The Sun.
London, England, 1846-05-09 00:00:00

TITV, SUN, LONDON, SATURDAY EVENING, MAY 9, 1846.

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derstand what course the Noble Lord and his party, under
such a state of mind, proposed to take in order to relieve
would
eold
not go further into the question at that late the
u
condition of the people of Ireland.—(Heardihear. ) coulda S
not
not
ing, except to allude to one other point.
for Oxfordshire (Mr. Henley) had said that he considered the
course the Government had taken was not compatible of the even-
hoe ur
Hon. Member
with
to Le
honour, far less calculated to obtain the end sought
obtained.
Mr. HENLEY denied that he had accused the Government
with acting dishonestly.
Mr. SIDNEY HERBERT considered the observations of
the Hon. Member were to that effect. With respect to the
charges made against the members of the Government, he
(Mr. S. Herbert) must say that there was a difference between
men in a private station and those who were in office.
He must say, that Hon. Gentlemen, in dealing with tine Go-
vernment, should judge of the position in which public men are
placed; as to them were committed great public interests.
They should take all the circumstances into consideration, and
keep in view that they were boiled to act in consonance with
that policy which would best serve the interests of their
country.—( Hear, hear.) Especially they should consider that
no disgrace or dishonour could accrue when the scheme pro-
posed —the change of opinion referred—to was entirely of a
fiscal nature. There could be no charge of dishonesty where
the object was to remove a great evil.—(Hear, hear.) To
those who denied the policy of the Government, he gave the
full right of quarrel with that policy. He gave to every
one the credit of acting for the best intentions, and
at the same time he must claim the same for
himself. All he asked was the credit of having acted
from honest and upright motives, and with acting under the
exigencies of the case for the welfare of the country.—
( Hear, hear.) Abuse he was prepared to meet, but at the
same time the parties who cheered the Noble Lord (Lord
George Bentinck), and who found fault with the Government,
—who charged them with having deserted their principles,
should' consider the position in which her Majesty's Miniaters
had been placed, and the circumstances of the country--
( Hear, hear.) When the troops of the Noble Lord strained
all their might against the Government—when illogical mysti-
fications were so frequently employed to support the cause of
protection—when long arithmetical calculations were peraded
to meet the case—when a great pressure of distress, a
national exigency arose—and when, along with these,
they had the, effects before them, of the partial relaxa-
tion of these laws respecting the importation of
food during the last seven years of reduced duty—
when they had all these, would it • have been meet and proper
for the Government to stand still, and not make a provision
for the hunger and famiue that threatened a great portion of
the country ?—( Loud cries of " Hear, hear.") Yes, he said,
when famine and hunger threatened a large portion of the
country, the Government had considered it their duty to pro-
pose an alteration of those laws that restricted the importation
of food from foreign countries. Let it be understood he did
not impute bad motives to any one, but he did think that the
charges against the Government were not fairly and candidly
made. He thought that violent and sudden measures were to
be deprecated, but with regard to the present measure, it was
not so, for the principle had be en tried already for some years
in which it had been completely successful. Every year, in
this country, wheat had become cheaper in comparison to the
prices on the continent.—(Hear, hear.) He did say, that as
far as the state of parties were concerned—whether the
Ls ague or the protection society had brought about the present
state of opinions—the present time was the proper one for its
settlement, without doing violence to any great interest, with-
out physical force on the one hand, or the dread of the jail on
the other. He, therefore, trusted that the measure would
psss, and that those in oppositiou would not oppose its further
progress. He trusted that as he gave them credit for honest
and conscientious motives, that they in return would extend
the same indulgence to him—and concede, that in this
particular measure the Government had in view the
great and valuable object of keeping down the price of food, so
as to place it within the reach of the poorer classes of the peo-
ple ; and especially with granting relief to the distress and dif-
ficulties of a large portion of their fellow-subjects in Ireland,
who were suffering much from the circumstances in which they
were at present unfortunately placed.
Mr. HENLEY explained that he never said that the Go-
vernmnnt had acted dishonourably. He said that two Cabinet
