The Sun.
London, England, 1846-05-18 00:00:00

BOSTON, STAMFORD, AND BIR-
MINGHAM (STAMFORD TO WISBECH) RAIL-
WAY. -

A special general meeting of the shareholders of this
company was held on Saturday afternoon, at two o'clock,
at their offices, 18, Abingdon-street, Westminster, in
pursuance of the resolutions of the House of Commons,
to ascertain the decision of the scripholders as to whether
they assented or dissented to proceeding with the Bill.
The meeting, a numerous and respectable one, in the
absence of the Chairman, R. Spooner, Esq., M.P.. was
presided over by Thomas Macauley, Esq., the Vice-
Chairman.
The CHAIR3IAN rose and said, the duty of presiding
over the meeting devolved on him, on acccuut of the una-
voidable absence of the Chairman, Mr. Spooner, arising
from engagements of a Parliamentary nature. They were
aware, that they had been called together in pursuance
of the resolutions of the House of Commons, proposed
by Sir Robert Peel, to ascertain their assent to, or dis-
sent from, proceeding with their present Bill ; and the
first business necessary to be done was, the reading of
the notice calling the meeting, so as to be satisfied that
it was duly and legally constituted.
The Secretary then read the advertisement convening
the meeting, which he said had been inserted in the
Gazette, and the principal London and provincial news-
paper.
The CHAIRMAN, in opening the business of the meet-
ing, said his first duty on behalf of his co-directors and
himself was, to return their cordial thanks forh the per-
fect confidence the shareholders had hitherto
usldownen and
still
reposed in them, and which, he trusted,
wit: became a
continued. He could assure them,
when
believed he
director of the present company:
could say the same of his broith randirectors—his onl
object was to do everything in ns_jirrerh advance) the
general benefit of the concern.—(lie ,
in the
As many
of those who were now scripholders in company
were not original subscribers to the undertaking, they
would not, he was persuaded, object to his occupying
their attention for a short time, while he gave an outline
of the scheme from the period of its announcement to
the present time. It was right he should do so, that
they might understand the present position and pros-
pects of the company, and in order to ac-
count for the change which hail been made
in the scheme, as compared with its original
intention and extent. It would be remembered that the
present company was originally formed a little more
than a twelvemonth ago, the object of it being to con-
struct an independent line of railway from Boston and
Lynn, by way of Stamford, to unite with the Leicester
and Birmingham Railway. This arrangement had in
view the formation of a direct line of communication
between the west of England, the great manufacturing
and iron districts, and the eastern counties. It was pro-
osed that the line should start from the Leicester and
Birmingham Railway, at a point between Leicester and
Rugby, and proceed along the valley of the Welland,
through Stamford, to the port of Wisbech, there form-
ing a connexion with the Lynn and Ely Railway ; thus
constituting; a direct communication between the east and
west of England. He need not dilate on the great ex-
citement that then prevailed in the public mind—he need
not dwell on the strong public opinion that prevailed in
favour of direct lines from one side of England to an-
other. These were matters with which they were all
familiar. It was in agreement with this feeling, and
to open up in the best manner an important district of
country, that the present scheme had been brought out.
The original number of shares was 50,000 at 20/. each,
or a capital of one million. But though 50,000 was the
number of shares announced, it was deemed prudent not
to issue more than 30,000, representing a capital of
600,0001. He mentioned this as it required explanation.
The intentions of the directors towards the shareholders
were bona fide. The 30,000 shares were issued, con-
ceiving that 600,0001. of a capital would be sufficient,
and deeming that it would be well to keep back the
20,000 shares to satisfy landowners along the line, or in
case of amalgamation with some other company ; the
directors at the same time determining that whatever
Shares remained over, or the whole, were they notrequired
for the objects stated, should be distributed pro rata to
all those who had signed the Parliamentary deed.--
(Hear, hear.) Such was the resolution of the directors,
and he could inform the meeting that though the shares
rose to 21. premium, not one of these shares were issued
by the directors, or appropriated by them.—(Cheers.)
This brought him to explain the intentions of the
directors as to proceeding with the line now agreed
on. Shortly after they had made their surveys
for their original line, early last summer, they were
threatened with various competing schemes. To show
the advantage of the line, and that there was every rea-
son of its proving a successful concern, he need but state
there were no less than six other companies early last
summer, and at the very commencement of the railway
excitement, seeking. to occupy the seem ground.—(Hear,
hear.) The larger part of these were exphemeral
schemes ; two of them, however, were of a different class,
being put forward by two of the most powerful compa-
nies in the empire—the Midland Counties and toe L
don and Birmingham Railways. The one company
proposing the Seuth Midland from the Midland Counties
Railway, through Market Harborough to Huntingdon,
which ran for nine miles along the course of this com-
pany's line ; and the London and Birmingham proposing
a scheme from Rugby, by Mirket Harborough to Stam-
ford, taking up the larger portion of the central part of
this company's line—the junction from the Leicester and
Birmingham line to Stamford. The directors of this
company did all they could to effect an amalgamation on
such terms as to admit the capital of 600,0004
on equitable terms, but without succese. They
had also lodged plans and sections for the
whole scheme; but being certain of the power-
ful opposition of the two great companies referred
to, the directors thought it bst to contract the scheme,
and to do what they could to secure an unopposed, cheap,
and profitable line,—(Hear, hear.)—They thought it
better to retire from a long and expensive contest with
companies, especially such as the London and Birming-
ham, whose powers bad been so often successfully
proved, and against whom, if a victory were obtained, it
would be at a tearful sacrifice ; and to give up the por-
tion of country these companies sought to accommodate,
and to content themselves with that which remained—a
line cheap, unopposed. and likely to be most remunera-
tive to the shareholders.—(Hear, hear.) The line as
now proposed was twenty-two miles in length. It
started at Helpstone, near Stamford, from a point on the
Systoo and Peterborough Railway, passing in a through-
out line through Market Dec pint Crowland, Thornee,
and Parson's-Drove, to Wisbech, where it fell into the sta-
tion of the Lynn and Ely line. Near Helpstone it crossed
the main line of the London and York, and near to
Peakirk it also intersected what was called the loop
of the same line, the effect of which would be to con-
nect Boston, Lynn, and Wisbech in the directest man-
mer with London and the North of England. With
this, and the junction that would take place with the
other lines to the east and west a complete and direct
system of railway communication would be formed with
all the principal parts of England. The result`of this
alteration of plan was, that instead of the ex-
tended scheme formed, embracing a large capital,
they were placed within a small compass, and
had within their reach a line of easy construction
unopposed, competing with no existing line, nor likely
to be so, and promising a handsome per tentage on the
capital embarked. The directors estimated that the
construction of the whole of the line, with several small
extension branches contemplated, would be 300,000/.
They were fortunately unopposed by any land-
owners. He had recaivel a letter from Mr
Tycho Wing, the agent of the Duke of Bedford,
giving the consent of his Grace to the passing of the
line, which went six miles through his property. They
had also the support of the Marquis of Exeter. The
expanse of the stations would be very little. They
would require no terminal stations, as the line started
from out for Helpstone station of the Lyston and
Peterborough Railway, and terminated in the Wisbech
station of the Lynn and Ely Railway. There would
. only be required a few road stations, at a trifling cost.
' It would also be important to remember that they would
be at no loss for plant, as it would, in a short line like
theirs, be better and cheaper to hire engine powerfrom
one of
the two companies with which they would be in con-
. section. He had not at present cltii,adnsidered which com-
pany should be applied to, but he
no,sf doubt that the
present line would fall into the hands
ful company; and if that were the case, o'f'wuto'rehe inewer-
'
• no doubt, and an amalgamation was found het bad
desirable, he should take care and seebe
that it went into the hands of such a
company at a remunerating rate to the present share-
belders. —( C beers.) To this point the increasing
energies of the directors would be directed. In regard
to the amount a expense already incurred, he did not
consider it would be prudent then to go into details, as it
might be used in a prejudicial manner by their enemies.
They must recoil, ct that the past year had been a vet?,
expensive one in getting forward railway
r survheays,n
comparison with former pe else Eneineers 1 re-
velled in champagne and turtle, hence they must expect
laugh.)
Still expenses to have been considerable.—(A
• Still he must say, compared with many other companies,
their expenses had been moderation itself. Further than
this it would not be well at present to say. They had still
a large sum of money in hand, and if the meeting gave
their consent to proceeding, there would be no necessity
for any further cell till the Bill was passed into a law,
as they would be enabled to meet the 10
per cent. without calling on the ecripholders. Supposing
the scheme went on, and no extensions were made. then
the shareholders need not expect the present capital to
be called up, as no mere than one-half of the 600,000/.
would be required. On this account he congratulated
them on the keeping back of the 20,000 shares, and not
having been led away with the favour ..able state of
things, when the shares were issued, to throw them into
the market. He had now endeavoured to go through
the history of the scheme to the present time, a duty
which he was aware he had but inadequately performed;
and he would now address himself briefly to proceeding
with their present scheme before Parliament. It had
been shown before the Select Committee of the House
of Commons, that the returns would yield ten per cent.
on the capital of the company ; and that the line could
be easily made for thel moneyaid do
stated. In proof of that,
the Midland Company had wna line at 10,0001.
per mile. He had been over the whole extent of country
through which the present line passes, and it was of a most
favourable chiracter. The line did not interfere with a
„single one of the drains,. and it had received the support
tef the Drainage Commissioners.—(hear, hear.) That
assent, with the support of the Duke of Bedford and
the Marquis of Exeter, were mo=t favourable circum-
stances in their favour. He would now conclude, by
intimating that the number of shares assenting to
proceed wi h the Bill that bad been placed in his hands
ley the secretary, and sups ied to him by the share-
holders, was, 11,215; dissents 10.
The SECRETARY intimated that there were, perhaps,
more dissents in the room; the assen's only had been
Zweived by him.
A SaAltzahl.D4a thought there must be some mks-

