefit to one class of
the commercial world, and it was sought to be carried
out by assisting individuals. As the poet said,
Can he love all, who loves no part?
He be a nation's friend who is the friend of no man there?
Ho be a nation's friend who loves no one there?
Can he be strenuous in his country's cause
Who slights her charities?
For whose dear sake that country, if at all,
Must be beloved.
lie did not mean charity as it was referred to in
that expression, or in the common acceptation of the
word—he meant it as displaying mutual assistance and
kindness. He did not appeal at all to their beneficence
or their feelings, but to their sense of justice
to themselves and those dependent upon them.
Their treasurer, the Hon. Member for Chichester, who
had stocd by the institution since it first commenced,
would tell them, in confirmation of what he (Dr. Mul-
linder) had stated, that there was not one single item of
expenditure in the way of common charity. What had
been received was merely a testimonial of what the prin-
cipals estimated their clerks by. The money
which had been given to the society had never
been given to exercise any
,undue influence, and
at any election of persons entitled to relief
there was never any person to say to them, " I have
given my money to you, and this is my candidate."
With this statement he would at once go on to state the
progress of the association—one which had been made
between the principals and their clerks, and which would
be eventually of the greatest benefit to the commercial
classes of England. He knew many instances where
principals had subscribed 5,000/, 10,0001., or 20,0001.,
for the benefit of public associations like the present
one, but they had done it as charity. That was
not, however, the principle which had been followed in
this case, for the clerks had said that they wanted to
assist themselves, and the principals had turned round
and said that they would assist them—not in order to
put them down while they benefited them—but really
with a regard, a sincere regard, for their interest. They
then subscribed money to the amount of 10,8001., for
the purpose of aiding the clerks in their system of
mutual assurance—one of the best and most perfect ways
of providing for their families. Those who saw the in-
stitution commenced did not entirely give it their con-
fidence, but in 1841 there were 73 policies effi cted. Such,
however, had been the amount of increased credit and
confidence manifested, that last year 374 had joined the
institution.—(Hear, hear.) With regard to the policies
effected, he did not look upon it as a mere matter of
amount, but merely as a return of the number of
persons who had been induced to be provident. Ia the
year 1846 three hundred and seventy-four men, who had
thought, and thought deeply, of the way of providing
for themselves and their families, had joined the in-
stitution. He believed the question to be a national one,
although it was made up of units; for there could not be
any possibility of preserving the national character un-
less they endeavoured to preserve individual character
also. Those men who had formed them had not formed
them for the purpose of making money, but for the pur-
pose of preserving their families, their wives and
children, from the contingencies that might arise. They
all knew that a clerk must be a man of education and
of mind to fulfil the situation which he held, and he
should be able to bring up his family in accordance with
the station in life which he himself held. Let that
clerk, however, be suddenly taken away from his family,
and what was the consequence? They would take
an inferior dwelling, they would be brought in
contact with those with whom they had never
associated before, and they would eventually become
domesticated with them, and a prey to the seducer, as he
had too often seen. He would, however, drop this un-
pleasant subject, and go on to consider what were the
effects and benefits of the institution. Ile presumed that
the audience which he addressed were dependent on
their personal exertions. What then would be the
consequence of their illness, misfortune, or death? It
would be the ruin of those who relied on them for their
support. And why should they attempt to deprive those
who were near and dear to them of something like a
respectable competence by delaying at once to join such
an institution as the present one ? They might say
that it was all very well, but they were not married, and
had no one dependent upon them. Ile would refer to a
case which would show the beneficial result which
might eventually accrue to them. Some two or
three months ago, an individual residing in Liver-
pool, who had a young and rising family, was
asked to join the institution. The answer was,
that he was very busy just at that time,
but that in May next he should have more leisure. He
happened, however, to have a friend near him who per-
suaded him to join at once. The man did so, and
soon afterwards, iii consequence of the immigration of the
poor Irish, ho caught a fever, which was prevalent among
them, and died of it. He had only paid 51. or 61., but
something near to the sum of 2001. was forthcoming for
the benefit of his widow. " Time presses—the present
is to be prized—we may think ourselves well, but the
morrow may find us a corpse." Let them not, there-
fore, delay, nor think of deferring, that which involved
the prosperity, the interest, the comfort, and the welfare
of their families. There was a certain point connected
with the association to which he was bound to allude.
