The Sun.
London, England, 1846-04-22 00:00:00

CHAN CERY -(T HIS DAY.)

WEEKS V. LORD sTAImoPE.
The arguments in this part-heard appeal were resumed this
morning, and continued the whole day.

VICE-CHANUERY.-(THIS DAY.)
(Before the VICE-CHANCELLOR of ENGLAND.)
RUSSELL V. SMITH.
This csse came before the Court to-day upon motion to
dissolve an injunction, restraining the defendant from sing-
ing certain songs in various places of public entertainment
in the metropolis.
The case, which had not concluded at three o'clock, when
the Cotirt rose, will be proceeded with to-morrow.

EXCHEQUER.-(THIS DAY.)
(Sittings in Banco)
This day was again occupied with motions for new trials,
there being upwards of twenty still to be disposed of when
the Court sat this morning. The only case possessing any
feature of interest was the following:—

JACKSON AND WIFE V. SIMPSON.
Mr. Sergeant SHEA moved for a rule to show cause
why the verdict in this case should not be set aside, judgment
arrested, and a new trial had, on the ground of misdirection,
the verdict being against evidence, and also on affidavits. The
action was tried at the late assizes for the county of Bent,
when a verdict was given for the plaintiff—Damages 1501.
The facts of the case were briefly these. The defendant kept a
ram and a sheep, which he dignified with the appellations of
Albert and Victoria. It appeared, that the ram, which was
tethered by the side of Victoria, in the garden of defendant,
escaped from his restraint and got into the premises of Mrs.
Jackson, the plaintiff. While endeavouring to take him back
to his disconsolate " Victoria" plaintiff was upset, and sus-
tained the severest injuries from the violence of rebellious
"Albert."

The Co URT, thinking no doubt that sufficient cause could
be shown for Albert's conduct, under the circumstances,
granted the rule.

COMMON PLEAS.—(THIS DAY.)
(Sittings in Banco.)
POWLES v. PAGE.
The Court was occupied the mod of the day in hearing
this case, 'which was an action for debt, brought by plaintiffs,
a Liverpool banking company, against defendant, who was a
member of a firm, and was tried at the late assizes, when a
verdict was given for the plaintiffs.
The present motion was to set aside that verdict. It pos-
sessed no feature of interest.
The Court would take time to consider.

IMPERIAL PARLIAMENT.

(THISDA Y.)