take, as he had placed some shares in the secretary's
hands, though not with the intention of assenting.
The CHAIRMAN said the meeting had not yet Voted,
and he had merely stated the number of shares
which had been placed in the hands of the se-
cretary as assenting to proceeding with the Bill.
The number up to the opening of the proceedings
was, as he had stated, 11,2151. If any mistake
had been made by any scripholder present
in placing their votes in the hands of the seeretary, it
would be rectified. Whether they proceeded or not did
not affect the directors more than as being shareholders
to a considerable extent they had an interest in the
success of the company. The directors considered the
scheme a feasible and good one, and that they ought to
go on with it, as it was sure to bring back their money
with a good profit. The Bill had passed through the
Select Committee of the House of Commons, and was
now waiting the decision of this meeting before the third
reading.
A SHAREHOLDER called the attention of the Chairman
to a return moved for by Mr. Labouchere, and printed by
order of the House of Commons, setting forth the shares
taken up by the provisional directors of railway com-
panies. From this it appeared that Mr. Spooner had
not taken up any shares, and there were two other direc-
tors that had only taken up two shares each.
The CHAIRMAN said that, with regard to Mr. Spooner,
he had taken but little interest in their proceedings from
the beginning, and his name had been put on the list at
the time the line was brought forward, so as to give con-
fidence to the public in this undertaking.
A SHAREHOLDER called the attention of the Chair-
man to a member of the Managing Committee, who was
represented in the returns to hold only five shares.
The DIRECTOR to whom allusion was made explained,
that at the time this railway was projected there was
another brought forward in connexion with it, which
promised to be of c insiderable advantage. As it was
considered advisable that the directors of the present
company should hold a number of shares in the other
company, it did so happen that he took a considerable
number of that company's shares, and did not take up,
at the same time, those allotted him in the present com-
pany. He found out his mistake when too late, and
since then he had bought a sufficient number of shares.
He thought, therefore, he had acted, as far as he could,
in the manner a director was bound to do. The shares
he had purchased he now possessed.
Mr. LECHMERE did not t hink there was any ground
of complaint against the directors. With regard to the
scheme, he was satisfied that it was a good and honest
one, and would prove remunerative to the shareholders.
Referring- to the Bill, he found the amount of capital
stated at 252,0001., and the shares at 12,600, of 20/. each.
Now, if the capital stated was too low, and 300,000/ was
fixed to be the amour t, it would be a desirable arrange•
ment, as then that would make the 30,000 shares issued
to be 10/. each. If the Bill could be so altered as to
make the capital 300,0002, to be raised in 30,000 shares
of 101., it would harmonise well with their past proceed-
ings. He would also suggest that there should be fur-
ther time given in the Bill for the execution of the line,
and the raising of the capital. It would be a satis-
factory arrangement, if the period for finishing
the line were extended, and a clause in-
serted that no call should be made till a year
after the passsing of the Act. Many other com-
panies had done this. He had no doubt the line would
be a good paying concern. It was a line, also, which he
believed had received the unanimous support of the
Select Committee that had sat on it. He hoped all in
the room, like himself, would decide to go on with the
undertaking. The proceedings of the directors, he was
satisfied, had not been like that of many other companies.
He was told, last week, of one that had only passed
through the standing orders, yet had spent 36,0001. out
of 46,000/. of deposits.—(Hear, hear.) He could not too
highly commend the proceedings of the directors in
regard to the 20,000 unissued shares, when they had
every inducement to issue them, and put the profit in
their own pockets.—(Hear, hear.) So satisfied was he
with their conduct, that he would have great pleasure in
proposing a vote of thanks to them at the end of the
meeting.
A SHAREHOLDER again recurred to the return of the
douse of Commons in respect to the shares taken up by
several directors.