Ministers had recommended a certain course to be taken which
he considered was not consistent with honour.—( Hear, hear. )
Lord G. BENTINCK, who was at the beginning of his
speech rather inaudibly heard in the gallery, said that the Right
Hon. the Secretary-at-War had charged him with having en-
deavoured to agitate the country in favour of protection. He
charged him with having been unsuccessful in that course of
agitation. He (Lord G. Bentinck) had never attended public
meetings, he had never made any speeches to those meetings,
nor had he written letters to any one.—(Cheers from the pro-
tectionists.) He had never said a word on the subject of pro-
tection in public, until he felt that it was his duty to do so. and
then he had addressed that House.—( Renewed cheering.)
If he had agitated the country, that agitation was restricted to
the speeches made in that House, and uttered to her Majesty's
Ministers.—( Continued cheering.) But he was a little sur-
prised to bear his Right Hon. Friend take this high tone, be-
cause the party to which he (Lord G. Bentinck) belonged had
been accustomed to regard his Right lion. Friend as equal in
station, equal iu eloquence, and superior in honesty, to the pre-
sent Prime Minister of this country.—(Loud cheering.) This
was the agitator whom, in the month of December, when her
Majesty's Government was in a state of dissolution, and the
whole agricultural mind of England expected that his Right
Hon. Friend, and not he (Lord G. Bentinck), would be the
leader of that party. But his Right Hon. Friend now stood
up in this House, and held this high tone on the subject of
the corn-laws. He would have the House to believe that the
way to improve the aericulture of the country, especially of
his own county of Wilts—where, as he informed them, agricul-
ture was carried on in so slovenly a manner—that the
way to improve that country would be by repealing the corn-
laws. It was only in June last that, in answer to the
Hon. Member for Sheffield, he called on the House, and the agri-
cultural interest out of the House, to resist the motion of his
Hon. Friend, and to make a manful exertion to refuse the se-
ductions of the Honourable Member for Stockport, who en-
deavoured to convince the agricultural interest that the way to
increase their profits was to reduce the value of their produce.
—(Cheers ) His Right Hon. Friend had referred to the case
of Ireland, and, as one of her Majesty's Ministers had repeated
the misrepresentations of the motions which actuated the Hon.
Members who sat around him in supporting the measures
which they were prepared to pass regarding Ireland, he would
trouble the House with one or two observations on this matter.
That Minister had stated that they on that side were pre-
pared to suspend the corn-laws, for giving relief to that
country. How often had they stated, that though they con-
sented to that measure, they did not believe that it would give
reliefto Ireland? How often had they stated, that to no part of
the United Kingdom would so much injury be done by the re-
peal of the corn-laws as to Ireland. He would tell them why
Ireland would be injured by the repeal of the corn-laws. From
what they heard of the doings in Ireland, there was every ap-
pearance of poverty increasing, and tilled land being converted
into pasture land, because it was found now that it was more
profitable to rear cattle than to grow corn, and in process of
time new evictions would take plaee over the whole of Ireland.
His Noble Friend the Secretary for Ireland had told them that
he was responsible for all the information that had been given
by Government in that House. He was afraid that his
Noble Friend was a very credulous Minister. He did not
charge his Noble Friend with misrepresenting facts—he
did not charge him with such wilful misrepresentations—with
making a handle of that which he did not know to be true.
He would not charge him with wilful misrepresentation in
order to advance his election at Falkirk, but he must. say that
his Noble Friend was too ready to listen to every exaggerated
eaves-dropper that came near him, and this was simply the
reason why they had such exaggerated reports of the famine
in Ireland. There had never been that scarcity in that
country to the extent stated in that House. True there had
been some scarcity felt in some districts in Ireland, but he
denied that a general famine existed. They had heard from
his Hon. Friend the Member for Northampton the state of the
county of Limerick, and that statement was a corroboration of
that made by the Secretary for Ireland. He (Lord George
Bentinck) happened to hold in his hand a return of the
produce which came into England in the course of
last month, and was sorry to find that the importation
from Ireland was greater than from any other
portion of Great Britain. Between the 25th of September
last, and the 24th of April this year, he found that 71,000
quarters of wheat, 6,000 quarters of barley, 268,000 quarters
of oats, 55,000 cwt. of flour, 234,000 cwt. of oatmeal had
