The Sun.
London, England, 1846-09-18 00:00:00

GENERAL MEETING.

The last general meeting of the Association was held
at eight o'clock in the evening, at the Victoria Rooms;
Sir R. Murchison, the president, in the chair.
The PRESIDENT, on opening the meeting, observed
that the parliament of science had now terminated, and
it only remained for them• to lay some of the results
which had attended their proceedings before the British
public, in order that all might be able to judge of the
merits and value of their association. He would, in the
first place, call upon the treasurer to produce his report.
- - '

Mr. TAYLOR, the treasurer, then read the report, the
substance of which we have already published. The
total number of tickets issued at the meeting was 843,
and the entire amount recceived, including 1001. from
Prince Albert, was 8271.45. Bd.

Colonel SABINE, the general secretary, then read a list
of the grants of money voted by the general committee,
and which has been already published in our columns.
Fle added, that among the reports which they required
for next year, and which would not involve any "outlay
of money, would be two on the important subject of
earthquakes, and one from Mr. Scott Russell on the
science of naval construction, including steam naviga-
ton. They had also requested Dr. Ewing and Sir
James Ross to draw up a plan for a naval expedition
for the purpose of investigations to complete our know-
ledge of tides. The recommendations to the Govern-
ment were two : one for the publication of the important
meteorological observations taken by the officers of the
trigonometrical survey of Ireland under Captain Lar-
combe, since 1834, and which were compiled with the
greatest care and accuracy of any investigations in the
world ; the other was for a survey cf the supposed
parallel roads at Glenroy and its vicinity, in the north of
Scotland.

The Marquis of NORTHAMPTON, after congratulating
the association that he could address them as " gentlemen
and ladies," for they had that day decided on admitting
ladies to the rank of membership, proposed the first re •
solution, which was a vote of thanks to the mayor, cor-
poration, and inhabitants of Southampton, for the kind
manner in which they had received the association. He
was sure no stranger there would ever forget the kind-
ness which they had received from all the inhabitants of
the town, and more especially from the excellent chief
magistrate. He wished to take that opportunity of con-
gratulating the association on the meeting which had
just terminated, and on the results to science which were
likely to arise out of it. There was only one circum-
stance connected with the present meeting which he
could regret, and that was, that he had not seen any
philosophers from among their trans-Atlantic brethren
among them. This was the more to be regretted from
the fact, that at their last meeting they had listened to
the eloquence of that friend of civilisation, and of science,
and of peace, Mr. Everett. He was sure that great man
would give them his hearty good wishes, and would re
juice when he heard of the triumphant display made by
the association this year.—(Hear, hear.) It was true
they had not so large an assemblage as they would have
had at Liverpool, or Manchester, or Bristol, or Birming-
ham, or Glasgow ; but then Southampton, it should be
recollected, was a comparatively small town, and the at-
tendance was certainly greater in proportion to the popu-
lation than at any of the larger localities they had hi-
therto visited. He did not mean to cast any slur on those
greater towns, but he mentioned the fact as a proof that
the association was rising in public estimation, and he was
convinced, though when they held their meetings in the
smaller towns their disbursements were necessarily
larger than their receipts, that still, when they again
visited the great leading towns of the kingdom, their
previous losses would be more than made up to them.—
(Hear, hear.) Their president had, in his opening ad.
dress, detailed to them some of the advantages which the
association had conferred on science and on the com-
munity, but he was satisfied that, in addition to all this,
they did more good than they could be at all aware of;
that they lit up the sparks of science in many minds that
would hereafter enlighten the world with their brilliancy
and splendour. After some further remarks, the Noble
Marquis concluded by moving that all the members of
the association present, not belonging to Southampton,
should join with him in expressing their thanks to the
mayor and inhabitants of the town for the kindness
which they had shown to them. The motion was re-
ceived with loud applause.
The MAYOR returned thanks, and said he was sure his
fellow townspeople would unite with him in expressing
their gratitude to the great and distinguished men who
had honoured them by coming among them. He con-
cluded by expressing a hope that the meeting of the
British Association in their town would lay the founda-
tion for the establishment of a local literary society
the s`gteille,'"ightv iITE a(V late" "kWh& la
the Royal Society had referred, in the bosoms of some
of their fellow-citizens.
Professor Plum's moved a vote of thanks to the local
secretaries and members of the local committee, and
passed a high eulogium on their exertions to ensure the
comfort and convenience of the association.
Dr. CLARKE returned thanks.