The CHAIRMAN said the returns were, in several in-
stances, very inaccurate. With respect to the member
of the Managing Committee that had been referred to,
those who knew him could not for a moment believe he
could do anything but what was strictly fair and re•
putible.
Mr. PRITCHARD said his was a case in point. He
had signed the deed for a considerable number more
shares than appeared in the document.
Mr. FRANKLIN thought the shareholders ought to be
satisfied with the explanation. No one had been more
strongly opposed to proceeding wl!th the railway than
himself, and he had acted with others who thought the
scheme should be broken up. But, before that was
d )ne, they thought some investigation should take place.
The result of that investigation had changed his
opinions, and, instead of opposing the line, he would
now support it.—(Hear, hear.) He had now good
reason for thinking that the through traffic would yield
10 per cent., leaving out of calculation the local traffic.
He also thought it would be impossible to go on without
effecting an amalgamation, in which he had no doubt
they would obtain satisfactory terms. With respect to
the reduction of the amount of the shares, it was a
matter of little moment. He was satisfied that not
more than 51. or 61. per share of the present 30,000
shares would be required for the line, as the rest could
he raised on loan. Supposing they got 150,0001. from
the shareholders, there would be no difficulty in raising
100.000/. by loan. Whether the shares were called 101.
or 20/. was of little consequence, as the real question
with them was, how much would they be required to
pay up? If the gentlemen who referred to the pro-
ceedings of the directors, and complained of one or two
of them not taking up shares, had investigated their
proceedings as he had 4one, he was sure all opposition
on their part would be withdrawn.
The CHAIRMAN said, with regard to altering the shares,
there would be great Parliamentary difficulty, as they
would, in that event, have to recommit the Bill, and go
through various expensive forms. Practically, the alte-
ration would be of no importance to the shareholders.
In respect to a clause not to make any calls for a twelve-
month, to do so might operate injuriously to the pro-
gress of the Bill, and might favour the supposition that
they were not in earnest in pushing the scheme forward.
He did not think, however, that any call would have to
be made till two-thirds of the year was gone. The great
point with them was, to get the line carried out as soon
as possible, in order to make satisfactory terms with
other companies.
A SHAREHOLDER wished to know if all the 30,000 had
been paid on.
Mr. BAXTER replied that 1/. 2s. per share had been
paid on the whole, making 33,000/.
At the suggestion of several shareholders, the heads
of the Bill before Parliament, as amended by the Com-
mittee, was read.
After a few observations relating to the interest agreed
to be paid on the deposits, but which was of no material
consequence,
Mr. C. HaveocK, mayor of Stamford, said he held
311 shares in the present company. A few weeks ago
he was opposed to proceeding, but he had since changed
his mind. Ile now thought it would be cne of the best
little lines in the kingdom. It would be of great advan-
tage for carrying corn from Boston to Norfolk, instead
of, as at present, by water. lie had looked at the rate
-X tolls, and while the time would be so much reduced,
the price of conveyance would be but one half
it was as compared with the water. Owing
to the uncertainty of the water conveyance, he had
himself lost from 2001. to 300/., because he could not
get the grain brought by water delivered in time. He
believed the transit of vegetables along the line would
also be enormous; for while potatoes in the neighbour-
hood of Lyin and Boston were selling at 2s. 2d. per
owt., they were ss. Bd. in Birmingham, and they could
be taken to Birmingham and Derby for is. 6d. a ton.
There would likewise be a large traffic in stone and
lime, and live and dead beasts. He could bear witness
that the feeling in Stamford was all but universal in
favour of the line.
Mr. GALE inquired how the 12,600 shares of the Bill
were to be allotted among the holders of the 30,000
shares ?