been imported from Ireland, making a grand total of 346,069
quarters of grain, 289,931 cwts of flour. He believed that we
had sent over 43,000 quarters of grain to assist the Irish
people, while it was clearly evident that from this, which was
called a starving country, a greater quantity of grain was ex-
ported than from any other portion of the United
Kingdom.—(Hear.) There was greater abundance in Ireland
than had ever been know in this country, and if her Majesty's
Ministers undertook to purchase oatmeal to send to the assist-
ance of the Irish, it would have been better to have purchased
it there, where it might have been done without any difficulty
and where it would have been distributed at prime cost, and'
without the expense of carriage. His Right Hon. Friend had
considerable interest in the county of Wilts, and had referred to
the low rate of wages given to the labourers there. He (Lord
G. Bentinck) had no property in Wilts, but he was a tenant-
farmer on its borders. He believed that he employed more
labourers, and paid more labourers too, than his Hon. Friend
had ever done, and the wages be had stated were not those
which were paid on the borders of Wales. In 1836 and 1837,
their wages were 9s. a week, but when the price of wheat rose
some Bs. or 103. a quarter, their wages were raised one
shilling a week'; and if they were again lowered
in Wilts, of this fact he was perfectly assured,
that he was still paying in his neighbourhood the same 10s. ;
and, therefore, he thought there was the same little exaggera-
tion here as had taken place in Ireland. He had said before,
and he said again, that he charged her Majesty's Ministers
with that wilful exaggeration. He was there to speak the
truth, and he charged her Majesty's Ministers with wilful ex-
aggeration with regard to the famine in Ireland. He wanted
to see the reports which he was aware the Ministry were in
possession of. He should like to see the report of the Poor-
law Commissioners. He should like to see the report of the
Inspector of Prisons. He knew something of these reports,
and he knew that they differed very materially from the reports
that were laid on the table. He held in his hand a letter from
a corn-factor at Youghal, in the county of Cork, and he
denied that famine to the extent stated existed in Ireland.
theHu Huskisson
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( The Noble Lord referred to other documents confirming
this statement.) It had been said that they had imported their
system
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the House that they had Pitt, and Fox, and Canning, and
Fluskisson as advocates of these opinions; and, looking to a
period somewhat more ancient, they found Cromwell support-
ing the same economy. There were besides the very Ministers
who were now sitting on the Treasury Benches; those two
Right Hon. Baronets supported them as long as they continued
in the vigour of their intellects, and now it was only after
forty years political experience that they came forward, for
the first time, to make a new experiment on the
principles of commerce and in favour of free trade.
It had been the doctrine of their great masters before them,
Mr. Canning and NB*. Huskisson, that they cared not how
cheap corn was, so long as that cheap corn was grown at home.
foreigner in substitution of our own. He denied altogether
e any selfish interest. He
They refused to have cheap corn that was bought from the
that they were endeavouring to sera
had never said a word against the manufacturing interest. He
had always thought that the interest of the agriculturist and
the manufacsurers were bound up together; but he believed
that the manufacturers were more dependent upon the success
of the agricultural interest than the agricultuists were upon
the manufacturers. The manufacturers wanted to change
their old costomers for new ones, but were they sure that their
new ones
the manufacturers were, that if they were allowed to take
would be bettew than their old? The arguments of
corn from abroad, the foreigners would sell us corn, and would
take our manufactures in return. That did not appear to be
the case now. This country took mere of foreign
ie
pro-
duce than foreigners took of our manufactures. I
knew that the agrieglturists were benefited by the prosperity of
the manufacturers ; but the agricultorists, when they were
prosperous, purchased more extensively the productions of the
manufacturers. Was this the time to make the proposed
change in the corn-laws, when their granaries wet 3 fuller than
they were ever known before. While every other country was
suffering from scarcity, this country had plenty, and this was
the time which they had selected to make an alteration in the
law. He had received a letter from Liverpool, which stated
that there was abundance of food locked up in Ireland, which
hid been purpesely concealed in consequence of the scarcity that
was so confidently predicted at the vomVencumeut of the sessiop,

