The Sun.
London, England, 1846-02-12 00:00:00

complied with, and then adjourned until the usual hour to-
morrow morning.
The following Bills have been added since Yesterday
Midlands Railway (Sy stun to Peterborough Railway, be-
yiaticn and Branches).
Great North of England and Boroughbridge Branch
Railway.
Great North of England Railway Purchase.
Great North of England and Bedale Branch Railway.
York and North Midland (East Riding Branches) Rail-
way (No. 2).

Sub-Committee No. 4.
(Continued from our Afternoon Edition.)
EAST AND WEST TORKSUXRE JUNCTION.
The object of this Bill is to make a railway from Knares-
borough to York, the cost of which is estimated at 200,0001.
The length of the line will be fifteen miles. Mr. Thomas
Grainger is the engineer, and Messrs. Parkes and Co., the
Parliamentary agents.
The Committee decided that in this case also the standing
orders had been complied with.
SOUTH MIDLAND (HUNTINGDON BRANCH)
AND SOUTH VIZI:OLAND (17 ORTHA. WIP TON
AND szpropm).
It will be remembered that on Monday the Committee
ordered these two Bills to stand oyer, in order that they
might consult with the-Speaker as to the legality of having
but one subscription contract for two Bills.
The Committee this day gave their opinion that one sub-
scription contract was sufficient, and declared the standing
orders complied with.
NORTH-WESTERN,
The object of this Bill is to connect the Leeds and Brad-
ford Extension line, at Skipton, with the Lancaster and
Carlisle line. The cost is estimated at 1,350,0001., the length
of the line being 73 miles.
Messrs. Stephenson, Vignoles, awl Watson, are the engi-
neers. The agents to the Northern and Western Railway
are Messrs. Burke and Co.

Standing orders complied with.
EXETER, TOPSHAM, AND EXMOUTH.
The object of this Bill is expressed in the title. The
length of the line will be seven miles, and the expense is
estimated at 100,000/. Mr. Arthur Whitehead is the engi-
neer, and Messrs. Burke and Co., are the Parliamentary
agents.
Standing cutlers complied with.
EXETER AND EXMOUTH.
On this Bill coming before the Committee yesterday, an
objection was made to the admissibility of certain evidence
as to a letter of assent from two rersons whose property was
interfered with by the lice.
The matter being again brought before the Committee by
the Parliamentary agent (Mr. Ellicombe), the Committee
declared that the standing orders were complied with.
LIVERPOOL DOCKS AND I.I.LESMERE
AND CHESTER CANAL.
-- -

1 jln both the above Bills the standing orders were complied
with.
The Committee having disposed of the above Bills, ad-
journed at a quarter to four o'clock.

GREAT TREE-TRADE DEMON-

STRATION.

(BY EXPRESS.)
BlusroL, WEDNESDAY NIGHT.—This evening a tea meet-
ing was held at the large public rooms, Broadmead, in aid
of the Quarter-of-a-Million League Fund. The attendance
was numerous and highly influential, several of the lcadirg
merchants of the city being present. The chair was taken
by George Thomas, Esq., and merchant, and a liberal sup-
porter of the League. When tea was concluded,

The CHAIRMAN said that a petition bad been sent from this
City, signed by 18,000 persons, for a total and immediate
repeal of the cora-laws. It was sent to Mr. Berkeley, one of
the Members for Bristol, with a request that he would pre-
sent it to the House and support its prayer. A similar
request was also made to Mr. P. Miles, the other Member.
Letters had been received from each of those gentle-