Mr. BAXTER—Upon a rateable arrangement, accord-
Lng to their present stock.
In answer to another Shareholder,
Mr. BAXTER said the line crossed the river above
Wiabfhoeercahc,Lutelniithat the crossitry had the sanction of the
, Commissioners.
aftewpreliminary observations,
then moved the following resolution :
" That this meeting of holders of scrip and bunkers'
receipts representing scrip in the proposed Boston,
Stamford, and Birmingham Railway Company, con.
v(med and constituted conformably to the sessional or-
ders of the Houses of Lords and Commons, having had
submitted to them a copy of the Bill now before Parlia-
ment for incorporating the said Company, do approve
thereof, and do authorise the directors to prosecute the
same in the present session of Parliament."--Carried
unanimously.

district Mr. ABMs, of Lynn, seconded the motion,
world and
re-
marked on the advantages the eastern
en-
joy by such a through communication to Birmingham.
The residents at Lynn at present received their hard-
ware goods from Birmingham in a moot circuitous
manner. They had to travel by railway from Birming-
ham to Hull, 150 miles, and then to be brought by sea,
to Lynn. Now, if this line were formed, they would
come direct—a distance of only 130 miles, at a cost of
but 28s. 6d. a ton—very much under the present rates.
He thought also a considerable portion of the Birming-
ham export trade to the continent would be done through
the port of Lynn. So strong was the feeling of the in-
habitants of Lynn in favour of this line that, though
many rival schemes had been proposed, and though one
of them had called a public meeting of the inhabitants,
and employed barristers and other agents from London
to advocate their cause, still their eloquence was una-
vailing, for a resolution in favour of the present line was
carried unahimously by the meeting in question.
The resolution was then put from the chair, and una-
nimously agreed to.
The CHAIRMAN then proceeded to cast up the votes.
The assents up till then were 11,215, being more than
sufficient for compliance with the resolutions of the
House of Commons. Still, in order that as many votes
as possible might be recorded, the secretary would con-
tinue to take them till the close of the meeting.
Mr. HAYCOCK then moved—
"That the Chairman of this meeting, and the solicitor
of the Company, be authorized and requested to affix
their respective signatures to the said Bill, and to any
certificate of the holding of this meeting which the forms
of Parliament may require."
Mr. PRITCHARD seconded the resolution, which was
also agreed to. •
Mr. LECHMERE moved a vote of thanks to the Chair-
man and directors for their zeal, ability ho eat into-
AT: •

grity, and perseverance in forwarding the interests of the
shareholders.
On this being seconded, a short discussion ensued, in
the progress of which the Chairman, in answer to a
shareholder, intimated that the directors had taken up
4,000 shares, and paid do them. The motion was then
put and agreed to, amidst considerable applause.
A considerable number of additional assents were
given in and recorded, after the numbers announced by
the Chairman, but the total was not intimated when
the meeting closed.

DINNER TO LORD DUDLEY
STUART.
. _.