His Right Hon. Friend the Secretary-at-War had stated that,
notwithstanding all the alarming statements which had been
made, there had been no county meetings. fle (Lord G.
Bentinck) thought that, sitting by his Noble Friend the Secre-
tary for Irela. d, that would have been a very delicate subject.
Until last year his Noble Friend had all Nottingham at his
back—there was scarcely a man in Nottinghamshire that would
not have followed him. Who carried that election? Was it
not the tenant-farmers?—( Hear, hear.) Oh, the money that
was spent in Nottingham by his Noble Friend (the Earl of
Lincoln). He was not going to charge the Noble Lord with
bribery, but did the Noble Lord deny that it was a most ex-
pensive election ?—(Cheers and laughter,) He had no doubt
the House would allow the Noble Lord to get up and make his
own explanation of the affair.—( Hear, hear.) But did they
not know that every agent in Nottingham was engaged ?
( Hear and cheers.) Nottinghamshire was taken by sur-
prise, but the tenant-farmers of Nottinghamshire carried the
county against his Noble Friend by a majority of between 600
and 700—(Cheers)—and were they to have it said that it was
his majority in the borough of Hamilton that had swatsiVed the
constituencies of all other boroughs in that district ? Did North
Nottinghamshire follow the example of South Nottingham-
shire ?--( Hear, hear.) Did South Gloucestershire or Dorset-
shire?—( Hear, hear.) Who was better entitled to have a seat
in that House than his Noble Friend Lord Ashley ?—( Hear,
hear.) He, too, would have been at the head of the poll in
Dorsetshire, if he had maintained his principles.—(Hear, hear. )
But Englishmen were true at heart—(Hear, hear)—they hated
tergiversation—(Loud cheers from the Hon. Member for Lin-
coln)—they detested all breakers of pledges and good faith—
( Hear, hear)—they did not like to be betrayed.—( Hear, hear. )
ohuet
h Nottinghamshire, recollectedthat his Noblen F rhiee nlda
sat t
sht
oi so lastd
re
ol enc tti on
e
fhWourhsteiSnngs, congratulated the electors of Nottinghamshire on
their having refused to be cajoled by the latest fabrication
from the workshop of delusion—(Hear, hear)—that they were
independent and clear-sighted enough to scout the cry of
cheap bread—( Hear, helr)—and that they had refused to be
caught by the last fugitive humbug of a dying faction.—
(Loud cheers.) Why, it was not the protectionists that had
agitated the country.—( Hear, hear.) Was it they who had
drilled the public mind and taught them that cheap bread was
a fallacy, and fraught with delusion to the country.—( Hear,
hear.) He rejoiced that the British people had shown them-
selves true to themselves. They had shown their aversion to
political inconsistency, vascillation, and tergiversation. He
thought, in the language of a modern asriter, that the man
who was fit for the representative of a great people, should be
a man of a stable mind, fit to be the pillar of the state, and
not a weathercock—( Hear, hear)—at the top of the building,
whose only quality was its versatility and power to show the
last shifting of the passing gale.—( Loud cheering.)
Lord LINCOLN was aware that he was acting irregularly
in speaking a second time (luring one debate, but he trusted,
after the elaborate attack which had been made upon him by
the Noble Lord, who had kept back his store of envenomed
bitterness—( Cheers)—to the present moment—(Loud cheers)
—that the House would allow him a few moments to reply to
the charge brought against him by the Noble Lord. He would
not ente: into any particulars, or explain any of his hustings'
speeches—(dear, hear)—which he was quite prepared to do
on a proper occasion.—(Cheery.) With reference to the•
charges of bribery made against him, he simply denied it, and
challenged him to the pro4s.—(Loud cheers.) He had not
expended one farthing in bribery. It was stated to he an
expensive election, but it was not more expensive than
county elections generally were. ( Hear, hear.) It had
been said that he took the county by surprise ; the fact was
that the county was taken by suprise, but not by
him. The Hon. Member for South Nottingham had canvassed
the country before he had resigned his seat, he was therefore
eempelled to employ a great number of agents.—( Hear, hear. )
The Noble Lord would have shown more discretion had he
refrained from alluding to the question of expense during the
election, because he knew or ought to have known that a noble
relation of his had paid a large sum—he could name that sum
if he pleased—towards the election expenses. Having thus
contradicted the statements of the Noble Lord, he then threw
out the same challenge as he had given to his Friend the Mem-
ber for South Notts. —( Tremendous cheering.)
Lord G. BENTINCK said that he was quite ready to divide,
though a great many of his party had withdrawn, under the
impression that no division would take place.
After a discussion in which Mr. Miles and Mr. Young took
part—
Mr. LAW moved the adjournment of the House.