HOUSE OF COMMONS.
FRIENDLY SOCIETIES BILL
(Continued from our Afternoon Edition.)
On clause 8 being proposed,
Mr. T. L'UNCOMBE complained that it was not suffi-
ciently retrospective in its spirit. It provided that all socie-
ties already in existence should he valid, provided they had
been duly and properly certified by the officer appointed for
that purpose. Now all societies that had been certified at
all ought to be made valid, and not left open to be upset in
a court of law for not having been properly certified.
Sir J. GRAHAM did not agree with the Hon. Member.
It ought still to be left open to the courts of law to decide
whether the existing rules had been complied with or not.
After a few words from Mr. HAWES,
The SOLICITOR-GENERAL explained that any friendly
societies that had been established before the passing of the
Act for the purpose specified under the four clauses under
consideration, or for any legal purpose which could be cer-
tified, and against which society there should have been no
decision in any court of law of competent jurisdiction,
should be admitted to be within the provisions of the Act,
and entitled to the benefit thereof. In consequence of the
decision of Justice Wightman the words contained in all the
former Friendly Societies' Acts which were considered—
ejusdent generis—with the societies specified under the
clauses of the present Act were constrained and narrow in
their meaning. The present Act proposed to detail the ob-
jects for which friendly societies might be established beyond
those precise and limited objects contained in the former
Acts. Any societies now existing, and instituted for pur-
poses which accorded with the decision of Justice Wight-
man, but which were not in the terms of this Act, but were
for purposes specified by the four clauses, or for any other
legal purpose which could be certified according to the fifth
clause of this Act, should be allowed the benefit of the pre-
sent Bill. The object of this Bill was to enlarge the limited
restrictions of the former Act, and to enable parties to asso-
ciate together for other purposes than those enumerated by
the former Act, and all that was required was that those
purposes should be some of the specified purposes proposed in
the enlarged Act, and for some legal purpose to be allowed
by the Attorney-General and by the Secretary of State.
After a few words from Mr. HAWES, which did not reach
the gallery,
Sir J. GRAHAM objected (as we understood) to any in-
terference or discussion on the, subject of the decision of
Justice Wightman. Those friendly societies which now ex-
isted would be exactly in the same condition as if this
Act were not to be pissed. Whether they looked prospec-
tively, or retrospectively, he believed that the clause which
be 'had proposed would remedy many of the evils which at
present existed in friendly societies.
Mr. T. DIINCOMBF. had to
proposed clause were agreed to,there were no less thahesitationn
t 4,000
friendly friendly societies in this kingdomh which were in precisely
the same condition as that of
and
enruth Shields Society, to
'which allusion had been made,t which had been declared
to be illegal by Mr. Justice Wghtm
appeart.ocothat all those
of the Right Hon. Baronet it would iFrom the statement
4,000 societies would now be compelle
the Honourable and Learned Solicitor-General hoe
called the privilege of a new constitution.
Sir JAMES GRAHAM—No, no.
Mr. T. DUNCOMBE—WeII, then, if they did not, they
wesiLl remain in their present condition at their own peril. The
decision of Mr. JusticeWightman had created alarm, and the
consequence was, that most of the 4,000 friendly societies had
altered their rules in accordance with that decision, and if
the law were now to be altered again they would find them-
selves still in peril. He should therefore propose that, after
the word "established" in the clause, there should be added
the words " enrolled before the passing of this Act."
Mr. ESCOTT said, that with ail respect for the decision
of Mr. Justice Wightman, he submitted that the opinion of
his Hon. and Learned Friend the Solicitor-General was quite
as much entitled to respect.—(Hear, hear, and laughter.)
'That judgment might have been wrong; it had not yet been
appealed against, or decided in a higher court. He should
certainly support the amendment of his Hon. Friend the
Member for Finsbury.
The SOLICITOR-GENERAL said that he was afraid that
too much importance had been attached to the decision of
Mr. Justice Wightman, but of this he was sure, that too
much importance by far had been attached to his own
opinion. In fact, he did not recollect what that
opinion was until it had been put• into his hands a few
minutes previously. That opinion was offered on an isolated
case ; it might happen that the majority of the 4,000 friendly
societies in England were constituted on different principles.
With the single exception of the society declared to be il-
legal they legalised, by the present enactment, every society
which came within the description of those included in the
ifirst four clauses. They bad nothing to do with sitting in
judgment on the decision of Mr. Justice Wightman, and with
reference to those societies included in the sth clause ; they had
only to come f:rward without expense and without inconve-
niebce, and lay their rules before the two officers appointed
for the purpose, and they woull at once receive from them a
certificate that the society w:,* of such a nature as to come
within the provisions of the Act
Air.nuTHERFORD stated,
tm ' and be legalised accordingly.
tat the explanation of the
Leatncd Solicitor-General had re
which be had entertained upon the svueiljemctany of the doubts
Sir GRAHAM made some )remark,,. whi..h were in-
audible in the gallery.
been
M. T. DIINCOMB yet
E said that no reas.:,n had as
assigned why the words "or entitled " should not be
intro-
ducedin the clause.
The SOLICITOR-GENERAL considered the words pro-
posed to be introduced perfectly superfluous, and would not
at all enlarge, but perhaps diminish, the powers of the Bill,
by creating a:doubt upon the meaning of the words.
Mr. T. DUNCOMBE stated there were many societies
"Which were only enrolled, not established.
After a few words from Mr. Ewart, the Solicitor-General,
and Mr. Rutherford, strangers were ordered to withdraw;
but Mr. T. Duncombe declined pressing the House to a
division.
Mr. DI:NC:93OE resumed, and said that he would alter
his phrase, and Npve for the insertion of the wordo "or en• j
roneci."