A dinner was given to Lord Dudley Stuart, at Willis's
Rooms, on Saturday evening, by the admirers of his
exertions on behalf of the exiled Poles and in the cause
of Poland; and also for the purpose of presenting to his
Lordship a piece of tapestry worked by the ladies of
that country. Nearly 200 were present. Lord Morpeth,
M.P., presided. The guest of the evening sat on his
right, and Earl Fortescue on his left. Amongst the
assemblage we observed the Marquis of Lorn, Lord
Wharncliffe, Lord James Stuart, Lord Sandon, M.P.,
Lord Worsley, ALP., Lord Ebrington, M.P., Lord
Cranstoun, Count Zamoyski, Lord Charles Fitzroy,
Lord Oranmore, Hon. W. Couper, Hon. R. Boyle, Hon.
Stewart Wortley, Hon. E. L. .Moseley, W. Hutt, Esq.,
M.P., Col. Ferguson, M.P., M. J. O'Connell, Esq., M.P.,
G. Craig, E-q., M.P., Captain Townshend, M.P., Col.
Fox, Esq., M.P.,IT. H. Langston, Esq., M.P., H. Tuff-
nell, Esq., M.P.' D. Barclay, Esq.' M.P., W. D. Christie,
Esq., M.P., F. H. Vivian, Esq., M.P., Sir W. Stirling,
General Caulfield, W. Wilbraham, Esq., Charles
Dickens, Esq., J. F. Stuart, Esq., Dr. Worthington,
the High Bailiffs of Southwark and Westminster, Rev.
E. Cooksly, &c. &c.
Among the ladies in the gallery were the Marchioness
of Lorn and Lady Caroline Gower, Lady Mary Howard,
Countess Dowager of Morley, Lady Frances Sandon,
and Hon. Miss Ryder, Lady Charles Fitzroy and Miss
Fitzroy, Lady James Stuart and Miss Stuart, Countess
Fortescue and Miss Geale, Hon. Mrs Seymour Bathurst,
Lady Caroline Darner, and Lady Louisa Darner, Hon.
Mrs. Singleton, Lady George Stuart, and Miss Towns-
bend Hon. Mrs. Abbott, Mrs. John Abel Smith, Mrs.
J. H. Vivian and Miss Vivian, Mrs. Gibson Craig, Mrs.
Thomson Hankey and Miss Hankey, Hon. Mrs. Wynd-
ham and Miss Wyndham, Countess Grabowski.
The usual loyal and national toasts having been dis-
posed of, and warmly responded to,
Count VALERIAN KRASINSKI, in rising to present the
tapestry, said—My Lord, it is with a feeling of the
highest gratification that we come to deliver to you the
message with which we have been entrusted by our
countrywomen. The long and unwearied exertions
which you have been making in behalf of our injured
country, and your faithful adherence, through good and
bad report, to her cause, have rendered your name an
object of veneration and gratitude to all true Poles, of
every condition, creed, age, and sex, and before a grate-
ful posterity will award the just and well deserved weed
of praise to your merits, you may, even now, according
to the expression of a great poet, " read your history in
, a nation's eyes." Yes, it is not only the history of
Poland which will have to record the services rendered
by you to that country, but I think that it is a subject
upon which the future historians of Great Britain will
dwell with satisfaction, because it is a fact, perhaps,
without its parallel in the annals of the world, that the
citizens of one country should embrace the cause of a
foreign and distant nation, with whom they previously
had but little contact, from no other motives except
that injustice had been done to that nation. Such is,
however, precisely the case of you, my Lord, and of the
high-minded individuals who, regardless of the religious
and political differences by which they may be divided,
have all united in the name of right, justice, and
humanity, in order to vindicate by their joint efforts the
cause of injured Poland. It may be therefore affirmed,
without any presumption, that as long as the principles
of right, justice, and humanity shall remain sacred to
mankind, their vindication in the case of Poland,
by British citizens, will constitute not the least
bright page in the history of this great and
free country. However melancholy and depressed
is now the condition of Poland, the spirit and the
hopes of her children remain unabated. It is,
indeed, an extraordinary and novel feature in history,
that the severe reverses with which all the efforts that
had been made by our nation to recover her indepen-
dence have hitherto been attended, have, instead of
damping her hopes and spirit, only served to increase
the intensity of these feelings. It is, therefore, our
firm belief, that the unconquerable feeling of nationality,
which may be said to prosper by storm and to grow
under oppression, and which has hitherto been the
cause of so much suffering to our nation, would not be
implanted into our hearts by the hand of an all-wise
Providence, which does nothing in vain, without some
great and good object. We therefore humbly hope that
the severe trials to which the Almighty has, in His in-
scrutable ways, subjected our nation, through the in-
tensity of the feeling to which I have alluded, were ne-
cessary, in order to prepare us to resume, free from the
errors of our ancestors, but preserving their virtues,
that station which we have occupied for centuries
amongst the nations of Europe. Strenuous and un-
ceasing as oar resistance to the enemies of our country
has ever been, and, we trust, will continue to be, our
gratitude to her friends is no less strong; and although
our best friends could give to our country only their
sympathies, the moral support which our cause derives
from this sympathy of the noble hearts amongst other
nations, is no less valued by us than would be any
material assistance they could afford to the same
cause. This feeling of gr ititude is particularly
manifested by the women of Poland, who never fail to
take a prominent part in all that is national. It becomes
not us to expatiate on the merits of our own country-
women, but it may be said without any exaggeration,
that they have behaved, under all the trying circumstances
to which our country has been s frequently subject, in a
manner worthy even of the daughters of Albion, so pre-
eminent in all that most adorns their sex. It is now in
the name of these countrywomen of ours, that we are
offering to you, my Lord, a testimonial of national gra-
titude. It is a piece of tapestry, worked by Polish la-
dies, and representing the arms of the ancient provinces
of our country, grouped round those of Poland and Li-
thuania, with ail inscription in our national language,
which signifies in English, " The sisters of the exiles
to their protector." These now dissevered and discon-
solate parts of a once mighty kingdom, which are repre-
sented by this testimonial, are still looked to as their
ideal fatherland by those whose hearts cannot rest until
they have brought back their ideal to the world of
reality ; and this we hope will be accomplished, by the
help of God, at no distant date. Then our country will
testify her gratitude to her friends in adversity, in a
manner worthy of the cause they have embraced.
The fabric consists of dark blue cloth, and beautifully
embroidered. It is about twelve feet long, and ten feet
broad. At the top are these words :—" Siostry Wyg-
nancow ich Opiehunowi"(the sisters of the exiles to their
protector.) In the centre are the arms of the kingdom
quartered with those of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania,
surmounted by the White Eagle and Crown of Poland,
and wreathed with the civc oak and the military laurel.
The Order of the White Eagle is suspended from the
arms. The twenty-seven ancient provinces of Poland
and Lithuania are each represented by their respective
escutcheons.
The CHAIRMAN said, the interest in the transaction of
which they had just been attentive and sympathising
spectators would form a proper prelude to the toast which
they would expect him to give, in order to comple and
crown the whole.—(Cheers.) That audience must now
be properly wound up to receive the name, and to drink
the health of Lord Dudley Stuart.—(Haar.) Next to
the touching token of regard which had just been con-
ferred upon him, and which must possess a double source
of interest to him, in being both natural and feminine
—(Cheers)—worked by the fair daughters of the land
which he had male half his own—(Loud applause)—
worked by them with all the assiduity without any of
the misgivings of Penelope.--(Hear.) And the next
striking tribute to his deserts was the
attendance of such an assembly.—Elear, hear.) But
beyond those two toasts he begged the company to bear
with him for a few short moments, and his lordship,
who, perforce, must listen to the brief estimate which he
should venture to submit of the reasons which had
brought them there that night.—(Cheers.) He consi-
dered it as a necessary part of his functions to tell him,
even in his own presence, what he thought of him, and
as that was the reason which had induced him to come
there, he hoped he should not prove altogether an un-
faithful, though, he feared, an imperfect interpreter of
the reasons which had induced them all to come too.—
(Cheers.) One thing they might depend upon—that he
oee wouldasioccasion
t iTr dh
emeoxr
ee tt
ihoanns he ef fullythe r tnhoobul ge ht u
et
sh
te,
warranted.sayonew
then, would`not have been misplaced in the days of classic
heroism, if he had stood on the prow of argoses; or, in
later days of chivalry, if he had entered the lists as a
knight of Palestine. He said this because be thought
his mind was cast in some sort of harmony with that
classic and chivalrous age, and in the mode in which
they were embodied ; but his noble friend had carried
his high talents into that work of benevolence.—(Cheers.)
His charity, indeed, like that of all the truly cha-
ritable, was so finely and so sensitively tuned
as to answer only to one chord—to one strain
of suffering—to the misery of any one country;
but though it found a range abroad, it did not forget its
daily work at home.—Hear, hear.) But the field in
which his exertions had been most signalized, and in
ien(erd rooms Moorfpemthi
re-
ference to which mainly they had met there that night,
was Poland.—(Loud cheers.) In his place in Parliament,
—heaud Leo
o)iwstiesrhsedin hethe had it
hlitasssteilml—iiteis ofthe
his countrymen, in the course of private intimacy, he
had discreetly, resolutely,
eeras)nduntiringly advocated the
cause
of the
pcks_(
fich was the cause of
the brave, the gifted, and theu—n7
Poles—(Cheers)—which
hear)
—the cause of exiles without a home—of a people with-
out a country.—(Loud cheers.) Nay, more, his N
)ble-
Friend, in prosecuting this great work, had shown
courage which he (Lord Morpeth) believed in hiscona-
science would not be shown in very many cases, except
by men prepared to stand unmoved before a volley of
the enemies' artillery, or to walk unmoved to the scaffold
or the stake.—(Hear, hear.) He had shown this courage,
and had pursued this great work without heeding failure
or being set down as a bore—not minding it being said
by persons less warmly impressed with the real sacred-
ness of the object which he had in view, " Here comes
with his eternal Poles."
Dudley Stuart But over
of the f •
and above all this—even the jeers
andthe
rrolous and
the obstructions of the interested,
(ff ears of the
les'of the mean— ear)—his Noble
timid, and the scrup
Friend had persevered
and prevailed, revailed, and still lived to
persevere and prevail while there was suffering to feel
for—while there was work to do—while Poland had a
glories in her
h
tear in her eye and the glow t
of her former
ever degree they
in w a
bosom.—(Cheers.) Therefore,
nth in her perilous
wished Poland might obtain es) nap y
end dark hour—in whatever degree they wished Eng-
landwas sure
while she was great also to be generous, he . 9
they would give bumpers, cheers, and hearts t
t h