men, the former agreeing in the sentiments of the
petitioners, the latter saying that he could not
give his vote in -favour of total and immediate
repeal. The Chairman went on to state that the present
meeting was to assist the League fund, which some time ago
it was determined should be raised, so that they might en-
deavour to obtain a majority of free-traders at the next
general election. It was their wish to raise a quarter of a
million, and they ought not to relax in their efforts because
they now had a prospect of attaining their end, as it was
possible that their might be an opposition in the House of Lords,
which would give rise to a dissolution of Parliament. If Par-
liament were dissolved, they would want the money. He
hoped, however, that they would not want it. At present
it was only their intention to call for 20 per cent. on the
amount subscribed. It was the wish of some parties that the
League might be dissolved, and so it will be when the. total
repeal of the corn-laws was effected ; but till that period
the members of the League must not give up their exertions.
Tney were not disposed to offer a factious opposition, indeed,
no opposition to the Ministry, in carrying the present mea-
sure. If the Bill of the Government were carried, they
would attain the object which they had in view, in 1849;
and, therefore, it would be folly in them to run the risk of
losing it in its present shape. It was a matter of congra-
tulation that they had arrived at the present stage, so
as to be eble to see that at no distant period they would at-
tain that which they had all along been trying for.—(hear.)
After some allusion to the state of the port of Bristol, which
he regretted was not in a position to reap the advantages of
free trade, in consequence of the dock question, he expressed
his regret the opposition to the Government measure should
have been introduced by one of the Members for the City of
Bristol. He felt that Mr. Miles, as a merchant of Brit tol, it
doing that, had compromised the character of Bristo'
—compromised it by his having opposed a measure
which would result in so muoh benefit to the city.—(Cheers.)
He was sure that that gentleman's constituents did not ap-
prove .of his :conduct ; he did not doubt but that three-
quarters of the Conservatitrs of the city were in favour of
tree trade. Some how or other, it now appeared that hun
dreds and thousands of the people had become converts to
free trade in a very few months.—(Hear, and cheers.)
After some remarks upon the benefits which would
result from free trade in a commercial point of
view, the Chairman said that after they had obtained free
trade they would bear but very little more of war.—(Hear.)
Free trade would destroy wars. He firmly believed that free
trade would be the best, and, perhaps, the only way, of set-
tling the dispute between this country and America.—(Hear.)
This was evident from the way in which the question had
been met by the Americans, from the sentiments uttered by
the Secretary to the Treasury of the American Government,
IlLich were in accordance with the views of the free-t raders.—
(Hear. ) So many' circumstances coming together must ins-
prers upon their minds the fact that the fingrr of Providence
was to be traced in them. What they considered to be a
great evil, namely, the rot in the potato, brought the ques-
tion to its point.. No doubt but that thel Government had
made up their minds upon the subject, and were waiting a
fitting opportunity to bring forward their measures; that cp-
portunity had arrived, and they had taken advantage of it.
There was no doubt but that Sir R. Peel had lung entertained
the principles of free trade, and when Sir Robert Peel went
out of office, he (the Chairman) felt very thankful that Lord
John Russell could net succeed in forming a Ministry. When
there seemed to be a prospect of his succeeding in the forma-
tion of a Government, he (the nisi man) trembled for the
consequences ; and when Sir Robert Peel resumed office, he
was satisfied that the question would speedily be settled.—
(Cheers.) He hoped that they would all be united in support-
ing the Government on this great measure, and if the House
of Lords should not accept it, he trusted that they would be
in a position to show that the voice of the country was with
the Ministry.—(Cheers )
The Rev. GEORGE At:Ammons (Unitarian minister) fol-
lowed the Chairman. He congratulated Colonel Thompson
and the free-trade advocates upon what he might call the
successful termination of labours extending over:a period of
twenty years. It was gratifying now to find men of all par-
ties agreeing that free-trade is the only measure which can
work advantageously for this great empire.—[,Cheers.)
Colonel Tiromrsox then rose, and was received with loud
cheering lie said that they met under very altered cir-