Sir J. GRAHAM thought that the insertion of these words '
would entirely alter the meaning of the clause.
Mr. T. DUNCOMBE conceived that the object of this Bill
ought to be to confirm all those societies which had already
been instituted and established, and he should therefore take
the sense of the Committee upon it.
Sir J. GRAHAM believed that the Hon. Gentleman did
not quite understand the effect which the introduction of the
word "or" would have. It would be neither more nor less
than the illegalising of the 4,000 societies which were in
existence before the passing of the Act.
Mr. T. DUNCOMBE—What would be the' effect of
this measure as it now stood with respect to Mr. Tidd Pratt.
Why, it would be investing him with privileges of the most
enormous amount, and powers which no Government ought
to demir.
Mr. BICKHAM ESCOTT wished to know whether the
insertion of these woes would have the effect of rendering
the 4,000 societies already in existence illegal, and of de-
priving
them of the privileges which they now possessed?
Certainly such must be the case if they were rendered illegal.
Mr. O'CONNELL said this was quite evident, that
the societies referred to were either legal or illegal. If the
former this Bill could not affect them, and if the reverse,
they could not be injured.
Mr. HAWES conceived that it ought now to be decided
whether the words " or," or "or enrolled" were to be used.
They ought to know what they were dividing upon.
Sir J. GRAHAM begged to be pardoned for interrupting
the Hon. Member, but he must observe that the introduction
of the word " or" would entirely change the meaning of the
whole sentence of the clause.
Mr. HAWES thought they ought to know what they were
going to divide about.
Mr. T. DUNCOMBE said his very object was to preserve
the legality of the societies at present in existence, and for
this purpose he wished to include the word.
After a few words from Mr. RUTHERFORD and Sir DE
LACY EVANS, who both objected to any doubt being suffered
to remain respecting the sense of the clause, and from
Mr. B. ESCOTT, who again inquired whether the effect of
the alteration would be to swamp the 4,000 societies,
The ATTORNEY-GENERAL said that the observations
of hii Learned Friend had been entirely misunderstood ; for
the fact was, that the effect of this clause would be to legalise
the 4,000 societies alluded to. If the Hon. Member for
Westminster believed that this clause would have the con-
sequence ofoverruling the decision of Mr. Justice Wigbtman,
he would beg to tell 'him that the introduction of these
words would certainly go to that end. And with regard
to the remarks of the Hon. and Learned Member for Cork,
that these societies were either legal or illegal, he must
say, further, that, without the clause stood as
it was, it would fail to bring those societies
under the influence of the Friendly Societies' Act.
They were told that there were no less than 4,000 existing
societies, and they were called by this ingenious word "or,"
proposed by the 'ion. Member for Finsbury, to legalise them
all, whether enrolled or not enrolled.—(No, no.) He main-
tained it was so; that all societies, whether enrolled or not,
whether established for legal or illegal purposes, would be
rendered lawful by the proposed amendment. They ought
to protect themselves against the probability of danger by
the clause as it at present stood, and therefore he must op-
pose the motion.
Mr. B. ESCOTT said the Hon. and Learned Gentleman
had not named a single society of the 4,000 referred to that
was illegal.
Mr. T. DUNCOMBE replied, and said the amendment was
not to legalise all societies, but to give the 4,000 already
enrolled the benefit of that enactment under the proposed
law. If Mr. Tidd Pratt had certified those societies, it would
be most unfair to deprive them of the benefit. _ __

Atter a few words from Sir GEORGE STRICKLAND and Mr.
COWPER in favour of the amendment,

Lord JOHN MANNERS said, he thought if the bar-
rister had certified the legality of the 4,000 societies, it should
be held valid in their favour. •

Sir J. GRAHAM considered that, as it was possible Mr.
Tidd Pratt might have acted indiscreetly, or without proper
inquiry or information in these enrolments, he must firmly
oppose the proposed amendment.