Mr. HUDSON seconded the motion.
Sir R. PEEL said that he would advise the House not to
press a division, as there seemed to be an understanding that
no division should take place
Mr. LAW then withdrew his amendment, which he said he
only made in order to place the parties on a state of equality.
The amendment of Sir Charles Burrell was then withdrawn,
the report was brought up and agreed to, and the Bill was or-
dered to be read a third time on Ilonday next.

LAW OF ARSON.
On the motion of Sir J. GRAHAM, leave was given to
bring in a Bill for punishing malicious injuries to persons and
property by explosive substances.
On the motion of Mr. GROGAN, the following Select
Committee on the Coroners (Ireland) Bill was appointed:—
Mr. Young, Mr. James Hamilton, Colonel Verner, Sir Robert
Ferguson, the O'Conor Don, Mr. Boyd, Mr. Grogan, Sir
Denham Norris, Mr. John O'Connell, Mr.- John O'Brien,
Sir Edmond Hayes, Mr. George Hamilton, Mr. Stafford
O'Brien, Mr. Bellew, and Mr. Archbold.
The other orders of the day were then disposed of, and the
House adjourned at One o'clock.

-----
PARLIAMENTARY BUSINESS.
From the Votes and Proceedings of the House of Commons.)
FRIDAY, MAY 8.

•
The following Petitions for Railways were reported, and the Bills
ordered to be brought in by the undernamed lion. Members :
Norfulk•Extensious (Yarmouth Extension)—Mr. Burroughes and Mr.

Wod ehou se.
Warwickshire and London (Hampton and Banbury Line)—Sir C.
Douglas and Mr. Dugdale.
Caledonian Extension)—Mr. 11. Johnstone, Mr. Lockhart, Mr. I'.
Stewart, and Mr. It. Ilodgson.
London and South-Western (Basingstoke and Salisbury Extension)—
Sir W. Heathcote and Sir J. Easthope.

IMPORTANT MEETING OF THE
AMBERGATE, NOTTINGHAM AND BOSTON
AND EASTERN JUNCTION RAILWAY, AND
THE GRAND UNION RAILWAY.
(From the Nottinghamshire Guardian.)
A most important and influential meeting of the share-
holders in the above companies was held this day (Friday),
at the Exchange Rooms, in compliance with the sessional
orders of Parliament, for the purpose of giving their sanction
either for winding up the affairs of the company, or to the
further proceeding with the Bill, which yesterday passed the
Committee of the House of Commons.
Thos. Bishop, Esq., Vice-Chairman of the Ambergate
Company, presided.
The meeting was numerously attended, a majority of the
most influential shareholders being present. The business
was to have commenced at ten o'clock, but it was found that
it required considerable time to register the scrip, in order
that the votes might be taken by the directors either for or
against the line being proceeded with ; consequently the
chair was not taken till after twelve o'clock. The chairman
having explained to the shareholders that the present meet-
ing was held in consequence of the sessional order of Parlia-
ment, said he would at once request the solicitor to read the
advertisement calling the meeting in conformity with the Act
of Parliament, the title of the Bill, and also an Act enabling
the company to purchase the Nottingham and Grantham
Canals. This having been complied with,
The CILAIRMAN said, be would now proceed to make a few
observations relative to the meeting, and move a resolution
thereon, but before proceeding to eo so, he would read a
letter from the Chairman, which was as follows :
" 6, Mansfield-street, May 7th, 1846.
" MY DEAR Stn,—My present engagements will unavoid
ably prevent me from having the opportunity of being pre-
sent at the meeting of the Ambergate, Nottingham and
Boston, and Eastern Junction Shareholders, in Nottingham
to-morrow ; but I have given my proxy, approving to pro-
ceed with the Bill, to our Secretary, and I ant sure that the
gentlemen who may attend will be happy to learn that the
Committee of the House of Commons repeatedly expressed
their opinion. that our line is highly necessary, and ought to
be made, and that the evidence given before the Committee,
is such as to give every assurance, that when made com-
plete, it will afford the greatest convenience to the public,
and remuneration to the shareholders—circumstances which
no one can explain to the meeting better than yourself,
and believe me to be, yours, very faithfuly,
W. H. NORTON, Chairman.