cumstances from what they were in twelve months ago. He
could truly say that their enemies e. ere made to be at peace
with them ; let them, then, lav aside all unfriendly recollec-
tions and hostile feeling, let t'hein make the utmost of the
bounty which Heaven had bestowed upon them, and take all
reasonable care that none of the advantages slip away
from their own carelessness, that they would do their en-
deavours to carry forward the fruits of their great success,.
wherever the condition of mankind should open the occasion.
He rejoiced that the trust of executing this great object had
fallen where it had. lie should be glad if they would throw,
aside all remnants of party feeling, throw aside all recollection
of what bad passed, and, as honest men, know and feel nothing
except that they were seeking the improvement of the con-
dition of the country.—(Cheers ) It was most remarkable to
see how men's convictions had increased, how their appre-
hensions had sunk, how their jealousies had diminished, till
at last the truth broke forth in that very place where they
lookedfor the greatest opposition.—(Cheers.) Reasonable care
then was all that was wanted to improve the present object,
and that reasonable care it was the intention of the League
to exert, as it was not for prudent men to be hasty iu think-
ing all the danger was over.—(Hear, hear.) In respect of
this great measure one of their representatives in Parliament
was with them. " I know him (continued the Colonel), I know
him well; he is a ladies' man.—(Laughter and cheers.) So'am I.
—(renewed laughter.) I know him because we met in what was
called a ladies committee in the House of Commons. Perhaps
he would remember me ; but, whether he does or does not, I
am sure he would not take it amiss, if before you all I should
offer him my humble thanks for ie part he has taken on
the present occasion in support of your cause, and that of all
of us."—(Cheers.) Your other Member is in a way of learn-
ing—(Laughter)—there is, however, less hopeful ways than
that; you must teach him.—(Laughter.) You must in-
struct his ignorance wherever that seems removable.
On one pint he is right already—ha says that if this great
change is to take place, it had much better take place now.—
(Hear and cheers.) " A Daniel come to judgment."—
(Laughter and cheers.) That is what vou elected him for—
you knew that be was capable of uttering such a
wise sentime .t as that when your City sent him to. Par-
liament.—(Loud laughter.) Lrge him upon that point ;
let it lie publicly known that you approve of his conduct ;
beg of him that he will impress the necessity he sees on the
Home of Commons, and let him know that you end he co-
incide in the belief that it would be wiser to remove
the evil than to postpone it for three years, and that
much evil would result from such postponement. That the
propcsed measure would give the Continent three
years' warning, by which all the corn that the Continent
could produce would be grown, which would, up to the end
of the three years, be poured upon our country • and that
therefore it would be much better for the farmer- that the
total repeal should take effect at once.--(lleac, bear.) I
N 01' ll surely
Ministerg i e r .
wonder what "farmer's friend" invented that plan.—( Loud
lau)ought to ~,,,t.haat is one of the points whi :h the
he is only waiting mesoiend goodnnu you may
assistance to induce him
depend upon it
rnt;isetraekew.n.—(l.oud cheers.)
to amend it, if I
The speaker west on to say that there
rot
likess another subject
ef
something
kl vwi nn oi
of
ofa
which grieved him a little. He
remnant of the duty, even the one shilling.
the sort be desired, in order that it might
much corn came into the country, he would suggest thatw
their object was.to get corn rather than to 1:now how much
came into the conntry.—(Laughter.) if, however, it ave.e
desirable that we should know the quantity which came in,
he would ask if such knowledge could not be equally ob-
tained by a one shiiling bounty instead of a one shilling
duty ?---:Hear, hear.) lie did
cnoorrtecdtourebttu, however, that
without either duty or bou
s°c
captains ae innasl toyl
penalty. Colonel
fortltynnitankpionrgt imported
lycouldrnn
wrong
edpe rc7acruarteidn.n
.Laentdthveerreybefeaw
conduct
of the Premier in
NT'eanelspsownoulprdocebede
edteintop
had had the effect of subduing the warlike spirit which had
begun of the Oregon question, statingthat hisp romytithudde
extolttempted
t cst. r
ei s
ck
o the
begun to manifest itself in the United States, and prognosti-
eating that his (the Premier's) measures would have the
effect of averting the war altogether.—(Bear, hear.)
R. R. R.:11loos,E, Esq., was next introduced to‘the meeting,
and was received with loud cheers. After congratulating
the company upon the change which had been wrought