- After a few words from Mr. SPOONER against the amend.
ment, strangers were ordered to withdraw. The House thei
divided, when there appeared—
For the Amendment
Against it 42
Majority
Mr. DUNCOMBE then moved that, to the end of the clause,
the following words should be added, "provided also that
existing benefit societies, known under the name of Odd
Fellows, patriotic societies, and ethers instituted for the pur-
poses of making prevision for old age, and such other pur-
poses, shall be eligible for enrolment."
The ATTORNEY-GENERAL said the proviso was either
dangerous or unnecessary. They had already pronounced an
opinion that certain of these societies were illegal, and ought
not to be sanctioned, and, therefore, the proviso was unne-
cessary. There were, however, some of these societies which
came within the limits of the corresponding Act, and he
should have no objection to bring them within the provisions
of the present Bill, if the Honourable Member for Hereford
would propose a clause to that effect.
After a few words from Sir Dg Lacy Evaxs and Mr.
SPOONER, the amendment Was withdrawn, and the clause
agreed to.
On clause 9 being proposed,
Mr. SPOONER objected to the rules of a society being
referred for the decision of one individual without any appeal.
There was an immense deal of property and the interests of
a vast number of persons involved in this decision, and there
ought to be an appeal of some sort or other.
Sir JAMES GRAHAM said such a course would be
productive of delay and expense ; and, on the whole, he was
inclined to think the decision ought to be left to one barrister.
He had confidence in the skill and ability of Mr. Dad Pratt ;
and, with the assistance of the judges, he had no doubt that
gentleman would do justice to all parties.
Mr. SPOONER said that he could not alter his opinion on
this clause.
Mr. T. DUNCOMBE wished to know if the present clause
would confirm or annul the enrolments of Mr. Tidd Pratt ?
He believed the Attorney-General had had a contest with
that gentleman. He was not aware who got the worst of it.
Mr. SPOONER said they were about to give a very great
power to one man over large and important interests.
Mr. GRAINGER was of opinion that the clause would
add a great expense to the parties interested.
The SOLICITOR-GENERAL said that under the clause
parties would be able to:have the opinion of the law officers
of the Crown without expense.
The clause was theu agreed to.
Upon clause 10 been put,
Sir J. GRAHAM said he had to move an amendment, or
rather an addition to this clause. He would move that
where the salary of the registrar was to be fixed at the
average of the last three years, that it should be provided
that the average did not exceed more than 1,000/. a year.
After a few observations from Mr. COOPER and Mr.
O'CoNNEL, , which did not reach the gallery,
Clause 10 was ordered to stand part of the Bill.
Clause 11 was postponed.
Clause 12 was ordered to stand part of the Bill.
On the question that clause 13 stand part of the Bill being
put,
Mr. P. SCROPE said that under clause 13 he did not feel
certain whether the tables by which these societies al-
ready in existence calculated their advantages would
have to be submitted to the registrar. He would
also take this opportunity of saying that he
thought that the present measure, if it was passed, would be
of very little advantage to these societies. The attention
of the Legislature ought, after the passing of this
Bill, to be directed to the framing of some measure

which would place these societies in a position infi-
nitely superior to that in which it was at present
proposed to place them. The attention of the Government
might also be turned to the introduction of some Government
measure by which the poor, by making certain payments,
could secure an annuity at any period they named in their
old age. The tables of the rates of payments
could be published. The poor would thus have the
advantages of a Government security fur their annuities,
and also of having their annuities payable to them at any
portion of the kingdom they might chance to be. That
course would be better than the doubtful and uncertain
security at present afforded by the friendly societies, which,
by mismanagement or miscalculation, might occasion to many
the loss of the subscriptions of years. He hoped that his
suggestion would meet with the consideration that it deserved
at the hands of the Government.
• Sir JAMES GRAHAM promised that it should. He
also stated that in a short time competent persons would be
approached by the Government for the purpose of drawing
up tables to;, regulate the amount of sums to be paid on
the death ofi a member of these societies. And he proposed
that no society should be hereafter certified by the registrar
unless they consented to be guided by those tables.
Mr. T. I.SI.INCOMBE said, that if the Right Hon. Baronet

would read the very able book of Mr. Neilson on the subject of
annuities, he would find that it would be most unjust to require
the tables on that head to be the same in all societies; for
instance, it would be unjust to compel the Friendly Ship-
builders of Liverpool to be guided by the same tables as
those of the Operative Tailors' Society of the metropolis, be-
cause the latter were exposed to much more sickness than
the former.—(Hear, hear.)
The clause, as amended by the Right lion. Baronet was
then put and passed. On clause 14 being proposed,
Mr. HENLEY hoped that provision would be made against
the sending of any cases connected with friendly societies
The SO LIeITOR.-
into Chancery.
of dispute were the members of those societies GENERAL • 1 in all matters c
to law, the case would have
atnodbief Euasbemartt.htleeadtitetlPtrohepos
of opinion that there
e Attorney-
Generaltogowasn,,nfeocretshaietytimfoer
being, and
to were
case could not be proceeded with. the Court of Chancery, the

The clause was then agreed to.
After some discussion clause 15 was agreed to.
Sir J. GRAHAM then moved that the consideration ,
Clause 16 and the remaining clauses should be postponed till
Friday next.—Motion agreed to.