" Thomas Bishop, Esq., Vice-Chairman."
Considerable applause followed the reading of the above
letter, on the subsiding of which, Mr. Bishop proceeded to
state the cause of the chairman's absence, who was detained
in London on Parliamentary business, connected with the
Bill. He next proceeded to state, that this line of railway
was projected last year, and had the influential support of
those landowners through whose property it passed. It was
no bubble company ; its remunerative character was calmly
consider,d and dispassionately weighed. It was not a specu-
lative railway, but one which offered the greatest advan-
tages to the public, and would yield a very handsome remu-
neration to the shareholders. It had not only passed the
ordeal ®f the standing orders of the House of Commons, but
had advanced another step by the preamble having been
proved.—(Loud cheers.) He (the Chairman) would explain
the line of country which it passed though commencing at
Ambergate, passing through the great coal fields of Not-
tinghamshire and Derbyshire, taking in its route the
important towns of Nottingham, Grantham, Sleaford,
Boston, Spalding, and thence opening a communi-
cation with Lynn, Yarmouth, and Norwich, and, at
the same time, touching upon most of the manufacturing
villages of our neighbourhood. He (the Chairman) firmly
believed that there was no person who could not but ac-
knowledge that the inhabitants of Nottingham suffered the
greatest inconvenience for want of proper railway accommo-
dation to the eastern and western part of the kingdom. Just
look with regard to Manchester; the public have to take a
most circuitous route, the distance being upwards of one
hundred miles, at an expense of twenty-one shillings, and
were upwards of six hours performing the journey, whereas,
by the proposed Ambergate line, there would not only be a
saving of nearly half the expense, but in point of time
nearly three hours would be gained, the distance being
little more than sixty-nine miles. These were no small ad-
vantages offered to the public, besides the gratification they
would experience in having an opportunity afforded
them of enjoying the magnificent scenery of the
Peak of Derbyshire, and also with having a direct
communication with the eastern and western parts of the
kingdom, having Yarmouth on the east, and Liverpodl on
the west. If we only looked at the east, we should find
it a most fertile district, redundant of agricultural produce,
yielding some of the largest crops in the kingdom. Then
look again at the west, possessing, as it does, an extensive
coal field, from which we shall derive an immense traffic.—
(Loud cheers.) When we were before the Committee of the
House of Commons there was a strong demonstration in
favour of the line, and so satisfied were the members that
the Bill ought to be obtained, that they did not even con-
sider it requisite to examine one-half of the witnesses whom
we had in attendance. The Chairman was aware there bad
been a great number of lines in competition with this; there.
had been the Boston, Newark, and Sheffield, but that, with
others, were now no more. Nottingham and Mansfield was
not a competing line, it was to run to a certain point and
not exceed it. We were now left without a single opponent.
The Chairman next, in a clear and lucid manner, proceeded
to explain the remunerative prospects of the Company, pro-
vided they obtained this Bill, and said that, allowing 40 per
cent. for the cost of outlay, there could not be the slightest
doubt but the Company would reap a profit of 714 per cent.
The cost of the line would not exceed 20,0001. per mile,
while other lines would cost between 70,0001. and 80,000/
The Chairman said he had the pleasing satisfaction of an-
nouncing to the shareholders that the preamble of the Bill,
was yesterday proved before the Committee of the House of
Commons.—(Enthusiastic cheers.) Terms had also been
made with the Grand Union—(Continued cheers)—who had
withdrawn their Bill. The Chairman next proceeded to
state to the shareholders the terms upon which the two
companies had amalgamated, from which it appeared that
the shareholders of the Ambergate line had paid a deposit of
21. 12s. 6d., and the Grand Union had only paid 1/. 7s. Cd.,
being a difference of 255., and as an equitable adjustment, the
Grand Union had agreed to allow 4 per cent. interest, until
their paid-up capital reached the same amount a; the Amber-
gate, which the Chairman thought was a satisfactory arrange -
Ment to all parties. The Chairman said the dark and omi-
nous cloud of the panic having passed away, it now be-
came a question with the public, which lines were
to proceed. With regard to the Ambergate line, he
was firmly of opinion that it would be to the advan-
tage of the shareholders that it should go forward.—
(Great cheering.) You have spent your money, said
the Chairman, in surveys. You passed the standing
orders; you have proved the preamble; you have
not a single opponent; the strictest economy has been
practised in the outlay; and now you are certain of obtaining
your Bill ; the directors cannot recommend you to halt, or
stay proceedings when you have so nearly arrived at the
goal. The preamble being proved is tantamount to having
obtained the Bill.—(Loud and general cheering.) The
Chairman then explained that the directors proposed, when
the Bill passed, to invest the money in Government securi-
ties, and not to expend it for the present in a portion of the
works. They would watch the money market, and not pro-
ceed in a reckless career, in expending the capital of the
shareholders. They had at present 300,030/. in hand, and
they thought the spring of next year a very favourable time
to commence. He would also announce to the meeting, that
it was their intention not to make a call until the expiration
of twelve months.—(Hear, hear.) He would just now ad-
vert to a rumour which he believed had obtained credence
with a portion of the public, namely, that the Ambergate
line had been sacrificed to the Midlands. " Such,"
said. the Chairman, with marked emphasis, " such, gentle-
men, I can assure you, is riot the case: the line is your line,
and yours entirely—(Reiterated cheers)—and Mr. Hudson is
our friend by alliance with us."—(Continued applause.) The
Chairman, in conclusion, said the directors were now on
their trial, and appealed to the shareholders for their verdict,
and then moved the following resolution :—" That a Bill be
submitted to this meeting for making a railway from or near
Ambergate station on the Midland Railway, through Not-
tingham to Spalding and Boston, with branches therefrom,
and for enabling the Company to purchase the Nottingham
and Grantham Canals, and the same is hereby approved."
J. WILES, Esq., of Grantham, in an able, argumentative,
and forcible speech, seconded the motion.
The Rev. Mr. Poor, would ask a few questions before the

motion was put to the meeting. He was rather astonished
to hear the statement from the Chairman relative to the
friendly alliance of the Midlands. Now, he thought from a
circular that was placed in his hands, that there had been
some trickery with the Midlands, and if we had been so
tricked it should be exposed. The Chairman had said that
the line would pay 7 per cent. ; now, he wished to know if
Mr. Hudson had not asserted that if the Company obtained
their Act to-morrow, that the line would never pay 1 per
cent. He wished also to know how many shares had been
allotted, how many paid up, and how many reserved ? The
Chairman had asked for their verdict, which would depend
upon a bold, fair, and upright answer; he should also wish
to have the terms of canal purchases explained, and he should
also like to ascertain the expenses which the Company had
been at ?