upon the minds of the people at large, and particularly upon
the minds of a considerable portion of the Legislature,
during the last few years—a change nut effected by
public clamour, or by threats of violence, but by
strength of argument—proceeded to comment 'upon- a
passage in the speech of Mr. Sidney Herbert, de-
livered in the House a Commons on Monday night,
in which he said that the Corn Bill cf 1815 was the worst
measure which was ever sanctioned by the Legislature, and
that the passing of it was a great error. He (Mr. Moore)
believed that the measure of 1815 was worse than an error,
it was on the part of many a vs ilful injustice and a delibe-
rately done wrong, and he so believed because of
the history of the enactment of that measure.
—(Hear, hear.) He had no desire at the present
time, when it was so near its end, to go back to the origin of
that injustice—of that wring—or to call attention to the hot
haste with which the law was passed, and the refusal of time
for popular opinion to speck out. He had no desire to go
into the history of the working of the law, and to point out
how popular opinion was put down by spilling the blood of
the people at Peterloo, in 1819 ; nor to go over the black
catalogue of crime which the law had brought
upon the people during the 31 years of its operation ;
but he would go to the legislators now living who assisted
in the formation of that law, and tell them that all which
was past would be forgotten and forgiven, if they would,
now that they must have teen their error, exert themselves
to obtain for the people a total and immediate repeal of the
obnoxious law. (Cheers.) After enlarging upon the
.importance to the country of having immediate
repeal, the speaker said he could say upon authority
that the Government were desirous for it. The other day he
was talking with a gentleman who had been informed by
Sir James Graham that both himself (Sir James) and Sir
Robert Peel were anxious that the repeal should be imme-
diate.—(Loud cheers.) The farmers, too, were equally soli—
citous upon that head, fearing that very serious consequences
might result from the three years protection. After some further
observations, Mr. Moore came to the immediate object of the
meeting which was to aid the great League fund. He hoped
the money would not be wanted, but as the League were
pledged not to dissolve till the total repeal was finally settled,
they must continue their exertions; and they would con-
tinue them in the registration courts and other places till no
ye:lige of the corn-law was left. The speaker then an-
nounced the subscriptions, observing that at present only 20
per cent. would be called for :—George Thomas, Esq.,
2501. ; Joseph Eden, Esq., 2501.; Edward Thomas, Esq.,
2501.; William Tuthill, Esq., 200.; Edward Keate, Esq.,
1001.; Naish and Co., 10C1.; James Charlton, Esq., 100/. ;
Thomas Sanders, Esq,.,, 1001. ; Wm. Wills, Esq , ; 11. 0.
Wills, Esq.,loo/.; S. S. Fry and Son,lool. There were several
501. and 251., and smaller sums, and we believe the collec-
ions amounted to about 3,00 a.
!Ulu the collection the meeting broke up.