Sir Jour; llEnscriEL said that however remarkable
Britain had made herself in the field of science, she was
but one of the nations that were distinguished before
mankind in the advancement of civilisation. He felt
that he was therefore placed in a situation to which his
rhetorical powers were extremely inadequate, in rising
to express the feelings not merely of the British Associa-
tion, but of British civilisation generally, in reference to
European science. England was undoubtedly an island,
but she refused to be regarded as one in matters of
science. A great bridge had been built across the
Channel, and there was no longer a separation
between her and the continent of Europe. In
science tbre was but one direction which the
needle would take when pointed towards the
European continent, and that was towards his esteemed
friend Professor Oersted.—(Hear aid cheers.) He knew
not how to speak of him in his presence, without vio-
lating some of that sanctity by which as an individual
he was surrounded. To look at his calm manner, who
could think that he wielded such an intense power, ca-
pable of altering the whole state of science, and almost
convulsing the knowledge of the world? He had at this
meeting developed to them some of those recondite and
remarkable powers which he had been himself the first
to discover, and which went almost to the extent of
obliging them to alter their views on the most ordinary
laws of force and of motion. He elaborated his ideas
with slowness and certainty, bringing , them forward
only after a long lapse of time. How often did he (Sir
J. Herschel) wish to heaven that he could trample down
and strike for ever to the earth the hasty generalisation
which marked the present age, and bring up another ,
and a more safe system of investigation, such as that
which marked the inquiries of his friend. It was in the
deep recesses, as it were, of a cell, that in the midst of
his study a far idea first struck upon the mind of Oer-
sted. He waited calmly and long for the dawn which
at length opened upon him, altering the whole relations
of science, and he might say of life, until they knew not
where he would lead them to. The electric telegraph
and other wonders of modern science were but mere
efforveseences—the mere scum from the surface of this
deep recondite discovery, which Oersted's had liberated,
and which was yet to burst with all its mighty force
upon the world.—(Cheers.) But with the long list which
he had to get through he would not dilate longer
on the great discovery of his esteemed friend.
If he were to characterise by any figure tho ad-
vantage of Oersted to science, he would regard him
as a fertilising shower descending from heaven, which
brought forth a new crop, delightful to the eye and
pleasing to the heart. But if he turned on the other
hand, he would have to describe a mighty Titan—one
who can convulse nature, tear up the rocks, and call the
lightning to his aid. When he mentioned the name of
Schonbein ho surely recalled to them all these ideas.—
(Hear, hear.) After proceeding at some length to de-
scribe in eloquent language the celebrity of the other
eminent foreigners present at the meeting, he concluded,
amidst loud cheers, by moving the thanks of the meeting
to Professor Oersted and the other foreign philosophers
who had honoured them by their presence.
Mr. M. STIRLING said he thought the term applied
by Sir John Herschel to Professor Wheatstone's great

discovery—the electric telegraph—of being mere scum
and effervescence, was one requiring some explanation.
Sir JOHN HERSCHEL said nothing could be further
from his mind than to depreciate the important discovery
of his friend Professor Wheatstone; but in using what
was, perhaps, rather an infelicitous term, he merely
wished to compare what had already appeared on the
surface from Oersted's discovery, in comparison to the
depths which they were yet unable to fathom.—(Hear.)
The Rev. Dr. ROBINSON said, before the gentleman,
whoever he was, rose in so peremptory a manner, he
ought at least to have understood what he was speaking
about. No one had a higher esteem for Professor Wheat-
stone than he had, but yet he had no hesitation in say-
ing that the discoveries of Professor Wheatstone were
but effervescences of that fermentation which the dis-
coveries of Oersted were raising in the minds of men.
Some interruption for a time of rather an angry kind
ensued, after which the resolution was carried amidst
loud cheers.
Professor OERSTED said he was quite overpowered at
all the praise which that distinguished gentleman, Sir
John Herschel, had heaped upon him, and he regretted
that his command of the English language was not suffi-
cient to enable him to express his feelings as he would
wish. There was no country had more reason to love
science than England. ller great men were too nume-
rous to be enumerated, but the name of Newton was
perhaps sufficient to mention.—(Hear, hear.) Science
was power, and much of the vast power of England had
certainly been derived from the scientific pursuits of her
great men. He felt the liveliest gratification on coming
amongst them on this occasion, and ho was sure all the
foreigners around him were actuated by the same
emotions.
The PRESIDENT begged to remind the meeting that,
at that association, which might be called the parlia-
ment of the science of England, there had been assem-
, bled at one time or another every man who was