health of Lord Dudley Stuart.—(Loud and long con- '
tinued cheering.)
Lord DUDLEY STUART then rose, and was received
with great applause. He said it was impossible for him
to find words to express his feelings. He begged them
to accept his thanks, which, if clothed in the most elo-
quent language of the most finished orator would be
more worthy, but they would not be more sincere.—
(Cheers.) When he looked round, and saw how large
the assemblage was, and of whom it was composed—of
members of the legislature, and of men who had
served their country in high offices —of men
distinguished in the various branches of learning and
science—of writers, whose works had made their names
European, and which would make the writers them-
selves immortal—(Cheers)--of gentlemen filling the
highest posts in the world of commerce—when he saw
thae. to that assembly had not been denied the presence
of the ministers of religion—that it was illuminated by
ladies of beauty and of fashion—(Hear, hear)—presided
over by one whose approval alone was enough to make
one glad—(Hear)—one whose talents and high character
and the manner in which he had so worthily borne the
part assigned to him in the government of his country,
had made his name known throughout the civilised
world—who, by his countrymen of all parties was uni-
versally respected. When he knew this, and that it was
congregated for the purpose of presenting him with a
token of the regard with which the ladies of Poland
were pleased to look upon his endeavours on behalf of
their country, was it, he asked, any wonder that he
was at a loss to find words to express his gratitude
—was it any wonder that he considered that the proudest
moment of his life?—(Cheers.) But he saw something
more in that assembly than a mere compliment to him-
self ; he could not but regard it then as a recognition.
tcs a certain degree, of the justice of the great cause to
which he had allied himself.—(Cheers.) He would not
attempt to commit any one to opinions he did not hold ;
he would not suffer himself to be deceived by any wishes of
his own, but he was proud to say that in that room he
met men of different parties, of different faith, and of
different feelings on all subjects. He knew that many
of them differed from him in their appreciation of the
cause of Poland, and still more as to the practicability
and mode of promoting the regeneration of that country;
but he believed, if their attention had been directed to
the subject with the same intensity as his. that their
conclusions and his would not fall short.—(Cheers.) If
their thoughts had been so directed, they would see, as
it had been described by an eminent Conservative Mem-
ber of the House of Comir ons, " that the cause of Poland
is not only the cause of humanity and Christian civiliza-
tion, but that in it are involved the interests of religion,
the improvement and extension of commerce, the faith
of treaties, and the honour anal well-being of Europe."—
(Loud cheers.) But he felt that there were others, not
in that assembly, who also deserved his thanks, and he
was anxious to seize the only opportunity afforded him
of assuring the ladies who had presented him with the
token of tneir regard, of his deepest gratitude for the
gift. His thanks directly given would be to them a
source of sorrow, captivity, and exile—(Hear)—but that
glorious engine for the diffusion of information, burst-
ing through police and prohibition as the light of the
sun bursts through the clouded horizon, the press,
would carry to them his thanks—(Cheers)—and by its
aid they would learn that the precious gift on which they
had been pleased to employ their time and exercise their
skill, and which they had been pleased to confer upon
him as an appreciation of such poor services as he had
been able to render to the cause of their country—
they would hear of the interest attached to it, the ad-
miration it excited in that assembly, and of his sym-
pathy, of his interest, and gratitude, and pride. The
history of Poland testifies' to the high qualities of the
women of that country in all time past. A queen of
Poland, betrothed to William of Austria, but who sacri-
ficed her love, and married the Duke of Lithuania,
who was half a savage, for the purpose of converting
millions of her countrymen to her religion, formed a
splendid example of heroism rarely equalled; and the
patriotism evinced in 1831 by the women of Poland, and
particularly by the Countess Claudia Potocka, who de-
voted her time to attend on the sick in the hospitals of
her country. Every hour of her time, and every farthing
of her money, were devoted to relieving the misery of
those who had defended their country. There was also
another example of patriotism—the wives and sisters of
Poland, so far from wishing to keep their dearest rela-
tions from rushing inte danger, when their country was
concerned, had even been the first to incite them to do
so ; thus the influence which a mother possessed, ren-
dered essential service to a nation. It was not long
since, that a lady of fashion paid the following compli-
ment to a Polish lady of noble blood, of extreme beauty,
and great accomplishments, now dead, one of whose
sons was the present Count Zamoyski. She said she
was " mad about her country, le rfectly mad," for all her
sacrificedseveti s onsi,notnhe alclhoafncwe of
homestsahbelisdbointeod,thseheinwdeopueldndhenavcee
of Poland.—(Hear.) Oh, noble madness, that made a
mother forfeit her sons for her country ! Oh, noble
lunacy, that made the tenderest feelings of our nature
subservient to our country ! Where mothers were ac-
tuated by such feelings, their sons would not belie them.
The Noble Lord concluded by proposing the health of
the Ladies of Poland.—(Loud cheers.)
Cul. LACK SZYRMA. returned thanks, in a neat and ap-
propriate speech.
Lord MORPETR said he had one more toast to pro-
pose. After a few introductory observations, he said it
had happened to him to be one of the confidential
ser-
vants of the crown ; and he did not know that he should
feel at y scruple in lading, without any mock delicacy,
especially as he had ascertained from experience that his
own preference would point another way, and the same
thing might not happen again, but whether this was the
case or not he should be very reluctant to say anything
while out of office that he might think, if in office, un-
suited to the foreign relations of the State, or the de
eorum to be observed towards foreign nations in amity
with our owe. He and his family had received attention
and courtesy while in the dominions of the Emperor of
Russia, but he considered there was nothing in the page
of past history, or in the letter of present treaties—
(Cheers)—which should restrain him from expressing
the deepest and warmest sympathy in the destinies of
unhappy Poland.—(Cheers.) It was unnecessary in
such an assembly as that to attempt to recal the days of
her past freedom—the glorious days of her nationality—
when she occupied the most exposed frontier on
the outposts of civilisation, and when she bore the
brunt of the battles of the cross.—(Cheers.) Neither need
he recall that crisis when the cry of " God and Poland"
burst through the Moslem and Europe, and christendom
owed its relief to Poland and Kosciusko—(Cheers)—
still less was he tempted to recal those days of dark
decline, illuminated as they were by the most de-
voted and desperate valour which irresistibly brought
to one's mind that memorable passage in the works of
their lost Campbell, who was entitled to some thanks
on a day like that—(Cheers)—for it was impossible to
find anything equal to it is spirit or in rich feeling.
The season of hopes and fears had not yet expired,
freedom was not yet mute, and the very object for
which those around him assembled testified this to be
the case. The brief reference he had made to Polish his-
tory was directed to ages long gone by, but if he were
to refer at greater length to the later history of that
country, no doubt he would find many failings and
many faults—that the people were-hemmed in and trod-
den down, and that foreign foes were not amongst their
last enemies. But if they had any faults they had
made ample amends for them by patience, humility,
and long suffering. He exhorted the people of Poland
to persevere in that self-denial and truly noble course.
He would not counsel them to any precipitate efforts
which might only aggravate the evils they sought to
redress. The friends of Poland could counsel no in-
centive to human vengeance or to the shedding of
human blood—(Hear, hear)—but they could
not bid them banish or efface the hope that, in the pro•
vidence of God, the day might come, when, reared in
the school of affliction, and chastened with the long vigil
of her suffering, Poland would yet enjoy better times,
and see the dawn of a brighter morn than she ever be-
held in her stormy though bright career—(Cheers)---
that she might yet, in a greater degree than during the
days of her civilisation, when she promoted the mural
conquests of their faith, spring up among the nations of
the earth, and rank with them in commerce and inde-
p,?nclence.—(Cheers.) He would give them a name
which would awaken the chords of sympathy and inte-
rest in the bosom of those present, mit which, in those
of some, would thrill to their heart of hearts—that name
was " Poland."