CHARING-CROSS BRIDGE
CO-M PANY.—(THIS DAY.)
The half-yearly general meeting of the proprietors of this
Company was held at one o'clock this , afternoon at the
Company's offices No. 9, Villiers-street, Strand, for the pur-
pose of receiving the dirc-ctors' report and the transaction of
other business.; There was a large attendance of share-
holders. Amongst the Directors present we observed Messrs.
Corv, Sutton, Miller, Vaughan, Todd, Christie, and Seeger.
W. HAWES, Esq., the DeputyXhairman' took the chair,
end called- upon the Secretary to read the advertisement
convening the meeting, which having been done,
Mr. LAWRENCE (the clerk) read the directors' report, which
stated that the directors had to congratulate the proprietors
upon the continued success of the bridge, and that the tolls
received during the last six months, from Jury 31, 1845, to
Jan. 31, 1846, would justify the payment of a dividend of 18s.
per share, or nearly 71 per cent. on the capital stock of
the Company, and interest at the rate of 5 per cent. on the
capital paid on the eighth shares, amounting together to
2,937'. 16s. against the net recciptssefter the payment of all
expenses, of 3,06E1. Bs. 4d. The Directors regretted their .
inability to arrive at any amicable settlement with
the Market Company with respect to the passage of
the servants of that Company over the bridge.
They were very sanguine as to the last proposition they made
to the Company, because it vas in every way advantageous
to the Company. That offer had been met in so uncompro-
mising a spirit that nothing appeared to remain but an ap-
peal to a court of law to decide the claims and rights of
each Company. Such a step the directors much -regretted as
well on account of the expense as to the trouble and
injury to both Companies incidental to such a
proceeding, but in justice to the Company they felt that no
other course was now left open to them. The directors had
also to report that they were proceeding with the Bill in
Parliament to enable them to complete the sale of the bridge
to Messrs. Jackson and others, and in consequence of those
proceedings they had not exercised the powers vested' in
them by the Act of Parliathent obtained last session for
raising additional capital to form approaches ; nor bad they
attempted to raise loans to pay off the Exchequer Loan
Commissioners, both or either of which they were authorised
to do by the resolutions of the general meeting of propritt're,
held in August la,t. The balance, after payment of the pre-
sent proposed dividend, would be 1861. Bs. 4d.
The CHAIRMAN, at the conclusion of the report, said he
had very few remarks to make upon the report. The
paragraphs in the report chiefly calling for his observations_
were those referring to the directors' inability to come to any
-amicable arrangement with the Burge; ford Market Com-
pany. The directors were particularly anxious to lay the
whole affair open to the proprietors. The agreement, out of
which the present dispute arose, was made in 1836, by which
it was arranged that a certain portion of the bridge should be
apportioned to the public, and another to the servants of the
Market Company. 1 hat Company now called upon the proprie-
tors of this Company to give them increased advent agee,which
of course could not be conceded. The Market Company de-
manded that the public should pass over the bridge toll free.
Arbitration had been agreed to, but nothing satisfactory
could be done That Company said they had no funds to
improve the state of the market or the approach to the
bridge, but the truth wa.; that they were possessed of up-.
wards of 3,000- shares in this Company, and they had not
themselves paid any dividend for the last five or six
j years. (Several proprietors of the Market Company who
sere present, and who are also shareholders in the Bridge
Company, Here denied the truth of the Chairman's state-
ment.) However, he did hope that they would shortly
again meet and endeavour to settle the present differences in
a manner just and honourable to both parties.
The Bev. W. Odin said that this Company ought to tell the
Market Company, openly and honestly, that they would pay
the expenses of the settlement of the dispute existing between
the two Companies, because he really believed that the
Market Company was in the right and this Company in the
wrong.—(Cheers.)
Mr. LAING said lie believed, on the other hand, that the
Market Company had not a leg to stand upon, provided they
went to law.—(dear, bear.)
Mr. FOWLER sincerely hoped that some amicable ar-
rangement would be entered into for the sake a both
Companies.—(Loud cheers.) He thought that the Chair-
man's doctrine, that because the two Companies were-
now in different positions the old agreement could
not be strictly carried out, would lead to very dangerous
re:mites—(l-leer, hear.) The Market Company, with a view
of satisfying dtis Company, had gone to much expense.
(Hear, hear.) He really believed that this Company had
in several instances violated the agreement, to the great pre-
judice of the Market Company, in one instance to the ex-
tent of 3,ooo?.—(Hear, hear.) Ile could not believe the
statertent of the Chairman, that the Market Company had
"most unreasonably repudiated the reasonable and fair pro-