~~7

PRICE SD.

entitled to the name of eminent in science in
the British empire. He would, therefore, spurn any
criticism which might be directed against them.
When he saw himself supported by such men
as Herschel, and Owen, and Faraday, he felt
that it was no idle boast on his part, humble
geologist as he was, to say that he spoke in the name of
the united science of Britain. All they required was,
an open stage and no favour, to have their acts investi-
gated, but instead of that, those who criticised them
seized on mere excrescences of the meeting, which had
no connexion whatever with the great objects which
they were assembled to promote. After some further
remarks, he announced that the Diarchioness of Hastings,
Lady Murchison, Mrs. Whitby, Mrs. Philips, and other
ladies had that day paid their subscriptions and become
members of the British Association.

Mr. BULLER moved a vote of thanks to the President.
Dr. ROBINSON seconded the motion, and observed that
the association was not the first scientific body that
admitted ladies as members. The Royal Irish Academy
had conferred the title of honorary corresponding mem-
bers on two ladies—one was a near connexion of his
own, and the other was no less than their distinguished
countrywoman, Mrs. Somerville. Her fame was known
to all, but it might not be known to many that, with all
her transcendental mathematical knowledge, which so
much astonished foreign philosophers, she was distin-
guished for her amiability and goodness in all the rela-
tions of private life. The Rev. Doctor alluded in lauda-
tory terms to the respect which Prince Albert had shown
When attending the meetings of their sections to the
opinions of men of superior scientific acquirements.
Mr. L. HORNER thought it right the meeting should
know that the second lady who had been admitted an
honorary member of the Royal Irish Academy was
Maria Edgeworth.—(Cheers.)

The meeting shortly after adjourned.
In concluding our report of the proceedings of the
association here we may remark that there were several
interesting exhibitions open in the town during the
week. The prineipskwas the model room attached to
the mechanical e&,‘ id-:which were exhibited some
rich specimens of Irish poplins, geological models, fossil
shells, and mathematical instruments. The Messrs.
Sowerby had also an extensive collection of shells and
minerals on view.

The most important feature of interest, not immedi-
ately connected with the association, was, however, the
map-office of the Ordnance survey of Great Britain
which was thrown open to the members of the associa-
tion. All the officers of the establishment, both com-
missioned and non-commissioned, were unremitting in
their attentions to the visitors. Captain Yolland, the
superintendent of the depot, was in particular most
zealous in explaining the ingenious processes which
have been adopted to facilitate the engraving and print-
ing, the perfect arrangement of all the complicated
details of the surveys, the intricacy of the calculations,
and the almost miraculous accuracy which has been
attained, both in the observations and in the manner in
which they are recorded and transcribed. A. highly in-
teresting feature in this establishment is the reading-
room, which the depot has established under the new
regulation. Though there are but thirty men in the
establishment here, they have expended no less than 301,
—partly subscriptions from their officers—in fitting up
a neat and commodious reading-room. It is provided
with about a dozen large framed prints—one a present
from her Majesty, two great geological maps of Great
Britain and Ireland, coloured. Arrowsmith's large Atlas,
and 824 volumes of books. The latter were, however,
previously collected by the company under Captain
Yolland's command. The reading-room is also provided
with two or three of the leading London morning papers,
anda selection of the best magazines and reviews.