The meeting would, perhaps, allow him to trespass for a
few moments longer upon their time. It was not merely a
life assurance, butit was a life assurance of a very beneficial
quality. There was nothing to be deducted from the profits
for directors or the shareholders, all the benefits
arising from it went to the increase of the institution,
except what the members might vote to the managers.
He would candidly state that ho wished as much as
possible to promote general and mutual assurance, when-
ever and whereever it could be done, as a benefit society.
The system had one beneficial result, which was a
peculiar one—there was no necessity for the formality
of making a will, or the expense of proving one ; it was
simply filling up the nomination paper, and that was
enough. That prevented all expense, trouble, and an-
noyance afterwards. Another peculiarity which was
connected with the institution was, that the Legislature
had in this instance said to a man—if you insure your
life in the Provident Clerks' Institution you will not be
compelled to pay legacy duty, as has hitherto been done
in these cases. The policy could not be taken away or
removed by distress, for no bankruptcy or insolvent
court could by any possibility claim that policy. The
opening of the benefit department had created a
confidence between the principals and their clerks.
He then came to the benevolent department, which,
with all due deference to those present, was a misnomer;
for there was no beeevolence in it at all—it was a bene-
ficial department. The principals of the mercantile houses
had said at once, that what we give is to assist your own
endeavours, we claim no right to interfere in the manage-
ment. They might talk of charity—it was wrong, for they
did not know charity. They admitted that the clerks were
the body upon whom they themselves depended for a
due execution of their duties. They could do, and had
done more than an act of charity, fur they had said to
the clerks—you help yourselves, and we will help you.
It might be asked how they meant to do that—did they
mean to publish the names of those whom they assisted,
as if it were a common charity ? Ile would answer that
they did not, and had not done so ; for not one single
case had ever come before'the 'board of management of
the Provident Clerks'Asiewriation which tad been desig-
nated as an sot of charity., The institution. had '
always met in a fair way the demands or calls
of those who were members of it. It might
be interesting to ask, whether all these regulations
were carried out. Last Christmas twelvemonths he had
a very painful and yet a very pleasing duty to perform.
individual,eve. agedsot 89 was brought before him on
being
a member, of course the
institution could not take his case into consideration;
AC
lil tri st m as_but to show what were the feelings of the board of
managers, they at once subscribed a sum out of their
own pockets to make the poor old man comfortable upon
the Christmas-day. He had another case similar to
that. The case of a gentleman, well known in the city
of London as connected with the press, was brought,
or rather a party connected with him, was brought be-
fore the board. lie was not described as a clerk and
therefore ho could not be relieved from the funds of
the institution, but the board had subscribed 10s.
each from their own pockets for his relief. He
wished to call the particular attention of the meeting to
a fact which spoke much for the moral character of the
clerks who had joined the association. Tho institution
had the power of granting loans of 251. These loans were
granted upon certain conditions, and he was happy to
tell the meeting that out of all the money granted
and which amounted to 1,8171., they bad only had one
single individual with whom they had had any trouble.
During the time of the railway mania there were im-
mense numbers of applications for loans, but they
thought that the applicants were going rather too fast,
and the applications were not granted. Out of the whole
number of loans, which amounted to 94, they had not
lost 251. With respect to the situation-book, it had been
the instrument of obtaining situations for a great many
gentlemen whose names he could tell them if such a
course did not lead to their identification. The situation-
book was open to all. The applicant had only to go to
the office, and if be could not go, he had only to a rite
a letter stating what he wanted, his age, capabilities,
and expectations, and it was at once attended to. With
regard to the medical advice department, he had the
pleasure of saying that, during the seven years which
the institution bad been established, only 56 clerks had
sought advice. In May next they were about to elect
two persons to the benefits of the institution, and be
challenvil rrson to say that thew italividuals were
receiving chanty. Vs he acre the parties ? They were
the relatives of men who had died suddenly. One party,