posals of this Company."—(Cheers )
The Hon. Mr. BOIIVERIE also recommended: this Com.
pany to 'enter into an amicable arrangement with the Mar-
ket Company.
The CHAIRMAN then rose to vindicate the conduct of him-
self and his fellow-directors with regard to the Market Cvm.
pany. It had been said by Mr. Fowler that the Markel
Company bad conceded a great right in carrying out du
alteration of the pier; but that was carried out by mutua.
agreement, and that Comp my could not, therefore, clahr
anything in that respect. With respect to dredging the
shore, as alluded to by the same speaker, that was
also done by mutual agreement; and if the Market
Company had fulfilled their pert of the agreement
at a greater expense tha 7 this Company, they had no right
to charge this Company with any injustice.—(Neer, bear.)
This Company proposed that one- sixth more of the bridge
should be appropriated to the Market Cmnpany than they
were entitled to, for the purposes of their traffic, and surely
a proposition of that sort should be at once accepted by them.
Mr. STAINTON charged the directors of this Company with
injustice to the Market Companv, although had it not. been
for that Company the Bridge Company would have been
bankrupt.— (Cheers.)
The CHAIRMAN denied that such was the fact.
Mr. SEAGER' as a director of the Hungerford Market Com.
pany, appealed to the Chairman and also to the shareholders
present, who were proprietors of the Market Company,
.yhether be and his co-directors had not done everything
that could be reasonably expected of them to bring this long-
existing dispute to a settlement? Believing that the Market
Company had honestly done their duty, lie did nut think it
prudent at present to answer the call that had been made
upon him to enter into an explanation of the conduct of him-
self and his brother directors.—(Applause.)
The CHAIRMAN, in reply to an lion. Proprietor, stated that
the Market Company had positively refused to pay any por-
tion whatever of the expense of the proposed alteration, and
it was on that ground that he and his co-directors recom-
mended the Company to institute legal proceedings to com-
pel them.
Mr. ADAMS recommended some arrangement by which the
traffic to the boats and the passengers over the bridge should
be kept quite distinct.—(llear.) The expense of that ar-
rangement ought, in his opinion, to be equally paid by the
two companies. lie called on such proprietors of the Market
Company as were present to avoid all legal proceedings by
at once recommending their Board to accede to the requests
of {his Company.—(Applause.)
The CHAIRMAN theta said that he had given the discussion
fair play, and he believed he might say that the unanimous
wish of the meeting was, that two distinct ways should at
once be made over the bridge.—( Hear, hear.) He then
moved that the report be received and circulated amongst the
proprietors
The motion was seconded, and carried unanimously.
The CHAIRMAN, in reply to an Hon. Proprietor, stated
that the contract for the purchase of the bridge was being
properly carried out by Messrs. Jackson and others. He
then proposed that the dividend recommended, viz., 18s. per
share, by the directors, ehould be paid to the shareholders.
The motion was seconded and passed.
After some further remarks, with respect to the differences
existing between this and the Market Companies, in the
course of which
The CHAIRMAN said that the question in dispute was
whether the public at large, as well as the servants of the
Market Company, had a right of access to the pier;
Mr. BUCKSIA,:rtH moved, and an Hon. Proprietor se-
conded, that the beet thanks of the meeting be given to the
Chairman for his ab!c conauct in the chair.
rho resolution was put, unanimously carried, and responded
to by the Chairman, after which the meeting separated.

NORTHERN AND EASTERN RAIL

WAY.—( rills DAY.)
A meeting of the proprietors in this railway was held to 7.
day at the Company's offices, Shoreditch.
Richard Paterson, Eq., occupied the chair.
The SEotETAny read the report, the substance of which
was as follows :
" The directors had to report that the agreement between
this Company and the' Eastern Counties' Company, had been
engrossed, and that the common seals of the two Companies
had been affixed thereto.

"The leading feature of (lee agreement was, that the share-
holders of the NJrtliern and Eastern Company should retain
their guarantee of 5 per cent. per annum, after having
received two Eastern Counties York Extension shares of 20/.
each for every 50/. of their capital ; or, be guaranteed 6 per
cent. per annum interest in perpetuity, to commence from
the Ist of July next, and forego all right to present and
future extension shares; but both to receive a rateable divi-
sion with the Eastern Counties' shareholders of any surplus,
in lieu of their portion of one-third of any divisible fund, as
provided by the agreement of December, 1813.
"The extension of the Northern and Eastern Itai:way to
Cambridge and Brandon had necessarily produced a consi-
derable increase of traffic, but,nwing to the want of engifie
power and carrying stock, the Eastern Counties Company
had, up to the present time, been, unable to afford all the
acilities necessary its full development.