VISIT or THE ASSOCIATION TO PORTSMOUTH.
PORTSMOUTH, SEPT. 17.—A great number of ladies
and gentlemen connected with the British Association,
having their president, Sir R. I. Murchison, with them,
arrived from Southampton, by the South-Western Rail-
way, at the Clarence-yard, Gosport, this morning, at
eleven. There must have been upwards of 50, for Admiral
Sir Charles Ogle sent his barge, and those of the Vic-
tory and Excellent, with some other boats, to embark
the party, and they were packed so close that the men
had to lay in their after oars. The distinguished party
first went on board her Majesty's ship Excellent, and
were received by Captain Chads and his officers, and a
prodigious number of half-pay officers and others, who
expected to see some experimental operations, suggested
by members of the association. After several introduc-
tions had taken place, the party went over the upper
and lower decks, and the guns being cast loose, they
first witnessed the gun drill, and then several rounds of
quick firing with blank cartridge from the 32-pounders,
and the 8-inch and 10-inch guns. Inquiry was then
made for some of Professor Schonbein's gun-cotton to
be tried, but it happened that he was not one of the
party, having, it was said, gone to London to take out
a patent for his invention. Some disappointment was felt
by the naval people on the occasion, but there was no
help, and the only satisfaction which could be obtained
and given to those who expected to have witnessed the
FAcipjoelivue effects_ of the gun-cotton was an assurance
weight to be purchased, iti:l7tlld artige`ilu one hundreds
Woolwich, and on board the Excellent, when furnished
by the Learned Professor. After the ladies and gen-
tlemen had adjourned to the poop of the Excellent to
observe the effect of two 68-pounder shot, which were
fired at the wreck of the iron steamer Ruby, both of
which hit her, and knocked away large fragments, Sir
R. Murchison, for himself and the members of the asso-
ciation, expressed to Captain Chads his thanks for the
attention which had been paid to them, and the gratifi-
cation they felt in witnessing what had been done in
this short visit; the barges were then brought alongside,
and the parties wort to her Majesty's ship, Victory,
packed as close as before ; here Captain Pasco and his
officers received them, and escorted them over
the ship, pointing out the various objects of cu-
riosity in her, particularly the spot on which Nelson
fell when wounded; the company, many of whom
had never been on board so large a ship, were much
gratified when taken over the store-rooms, which
were lighted up for the occasion, and after remaining on
board near an hoar, the greater part of the members and
their friends landed at the dockyard, and proceeded to
Admiral Sir C. Ogle's house, where a splendid lunch had
been provided on a most liberal scale. After lun-
cheon at Sir C. o,gle's, the party, much increased in
numbers, and apparently musteringone hundred persons,
went over the dockyard in groups, and were attended by
Mr. Brown, the senior master attendant, and Mr. Fin-
cham, the master shipwright, who took them to the block
machinery, metal mills, smithery, new steam basin, test-
house, hydraulic pump, rope-house, sail loft, &c. About
five o'clock the party left the yard, and were taken across
the harbour to the Clarence victualling department,
which they inspected—the various parts of the baking
machinery being explained by Mr. Grant, the store-
keeper and inventor of it. In the evening the learned
body returned to their quarters at Southampton.

MR. BULWER'S NOTE TO SENOR

ISTURITZ.

The following is the first note addressed to Senor
Isturitz by Mr. Bulwer, the British ambassador at
Madrid, protesting against the proposed marriage be-
tween the Infanta of Spain and the Duc de Mont-
pensier
" Madrid, Aug. 31, 1846.

" I have heard (though not from your Excellency)
that in addition to the marriage of the Queen with Don
Francisco de Assis, which has been announced tome,
the Infanta Donna Luisa is to be married at the same
time to the Duc de Montpensier, son of the King of the
French. Far be it from me to dispute whatever may be
her Majesty the Queen of Spain's intention towards her
royal sister, but I much regret that it is my duty to ob-
serve to you that this marriage taking place at the same
time as her Majesty Queen Isabella's, as I am informed
it is to do, appears to me under all the circumstances of
the case, one of the most grave events that can happen
in Europe, and that I fear exceedingly may tend very
materially to alter the relations of Spain with those
powers that have hitherto made it one of the chief ob-
jects of their policy to maintain the national inde-
pendence of this country. Ido not make any apology
for this note, since you are fully aware that the marriage
of the Infanta can in no way be considered a private
marriage, and that it is especially regarded an affair of
state by the laws of Spain.

_
(Signed) " H. L. BULWER.
" His Excellency F. D. Xavier Isturitz.