NEW V, RIT.
On the motion of Mr. YOUNGE, anew writ was ordered
for the Falkirk District of Burghs, in the room of J. Baird,
Esq., who had accepted the office of Steward of the Chiltern
Hundreds.

reading of the
it the time of
EELlPecHtiloNnsSTßOilNl,Ewhmicovhedprotphoesessectoo rndun.
COUNTY ELECTIONS BILL
County3lr.
polling at elections in counties to one day.
Colonel WOOD moved that the Bill be read a second time
that day six months.
Lord J. WORSLEY went through the returns of the
number of voters recorded in the several counties, and the
number of those who voted on the second day, the result of
which was that the number of persons who voted on the se-
cond day was so insignificant as to render it very desirable
to -restrict the time for county elections. The Hon. Member
for Middlesex had said that the out-voters would have no
opportunity of voting; but even if such were the case, there
were corre-ponding advantages; for even, as in the case of
West Yorkshire, where there were more than 50,000 voters,
it was evident that no change could be made on the second
day of polling. Then, as to treating, it was well known that
much of the mischief would be saved. He was satisfied
toe, the alteration was wholesome, and be should give it his
cordial support.—(Cries of "Divide.")
Mr. NEWDEGATE wished to say a few words on this
measure, which, in his opinion, was at least, premature, for
it was very plain that the experience of the past was no
criterion for the future.—(Laughter.) He had himself been
engaged on a Committee,
The SPEAKER—The Hon. Member cannot speak respect-,
ing a Committee which has not made its report.
Mr. NEWDEGATE apologised, and proceeded to say that
if the same plan were to be adopted as that which the
Hon. Member for Stockport (Mr. Cobden) had said would
be used by the Anti-Corn-law League—that was to collect
a large number cf voters at the railway stations in a neigh-
beuring county, and pour them down the polling-places—
this would occasion great inconvenience, and if it was
proposed to obviate that inconvenience by an increased
number of polling-places, that would also occasion great
expense. He thought also that if these measures
were to be adopted, they would have the effect
looked for bmber for Stockport, and
y . the Hon.
.le .
be greatly expedited. This object was given in the assertion
that, within three year he would unseat 100 county Mem-
bers, unless they 'changed their principles and voted
against the opinions of their constituents
There had been during and their own.
the
present 36 petitions
against the return of burough Members, of which 29 had

been decided on, seven dropped, or one-tenth of all the bo-
rough Members returned. In the same period there had
been but three petitions against county elections, or one-
sixtieth, of which two had been dropped. This would show
the decided balance, it might presumed, in favour of the
honesty of county elections. He would oppose the Bill and
support the amendment.
Mr. BRIGHT said that there was not an argument now
used against the Bill but what had been employed against the
old system, yet every one, of whatever political party, agre.d
that the change was a great improvement. The difficulty in
the way of travelling was much removed, and by railways it
would be easy in most cases to take a whole constituency in a
short time, if required. Whatever might be said
of the expense of travelling, the expense of keeping
the poll open for two days was far greater. He would de-
cidedly support the second reading of the Bill.