The CHAIRMAN instantly replied to the queries of the pro-
prietor in a business dike and straightforward manner, and
said the directors were not men to go behind the door; if
they erred, it was an error of judgment. It was impossible
to give an exact account of the expenses, particularly while
the Bill was in progress, but it certainly did not amount
at the present moment to more than 9.3. or 10s. per share,
and he firmly believed the expenses incurred were within
that amount. With respect to the Midland Company they
had taken 10,000 shares, upon which they had paid a deposit
of 5,0001., and as to Mr. Hudson he had never heard him

express any sentiments as to the line not paying one per
cent. ; he believed he never stated anything of the kind ; on
the contrary, at a meeting at York, he was informed, on
good authority, by a gentleman who stood high in the rail-
way world, that Mr. Hudson placed his thumb on the map,
pointing out the route of the Ambergate line, and said in his
emphatic manner, " Here is a line that 1 will make pay 10
per cent." To the other questions of the Rev. Gentleman,
the Chairman said, the whole of the shares had been allotted
—there was no reserve whatever, and all the shares paid up.
Each provisional committeeman had 100 shares allotted, and
they had bought shares at a premium.
Mr. PERCY then, at the request of the Chairman, explained
the nature of the purchase of the Nottingham and Grantham
Canal, which was—" That the Committee do recommend for
adoption by the general assembly of proprietors, that the
principle of the amalgamation should be by a purchase of the
canal and works at 225/. per share in cash, or nine shares at
251. each at par, in the amalgamated railways, at the option
of the canal proprietors; to be signified in writing to the
railway company, within two months after the opening of
the line of such railway, from Ambergate to Grantham, the
canal company continuing the management, and appro-
priating the dividends amongst the canal proprietors, until
such two months shall have elapsed.
The Rev. Mr. Poor, asked if the Boston, Newark, and
Sheffield was not a competing line. .
The CHAIRMAN explained that the Bill was-lost.
The Rev. Mr. PooL wished to know if the Boston, Newark,
and Sheffield Bill could not go again to Parliament on its
merits?

The CHAlRMAN—Certainly not.
It was then explained to the meeting that the directors
had taken a bold and decisive step by having a second deed;
the opinion of eminent counsel had been taken on the sab-
ject, and it was found highly desirable to have a new deed.
The Rev. GENTLEMAN then expressed his satisfaction, and
said he should vote fur the Company proceeding.
Mr. BIRLEY, of Leicester, wished to krow if the Birming-

ham, Stamford, and Boston line was not a competing one.
To that line he observed that the names cf Mr. Macauley and
Mr. Ellis were attached, and he thought that the Midlands
had an under-current at work, and this was a competing line.
The CHAIRMAN explained that the line did not go to
Boston. They might give the line a fine title, like several
coaches which had the names of towns painted on them,
and they did not go within fifty or a hundred miles of the
place.
Thos. NixoN, Esq., of Nuttal Temple, here said that the
statements of the directors were so business-like and
straightforward, that although lie had paid the deposit, but
not signed the deed, he should not have the"
Hear slightest ob-
jection to do so at any moment._( of , :hear,"
and great applause.)
h The shareholders present, with oce solitary exception,

having expressed their satisfaction, the voting commenced,
at the conclusion of which the numbers were (shares re-
presented)

For proceeding 30,293
Against 2,190

Majority
Loud cheering followed the anpouncement.
Votes of thanks and confidence were given to the Chair-
man and directors, after which the meeting separated.
[The Chairman and directors, from the open and straight-
forward manner in which they answered all questions put to
them, and from the circumstance of their courting inquiry,
won the good opinions of all the shareholders present.—ED.
N. G.]

RAILWAY SHARE MARKETS.