PROCLAMATIONS OF OUTLAWRY.—Yesterday, at
the Court of the Sheriffs of Middlesex, Mr. Hemp, the
officer, formally called upon the following persons to
surrender to their creditors :—William Mullingar Hig-
gins, at the suit of Thomas Gray; George Rutherford,
at the suit of Samuel Reynolds; William Cunningham
Burton, at the suit of Charles Curlew's; J. R Udney,
at the suit of Onesiphorus Roberts; the Rev. James
Houghton Money Kyrie, clerk, at the suit of W. Thomp-
son; Thomas Harris Wilson, at the suit of John Garrod;
J. L. Wellesley, at the suit of Benjamin Spilsbury; John
Twysden, at the suit of William Dines; Lady Frances
Twysden, at the suit of William Dines; Richard Augus-
tus Seymour, at the suit of William Henry Vernon;
W. R. Gardiner, at the suit of George Augustus Brown;
Henry Lacy, at the suit of William Lillywhite; Mary
Ann Perryman, at the suit of James Edward Pye; J.
W. Gudge, at the suit of John Townsend; Thomas
Flower, at the suit of 'William Greene; George Hicks,
at the suit of William Henry Savage; Arthur Wellesley
Williams, at the suit of John Milnes Duffield, as the
executor of William Griffiths, deceased; Samuel Bertie
Ambosse, at the suit of Samuel Ford; George Pitt Rose,
at the suit of Senica Hughes; and Richard Samuel More
Spray, at the suit of John Forbes.
CART AccIDENT.--Yesterday an accident of a
serious nature occurred to a youth named Edwin
Moulder, aged thirteen years, whose friends reside at
Brixton. He was riding on the shaft of a cart, and
while passing along Larkhall•lane to Forest-hill he fell
off, and before the horse could be stopped the near
wheel passed over his head, and the horse kicked him
on the base of the skull. He was raised up and carried
to the nearest surgeon's, but he remained in an uncon-
scious state for several hours. He was conveyed to the
accident ward of Guy's Hospital, where he was placed
under the care of Mr. Walling, the assistant-surgeon,
who ascertained that he had roceived concussion of the
brain and other fearful injuries, which will most probably
prove fatal.

THE COBDEN NATIONAL TRI-

BUTE FUND.