Mr. B. iDENISON thought there were advantages in
favour of the second day's polling which had not been referred
to. He knew of several instances in which the result of the
first day's polling had been entirely changed the second day.
There was no analogy between the position of the
boroughs and the counties in point of distance and travelling.
Nor did he see any necessity for the change, as not any of
the counties, or the parties interested, had at all complained
of the present practice
wHieshecdonstioderperdesst
hheis
reaspfeecwtinwgorditss.
Sir JAMES GRAHAM said, that if the Hon. Member
sowoumlducshay
not so
effect on candidates, as en elections generally. He
was decidedly of opinion that it was not expedient or politic
to reduce the present period for the taking of votes in counties.
The paramount question with them should be, not whether,
it would reduce the expenses of candidates, but whether it
would interfere with the due latitude necessary for the increase
of the franchise. Tried by this test, he did not think the Bill
necessary as required by the exigencies of the case. He
quite agreed in the statement of the Hon. Member for
the West Riding of Yorkshire that there was no analogy
between boroughs and counties. The change made
on the previous law was a salutary one, reducing borough,
elections to one day and counties to two, but he did not
think there should be any further alteration. With respect
to borough elections, the restriction to one day extended
only to a range of seven miles, but in the counties there
was no limitation. He could see no reason why they should
depart from the rule established, and he did not consider the
period of two days was any inconvenience to voters. He
rather considered that it was in favour of the franchise
than anything else. He would therefore vote against the
second reading of the Bill.
Sir R. INGLIS said that polling-places were not more dis-
tant from each other than a mile in towns and cities, and
were within the radius of a circle extending six miles
in counties, and he therefore did not see that the Bill was
necessary.
Mr. B. ESCOTT said he would vote fur the second reading
of the Bill, for, in his opinion, mal- practices took-place
most on:the second day 'of polling. The Hon. Member for
Middlesex thought otherwise, for the purity of his elec-
tion—( Hear, hear)—no doubt led him to that opinion.
But he had had some experiences, in country elections,
and the evening between the first and second day .vas a
very tempting. opportunity to those who hung round
the booths, and who had probably promised their votes to one
party, yet gave them to the other.
Colonel SIBTHORP said he had a vote for five counties,
and that he would be sorry to see the day when the free
circulation of money at elections would be checked.
Lord G. BENTINCK said the Hon. Member for Win-
chester had spoken of the conduct of those who promised one
thing, yet did another. He cordially concurred with the
Honourable Member in his reprobation of such persons,
and he hoped he would apply those principles to
his own conduct, and that he would recollect, at
the next discussion on the corn-laws, that he promised the
electors of Winchester one thing, and that he would not
do another. In conclusion, he would support the amend-
ment of the Honourable and Gallant Gentleman.
The Hon. Gentleman the Member for Durham had argued
upon the ill effects of the old system, but it must be remem-
bered that there was a wide difference between the poll being
open for fifteen days and only for two. He had the right of
voting in three counties, and as he did not wish to be.- dis-
franchised, he should vote against the Bill.
Mr. B. ESCOTT wished the Noble Lord before making
observations relative to the opinions and wishes of his (Mr.
Escott's) constituents would convince himself that his in-
formation on the subject could be relied upon. Had the
Noble Lord been with him last week, he would have gleaned
more accurate information than the Noble Lord had appeared
to be in possession of.
The House then divided, when there appeared—
For the Second Reading.
Against it 55
Majority against it
RAILWAY DEPOSITS BILL.
This Bill was read a third time and passed.
COMMONS INCLOSURE BILL.
This Bill was read a third time and passed.
The remaining orders of the day were then disposed of, and
he House adjourned at six o'clock.

PRESENTATION OF THE DUN
COMBE TESTIMONIAL.

The Honourable Member for Finsbury having fixed Satur-
day evening for receiving the above tribute of a people's
gratitude, a deputation from the Central Committee, accom-
panied by Mr. Syme, the secretary, waited upon Mr. Dun-
combe at his chambers in the Albany, and having been
received with his usual kindness,
Mr. SvslE rose and said, Sir,—We have been appointed
by the Testimonial Central Committee to transfer to you the
result of their grateful efforts, and as they have prepared
and furnished us with an address to be presented to you oik
this occasion, I think that any preliminary observations of
mine will be quite unnecessary. The very able address was
then read ; the following is the concluding paragraph
"In conclusion, Sir, we beg to assure you that this testi-
monial is presented by us in the truthful and manly
spirit, so beautifully expressed of ' our own order,' by Robt.
Nicoll :