MANCUESTER, MAY 8

STOCK EXCiLiNaz.—The sales are—Ambergate, Nottingham, and
Boston, % c dis.—Boston, Newark, and Sheffield, 1 dis.—Boston,
Stamford, and Birmingham, 13s, 6d. dis.—Buckingham and Bletch-
ley Junction, 1 p.—Caledonian, Extension, % dis.—Chester and
Manchester Direct, 275. Gd. dis.—Derby and Crewe, 4 p.—Direct
Northern, % dis.—Eastern Counties, York Extension, 1% p —East
Lancashire, No. 1, 41,4 p.—Ditto, No. 2,3% p.—East Lincolnshire,
par—Fleetwood, Preston, and West Riding, Bs. dis.—Goole, Doncas-
ter, Sheffield, &c., p.—Great Grimsby and Sheffield, Extension,
dis.—lluddersfield and Sheffield Junction, 4% p.—Lancashire and
North Yorkshire, % dis.—Leeds and Thlrsk, 4 dis.—Liverpool and
Bury, 9 p.—Liverpool, Ormskirk, and Preston, 1% p.—London and
York, 3-16 dis,—Manchester, Buxton, and Matlock, % p.—Manches-
ter and Birmingham, 80%--Ditto, Quarters (B), 8% p. -Ditto,
ditto (C), 7% p.—Manchester and Birmingham Continuation and
Welsh Junction, 17s. dis. —Manchester and Hyde, p.—Manchester,
Midland, and Grimsby, % dis.—Manchester and Southamnton, 3-16
p.—North Staffordshire, 4 9-16 p.—North Union (A),l43—Ditto (It),
143—Nottingham and Mansfield, 1.16 p.—Preston and Wyre,
C.—Ditto, Halves (A), 2 13-16 p.c.-Ditto, ditto (B), 8) p.—Sheffield
and Lincolnshire Junction, 3-16 c. p.—Sheffield and Manchester,
Quarters, No. 1,4% p.—Ditto, ditto, No. 3,1% p.—Shrewsbury and
Birmingham, p.— Shrewsbury and Herefordshire, % dis.—Shrop-
shire Utlion Railway and Canal, 5i c. dis.—South Eastern and
Dover, Halves (No. 4), 5-16 p.—South Midland, 1% p.
LEEDS, MAT 8.
STOCK EXCHANGE.—The sales are—Eastern Counties, York Exten-
sion, 114 p.--East Lancashire, No. 2 (late Accrington), 3 p.—Great
blittat"nc,
2eAs7tepr,._ssr.,pe.--dsliauLde n4d
dte_ffiLeltd,,esrpp
Manchester,
and Sheffield, Quarter Shares, % dis.—Huddersfield and
1% p.—Manchester and Leeds Extensions 3w,
p.—Newcastle l'aeided
wsßa rsdytiDeNe•awe
Berwick, 10% p.—North British, Carlisle Branch, * -
and North Alidland (East and West
Ridn 102265. 6d. p.—York
Nottingham, and Boston, 10s. dis.—Birkenhead, Chester,p.—Ambergate,
28s. Gd. dis. —Buckinghamshire,Mold,
P.—ClitheJunction,&c., roe l2s. Gd. dis.—Direct Northern, 9s. dis.—Glasgow and Bumf
Lancashire and North Yorkshire, 9s. P.— Leeds and York,
ss. dls.—
Leeds, Wakefield, and Midland, % dis.—Leicester and BrihilifigcllllL—,
15s. dis.—Leicester and Bedford, 1 Is. dis.—Liverpeol, Ormskirk, Birmingham,
d
Preston, 235. p.—London and Portsmouth, 7s. dis.—Lendon and
Manchester (Rem.), 375. 6d. dis.—Manchester, Buxton, Matlock,
and Midland, 225. p.—Midland and Thirsk Junction, 20s. die.—
Northumberland and Lancashire Junction, 21s. dis.—North Staf-
fordshire, 4% p.—North Western, 4s. 6d. p.—Shropshire Union,
13s. 6d. dis.—South Midland, 1% p.—South and Midland Junction,
1% dis.—Welsh Midlands, 225. dis.—West Riding Union, 4%.
HULL, MAY 8.

STOCZ Excastroz.—The sales are—Durham and Sunderland, 234

—Hull and Selby, Half Shares, 26%—Presten and Wyre, 30—Ips-
wich and Bury Extension, Norwich, 2—Ditto, Cambridge and Ely,
I%—North British, Carlisle, 465. 6d.—Boston, Newark, and Shef-
field, IN.—Buckinghamshire, 2% —Hull and Barnsley Junction, 258.
—Hull and Lincoln, 21s.—Nottingham and Mansfield, 21. 13s. 6d.-
-North Staffordshire, 6/. 9s. 6d.—Rugby and Huntingdon, 225. 6d.—
South Midland, 31. I3s.