The usual weekly meeting of the Manchester Com-
, mittee, in connexion with the above fund, was held at
seven o'clock on Tuesday evening, in the League Room,
Newall's-buildings. There were present Mr. G. Wil-
son (in the chair), Messrs. Nodal, Barker, Armstrong,
Latham, Hampson, Prentice, B. Syddall, J. E. Royle. J.
Lees, and W. M`Cartney. Mr. Pattison read the mi-
nutes of the last meeting, which were confirmed. The
Chairman then read the report of the progress of the
fund, during the past week, which stated that since the
last meeting the fund had increased from 72,3001. to
73,4001., making an increase of upwards of I,OOOL during
the last week. Of this increase Manchester had contri-
buted 2891, ls. 6d. ; Huddersfield, 6201. 15s.—(Hear.)
The subscriptions from Huddersfield (the Chairman
remarked) were accompanied by 109/. towards
" the Bright testimonial," and the parties were extremely
anxious that the two subscriptions should appear
conjointly, in the same advertisement, in the papers.
This would interfere somewhat with the arrangements
of the committee, but as the application was from such
zealous free-traders as the people of Huddersfield, their
wishes would be complied with. Wigan had contributed
271.. and Halifax 90/. ; the small subscriptions amounted
to 751., making the total increase for the week 1,101/.
16s. 6d. It might be noticed (the Chairman observed)
that Mr. George Coinbe, who was known to those pre-
sent as having lectured at Manchester a few years since,
awl his brother, Dr. Andrew Combe, physician to the
King of the Belgians, had each contributed 101. to-
wards the fund, and sent a letter expressive of great
interest in the object. The fund in London was gra-
dually increasing, and a careful and systematic canvass
was being prosecuted. A letter had been received
from Mr. Harvey, of Dea, a lieutenant in the navy, in-
closing a card, with subscriptions to the amount of five
guineas. The following were the names upon the card:—
Admiral Sir T. Trowbridge, Bart., M.P., 1/. ; Captain
Boys, R.N., Deal, 1/. ; Mr. Harvey himself, 11., and
ether friends, at Deal, 21. ss. During the whole of
the League proceedings (the Chairman continued) the
admirals and sailors were its best supporters in many of
those districts. The Chairman then read the letter,
which expi eased a hope that Mr. Cobden might be per-
fectly restored to health, and yet be placed among the
rulers of this country. The Chairman, referring to the
postscript of the letter, said that the committee, when
the subscription was completed, would publish a list of
the subscribers, a copy of which would be sent to every
subscriber. He then read a letter from Mr. Adam
Corrie, of Wellingborough, in which, after speaking of
his own illness for nearly two years, the writer says :
" I feel most grateful 4,0 Mr. Cobden for his unwearied
exertions in promoting the best interests of all descrip-
tions of the people, whether they will own
it or not. I have enclosed five pounds, which
please add to the list of subscription. I sin-
cerely wish that Mr. Cobden may be restored
to perfect health, and that he may be spared for many
years to labour for the good of his fellow-man." The
Chairman said, that with the exception of Halifax and
Huddersfield, no reports had been received from the
towns in Yorkshire, which was owing to having been
engaged in preparing for the registration ; in another
fortnight it was expected that a satisfactory report
would be made. After a few additional remarks, the
Chairman called upon Mr. Nodal, who reported that
during the past week 90/. 7s. had been subscribed in
small sums, which, in addition to 171. 25., made a total
of 4081. 2s. The sum promised was 1081. ss. 6d., and
the whole amounted to 5161. 17s. 7d. An additional
number of cards and books had also been distributed.
The Chairman said it should also be borne in mind that
the object of the committee was to get a large number
of subscribers, without reference so much to the large
amount of their subscriptions. They were anxious that
all persons should have an opportunity of contributing
to the fund. It must be expected that the collection of
so considerable a sum was not to be effected in a
short time ; still there was nothing to show that it was
not proceeding satisfactorily, or that much had been
neglected so far.—(Hear, hear.) The meeting, at its
rising, adjourned till Tuesday next.—Manchester
Guardian.

TESTIMONIALS to the EXECUTIVE
COUNCIL OF THE LATE ANTI-CORN-LAW
LEAGUE.