The toast was responded to with loud cheers.
Count ZAMOYSILI replied to the toast. He thanked
Lord Dudley Stuart for his great exertions on behalf of
the Poles, and drew attention to the partitioning of
Poland, which he characterised as cunning and despoti-
cal. One of the Kings of Prussia stated that his father
would not have sanctioned the partitionment of that
country if he had known what would have been the re-
sult. The Emperor Alexatider of Russia, during a great
part of his reign, acknowledged the sufferings of the
Poles, and admitted that they ought to have another
sovereign than himself. The treaty of Vienna had not
given satisfaction to their just claims, and he must state
to an English audience, that if that treaty had not been
successful, it had been the fault of the Governments who
had had to watch its execution.—(Cheers.) Among
thole who had rendered repeated services to the Poles
were Cutler Ferguson, Patrick Stewart, Stratford Can.
ning, and others.
The health of the chairman was then proposed by
Lord SANDON, and Lord MORPETEI briefly returned
thanks.

Lord WHA.RNCLIFFE gave the "Literary Association
of Poland;" to which
Mr. CHARLES DICKENS replied-in a brief but eloquent
address.

The "Committee of Management" and the "Ladies"
were then drunk, and the assemblage separated at a lab-
hour.

LONDON

AND WINDSOR RAIL-

WAY. SPECIAL MEETING.
A special meeting of the proprietors, shareholders, and
scripholders of this Company, took place on Saturday, in the
Crown and Anchor Tavern, in compliance with the sessional
orders of both Houses of Parliament.
The SECRETARY read the advertisement convening the
meeting, and the chair was taken at one o'clock by Major
Boileau.

The CITAIRMAY, having briefly announced to the meeting
that it was in compliance with the sessional orders that they
had been convened together, in order to decide whether
they would proceed with their Bill in Parliament, adverted
to the satisfactory prospects of the Comp‘ny.
Rosolutions were then proposed in favour of proceeding
with the line, which were carried unanimously.

SUPPOSED SUICIDE OF A FOREIGNER..-Between six
and seven o'clock on Wednesday evening, the body of a man, having
the appearance of a foreigner, was found floating in the Regent's
Canal, near the Skew-bridge, adjoining St. Pancras Workhouse. The
deceased (who had evidently been in the water three or four days)
was of extremely dark com lexion, with black hair and e' es, and
pve feet four inches high. IL, was attired in a dark cloth shooting.
coat, with fancy sporting buttons, black waistcoat, and drab cloth
flue
trousers. There were no marks of violence on his person. The
body was remoTed to st, Pancras Workhou.se, , where it Mit,
identity,