• An offering to the shrine of power
Our hands shall never bring—
A garland on the car of pomp
Our hands shall never fling.
Applauding in the conqueror's path
Our voices ne'er shall be ;
But we have hearts to honour those
Who bade the world go free.'"
Mr. DUNCO3IBE then said—Mr. Syme and Gentlemen,
is impossible for me to accept this generous tribute of your
gratitude without mixed feelings of pride and sorrow. Pride,
that my humble exertions en behalf of my industrious
fellow-countrymen should be deemed worthy of national
approval; and sorrow, that exposure of wrong and asser-
tion of right should be otherwise distinguished than as acts
of justice, which the trustees of the unenfranchised people
are solemnly bound to perform towards those for whom
they hold the trust. Whatever thanks are due to me for
the poor services which entitle me to your gratitude, the
labouring classes fully and honourably participate in that
reward, inasmuch as their co-operation cheerfully yielded,
and without which my best exertions would have been vain
and impotent, has at all times and upon all occasions nerved
me for the struggle, and emboldened me to persevere in my
resistance to the aggressions of their oppressors. The in-
trinsic value of your splendid testimonial consists in the
deep and lasting impression which it is calculated to stamp
upon the minds of all thinking men, that Englishmen, who
are grateful for acts of justice, arc not likely to violate its
laws, and may be, therefore, safely entreated with a fair
participation in making and administering them ; and I sin-
cerely trust that the day is not far distant when acts of
simple justice for the labouring classes will constitute the rule
and not the exception of representation ; and none will more
cheerfully hail the happy advent than myself, being con-
vinced that the first step towards the perfect freedom of our
country is, the recognition of the principle that those whose
valour in arms—whose skill in manufactures—whose science
in mechanism—whose calm endurance under great suffering
and privation—whose success in the art of converting our
national resources into wealth, in the enjoyment of which
they have not, in my opinion, their fair and legitimate pro-
portion, may be safely and honourably entrusted with the
power of making laws for the further development of
their national resources, and with the view to their more
equitable distribution. My friends, it is not improbable
that your services may be shortly courted by the two
great parties now contending fur political ascendancy, and
when, if still esteemed worthy of your confidence, I
may, as one of your representatives, be called upon
to assume a position without reference to the speculative
interest of either ; and if such course should subject
us to a more severe trial, and a more searching ordeal than
in our previous struggles we have undergone, relying upon
a continuance of your co-operation, be assured 1 shall not
flinch from my share of the trouble, the responsibility, or the
danger, which the assertion of your rights and the advocacy
of your cause may impose.—(Cheers.) My friends, while I
deplore the cause you assign for the inability of some of your
order to participate to your flattering offer, I regret that you
should have deemed any explanation necessary to enhance
its value. This emblem of my countrymen's confidence, ge-
nerosity, and gratitude, I recognise as the embodiment of
the feeling of the industrious classes, and a testimonial of
their undivided approval of my conduct; as such I accept it,
and in accepting it at your bands, the fulnesi of expression is
inadequate to communicate my thanks to the industrious
donors, and in commemoration of whose confidence I shall
preserve it, treasure it, and esteem it as long as life remains;
and when I am no more, and when it shall have passed into
other hands, I trust that it may inspire its future possessor
with the same pride that I now feel in accepting it, as a
token of my countrymen's confidence, affection, and gene-
rosity.
ohfi
athhiey de
leaptnetda twi ointhbetihneg
palteaasnanetn dt
e, theyrm inatbowed
andrr hreetdirueldy,
their grateful labours.

COURT OF ALDERMEN.
Yesterday a Court was held for the dispatch of
business.

THE CITY PRISONS.
Alderman SIDNEY said it had been stated in a former
Court, that the Lord Mayor had received a communica-
tion from the Secretary of State for the Home Depart-
ment, calling the attention of his Lordship to the report
of the inspectors of gaols, regarding the condition of the
City gaols. He wished to be informed whether any
answer had been sent to that communication ?

The LORD MAYOR said that no other answer had been
returned than the verbal answer given by himself to Sir
James Graham, to the effect that the Committee had
agreed to recommend that a new gall should be erectiod
instead of the Giltspur-street Compter, and that no
doubt that recommendation would be carried out.
Alderman SIDNEY observed that certainly no motion
to the effect of building a new gaol had been carried in
the Court of Aldermen.

The LORD MAYOR—I merely spoke of the Committee.
Upon the motion for votes of thanks to the Bishop of
St. David and the Rev. Charles Farebrother, Chaplain
to the Lord Mayor, for the Spital sermons preached
on Easter Monday and Easter Tuesday, at St. Bride's
Church and Christchurch,

Sir PETER LAURIE, who seconded the motion, said
ho could not help expressing much satisfaction at the
sermon preached at St. Paul's on Sunday last before the
Judges, by Archdeacon Hale, Micn the Venerable
Archdeacon denounced the mummeries which had re-
cently been introduced into the Church service, and
recommended a strict adherence to the good old customs.
The propositions were carried unanimously.
THE ATTEMPT TO ASSASSINATE THE KING OF THE

FP.ENCH.

Alderman FAREBROTHER rose, and said he knew
that there was not a man in the Court who did not feel
most strongly upon the late atrocious attempt to assassi-
nate the King of the French.—(Loud cries of "Hear,
hear.") It was impossible to contemph.te the escape his
Majesty had had without the highest satisfaction, and he
could not allow an opportunity to pass without express-
ing the sentiments of the Court upon the providential
deliverance of that most excellent and illustrious
monarch, whose loss would not only have been severely
felt by France itself, but by every part of civilised
Europe.—(Cheers.) All knew the regard which our
own moat gracious Sovereign entertained for the King of