(From the Manchester Guardian).
It will be recollected that at the great meeting held in
Manchester on the 2d of July last, for the purpose of
dissolving the Anti-Corn-law League, it was determined
to acknowledge the exertions of the various members of
the executive council, by the presentation of some public
testimonial. Oa that occasion Mr. William Rathbone,
of Liverpool, moved the following resolution, and it was
at once adopted by the assembly:—" That the members
of the Executive Council of the League are entitled to
the warmest gratitude of the League and of the country,
for their high-principled, laborious; and most successful
exertions, during the seven years of our constitutional
agitation; and that a committee be appointed, consisting
of Joseph Brotherton, Esq., M.P., and such gentlemen
as may be associated with himself, to determine on some
suitable testimonial to be presented to those gentlemen
out of the funds of the League."
In accordance with this resolution, Mr. BROTHERTON,
M.P., requested Mr. George Wilson, late chairman, of
the League, and Mr. Alderman Harvey, of Salford, to
determine with him the best node of carrying out the
wishes of the meeting ; and, after a little conversation,
they resolved to present a handsome service of plate to
each of the following gentlemen, the members of the
executive council:—Mr. Archibald Prentice, who had
attended the committee meetings 1,127 times; Mr.
Samuel Lees, 862 times ; Mr. William Rawson, sot
times ; Mr. Thomas Woolley, 485 times ; Mr. William
",-,-.laere 474 times ; Mr. William Evans, 444 times ;
and Mr. H. atawsuu, Lae Le.-- o.curday evening
last these gentlemen were invited by Mr. Brotherton
and his associates to partake of tea, in the council room
of the League, in Newall's-builings, Market-street,
After tea, Mr. Brotherton took the chair, and the tes-
timonials to the gentlemen above-named were brought
into the room. Each consists of a complete silver coffee
service, with silver tea-urn, and a large splendid salver.
The urns are of the Etruscan form and style, the
handles being richly worked with foliage, the body
elaborately adorned with emblematic ornaments, inter-
spersed with scrolls, and the tops are surmounted with
beautiful representations of three sheaves of wheat.
The large salver is richly ornamented with a scroll
border interspersed with wheat sheaves, and bearing the
devices of the bee-hive, the cornucopia, and sailing and
steam ships (all admirably executed), emblematic of in-
dustry, plenty, and commerce. These emblems are also
elaborately worked on the whole eef the service, the
sugar basin and cream ewer being richly gilt inside.
Each service was contained in a substantial oak plate-
chest, with brass inscriptions, and having separate par-
titions for the various articles. Of these services there
were five sets; but to meet the wishes of Mr. Woolley,
the committee presented to him a magnificent silver
epergne with a plateau or stand, of equal value with
the other testimonials. This epergne was elaborately
worked with similar emblematic ornaments, with four
branches of frosted silver, and was placed upon an ele-
gant plateau, eighteen inches in diameter, with a richly-
chased border of grapes and vine leaves.
Mr. BROTHERTON, M.P., in presenting the testimo-
nials, briefly alluded to the resolution we have given
above, and then expressed a wish that it should be un-
derstood and generally known that these tributes were
not meant as rewards, but simply as an acknowledgment
of the deep debt of gratitude which the public owed to
the members of the executive council of the League,
who had, by their persevering conduct, performed such
services to their country ; services which it was impos-
sible fully to estimate, and which would produce
never-ending harvest of good to the nation. In esti-
mating those services they should recollect the great
difficulties which had been encountered, and in order to
appreciate the labours of the council, they must take
into account the circumstances in which they were placed.
They should consider the state of the public mind at the
time the League first commenced operations, and they
must add to that the fact that the population was
uninstructed to a considerable extent in the princi-
ples of free trade ; nor must they forget that they had
not only to oppose a Parliament of monopolists, but the
monopolist principles of the landowner, the West India
planter, and the Canadian shipowner, for whose benefit
taxes had been imposed upon corn, sugar, and timber. It
was impoisible, when they viewed the triumph which
had been accomplished, and the difficulties which had
been overcome, to estimate the value of the services ren-
dered by these gentlemen in directing the movements of.
the League, but he was satisfied that, by their exertions,
principles had been established which would tend to the
general happiness of mankind.--(Hear, hear.) He
esteemed it a great honour to have had the privilege of
being made the organ of the League for the presentation
of those memorials to the members of their executive
council for their eminent services in brining about the
repeal of the corn-laws, and establishing free-trade peke-
ciples for all the nations of the earth. He would only
add, that he wished them all health and happiness long to
enjoy the fruits of their triumph ; and he trusted that
when they saw those testimonials occasionally upon
their tables, they would be reminded of the past, and
be gratified by the recollection at the result of their la-
bours. Their names would be handed down to poste-
rity with respect and esteem ; they would be remem-.
bered by their countrymen of the present times with
pride and respect, and by nations yet unborn with gra-
titude and veneration.—(Approbation.)
Mr. Brotherton then formally presented the testi-
monials.
Mr. Alderman HARVEY, in expressing his conour-
rence in the observations of the chairman, remarked
that it might have been expected some more public oc-
casion should have been taken to present these memo-
rials to the members of the excutive council ; but as
they had carried on their valuable labours without
ostentation, it was, in his opinion, the most fitting
course to reward their exertions in a quiet and unos-
tentatious manner, without any public demonstration.
Mr. PRENTICE, on behalf of himself and those who
had been associated with him, said he had felt deeply
grateful for the handsome manner in which thei-c ser-
vices had been acknowledged. These splendid tentimo-
nials would be valuable and gratifying to themselves and
their families, as a proof, not only of the gratitude, but
of the justice of the League towards those who had un-
dertaken to do its work.
Mr. WILLIAM EVANS also acknowledged the high
compliment which had been paid to himself and col-
leagues, and remarked that it was a subject of general
regret amongst them that it was impossible to include
numbers of other gentlemen, whose services iv the cause.
had been invaluable, in so honourable a distinction. He
was sure, however, that the members of the executive
council were extremely proud of the compliment paid to
them, and that they would always regard it with feelings
of gratitude and satisfaction, associated as it was with
one of the greatest struggles for public usefulness in
which any body of men had ever joined.
The meeting then separated.

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