LIST OP SCOTTISH COMPANIES' PRICES.
Dividend Amount
Name of Company. per of Paid. Price
Annum. Share.
4 6. d. X a. d
Bank of Scotland - 100 0 0 164
Royal Bank of Scotland 61. per cent. - 100 0 0 157
British Linen Company 81. per cent. - 100 0 0 224
Commercial Bank •• • • 61. per cent. - 100 0 0 161
National Bank 6/. per cent. - 10 0 0 15
Union Bank of Scotland 7%1. pr cent. - 50 0 0 92
Western Bank.. •.• . • • 6/. per cent. - 50 0 0 82
North of Scotland Bank 61. per cent. - 5 0 0 71,E
Clydesdale Bank ... •• • 61. per cent. - 10 0 0 13%
Eastern 8ank...... 51. per cent. - 10 0 0 11
Caledonian Bank - 2 10 0 4%
Edinb.& Glasgow Bank 61. per cert. - 5 0 0 71. 4s.
City of Glasgow Bank . Si. per cent. - 10 0 0 13%
Scottish Union Ins. Co. 51. per cent. 20 0 0 1 0 0 245. 6d
Hercules Insurance Co. 71. per cent. 100 0 8 10 0 0 14%
Insur. Co. of Scetlnd• • 51. per cent. 10 0 0 All paid. 9%
North Britsh Incur 5% /. pr cent. 200 0 0 10 0 0 28
Caledonian Fire Insur lOl. per cent. 100 0 0 10 0 0 22
Edin!turgh Life Insur 6l. per cent. 100 0 0 12 10 0 18%
Edin. & Glasg. Railway 1/.los. perc. 50 0 0 50 0 0 77
Ditto, Shares 78.6d. p. 8. 12 10 0 All paid. 18n
Edin., Leith, & Grantn 20 0 0 20 0 0 16
Glasgw & Ayrshir Rail. 71. per cent. 50 0 0 All paid. 76
Glasgw & Greenck Rail. 21. per cent. 25 0 0 All paid. 17
Glsgw& Garnklrk Rail. 51. per cent. 25 0 0 All paid. 401%
Dundee & Arbroth Rail. 6/. per cent. 25 0 0 All paid. 39
Standard Life Assarnce. 5/. per cent. 50 0 0 210 0 9
CANALS.
.4 Dividend
Names of Q
Dividend, Names of
I. er
Companies. A, Price. A
per Companies. Annum. Price.
rn Annum. co
Ashtn & Oldh 97 51.55. p c 70 Monmouthsh 100 81. 160
Ashby-d-la-Z 113 4/. 70 Slntgomrysh 100 51. 98
Barnsley.. • . 160 121. 180 Macclesfield. 100 - 38
Basingstoke.. 100 - - Neath ••• • • • 100 171. 340
Brkuk&Abrg 150 51. 85 Nottingham . 150 121. -
Cromford .. • • 100 141. 150 Peak Forest. 78 32. 68
Dudley lOO 41. - Regent's •••• 33 11. ss. 23
Derby .• • 100 61. 73 Rochdale 85 41. 77
Ellsmre&Chs 133 41. 55 Shropshire .. 125 81. -
Erewash • 100 321. 300 Somrset Coal 150 71. 10s. 130
Forth & Clyd 100 4/. - Do.LkFd St 12 6/. p. c. 11
GrandJunctn 100 71. 951,E Stffrd &Wore 140 281. 290
Grand Union'loo, 11. 10s. - Shrewsbury.. 125 151. 230
Glamorgnsh .1172; 13%1. 210 Stourbridge- 145 201. 315
Glstr & Brkly 00' - Strtfrd on Av 79 11. 10s. -
Grantham
26 11. Bs. 32
Huddersfield. 57 --- Wye Rail.
Kennt & Avu 39 7s. 6d. 10 Trnt & 50 301. -
Lancaster . 47 11. 10s. - sey, 14 sh.
Leeds& Livrp, tOO 341. 520 Thaw &Med 19 - -
Leicester ll4O 101. 105 IWorcstr & 1
Leicstr &Nth', 83, 4/. 60 Birming. 78 21. 44
Loughboroghll42, 701. 850 ;Wilts & lif ks 67 11. 11
BANK OF ENGLAND.
(From Friday Night's Gazette.)
4.n Account, pursuant to the Act 7th and Bth of Victoria, cap. 32, for
the Week ending on Saturday, the 9th day of May, 184 G.
ISSUE DEPARTMENT.

BANK OF
(From Friday
to Account, pursuant to the Act
the Week ending on Saturday, th,
ISSUE DEP
X.
Notes issued • 27,244,995 I

4.
Government debt • • 11,015,100
Other securities •• • • 2,984,900
Gold coin and bullion 11,451,830
Sliver bullion

£27,244,995

27,244,995
!. MA SMALL, Chief Cashier.

Dated the 14th day of May, 184

BANKING n:
X.
Proprietors' capital • . 14,553,000
Rest •• • • ...... 3,406,284
Public deposits (In-
eluding Exchequer,
Commissioners of
National Debt, Say-
ings-banks, and Di-
vidend accounts).. 3,031,375
Other deposits • • • 16,256,526
seven day and other
bills•••• .• .• •••• 981,417

,EPARTMENT.

Government securi-
ties (including Dead
Weight Annuity) .. 13,023,065
Other securities .: • • 17,734,025
Notes .••••.• • • • . • • • 6,836,405
Gold and silver coin.. 635,107

X 33,228,602

X 38,228,602
:. mARSITALL, Chief Cashier.

Dated the 14th day of May, 18 41

FRIDAY NIGHT'S GAZETTE.
DIVIDENDS DECLARED.

H. Gortz, upholsterer, New Windsor—second div. of id,
in the pound, May 16, and three following Saturdays, at
the office of Mr. Groom, Abchurch• lane.

J. Sisley, carpenter, Margate—second div. of 4id. in the
pound, May 16, and three following Saturdays, at the office
of Mr. Groom, Abchurch-lane.

L. Pearson, currier, Newcastle-upon-Tyne—second div. of
Bid. (in addition to Is. 6d.) in the pound, any Saturday, at
the office of Mr. Baker, Newcastle-upon-Tyne.
R. Hodgson, grocer, Newcastle-upon-Tyne—first and final
div. of Is. 4d. and 8-9ths in the pound, any Saturday, at the
office of Mr. Baker, Newcastle-upon-Tyne.
J. Marriage, jun., miller, Moulsham, Essex—second div. of
Bd. in the pound, any Wednesday, at4the office of Mr. Whit-
more, Basinghall- street. _

E.'Knyveii, music teacher, Great Stanmore—a div. of 3d.
in the pound, May 21, and three folio ing Thursdays, at
the office of Mr. Belcher, King's Arms-yard, Moorgate-street.
E. Carey, hatter, Nottingham—a div. of ls. *d, in the
pound, May 16, d three following Thursdays, at the office
'bf Mr. Belcher, King's Arms-yard, Moorgate-street.